Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise): Difference between revisions

From MediaWiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
← Older editNewer edit →
undoFFN (talk | contribs)
8,928 edits
FFN (talk | contribs)
8,928 edits
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
{{disambig3|Universe}}
{{disambig3|Universe}}
<div class="center">[[Image:Universe2008Logo.jpg|none|300px|]]</div>
[[Image:Universe2008Logo.jpg|center|300px|]]
The 2008 '''''Universe''''' is the second ''Transformers'' [[Franchise|franchise]] to use the name.  Like [[Universe (2003 franchise)|the previous franchise]], this line is intended to be something of a catch-all for toys that don't fit in the main line.  While the contemporary main line for this ''Universe'' is ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]],'' for some reason Hasbro has actually included a few ''Animated'' figures in it too.
The 2008 '''''Universe''''' is the second ''Transformers'' [[Franchise|franchise]] to use the name.  Like [[Universe (2003 franchise)|the previous franchise]], this line is intended to be something of a catch-all for toys that don't fit in the main line.  While the contemporary main line for this ''Universe'' is ''[[Transformers Animated (toyline)|Transformers Animated]],'' for some reason Hasbro has actually included a few ''Animated'' figures in it too.


The franchise consists of:
The franchise consists of:


* A toyline
* A toyline
* A [[Universe (cartoon)|Flash-animated web cartoon]]
* A [[Universe (cartoon)|Flash-animated web cartoon]] that [[Hasbro]] has probably forgotten about.


Additional fictional support has been provided by the [[All Hail Megatron|contemporaneous comic book series]], which uses a number of toy designs from the series.
Additional fictional support has been provided by the [[All Hail Megatron|contemporaneous comic book series]], which uses a number of toy designs from the series.
Line 18: Line 17:


The ''Universe'' toys are attributed to various "series". Those are:
The ''Universe'' toys are attributed to various "series". Those are:


*''Classic Series,'' continuing the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' franchise.  This is by far the most prevalent sub-line.
*''Classic Series,'' continuing the ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' franchise.  This is by far the most prevalent sub-line.
Line 134: Line 132:
=====Wave 1=====
=====Wave 1=====
[[Image:Robotheroesmegatronrattrap.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Robot Heroes Megatron and Rattrap.]]
[[Image:Robotheroesmegatronrattrap.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Robot Heroes Megatron and Rattrap.]]
*[[Rattrap|Rattrap]] & [[Megatron (BW) toys|Megatron]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Rattrap|Rattrap]] &  [[Megatron (BW) toys|Megatron]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Cheetor (BW) toys|Cheetor]] & [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Cheetor (BW) toys|Cheetor]] &  [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] & [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] &  [[Galvatron (G1)|Galvatron]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] &  [[Blitzwing (G1)| Blitzwing]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Hound (G1)|Hound]] &  [[Blitzwing (G1)| Blitzwing]] (''Generation 1'' Series)


=====Wave 2=====
=====Wave 2=====
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] & [[Rumble (G1)| Decepticon Rumble]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] & [[Rumble (G1)| Decepticon Rumble]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] & [[Waspinator|Waspinator]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] & [[Waspinator|Waspinator]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Optimus Primal toys|Optimus Primal]] & [[Tarantulas|Predacon Tarantulas]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Optimus Primal toys|Optimus Primal]] & [[Tarantulas|Predacon Tarantulas]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)


=====Wave 3=====
=====Wave 3=====
*[[Blaster (G1)|Autobot Blaster]] & [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Blaster (G1)|Autobot Blaster]] & [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] & [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]] & [[Kickback (G1)|Kickback]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] & [[Megatron (BW) toys|(Transmetal) Megatron]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Silverbolt (BW)|Silverbolt]] & [[Megatron (BW) toys|(Transmetal) Megatron]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)


