Robotmasters (franchise)

The name or term "Robot Master" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Robot Master (disambiguation).

Japanese Generation 1 continuity « Robotmasters » Toyline Comic Prose 1 Prose 2 Cartoon 3D diorama comic Guidebook

Continuity? Pah!

Robotmasters (ロボットマスターズ Robottomasutāzu, alternatively Robot Masters) is a Takara franchise which ran from 2004 to 2005 consisting mainly of redecoes of previously released toys with several all-new molds of popular characters thrown into the mix. Every mold created for the line received at least one redeco, and the line itself was the sister range to the U.S.'s own Universe, except designed specifically to sell smaller toys at lower price points.

Most redecos in the line came with new or retooled accessories, including some classic-style chromed-silver guns.

The only all-new molds created for toys were of existing characters, and popular ones at that. Optimus Prime, Optimus Primal, Megatron, Starscream, Star Saber, Victory Leo, and Lio Convoy were given the star treatment for new, quasi-TV show-specific playthings.

As far as storyline goes, the tale of Robotmasters was told through packed-in minicomics, brief online mini-comics, 3D diorama comics, and DVDs that came with specific toys as mentioned below.

“	In 2004, Optimus Prime is alerted to a disturbance at the gates of Autobot City; a force of Decepticons led by a vicious new enemy, a Tyrannosaurus rex calling himself Megatron!! Autobots and Decepticons from across the eras have converged on this time to clash over the newly discovered energy source solitarium!	”
—Opening to the Robotmasters cartoon

Media

The Robotmasters storyline was told through five(ish) outlets:

• A comic series, related through a web feature and a pair of catalogs.
• A monthly prose series in Dengeki Hobby Magazine that presented an abridged telling of the comic's events.
• A duology of short DVD animations presenting an even more abridged adaptation of the story.
• A "3D diorama comic" series illustrating the toys' action features via photocomics.
• A second prose series told through a series of pamphlets chronicling a side story to justify the toyline's exclusive black redecos.
• A guidebook chronicling the history of the brand thus far with character profiles on the Robotmasters cast.

The most complete version of the story was delivered in the comic series written and drawn by brand stalwart Naoto Tsushima, while highlights were dramatized in the duo of animated specials by the studio Actas Inc. of Unicron Trilogy fame. When Robotmasters was included as part of Takara's official Generation 1 timeline, it mainly referred to specific events featured only in the comics.

Toys

Regular retail

Wave 1 (July 15 2004) RM-01 G1 Convoy RM-02 Beast Megatron RM-03 Rijie RM-04 Wrecker Hook RM-05 R-Blade		RM-06 Air Hunter RM-07 Bound Rogue RM-08 Wingstun RM-09 Psycho-Orb RM-10 G1 Convoy + DVD		Wave 2 (August 5 2004) RM-11 Beast Convoy RM-12 Starscream		Wave 3 (September 9 2004) RM-13 Smokesniper RM-14 Gigant Bomb		G1 Convoy
Wave 4 (November 18 2004) RM-15 Star Saber RM-16 Victory Leo RM-17 Victory Saber		Wave 5 (December 28 2004) RM-18 Road Rocket RM-19 Double Face RM-20 Delta Seeker vs X-Gunner RM-21 Burning Beast Convoy + DVD		Wave 6 (March 24 2005) RM-22 Lio Convoy RM-23 Lio Convoy + DVD		Wave 7 (May 26 2005) RM-24 Reverse Convoy (aka "Rebirth Megatron")
Robotmasters Edition (August 11 2005) Skywarp & Thundercracker

Exclusives

Dengeki Hobby magazine G1 Convoy Limited Black Version Lio Convoy Limited Black Version		e-HOBBY Victory Saber Limited Black Version		Figure Ō magazine Cybertron Base Starscream Limited Black Version		Hobby Japan magazine Beast Convoy Limited Black Version		Starscream Limited Black Version
HyperHobby magazine Beast Megatron Limited Black Version		TV Magazine G1 Convoy (Lucky Draw)

Notes

• It was through Robotmasters that the Sideways myth was largely propagated through.
• A Fan's Choice poll was held at a Japanese toy convention around the line's debut that indicated characters like Big Convoy and Predaking were being considered for the Robotmasters treatment. However, this poll also included the likes of Road Rocket, who got a Robotmasters release anyway, so make of that what you will.

External links

• Takara's Robotmasters homepage (archived)
• Actas Inc. (archived)