Transformers: Generation 2 (toyline): Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
[[ | [[File:G2Prime toy.jpg|left|thumb|Optimus Prime's first G2 toy, essentially a re-release of the original toy but with a new [[soundbox]] and weapons.]] | ||
Initially, the line featured re-releases of several [[The Transformers (toyline)|"Generation 1" toys]] with new accessories and tweaked decos, alongside several molds that had been recently released as part of the European-market line (many of which would be ''re''-released in Europe under the ''Generation 2'' banner.) | Initially, the line featured re-releases of several [[The Transformers (toyline)|"Generation 1" toys]] with new accessories and tweaked decos, alongside several molds that had been recently released as part of the European-market line (many of which would be ''re''-released in Europe under the ''Generation 2'' banner.) | ||
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These last groups also featured unprecedented articulation. | These last groups also featured unprecedented articulation. | ||
[[ | [[File:G2Megatron toy.jpg|right|thumb|G2 Megatron, one of the line's more famous molds.]] | ||
Multiple new versions of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] were also released: though Optimus's original toy saw re-release with tweaked deco and new accessories, Megatron received the first all-new mold of the line early on as a colossal tank, as making him a handgun no longer seemed feasible. Both characters would receive multiple toys over the course of the line, in the form of both new molds and redecoes of previous characters' toys. Late in the line's run, [[Hasbro]] would use the same general tactic, applying numerous Generation 1 characters to toy redecoes in the hopes of stirring up nostalgic interest. | Multiple new versions of [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] were also released: though Optimus's original toy saw re-release with tweaked deco and new accessories, Megatron received the first all-new mold of the line early on as a colossal tank, as making him a handgun no longer seemed feasible. Both characters would receive multiple toys over the course of the line, in the form of both new molds and redecoes of previous characters' toys. Late in the line's run, [[Hasbro]] would use the same general tactic, applying numerous Generation 1 characters to toy redecoes in the hopes of stirring up nostalgic interest. | ||
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==Decline and cancelation== | ==Decline and cancelation== | ||
[[ | [[File:G2-toy MantaRay.jpg|left|upright=1.1|thumb|Manta Ray, one of the awesome awesome awesome [[Rotor Force]] toys, which, if we haven't mentioned it yet, are awesome.]] | ||
The series debuted to lackluster sales, despite featuring fan-favorites like the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Some fans blamed [[Neon|color selections]], but it seems ''far'' more likely that it was simply a case of bad timing combined with too much product "your older brother has in the attic". Kids still weren't into robots that turned into cars at the time, it seems, and the "older nostalgic" market (which can rarely sustain a major toy brand at nationwide retail even today) was downright microscopic at the time. Being up against the then-new ''[[Saban Entertainment|Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'', the still-popular ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' brand and the ever-growing popularity of home video game consoles certainly didn't help. The toyline also was not supported by a new cartoon, relying instead on [[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|repackaged G1 episodes]]. | The series debuted to lackluster sales, despite featuring fan-favorites like the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] and [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]]. Some fans blamed [[Neon|color selections]], but it seems ''far'' more likely that it was simply a case of bad timing combined with too much product "your older brother has in the attic". Kids still weren't into robots that turned into cars at the time, it seems, and the "older nostalgic" market (which can rarely sustain a major toy brand at nationwide retail even today) was downright microscopic at the time. Being up against the then-new ''[[Saban Entertainment|Mighty Morphin Power Rangers]]'', the still-popular ''Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles'' brand and the ever-growing popularity of home video game consoles certainly didn't help. The toyline also was not supported by a new cartoon, relying instead on [[Transformers: Generation 2 (cartoon)|repackaged G1 episodes]]. | ||
[[ | [[File:G2 Jolt toy.jpg|right|upright=0.85|thumb|Jolt, one of the super-posable [[Laser Rod]] toys.]] | ||
