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[[File:MicromanMicroChange.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|<s>Micromasters</s> <s>Micro Machines</s> Micromen!]]
[[File:MicromanMicroChange.jpg|upright=1.67|thumb|<s>Micromasters</s> <s>Micro Machines</s> Micromen!]]
The '''''Micro Change''''' series was one of the two major [[Pre-Transformer|sources of molds]] for the original ''[[The Transformers (franchise)|Transformers]]'' line.  
The '''''Micro Change Series''''' (ミクロチェンジシリーズ) sub-line of [[TakaraTomy]]'s long running ''[[Microman]]'' series was, along with ''[[Diaclone]]'', one of the two major [[Pre-Transformer|sources of molds]] for the original ''[[The Transformers (franchise)|Transformers]]'' line.  


''Micro Change'' was a subline of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s successful ''[[Microman|New Microman]]'' line of the early '80s, which consisted of 3.75" action figures that were super-posable and vehicles and robots for use by them. The Microman figures, unlike all subsequent 3.75" action figures (except their Western counterpart the {{w|Micronauts}}, made by {{w|Mego Corporation|Mego}} using licensed Microman molds) were on a 1:1 scale rather than representing full-sized [[human]]s/[[alien]]s/robots, so the transforming robots and vehicles they created had ordinary household objects (such as, um, handguns) as disguise modes. Many of the ''Micro Change'' figures came in multiple color schemes, many of which were eventually used for the ''Transformers'' line.
==Overview==
''Micro Change'' was a subline of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s successful ''[[Microman#New Microman|New Microman]]'' line of the early '80s, which consisted of 3.75" action figures that were super-posable and vehicles and robots for use by them. The Microman figures, unlike all subsequent 3.75" action figures (except their Western counterpart the {{w|Micronauts}}, made by {{w|Mego Corporation|Mego}} using licensed Microman molds) were on a 1:1 scale rather than representing full-sized [[human]]s/[[alien]]s/robots, so the transforming robots and vehicles they created had ordinary household objects (such as, um, handguns) as disguise modes. Many of the ''Micro Change'' figures came in multiple color schemes, many of which were eventually used for the ''Transformers'' line.


==Fiction==
{{stub|Any information beyond recapping the ''Microman'' page.}}
By the time the ''Micro Change'' theme was introduced in [[1983]], the ''Microman'' story was told exclusively through text and manga pages in the toys' pack-in catalogues, with no tie-in fiction. This was no doubt part of the reason why Takara were willing to cancel the ''Microman'' line in favor of ''Transformers'' when [[Hasbro]] financed an [[The Transformers (cartoon)|animated series]] to [[To sell toys|promote]] their versions of the toys.


==Toys==
==Toys==
The following list covers all ''Micro Change'' releases that were later rereleased as ''Transformers'' toys or otherwise inspired ''Transformers'' concepts. ''Micro Change'' molds with no ''Transformers'' relation are generally not listed as they fall outside the purview of this site.
===1983===
===1983===
[[File:Enemymicrochange.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Before he was our Enemy...]]
[[File:Enemymicrochange.jpg|upright=0.85|thumb|Before he was our Enemy...]]
* '''MC-01 Micross'''
* '''MC-01 Micross'''
{{toydesigner|[[Takashi Matsuda]] (TakaraTomy) with [[Shinji Aramaki]] (robot detailing)}}


:The first version was the blue cassette used for [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]]. A red version, used for [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], came with Cassette Man. Towards the end of the line, a [[Enemy (G1)|red and blue version]] was released.
:The first version was the blue-body, grey-limb cassette used for [[Frenzy (G1)|Frenzy]]. A black-body, red-limb version, used for [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]], came with Cassette Man. Towards the end of the line, a [[Enemy (G1)|red-body, blue-limb version]] was released.


* '''MC-02 Jaguar'''
* '''MC-02 Jaguar'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hideaki Yoke]] and [[Takashi Matsuda]] (TakaraTomy)|[[Shinji Aramaki]] (robot detailing), [[Masakatsu Saito]] (sticker illustrator)}}


:The first version was used for [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]]. A blue version was released at the end of the line, and was used for the [[e-HOBBY]] figure [[Howlback (G1)|Howlback]]. In [[2007]], Jaguar was redecoed into [[Glit (KP)|Glit]] and then [[Stripes]] in [[2012]].
:The first version was used for [[Ravage (G1)/toys|Ravage]]. A blue version was released at the end of the line, and was used for the [[e-HOBBY]] figure [[Howlback (G1)|Howlback]]. In [[2007]], Jaguar was redecoed into [[Glit (KP)|Glit]] (later repurposed as [[Ravage (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Ravage]]) and then [[Stripes]] in [[2012]].


