Diaclone: Difference between revisions
→Toy range (incomplete): Bolding formal product names as we do for other pre-TF lines if only to improve readability with the design credits I am about to roll out, some other fleshing out |
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Released in the ''Transformers'' line as the [[Jumpstarter]]s. | Released in the ''Transformers'' line as the [[Jumpstarter]]s. | ||
* Drill Tank Type — Available in two decoes. Dark blue limbs with grey chest or dark blue limbs with red chest. ''Transformers'' releases [[Twin Twist (G1)|Twin Twist]]/[[Salt-Man Z]]/[[Robot-Man Z]] all utilized completely new decoes. The red deco was used as inspiration for (sigh) [[Twin Twist (G1)#Legacy|"Diaclone Universe Twin Twist."]] | * '''Drill Tank Type''' — Available in two decoes. Dark blue limbs with grey chest or dark blue limbs with red chest. ''Transformers'' releases [[Twin Twist (G1)|Twin Twist]]/[[Salt-Man Z]]/[[Robot-Man Z]] all utilized completely new decoes. The red deco was used as inspiration for (sigh) [[Twin Twist (G1)#Legacy|"Diaclone Universe Twin Twist."]] | ||
* Jet Type — Available in two decoes. Dark blue chest with red limbs or dark blue chest with grey limbs. ''Transformers'' releases [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]/[[Salt-Man X]]/[[Robot-Man X]] all utilized completely new decoes. | * '''Jet Type''' — Available in two decoes. Dark blue chest with red limbs or dark blue chest with grey limbs. ''Transformers'' releases [[Topspin (G1)|Topspin]]/[[Salt-Man X]]/[[Robot-Man X]] all utilized completely new decoes. | ||
{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
===Car Robots=== | ===Car Robots=== | ||
Both ''Diaclone'''s only proper [[subline imprint]] and the most significant assortment to ''Transformers'' history by a wide margin, Car Robots is the source of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] himself as well as the entirety of the 1984-1985 [[Autobot Cars]]. More abstractly, it eventually served as the inspiration for the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2000 ''Transformers'' franchise]] of the same name. | Both ''Diaclone'''s only proper [[subline imprint]] and the most significant assortment to ''Transformers'' history by a wide margin, ''Car Robots'' is the source of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] himself as well as the entirety of the 1984-1985 [[Autobot Cars]]. More abstractly, it eventually served as the inspiration for the [[Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 franchise)|2000 ''Transformers'' franchise]] of the same name. | ||
;Individual figures | ;Individual figures | ||
[[File:Diaclone Car Robots.jpg|upright=3|thumb|Hey that truck guy looks familiar.]] | [[File:Diaclone Car Robots.jpg|upright=3|thumb|Hey that truck guy looks familiar.]] | ||
*No. 1 Countach LP500S — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was changed to yellow for release as [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Toys|Sunstreaker]]. The red deco was used as inspiration for [[Spin-Out (G1)|Spin-Out]] and the red [[Sunstreaker clone]]s. | *'''No. 1 Countach LP500S''' — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was changed to yellow for release as [[Sunstreaker (G1)/toys#Toys|Sunstreaker]]. The red deco was used as inspiration for [[Spin-Out (G1)|Spin-Out]] and the red [[Sunstreaker clone]]s. | ||
*No. 2 Onebox Cherry Vanette — The ''Diaclone'' black deco was changed to red for release as [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Toys|Ironhide]]. The original deco was later released as "[[Ironhide (G1)/toys#black|Ironhide Protect Black]]" and was used as inspiration for ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Ironhide (SG)|Ironhide]] and the [[DK-2 Guard]]. | *'''No. 2 Onebox Cherry Vanette''' — The ''Diaclone'' black deco was changed to red for release as [[Ironhide (G1)/toys#Toys|Ironhide]]. The original deco was later released as "[[Ironhide (G1)/toys#black|Ironhide Protect Black]]" and was used as inspiration for ''[[Transformers: Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]'' [[Ironhide (SG)|Ironhide]] and the [[DK-2 Guard]]. | ||
*No. 3 Countach Patrol Car Type — Not released as a Transformer but later used as inspiration for [[Cordon (G1)|Cordon]] and the white [[Sunstreaker clone]]s. | *'''No. 3 Countach Patrol Car Type''' — Not released as a Transformer but later used as inspiration for [[Cordon (G1)|Cordon]] and the white [[Sunstreaker clone]]s. | ||
*No. 4 Onebox Ambulance Type — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Toys|Ratchet]]. | *'''No. 4 Onebox Ambulance Type''' — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Ratchet (G1)/toys#Toys|Ratchet]]. | ||
*No. 5 4WD Hilux — The ''Diaclone'' black deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Toys|Trailbreaker]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in blue and yellow decoes, the former of which was used as inspiration for [[Breaker (G1)|DK-3 Breaker]] and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Trailbreaker (SG)|Trailbreaker]]. | *'''No. 5 4WD Hilux''' — The ''Diaclone'' black deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Trailbreaker (G1)/toys#Toys|Trailbreaker]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in blue and yellow decoes, the former of which was used as inspiration for [[Breaker (G1)|DK-3 Breaker]] and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Trailbreaker (SG)|Trailbreaker]]. | ||
*No. 6 Honda City R — The ''Diaclone'' silver deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Crosscut (G1)#Toys|Crosscut]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in red, which was used as inspiration for [[Reboost]]. | *'''No. 6 Honda City R''' — The ''Diaclone'' silver deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Crosscut (G1)#Toys|Crosscut]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in red, which was used as inspiration for [[Reboost]]. | ||
*No. 7 Fairlady Z — The ''Diaclone'' blue deco was changed to silver for release as [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Toys|Bluestreak]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in a silver deco with a black hood that inspired Bluestreak's character model, and the blue deco was used as inspiration for multiple Bluestreak/"[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Silverstreak]]" toys and [[Bluestreak (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Bluestreak]]. | *'''No. 7 Fairlady Z''' — The ''Diaclone'' blue deco was changed to silver for release as [[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Toys|Bluestreak]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in a silver deco with a black hood that inspired Bluestreak's character model, and the blue deco was used as inspiration for multiple Bluestreak/"[[Bluestreak (G1)/toys#Buzzworthy Bumblebee|Silverstreak]]" toys and [[Bluestreak (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Bluestreak]]. | ||
*No. 8 4WD Wrecker Type — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was changed to green for release as [[Hoist (G1)/toys#Toys|Hoist]]. The red deco was used as inspiration for [[Lift-Ticket (Diaclone)|Lift-Ticket]] and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Hoist (SG)|Hoist]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in lilac as part of the "Double Set" (see below). | *'''No. 8 4WD Wrecker Type''' — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was changed to green for release as [[Hoist (G1)/toys#Toys|Hoist]]. The red deco was used as inspiration for [[Lift-Ticket (Diaclone)|Lift-Ticket]] and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Hoist (SG)|Hoist]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in lilac as part of the "Double Set" (see below). | ||
*No. 9 Honda City Turbo — The ''Diaclone'' blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Skids (G1)#Toys|Skids]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in black and red decos, the former of which was used as inspiration for [[Burn Out (Diaclone)|Burn Out]] and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Skids (SG)|Skids]]. | *'''No. 9 Honda City Turbo''' — The ''Diaclone'' blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Skids (G1)#Toys|Skids]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in black and red decos, the former of which was used as inspiration for [[Burn Out (Diaclone)|Burn Out]] and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Skids (SG)|Skids]]. | ||
*No.10 Fire Engine Ladder Car for High-Rise Buildings/"Fire Truck Long Ladder Type"<ref group="A" name="fire">Car Robo No. 10 is named "Fire Engine Ladder Car for High-Rise Buildings" (消防自動車高層ビル用ハシゴ車) in combined kanji/katakana on its packaging, but "Fire Truck Long Ladder Type" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Inferno (G1)/toys#Toys|Inferno]]. | *'''No.10 Fire Engine Ladder Car for High-Rise Buildings'''/"Fire Truck Long Ladder Type"<ref group="A" name="fire">Car Robo No. 10 is named "Fire Engine Ladder Car for High-Rise Buildings" (消防自動車高層ビル用ハシゴ車) in combined kanji/katakana on its packaging, but "Fire Truck Long Ladder Type" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Inferno (G1)/toys#Toys|Inferno]]. | ||
*No.11 Fairlady Z Racing/"Fairlady Z Racing Type 280 ZX Turbo"<ref group="A" name="racing">Car Robo No. 11 is simply named "Fairlady Z Racing" (フェアレディZ レーシング) in katakana on its packaging, but "Fairlady Z Racing Type 280 ZX Turbo" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Toys|Smokescreen]]. | *'''No.11 Fairlady Z Racing'''/"Fairlady Z Racing Type 280 ZX Turbo"<ref group="A" name="racing">Car Robo No. 11 is simply named "Fairlady Z Racing" (フェアレディZ レーシング) in katakana on its packaging, but "Fairlady Z Racing Type 280 ZX Turbo" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Smokescreen (G1)/toys#Toys|Smokescreen]]. | ||
*No.12 J59 Jeep — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Hound (G1)/toys#Toys|Hound]]. | *'''No.12 J59 Jeep''' — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Hound (G1)/toys#Toys|Hound]]. | ||
*No.13 Police Car Fairlady Z — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Toys|Prowl]]. | *'''No.13 Police Car Fairlady Z''' — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Prowl (G1)/toys#Toys|Prowl]]. | ||
*No.14 Porsche 935 Turbo — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Toys|Jazz]]. | *'''No.14 Porsche 935 Turbo''' — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Jazz (G1)/toys#Toys|Jazz]]. | ||
*No.15 New Countach LP500S — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Toys|Sideswipe]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in a yellow deco, which later became the basis for the ''Transformers'' figure [[Tigertrack#Toys|Tigertrack]]. At least one recorded specimen exists of a third, super-rare black [[variant]] unlikely to have ever seen full production.<ref>[https://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=blackswipe Discovery and authentication of "Black Sideswipe"] at Transformers One</ref> | *'''No.15 New Countach LP500S''' — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Sideswipe (G1)/toys#Toys|Sideswipe]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in a yellow deco, which later became the basis for the ''Transformers'' figure [[Tigertrack#Toys|Tigertrack]]. At least one recorded specimen exists of a third, super-rare black [[variant]] unlikely to have ever seen full production.<ref>[https://www.tf-1.com/articles/pretf_frame.php?art=blackswipe Discovery and authentication of "Black Sideswipe"] at Transformers One</ref> | ||
*No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11 — The ''Diaclone'' blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Mirage (G1)/toys#Toys|Mirage]]. A red version of the ''Diaclone'' figure was exclusively available with the Powered Convoy DX Set (see below). | *'''No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11''' — The ''Diaclone'' blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Mirage (G1)/toys#Toys|Mirage]]. A red version of the ''Diaclone'' figure was exclusively available with the Powered Convoy DX Set (see below). | ||
*No.17 Battle Convoy — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Toys|Optimus Prime]]. | *'''No.17 Battle Convoy''' — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Toys|Optimus Prime]]. | ||
*No.18 Lancia Stratos Turbo — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Toys|Wheeljack]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in a different deco and head, which was used as inspiration for [[Exhaust]]. | *'''No.18 Lancia Stratos Turbo''' — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Wheeljack (G1)/toys#Toys|Wheeljack]]. The ''Diaclone'' version was also available in a different deco and head, which was used as inspiration for [[Exhaust]]. | ||
*No.19 New Countach LP500S Police Car Type/"New Countach Police Car LP500S"<ref group="A" name="policecountach">Car Robo No. 19 is named "New Countach LP500S Police Car Type" (ニューカウンタックLP500S ポリスカータイプ) in katakana on its packaging, but "New Countach Police Car LP500S" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' police deco was changed to a fire chief deco for release as [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Toys|Red Alert]]. The original deco was later released as [[Clampdown (G1)#Toys|Clampdown]]. | *'''No.19 New Countach LP500S Police Car Type'''/"New Countach Police Car LP500S"<ref group="A" name="policecountach">Car Robo No. 19 is named "New Countach LP500S Police Car Type" (ニューカウンタックLP500S ポリスカータイプ) in katakana on its packaging, but "New Countach Police Car LP500S" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' police deco was changed to a fire chief deco for release as [[Red Alert (G1)/toys#Toys|Red Alert]]. The original deco was later released as [[Clampdown (G1)#Toys|Clampdown]]. | ||
*No.20 Crane Car/"Truck Crane"<ref group="A" name="truckcrane">Car Robo No. 20 is named "Crane Car" (クレーン車) in combined katakana/kanji on its packaging, but "Truck Crane" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Grapple (G1)#Toys|Grapple]]. | *'''No.20 Crane Car'''/"Truck Crane"<ref group="A" name="truckcrane">Car Robo No. 20 is named "Crane Car" (クレーン車) in combined katakana/kanji on its packaging, but "Truck Crane" in English.</ref> — The ''Diaclone'' deco was virtually unchanged for release as [[Grapple (G1)#Toys|Grapple]]. | ||
*No.21 Corvette Stingray — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was changed to blue for release as [[Tracks (G1)/toys#Toys|Tracks]]. The ''Diaclone'' red deco was released as Tracks in Europe and later as [[Road Rage (G1)#Toys|Road Rage]], and also inspired [[Tracks (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Tracks]]. The ''Diaclone'' version also received a Finnish exclusive black deco, which was used as inspiration for [[Loudpedal#Masterpiece|Loudpedal]] and the [[Black Tracks|Tracks clone]]. | *'''No.21 Corvette Stingray''' — The ''Diaclone'' red deco was changed to blue for release as [[Tracks (G1)/toys#Toys|Tracks]]. The ''Diaclone'' red deco was released as Tracks in Europe and later as [[Road Rage (G1)#Toys|Road Rage]], and also inspired [[Tracks (SG)|''Shattered Glass'' Tracks]]. The ''Diaclone'' version also received a Finnish exclusive black deco, which was used as inspiration for [[Loudpedal#Masterpiece|Loudpedal]] and the [[Black Tracks|Tracks clone]]. | ||
[[File:Diaclone Powered Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7]] | [[File:Diaclone Powered Convoy.jpg|thumb|upright=1.7]] | ||
*Powered Convoy — The ''Diaclone'' deco was (more or less) reversed for release as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Toys|Ultra Magnus]]. The original deco was later released as "[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#MoviePreview|Ultra Magnus Yokokuhen Version]]". The more common ''Diaclone'' version was available with flat grey plastic parts for his trailer, but a rarer variant changed those to [[vacuum metallizing|chromed]] parts. latter version was also available as part of the "Powered Convoy DX Set" (see below). The "Powered Buggy" (パワードバギー) accessory was excised from all ''Transformers'' releases, though it did inspire the fiction-only character [[Delta Magnus#Notes|Powerdrive]]. The original ''Diaclone'' deco was used as inspiration for [[Delta Magnus]], [[Magna Convoy]], and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]]. | *'''Powered Convoy''' — The ''Diaclone'' deco was (more or less) reversed for release as [[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#Toys|Ultra Magnus]]. The original deco was later released as "[[Ultra Magnus (G1)/toys#MoviePreview|Ultra Magnus Yokokuhen Version]]". The more common ''Diaclone'' version was available with flat grey plastic parts for his trailer, but a rarer variant changed those to [[vacuum metallizing|chromed]] parts. latter version was also available as part of the "Powered Convoy DX Set" (see below). The "Powered Buggy" (パワードバギー) accessory was excised from all ''Transformers'' releases, though it did inspire the fiction-only character [[Delta Magnus#Notes|Powerdrive]]. The original ''Diaclone'' deco was used as inspiration for [[Delta Magnus]], [[Magna Convoy]], and ''Shattered Glass'' [[Ultra Magnus (SG)|Ultra Magnus]]. | ||
;Giftsets | ;Giftsets | ||
*Double Set — lilac version of No. 8 4WD Wrecker Type and silver version of No. 6 Honda City R, called "Honda City S" for this set. | *'''Double Set''' — lilac version of No. 8 4WD Wrecker Type and silver version of No. 6 Honda City R, called "Honda City S" for this set. | ||
*Powered Convoy DX Set — the rarer variant of Powered Convoy with chromed parts for his trailer, along with a red version of No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11 that was exclusive to this set, and an equally exclusive variation of the rare black version of No.15 New Countach LP500S, but now with some parts in blue instead of black plastic in robot mode and additional Lamborghini badge stickers on his doors that weren't present on ''any'' previous version of the figure. This second black version of the New Countach later became the basis for the ''Transformers'' figure [[Deep Cover#Toys|Deep Cover]]. | *'''Powered Convoy DX Set''' — the rarer variant of Powered Convoy with chromed parts for his trailer, along with a red version of No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11 that was exclusive to this set, and an equally exclusive variation of the rare black version of No.15 New Countach LP500S, but now with some parts in blue instead of black plastic in robot mode and additional Lamborghini badge stickers on his doors that weren't present on ''any'' previous version of the figure. This second black version of the New Countach later became the basis for the ''Transformers'' figure [[Deep Cover#Toys|Deep Cover]]. | ||
;Notes | ;Notes | ||
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;Individual figures | ;Individual figures | ||
*No. 1 Bulldozer — orange. ([[Bonecrusher (G1)/toys#Toys|Bonecrusher]]) | *'''No. 1 Bulldozer''' — orange. ([[Bonecrusher (G1)/toys#Toys|Bonecrusher]]) | ||
*No. 2 Power Shovel — orange. ([[Scavenger (G1)/toys#Toys|Scavenger]]) | *'''No. 2 Power Shovel''' — orange. ([[Scavenger (G1)/toys#Toys|Scavenger]]) | ||