=====Wave 4=====
=====Wave 4=====
*[[Cheetor (BW) toys|Cheetor]] & [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] (''Beast Machines'' Series)
*[[Cheetor (BW) toys|Cheetor]] & [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] (''Beast Machines'' Series)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] & [[Bombshell|Hardshell]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]] & [[Bombshell|Hardshell]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Slag (G1)|Snarl]] & [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Slag (G1)|Snarl]] & [[Sharkticon (G1)|Sharkticon]] (''Generation 1'' Series)


=====Future waves=====
=====Future waves=====
<center>
{{canceledtoy}}
<table cellspacing="0" style="">


<tr>
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Super Optimus Prime]] & [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (''Robots in Disguise'' Series)
<td style="padding:0 1em 0 1em;text-align:right;"><div class="tti_messageboxdiv" style="width:100%;padding:.5em; background-color:#efefff; border:solid 1px #9f9fff;text-align:center;margin:auto;">[[Image:Notyetbox.gif|left|100px|Or you could pick... WHAT'S IN THE BOX.]]
'''This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available.'''
 
 
</div>
</td></tr></table>
</center>
*[[Optimus Prime (RID)|Super Optimus Prime]] & [[Megatron (RID)|Megatron]] (''Robots in Disguise'' Series)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] & [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] & [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Ricochet (G1 Autobot)|Ricochet]] & [[Predaking|Predaking]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Ricochet (G1 Autobot)|Ricochet]] & [[Predaking|Predaking]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Tigatron|Tigatron]] & [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Tigatron|Tigatron]] & [[Inferno (BW)|Inferno]] (''Beast Wars'' Series)
*[[Optimus Primal|Optimus Primal]] & [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] (''Beast Machines'' Series)
*[[Optimus Primal|Optimus Primal]] & [[Jetstorm (BM)|Jetstorm]] (''Beast Machines'' Series)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]] & [[Deathsaurus|Dessaras]] (''Generation 1'' Series)
*[[Star Saber (G1)|Victory Saber]] & [[Deathsaurus|Dessaras]] (''Generation 1'' Series)


====More than Meets the Eye 25th Anniversary Pack====
====More than Meets the Eye 25th Anniversary Pack====
Line 186: Line 175:
*[[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] (Classic Series)
*[[Nemesis Prime (G1)|Nemesis Prime]] (Classic Series)


<div style="width: 90%; margin: 0 auto .2em auto; background-color:#efefef; border: 2px solid #eeeeee; padding: 2px; text-align: left;">'''Note:''' ''This toy was originally sold at the [[Hasbro Toy Shop|Hasbro Toy Shop]] booth at San Diego Comic-Con 2008, and was later offered on the online store's website. It was also available as a non-exclusive mass retail release in Hong Kong and Malaysia.''</div>
{{Note|This toy was originally sold at the [[Hasbro Toy Shop|Hasbro Toy Shop]] booth at San Diego Comic-Con 2008, and was later offered on the online store's website. It was also available as a non-exclusive mass retail release in Hong Kong and Malaysia.}}
 
*SE-01 [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys|Optimus Prime]] (Special Edition)
*SE-01 [[Optimus Prime (G1) toys|Optimus Prime]] (Special Edition)
*SE-02 [[Megatron (G1) toys|Megatron]] (Special Edition)
*SE-02 [[Megatron (G1) toys|Megatron]] (Special Edition)
Line 192: Line 182:
*SE-04 [[Overkill|Overkill]] (Special Edition)
*SE-04 [[Overkill|Overkill]] (Special Edition)


<div style="width: 90%; margin: 0 auto .2em auto; background-color:#efefef; border: 2px solid #eeeeee; padding: 2px; text-align: left;">'''Note:''' ''According to Hasbro, the "Special Editions" were originally intended for the non-Japanese Asian market, but were also made available to Western fans via the [[Hasbro Toy Shop|Hasbro Toy Shop]] website as well. They have also been released at general retail in Australia.''</div>
{{Note| According to Hasbro, the "Special Editions" were originally intended for the non-Japanese Asian market, but were also made available to Western fans via the [[Hasbro Toy Shop|Hasbro Toy Shop]] website as well. They have also been released at general retail in Australia.}}
 