* '''MC-03 Condor'''
* '''MC-03 Condor'''
{{toydesigner|[[Takashi Matsuda]] (TakaraTomy) with [[Shinji Aramaki]] (robot detailing)}}


:The first version was used for [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys|Laserbeak]]. The blue second version was used for the e-HOBBY figure [[Garboil (G1)|Garboil]]. [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]'s and [[Sundor]]'s decos were created for the ''Transformers'' line.
:The first version was used for [[Laserbeak (G1)/toys|Laserbeak]]. The blue second version was used for the e-HOBBY figure [[Garboil (G1)|Garboil]]. [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]'s and [[Sundor]]'s decos were created for the ''Transformers'' line.


*'''Micro Cassette Robo DX 3-Figure Set'''
:A [[giftset]] that collects the first versions of MC-01 Micross, MC-02 Jaguar, and MC-03 Condor.
{{-}}
*'''MC-04 Mini Car Robo'''
*'''MC-04 Mini Car Robo'''
[[File:MicroChangePorsche.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
{{toydesigner|[[Masaki Maruyama]] (TakaraTomy)}}
:These all transformed into [[super deformed]] toy cars in the style of Takara's own ''[[Choro-Q]]'' line (imported to English-speaking markets as ''Penny Racers''). 01 - 03 were released in red, yellow, and blue and had license plate stickers on the back of the head panel. The other four were released in only one color scheme each, the same as their subsequent ''Transformers'' releases.
[[File:MicroChangePorsche.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|We'll slip you a fiver if you tell the guy in charge of pre-Transformer redecoes at Hasbro that this is [[Glyph (Universe)|Glyph]].]]
:*'''01 Porsche Turbo 924''', Pre-[[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys|Cliffjumper]]
:This small car assortment actually had two different origins.  01-03 were designed by Takara and transform into [[super deformed]] toy cars in the style of Takara's own ''[[Choro-Q]]'' line (imported to English-speaking markets as ''Penny Racers''). They were released in red, yellow, and blue and had license plate stickers on the back of the head panel. 04-07 were initially designed as part of the little-known ''[[Mysterians]]'' toyline but left unproduced, with the tooling used by Takara for ''Micro Change''.  When they came out as part of that line, they were released in only one color scheme each. Their subsequent ''Transformers'' releases were largely identical, but "Jeep" went from olive green to forest green in becoming Brawn.
:*'''02 Familia 1500 XG''', Pre-[[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]
:*'''01 Porsche Turbo 924''' ("red body", "blue body" or "yellow body"), Pre-[[Cliffjumper (G1)/toys|Cliffjumper]]
:*'''03 Volkswagen Beetle''', Pre-[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]]
:*'''02 Familia 1500 XG''' ("red body", "blue body" or "yellow body"), Pre-[[Bumper (G1)|Bumper]]
:*'''04 4WD''', Pre-[[Gears (G1)|Gears]]
:*'''03 Volkswagen''' ("red body", "blue body" or "yellow body"), Pre-[[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]]
:*'''04 4WD Offroad''', Pre-[[Gears (G1)|Gears]]
:*'''05 Jeep''', Pre-[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]
:*'''05 Jeep''', Pre-[[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]]
:*'''06 Transam''', Pre-[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]
:*'''06 Transam''', Pre-[[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]
:*'''07 Truck''', Pre-[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]
:*'''07 American Truck''', Pre-[[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]


*'''MC-05 Camera Robo Microx'''
*'''MC-05 Camera Robo Microx'''
 
{{toydesigner|[[Hideaki Yoke]] (TakaraTomy) with [[Shinji Aramaki]] (robot detailing?)}}
:Pre-[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]
:Pre-[[Reflector (G1)|Reflector]]


{{anchor|WatchRobo}}
*'''MC-06 Watch Robo'''  
*'''MC-06 Watch Robo'''  
{{toydesigner|[[Takashi Matsuda]] (TakaraTomy)}}
[[File:Mc-06 Micro Change catalog.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|We don't have<br>''time''<br>to get into this figure's [[Circular reporting#Azimuth|whole deal]] right now.<br>Eh? ''Eh?'']]
:This figure transformed from a robot to a watch. It came in chrome, black, blue, and gold versions. Before appearing in ''Transformers'', the toy was released in North America as the title character of the ''[[Kronoform]]'' toyline and in Europe as part of [[Joustra]]'s rather idiosyncratic incarnation of ''Micro Change''<nowiki>'</nowiki> sister toyline ''[[Diaclone]]''. Each colorway met a different fate in ''Transformers'':


