The 2008 '''''Universe''''' is the second ''Transformers'' [[franchise]] to use the name. Like [[Universe (2003 franchise)|the previous franchise]], this line is intended to be something of a catch-all for toys that don't fit in the main line. While the contemporary main line for this ''Universe'' is ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]],'' for some reason Hasbro has actually included a few ''Animated'' figures in it too.
'''''Transformers: Universe''''', begun in 2008, is the second ''Transformers'' [[franchise]] to use the name. Like [[Transformers: Universe (2003 franchise)|the previous franchise]], this line is intended to be something of a catch-all for toys that don't fit in the main line - in this case ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]]''.
* A [[Universe (cartoon)|Flash-animated web cartoon]] that [[Hasbro]] has probably forgotten about.
*A [[Transformers: Universe (cartoon)|Flash-animated web cartoon]]
Additional fictional support has been provided by the [[All Hail Megatron|contemporaneous comic book series]], which uses a number of toy designs from the series.
The [[Transformers (Titan Magazine)|Titan ''Transformers'' comic]] also used the ''Universe'' name and logo for some reason, despite all of its story content being set firmly in the [[live-action film series]] continuity (one of the few franchises ''not'' appearing under the ''Universe'' banner). Some ''Universe'' toy designs appeared in the [[2005 IDW continuity]] starting with ''[[The Transformers: All Hail Megatron|All Hail Megatron]]'', but those comics were not branded under ''Universe'' in any way. Many similarly appeared in various ''[[Transformers: Wings Universe|Wings Universe]]'' material from [[Fun Publications]].
Hasbro first announced the line at [[BotCon 2007]], stating that it would not have an overall story arc. The "main" focus of the line are the [[Size class|price points]] Legends Class, Deluxe Class, Voyager Class and Ultra Class, which consist of new molds for "classic" characters from various previous lines, as well as redecos of existing toys from older lines (such as ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' and the 2006 ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' line). In addition, there are also numerous store exclusive single and multi-packs, which also consist of redecos of toys from older lines.
When Hasbro first announced the ''Universe'' toyline at [[BotCon 2007]], they said that it would not have a unified story arc. True to their word, the ''Universe'' toys are divided to various "series," with their on-package [[bio]]s confirming the characters' presence in pre-existing [[Continuity|continuities]]:
Many of the new-mold toys are meant to feature "realistic" vehicle modes (a niche left otherwise unfilled after the end of the [[Movie (toyline)|2007 movie line]]), although that aspect has since been muddled with the introduction of Legends Class toys for characters from the current ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Animated]]'' line (which have not-so-realistic vehicle modes) and ''[[Beast Wars]]'' characters (which have animal forms as their [[Alternate mode|alternate modes]], not vehicles). The ''G1 series'' also causes trouble, as suitcase-sized microcassetes aren't really that common, and flying spaceships aren't masters of disguise. Unless you're on Cybertron or something.
*''[[Transformers: Classics|Classic]] Series''
*''[[The Transformers (franchise)|Generation 1]] Series'' (sometimes ''G1 Series''; replaced the "Classic Series" label in later waves)
And just to break the vehicle-mode-based pattern completely, ''Universe'' also continues the non-transforming, super-cute ''[[Robot Heroes]]'' line.
In January 2008, Hasbro launched a web page for the new ''Universe'' line, featuring a preview of the first ''Classic Series'' wave and [[They were always real to me.|a CGI reimagining]] of the battle between [[Megatron (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|original animated ''Transformers'' movie]]. The tagline for the video, in keeping with the toyline's theme, was "They were always real to me."
The ''Universe'' toys are attributed to various "series". Those are:
==Fiction==
===''Classic series'' toy bios===
The battle between the Autobots and Decepticons has spread across the universe.<ref name="prowl">[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl's]] Universe bio.</ref><ref>[[Octane|Tankor's]] Universe bio.</ref> The Autobot army, under the leadership of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]<ref name="prowl"/><ref name="silverbolt">[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt's]] Universe bio.</ref> is largely scattered and confused,<ref name="prowl"/> although [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]] and [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] have had success organizing resistance cells<ref>[[Blaster (G1)|Blaster's]] Universe bio.</ref> and [[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]] is the capable leader of the elite [[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbot]]s.<ref name="silverbolt"/>
*''Classic Series,'' continuing the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' franchise. This was originally the most prevalent sub-line.