*No. 3 Shovel-Dozer/"Tractor Shovel"<ref group="B" name="shovel">The individually released Construction Vehicle Robo No. 3 is named "Shovel-Dozer" (ショベルドーザー) in katakana, but "Tractor Shovel" in English. The "Build Combination 6 Figure Set" giftset still calls the figure "Shovel-Dozer" in katakana, but now has reversed the order of the two parts of the English name to "Shovel Tractor".</ref> — orange. ([[Scrapper (G1)/toys#Toys|Scrapper]]) | *'''No. 3 Shovel-Dozer'''/"Tractor Shovel"<ref group="B" name="shovel">The individually released Construction Vehicle Robo No. 3 is named "Shovel-Dozer" (ショベルドーザー) in katakana, but "Tractor Shovel" in English. The "Build Combination 6 Figure Set" giftset still calls the figure "Shovel-Dozer" in katakana, but now has reversed the order of the two parts of the English name to "Shovel Tractor".</ref> — orange. ([[Scrapper (G1)/toys#Toys|Scrapper]]) | ||
*No. 4 Truck Crane — red. ([[Hook (G1)/toys#Toys|Hook]]) | *'''No. 4 Truck Crane''' — red. ([[Hook (G1)/toys#Toys|Hook]]) | ||
*No. 5 Dump Truck — red. ([[Long Haul (G1)/toys#Toys|Long Haul]]) | *'''No. 5 Dump Truck''' — red. ([[Long Haul (G1)/toys#Toys|Long Haul]]) | ||
*No. 6 Mixer Truck/"Concrete Mixer"<ref group="B" name="mixer">Construction Vehicle Robo No. 6 is named "Mixer Truck" (ミキサー車) in combined katakana/kanji, but "Concrete Mixer" in English. This is repeated with the "Build Combination 6 Figure Set" giftset.</ref>— red. ([[Mixmaster (G1)/toys#Toys|Mixmaster]]) | *'''No. 6 Mixer Truck'''/"Concrete Mixer"<ref group="B" name="mixer">Construction Vehicle Robo No. 6 is named "Mixer Truck" (ミキサー車) in combined katakana/kanji, but "Concrete Mixer" in English. This is repeated with the "Build Combination 6 Figure Set" giftset.</ref>— red. ([[Mixmaster (G1)/toys#Toys|Mixmaster]]) | ||
;Giftsets | ;Giftsets | ||
*Build Combination 6 Figure Set, contains No. 1 Bulldozer, No. 2 Power Shovel, No. 3 Shovel-Dozer/"Shovel Tractor",<ref group="B" name="shovel"/> No. 4 Truck Crane, No. 5 Dump Truck and No. 6 Mixer Truck/"Concrete Mixer".<ref group="B" name="mixer"/> A later running change variant of the [[giftset]] changed the main color of both Truck Crane and Concrete Mixer from red to blue, while the combiner parts were changed from blue to red. These versions were only available as part of the giftset. | *'''Build Combination 6 Figure Set''', contains No. 1 Bulldozer, No. 2 Power Shovel, No. 3 Shovel-Dozer/"Shovel Tractor",<ref group="B" name="shovel"/> No. 4 Truck Crane, No. 5 Dump Truck and No. 6 Mixer Truck/"Concrete Mixer".<ref group="B" name="mixer"/> A later running change variant of the [[giftset]] changed the main color of both Truck Crane and Concrete Mixer from red to blue, while the combiner parts were changed from blue to red. These versions were only available as part of the giftset. | ||
;Notes | ;Notes | ||
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The Dashers were released with minor changes in ''Transformers'' as the [[Powerdasher]]s. Each released solely as "Powerdasher," they did not receive individual names until decades later. | The Dashers were released with minor changes in ''Transformers'' as the [[Powerdasher]]s. Each released solely as "Powerdasher," they did not receive individual names until decades later. | ||
*Sky Dasher — Also released under the name "Sky Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. ([[Cromar#Toys|Cromar]]) | *'''Sky Dasher''' — Also released under the name "Sky Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. ([[Cromar#Toys|Cromar]]) | ||
*Drill Dasher — Also released under the name ""Drill Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. ([[Zetar (G1)#Toys|Zetar]]) | *'''Drill Dasher''' — Also released under the name ""Drill Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. ([[Zetar (G1)#Toys|Zetar]]) | ||
*F-1 Dasher — Also released under the name "F-1 Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. ([[Aragon#Toys|Aragon]]) | *'''F-1 Dasher''' — Also released under the name "F-1 Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. ([[Aragon#Toys|Aragon]]) | ||
{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
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The Dinosaur Robo molds became the [[Dinobot (G1)#Toys|Dinobots]] in ''Transformers''. Duh. All of the TF releases had softer plastic in certain places. There were also several differences in decoes between the ''Diaclone'' and ''Transformers'' versions, mostly the replacement of blue paint with red. | The Dinosaur Robo molds became the [[Dinobot (G1)#Toys|Dinobots]] in ''Transformers''. Duh. All of the TF releases had softer plastic in certain places. There were also several differences in decoes between the ''Diaclone'' and ''Transformers'' versions, mostly the replacement of blue paint with red. | ||
*Tyrannosaurus ([[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Toys|Grimlock]]) | *'''Tyrannosaurus''' ([[Grimlock (G1)/toys#Toys|Grimlock]]) | ||
*Triceratops ([[Slag (G1)/toys#Toys|Slag]]) | *'''Triceratops''' ([[Slag (G1)/toys#Toys|Slag]]) | ||
*Brontosaurus ([[Sludge (G1)#Toys|Sludge]]) | *'''Brontosaurus''' ([[Sludge (G1)#Toys|Sludge]]) | ||
*Stegosaurus ([[Snarl (G1)#Toys|Snarl]]) | *'''Stegosaurus''' ([[Snarl (G1)#Toys|Snarl]]) | ||
*Pteranodon ([[Swoop (G1)/toys#Toys|Swoop]], ''Diaclone'' deco inspired Swoop's animation model) | *'''Pteranodon''' ([[Swoop (G1)/toys#Toys|Swoop]], ''Diaclone'' deco inspired Swoop's animation model) | ||
{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
===Double Changers=== | ===Double Changers=== | ||
[[File:Diaclone Omnibots.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb]] | [[File:Diaclone Omnibots.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb]] | ||
Notably peculiar as some of the only cars released outside of the ''Car Robots'' subline, the Double Changers were released as the [[Omnibot (G1)#Generation 1|Omnibots]]. | |||
*No.1 Savanna RX-7 ([[Camshaft (G1)#Toys|Camshaft]]) | *'''No.1 Savanna RX-7''' ([[Camshaft (G1)#Toys|Camshaft]]) | ||
*No.2 Ferrari BB ([[Overdrive#Toys|Overdrive]]) | *'''No.2 Ferrari BB''' ([[Overdrive#Toys|Overdrive]]) | ||
*No.3 Celica XX ([[Downshift (G1)#Toys|Downshift]]) | *'''No.3 Celica XX''' ([[Downshift (G1)#Toys|Downshift]]) | ||
{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
===Jet Plane F-15 Robo=== | ===Jet Plane F-15 Robo=== | ||
[[File:Diaclone Seekers.jpg|upright=1|thumb]] | [[File:Diaclone Seekers.jpg|upright=1|thumb]] | ||
First released in the short-lived ''Real & Robo'' rebrand of ''Car Robots'' to encompass other real-world vehicles, the F-15 Robo mold was the source for the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seekers]]. The black and purple deco used for [[Skywarp (G1)/toys#Toys|Skywarp]] was created for the ''Transformers'' line. The decoes and remolded wings for the [[Conehead]]s were also original to ''The Transformers''. | |||
* Super-high-speed fighter type ([[Starscream (G1)/toys#Toys|Starscream]]) | * '''Super-high-speed fighter type''' ([[Starscream (G1)/toys#Toys|Starscream]]) | ||
* Acrobat type ([[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Toys|Thundercracker]]) | * '''Acrobat type''' ([[Thundercracker (G1)/toys#Toys|Thundercracker]]) | ||
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;Individual figures | ;Individual figures | ||
*Kabutron/"Beetle-Type" ([[Bombshell (G1)#Toys|Bombshell]]/[[Salvo (G1)#Toys|Salvo]]) | *'''Kabutron'''/"Beetle-Type" ([[Bombshell (G1)#Toys|Bombshell]]/[[Salvo (G1)#Toys|Salvo]]) | ||
*Battas/"Grasshopper-Type" ([[Kickback (G1)#Toys|Kickback]]/[[Shothole#Toys|Shothole]]) | *'''Battas'''/"Grasshopper-Type" ([[Kickback (G1)#Toys|Kickback]]/[[Shothole#Toys|Shothole]]) | ||
*[[Kuwagatrer]]/"Lammelicorns-Type" ([[Shrapnel (G1)#Toys|Shrapnel]]/[[Zaptrap#Toys|Zaptrap]]) | *'''[[Kuwagatrer]]'''/"Lammelicorns-Type" ([[Shrapnel (G1)#Toys|Shrapnel]]/[[Zaptrap#Toys|Zaptrap]]) | ||
;Giftsets | ;Giftsets | ||
*Insector Robo 3 Figure Set, contains "Beetle-Type" Kabutron, "Grasshopper-Type" Battas and "Lammelicorns-Type" Kuwagatrer | *'''Insector Robo 3 Figure Set''', contains "Beetle-Type" Kabutron, "Grasshopper-Type" Battas and "Lammelicorns-Type" Kuwagatrer | ||
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;Individual figures | ;Individual figures | ||
*No. 1 {{w|Tōkaidō Shinkansen|Tōkaidō}} {{w|0 Series Shinkansen|Shinkansen}}<!--東海道新幹線--> ("Machliner", [[Shouki#Toys|Shouki]]) | *'''No. 1 {{w|Tōkaidō Shinkansen|Tōkaidō}} {{w|0 Series Shinkansen|Shinkansen}}'''<!--東海道新幹線--> ("Machliner", [[Shouki#Toys|Shouki]]) | ||
*No. 2 {{w|JNR Class EF65|Class EF65}} {{w|Blue Train (Japan)|Blue Train}}<!--EF65形ブルートレイン--> ("Nightliner", [[Getsuei#Toys|Getsuei]]) | *'''No. 2 {{w|JNR Class EF65|Class EF65}} {{w|Blue Train (Japan)|Blue Train}}'''<!--EF65形ブルートレイン--> ("Nightliner", [[Getsuei#Toys|Getsuei]]) | ||
*No. 3 {{w|Tōhoku Shinkansen|Tōhoku}}-{{w|Jōetsu Shinkansen|Jōetsu}} {{w|200 Series Shinkansen|Shinkansen}}<!--東北・上越新幹線--> ("Snowliner", [[Yukikaze (G1)#Toys|Yukikaze]]) | *'''No. 3 {{w|Tōhoku Shinkansen|Tōhoku}}-{{w|Jōetsu Shinkansen|Jōetsu}} {{w|200 Series Shinkansen|Shinkansen}}'''<!--東北・上越新幹線--> ("Snowliner", [[Yukikaze (G1)#Toys|Yukikaze]]) | ||
*No. 4 {{w|Tōkaidō Main Line|Tokai Type}} 153 Series Express Train<!--東海型153系急行電車--> ("Stormliner", [[Suiken#Toys|Suiken]]) | *'''No. 4 {{w|Tōkaidō Main Line|Tokai Type}} 153 Series Express Train'''<!--東海型153系急行電車--> ("Stormliner", [[Suiken#Toys|Suiken]]) | ||
*No. 5 L-{{w|Limited express|Limited Express}} {{w|485 series|485 Series}} Limited Express Train<!--L特急485系特急列車-->("Plainliner", [[Seizan#Toys|Seizan]]) | *'''No. 5 L-{{w|Limited express|Limited Express}} {{w|485 series|485 Series}} Limited Express Train'''<!--L特急485系特急列車--> ("Plainliner", [[Seizan#Toys|Seizan]]) | ||
*No. 6 {{w|JNR Class DE10|Class DE10}} Diesel Locomotive<!--DE10形ディーゼル機関車--> ("Powerliner", [[Kaen#Toys|Kaen]]) | *'''No. 6 {{w|JNR Class DE10|Class DE10}} Diesel Locomotive'''<!--DE10形ディーゼル機関車--> ("Powerliner", [[Kaen#Toys|Kaen]]) | ||
*No. 7 Tōkaidō Shinkansen, Metallic Type<!--東海道新幹線, メッキタイプ--> ("Silverliner", "[[Silver (G1)|Silver]]") | *'''No. 7 Tōkaidō Shinkansen, Metallic Type'''<!--東海道新幹線, メッキタイプ--> ("Silverliner", "[[Silver (G1)|Silver]]") | ||
*No. 8 {{w|JNR Class ED76|ED76}}, Blue Train-Towing Train<!--ED76, ブルートレインけん引用電車--> ("Battleliner", "[[Battle]]") | *'''No. 8 {{w|JNR Class ED76|ED76}}, Blue Train-Towing Train'''<!--ED76, ブルートレインけん引用電車--> ("Battleliner", "[[Battle]]") | ||
*No. 9 {{w|Doctor Yellow|Dr. Yellow}} Shinkansen, Comprehensive Rail Inspection"<!--Dr.イエロー新幹線, 総合試験車--> ("Yellowliner", [[Doctor (G1)|Doctor]]) | *'''No. 9 {{w|Doctor Yellow|Dr. Yellow}} Shinkansen, Comprehensive Rail Inspection"'''<!--Dr.イエロー新幹線, 総合試験車--> ("Yellowliner", [[Doctor (G1)|Doctor]]) | ||
*No. 10 KuHa {{w|113 series|111 Type}} Express Train<!--クハ111型急行電車--> ("Miracleliner", "[[Miracle (G1)|Miracle]]") | *'''No. 10 KuHa {{w|113 series|111 Type}} Express Train'''<!--クハ111型急行電車--> ("Miracleliner", "[[Miracle (G1)|Miracle]]") | ||
*No. 11 L-Limited Express {{w|583 series|583 Series}} Sleeper Train<!--L特急583系寝台電車--> ("Thunderliner", "[[Thunder (G1)|Thunder]]") | *'''No. 11 L-Limited Express {{w|583 series|583 Series}} Sleeper Train'''<!--L特急583系寝台電車--> ("Thunderliner", "[[Thunder (G1)|Thunder]]") | ||
*No. 12 DE10, Diesel Locomotive, Crystal Type<!--DE10, ディーゼル機関車, クリスタルタイプ--> ("Crystalliner", "[[Crystal (G1)|Crystal]]") | *'''No. 12 DE10, Diesel Locomotive, Crystal Type'''<!--DE10, ディーゼル機関車, クリスタルタイプ--> ("Crystalliner", "[[Crystal (G1)|Crystal]]") | ||
;Giftsets | ;Giftsets | ||
*Train Robo 6 Figure Formation DX Set, collects No. 1 Tōkaidō 0 Series Shinkansen, No. 2 EF65-1000 Blue Train, No. 3 Tōhoku Jōetsu 200 Series Shinkansen, No. 4 Tōkaidō Main Line 153 Express Train, No. 5 L-Limited express 485 and No. 6 DE10 Diesel Locomotive. | *'''Train Robo 6 Figure Formation DX Set''', collects No. 1 Tōkaidō 0 Series Shinkansen, No. 2 EF65-1000 Blue Train, No. 3 Tōhoku Jōetsu 200 Series Shinkansen, No. 4 Tōkaidō Main Line 153 Express Train, No. 5 L-Limited express 485 and No. 6 DE10 Diesel Locomotive. | ||
{{--}} | {{--}} | ||
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Only the Jet Fighter Type [[Triple Changer]] was ever released in the ''Transformers'' line, but the Helicopter Type later inspired three fiction-only characters. [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Toys|Astrotrain]] and [[Octane#Toys|Octane]] may have been in development when the change to the ''Transformers'' brand occurred. | Only the Jet Fighter Type [[Triple Changer]] was ever released in the ''Transformers'' line, but the Helicopter Type later inspired three fiction-only characters. [[Astrotrain (G1)/toys#Toys|Astrotrain]] and [[Octane#Toys|Octane]] may have been in development when the change to the ''Transformers'' brand occurred. | ||
*No. 1 Jet Fighter Type — The ''Diaclone'' dark green and white deco was changed to purple and beige for release as [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Toys|Blitzwing]]. The original deco was later released as [[Overcharge (G1)#Toys|Overcharge]]. | *'''No. 1 Jet Fighter Type''' — The ''Diaclone'' dark green and white deco was changed to purple and beige for release as [[Blitzwing (G1)/toys#Toys|Blitzwing]]. The original deco was later released as [[Overcharge (G1)#Toys|Overcharge]]. | ||
*No. 2 Helicopter Type — Not released as a Transformer, but used as inspiration for the fiction-only characters [[Rotorbolt (Timelines)|Rotorbolt]], [[Skyklik]], and [[Fumes]]. | *'''No. 2 Helicopter Type''' — Not released as a Transformer, but used as inspiration for the fiction-only characters [[Rotorbolt (Timelines)|Rotorbolt]], [[Skyklik]], and [[Fumes]]. | ||
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[[File:Exarchon vs Dia Attacker.jpg|thumb|250px|right]] | [[File:Exarchon vs Dia Attacker.jpg|thumb|250px|right]] | ||
A handful of more fantastical toys from ''Diaclone's'' early years passed over for the ''Transformers'' toyline have inspired fiction-only characters, mostly in the form of background easter eggs. | A handful of more fantastical toys from ''Diaclone's'' early years passed over for the ''Transformers'' toyline have inspired fiction-only characters, mostly in the form of background easter eggs. | ||
* | |||
;1980 | |||
*'''Dia-Battles''' — Used as inspiration for [[Stormbringer]]. | |||
**DA-01 Dia Battles V2 — itself inspired by the original Dia-Battles, this toy from the 2016 ''Diaclone'' reboot was used as inspiration for the ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnation of [[Magmatron#Beast Wars: Uprising|Magmatron]]. | **'''DA-01 Dia Battles V2''' (2016) — itself inspired by the original Dia-Battles, this toy from the 2016 ''Diaclone'' reboot was used as inspiration for the ''[[Beast Wars: Uprising]]'' incarnation of [[Magmatron#Beast Wars: Uprising|Magmatron]]. | ||
*Dianauts — | *'''Diaclone Pilots'''/"Dianauts" — the heroic human pilot minifigures packaged with various Diaclone mecha were used as inspiration for the subtly named toy characters [[Dia Cinders|Dia]], [[Cline]], and [[Diac]], as well as the fiction-only character [[Chifumi Takahashi]]. | ||
* | *'''Robot Base''' — The ''Diaclone'' franchise mascot and guy in the logo, this famous (in Japan) toy better known as "''Great'' Robot Base" was used as inspiration for [[Dimicron Prime]], the [[Town Commander]] representing ''TakaraTomy themselves'' in the [[Cybertron Satellite]] promotion. | ||
**In perhaps the most esoteric pull in ''Diaclone'' history, the [[Microman#GiantRobo|earliest known prototype]]<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The large robot's transformation mechanism was based on the prototype for the unreleased Microman toy, Giant Robo G-1. This robot would later evolve into Diaclone Robot Base.|link=https://twitter.com/_necronomitron_/status/1631449712376315904|site= Twitter|name=Koji Igarashi in p.104 of ''Diaclone World Guide'', translated by Necronomitron|year=2023|month=03|day=03}}</ref> of Great Robot Base was separately used as inspiration for [[Statue of The One|an effigy]] of the mysterious deity known only as [[The One]]. | **In perhaps the most esoteric pull in ''Diaclone'' history, the [[Microman#GiantRobo|earliest known prototype]]<ref>{{citesocial|quote=The large robot's transformation mechanism was based on the prototype for the unreleased Microman toy, Giant Robo G-1. This robot would later evolve into Diaclone Robot Base.|link=https://twitter.com/_necronomitron_/status/1631449712376315904|site= Twitter|name=Koji Igarashi in p.104 of ''Diaclone World Guide'', translated by Necronomitron|year=2023|month=03|day=03}}</ref> of Great Robot Base was separately used as inspiration for [[Statue of The One|an effigy]] of the mysterious deity known only as [[The One]]. | ||
*Gats Blocker — Used as inspiration for an [[Guts Blocker Autobot|unnamed background comic character]]. | ;1981 | ||
*Warudaros — Used as inspiration for the [[Storm Rider]] toy, which was itself then [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[King Waruder]], a riff on the ''Diaclone'' character "''Emperor'' Waruder." We've come full circle or something. | *'''Big Powered''' — Loosely inspired the [[Big Powered|combined mode of the same name]] in late Generation 1 subline ''[[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers (toyline)#1990 (Zone)|Transformers: Zone]]''.<ref>"当初はソニックボン バーとダイアトラスの2体だ けの予定でしたが、開発途中 で「もう1体を追加、3体を 合体させて巨大ジェットにす 「る」という方針変更があり ました。この大型ジェットの名 前は「ビッグパワード」で巨大 なパワードマスターという意 味と、ダイアクロンのアイテム 名のダブルミーニングでした。" - [[TakaraTomy]] designer [[Motoki Takaya]] in an interview on ''Transformers: Zone'' in ''Takara SF Land Evolution'', p 90</ref> | ||
*Waruder | *'''Dia-Attacker''' — Used as inspiration for the original form of [[Exarchon]], arch-villain of the [[2019 IDW continuity|2019-2022 IDW comics]]. | ||
*'''Gats Blocker''' — Used as inspiration for an [[Guts Blocker Autobot|unnamed background comic character]]. | |||
*'''Warudaros''' — Used as inspiration for the [[Storm Rider]] toy, which was itself then [[Repurposing|repurposed]] as [[King Waruder]], a riff on the ''Diaclone'' character "''Emperor'' Waruder." We've come full circle or something. | |||
*'''Waruder Pilots''' — The insectoid opposite number of the heroic Diaclone pilots packed with the Insector Robo, Warudaros, and others, these minifigures were used as inspiration for the [[Beet-Chit]], [[Ripper (Diaclone)|Ripper]], [[Thrasher (Diaclone)|Thrasher]], [[Crusher (Diaclone)|Crusher]], and [[Buzzer (Diaclone)|Buzzer]] toys, as well as their leader, a Thrasher repurpose named [[King Waruder|Daros]]. | |||
;1982 | |||
*'''Fortress Robot X''' — Used as inspiration for, ah, [[Fortress X]]. | |||
===Posthumous ''Diaclone''=== | ===Posthumous ''Diaclone''=== | ||
Revision as of 20:44, 19 June 2023
| The name or term "Diaclone" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Diaclone (disambiguation). |
Diaclone (ダイアクロン Daiakuron) was one of two Takara toy lines (the other being Micro Change) from which the earliest Generation 1 Transformers toys came. Diaclone has proven perhaps the most enduring of the various pre-Transformer brands, subject to a variety of remixes and revivals both within the Transformers brand and without.
Overview
Original toyline