:This figure transformed from a robot to a watch. It came in black, blue, chrome, and gold versions. The figure wasn't released in the ''Transformers'' line until ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' in [[1993]] as [[Autobot (G2)|Autobot]], but Takara had previously released it in North America in the ''[[Kronoform]]'' line.
:*'''Silver''' - Belatedly released in ''Transformers'' as [[Autobot (G2)|Autobot]] in ''[[Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''. Later [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[Vector Prime]] in the pages of [[Ask Vector Prime]] and as the Generation 1 incarnation of [[Azimuth (G1)|Azimuth]] in [[IDW Publishing]]'s comics.
:*'''Black''' - Not released in ''Transformers''. Inspired the [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]] comic character [[Meantime (G1)|Meantime]].
:*'''Blue''' - Not released in ''Transformers''. Inspired the [[Ask Vector Prime]] character [[Ephemeris]].
:*'''Gold''' - Not released in ''Transformers''. Used to represent the [[Aligned continuity family|Aligned]] incarnation of [[Azimuth (COP)|Azimuth]] in the pages of [[Ask Vector Prime]].  


* '''MC-07 Gun Robo 1910 Browning'''
* '''MC-07 Gun Robo Browning M1910'''
{{toydesigner|[[Takashi Matsuda]] (TakaraTomy)}}


:Browning came with either red or blue robot parts, in addition to a gold chromed contest piece. The blue version was released as the Japanese exclusive [[Browning]].
:Browning came either in Silver with red robot parts, or Gold with blue robot parts, in addition to a gold chromed contest piece. The version released as the Japanese exclusive [[Browning]] sported the blue parts, but with the silver body, though his animation model used in Super-God Masterforce depicted him using the gold body with the blue parts.


* '''MC-08 Cassette Machine Battlebike'''
* '''MC-08 Cassette Machine Battlebike HG90'''
{{toydesigner|[[Satoshi Koizumi]] (TakaraTomy)}}


:The Battlebike transforms from a full-sized audio cassette into a motorbike vehicle for the included ''Microman'' figure. A [[redeco]] of this toy was released in the [[1999]] ''Microman'' line.
:The Battlebike transforms from a full-sized audio cassette into a motorbike vehicle for the included ''Microman'' figure. A [[redeco]] of this toy was released in the [[1999]] ''Microman'' line.


* '''MC-09 Cassette Machine Jetheli'''
* '''MC-09 Cassette Machine Jetheli XL120'''
{{toydesigner|[[Satoshi Koizumi]] (TakaraTomy)}}


:The Jetheli transforms from a full-sized audio cassette into a helicopter for the included ''Microman'' figure. A redeco of this toy was re-released in the 1999 ''Microman'' line.
:The Jetheli transforms from a full-sized audio cassette into a helicopter for the included ''Microman'' figure. A redeco of this toy was re-released in the 1999 ''Microman'' line.


* '''MC-10 Cassette Man'''
* '''MC-10 Cassette Man'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hideaki Yoke]] and [[Satoshi Koizumi]] (TakaraTomy) with [[Shinji Aramaki]] (robot detailing)}}


:Pre-TF [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] with "Cassette Man" molded on the cassette door. He came with fake earphones and microphone that were also included in Soundwave's Japanese release, and Pre-[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. Likewise, the Japanese Soundwave came with Rumble instead of [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]].
:Pre-TF [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] with "Cassette Man" molded on the cassette door. He came with fake earphones and microphone that were also included in Soundwave's Japanese release, and Pre-[[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]. Likewise, the Japanese Soundwave came with Rumble instead of [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]].


[[File:MicroChangeGunRoboMagnum.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Megatron's beloved grandfather.]]  
{{anchor|Magnum}}
[[File:MicroChangeGunRoboMagnum.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|Megatron and this guy go [[Kiloton|way back]].]]  
* '''MC-11 Gun Robo S&amp;W Magnum 44'''  
* '''MC-11 Gun Robo S&amp;W Magnum 44'''  
{{toydesigner|[[Takashi Matsuda]] (TakaraTomy)}}


:This figure had a revolving chamber, and came with either a brown or gold hilt. [[Ask Vector Prime]] would establish that this figure represents the [[Cymond]] analog of [[Kiloton]].
:This figure had a revolving chamber, and came with either a brown or gold hilt. [[Ask Vector Prime]] would establish that this figure represents the [[Cymond]] analog of [[Kiloton]].


