transformersaesthetics

[transformersaesthetics]

Dark of the Moon

TUMBLR! I deeply apologize for the extended hiatus. Life is sometimes hard. But, to make it up to you, I return, for the first time in a long time, with, gasp, an actual essay analyzing the actual aesthetics of a transformers toyline! We’ve got Dark of the Moon, people!

Without further ado,

Transformers: Dark of the Moon was the third entry into the series of Michael Bay’s Transformers movies. Dark of the Moon (DOTM) continued to evolve the aesthetics of the film franchise, and introduced many of the aesthetic traits that would come to define subsequent films, such as extremely human Autobots and drawing and occasionally tweaking pre-existing models from previous films to fill out the cast. The toyline continued to evolve many of the features found in previous movie toylines, such as automated gimmickry, high levels of complexity, Human Alliance figures, and others. 

Aesthetically, DOTM is significantly busier than its predecessors. In many respects, ROTF represents a smooth and fairly coherent outgrowth of the visual language of the first film. While DOTM is clearly drawn from the same source, sometimes quite literally, it lacks much of the unity of the earlier media. Although one concept artist, Josh Nizzi, was responsible almost all of the designs of Dark of the Moon (“Nizzi continued Megatron's evolution, as well as designing Shockwave, Soundwave and Laserbeak, the Wreckers and Dreads...pretty much everybody except Wheeljack and Brains”, the straight reuse of models from ROTF and the first film, the presence of many generics without alternate modes, and the iconic elements of the aforementioned characters Wheeljack and Brains contributes to the lack of a strong aesthetic identity for DOTM. (Apcog)

        Like Revenge of the Fallen before it, DOTM reused the models of the core cast of autobots, with minor cosmetic changes for Bumblebee and others, and back characters from previous films as themselves, most notably Barricade. (ItsWalky, Dark)  However, DOTM also uses generic models to fill out a large army of generic enemies. One of the central plot points of DOTM is a pitched battle in Chicago, featuring wave upon wave of Decepticons versus the Autobots. (ItsWalky, Dark) In order to have the requisite number of bodies to fill out a whole army, DOTM adopted several approaches. Several generics with unique models were created; many of these were only onscreen for a handful of seconds, and never received a figure or even a name. It is often possible to watch the entire movie without realizing that a particular model, like that of new character Devcon, has been on screen. (Tom Servo) Most of the characters, however, were straight asset reuses from the previous films. Examples include Scrapper and Long Haul, two ROTF era decepticon models, reuse of the first movie Brawl/Demolisher M1 Abrams model, Sideway’s Audi R8 from ROTF, Lensmeter decepticons, reusing Scalple’s ROTF model, and others. (ItsWalky, Dark). While ROTF had often used multiple constructicons, particularly in the Egypt scene, to pad the ranks of the enemy forces, those models originated in that film, and aren’t reuse in the sense employed here. This reuse somewhat complicates the issue of what can be said to be the aesthetic of Dark of the Moon; obviously, these models are part of the finished film. However, they are simply drawn wholesale from previous efforts. They constitute, therefore, a part of the aesthetic of the film despite not being originally from it, creating one of many subcategories of the aesthetic of the movie. 

    We also find a lack of cohesion in the designs that are original to DOTM as well. In the first movie, the Decepticons were all military vehicles, with the exception of Megatron, who didn’t have an earth based alternate mode, and Barricade, who turned into a police car. (ItsWalky, Transformers) In DOTM, there is no such clear unifying element. On the Decepticon side, five new characters are introduced; Shockwave, Laserbeak, and the three Dreads. (ItsWalky, Dark) Megatron and Soundwave also receive completely overhauled designs. (Apcog) All of these characters have very distinct alternate modes and high level concepts. The dreads are three different robots that each turn into identical chevy suburbans. (Khajidha, Dreads) Laserbeak can turn into anything (SFH, Laserbeak). Soundwave turns into a fancy Mercedes (Servitor 2152). Megatron turns into a Mad Max styled Mack truck, and Shockwave doesn’t actually transform in the film, although his toys are generally given some pseudo tank alternate mode. (M Sipher, Shockwave; Dark T Zeratul) 

        The robot modes share this lack of cohesion. In the first movie, the decepticons all shared monstrous proportions and strongly angular, insectoid heads. In DOTM, Laserbeak is a bird, and the Dreads are based on nothing so much as the Predator. (SFH, Laserbeak ; Khadijah, Dreads) Like the Dreads, Shockwave is quite monstrous, but lacks earth based alternate mode detailing. (M Sipher, Shockwave) His head is no longer clearly insectoid, and is quite visually distinct from those of the Dreads, or Soundwave’s new head. While Megatron was much the same in ROTF, in DOTM he once again has an alternate mode, and sheds much of the anonymous metal tangles that once comprised his robot mode in favor of vehicle kibble, differentiating him from Shockwave. 