The Decepticons, on the other hand, have splintered into gangs<ref name="prowl"/> and regional warlords as well as roving assassins.<ref name="galvatron">[[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron's]] Universe bio.</ref> Though splintered, they are still more organized than the Autobots, only lacking a strong leader to unite the gangs into a formidable force.<ref name="prowl"/> That strong leadership arrived from parts unknown in the form of the powerful [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]].<ref name="galvatron"/>
*''Generation 1 Series'' (alternatively also named ''G1 Series'' on some toys' packaging), rooted in the original ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]]'' franchise. This is currently the most prevalent sub-line. The exact difference between "Classic Series" and "Generation 1 Series" is unclear, and further muddled as the line progresses. However, the one thing that can be said is that some characters can have their G1 altmodes instead of the insistence that everyone is a vehicle, like [[Cyclonus (G1)|spaceships]] and [[Ravage (G1) toys|suitcase sized microcassetes]].
*''War Within Series,'' based on the ''[[The War Within|War Within]]'' comic. Thus far only used for one store exclusive two-pack.
*''Armada Series'', adding to the ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' franchise.
*''Animated Series'', representing the ''Transformers Animated'' franchise.
*''[[Robots in Disguise (franchise)|Robots in Disguise]] Series''
*''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]] Series''
In January 2008, Hasbro launched a web page for the new ''Universe'' line, featuring a preview of the first "Classic Series" wave and a CGI reimagining of the battle between [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|original animated Transformers movie]]. The tagline for the video, in keeping with the toyline's theme, was "They were always real to me."
===''Armada series'' toy bios===
The war between the Autobots and Decepticons destroyed many [[Mini-Con]]s and broke up many [[:Category:Mini-Con teams|Mini-Con Teams]]. Surviving Mini-Cons who were fed up with the constant warfare fled and now live peacefully while roaming the Universe.<ref>Bio for both the Mini-Con 12-pack and the 10-pack.</ref>
In 2009, the packaging gained a "25 Years" corner logo to commemorate ''Transformers''' 25th anniversary, as the toyline's offerings expanded to include updates of key characters from every franchise.
{{note|While supposedly living in peace, the Mini-Cons are split up into Autobot and Decepticon teams.}}
==Toys==
==External links==
===General retail===
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20081015015804/http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/ Hasbro's ''Transformers Universe'' front page] (offline)
====Legends Class====
=====Wave 1=====
[[Image:Universelegendsredalert.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Red Alert, a Legends Class toy.]]
====More than Meets the Eye 25th Anniversary Pack====
* [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys|25th Anniversary Optimus Prime Pack]] (G1 Series)
===Exclusives===
====Costco exclusives====
* Ultra Twin-Pack (Cybertron Series) contains:
* [[Optimus Prime (Armada) toys|Optimus Prime]] (unchanged ''Cybertron: Galaxy Force'' Leader Class Optimus Prime)
* [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|Crumplezone]] (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Voyager Class Crumplezone)
====Hasbro Toy Shop exclusives====
*[[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] (Classic Series)
{{Note|This toy was originally sold at the [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] booth at San Diego Comic-Con 2008, and was later offered on the online store's website. It was also available as a non-exclusive mass retail release in Hong Kong and Malaysia.}}
*SE-01 [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys|Optimus Prime]] (Special Edition)
{{Note| According to Hasbro, the "Special Editions" were originally intended for the non-Japanese Asian market, but were also made available to Western fans via the [[Hasbro Toy Shop]] website as well. They have also been released at general retail in Australia.}}
====Kmart exclusives====
[[Image:Kmart suppressor toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Suppressor, an exclusive Armada Series Mini-Con.]]