''Generation 2'' was ended after about two and a half years, with several new products trapped in development limbo. A handful saw release in the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (European toyline)|European market]] (namely the [[Power Master]]s), but most of those canceled new molds stayed unreleased for years. As Hasbro had recently acquired [[Kenner]], and the ''Transformers'' franchise was facing extinction, the decision was made to shift the boys'-toy production to Kenner and take ''Transformers'' in a different direction to hopefully revitalize the seemingly-tired concept... ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]''. | ''Generation 2'' was ended after about two and a half years, with several new products trapped in development limbo. A handful saw release in the [[Transformers: Generation 2 (European toyline)|European market]] (namely the [[Power Master]]s), but most of those canceled new molds stayed unreleased for years. As Hasbro had recently acquired [[Kenner]], and the ''Transformers'' franchise was facing extinction, the decision was made to shift the boys'-toy production to Kenner and take ''Transformers'' in a different direction to hopefully revitalize the seemingly-tired concept... ''[[Beast Wars: Transformers (franchise)|Beast Wars]]''. | ||
{{-}} | {{-}} | ||
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==1993== | ==1993== | ||
===[[Autobot]]s=== | ===[[Autobot]]s=== | ||
[[ | [[File:G1G2 Skram toy.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Skram, a re-used late-Generation 1 mold from Europe.]] | ||
[[ | [[File:G2Bumblebee Minicar toy.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Bumblebee]] | ||
[[ | [[File:G2 Gobots toy.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Gobots]] | ||
'''Leader''' | '''Leader''' | ||
*[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Optimus Prime]] | *[[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Optimus Prime]] | ||
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===[[Decepticon]]s=== | ===[[Decepticon]]s=== | ||
[[ | [[File:G2 Ramjet toy.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Ramjet]] | ||
[[ | [[File:G2Devastator toy.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Devastator]] | ||
'''Leader''' | '''Leader''' | ||
*[[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Megatron]] | *[[Megatron (G1)/toys#Generation 2|Megatron]] | ||
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==1994== | ==1994== | ||
===Autobots=== | ===Autobots=== | ||
[[ | [[File:G2superion toy.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Superion]] | ||
'''[[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]''' | '''[[Aerialbot (G1)|Aerialbots]]''' | ||
*[[Air Raid (G1)#Generation 2 2|Air Raid]] | *[[Air Raid (G1)#Generation 2 2|Air Raid]] | ||
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===Decepticons=== | ===Decepticons=== | ||
[[ | [[File:G2bruticus.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Bruticus, after a run-in with [[Professor Princess]] perhaps?]] | ||
'''[[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]''' | '''[[Combaticon (G1)|Combaticons]]''' | ||
*[[Blast Off (G1)#Generation 2 2|Blast Off]] | *[[Blast Off (G1)#Generation 2 2|Blast Off]] | ||
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==1995== | ==1995== | ||
===Autobots=== | ===Autobots=== | ||
[[ | [[File:G2-toy Firecracker.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|Firecracker]] | ||
[[ | [[File:G2RoadRocket-toy.jpg|right|upright=1.67|thumb|Road Rocket]] | ||
'''Leader''' | '''Leader''' | ||
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===Decepticons=== | ===Decepticons=== | ||
[[ | [[File:HooliganG2-toy.jpg|right|upright=1.1|thumb|Hooligan]] | ||
'''[[Auto Roller]]s''' | '''[[Auto Roller]]s''' | ||
*[[Dirtbag]] | *[[Dirtbag]] | ||
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'''Advanced Tactical Bomber (A.T.B.)''' | '''Advanced Tactical Bomber (A.T.B.)''' | ||
[[ | [[File:G2toy ATB megs and screamer.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Super mega rare, as good as unreleased]] | ||
*[[Megatron (G1)/toys#ATB|Megatron]] with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#ATB|Starscream]] | *[[Megatron (G1)/toys#ATB|Megatron]] with [[Starscream (G1)/toys#ATB|Starscream]] | ||
{{Note|ATB Megatron was only released to test markets in Ohio in very limited quantities. The toy was never available as a wide release.}} | {{Note|ATB Megatron was only released to test markets in Ohio in very limited quantities. The toy was never available as a wide release.}} | ||
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==Unreleased== | ==Unreleased== | ||
'''Auto Rollers''' | '''Auto Rollers''' | ||
*[[: | *[[:File:Un autorollers.jpg|General Optimus Prime]] | ||
*[[: | *[[:File:Un autorollers.jpg|Sgt. Hound]] | ||
*[[: | *[[:File:G2Autolauncher.jpg|Unknown APC]] (later became [[Autolauncher]]) | ||
*[[: | *[[:File:G2AutoJetter.jpg|Unknown jet]] (later became [[Autojetter]]) | ||
'''Combat Heroes''' | '''Combat Heroes''' | ||