        The Autobots also had a lot going on. Several autobots were introduced for this movie; Dino, Sentinel Prime, Wheeljack (Que), Brains, and the Wreckers. (ItsWalky, Dark) As with the Decepticons, each of these has a very pronounced aesthetic, but they don’t have much in common with each other. Sentinel Prime draws many visual cues from Optimus Prime’s design, particularly around the head, in the way his legs are shaped, and the cab chest. (Charles RB) The Wreckers all turn into Nascars (sometimes customized with a massive array of weaponry), and their robot modes feature styling based on the stereotypical Nascar fan such as mullets and shades. (Derik) Brains and Wheeljack have glowing, floaty hair, strangely human eyes, and pronounced teeth. (SFH, Que)  To top it all off, all of the Autobots occasionally sport a ‘Stealth Force’ mode, where their vehicles grow an array of weapons comparable to the Wreckers. (ItsWalky, Stealth) 

While even from the outset the Autobots had less in common than the Decepticons, in Dark of the Moon there is almost nothing to unify them. Even elements that they had shared before, such as blocky heads, are now largely absent. Dino’s head is quite different from even Sideswipe, who was introduced in the previous film. (M Sipher, Dino)  Where before the heads of the Autobots had been blocky, with clearly defined features such as noses and mouths, Dino’s head is largely smooth, with no obvious features other than his unnaturally round eyes. (M Sipher, Dino) Wheeljack and the Wreckers drift in the opposite direction, from humanoid to being essentially metal people. This aesthetic decision presaged things to come; in Age of Extinction and the Last Knight, most of the new characters featured this sort of ‘metal person’ styling. 

Each faction has a handful of distinct aesthetics, conspiring overall to give the film a lack of singular purpose in design. Where ROTF and the first movie had featured a strong and well defined visual language, DOTM is a seemingly directionless mix of the work of various artists from various points in time. While individual characters have strong visual identity and design elements, as a whole, the film lacks any unifying elements to focus these individual designs, save perhaps the extreme complexity that is the trademark of the franchise. The result is an aesthetic that feels like nothing so much as an arbitrary grouping of disconnected ideas. 

When translated to the toyline, these notions become even more complex, in part because the toyline omits features found in the film, and in part because the toyline introduces features unique to it. 

DOTM was the last movie toyline to feature a high proportion of toy only characters; AOE had only two, and one was a redeco of a character who did appear in the film. (Seichi, Age) As a result, the toyline has features of many of the first two movie lines. Toy-only characters tend to have a softer implementation of the iconic movie aesthetic, garnering their highly detailed appearance from detaining on solid pieces of the alt mode, rather than revealing an entirely new set of details in robot mode by rearranging vehicle shell.  Like ROTF and the first movie line before it, DOTM issued a slew of retailer exclusive decos of figures, both ones new to DOTM and preexisting ones.(Seichi) These also lend unique design elements to the toyline.

DOTM elaborated on the automated gimmickry in the previous two movie lines. Where before the gimmick had been on the figures themselves, in DOTM, the automated features, now referred to as Mech Tech, were found instead on spring loaded weapon accessories packaged with all figures of deluxe and voyager classes. (Eagc7; Seichi)

The Human Alliance sub-branding was now expanded to include figures roughly analogous in size to the scout figures of previous lines. DOTM also included “the Cyberverse subline featuring Legends Class characters, Commander Class (new price point, effectively replacing Scouts)” (Seichi;Khajidha) This subline emphasized the interactivity of figures and playsets. Moreover, “toys were roughly in relative scale with each other”, which served to reinforce the concept of Cyberverse, not as individual toys, but as an ecosystem. (Khajidha) 

Following in the footsteps of the first two movie lines, DOTM featured many toys targeted at a much younger audience. These included Activators, Bash Bots, Revving Robots and Go-bots, all of which were much simpler figures, often with some sort of autotransformation gimmick. (Seichi) The number of these offerings is somewhat comparable to the larger, more complex figures aimed at older children. (Seichi) This feature of the DOTM line presages an important development in later movie toylines, namely the increasingly well defined breach between figures targeted at collectors and older children. Although ROTF arguably represents the peak of complexity in movie figures, DOTM figures are by no means simplistic. DOTM figures continue to have intricate, sometimes arcane transformation schemes, involved shells to create realistic car modes from the highly stylized robot models of the films, and small, dedicated pieces. 

Further complicating the issue of the toyline’s aesthetic, many of the film’s most iconic characters didn’t receive toys at general retail in the United States. “Due to a combination of factors, a number of named characters from the film did not receive "mainline" toy releases, an issue noted by many frustrated fans. Examples include Deluxe Que and Soundwave never seeing a North American release (apparently an issue with retail orders), Dino not receiving a transformable toy at all until 2014 (due to lack of licensing for his vehicle mode), and only one of the three Dreads receiving a Deluxe-or-larger sized toy (likely due to Hasbro not wanting to release three identical black SUVs, even if they do turn into different-looking robots.)” (Seichi, Dark) Leadfoot, one of the Wreckers, got a human alliance toy, but, like Wheeljack and Soundwave, the release of his deluxe figure in the US was totally canceled. (Seichi, Dark) Similarly, many of the characters who’s models were simply reused as generics didn’t receive toys in the line for obvious reasons. Features from the film like Stealth Force weaponry were also found in a limited way on some figures, and to a much more pronounced degree on others, particularly the Wreckers. (Seichi, Dark; Derik)  Since many of the members of the cast to receive toys had been originally featured in previous films, it is difficult to find realized in plastic examples of the many aesthetic features that originated in DOTM, such as Que’s hair. This is perhaps the most profound point of divergence in the aesthetics of the toyline and the film itself, and in many ways is a source of significant departure from previous film toylines, which didn’t feature such a gap. 

