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

Regular retail

Wave 1 (7-15-2004) Air Hunter Bound Rogue G1 Convoy G1 Convoy + DVD Ligier		Beast Megatron Psycho-Orb R-Blade Wingstun Wrecker Hook		Wave 2 (8-5-2004) Beast Convoy Starscream		Wave 3 (9-9-2004) Gigant Bomb Smokesniper		Convoy
Wave 4 (11-18-2004) Star Saber Victory Leo Victory Saber		Wave 5 (12-28-2004) Burning Beast Convoy + DVD Delta Seeker vs X-Gunner Double Face Road Rocket		Wave 6 (3-24-2005) Lio Convoy Lio Convoy + DVD		Wave 7 (5-26-2005) Reverse Convoy/Rebirth Megatron
Robotmasters Edition (9-11-2005) 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)

External links

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