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

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!

Continuity? Pah!

Robotmasters is a Takara sub-line which ran from 2004-2005 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. At this time, there are no known plans or even rumors to continue the line, although 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.

Media

The Robotmasters storyline was told through five outlets:

• A cartoon series.
• A pack-in comic series.
• An online comic series.
• A 3D diorama comic series.
• A prose story told through a series of pamphlets.

Oddly, each outlet told roughly the same story, but in noticeably different ways, and with no single version telling the Robotmasters story in its entirety. Although Robotmasters was included as part of Takara's official Generation 1 timeline, they were not specific as to which version of Robotmasters was considered canon.

Toys

Just because his feet come off that doesn't mean he has leprosy.

Wave 1 (July 15, 2004)

• RM-01 G1 Convoy
• RM-02 Beast Megatron
• RM-03 Ligier
• 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

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/Rebirth Megatron

Robotmasters Edition (August 11, 2005)

• Skywarp & Thundercracker

Figure Ō contest prize (June 2004)

• Cybertron Base

Magazine exclusives (December 2004)

• Beast Convoy Limited Black Version (Hobby Japan)
• Beast Megatron Limited Black Version (HyperHobby)
• G1 Convoy Limited Black Version (Dengeki Hobby)
• Starscream Limited Black Version (Figure-Ō)

e-HOBBY (April 2005)

• Victory Saber Limited Black Version

Dengeki Hobby (February 2006)

• Lio Convoy Limited Black Version

External links

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