The Diaclone toyline was first introduced in 1980 with a focus on various piloted robots that could transform into various abstract sci-fi vehicles, bases, and creatures. However, in March 1982 toys with alt modes based on realistic, present-day vehicles that many Transformers are known for today began to appear as part of the "Car Robots" sub-line. The first one was the Diaclone predecessor of Sunstreaker, whom Hasbro now considers the first fully-fledged transforming car-to-robot toy ever designed.[1] Its vehicle form was based on an older Takara toy, the "Cosmo Countach" from the Microman "Micro Command" sub-line released in 1978, which transformed into a half-robot, half-car hybrid.[2]
Before the Transformers brand was introduced, Takara directly exported some Diaclone toys to North America under the brand names Diakron and Kronoform, but those lines met with very little success. French toy company Joustra also released various Diaclone figures in Europe under the original Japanese name (sporting unique box art), a few exclusive Revell model kits and even an accompanying mini-comic series, but these also faded into obscurity.
In 1983, Hasbro representatives discovered Diaclone and Micro Change toys at the Tokyo Toy Show, and soon struck a deal to create the Transformers brand.
The 1984 and 1985 Autobot Cars, 1984 Decepticon Planes, 1985 Dinobots, 1985 Constructicons, "standard" Insecticons, Trainbots, Omnibots, Powerdashers, Jumpstarters, Blitzwing, 1984 Optimus Prime, and 1986 Ultra Magnus toys all originated from Diaclone. The reason why many of these toys feature opening cockpits, hatches, or seats is that Diaclone had presented them as lifeless mecha for small driver figures, which were no longer included in their Transformers incarnation.
When Transformers proved an unqualified success, plans for a 1985 Diaclone line were scrapped, and Transformers was imported to Japan in its place. These aborted toys, which would have been part of a sub-line called Jizai Gattai (自在合体, "Limitless Combination") were then incorporated into the Transformers toyline in 1986 as the Aerialbots, Stunticons, Combaticons, Protectobots, and Metroplex.
Diaclone in Transformers
In Japan