* '''MC-12 Gun Robo Walther P-38'''.
* '''MC-12 Gun Robo Walther P-38'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hideaki Yoke]] and [[Takashi Matsuda]] (TakaraTomy)}}


:Pre-Japanese [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]]. This toy did not include any gun attachments, but had a gun, sword, and plastic pellets. It came with blue inner arms and legs, and was either black with a brown grip, or grey with a black grip in gun mode. The grey version was used for all vintage Japanese Megatrons (The Goodbye Megatron set came with the U.N.C.L.E. scope). The toy's grey deco was used for the e-HOBBY [[Megaplex]] figure.
:Pre-Japanese [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]]. This toy did not include any gun attachments (and lacked the tooling to attach them anyway), but had a gun, sword, and plastic pellets which it could fire. It came with blue inner arms and legs, and was either black with a brown grip, or grey with a black grip in gun mode. The grey version was used for all vintage Japanese Megatrons (The Goodbye Megatron set came with the U.N.C.L.E. scope and attachment bracket).  


* '''MC-13 Gun Robo Walther P-38 U.N.C.L.E.'''  
* '''MC-13 Gun Robo Walther P-38 U.N.C.L.E.'''  
{{toydesigner|[[Hideaki Yoke]] and [[Takashi Matsuda]] (TakaraTomy)}}


:This figure came with all of MC-12's parts, as well as the gun extensions. Only one color scheme, silver with black handle in gun mode with red inner arms and legs, was released. This color scheme was used for all Hasbro releases of the original [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] and the Japanese reissues. This toy was also released in both MC-12 colors as e-HOBBY exclusives.
:This figure came with all of MC-12's parts, as well as several gun extensions, namely a scope, a silencer and a shoulder stock, which were inspired by a similarly modified version of the Walther P-38 as seen in the popular 1960s spy television series ''{{w|The Man from U.N.C.L.E.}}''.<ref>"U.N.C.L.E. Special" Carbine at CIA Museum, [http://web.archive.org/web/20100324191047/https://www.cia.gov/about-cia/cia-museum/spy-fi-archives/item08.html archived version]</ref> Only one color scheme, silver with black handle in gun mode with red inner arms and legs, was released. This color scheme was used for all Hasbro releases of the original [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] and the Japanese reissues. The toy was also released by e-HOBBY as [[Megaplex]], using the MC-12 grey/blue deco, as well as a new "Black Megatron" deco in dark chrome, black plastic in place of grey, brown handle, and red inner sections.
{{-}}


===1984===
===1984===
* '''MC-14 Metal Man'''
*'''Meteor Robo''' (MC-14 - MC-16)
{{toydesigner|[[Masaki Maruyama]] (TakaraTomy)}}
:* '''MC-14 Metal Man'''


:This figure transforms from a robot into a metallic ball. It came with two guns that could either be wielded in [[robot mode]] or attached to the sides in ball mode and a circular base upon which the ball mode could sit.
::This figure transforms from a robot into a metallic ball. It came with two guns that could either be wielded in [[robot mode]] or attached to the sides in ball mode and a circular base upon which the ball mode could sit.


:Two versions were available, the more common silver chrome with black plastic accessories and robot parts or the considerably rarer bluish-silver chrome with red plastic accessories and robot parts. This mold (minus accessories) didn't see release in ''Transformers'' until ''[[Transformers: Beast Wars (Japanese toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Eggbot (BW)|Eggbot]] and [[Dark Eggbot]], where it was [[retool]]ed to include a keychain. This keychain retool was later (again without accessories) used for ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' [[Star Dust]].
::Two versions were available, the more common silver chrome with black plastic accessories and robot parts or the considerably rarer bluish-silver chrome with red plastic accessories and robot parts. This mold (minus accessories) didn't see release in ''Transformers'' until ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (toyline)#Japan|Beast Wars]]'' [[Eggbot (BW)|Eggbot]] and [[Dark Eggbot]], where it was [[retool]]ed to include a keychain. This keychain retool was later (again without accessories) used for ''[[Transformers: Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' [[Star Dust]]. A version in a made-up pink and gray deco also made a [[Easter egg|cameo]] in the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave G1 comics]] as a [[Metal Man|background generic]].


* '''MC-15 Metal Leo'''  
:* '''MC-15 Metal Leo'''  


:This figure transforms from a lion into a metallic ball. It came with two guns that could either be wielded in lion mode or attached to the sides in ball mode and a circular base upon which the ball mode could sit.
::This figure transforms from a lion into a metallic ball. It came with two guns that could either be wielded in lion mode or attached to the sides in ball mode and a circular base upon which the ball mode could sit.