The toyline’s relationship to the aesthetics of the film is not one to one. Many of the most recognizable elements of the film, such as Dino or Stealth Force, are obscured or absent from the line altogether. Other features, like Mech Tech or the plethora of Human Alliance figures, aren’t featured in the film itself at all. Many toy only characters are obviously inspired by the visuals of the movies, but concede more to being figures by featuring less intricate metal detailing and more alt mode kibble. The toyline is still clearly situated in the tradition of movie toylines; complexity, Human Alliance, and automated gimmickry all provide strong ties to the past. Something of the future is also visible in DOTM. The eventual split between toys for younger children and more collector oriented figures in the movie lines is presaged by the contracted scope of the more traditional toyline and the continued presence of more Playskool figures. Similarly, DOTM also defines many of the aesthetic decisions that would strongly sculpt toylines in subsequent films, in particular the extremely human styling of Que. 

Overall, from an aesthetic perspective, DOTM is something of a mess. Because there are so many things going on in the film, from Stealth Force to Soundwave’s sports car alternate mode to Sentinel Prime taking cues from Optimus, it becomes difficult to pinpoint what exactly constitutes the aesthetic of DOTM. Certainly, there are several core elements, such as the oft mentioned Stealth Force, the increasingly human designs of new transformers, Wheeljack’s hair, and the reuse of models from previous films, to name a few. However, in many senses, the primary aesthetic feature of Dark of the Moon, both the toyline and the film, is that there are many little aesthetics, such as that of the Dreads or the Wreckers, and these are combined haphazardly with others to create the overall aesthetic of the franchise. 

         Works Cited

Apcog et al. “Josh Nizzi” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Josh_Nizzi Accessed 2/27/2021

Charles RB et al. “Sentinel Prime (ROTF)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Sentinel_Prime_(ROTF) Accessed 3/6/2021

Dark T Zeratul et al. “Megatron (Movie)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Megatron_(Movie) Accessed 3/6/2021

Derik et al. “Wrecker” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Wrecker Accessed 3/6/2021

Eagc7 et al. “Mech Tech” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/MechTech Accessed 2/27/2021

ItsWalky et al. “Stealth Force” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Stealth_Force Accessed 2/27/2021

ItsWalky et al. “Transformers (film)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers_(film) Accessed 3/7/2021

ItsWalky et al. “Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Film)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Dark_of_the_Moon_(film) Accessed 2/28/2021

Khajidha et al. “Cyberverse (toyline)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cyberverse_(toyline) Accessed 2/27/2021

Khajidha et al. “Dreads” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Dreads Accessed 3/6/2021

M Sipher et al. “Dino” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Dino Accessed 2/27/2021

M Sipher et al. “Shockwave (Movie)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Shockwave_(Movie) Accessed 3/6/2021

Servitor 2152 et al. “Soundwave (ROTF)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Soundwave_(ROTF) Accessed 3/6/2021

Seichi et al. “Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Toyline)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Dark_of_the_Moon_(toyline) Accessed 2/27/2021

Seichi et al. “Transformers: Age of Extinction (toyline)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Age_of_Extinction_(toyline) Accessed 3/9/2021

SFH et al. “Laserbeak (DOTM)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Laserbeak_(DOTM) Accessed 3/6/2021

SFH et al. “Que” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Que Accessed 3/7/2021

Sunjumper et al. “Human Alliance” TFwiki.https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Human_Alliance Accessed 5/8/2020

Tom Servo the Great et al. “Devcon (DOTM)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Devcon_(DOTM) Accessed 2/28/2021

[transformersaesthetics]

Berserker

Hey gang! A quicker one this week. We’re going to talk about one of my favorite figures, TLK Berserker. Now, let’s just be very clear about one thing out of the gate. This figure is trash. It’s hot garbage. The panels on the arms aren’t even glued in. You can just remove them. There is almost literally zero alt mode integration, the entire Chevy Suburban or whatever the hell it is just curls up…

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Sorry I missed last week! Review this week.

Hey Tumblr! Sorry I missed last time out, stuff has been a bit crazy over here. I’m finally getting some good traction on my larger project, so while we’re waiting for that here’s another review! 

https://transformersaesthetics.wordpress.com/review-generations-scourge/

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Review: AOE Scorn

Hey Team! Quick change today. I thought I’d try something new; I drew up a quick review of a toy I like. It’s just verbal, nothing fancy. Hope you enjoy!

