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!

Robot Masters 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 all-new new mold created for the line received at least one redeco, and the line itself was the sister range to the US'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 Robot Masters 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 Robot Masters treatment. However, this poll also included the likes of Road Rocket, who got a Robot Masters release anyway, so make of that what you will.

Media

The Robot Masters storyline was told through four outlets:

• A cartoon series.
• A pack-in comic series.
• An online comic series.
• A 3D diorama manga.

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

Toys

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

Wave 1 (July 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 2004)

• RM-11 Beast Convoy
• RM-12 Starscream

Wave 3 (September 2004)

• RM-13 Smokesniper
• RM-14 Gigant Bomb

Wave 4 (November 28, 2004)

• RM-15 Star Saber
• RM-16 Victory Leo
• RM-17 Victory Saber

Wave 5 (December 2004)

• RM-18 Road Rocket
• RM-19 Double Face
• RM-20 Delta Seeker vs X-Gunner

Wave 6 (January 2004)

• RM-21 Burning Beast Convoy + DVD

Wave 7 (March 2004)

• RM-22 Lio Convoy
• RM-23 Lio Convoy + DVD

Wave 8 (May 2004)

• RM-24 Reverse Convoy/Rebirth Megatron

Robot Masters Edition (August 11, 2005)

• Skywarp & Thundercracker

Magazine Specials & Exclusives

• Beast Convoy (Black, Hobby Japan)
• Beast Megatron (Black, HyperHobby)
• Cybertron Base (Contest prize)
• G1 Convoy (Black, Dengeki Hobby)
• Lio Convoy (Black, Dengeki Hobby)
• Starscream (Black, Figure-Ō)
• Victory Saber (Black, e-HOBBY)

External links

• Takara's Robot Masters homepage
• Actas Inc. (archived)