*[[: | *[[:File:CombatHeroMegatron.jpg|Combat Hero Megatron]] | ||
*[[: | *[[:File:CombatHeroPrime.jpg|Combat Hero Optimus Prime]] | ||
'''Go-Bots''' | '''Go-Bots''' | ||
*[[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]] and the [[Go-Bots Racing Rig]] | *[[Greasepit (G2)|Greasepit]] and the [[Go-Bots Racing Rig]] | ||
*"Vinny's Pro Stock" (evidently [[Rumble (G1)#Generation | *"Vinny's Pro Stock" (evidently [[Rumble (G1)#Generation 2 2|Rumble]], later became [[Side Swipe (RID)|Side Swipe]]) | ||
[[ | [[File:G2GoBotsUnmadeJeepAndCar.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|And then Skywarp rigged the car wash to spray paint instead! It was ''hi''-larious.]] | ||
*"[[: | *"[[:File:G2Go-BotGTPRacer.jpg|GTP Racer]]" (later became [[Daytonus]]) | ||
*"[[: | *"[[:File:G2Go-Bot911PoliceCar.jpg|911 Police Car]]" (later became [[Prowl (RID)|Prowl]]/[[Prowl 2]]) | ||
*"[[:File:G2Go-BotBlackViper.jpg|Black Viper]]" (later became [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]])<ref>Designations for four unreleased Go-Bots from the [[BotCon 1996]] "Toys For Tots" charity auction listings. Note that "Vinny's Pro Stock" is an inaccurate reading of the sponsor logos on "Rumble" — they actually read "Vinny's Pizza" and "Jerry's Motors", with "Pro Stock" underneath each respective logo.</ref> | *"[[:File:G2Go-BotBlackViper.jpg|Black Viper]]" (later became [[Side Burn (RID)|Side Burn]])<ref>Designations for four unreleased Go-Bots from the [[BotCon 1996]] "Toys For Tots" charity auction listings. Note that "Vinny's Pro Stock" is an inaccurate reading of the sponsor logos on "Rumble" — they actually read "Vinny's Pizza" and "Jerry's Motors", with "Pro Stock" underneath each respective logo.</ref> | ||
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'''Laser Cycles''' | '''Laser Cycles''' | ||
*[[: | *[[:File:LaserCycleJazz.jpg|Jazz]] | ||
*[[: | *[[:File:LaserCycleSoundwave.jpg|Soundwave]] | ||
[[ | [[File:G2 Menasor and G2 Defensor.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67|Rare. Rare like a mooing steak.]] | ||
'''Stunticons''' | '''Stunticons''' | ||
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==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
[[ | [[File:UnmadeVideoCameraMegatron.jpg|thumb|upright=1.67]] | ||
*Artwork, packaging mock-ups and hand painted prototypes for various toys seemingly intended for release in the ''Generation 2'' toyline have surfaced over the years. Among them: | *Artwork, packaging mock-ups and hand painted prototypes for various toys seemingly intended for release in the ''Generation 2'' toyline have surfaced over the years. Among them: | ||
**[[: | **[[:File:G2SludgeBoxart.jpg|Sludge]], [[:File:Swoop iconic.jpg|Swoop]], and another version of [[:File:G2GrimlockArtwork.jpg|Grimlock]]. | ||
**Recolored card art of [[Power Master]] Ironhide, in yellow and blue, attached to packaging mock-ups bearing the names [[Belzone]], [[Light Speed]], and [[Pothole]]. | **Recolored card art of [[Power Master]] Ironhide, in yellow and blue, attached to packaging mock-ups bearing the names [[Belzone]], [[Light Speed]], and [[Pothole]]. | ||
**Recolored card art of [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] as a new character named [[Sandstorm (G2)|Sandstorm]] and a "black death" version of [[: | **Recolored card art of [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]] as a new character named [[Sandstorm (G2)|Sandstorm]] and a "black death" version of [[:File:G2BlackDeathStarscreamMockup.jpg|Starscream]] (the latter also found in [[:File:G2BlackDeathStarscreamProductionColor.jpg|production colors]]). | ||
**Hand-painted samples of a jungle themed [[: | **Hand-painted samples of a jungle themed [[:File:G2SSJungleprotojet.jpg|Starscream]], blue sky themed [[:File:WhizBangNavyRamjetRedeco.jpg|Ramjet]], a green and purple [[:File:G2MirageVaultArt.jpg|Mirage]] and a yellow and turquoise [[:File:UnmadeG2SideswipeMockup.jpg|Sideswipe]]. | ||
**A resin prototype of a [[Unproduced G.I. Joe Transformer|transforming six-wheeled APC]] capable of carrying a [[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]] figure. | **A resin prototype of a [[Unproduced G.I. Joe Transformer|transforming six-wheeled APC]] capable of carrying a [[G.I. Joe (franchise)|G.I. Joe]] figure. | ||
**A kitbashed/hand-painted mock-up of the large [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] tank mold as a video camcorder. | **A kitbashed/hand-painted mock-up of the large [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]] tank mold as a video camcorder. | ||
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* The [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]] toyline includes two toys marked as "Generation 2 series", [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Skyjack|Skyfall]]. | * The [[Transformers: Universe (2008 toyline)|Universe]] toyline includes two toys marked as "Generation 2 series", [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]] and [[Skyjack|Skyfall]]. | ||