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers-toys/gallery/age-of-extinction-generations/scorn/3272/1/

AOE Scorn is a figure I really enjoy. The figure has a couple key things going for it. First and foremost, Scorn has really good aesthetics. Yes it’s one of the admittedly quite questionable AOE dinobots with that weird, unnecessarily complex jagged thing going on. Yes, it’s not accurate to the grey blur of a dinobot from the movie. Actually I’d argue that this is Scorn’s strongest point.I think the thing that most particularly demonstrates that is his headsculpt. Between the bright blue of his visor, the simplicity of the design, and the block coloration, it feels like something more out of Animated. Because of the liberties taken with the movie character model, we get this weird hybrid design. It has many of the features of AOE aesthetics such as the aforementioned jagged bits, knight features, and those fun little djinni booties all the Dinobots have, combined with the bright, vibrant colors and pseudo cell shading of the toyline. This ends with the figure feeling very cartoony, in its own way. While the sculpting of the figure actually does hew fairly closely to many of the details of Scorn’s movie character model, the figure has an ineffable je ne sais quoi in terms of proportions that makes it feel more like a stylized version of the character, especially in contrast with the later TLK figure, which looks like it hopped off the screen into a vat of red paint. 

I think Scorn’s other primary virtue is the elegance of the design. He’s got a bunch of great little details that make the dino mode feel just that little bit more full. In particular, I’m very fond of the little piece of plastic that forms the bottom of the spinosaurus’s throat, and the way his legs collapse from humanoid ones into something more digitigrade, but quite solid. 

Similarly, the figure is a joy to transform because of the engineering, particularly of the arms and waist (the leg ball joints on my copy have been weird and powdery since day one, but I always chalked that up to sitting unopened in the back of a Toys R Us for two years. I found the thing at retail in 2016, if you can believe it.) The arms remind me of Siege or Earthrise engineering, just years before that happened. It’s just some very nice, smooth pin joints, and I love them to death. The figure reuses robot mode parts to form the dinosaur mode in a way that is solid and looks good on both modes. For example, the middle toe of the dino mode feet is repurposed as the djinni bootie foot in robot mode.  I also love how the waist transforms; the way his little loincloth piece perfectly slots into place as the rest of the waist assembly rotates is simply delightful. All of this engineering conspires to create a robot mode without very much kibble, and a dino mode that’s remarkably clean, especially considering AOE aesthetics. 

Overall, scorn is definitely my favorite AOE figure. There’s a lot of really cool stuff going on with the engineering and the design. If you’ve got an opportunity to pick one up and see what it’s all about, I’d definitely recommend it. 

[transformersaesthetics]

Top Ten Expensive Transformers

The hiatus is over! Thanks for your patience with last week folks. Something a bit different today Tumblr! Not the long awaited project, but a fun little aside. A while ago, I was scrolling around on Google, and I saw a clickbait article that alleged to discuss ‘the top ten most difficult to obtain Transformers’. I was curious, and, perhaps foolishly, I clicked on it. To my disappointment, the article was merely a list of expensive MISB G1 figures, which is… Well, boring. So, today, I hope to correct that grave injustice with an article about, in a loose order, 10 Transformers that are difficult to obtain, even if you’re willing to lay out a lot of money. 

A couple of rules before we jump in; First, these aren’t the most expensive Transformers or the rarest transformers, because those questions don’t really make sense. How much a figure costs varies from seller to seller, so it’s impossible to establish a list of the absolute most expensive. Also, many figures that are famously expensive are not expensive in absolute terms, but for their price point.  Similarly, with an exception we’ll discuss in a moment, actual rarity can be quite hard to establish. As far as contents of the list go,  Takara Tomy will occasionally create special ‘lucky draw’ figures for contests in magazines and things. How many they produce varies from figure to figure, but it generally is between 50 and 10. These will be excluded from the list, because if they weren’t, the whole list would be lucky draw figures. (Although they’re cool as shit and you should go take a look http://www.luckydrawtransformers.com/)  Similarly, there are a ton of figures like Victory Leokaiser that command a lot of money on the secondary market just because they were japanese exclusive. These would also take up a ton of room on the list, so I’m going to avoid them unless there’s a really good reason to have them on here. Same for convention exclusives. Without further ado, let’s get started! 

10: Action Master Thundercracker 

Normally, when a toy is exclusive to somewhere, it’s Japan. However, as we’ll discuss later, in G1, Europe and other parts of the world saw some strange distribution. (NexusShard17) Towards the end of G1, “the European Hasbro branches continued releasing new toys which the USA would never get.”(NexusShard17) Perhaps the most notorious of these is Action Master Thundercracker, which has one of the most magnificent color schemes ever seen on a transformer. Where Thundercracker is traditionally blue, Action Master Thundercracker is neon pink, lime green, and a bunch of metallic copper paint and baby blue thrown in for good measure. (Geewunling) Because of the exclusivity of the figure, and it’s desirable, awful color scheme, it tends to command quite a bit on the secondary market. 

How do I get one? 

You can reliably find him on ebay in varying states of completeness, which of course impacts the price. For the figure itself with a few accessories, he goes for around 70-80 dollars, ranging to 150 and up for MISB. 

9: Dark of the Moon Wheeljack/Que: 

Who? 

Wheeljack/Que had a bit part in Dark of the Moon. He was mostly kind of around until he got shot towards the end of the film, for emotions or something. (SFH) He had a toy fully produced, but, when the DOTM line was prematurely axed, Wheeljack’s toy was left in limbo. Takara was eventually able to release Wheeljack in their markets, but he never saw an official US release. (SFH)  

How do I get one? 

Because the toy did actually see an official release somewhere on the planet, it’s not particularly rare, just expensive for a deluxe. You can generally buy one for around $100 on eBay. 