In 2002, TakaraTomy's Collector's Edition line branched out from straight-laced Generation 1 re-issues to something that would become a longstanding tradition of the Transformers brand: the plumbing of unused Diaclone decoes of Transformers molds to create new characters. Beginning with a two-pack of Crosscut and Road Rage, this first generation of Diaclone refugees were roundabout one-to-one recreations of the original Diaclone toys exclusive to TakaraTomy's boutique retailer e-HOBBY, using the already queued up Generation 1 molds. Each character received a whimsical bio from ascended superfan and all-around franchise renaissance man Hirofumi Ichikawa casting them as "missing" Generation 1 characters in the style of franchise architect Bob Budiansky's original character profiles.
This practice made the jump to the big leagues in 2013, when the big-budget Masterpiece line built up enough Car Robots molds to begin fishing for redecoes, beginning with former mail-away exclusive Diaclone derivative Tigertrack. Things really kicked into gear two years later with the release of a blue Diaclone version of Bluestreak, whose bio established a longstanding mystery plot as story elements from the Diaclone toyline's scant fiction began leaking into the world of the Transformers. This storyline (again by Ichikawa)[3] reached a fever pitch with the release of Masterpiece Spin-Out in 2020, whose bio textually identified him as a Diaclone mecha brought to life as a Cybertronian by mysterious alien technology!
In the United States