:Two versions were available, the more common gold chrome with black plastic accessories or the considerably rarer silver chrome with red plastic accessories. This mold (minus accessories) didn't see release in ''Transformers'' until ''Beast Wars'' [[Eggleo]] and [[Dark Eggleo]] where it was retooled to include a keychain. This keychain retool was later (again without accessories) used for ''Kiss Players'' [[Angela]].  
::Two versions were available, the more common gold chrome with black plastic accessories or the considerably rarer silver chrome with red plastic accessories. This mold (minus accessories) didn't see release in ''Transformers'' until ''Beast Wars'' [[Eggleo]] and [[Dark Eggleo]] where it was retooled to include a keychain. This keychain retool was later (again without accessories) used for ''Kiss Players'' [[Angela]].  


* '''MC-16 Metal Hawk'''   
:* '''MC-16 Metal Hawk'''   


:This figure transforms from a hawk into a metallic ball. It came with two guns that could either be wielded in hawk mode or attached to the sides in ball mode and a circular base upon which the ball mode could sit.
::This figure transforms from a hawk into a metallic ball. It came with two guns that could either be wielded in hawk mode or attached to the sides in ball mode and a circular base upon which the ball mode could sit.


:Two versions were available, the more common gold chrome with black plastic accessories or the considerably rarer silver chrome with red plastic accessories. This mold (minus accessories) didn't see release in ''Transformers'' until ''Beast Wars'' [[Eggbird]] and [[Dark Eggbird]] where it was retooled to include a keychain. This keychain retool was later (again without accessories) used for ''Kiss Players'' [[Zangetsu]].  
::Two versions were available, the more common gold chrome with black plastic accessories or the considerably rarer silver chrome with red plastic accessories. This mold (minus accessories) didn't see release in ''Transformers'' until ''Beast Wars'' [[Eggbird]] and [[Dark Eggbird]] where it was retooled to include a keychain. This keychain retool was later (again without accessories) used for ''Kiss Players'' [[Zangetsu]].  


* '''MC-17 Kagiobo Dialman'''  
{{anchor|LockRobo}}
*'''Lock Robo''' (MC-17 - MC-18)
{{toydesigner|[[Masaki Maruyama]] (TakaraTomy)}}
:* '''MC-17 Dialman'''  


:This figure transforms from a working dial lock to a robot. The toy was never released in any ''Transformers'' line, but a version in a purple deco did make a [[Easter egg|cameo]] in the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave G1 comics]] as a [[Dialman|background generic]].
::This figure transforms from a working dial lock to a robot. The toy was never released in any ''Transformers'' line, but a version in a purple deco did make a [[Easter egg|cameo]] in the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave G1 comics]] as a [[Dialman|background generic]].


* '''MC-18 Kagiobo Magneman'''  
:* '''MC-18 Magneman'''  


:This figure transforms from a working key lock to a robot.
::This figure transforms from a working key lock to a robot. The toy was never released in any ''Transformers'' line, but a version in a yellow green deco did make a cameo in the Dreamwave G1 comics as a [[Magneman|background generic]].


[[File:MicroChangeScopeMan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|I take care of the place while the Master is away.]]
[[File:MicroChangeScopeMan.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|]]
{{anchor|ScopeMan}}
* '''MC-19 Binocular Robo Scope Man'''
* '''MC-19 Binocular Robo Scope Man'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hiroyuki Obara]] (TakaraTomy)}}


: This figure transforms from a pair of working binoculars into a robot. The toy was never released in any ''Transformers'' line, but a version in a yellow deco did make a [[Easter egg|cameo]] in the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave G1 comics]] as a [[Pulse|background generic]].
: This figure transforms from a pair of working binoculars into a robot. The toy was never released in any ''Transformers'' line, but a version in a yellow deco did make a [[Easter egg|cameo]] in the [[Dreamwave Generation One continuity|Dreamwave G1 comics]] as [[Pulse|Pulse]].


* '''MC-20 Micro Scope'''
* '''MC-20 Micro Scope'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hideaki Yoke]] (TakaraTomy), [[Shinji Aramaki]] (original concept)}}


: Released in a primarily black deco, MC-20 was recolored into [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]. The third tank mode could be used as a vehicle for a ''Microman'' figure. The toy's ''Micro Change'' deco was used for the e-HOBBY [[Magnificus (G1)|Magnificus]].
: Released in a primarily black deco, MC-20 was recolored into [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]. The third tank mode could be used as a vehicle for a ''Microman'' figure. The toy's ''Micro Change'' deco was used for the e-HOBBY exclusive [[Magnificus (G1)|Magnificus]] (and [[Perceptor (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Perceptor]]).