Notes: 

This fate is actually fairly common for toys. Most of the final wave of DOTM was eventually released by Takara. Similarly, although much of the tail end of Transformers: Animated was genuinely axed, figures such as Blackout did see release in Japan.(Abates) (And are also quite expensive.) I mostly picked Wheeljack because he’s the one I always think of. 

8: Masterforce Browning

Who? 

Browning was exclusive to the Japanese G1 line, Super God Masterforce. However, what really makes him difficult to come by is his alternate mode; Browning turns into a Browning M1910 pistol. (TVsGrady) Not only does he turn into a real model of gun, it’s a pretty convincing alt-mode from a distance; no orange safety cap, just sweet sweet chrome the whole figure over. Obviously, this would not fly in today’s toy market, and that makes a reissue of Browning extremely unlikely.

How do I get one? 

Between the reissue problem, the fact that his alt-mode is honestly really cool and novel, and his limited, Japanese release, it’s tough to even find an original Browning for sale on Ebay. Even when he is available, he tends to command a clean couple hundred. Your best bet would be dedicated trading forums. 

7: Hasbro DOTM Leadfoot 

Who? 

Much like Wheeljack, Leadfoot had a bit part in DOTM. He showed up for a few scenes with the Wreckers and built a spaceship and made Nascar jokes. Also like Wheeljack, Leadfoot was planned to receive a deluxe class figure, but with the untimely demise of DOTM, it was not to be. Takara did release a version of Leadfoot, and, like Wheeljack, this is expensive, but not unobtainable. What is excruciatingly hard to come by is one of the unreleased Hasbro two-packs of the character, which contained Leadfoot in a different deco from Takara’s, and a deluxe Topspin. Packaged samples are known to exist, but never officially saw release in any market. 

How do I get one? 

Takara’s Leadfoot generally commands $80-150 on eBay, and you can generally find one or two floating around. If you want the Hasbro deco, well… Good luck. The transformers wiki confirms that there was once one listed on eBay.(MSipher) Now, nine years after DOTM, your best bet would be to know someone, to know someone who knows someone, or to have an in at a place where things like this are discussed and trafficked. 

6: Rally Rhinox 

Who? 

Many of you are likely familiar with the Beast Wars character Rhinox. Many of you are probably not familiar with the promotional toy that character received at local American chain Rally’s. (S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) It looks nothing like Rhinox, or even really like a rhino.(S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) However, “Most people didn't realize the promotion even existed until after it was over, and the restaurant chain is fairly small and somewhat regional.” (S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) Because collectors are how they are, it tends to be quite expensive. 

How do I get one? 

The cursory ebay search I did recently didn’t turn anything up. However, a little more digging found some previous listings on old transformers forums. It appears to have gone for about 100 dollars, which is quite a bit, considering it’s a worse happy meal toy. 

5:Latin American G1 product 

What? 

G1’s international distribution was a bit of a mess. Hasbro handled the US, but “The earliest toys released in continental Europe (minus Italy) were distributed by Milton Bradley, which was in the process of being taken over by Hasbro at that point.”(NexusShard17, The Transformers) In Latin America, the situation was even more complex. No fewer than five licensees were producing G1 figures, often in unique and striking color schemes. (Whalermouse) With the passage of time, the exact scope of what was produced has become unclear; for example, “There are supposedly upwards of three dozen different mold/color combinations altogether, many of them unique to the Peruvian line, but the ravages of time have made samples stunningly rare and reliable information scarce.” (Whalermouse) The actual rarity of the figures depends on what specific piece you’re after, but all of them command outrageous sums. 

How do I get one? 

Many of these pieces are available to purchase on ebay. However, even the mini-vehicles tend to command on the order of 300-400 dollars. However, as you can imagine from the fact that it is uncertain what all exists, some individual colors and figures might prove exquisitely difficult to find. 

4: W Cassettebots 

What? 

Wouldn’t it be cool if Soundwave had some cassettes that turned into dinosaurs? What if they combined? Well if you lived in Japan in the 80’s, and preferred Blaster, you didn’t have to dream. There were two teams of cassettes that turned into dinosaurs, and that combined, albeit somewhat awkwardly. (M Sipher, W Cassettebot) At the end of the Headmasters, “there were a number of toys exclusive to Japan, most of which today command large sums on the secondary market due to rarity (or at least perceived rarity) in the West.” The W Cassettebots were solidly in that category. However, unlike other such exclusives, the W Cassettebots didn’t see a reissue until 2018-2019. (Interrobang; S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) For decades these figures could command 2000-3000 dollars for the pair. Even knock offs would go for several hundred dollars. Although these are expensive simply because of their exclusivity, their notoriety earns them a place on the list. 

How do I get one? 

If you’re a reasonable human being, you buy the reissue. It’s two orders of magnitude cheaper and you can actually play with it.  If you’re actually interested in the real deal, an accepted path is to buy some KOs to familiarize yourself with what those look like, and then… find the boys themselves somewhere? Likely by reaching out to an individual seller; I’ve never even seen a real pair on ebay. 