====Kmart exclusives====
====Kmart exclusives====
[[Image:Kmart suppressor toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Suppressor, an exclusive Armada Series Mini-Con.]]
[[Image:Kmart suppressor toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Suppressor, an exclusive Armada Series Mini-Con.]]
Line 216: Line 207:
*[[Suppressor|Supressor]]
*[[Suppressor|Supressor]]


 
{{Note|This twelve-pack is also available as a Woolworths exclusive in the United Kingdom and a Zellers AND Toys R' Us exclusive in Canada. The Mini-Cons are also being sold individually on Transformers Universe 25th Anniversary cards at Big Lots stores in the United States.}}
 
<div style="width: 90%; margin: 0 auto .2em auto; background-color:#efefef; border: 2px solid #eeeeee; padding: 2px; text-align: left;">'''Note:''' ''This twelve-pack is also available as a Woolworths exclusive in the United Kingdom and a Zellers AND Toys R' Us exclusive in Canada. The Mini-Cons are also being sold individually on Transformers Universe 25th Anniversary cards at Big Lots stores in the United States.''</div>


====Sam's Club exclusives====
====Sam's Club exclusives====
Line 227: Line 216:
* [[Runamuck (Cybertron)|Runamuck]] (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Deluxe Class Runamuck)  
* [[Runamuck (Cybertron)|Runamuck]] (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Deluxe Class Runamuck)  
* [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)|Buzzsaw]]  (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Deluxe Class Buzzsaw)
* [[Buzzsaw (Cybertron)|Buzzsaw]]  (unchanged ''Cybertron'' Deluxe Class Buzzsaw)


====Target exclusives====
====Target exclusives====
'''Legends 5-packs'''
'''Legends 5-packs'''


*Aerial Rivals (Classic Series), contains:
*Aerial Rivals (Classic Series), contains:
Line 239: Line 226:
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]
*[[Skydive (G1 Aerialbot)|Skydive]]
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]
*[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]


*Special Team Leaders (Classic Series), contains:
*Special Team Leaders (Classic Series), contains:
Line 247: Line 233:
*[[Scattershot|Scattorshot]] (an update of Scattershot, not named so due to [[Trademark|trademark issues]])
*[[Scattershot|Scattorshot]] (an update of Scattershot, not named so due to [[Trademark|trademark issues]])
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]
*[[Silverbolt (G1)|Silverbolt]]


[[Image:Universe 2008 Ratbat toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Ratbat, an exclusive War Within Series Deluxe toy.]]
[[Image:Universe 2008 Ratbat toy.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Ratbat, an exclusive War Within Series Deluxe toy.]]
'''Voyager Deluxe Comic 2-packs'''
'''Voyager Deluxe Comic 2-packs'''


*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] vs. [[Roadbuster|Autobot Roadbuster]] (G1 Series)
*[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] vs. [[Roadbuster|Autobot Roadbuster]] (G1 Series)
*[[Springer|Springer]] vs. [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (War Within Series)
*[[Springer|Springer]] vs. [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]] (War Within Series)


<div style="width: 90%; margin: 0 auto .2em auto; background-color:#efefef; border: 2px solid #eeeeee; padding: 2px; text-align: left;">'''Note:''' ''All of the above are available as Zellers exclusives in Canada.''</div>
{{Note|All of the above are available as Zellers exclusives in Canada, and are exclusive to Toys"R"US in Australia.}}
{{-}}
 
====Toys"R"Us exclusives====
====Toys"R"Us exclusives====
=====Ultra Class=====
=====Ultra Class=====
Line 262: Line 248:
* [[Darkwing|Darkwind]] (Generation 1 Series)
* [[Darkwing|Darkwind]] (Generation 1 Series)


<center>
{{comingsoontoy}}
<table cellspacing="0" style="">
 
<tr>
<td style="padding:0 1em 0 1em;text-align:right;"><div class="tti_messageboxdiv" style="width:100%;padding:.5em; background-color:#efefff; border:solid 1px #9f9fff;text-align:center;margin:auto;">[[Image:Notyetbox.gif|left|100px|Or you could pick... WHAT'S IN THE BOX.]]
'''This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available.'''
 