The return of Diaclone to Hasbro markets began with Hasbro's equivalent to e-HOBBY, Fun Publications, finding their own use for Diaclone decoes as characters in their topsy turvy Shattered Glass franchise where the heroic Decepticons battled the evil forces of the Autobots, beginning in 2009 with Shattered Glass Ironhide. As Fun Publications' stories ballooned in scope in the years to come, it was revealed that the "Transcendent Technomorphs," impassive observers at the heart of the Transformers multiverse, had charted out a distant cluster of universes that they named "Cymond," wherein the settings of the various pre-Transformers toylines, Diaclone included, were theoretically imported wholesale into Fun Publications' metafictional in-universe constellation of Transformers franchises.
Fun Publications put their money where their mouth was with "Cybertron's Most Wanted" the 2015 theme of BotCon, Hasbro's official Transformers convention. This year's convention exclusive comic chronicled the incursion of Diaclone's Waruder antagonists straight into the TransTech homeworld of Axiom Nexus and the subsequent collaboration between Diaclone's heroic Dianaut pilots and the inhabitants of Axiom Nexus to repel the Waruder invaders. Accordingly, BotCon 2015's grab bag of exclusive figures included redecoes of existing Transformers toys into the first toys of the original Waruder and Diaclone factions in nearly thirty years! Fun Publications continued to produce the odd bit of Diaclone fiction here and there right up until the very last day of their stewardship of the Transformers license in 2016, with the King Waruder included in their final batch of character profiles.
Going worldwide