3: G2 Bomber Megatron 

A toy that essentially anyone can buy, but with a packaging variant that is next to unobtainable? Oh baybee, welcome to this version of G2 Megatron. “A planned-but-more-or-less-canceled redeco of Generation 2 Dreadwing, this two-pack of Megatron and Starscream was only released to test markets in Ohio in very limited quanities, and never saw a wide release… the toy was instead made available, with just a few small deco changes, in the Beast Wars II toyline as BB and Starscream.”(ItsWalky) Why do we care about how difficult this is to obtain? My god, because it’s there. Because it’s there. 

How do I get one? 

I’mma say you don’t. I’d guess less than 500 samples of any sort of this are around, and new in sealed box which is the only thing you’d care about? You’re at the mercy of Ohioese children of the 80s not playing with the cool toy they were bought. Good luck finding one. When you do, be prepared to break your wallet in half. 

2: G2 Defensor and Menasor 

These guys really should be number one on the list (but they’re not quite for a good reason). The place they occupy in transformers culture is legendary. It’s a newsworthy event when a set of these figures even becomes available to buy. Even Hasbro has lampshaded the rarity of these figures in the bio of one Shortround, a Cybertron toy. (KilMichaelMcC; Bronzewolf) Much as the first entry on our list, Action Master Thundercracker, had a phenomenally garish color scheme, Menasor and Defensor were going to be released that way in G2. However, between one thing and another, they were canceled. In spite of that, several samples are known to exist. Imagine it. A G1 combiner, unreleased, with this magnificent, gaudy color scheme, all those delightful little bits and pieces to lose or misplace over the years, a bare handful of extant ones in any event… The stuff of legends, to be sure. 

How do I get one? 

Know someone who knows someone. These tend to go for in the neighborhood of 20000 dollars. If you have the 20k to drop on one of these guys, you probably know someone who can put you in contact with one. They are also, rarely, listed on ebay. 

1: Chrome Optimus Prime

Okay, I know I said no Lucky Draw figures, but this one is special. There aren’t ten, or fifteen, or fifty of these. There are exactly two, as part of a single display. (MasterX224) “Won by TFW2005.com member James Zahn, this one-of-a-kind (well, two-of-a-kind) piece is an almost fully vacuum-metallized Leader-class Optimus Prime in red, silver and blue (based heavily upon Generation 1 Optimus Prime), presented with a custom display base with an embossed silver Autobot insignia and a perspex display case.” (MasterX224) The fact that there are two of this figure catapults it to the absolute stratosphere of rarity. It’s difficult to imagine what figure that actually exists could be rarer than this. Maybe a one-off thing for a valued Takara employee? Maybe the very first prototype of Optimus Prime? Even things like Menasor and Defensor have a handful of samples. What has just two? Well… this Chrome Optimus Prime. 

How do I get one? 

Well it helps to be James Zhan. And… yeah I think that’s really all. He’s certainly not going to give it up any time soon. Maybe if you meet him he’ll let you take a look at it some day? 

I hope you all enjoyed this loose list of some of the rarest/most expensive for what they are Transformers. There’s a ton of other super notorious lads, (cough G1 Raiden cough) that really do deserve to be on here. These are just a few of the ones I thought were interesting and, candidly, know about. I’m not in the circles of those folks who are collecting the rarest of the rare. If there’s anything you know about or would even like to spread rumors about, mention it! I’d love to hear about them. Also, if this caught your fancy, make sure to check out the lucky draw website. They have all sorts of interesting stories up there.

TVsGrady et al. “Browning” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Browning Accessed 11/1/2020

SFH et al. “Wheeljack (Movie)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Que Accessed 11/27/2020

Abates et al. “Blackout (Animated)” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Blackout_(Animated) Accessed 11/27/2020

NexusShard17 et al/ “Transformers: Dark of the Moon (toyline)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Dark_of_the_Moon_(toyline) Accessed 11/27/2020

MSipher et al. “Leadfoot (DOTM)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Leadfoot_(DOTM) Accessed 11/27/2020

S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47 “Rhinox (BW)/toys” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Rhinox_(BW)/toys#Beast_Wars Accessed 11/27/2020

NexusShard17 et al. “ The Transformers (European toyline)” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/The_Transformers_(European_toyline)#1985 Accessed 11/27/2020

Whalermouse et al. “The Transformers (Toyline)” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/The_Transformers_(toyline)#Mexican_.26_South_American_Transformers Accessed 11/27/2020

MSipher et al. “W Cassettebot” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/W_Cassettebot Accessed 11/27/2020

M Sipher et al. “Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers! (toyline)” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_The_Headmasters_(toyline)#1987_.28The_Headmasters.29 Accessed 11/27/2020

Interrobang et al. “Graphy” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Graphy#Vintage_G1 Accessed 11/27/2020

S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47 et al. “Dairu” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Dairu#Toys Accessed 11/27/2020

Geewunling et al. “Thundercracker (G1)/toys” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Thundercracker_(G1)/toys#ActionMaster Accessed 11/27/2020

ItsWalky et al. “Megatron (G1)/toys” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Megatron_(G1)/toys#Generation_2 Accessed 11/27/2020

Bronzewolf, “Unreleased G2 Menasor Prototype listed on Ebay again” Siebertron

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/unreleased-g2-menasor-prototype-listed-on-ebay-again/36662/ Accessed 11/27/2020

KilMichaelMcC et al. “Generation 2 Defensor and Menasor” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Generation_2_Defensor_and_Menasor Accessed 11/27/2020

MasterX224 et al. “Optimus Prime (Movie)/toys” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Optimus_Prime_(Movie)/toys#Leader_Class_toys Accessed 11/27/2020

[transformersaesthetics]

No post this week

Hey Tumblr! Sorry to say, I´ve got no post this week. Stuff has been really crazy at work and I’m having to make some tough priority calls, so I didn’t have time for an essay this cycle. Still working on that project tho, so hopefully I’ll have that up some time in the near future. Stay juicy friends.