</div>
</td></tr></table>
</center>
=====Supreme Class=====
=====Supreme Class=====
* [[Unicron|Unicron]] (unchanged Supreme Class ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Unicron in new packaging) (Armada Series)
* [[Unicron|Unicron]] (unchanged Supreme Class ''[[Armada (toyline)|Armada]]'' Unicron in new packaging) (Armada Series)
Line 291: Line 268:
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]
*[[Vortex (G1)|Vortex]]


{{Note|These five-packs have thus far only been released in Australia and Singapore. It is unclear whether they're also going to be released in ''Universe'' packaging in North America, since Superion has been announced to be released in North America as a Target [[Exclusive|exclusive]] under the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toy line.}}


<div style="width: 90%; margin: 0 auto .2em auto; background-color:#efefef; border: 2px solid #eeeeee; padding: 2px; text-align: left;">'''Note:''' ''These five-packs have thus far only been released in Australia and Singapore. It's unclear whether they're also going to be released in ''Universe'' packaging in North America, since Superion has been announced to be released in North America as a Target [[Exclusive|exclusive]] under the ''[[Revenge of the Fallen (film)|Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen]]'' toy line.''</div>
==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/ Hasbro's ''Transformers Universe'' front page]
* [http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/universe/ Hasbro's ''Transformers Universe'' front page]


[[Category:Upcoming toy releases]]
[[Category:Upcoming toy releases]]
[[Category:Franchises]]
[[Category:Franchises]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]
[[Category:Universe (2008)]]

Revision as of 12:29, 23 March 2009

The name or term "Universe" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Universe (disambiguation).

The 2008 Universe is the second Transformers franchise to use the name. Like the previous franchise, this line is intended to be something of a catch-all for toys that don't fit in the main line. While the contemporary main line for this Universe is Transformers Animated, for some reason Hasbro has actually included a few Animated figures in it too.

The franchise consists of:

Additional fictional support has been provided by the contemporaneous comic book series, which uses a number of toy designs from the series.

Hasbro first announced the line at BotCon 2007, stating that it would not have an overall story arc. The "main" focus of the line are the price points Legends Class, Deluxe Class, Voyager Class and Ultra Class, which consist of new molds for "classic" characters from various previous lines, as well as redecos of existing toys from older lines (such as Cybertron and the 2006 Classics line). In addition, there are also numerous store exclusive single and multi-packs, which also consist of redecos of toys from older lines.

Many of the new-mold toys are meant to feature "realistic" vehicle modes (a niche left otherwise unfilled after the end of the 2007 movie line), although that aspect has since been muddled with the introduction of Legends Class toys for characters from the current Animated line (which have not-so-realistic vehicle modes) and Beast Wars characters (which have animal forms as their alternate modes, not vehicles). The G1 series also causes trouble, as suitcase-sized microcassetes aren't really that common, and flying spaceships aren't masters of disguise. Unless you're on Cybertron or something.

And just to break the vehicle-mode-based pattern completely, Universe also continues the non-transforming, super-cute Robot Heroes line.