* The theme for [[BotCon 2010]] was 'Transformers - Generation 2: Redux'. The convention exclusive figures include the formerly European exclusive G2 Transformer [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]] (under the name Spark), which is a redeco of the 2008 Universe version of Inferno (itself based on G2 Inferno). | * The theme for [[BotCon 2010]] was 'Transformers - Generation 2: Redux'. The convention exclusive figures include the formerly European exclusive G2 Transformer [[Pyro (G1)|Pyro]] (under the name Spark), which is a redeco of the 2008 Universe version of Inferno (itself based on G2 Inferno). | ||
* ''Generation 2'' shares some engineering with Takara's other transforming robot toy series from around the same time, the [[Brave (franchise)|Brave Series]]. That line also featured in some instances [[Light-piping|light-piped heads]], [[ball joint | * ''Generation 2'' shares some engineering with Takara's other transforming robot toy series from around the same time, the [[Brave (franchise)|Brave Series]]. That line also featured in some instances [[Light-piping|light-piped heads]], [[ball joint]]s, Gatling-style missile launchers, and spinning rotor projectiles. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 19:33, 23 January 2015
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Transformers: Generation 2 was the first Transformers toy revamp, relaunching the line in 1993, two years after the last of the original Transformers figures were off the shelves in the United States. It began with recolored versions of Generation 1 toys, but soon consisted entirely of new molds made for the line.
Generation 2 saw more-or-less simultaneous release in the US and European markets, but Japan would not start the line (or even have any Transformers product at all on shelves, for that matter) until 1995.
Overview
Initially, the line featured re-releases of several "Generation 1" toys with new accessories and tweaked decos, alongside several molds that had been recently released as part of the European-market line (many of which would be re-released in Europe under the Generation 2 banner.)
Because of this early product, and particularly because of the radically redecorated Aerialbots and Combaticons, Generation 2 is sometimes inaccurately and unfairly remembered by fans as consisting solely of garishly recolored Generation 1 toys. As the line continued, however, numerous new molds and play features were introduced. Among them were:
- Go-Bots - Hot Wheels-styled figures with simpler transformations and "precision" wheels
- Rotor Force - featured firing plastic rotor weapons
- Laser Rods and Laser Cycles - featured light-up LED weaponry
- Cyberjets - realistic fighter planes with complex transformations.
These last groups also featured unprecedented articulation.
Multiple new versions of Optimus Prime and Megatron were also released: though Optimus's original toy saw re-release with tweaked deco and new accessories, Megatron received the first all-new mold of the line early on as a colossal tank, as making him a handgun no longer seemed feasible. Both characters would receive multiple toys over the course of the line, in the form of both new molds and redecoes of previous characters' toys. Late in the line's run, Hasbro would use the same general tactic, applying numerous Generation 1 characters to toy redecoes in the hopes of stirring up nostalgic interest.
Later toys included a pop-up bio card, referred to on the packaging as a "Real Action Pop-Ups 3-D Transformer Trading Card!"
Decline and cancelation
The series debuted to lackluster sales, despite featuring fan-favorites like the Dinobots and Constructicons. Some fans blamed color selections, but it seems far more likely that it was simply a case of bad timing combined with too much product "your older brother has in the attic". Kids still weren't into robots that turned into cars at the time, it seems, and the "older nostalgic" market (which can rarely sustain a major toy brand at nationwide retail even today) was downright microscopic at the time. Being up against the then-new Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, the still-popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles brand and the ever-growing popularity of home video game consoles certainly didn't help. The toyline also was not supported by a new cartoon, relying instead on repackaged G1 episodes.
Generation 2 was ended after about two and a half years, with several new products trapped in development limbo. A handful saw release in the European market (namely the Power Masters), but most of those canceled new molds stayed unreleased for years. As Hasbro had recently acquired Kenner, and the Transformers franchise was facing extinction, the decision was made to shift the boys'-toy production to Kenner and take Transformers in a different direction to hopefully revitalize the seemingly-tired concept... Beast Wars.
