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'''''Combiner Wars''''' is a [[2015]] multimedia branding used by [[Hasbro]], encompassing ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' toys, comics, and other merchandise. As the name suggests, it focuses on [[combiner]]s, specifically the [[Scramble City]]-style combiner teams from [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]].
'''''Combiner Wars''''' is a [[2015]]-[[2016]] multimedia branding used by [[Hasbro]], encompassing ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' toys, comics, and other merchandise. As the name suggests, it focuses on [[combiner]]s, specifically the [[Scramble City (toyline)|Scramble City]]-style combiner teams from [[Generation 1 continuity family|Generation 1]].
 
As the first installment in the ''[[Prime Wars Trilogy]]'', ''Combiner Wars'' precedes the ''[[Titans Return (toyline)|Titans Return]]'' and ''[[Power of the Primes (franchise)|Power of the Primes]]'' sublines.


==Toys==
==Toys==
[[File:Generations 2015 Toyline logo.png|right|100px]]
[[File:Generations 2015 Toyline logo.png|right|100px]]
{{Main|Transformers: Generations#Combiner Wars}}
{{Main|Combiner Wars (toyline)}}
Following the conclusion of the [[Transformers: Generations|''Generations'' toyline]]'s ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' [[subline imprint]], it was refreshed with ''Combiner Wars'' branding. This new subline ushered in a new, unified [[play pattern]] whereby a Voyager Class toy and any four Deluxe Class figures can form a combiner robot. Furthermore, some Legends Class toys can form accessories for the combined figures, such as armor and weapons. They are ''not'' compatible with Fall of Cybertron [[Bruticus (WFC)|Bruticus]] and his [[Ruination (FOC)|retool]], as ''Combiner Wars'' figures feature a larger peg system.
Following the conclusion of the [[Transformers: Generations (toyline)|''Generations'' toyline]]'s ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' [[subline imprint]], it was refreshed with ''Combiner Wars'' branding. This new subline ushered in a new, unified [[play pattern]] whereby a Voyager Class toy and any four Deluxe Class figures can form a combiner robot. Furthermore, some Legends Class toys can form accessories for the combined figures, such as armor and weapons. They are ''not'' compatible with ''Fall of Cybertron'' [[Bruticus (WFC)#Generations|Bruticus]] and his [[Ruination (FOC)#Generations|retool]]—nor any other previous combiners, for that matter—as the ''Combiner Wars'' figures feature a larger peg system, and the pegs being located on the limbs instead of the torso.
<br clear="all" />
 
==Comics==
[[File:IDW Combiner Wars promo.jpg|thumb|upright=1.66]]
[[IDW Publishing]]'s contribution to ''Combiner Wars'' comes in the form of a six-issue "event" storyline, spanning both flagship ongoing title ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|The Transformers]]'' and the second ''[[The Transformers: Windblade|Windblade]]'' miniseries.
 
The series sees tensions surrounding the [[IDW Generation 1 continuity|IDW universe]]'s combiners come to a head when [[Starscream (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Starscream]]-led [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] re-establishes contact with the long-lost colony [[Caminus]], turning what had been a simmering arms race into an all-out war. Combatants include the newly-rebuilt [[Superion (G1)|Superion]], [[Prowl (G1)/IDW Generation 1 continuity|Prowl]]'s [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]], and new player [[Defensor (G1)|Defensor]].


{{chapters
Takara's iteration of this toyline is titled ''[[Transformers Unite Warriors|Unite Warriors]]''. It is noted for featuring the combiner teams with their classic members in more cartoon-accurate color schemes and sometimes entirely different molds.
|title="Combiner Wars" chapters:
{{-}}
|content=
<div class="list-header">Superion/Devastator origin</div>
*[[Dinobot Hunt|#8]]
*[[Night and the City|#9]]
*[[The End of the Beginning of the World|#11]]
*[[City on Fire|#12]]
*[[The Verge|#13]]
*[[Before the Dawn|#14]]
*[[Plan for Everything|#15]]
*[[Heavy Is the Head|#16]]
<br/><div class="list-header">"First Strike"</div>
*[[The World of Tomorrow|#33]]
*[[The Crucible|#34]]
*[[Onyx Interface Part One: Signals, Calls, and Marches|#35]]
*[[Onyx Interface Part Two: Vs.|#36]]
*[[Onyx Interface Part Three: ONoffON|#37]]
*[[The Onyx Interface Conclusion: The Obliterati|#38]]
<br/><div class="list-header">"Combiner Wars"</div>
*[[First Contact (IDW)|Opening Salvo]]
*[[The Sum and Its Parts|Part 1]]
*[[The Possible Light|Part 2]]
*[[Mistakes and Mayhem|Part 3]]
*[[The Transformers issue 41|Part 4]]
*[[Windblade vol. 2 issue 3|Part 5]]
}}


===Prequels and Sequels===
==Comic==
Combiners and the technology behind them were an important part of ''[[The Transformers: Robots in Disguise|Robots in Disguise]]'' since its early stages, underpinning much of the book's initial 16-issue story arc. Eight issues covering the creation of [[Superion (G1)|Superion]] and the new incarnation of [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]] were later reprinted with the first two waves of ''Combiner Wars'' Deluxe Class toys.
{{Main|Combiner Wars (comic)}}
Like "[[Dark Cybertron (IDW)|Dark Cybertron]]" and the ''[[Thrilling 30]]'' toyline, [[IDW Publishing]] produced an "event" storyline tying into ''Combiner Wars'', which was similarly packed in with Deluxe Class figures. Additionally, several older stories focusing on combiners were retroactively labelled as ''Combiner Wars'' issues for toy pack-ins.