* '''MC-21 Radi-Cassette Robo'''
* '''MC-21 Radi-Cassette Robo'''
{{toydesigner|[[Hideaki Yoke]] and [[Hiroyuki Obara]] (TakaraTomy)}}


:This figure came with an AM radio in the form of a fake Micro cassette, and an earphone. One could listen to the radio through the earphone, or put the radio in the main toy's cassette deck. After moving the switch above the left speaker "on" and pressing "play", a pair of batteries in the toy's right leg would amplify the signal from the cassette. A knob to the right of the tape door could change the station, and a volume knob and a plug for headphones were located on the toy's left leg. Due to the speaker plug, the transforming micro cassettes could not fit in the tape door. They could, however, fit in a compartment in the toy's back. The earphone plug could also fit in the small hole on the stock of the toys gun, and the speaker could fit in the large hole at the gun's center. The toy came in either blue or red. The red deco was used for [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]].
:This figure came with an AM radio in the form of a fake Micro cassette, and an earphone. One could listen to the radio through the earphone, or put the radio in the main toy's cassette deck. After moving the switch above the left (non-functional) speaker "on" and pressing "play", a pair of batteries in the toy's right leg would amplify the signal from the cassette to the functional right speaker. A knob to the right of the tape door could change the station, and a volume knob and a plug for headphones were located on the toy's left leg. Due to the speaker plug, the transforming micro cassettes could not fit in the tape door. They could, however, fit in a compartment in the toy's back. The earphone plug could also fit in the small hole on the stock of the toys gun, and the speaker could fit in the large hole at the gun's center. The toy came in either blue or red. The red deco was used for [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]].
{{-}}


===Unreleased===
===Unreleased===
Line 116: Line 151:
[[File:Hardcase Micro-Change Toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
[[File:Hardcase Micro-Change Toy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4]]
:This figure transforms from a working flashlight into a robot. It would eventually be repurposed as a full-body physical basis of the Decepticon [[Hardcase]].
:This figure transforms from a working flashlight into a robot. It would eventually be repurposed as a full-body physical basis of the Decepticon [[Hardcase]].
{{--}}


* '''Planet-Robot'''
==References==
[[Image:Planet-robot.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Planet-Robot|Here's hoping Takara considers making a new planetformer mold.]]
{{reflist}}
:A transforming planet that only ever reached the design art stage. The design [[Unicron/toys|did not go to waste]], however.
{{-}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.microforever.com/1983microchange.htm Micro Change at Microman Forever.]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20200123174642/http://www.microforever.com/1983microchange.htm Micro Change at Microman Forever.]
*[http://1501bc.com/pretf/microman.html Microman at The Pre-Transformer Page.]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20180116163727/http://1501bc.com/pretf/microman.html Microman at The Pre-Transformer Page.]
*[https://archive.org/details/micro-change-series Translation] of the ''Micro Change Series'' from ''[[TV Magazine]]''


[[Category:Japanese franchises]]
[[Category:Japanese franchises]]
[[Category:Non-Transformers toylines]]
[[Category:Microman]]
[[Category:Pre-Transformer franchises]]
[[Category:Other TakaraTomy properties]]
[[Category:Other TakaraTomy properties]]

Latest revision as of 19:47, 17 March 2026

This article is about the pre-Transformers toyline. For the Kreons with alternate modes, see Micro-Changer{{#switch:{{#sub:Micro-Changer|-1}} != .= ?= .

}}

Micromasters Micro Machines Micromen!

The Micro Change Series (ミクロチェンジシリーズ) sub-line of TakaraTomy's long running Microman series was, along with Diaclone, one of the two major sources of molds for the original Transformers line.

Overview

[edit]

Micro Change was a subline of Takara's successful New Microman line of the early '80s, which consisted of 3.75" action figures that were super-posable and vehicles and robots for use by them. The Microman figures, unlike all subsequent 3.75" action figures (except their Western counterpart the [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}Micronauts|{{#if:||Micronauts}}]], made by [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}Mego Corporation|{{#if:Mego|Mego|Mego Corporation}}]] using licensed Microman molds) were on a 1:1 scale rather than representing full-sized humans/aliens/robots, so the transforming robots and vehicles they created had ordinary household objects (such as, um, handguns) as disguise modes. Many of the Micro Change figures came in multiple color schemes, many of which were eventually used for the Transformers line.



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Toys

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The following list covers all Micro Change releases that were later rereleased as Transformers toys or otherwise inspired Transformers concepts. Micro Change molds with no Transformers relation are generally not listed as they fall outside the purview of this site.