Following the realization of Hasbro and TakaraTomy's initiative to standardize the global presence of the Transformers brand in 2018, Generations Selects, the exclusive-oriented arm of the the Generations super-brand, picked up where e-HOBBY and Fun Publications left off. Since its inception Generations Selects has placed a noticeable focus on updates of pre-existing Diaclone-inspired characters, as well as fresh Diaclone remixes of their own, albeit with somewhat less elaborate characterizations. Perhaps the most fantastical Diaclone-related feat thus far in this new era has sprung from the adjacent Shattered Glass Collection subline, with the announcement of a 2022 Leader class figure triple billed as a Shattered Glass, a Masterpiece, and an e-HOBBY character, all three of which were inspired by a single Diaclone toy!
The return

The Diaclone brand proper was revived by TakaraTomy in 2016 as a boutique property aimed at adult collectors with a strong focus on re-imaginings of toys from the original line. Proceeding more or less chronologically through Diaclone history, the first overlap with the Transformers brand came in 2019 with a wave centered around the Dashers, the ancestors of Transformers' Powerdasher trio. In 2021, a new version of Battle Convoy, the toy that became Optimus Prime, was released. This was followed in short order with a new iteration of Powered Convoy, the ancestor of Ultra Magnus, in 2022. Will this lead to more re-imaginings of Car Robots toys? And how does Takara's Masterpiece plotline fit in to all this? Only time will tell.
Toy range (incomplete)
The following list covers all Diaclone releases that were later rereleased as Transformers toys or otherwise inspired Transformers concepts. Diaclone molds with no Transformers relation are generally not listed as they fall outside the purview of this site.
Baku-Ten Attack Robo

Released in the Transformers line as the Jumpstarters.
- Drill Tank Type — Available in two decoes. Dark blue limbs with grey chest or dark blue limbs with red chest. Transformers releases Twin Twist/Salt-Man Z/Robot-Man Z all utilized completely new decoes. The red deco was used as inspiration for (sigh) "Diaclone Universe Twin Twist."
- Jet Type — Available in two decoes. Dark blue chest with red limbs or dark blue chest with grey limbs. Transformers releases Topspin/Salt-Man X/Robot-Man X all utilized completely new decoes.
Car Robots
Both Diaclone's only proper subline imprint and the most significant assortment to Transformers history by a wide margin, Car Robots is the source of Optimus Prime himself as well as the entirety of the 1984-1985 Autobot Cars. More abstractly, it eventually served as the inspiration for the 2000 Transformers franchise of the same name.
- Individual figures

- No. 1 Countach LP500S — The Diaclone red deco was changed to yellow for release as Sunstreaker. The red deco was used as inspiration for Spin-Out and the red Sunstreaker clones.
- No. 2 Onebox Cherry Vanette — The Diaclone black deco was changed to red for release as Ironhide. The original deco was later released as "Ironhide Protect Black" and was used as inspiration for Shattered Glass Ironhide and the DK-2 Guard.
- No. 3 Countach Patrol Car Type — Not released as a Transformer but later used as inspiration for Cordon and the white Sunstreaker clones.
- No. 4 Onebox Ambulance Type — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as Ratchet.
- No. 5 4WD Hilux — The Diaclone black deco was virtually unchanged for release as Trailbreaker. The Diaclone version was also available in blue and yellow decoes, the former of which was used as inspiration for DK-3 Breaker and Shattered Glass Trailbreaker.
- No. 6 Honda City R — The Diaclone silver deco was virtually unchanged for release as Crosscut. The Diaclone version was also available in red, which was used as inspiration for Reboost.
- No. 7 Fairlady Z — The Diaclone blue deco was changed to silver for release as Bluestreak. The Diaclone version was also available in a silver deco with a black hood that inspired Bluestreak's character model, and the blue deco was used as inspiration for multiple Bluestreak/"Silverstreak" toys and Shattered Glass Bluestreak.
- No. 8 4WD Wrecker Type — The Diaclone red deco was changed to green for release as Hoist. The red deco was used as inspiration for Lift-Ticket and Shattered Glass Hoist. The Diaclone version was also available in lilac as part of the "Double Set" (see below).
- No. 9 Honda City Turbo — The Diaclone blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as Skids. The Diaclone version was also available in black and red decos, the former of which was used as inspiration for Burn Out and Shattered Glass Skids.
- No.10 Fire Engine Ladder Car for High-Rise Buildings/"Fire Truck Long Ladder Type"[A 1] — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as Inferno.
- No.11 Fairlady Z Racing/"Fairlady Z Racing Type 280 ZX Turbo"[A 2] — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as Smokescreen.
- No.12 J59 Jeep — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as Hound.
- No.13 Police Car Fairlady Z — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as Prowl.
- No.14 Porsche 935 Turbo — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as Jazz.
- No.15 New Countach LP500S — The Diaclone red deco was virtually unchanged for release as Sideswipe. The Diaclone version was also available in a yellow deco, which later became the basis for the Transformers figure Tigertrack. At least one recorded specimen exists of a third, super-rare black variant unlikely to have ever seen full production.[4]
- No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11 — The Diaclone blue deco was virtually unchanged for release as Mirage. A red version of the Diaclone figure was exclusively available with the Powered Convoy DX Set (see below).
- No.17 Battle Convoy — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as Optimus Prime.
- No.18 Lancia Stratos Turbo — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as Wheeljack. The Diaclone version was also available in a different deco and head, which was used as inspiration for Exhaust.
- No.19 New Countach LP500S Police Car Type/"New Countach Police Car LP500S"[A 3] — The Diaclone police deco was changed to a fire chief deco for release as Red Alert. The original deco was later released as Clampdown.
- No.20 Crane Car/"Truck Crane"[A 4] — The Diaclone deco was virtually unchanged for release as Grapple.
- No.21 Corvette Stingray — The Diaclone red deco was changed to blue for release as Tracks. The Diaclone red deco was released as Tracks in Europe and later as Road Rage, and also inspired Shattered Glass Tracks. The Diaclone version also received a Finnish exclusive black deco, which was used as inspiration for Loudpedal and the Tracks clone.