*Mini-Con 12-Pack (Armada Series), contains:
*[[Safeguard Team]]
*[[Flatfoot]]
*[[Heavytread]]
*[[Makeshift (Universe)|Makeshift]]
*[[Overcast Team]]
*[[Boltflash]]
*[[Cloudraker (Universe)|Cloudraker]]
*[[Skyhammer (Universe)|Skyhammer]]
*[[Landslide Team]]
*[[Backstop (Universe)|Backstop]]
*[[Bodyblock]]
*[[Knockdown (Universe)|Knockdown]]
*[[Ransack Team]]
*[[Blight (Universe)|Blight]]
*[[Brimstone (Universe)|Brimstone]]
*[[Suppressor|Supressor]]
{{Note|This twelve-pack is also available as a Woolworths exclusive in the United Kingdom - or it was before Woolworths went bankrupt and closed down - and a Zellers AND Toys R' Us exclusive in Canada. The Mini-Cons are also being sold individually on Transformers Universe 25th Anniversary cards at Big Lots stores in the United States.}}
====Sam's Club exclusives====
* Battle for the [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] Deluxe five-pack, (Cybertron Series) contains:
*[[Optimus Prime (Armada) toys|Optimus Prime]] (minor ''[[The Transformers (toyline)|Generation 1]]'' homage [[redeco]] of ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Super-Con Optimus Prime)
*[[Blurr (Cybertron)|Blurr]] (unchanged ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' Deluxe Class Blurr)
* [[Longrack (Cybertron)|Longrack]] (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Deluxe Class Longrack)
* [[Runamuck (Cybertron)|Runamuck]] (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Deluxe Class Runamuck)
* [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)|Buzzsaw]] (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Deluxe Class Buzzsaw)
====Target exclusives====
'''Legends 5-packs'''
*Aerial Rivals (Classic Series), contains:
*[[Air Raid (G1)|Air Raid]]
*[[Blades|Autobot Blades]]
*[[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]
*Special Team Leaders (Classic Series), contains:
*[[Hot Spot (G1)|Autobot Hot Zone]] (an update of Hot Spot, not named so due to [[Trademark|trademark issues]])
*[[Hun-Gurrr]]
*[[Razorclaw (G1)|Razorclaw]]
*[[Scattershot|Scattorshot]] (an update of Scattershot, not named so due to [[Trademark|trademark issues]])
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]
[[Image:Universe 2008 Ratbat toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Ratbat, an exclusive War Within Series Deluxe toy.]]
'''Voyager Deluxe Comic 2-packs'''
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] vs. [[Roadbuster|Autobot Roadbuster]] (G1 Series)
*[[Springer]] vs. [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (War Within Series)
{{Note|All of the above are available as Zellers exclusives in Canada, and are exclusive to Toys"R"US in Australia.}}
{{Note|These five-packs have thus far only been released in Australia and Singapore. It is unclear whether they're also going to be released in ''Universe'' packaging in North America, since Superion has been announced to be released in North America as a Target [[exclusive]] under the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toy line.}}
==External links==
* [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/ Hasbro's ''Transformers Universe'' front page]
[[Category:Upcoming toy releases]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Universe (2008 franchise)}}
[[Category:Franchises]]
[[Category:Franchises]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)| ]]
Latest revision as of 19:54, 30 August 2024
The name or term "Transformers: Universe" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Transformers: Universe (disambiguation).
Transformers: Universe, begun in 2008, is the second Transformersfranchise to use the name. Like the previous franchise, this line is intended to be something of a catch-all for toys that don't fit in the main line - in this case Transformers Animated.
The Titan Transformers comic also used the Universe name and logo for some reason, despite all of its story content being set firmly in the live-action film series continuity (one of the few franchises not appearing under the Universe banner). Some Universe toy designs appeared in the 2005 IDW continuity starting with All Hail Megatron, but those comics were not branded under Universe in any way. Many similarly appeared in various Wings Universe material from Fun Publications.
When Hasbro first announced the Universe toyline at BotCon 2007, they said that it would not have a unified story arc. True to their word, the Universe toys are divided to various "series," with their on-package bios confirming the characters' presence in pre-existing continuities:
In January 2008, Hasbro launched a web page for the new Universe line, featuring a preview of the first Classic Series wave and a CGI reimagining of the battle between Megatron and Optimus Prime from the original animated Transformers movie. The tagline for the video, in keeping with the toyline's theme, was "They were always real to me."
The battle between the Autobots and Decepticons has spread across the universe.[1][2] The Autobot army, under the leadership of Optimus Prime[1][3] is largely scattered and confused,[1] although Blaster and Perceptor have had success organizing resistance cells[4] and Silverbolt is the capable leader of the elite Aerialbots.[3]
The Decepticons, on the other hand, have splintered into gangs[1] and regional warlords as well as roving assassins.[5] Though splintered, they are still more organized than the Autobots, only lacking a strong leader to unite the gangs into a formidable force.[1] That strong leadership arrived from parts unknown in the form of the powerful Galvatron.[5]
The war between the Autobots and Decepticons destroyed many Mini-Cons and broke up many Mini-Con Teams. Surviving Mini-Cons who were fed up with the constant warfare fled and now live peacefully while roaming the Universe.[6]
While supposedly living in peace, the Mini-Cons are split up into Autobot and Decepticon teams.