Explicit buildup for the event began in ''Robots in Disguise'' [[The World of Tomorrow|#33]], which introduced the notion of a combiner arms race, as well as setting the stage for Superion's new team members. The next five issues would go on to tell a story about the [[Enigma of Combination]], an ancient Cybertronian artifact holding the key to successful combiners. Whilst not billed as such in their initial release, the trade paperback collecting these issues was labeled "Combiner Wars—First Strike".
==Cartoon==
{{Main|Transformers: Combiner Wars (cartoon)}}
The last major tie-in for the line, a 3D-animated web series for ''Combiner Wars'' was produced by [[Machinima]], spotlighting the line's toys and taking inspiration from the IDW Generation 1 setting. Marketed as specifically as a series for adult fans, it was released through the [[go90]] platform between August and September 2016, and ran for eight episodes. Two [[Transformers: Titans Return (cartoon)|sequel]] [[Transformers: Power of the Primes (cartoon)|series]] were later produced.


After the event, a one-shot comic called "[[Combiner Hunters]]" will be released, focusing on [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]], [[Windblade (G1)|Windblade]], [[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]], and [[Victorion]] in the aftermath of the Combiner Wars; it will be written by [[Mairghread Scott]] with art by [[Sara Pitre-Duroche]].
==Notes==
*While not directly tying in to any specific fiction, ''[[Transformers: Devastation]]'' was treated as part of ''Combiner Wars'' in the game's marketing material.


===Creative team===
''The Transformers'' issues are written and drawn by [[John Barber]] and [[Livio Ramondelli]], respectively, whilst ''Windblade'' sees the return of the first miniseries's writer and artist team of [[Mairghread Scott]] and [[Sarah Stone]]. [[Casey Coller]] draws the regular covers, and Ramondelli provides subscription covers which form larger images in pairs. Retailer incentive covers feature art from ''[[Transformers Legends (mobile game)|Transformers Legends]]'' artist [[Sara Pitre-Durocher]].


[[Category:Combiner Wars| ]]
[[Category:Franchises]]
[[Category:Franchises]]
[[Category:Generation 1 comic series]]
[[Category:Generation 1 franchises]]
[[Category:Generation 1 franchises]]
[[Category:IDW Robots in Disguise (2012) issues]]
[[Category:IDW titles]]
[[Category:Windblade issues]]
[[Category:Toylines]]

Latest revision as of 21:59, 12 April 2025

The name or term "Combiner Wars" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Combiner Wars (disambiguation).
Prime Wars Trilogy
« Combiner Wars »

Combiner Wars is a 2015-2016 multimedia branding used by Hasbro, encompassing Transformers toys, comics, and other merchandise. As the name suggests, it focuses on combiners, specifically the Scramble City-style combiner teams from Generation 1.

As the first installment in the Prime Wars Trilogy, Combiner Wars precedes the Titans Return and Power of the Primes sublines.

Toys

[edit]

Following the conclusion of the Generations toyline's Thrilling 30 subline imprint, it was refreshed with Combiner Wars branding. This new subline ushered in a new, unified play pattern whereby a Voyager Class toy and any four Deluxe Class figures can form a combiner robot. Furthermore, some Legends Class toys can form accessories for the combined figures, such as armor and weapons. They are not compatible with Fall of Cybertron Bruticus and his retool—nor any other previous combiners, for that matter—as the Combiner Wars figures feature a larger peg system, and the pegs being located on the limbs instead of the torso.

Takara's iteration of this toyline is titled Unite Warriors. It is noted for featuring the combiner teams with their classic members in more cartoon-accurate color schemes and sometimes entirely different molds.

Comic

[edit]
Main article: Combiner Wars (comic)

Like "Dark Cybertron" and the Thrilling 30 toyline, IDW Publishing produced an "event" storyline tying into Combiner Wars, which was similarly packed in with Deluxe Class figures. Additionally, several older stories focusing on combiners were retroactively labelled as Combiner Wars issues for toy pack-ins.

Cartoon

[edit]

The last major tie-in for the line, a 3D-animated web series for Combiner Wars was produced by Machinima, spotlighting the line's toys and taking inspiration from the IDW Generation 1 setting. Marketed as specifically as a series for adult fans, it was released through the go90 platform between August and September 2016, and ran for eight episodes. Two sequel series were later produced.

Notes

[edit]
  • While not directly tying in to any specific fiction, Transformers: Devastation was treated as part of Combiner Wars in the game's marketing material.