Transformers: Zone (toyline)

Japanese Generation 1 continuity « Zone » Toyline Cartoon Commercials Manga Story Pages

Transformers Zone was the Transformers series released in Japan in 1990. Its line-up was very different from the one released in the US in 1990. Zone was intended to be the final animated series for Japanese television. However, only the first episode was ever animated, and it was released straight to video rather than being broadcast on television. The story was continued in comic strip format in a one shot-manga and then subsequently in TV Magazine form.

Transformers Zone introduced a new concept for Transformers toys: Powered Masters (not to be confused with Powermasters). Powered Masters had small battery-powered or spring-powered motors that moved ramps up and down to facilitate for the launching of Microtransformers. The three individual Powered Masters had two alternate modes, a normal vehicular mode, and a "Zone" mode (in reality a mini-base playset). The three normal vehicle modes could combine into Big Powered, a gigantic jet-tank mode. Each of the Powered Masters came with their own Micro Transformer.

Micro Transformers were now being introduced to Japan as part of the Zone toyline. These included US releases from both 1989 and 1990. However, with one exception, these were all released as Cybertrons, including several that were released as Decepticons in the US. In addition, some of the US releases were redecoed since their western release.

Zone also introduced the Destron Metrotitan, a repaint of Metroplex. The toy came with an extra ramp that would connect the toy to other Micro Transformer playsets. He also came with his own Micro Transformer, an orange and black repaint of the Micromaster Skystalker.

The Micromaster playsets also made their Japanese debuts, all of which were either identical to or repaints of the US releases. The Rocket Base was able to interact with Galaxy Shuttle, from the previous year's Victory toyline, and the figure continued to be available during the Zone line.

Previous toyline: Victory

Next toyline: Return of Convoy

Toyline

Zone OVA pack-in Rabbicrater		Micro Transformers Sky Patrol Team (Breeze Master, Eagle Eye, Sky High, Tread Bolt) Battle Patrol Team (Gunlift, Powerbomb, Sidetrack, Sunrunner) Build Patrol Team (Crumble, Groundpounder, Neutro, Takedown)		Jet Patrol Team (Nightflight, Star Cloud, Whisper, Windrim) Off Road Patrol Team (Flak, Footdemo, Freed, Nutshell) Race Car Patrol Team (Glorean, Roadhandler, Spinchange, Wheelrun)		Race Track Patrol Team (Barricade, Ground Hog, Motorhead, Roller Force) Rescue Patrol Team (Boater, Fire, Holi, Pīpō) Super Car Patrol Team (Black Heat, Deadhour, Ginham, Road Hugger)		Rabbicrater
Micro Transformer Transports Cragun Missile Bull Roadjet Skywave		Micro Transformer Stations Airport Base (w/ Overair) Build Base (w/ Ironworks) Fire Base (w/ Hot House) Gasoline Base (w/ Glasspit)		Micro Transformer Bases Landshaker (w/ Gunrunner) Sky Hyper (w/ Deadwheeler)		Rocket Base Rocket base (w/ Rescue Patrol Team & Moonradar)		File:Roadfire toy.jpg Roadfire
Powered Masters Dai Atlas (w/ Speeder) Roadfire (w/ Drillbuster) Sonic Bomber (w/ Sonic) Big Powered (giftset)		Metrosquad Leader Metrotitan (w/ Metrobomb, Metrodash, Metroshot, Metrotank)

Notes

• The Powered Masters —the only new-mold toys in the line— are noticeably lighter than comparably-sized toys from past lines. Their plastic parts are thinner overall, presumably as a cost-saving measure.
• Some molds from this year would be re-used in Takara's later Brave non-Transformers toylines:
  • Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber became non-Transformer villain toys in The Brave Express: Might Gaine.
  • The Micromaster Stations, sans Micromasters, were released as mini-playsets with non-transforming robot figurines in Brave Police: J-Decker.