1983

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Before he was our Enemy...
  • MC-01 Micross
The first version was the blue-body, grey-limb cassette used for Frenzy. A black-body, red-limb version, used for Rumble, came with Cassette Man. Towards the end of the line, a red-body, blue-limb version was released.
  • MC-02 Jaguar
The first version was used for Ravage. A blue version was released at the end of the line, and was used for the e-HOBBY figure Howlback. In 2007, Jaguar was redecoed into Glit (later repurposed as Shattered Glass Ravage) and then Stripes in 2012.
  • MC-03 Condor
The first version was used for Laserbeak. The blue second version was used for the e-HOBBY figure Garboil. Buzzsaw's and Sundor's decos were created for the Transformers line.
  • Micro Cassette Robo DX 3-Figure Set
A giftset that collects the first versions of MC-01 Micross, MC-02 Jaguar, and MC-03 Condor.


  • MC-04 Mini Car Robo
We'll slip you a fiver if you tell the guy in charge of pre-Transformer redecoes at Hasbro that this is Glyph.
This small car assortment actually had two different origins. 01-03 were designed by Takara and transform into super deformed toy cars in the style of Takara's own Choro-Q line (imported to English-speaking markets as Penny Racers). They were released in red, yellow, and blue and had license plate stickers on the back of the head panel. 04-07 were initially designed as part of the little-known Mysterians toyline but left unproduced, with the tooling used by Takara for Micro Change. When they came out as part of that line, they were released in only one color scheme each. Their subsequent Transformers releases were largely identical, but "Jeep" went from olive green to forest green in becoming Brawn.
  • 01 Porsche Turbo 924 ("red body", "blue body" or "yellow body"), Pre-Cliffjumper
  • 02 Familia 1500 XG ("red body", "blue body" or "yellow body"), Pre-Bumper
  • 03 Volkswagen ("red body", "blue body" or "yellow body"), Pre-Bumblebee
  • 04 4WD Offroad, Pre-Gears
  • 05 Jeep, Pre-Brawn
  • 06 Transam, Pre-Windcharger
  • 07 American Truck, Pre-Huffer
  • MC-05 Camera Robo Microx
Pre-Reflector

  • MC-06 Watch Robo
We don't have
time
to get into this figure's whole deal right now.
Eh? Eh?
This figure transformed from a robot to a watch. It came in chrome, black, blue, and gold versions. Before appearing in Transformers, the toy was released in North America as the title character of the Kronoform toyline and in Europe as part of Joustra's rather idiosyncratic incarnation of Micro Change' sister toyline Diaclone. Each colorway met a different fate in Transformers:
  • MC-07 Gun Robo Browning M1910
Browning came either in Silver with red robot parts, or Gold with blue robot parts, in addition to a gold chromed contest piece. The version released as the Japanese exclusive Browning sported the blue parts, but with the silver body, though his animation model used in Super-God Masterforce depicted him using the gold body with the blue parts.
  • MC-08 Cassette Machine Battlebike HG90
The Battlebike transforms from a full-sized audio cassette into a motorbike vehicle for the included Microman figure. A redeco of this toy was released in the 1999 Microman line.
  • MC-09 Cassette Machine Jetheli XL120
The Jetheli transforms from a full-sized audio cassette into a helicopter for the included Microman figure. A redeco of this toy was re-released in the 1999 Microman line.
  • MC-10 Cassette Man
Pre-TF Soundwave with "Cassette Man" molded on the cassette door. He came with fake earphones and microphone that were also included in Soundwave's Japanese release, and Pre-Rumble. Likewise, the Japanese Soundwave came with Rumble instead of Buzzsaw.

Megatron and this guy go way back.
  • MC-11 Gun Robo S&W Magnum 44
This figure had a revolving chamber, and came with either a brown or gold hilt. Ask Vector Prime would establish that this figure represents the Cymond analog of Kiloton.
  • MC-12 Gun Robo Walther P-38
Pre-Japanese Megatron. This toy did not include any gun attachments (and lacked the tooling to attach them anyway), but had a gun, sword, and plastic pellets which it could fire. It came with blue inner arms and legs, and was either black with a brown grip, or grey with a black grip in gun mode. The grey version was used for all vintage Japanese Megatrons (The Goodbye Megatron set came with the U.N.C.L.E. scope and attachment bracket).
  • MC-13 Gun Robo Walther P-38 U.N.C.L.E.
This figure came with all of MC-12's parts, as well as several gun extensions, namely a scope, a silencer and a shoulder stock, which were inspired by a similarly modified version of the Walther P-38 as seen in the popular 1960s spy television series [[wikipedia:{{#if:|:}}The Man from U.N.C.L.E.|{{#if:||The Man from U.N.C.L.E.}}]].<ref>"U.N.C.L.E. Special" Carbine at CIA Museum, archived version</ref> Only one color scheme, silver with black handle in gun mode with red inner arms and legs, was released. This color scheme was used for all Hasbro releases of the original Megatron and the Japanese reissues. The toy was also released by e-HOBBY as Megaplex, using the MC-12 grey/blue deco, as well as a new "Black Megatron" deco in dark chrome, black plastic in place of grey, brown handle, and red inner sections.


