Micromaster

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This article is about the Generation 1 subline and the characters contained therein. For the Dreamwave miniseries, see Micromasters{{#switch:{{#sub:Micromasters|-1}} != .= ?= .

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Micromasters are Transformers who downsized their bodies considerably to be more fuel efficient. Transforming into tiny cars, planes, and other vehicles, they are depicted as roughly human-sized in robot mode in most continuities.

Some Micromasters are also Combiners, and can each form either the front or back half of a combined vehicle. They are not constrained to joining only with their Combiner partner; they also can join with any other Micromaster Combiner, as well as to the back of any Micro Trailer (see also Combi-Micromaster).

US Generation 1

The Micromasters were first released in the US and European markets in the two final years of the Generation 1 toyline, 1989 and 1990. These Micromasters were either grouped as Patrols, Squads, Transports, Stations or Bases:

Micromaster Patrols

The Patrols consist of four stand-alone Micromasters whose altmodes generally have a recurring common theme, for example military vehicles in the case of the Military Patrol or planes and helicopters in the case of the Air Patrol. The Patrol came carded in a four-pack, beginning in 1989, with a couple following in 1990.

Autobots

Decepticons

Micromaster Combiner Squads

The Micromaster Combiners are Transformers that only form a half of a vehicle and therefore need their respective Combiner partner to form a full vehicle. Due to standardized connection plugs, any Micromaster Combiner can connect to any other Micromaster Combiner (an ability that was actively advertised in the TV commercials and other media), though often this does not make much sense (the rear half of a dump truck connected to the front half of a space shuttle isn't anything you can win a war with, eh?). The Combiner Squads consist of six Micromaster Combiners, thus making three vehicles in altmode. They were initially released in 1990.

Autobots

Decepticons

Micromaster Transports

The Transports are single Micromasters that come with a transforming additional vehicle that they can interact with in some way. Flattop transforms into a jet and comes with an aircraft carrier, whereas the other three transform into trucks und pull a transforming trailer. Except for Erector's trailer, all the additional vehicles transform into jets. They were released in 1989.

Autobots

Decepticons

Micromaster Combiner Transports

The Combiner Transports consist of a pair of Micromaster Combiners and a big transforming trailer. The trailers can optionally transform into a big battle station or into two separate fighting vehicles each manned by one of the Combiners. Like all Micromaster Combiners, they came out in 1990.

Autobots

Decepticons

Micromaster Stations

The stations are big bases commanded by a single transformer and disguised as human buildings. Hot House's station stands out a bit as it is mobile in it's alternate mode instead of being a stationary base. Released in 1989.

Autobots

Decepticons

Micromaster Bases

The Micromaster Bases are huge fighting vehicles that transform into even bigger battle stations. They are commanded by a single Micromaster. Countdown's and Skystalker's vehicles are a big chunk taller than those of Groundshaker and Skyhopper, indicating that these two should be seen as the respective leaders of their Micromaster factions. Released in 1989.

Autobots

Decepticons

Micromaster Combiner Bases

Released in 1990, the Combiner bases were big vehicles commanded by a combiner duo. While the Decepticon Anti-Aircraft Base is pretty similar in concept to the previous year's Bases (transforming from a tank into a battle station), the Battlefield Headquarters lacks a base mode, instead transforming from an earthbound vehicle (a truck) into two airborne ones (a space shuttle and a attack jet).

Autobots

Decepticons

Japanese Generation 1

Most of the US/European Micromasters were released in Japan as well, even though some were recolored or renamed and the characterization they received in fiction differed heavily from their Western appearances. See Micro Transformers.

Micromaster Sixteams

After Generation 1 ceased in the US market, Takara developed the Micromaster concept further in 1992 by creating the Micromaster Sixteams, Micromasters that combined in robot mode to form a bigger robot similar to the full-size Transformer combiners.


Autobots

Decepticon

Universe

The Micromasters returned to Western markets in 2004 in the wake of Universe with the release of redecoed Japanese Generation 1 Micromaster Sixteams. Those Combiner teams were generally given the names of old Generation 1 Full-size Combiners (except for Rail Racer, who has no equivalent in Generation 1).

Autobots

Decepticon

Trivia

Absolutely, positively not inspired by Micro Machines. No sir. Not at all.
  • An early name for the original Micromasters line was simply "Micro Transformers", having been featured on the packaging of the early 1989 Micromaster Patrols. The name was quickly dropped in favor of the now more common "Micromasters", possibly due to its similarity to Galoob's "Micro Machines".
File:Transformers micro.jpg
GiG continues on its parade of weirdness.
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