[transformersaesthetics]

Transformers: Universe

Hello Tumblr! Here’s my entry for Transformers: Universe. As I mentioned last time, I’m working on something and I’m still trying to figure out the mechanics of it. Next week will likely be an essay outside of the main project. Enjoy!

    Transformers Universe(2008) is the second line largely focused on giving Generation 1 characters updated figures. Universe continues many traditions established by Classics, but uses its larger scale to explore. The line was much larger than Classics, and featured significantly greater diversity. Unlike Classics, Universe featured many figures in most of the size classes it featured, and expanded its offerings into the Ultra size class. Similarly, Universe homaged characters from parts of the franchise other than Generation 1, featuring several characters from Beast Wars and even one from Armada. However, Universe also drew much inspiration from Classics, and is in many ways a spiritual successor to it, as well as the first Transformers Universe line, which occurred in 2003. Transformers Universe represents an evolution of the concepts first introduced in Classics, often influenced by design practices from the wildly successful Movie lines. Universe is also a moment where HasTak were still refining their relationship to the concept of a Generation 1 homage line, and exploring how such a concept could be executed in practice. 

        Much like Classics, Universe featured an assortment of legends class figures. Again like Classics, most of these were redecos of Cybertron figures.(Jackpot) However, unlike Classics, six Generation 1 characters, namely several mini-vehicles, received new molds at this price point.(Jackpot)

    Universe featured a significantly larger proportion of new mold deluxes than Classics had. As the Wiki notes, it was not only the number of figures that changed, but their engineering.(Jackpot) Universe was the first CHUG line released in the wake of the live action Transformers film.(TheLastGherkin)  As such, many of the engineering changes that line pioneered are visible in its new molds. Where Classics had demonstrated an Armada or even Beast Wars era tendency towards direct approaches to transformation schemes and large tracts of solid, unjointed plastic, Universe explored more joints, more panels, and less intuitive transformation schemes. Figures such as Ironhide and Nissan 350Z mold feature intricate paneling and signature Movie-style backpacks of vehicle mode shell. Galvatron features an unintuitive transformation scheme that rivals RID Sideburn for getting in its own way and baffling complexity.(Peaugh) 

This is not to say that all Universe toys are infamously intricate. Rather, the use of these somewhat extreme examples is meant to illustrate that HasTak designers were beginning to shift away from more linear approaches to problem solving, which addressed specific transformation features with specific solutions and left large chunks of plastic elsewhere. In a post-Movie era, they began to move towards a more holistic approach, where every part of the figure serves a purpose, and is jointed or molded to accommodate that purpose. For example, the Nissan mold is not notoriously complex, but the lower legs are still molded to be hollow to house the upper legs in vehicle mode, in contrast to Classics Astrotrain’s remarkably solid legs. 

Universe’s expanded range of Deluxes allowed it to homage things outside of Generation 1. In particular, the exceptionally popular Beast Wars and Armada lines received new figures of central characters.(Jackpot) In particular, Beast Wars characters Cheetor and Dinobot received new figures, as did the Armada character Hot Shot.(Jackpot) This is of particular note for several reasons. First, it is somewhat unusual, although not unheard of, for non-G1 figures to receive nostalgia figures. Indeed, no other non-G1 homage figures would be produced in a CHUG line until 2010’s Reveal the Shield Voyager Lugnut, a full two years later.(Spin-out) Secondly, it is remarkable that Armada should receive a direct homage. There was significant precedent for Beast Wars homages, for example the Beast Wars 10th Anniversary toyline and the BotCon 2006 set. (SuperRobbie) Moreover, Beast Wars was, at this point, more than 10 years old, whereas Armada had ended a mere 6 years previous.(Interrobang) 

However, while the suddenness of the homage is somewhat remarkable, the fact that Armada in particular was recognized with a new mold is unsurprising. Beast Wars, Armada, and arguably the Movie franchise all represent moments of tremendous popularity for Transformers.(ItsWalky, Armada;Transformers;Steve-o)  As was noted earlier, non-G1 homage figures are comparatively rare. However, of the few that exist, a huge number come from Armada, Beast wars or, as with Studio Series, the Movie franchise.(ItsWalky, Armada;Steve-o; Ikkad) Universe Hot Shot marks the first entry into what would become one of the more homaged lines of the franchise. 