- Powered Convoy — The Diaclone deco was (more or less) reversed for release as Ultra Magnus. The original deco was later released as "Ultra Magnus Yokokuhen Version". The more common Diaclone version was available with flat grey plastic parts for his trailer, but a rarer variant changed those to chromed parts. latter version was also available as part of the "Powered Convoy DX Set" (see below). The "Powered Buggy" (パワードバギー) accessory was excised from all Transformers releases, though it did inspire the fiction-only character Powerdrive. The original Diaclone deco was used as inspiration for Delta Magnus, Magna Convoy, and Shattered Glass Ultra Magnus.
- Giftsets
- Double Set — lilac version of No. 8 4WD Wrecker Type and silver version of No. 6 Honda City R, called "Honda City S" for this set.
- Powered Convoy DX Set — the rarer variant of Powered Convoy with chromed parts for his trailer, along with a red version of No.16 F-1 Ligier JS11 that was exclusive to this set, and an equally exclusive variation of the rare black version of No.15 New Countach LP500S, but now with some parts in blue instead of black plastic in robot mode and additional Lamborghini badge stickers on his doors that weren't present on any previous version of the figure. This second black version of the New Countach later became the basis for the Transformers figure Deep Cover.
- Notes
- ↑ Car Robo No. 10 is named "Fire Engine Ladder Car for High-Rise Buildings" (消防自動車高層ビル用ハシゴ車) in combined kanji/katakana on its packaging, but "Fire Truck Long Ladder Type" in English.
- ↑ Car Robo No. 11 is simply named "Fairlady Z Racing" (フェアレディZ レーシング) in katakana on its packaging, but "Fairlady Z Racing Type 280 ZX Turbo" in English.
- ↑ Car Robo No. 19 is named "New Countach LP500S Police Car Type" (ニューカウンタックLP500S ポリスカータイプ) in katakana on its packaging, but "New Countach Police Car LP500S" in English.
- ↑ Car Robo No. 20 is named "Crane Car" (クレーン車) in combined katakana/kanji on its packaging, but "Truck Crane" in English.
Construction Vehicle Robo

The original Diaclone decos featured predominantly blue combiner parts. All six received new, uniform green and purple color schemes for release in the Transformers line as the Constructicons. The figures were also available as part of the European release of the Transformers toyline in yellow instead of green, and were later also re-released in yellow as part of the Generation 2 toyline in the United States and Canada, plus rarer orange variants that were only available in the United States.
- Individual figures
- No. 1 Bulldozer — orange. (Bonecrusher)
- No. 2 Power Shovel — orange. (Scavenger)
- No. 3 Shovel-Dozer/"Tractor Shovel"[B 1] — orange. (Scrapper)
- No. 4 Truck Crane — red. (Hook)
- No. 5 Dump Truck — red. (Long Haul)
- No. 6 Mixer Truck/"Concrete Mixer"[B 2]— red. (Mixmaster)
- Giftsets
- Build Combination 6 Figure Set, contains No. 1 Bulldozer, No. 2 Power Shovel, No. 3 Shovel-Dozer/"Shovel Tractor",[B 1] No. 4 Truck Crane, No. 5 Dump Truck and No. 6 Mixer Truck/"Concrete Mixer".[B 2] A later running change variant of the giftset changed the main color of both Truck Crane and Concrete Mixer from red to blue, while the combiner parts were changed from blue to red. These versions were only available as part of the giftset.
- Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 The individually released Construction Vehicle Robo No. 3 is named "Shovel-Dozer" (ショベルドーザー) in katakana, but "Tractor Shovel" in English. The "Build Combination 6 Figure Set" giftset still calls the figure "Shovel-Dozer" in katakana, but now has reversed the order of the two parts of the English name to "Shovel Tractor".
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Construction Vehicle Robo No. 6 is named "Mixer Truck" (ミキサー車) in combined katakana/kanji, but "Concrete Mixer" in English. This is repeated with the "Build Combination 6 Figure Set" giftset.
Dashers

The Dashers were released with minor changes in Transformers as the Powerdashers. Each released solely as "Powerdasher," they did not receive individual names until decades later.
- Sky Dasher — Also released under the name "Sky Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. (Cromar)
- Drill Dasher — Also released under the name ""Drill Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. (Zetar)
- F-1 Dasher — Also released under the name "F-1 Robot" as a Revell model kit in Europe. (Aragon)
Dinosaur Robo

The Dinosaur Robo molds became the Dinobots in Transformers. Duh. All of the TF releases had softer plastic in certain places. There were also several differences in decoes between the Diaclone and Transformers versions, mostly the replacement of blue paint with red.
- Tyrannosaurus (Grimlock)
- Triceratops (Slag)
- Brontosaurus (Sludge)
- Stegosaurus (Snarl)
- Pteranodon (Swoop, Diaclone deco inspired Swoop's animation model)
Double Changers

Notably peculiar as some of the only cars released outside of the Car Robots subline, the Double Changers were released as the Omnibots.
Jet Plane F-15 Robo

First released in the short-lived Real & Robo rebrand of Car Robots to encompass other real-world vehicles, the F-15 Robo mold was the source for the Seekers. The black and purple deco used for Skywarp was created for the Transformers line. The decoes and remolded wings for the Coneheads were also original to The Transformers.
- Super-high-speed fighter type (Starscream)
- Acrobat type (Thundercracker)
Insecter Robo

In Diaclone, these were mechs used by the Waruders, the "bad guys" of that universe. In Transformers they were released as the Insecticons with new purple, black, and yellow decoes. Much later, the Diaclone decos were released as the e-HOBBY exclusive Insecticon Clones.
- Individual figures
- Kabutron/"Beetle-Type" (Bombshell/Salvo)
- Battas/"Grasshopper-Type" (Kickback/Shothole)
- Kuwagatrer/"Lammelicorns-Type" (Shrapnel/Zaptrap)
- Giftsets
- Insector Robo 3 Figure Set, contains "Beetle-Type" Kabutron, "Grasshopper-Type" Battas and "Lammelicorns-Type" Kuwagatrer
Train Robo

The Train Robo molds were only released as Transformers in Japan during the Headmasters franchise. There were two color variations released for the Diaclone line, making 12 individual trains total. Numbers 1-6 were standard retail decoes released both individually and as a gift set. It was this deco that was virtually unchanged for release as Raiden and his components the Trainbots.
Numbers 7-12 are much rarer and were never released as a giftset. These decoes were used as inspiration for G Liner and the "prototype Trainbots."
- Individual figures
- No. 1 Tōkaidō Shinkansen ("Machliner", Shouki)
- No. 2 Class EF65 Blue Train ("Nightliner", Getsuei)
- No. 3 Tōhoku-Jōetsu Shinkansen ("Snowliner", Yukikaze)
- No. 4 Tokai Type 153 Series Express Train ("Stormliner", Suiken)
- No. 5 L-Limited Express 485 Series Limited Express Train ("Plainliner", Seizan)
- No. 6 Class DE10 Diesel Locomotive ("Powerliner", Kaen)
- No. 7 Tōkaidō Shinkansen, Metallic Type ("Silverliner", "Silver")
- No. 8 ED76, Blue Train-Towing Train ("Battleliner", "Battle")
- No. 9 Dr. Yellow Shinkansen, Comprehensive Rail Inspection" ("Yellowliner", Doctor)
- No. 10 KuHa 111 Type Express Train ("Miracleliner", "Miracle")
- No. 11 L-Limited Express 583 Series Sleeper Train ("Thunderliner", "Thunder")
- No. 12 DE10, Diesel Locomotive, Crystal Type ("Crystalliner", "Crystal")
- Giftsets
- Train Robo 6 Figure Formation DX Set, collects No. 1 Tōkaidō 0 Series Shinkansen, No. 2 EF65-1000 Blue Train, No. 3 Tōhoku Jōetsu 200 Series Shinkansen, No. 4 Tōkaidō Main Line 153 Express Train, No. 5 L-Limited express 485 and No. 6 DE10 Diesel Locomotive.
Triplechangers

Only the Jet Fighter Type Triple Changer was ever released in the Transformers line, but the Helicopter Type later inspired three fiction-only characters. Astrotrain and Octane may have been in development when the change to the Transformers brand occurred.
- No. 1 Jet Fighter Type — The Diaclone dark green and white deco was changed to purple and beige for release as Blitzwing. The original deco was later released as Overcharge.
- No. 2 Helicopter Type — Not released as a Transformer, but used as inspiration for the fiction-only characters Rotorbolt, Skyklik, and Fumes.
Early Diaclone