1993
Leader
Cars
Small Cars (sometimes known as Axelerators)
Leader
Combine to form Devastator
Skyscorchers (also known as the "Skirmish Patrol")[citation needed]
1994
Autobots
Combine to form Superion.
Heroes
Decepticons
Combine to form Bruticus
Heroes
Others
- Dreadwing with Smokescreen
Exclusives
1995
Autobots
Leader
- Blowout
- Bumblebee
- Double Clutch
- Firecracker
- Gearhead
- High Beam
- Ironhide
- Mirage
- Motormouth
- Optimus Prime
- Sideswipe
Decepticons
Advanced Tactical Bomber (A.T.B.)
- Megatron with Starscream
ATB Megatron was only released to test markets in Ohio in very limited quantities. The toy was never available as a wide release.
For toys not released in the United States market but in other markets, see Transformers: Generation 2 (European toyline).
2012
- Bruticus (Amazon/BigBadToyStore exclusive)
Unreleased
Auto Rollers
- General Optimus Prime
- Sgt. Hound
- Unknown APC (later became Autolauncher)
- Unknown jet (later became Autojetter)
Combat Heroes
Go-Bots
- Greasepit and the Go-Bots Racing Rig
- "Vinny's Pro Stock" (evidently Rumble, later became Side Swipe)
- "GTP Racer" (later became Daytonus)
- "911 Police Car" (later became Prowl/Prowl 2)
- "Black Viper" (later became Side Burn)[1]
Two additional unmade Go-Bots — a Jeep and an unidentified car — are known to exist, and made it to what may have been the test-shot stage. However, painted samples have never surfaced, and whether the molds got far enough along for actual production is unknown.
Laser Cycles
Stunticons
- S1 Motormaster
- S2 Dead End
- S4 Drag Strip
- S5 Wildrider
Protectobots
- P1 Hot Spot
- P2 First Aid
- P3 Groove
- P4 Streetwise
- P5 Blades
Innovations and lasting effects
- Generation 2 was the first line to sport a uniform, gimmick-spanning sub-title in addition to the main "Transformers" name. (Although the "Generation 2" moniker would be dropped for the tail end of the line, mostly affecting toys that would never be released on the US market)
- Though some earlier toys used them, the Cyberjets were the first toys to introduce ball joints on a wider scale. By the following toyline, Beast Wars, ball joints had become a regular feature of Transformers toys.
- The new molds created for Generation 2 also dropped stickers in favor of paint operations and tampography for deco details.
Notes
- Artwork, packaging mock-ups and hand painted prototypes for various toys seemingly intended for release in the Generation 2 toyline have surfaced over the years. Among them:
- Sludge, Swoop, and another version of Grimlock.
- Recolored card art of Power Master Ironhide, in yellow and blue, attached to packaging mock-ups bearing the names Belzone, Light Speed, and Pothole.
- Recolored card art of Ramjet as a new character named Sandstorm and a "black death" version of Starscream (the latter also found in production colors).
- Hand-painted samples of a jungle themed Starscream, blue sky themed Ramjet, a green and purple Mirage and a yellow and turquoise Sideswipe.
- A resin prototype of a transforming six-wheeled APC capable of carrying a G.I. Joe figure.
- A kitbashed/hand-painted mock-up of the large Megatron tank mold as a video camcorder.
- A Generation 2 exists within the fictional Unicron Trilogy universe, as a toyline! According to the online Cyber Key Code bio for the Cybertron Decepticon, Shortround, he is an avid toy collector whose prize pieces are Generation 2 Defensor and Menasor. However, it is not specified whether or not these items are actually Transformers toys like their real world counterparts.
- The Universe toyline includes two toys marked as "Generation 2 series", Inferno and Skyfall.
- The theme for BotCon 2010 was 'Transformers - Generation 2: Redux'. The convention exclusive figures include the formerly European exclusive G2 Transformer Pyro (under the name Spark), which is a redeco of the 2008 Universe version of Inferno (itself based on G2 Inferno).
- Generation 2 shares some engineering with Takara's other transforming robot toy series from around the same time, the Brave Series. That line also featured in some instances light-piped heads, ball joints, Gatling-style missile launchers, and spinning rotor projectiles.
References
- ↑ Designations for four unreleased Go-Bots from the BotCon 1996 "Toys For Tots" charity auction listings. Note that "Vinny's Pro Stock" is an inaccurate reading of the sponsor logos on "Rumble" — they actually read "Vinny's Pizza" and "Jerry's Motors", with "Pro Stock" underneath each respective logo.
