Robotmasters (franchise)
| The name or term "Robot Master" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Robot Master (disambiguation). |
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Robot Masters is a Takara sub-line which ran from 2004-2005 consisting mainly of redecoes of previously-released toys with several all-new molds of popular characters thrown into the mix. Every all-new new mold created for the line received at least one redeco, and the line itself was the sister range to the US's own Universe, except designed specifically to sell smaller toys at lower price points.
Most redecos in the line came with new or retooled accessories, including some classic-style chromed-silver guns.
The only all-new molds created for toys were of existing characters, and popular ones at that. Optimus Prime, Optimus Primal, Megatron, Starscream, Star Saber, Victory Leo, and Lio Convoy were given the star treatment for new, quasi-TV show-specific playthings.
As far as storyline goes, the tale of Robot Masters was told through packed-in minicomics, brief online mini-comics, and DVDs that came with specific toys as mentioned below. At this time, there are no known plans or even rumors to continue the line, although a Fan's Choice poll was held at a Japanese toy convention around the line's debut that indicated characters like Big Convoy and Predaking were being considered for the Robot Masters treatment. However, this poll also included the likes of Road Rocket, who got a Robot Masters release anyway, so make of that what you will.
Media
The Robot Masters storyline was told through four outlets:
Oddly, all three outlets told the same story, but in three different ways, and with no single version telling the Robot Masters story in its entirety. Although Robot Masters was included as part of Takara's official Generation 1 timeline, they were not specific as to which version of Robot Masters was considered canon.
Toys
Autobots/(Maximals)/Cybertrons
- RM-01 G1 Convoy (Cybertron)
- RM-03 Ligier (Cybertron)
- RM-05 R-Blade (Cybertron)
- RM-07 Bound Rogue (Cybertron)
- RM-10 G1 Convoy + DVD (Cybertron, Metallic)
- RM-11 Beast Convoy (Cybertron)
- RM-15 Star Saber (Cybertron)
- RM-16 Victory Leo (Cybertron)
- RM-17 Victory Saber (Cybertron)
- RM-18 Road Rocket (Cybertron)
- RM-20 Delta Seeker vs X-Gunner (Cybertron & Destron)
- RM-21 Burning Beast Convoy + DVD (Cybertron)
- RM-22 Lio Convoy (Cybertron)
- RM-23 Lio Convoy + DVD (Cybertron)
- RM-24 Reverse Convoy (Cybertron & Destron)
Magazine Specials & Exclusives
- Beast Convoy (Black, Hobby Japan)
- Generation One Convoy (Black, Dengeki Hobby)
- Cybertron Base (Contest prize)
Decepticons/(Predacons)/Destrons
- RM-02 Beast Megatron (Destron)
- RM-04 Wrecker Hook (Destron)
- RM-06 Air Hunter (Destron)
- RM-08 Wingstun (Destron)
- RM-09 Psycho-Orb (Destron)
- RM-12 Starscream (Destron)
- RM-13 Smokesniper (Destron)
- RM-14 Gigant Bomb (Destron)
- RM-19 Double Face (Destron)
- RM-20 Delta Seeker vs X-Gunner (Cybertron & Destron)
- RM-24 Reverse Convoy (Cybertron & Destron)
- "Robot Masters Edition" Skywarp & Thundercracker (Destron)[1]
Magazine Specials & Exclusives
- Beast Megatron (Black, HyperHobby)
- Lio Convoy (Black, Dengeki Hobby)
- Starscream (Black, Figure-Ō)
- RM-17 Victory Saber (Black, e-HOBBY)
References
- ↑ The box that Skywarp and Thundercracker come in does not have an "RM-##" number, but the words "Robot Masters Edition"/"Robotmasters Edition" appear in English on both the front of the box and the Robot Points.
External links
- Takara's Robot Masters homepage
- Actas Inc. (archived)