A handful of more fantastical toys from Diaclone's early years passed over for the Transformers toyline have inspired fiction-only characters, mostly in the form of background easter eggs.
- 1980
- Dia-Battles — Used as inspiration for Stormbringer.
- DA-01 Dia Battles V2 (2016) — itself inspired by the original Dia-Battles, this toy from the 2016 Diaclone reboot was used as inspiration for the Beast Wars: Uprising incarnation of Magmatron.
- Diaclone Pilots/"Dianauts" — the heroic human pilot minifigures packaged with various Diaclone mecha were used as inspiration for the subtly named toy characters Dia, Cline, and Diac, as well as the fiction-only character Chifumi Takahashi.
- Robot Base — The Diaclone franchise mascot and guy in the logo, this famous (in Japan) toy better known as "Great Robot Base" was used as inspiration for Dimicron Prime, the Town Commander representing TakaraTomy themselves in the Cybertron Satellite promotion.
- In perhaps the most esoteric pull in Diaclone history, the earliest known prototype[5] of Great Robot Base was separately used as inspiration for an effigy of the mysterious deity known only as The One.
- 1981
- Big Powered — Loosely inspired the combined mode of the same name in late Generation 1 subline Transformers: Zone.[6]
- Dia-Attacker — Used as inspiration for the original form of Exarchon, arch-villain of the 2019-2022 IDW comics.
- Gats Blocker — Used as inspiration for an unnamed background comic character.
- Warudaros — Used as inspiration for the Storm Rider toy, which was itself then repurposed as King Waruder, a riff on the Diaclone character "Emperor Waruder." We've come full circle or something.
- Waruder Pilots — The insectoid opposite number of the heroic Diaclone pilots packed with the Insector Robo, Warudaros, and others, these minifigures were used as inspiration for the Beet-Chit, Ripper, Thrasher, Crusher, and Buzzer toys, as well as their leader, a Thrasher repurpose named Daros.
- 1982
- Fortress Robot X — Used as inspiration for, ah, Fortress X.
Posthumous Diaclone
Diaclone's final contribution to the Transformers brand came in the form of the bevvy of product halfway through the pipeline when the line was shelved in favor of Transformers in 1985. This is widely postulated to be the source of the bulk of the new-mold Takara vehicle Transformers for the years of 1984 through 1986. While there is no hard delineation where TakaraTomy "stopped making Diaclone" and "started making Transformers," June 1985 can be seen as something of a "final deadline" as the month where TakaraTomy debuted The Transformers at the "Tokyo Toy Show" trade show and Hasbro began shipping design bibles full of data on the 1986 toy assortments to Marvel and Sunbow Productions.
Triplechangers Reloaded
- A Diaclone patent of a locomotive/space shuttle robot presumably slated for a second wave of Triple Changers filed in December of 1984 is pretty unmistakably a near-finalized Astrotrain.
- This one's pushing it, but a very early concept draft of a tanker truck/jet robot[7] with a transformation scheme that can be pegged to the earliest known prototype[8] of Octane can be dated to March 2, 1985.
The Scramble Saga

"Jizai Gattai" (自在合体, roughly "Limitless Combination"), later "Diaclone Scramble Combination" (ダイアクロン・スクランブル合体 Daiakuron Scramble Gattai),[9] was to be the primary theme for Diaclone's 1985 assortment, a modular play pattern consisting of smaller robots that could form arms or legs for larger torsos, all centered around one of Diaclone's trademark baseformers. This concept was refitted for Transformers and became the Scramble City subline of the Japanese Transformers toyline, also known as the "Special Teams" in the European toyline or "all those 1986 combiner guys" in the United States. The central base became Metroplex.
"Jizai Gattai" prototypes known to have been developed into specific Transformers include:
- New Robot Base — developed into Metroplex[10]
- Jizai Gattai Trailer Robo — developed into Motormaster / Menasor[10]
- Concorde torso robot — Silverbolt / Superion[9]
- Fire truck torso robot — Hot Spot / Defensor[9]
- Tank torso robot — Onslaught / Bruticus[9][11]
Known limb robot prototypes included five jets, four cars, two helicopters, two motorcycles, one ambulance, one racecar, and a police car,[9] though anything further would be speculative at best, particularly given specific "teams" of components did not yet exist as we know them today.
This line likely inspired the in-fiction "Free-Combination" (自由合体 Jiyū Gattai) ability of the original Special Teams' later Operation Combination redecoes.
Contemporary international Diaclone releases
- Like Transformers itself, Diaclone was also released in other countries, in some cases licensed to other companies:
- United States
Takara themselves had a short run in the U.S. market under the name Diakron, featuring three toys that were later released as Transformers in different colors. This was followed by Kronoform, which featured toys that were not released as Transformers by Hasbro.
- Finland
Takara themselves released toys in Finland under the name Diaclone, sharing elements of the packaging design with GiG's Trasformer line. This release is notable for a unique black version of the Corvette Stingray (pre-Loudpedal).
- Italy
Italian company GiG initially released toys under the name Diaclone, but soon changed it to Trasformer [sic]. Whether GiG was copying Hasbro or the other way round is unclear; however, Trasformer did feature a blend of Diaclone toys and elements original to Hasbro's Transformers line, possibly due to production reasons.
- France, Germany, Belgium and Netherlands
French company Joustra released the toys under the name Diaclone in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, featuring a blend of Micro Change and Diaclone toys with unique packaging designs and origin stories, but eventually sporting factory-applied Autobot or Decepticon stickers, also due to production reasons.
Fiction
Animated cartoon
Wyatt Toys advertised Diaclone and Microman toys for sale in the Detroit Powell Press. The AllSpark Almanac
Transtech
Masterpiece toy bios
Notes
- Diaclone is a portmanteau of "diamond" and "cyclone": "unbreakable as a diamond, powerful as a cyclone".[12]
- "Cymond," the name for Diaclone's location in the in-fiction multiverse, was devised by longtime Transformers contributor Hirofumi Ichikawa as an inversion of the original portmanteau (cyclone + diamond).[13]
- Designs from Diaclone were plagiarized for the Korean animated movie Diatron 5 (다이아트론5), which for a time haunted Walmart dollar bins as Space Transformers.
- General Motors stopped using the "Stingray" name after the 1976 model year through 2013. Though the Corvette mold is obviously a 1980 to 1982 model year, Takara incorrectly called it a Stingray.
See also
References
- ↑ Hasbro press release for the 2010 Transformers Hall of Fame inductees
- ↑ "Micro Command" toys, including the Cosmo Countach
- ↑ "Not all, but yes. I wrote most of Diaclone/Microchange repaints bios, except MP Tigertrack/Clamp Down/Bluestreak/Enemy & other cassettes (though I did original e-Hobby and Encore)."—Hirofumi Ichikawa, Twitter, 2022/12/18
- ↑ Discovery and authentication of "Black Sideswipe" at Transformers One
- ↑ "The large robot's transformation mechanism was based on the prototype for the unreleased Microman toy, Giant Robo G-1. This robot would later evolve into Diaclone Robot Base."—Koji Igarashi in p.104 of Diaclone World Guide, translated by Necronomitron, Twitter, 2023/03/03
- ↑ "当初はソニックボン バーとダイアトラスの2体だ けの予定でしたが、開発途中 で「もう1体を追加、3体を 合体させて巨大ジェットにす 「る」という方針変更があり ました。この大型ジェットの名 前は「ビッグパワード」で巨大 なパワードマスターという意 味と、ダイアクロンのアイテム 名のダブルミーニングでした。" - TakaraTomy designer Motoki Takaya in an interview on Transformers: Zone in Takara SF Land Evolution, p 90
- ↑ Diaclone concept art of Octane at the Space Bridge Transformers Archive
- ↑ Diaclone(ish) Octane prototype at the Space Bridge Transformers Archive
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 "Diaclone Scramble Combination" trade show display taken from a December 1984 trade journal presented in The Toys That Made Us.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Takara SF Land p. 113
- ↑ May 1985 Diaclone tank torso robot patent.
- ↑ "Teammates united by a bond as unbreakable as diamond, they fight with the unyielding force of a cyclone to protect our world... The Diaclone Corps, Earth's defense force!"—1980 Diaclone catalog, translated by Necronomitron, Twitter, 2023/02/24
- ↑ Post on the Allspark Forums by Jim Sorenson (archived)
External links
- Diaclone at Japanese Wikipedia
- Diaclone.Net fansite
- Diaclone at the Pre-Transformers Page
- Diaclone® Action Figure Collectors' Guide At TransFormerLand
- Diaclone's modern incarnation at the TakaraTomy website


