The history of Transformers is a journey from Japan to the rest of the World and back. The transforming robots have revolutionized the toy industry, generating a phenomenon that has inspired TV series, movies and comics. In this article, we will retrace the key moments in Transformers’ evolution, emphasizing their impact on popular culture.
Born of the collaboration between Hasbro and Takara Tomy, Transformers are the heirs of the Japanese robotic tradition, in which they represent the evolution of transformable robots. In a sense, they are the intersection of two different cultures, resulting in a timeless classic of youth entertainment.
Let’s discover together how it all unfolded!
Contents
- Henshin Cyborg, Microman, Diaclone e Micro Change: How Transformers Were Born
- 1984: When Transformers Came Out
- Transformers vs GoBots, the War of Transforming Robots
- Transformers on TV: The Animated Series
- Transformers on the Big Screen: The Films
- Conclusions
Henshin Cyborg, Microman, Diaclone and Micro Change: How the History of Transformers Began
The history of Transformers began in Japan in the early 1970s. In fact, at that time, Takara bought from Hasbro the license for G.I. Joe, intending to distribute the toy to the Eastern market. However, being war was still a sensitive theme in Japanese society, the Company had to adapt to the local taste. For this reason, they created Henshin Cyborg, a futuristic and transformable version of G.I. Joe, with transparent bodies and cybernetic details.
Later on, due to oil crisis, the line became prohibitively expensive, and the Compay had to reconsider its production standards. They replaced 12 inches figures with Microman, a line of 3.5 inches transforming cyborgs, also including vehicles and play sets.
In 1980, after the success of Microman, Takara lauched Diaclone. The new line featured super robots transforming into spaceships, which also included small action figures of 1 inch. The impact was such that, in short time, the Company committed almost entirely to the creation of transformable figures. As a consequence, Diaclone and Microman soon overlapped and became indistinguishable.
As the interest of Japanese children began to wane, the Company decided to revitalize its catalogue. They abandoned Microman to launch Micro Change, once again a line of transformable robots, this time inspired by everyday objects. Spaceships made space for 1:1 scale tools, like watches, walkman and such. At the same time, the Diaclone line expanded to include 1:60 scale vehicles. Many of these designs would later feature prominently in the Transformers line.
Takara’s designs were highly appreciated by Hasbro, which was at that time seeking fresh ideas for the American market. This lead to a collaboration between the two companies, with Hasbro reimporting to the US an evolution of that G.I. Joe they had sold Takara years before.
1984: When Transformers Came Out
When the toys arrived in the United States, Hasbro found in need of a story. In face, they had to create a basic framework to captivate the young American audience. The task was entrusted to Jim Shooter, then Editor-in-Chief of Marvel Comics, who laid down the foundations of the Transformers universe.
Jim envisioned them as a race of alien robots. They indeed hailed from Cybertron, a planet on the brink of collapse due to the scarcity of energy resources. The characters belonged to two factions, the Autobots and the Decepticons, engaged in an unrelenting struggle.
To carry forward this vision, Jim involved Bob Budiansky, who created the profiles for the first 26 characters and developed the plot for the comics. Bob brought to life iconic characters such as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream, and Soundwave, many of which inherited from Takara.
Over the years, the Transformers line has been enriched with numerous other models, offering an infinite variety of transformable robots. These models drew inspiration from numerous sources, embracing not only the world of vehicles and technology but also the realm of dinosaurs and wildlife, as in the case of Beast Wars. This eclectic combination of influences has contributed to creating a rich and fascinating universe that has captivated generations of enthusiasts.
Transformers vs GoBots, the War of Transforming Robots
The success of Transformers was initially hindered by the presence of GoBots, the transforming robots produced by Bandai Popy and Tonka, which arrived in the United States a few months prior than Transformers. The two series clashed in toy stores, vying to capture the same market share.
The GoBots had an animated series called “Challenge of the GoBots” produced by Hanna-Barbera. With simpler designs compared to Transformers, the GoBots couldn’t compete in terms of engineering complexity with their rivals. As a result, within a few years, the GoBots disappeared from the market, leaving Transformers to dominate the world of transforming robots.