1984

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  • Meteor Robo (MC-14 - MC-16)
  • Known designers: Masaki Maruyama (TakaraTomy){{#if: |, {{{2}}}}}
  • MC-14 Metal Man
This figure transforms from a robot into a metallic ball. It came with two guns that could either be wielded in robot mode or attached to the sides in ball mode and a circular base upon which the ball mode could sit.
Two versions were available, the more common silver chrome with black plastic accessories and robot parts or the considerably rarer bluish-silver chrome with red plastic accessories and robot parts. This mold (minus accessories) didn't see release in Transformers until Beast Wars Eggbot and Dark Eggbot, where it was retooled to include a keychain. This keychain retool was later (again without accessories) used for Kiss Players Star Dust. A version in a made-up pink and gray deco also made a cameo in the Dreamwave G1 comics as a background generic.
  • MC-15 Metal Leo
This figure transforms from a lion into a metallic ball. It came with two guns that could either be wielded in lion mode or attached to the sides in ball mode and a circular base upon which the ball mode could sit.
Two versions were available, the more common gold chrome with black plastic accessories or the considerably rarer silver chrome with red plastic accessories. This mold (minus accessories) didn't see release in Transformers until Beast Wars Eggleo and Dark Eggleo where it was retooled to include a keychain. This keychain retool was later (again without accessories) used for Kiss Players Angela.
  • MC-16 Metal Hawk
This figure transforms from a hawk into a metallic ball. It came with two guns that could either be wielded in hawk mode or attached to the sides in ball mode and a circular base upon which the ball mode could sit.
Two versions were available, the more common gold chrome with black plastic accessories or the considerably rarer silver chrome with red plastic accessories. This mold (minus accessories) didn't see release in Transformers until Beast Wars Eggbird and Dark Eggbird where it was retooled to include a keychain. This keychain retool was later (again without accessories) used for Kiss Players Zangetsu.

  • Lock Robo (MC-17 - MC-18)
  • Known designers: Masaki Maruyama (TakaraTomy){{#if: |, {{{2}}}}}
  • MC-17 Dialman
This figure transforms from a working dial lock to a robot. The toy was never released in any Transformers line, but a version in a purple deco did make a cameo in the Dreamwave G1 comics as a background generic.
  • MC-18 Magneman
This figure transforms from a working key lock to a robot. The toy was never released in any Transformers line, but a version in a yellow green deco did make a cameo in the Dreamwave G1 comics as a background generic.

  • MC-19 Binocular Robo Scope Man
This figure transforms from a pair of working binoculars into a robot. The toy was never released in any Transformers line, but a version in a yellow deco did make a cameo in the Dreamwave G1 comics as Pulse.
  • MC-20 Micro Scope
Released in a primarily black deco, MC-20 was recolored into Perceptor. The third tank mode could be used as a vehicle for a Microman figure. The toy's Micro Change deco was used for the e-HOBBY exclusive Magnificus (and Shattered Glass Perceptor).
  • MC-21 Radi-Cassette Robo
This figure came with an AM radio in the form of a fake Micro cassette, and an earphone. One could listen to the radio through the earphone, or put the radio in the main toy's cassette deck. After moving the switch above the left (non-functional) speaker "on" and pressing "play", a pair of batteries in the toy's right leg would amplify the signal from the cassette to the functional right speaker. A knob to the right of the tape door could change the station, and a volume knob and a plug for headphones were located on the toy's left leg. Due to the speaker plug, the transforming micro cassettes could not fit in the tape door. They could, however, fit in a compartment in the toy's back. The earphone plug could also fit in the small hole on the stock of the toys gun, and the speaker could fit in the large hole at the gun's center. The toy came in either blue or red. The red deco was used for Blaster.


Unreleased

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  • MC-22 Beam Robo
This figure transforms from a working flashlight into a robot. It would eventually be repurposed as a full-body physical basis of the Decepticon Hardcase.

References

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