The Universe toys are attributed to various "series". Those are:

  • Classic Series, continuing the Classics franchise. This is by far the most prevalent sub-line.
  • Generation 1 Series (alternatively also named G1 Series on some toys' packaging), rooted in the original Generation 1 franchise. The exact difference between "Classic Series" and "Generation 1 Series" is unclear, and further muddled as the line progresses. However, the one thing that can be said is that some characters can have their G1 altmodes instead of the insistence that everyone is a vehicle, like spaceships and suitcase sized microcassetes.
  • War Within Series, based on the War Within comic. Thus far only used for one store exclusive two-pack.
  • Armada Series, adding to the Armada franchise.
  • Animated Series, representing the Transformers Animated franchise.
  • Beast Wars Series
  • Beast Machines Series
  • Robots in Disguise Series
  • Cybertron Series

In January 2008, Hasbro launched a web page for the new Universe line, featuring a preview of the first "Classic Series" wave and a CGI reimagining of the battle between Megatron and Optimus Prime from the original animated Transformers movie. The tagline for the video, in keeping with the toyline's theme, was "They were always real to me."

In 2009, the packaging gained a "25 Years" corner logo to commemorate Transformers' 25th anniversary, as the toyline's offerings expanded to include updates of key characters from every franchise.

Toys

General retail

Legends Class

Wave 1
File:Universelegendsredalert.jpg
Red Alert, a Legends Class toy.
Wave 2
Wave 3
Wave 4
Wave 5

Deluxe Class

Wave 1
File:Universe AcidStorm toy.jpg
Acid Storm, a Deluxe Class toy.
Wave 2
Wave 3
Wave 4
Wave 5
Wave 6

Voyager Class

Wave 1
Heavy Load, a Voyager Class toy.
Wave 2
Wave 3
Wave 4
Wave 5

Ultra Class

Wave 1
Onslaught, an Ultra Class toy.
Wave 2
Wave 3
Wave 4

Robot Heroes

Wave 1
Robot Heroes Megatron and Rattrap.
Wave 2
Wave 3
Wave 4
Future waves
Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.
Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.

Proceed on your way to oblivion.
This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

More than Meets the Eye 25th Anniversary Pack

Exclusives

Costco exclusives

  • Ultra Twin-Pack (Cybertron Series) contains:
  • Optimus Prime (unchanged Cybertron: Galaxy Force Leader Class Optimus Prime)
  • Crumplezone (unchanged Cybertron Voyager Class Crumplezone)


Hasbro Toy Shop exclusives

This toy was originally sold at the Hasbro Toy Shop booth at San Diego Comic-Con 2008, and was later offered on the online store's website. It was also available as a non-exclusive mass retail release in Hong Kong and Malaysia.
According to Hasbro, the "Special Editions" were originally intended for the non-Japanese Asian market, but were also made available to Western fans via the Hasbro Toy Shop website as well. They have also been released at general retail in Australia.

Kmart exclusives

File:Kmart suppressor toy.jpg
Suppressor, an exclusive Armada Series Mini-Con.
This twelve-pack is also available as a Woolworths exclusive in the United Kingdom and a Zellers AND Toys R' Us exclusive in Canada. The Mini-Cons are also being sold individually on Transformers Universe 25th Anniversary cards at Big Lots stores in the United States.

Sam's Club exclusives

Target exclusives

Legends 5-packs

Ratbat, an exclusive War Within Series Deluxe toy.

Voyager Deluxe Comic 2-packs

All of the above are available as Zellers exclusives in Canada, and are exclusive to Toys"R"US in Australia.


Toys"R"Us exclusives

Ultra Class


Or you could pick... WHAT'S IN THE BOX.
Or you could pick... WHAT'S IN THE BOX.

This item is currently scheduled for release, but is not yet available at mass retail.

Supreme Class
  • Unicron (unchanged Supreme Class Armada Unicron in new packaging) (Armada Series)

International releases

These five-packs have thus far only been released in Australia and Singapore. It is unclear whether they're also going to be released in Universe packaging in North America, since Superion has been announced to be released in North America as a Target exclusive under the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toy line.
Retrieved from "https://tfwiki.duckdns.org/index.php?title=Transformers:_Universe_(2008_franchise)&oldid=225575"