In 1991, Hasbro acquired Tonka, thereby obtaining the rights to GoBots. Despite various attempts to revive the franchise, the company failed to generate interest among the children of that time.
Transformers on TV: The Animated Series
In addition to comics, aminated TV series have played a crucial role in solidifying Transformers as a cultural phenomenon. Through animation, the adventures of the transforming robots have reached the homes of millions of viewers, creating an indelible connection with the characters.
The first television series dates back to 1984 and is known as G1 (Generation 1), distinguishing it from subsequent adaptations. The series solidified the success of iconic characters such as Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, and Starscream, each with their own roles within the storyline. These episodes left an indelible mark in the hearts of fans, becoming a milestone in animated series.
In the following years, the franchise continued to evolve, adapting to the interests of the audience. The series “Beast Wars: Transformers” was a cornerstone of this evolution, introducing robots that transformed into animals instead of vehicles. Airing in the mid-1990s, this series ushered Transformers into a new era, solidifying their appeal as a continually evolving franchise.
In 2007, the series “Transformers: Animated” added a new chapter in the history of Transformers. The series offered a fresh interpretation of the classic characters, utilizing a blend of action and humor.
Furthermore, in 2010, the series “Transformers: Prime” took Transformers to a new level of visual realism and emotional depth. With a dark and intricate storyline, “Transformers: Prime” delved into the internal struggles of the characters, ever-evolving alliances, and the consequences of their actions. The series was praised for its mature plots and well-developed characters.
Lastly, in 2018, Netflix produced the trilogy “Transformers: War for Cybertron”,set on the planet Cybertron. Iconic characters such as Optimus Prime and Megatron were portrayed with stunning visual style and increased psychological depth. With a blend of action, intrigue, and drama, this series has become a benchmark for Transformers fans.
The History of Transformers on the Big Screen
The evolution of Transformers in cinema begins as early as the 1980s with the animated feature film “Transformers: The Movie”, which marks the passing of the torch from Optimus Prime to Rodimus Prime and from Megatron to Galvatron. Despite initial mixed reactions, the film has become a milestone in the franchise’s history, celebrating the action, adventure, and excitement of the franchise on an epic scale.
Starting from 2007, Transformers became a Hollywood phenomenon, thanks to the film of the same name directed by Michael Bay. This first installment revolutionized the character designs, introducing a more organic and contemporary visual style. The film set a new standard for special effects production, captivating audiences with its thrilling blend of action and humor.
The success of the first film paved the way for a series of equally spectacular sequels. “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” (2009), “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” (2011), and “Transformers: Age of Extinction” (2014) expanded the Transformers universe, introducing new characters and challenges. Each film delivered astonishing action sequences, with massive robots battling and wreaking havoc in cities.
In 2017, “Transformers: The Last Knight” took the franchise to a new level of grandeur. With an intense storyline connecting the Transformers to Earth’s secret history, the film delved into the hidden past of the alien robots and their impact on human civilization. This chapter also introduced new characters like Izabella and Sir Edmund Burton, portrayed by Isabela Merced and Anthony Hopkins, respectively.
A significant turning point was “Bumblebee” in 2018. The film serves as a reboot, shifting the focus to one of the most beloved characters of all time. Set in the 1980s, the movie pays homage to the decade and offers a more intimate story compared to previous adaptations. Critics praised the feature film for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and thrilling action sequences.
In 2023, “Transformers: The Rise of the Beasts”, introduced the Maximals, the robot-animal characters inspired by the Beast Wars series. Directed by Steven Caple Jr., the film features the legendary Optimus Prime as the protagonist and is set in 1994, with locations in New York and Peru.
Despite some criticism, the Transformers films have proven to be true blockbusters, grossing billions of dollars at the box office.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the Transformers have captured the hearts of generations of fans, transforming from simple toys into a cultural phenomenon. Their story represents the intersection of two different cultures that influenced each other since the post-war era, giving birth to a revolutionary toy. With their innovation, epic action, and unforgettable characters, the Transformers are and will forever remain an icon of entertainment.
