Transformers: Zone (toyline): Difference between revisions

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{{nav-zone}}
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[[File:TakaraZoneCatalogue.JPG|400px|thumb]]
[[File:TakaraZoneCatalogue.JPG|400px|thumb]]
'''''Transformers Zone''''' was the ''Transformers'' series released in Japan in 1990. Its line-up was very different from [[The Transformers (toyline)#1990|the one released in the US in 1990]]. ''Zone'' was intended to be the final animated series for Japanese television. However, only [[Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!|the first episode]] was ever animated, and it was released straight to video rather than being broadcast on television. The story was continued in comic strip format in a [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (manga)|one shot-manga]] and then subsequently in [[TV Magazine]] form.


''Transformers Zone'' introduced a new concept for Transformers toys: [[Powered Master]]s (not to be confused with [[Powermaster]]s). Powered Masters had small battery-powered or spring-powered motors that moved ramps up and down to facilitate for the launching of [[Micromaster|Microtransformers]]. The three individual Powered Masters had two alternate modes, a normal vehicular mode, and a [[Energon Z|"Zone"]] mode (in reality a mini-base playset). The three normal vehicle modes could combine into [[Big Powered]], a gigantic jet-tank mode. Each of the Powered Masters came with their own Micro Transformer.
[[1990]]'s '''''Transformers Zone''''' marked the downturn of [[TakaraTomy|Takara]]'s [[Generation 1 (Japanese toylines)|original ''Transformers'' run]]. The line's advertising media was slashed to minimum, getting only a [[Enter the New Supreme Commander, Dai Atlas!|single-episode VHS tape]] for animation and [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (manga)|a single installment]] of manga, leaving [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)|story page]]s in ''[[TV Magazine]]'' to push the toys to kids.


Micro Transformers were now being introduced to Japan as part of the Zone toyline. These included US releases from both 1989 and 1990. However, with one exception, these were all released as [[Autobot|Cybertrons]], including several that were released as [[Decepticon]]s in the US. In addition, some of the US releases were [[redeco]]ed since their western release.
The overwhelming majority of the line is made up of the [[Micromaster]]s (dubbed "Micro Transformers" in Japan), most of which had been released by [[Hasbro]] [[The Transformers (toyline)#1989: Pretenders and Micromasters|the previous year]], and only a comparative handful with any notable differences from the Hasbro releases. On top of that, all but one Team were sold as Autobots, presumably in a "kids buy more good guys" move to boost sales. (Japanese "boys toy" line are historically very light on the villain toys, if they have any at all.)


Zone also introduced the [[Decepticon|Destron]] [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], a repaint of [[Metroplex (G1)|Metroplex]]. The toy came with an extra ramp that would connect the toy to other Micro Transformer playsets. He also came with his own Micro Transformer, an orange and black repaint of the Micromaster [[Skystalker (G1)|Skystalker]].
The headliners this year are the three [[Powered Master]]s (not to be confused with [[Powermaster]]s): larger toys that transform from robot to space-vehicle-things to bases that can attach to the Micro Transformer bases using the same ramps. Each Powered Master has a battery- or spring-powered [[gimmick]] meant to push/launch the smaller Micros. They could also commbine into [[Big Powered]], a gigantic jet-tank-thing. They are oposed by [[Metrotitan (Zone)|Metrotitan]], a [[Metroplex (G1)#|Metroplex]] redeco and the only other Decepticon in the line.


The Micromaster playsets also made their Japanese debuts, all of which were either identical to or repaints of the US releases. The [[Rocket Base]] was able to interact with [[Galaxy Shuttle]], from the previous year's [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|''Victory'' toyline]], and the figure continued to be available during the ''Zone'' line.
While the Micro Transformers are largely ignored by fans, the four larger pieces command large sums on the secondary market today, especially the [[tail-ender]] Powered Master Roadfire.


:''Previous toyline: [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory (toyline)|Victory]]''
{{TOCclear}}
:''Next toyline: [[Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Return of Convoy (toyline)|Return of Convoy]]''


==Toyline==
==Toyline==
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==Notes==
==Notes==
* The Powered Masters —the only new-mold toys in the line— are noticeably lighter than comparably-sized toys from past lines. Their plastic parts are thinner overall, presumably as a cost-saving measure.
* The Powered Masters —the only new-mold toys in the line— are noticeably lighter than comparably-sized toys from past lines. Their plastic parts are thinner overall and lean towards hollowness, presumably as a cost-saving measure.
* Some molds from this year would be re-used in Takara's later ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]'' non-''Transformers'' toylines:
* Some molds from this year would be re-used in Takara's later ''[[Brave (franchise)|Brave]]'' non-''Transformers'' toylines:
** Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber became non-Transformer villain toys in ''The Brave Express: Might Gaine''.
** Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber became non-Transformer villain toys in ''The Brave Express: Might Gaine''.

Revision as of 23:39, 11 December 2016
Japanese Generation 1 continuity
« Zone »

1990's Transformers Zone marked the downturn of Takara's original Transformers run. The line's advertising media was slashed to minimum, getting only a single-episode VHS tape for animation and a single installment of manga, leaving story pages in TV Magazine to push the toys to kids.

The overwhelming majority of the line is made up of the Micromasters (dubbed "Micro Transformers" in Japan), most of which had been released by Hasbro the previous year, and only a comparative handful with any notable differences from the Hasbro releases. On top of that, all but one Team were sold as Autobots, presumably in a "kids buy more good guys" move to boost sales. (Japanese "boys toy" line are historically very light on the villain toys, if they have any at all.)

The headliners this year are the three Powered Masters (not to be confused with Powermasters): larger toys that transform from robot to space-vehicle-things to bases that can attach to the Micro Transformer bases using the same ramps. Each Powered Master has a battery- or spring-powered gimmick meant to push/launch the smaller Micros. They could also commbine into Big Powered, a gigantic jet-tank-thing. They are oposed by Metrotitan, a Metroplex redeco and the only other Decepticon in the line.

While the Micro Transformers are largely ignored by fans, the four larger pieces command large sums on the secondary market today, especially the tail-ender Powered Master Roadfire.

Toyline

Zone OVA pack-in Micro Transformers

Rabbicrater
Micro Transformer Transports Micro Transformer Stations Micro Transformer Bases Rocket Base
File:Roadfire toy.jpg
Roadfire
Powered Masters Metrosquad Leader


Notes

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