Transformers: Universe (2008 franchise)
| The name or term "Universe" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Universe (disambiguation). |
Universe is a Transformers franchise without a clearly defined continuity or storyline attached. The previous line to use the name was attached to a specific continuity-spanning story spinning out of older BotCon material. That line largely ended in 2005 (though a small number of Universe-branded toys trickled into clearance stores through 2007). At BotCon 2007, Hasbro announced a new Universe line without an overall story arc, which would instead act as a catch-all banner for toys that didn't belong in the main Transformers Animated line, with a primary (but not sole) focus on "realistic" vehicles, filling a gap left by the ending of the live-action movie line.
The line's first offerings in 2008 will apparently be a set of Generation 1- and Beast Wars-inspired Robot Heroes and a continuation of the Classics toyline.
In January 2008, Hasbro launched a web page for the new Universe line, featuring a preview of the first wave of new Classics and a CGI reimagining of the battle between Megatron and Optimus Prime from the original animated Transformers movie.