    One of the notable spiritual links that exists between Universe and Classics is the Classics Seeker Mold. As was discussed in the Classics essay, the Classics Seeker mold is the single most reissued mold in the history of the brand, as far as redecos into new characters are concerned. This storied lineage begins here; The Seeker mold was rereleased in Universe, once as Starscream, and once as the until-this-release obscure character Acid Storm.(Jackpot) 

    Another point of continuity between Classics and Universe is the Deluxe Octane figure. Other than Classics Astrotrain, Deluxe Octane represents the only time in the history of the brand that a triple changer was attempted at the deluxe price point.(Autobus Prime) All subsequent toys of this kind were at the Voyager size class or above. This arguably represents HasTak still learning the ropes of this sort of CHUG line; triple changers are easier to pull off successfully at the voyager price point, where there are more joints and more plastic available to create more convincing alternate modes. These sorts of transitional ideas are visible at other points throughout the Universe line.  

    Universe’s Voyager class offerings were almost exclusively redecos of Cybertron figures, with one redeco of a Classics figure and one new mold. Remarkably, almost all of these redecos represent either comparatively obscure existing characters, like Blades or Dropshot, or characters for whom this is their only appearance, like Heavy Load.(Jackpot) Of particular note is the reuse of Cybertron Leobreaker as Leo Prime, another name for the Japanese character Leo Convoy.(Derik) This figure contributes to Universe continuing another trend of Classics, namely that of making references to obscure characters and figures. These  references are not necessarily intended for children. This can also be seen with HasTak’s use of the name Treadbolt for their redeco of Classics Jetfire. The name is a reference to a G1 Micromaster released in 1990; it is unlikely that any children looking at toys in 2008 understood the alusion.(Rolobolon)

    Universe Inferno is the only new mold Voyager figure. Like his compatriots at the Deluxe class, Inferno uses paneling to achieve a realistic vehicle mode. He is also somewhat chunky, echoing, especially in his legs and forearms, the uninterrupted plastic characteristic of Classics. 

    Universe was the only CHUG line to feature toys in the Ultra class price point. Classics only featured voyager figures because the line was comparatively small, and subsequent lines like 2010 and Generations did not feature Ultra figures, because by that point the size class had been discontinued.(Singularity) There were three new mold Ultra figures, for Onslaught, Silverbolt, and, strangely enough, Powerglide. These figures all included electronic lights and sounds.(Jackpot)

    Continuing the pattern of obscure references, Powerglide features a small heart underneath his chest panel. This references an episode of the G1 cartoon, specifically “The Girl Who Loved Powerglide.(S.H.I.E.L.D Agent47) Onslaught features a particularly interesting reference; rather than to a specific cartoon or figure, he references a specific member of the Transformers fan community, Monzo.(Dr.Spengler) This marks a new kind of reference in Transformers, call outs to individuals involved either with the production of the figures or their consumption. 

    The Universe line piggybacked off of the Movie line in two other specific ways. Firstly, it continued the Robot Heroes figures first established by the movie.(Jackpot) These are small figures of iconic characters, sold in two packs, with limited articulation.(M Sipher) It also featured a great many retailer exclusive figures.(Jackpot) These extended the run of the line significantly.(Jackpot)

    Like Classics before it, toys produced under the Universe banner were not hyper screen accurate realizations of characters from the G1 cartoon, but updates of them, with better articulation and more modern alternate modes. As with Classics, many of these alternate modes are realistic, which, as the Wiki notes, served to bridge the gap between the Movie line and the ROTF line in terms of having realistic vehicles on store shelves.(Jackpot) 

    On the whole, Universe represents a continuation of elements established by Classics, while the greater scope of the line and new engineering techniques allowed it to be more experimental. Like Classics, Universe featured many arcane references, a plethora of redecos, and realistic, modernized vehicle modes. Unlike Classics, Universe featured a much greater number of new mold deluxes and a much greater diversity of characters. It also learned from Movie engineering practices, and began to design figures so that every part of the figure participated in all of the modes. During Universe, HasTak were still unwilling to commit to an entirely nostalgia based line, as evidenced by many of the redecos of Cybertron toys, and the presence of the Legends and Robot Heroes figures. Universe represents a natural outgrowth from Classics that evolved in the context of a post-Movie engineering world. 

Works Cited

Autobus Prime et al. “Triple Changer" TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Triple_changer Accessed 5/7/2020

Derik et al. “Lio Convoy" TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Lio_Convoy Accessed 5/7/2020

Dr.Spengler et al. “Onslaught (G1)" TFwiki

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Onslaught_(G1) Accessed 5/7/2020

Ikkad et al. “Studio Series” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Studio_Series Accessed 5/7/2020

Interrobang et al. “Transformers: Beast Wars 10th Anniversary" TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Beast_Wars_10th_Anniversary Accessed 5/7/2020

ItsWalky et al. “Transformers: Armada (franchise)" TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Armada_(franchise) Accessed 5/7/2020 

ItsWalky et al. “Transformers (film)" TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers_(film)#Reception Accessed 5/7/2020

Jackpot et al. “Universe (2008)/Toyline"TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Universe_(2008_toyline) Accessed 5/7/2020

Monzo et al.“Beast Wars:Transformers(toyline)" TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Beast_Wars:_Transformers_(toyline)   

Accessed 4/25/2020

M Sipher et al.”Robot Heroes" TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Robot_Heroes_(toyline) Accessed 5/7/2020 

Peaugh. “Transformers Universe/Classics2.0 Galvatron” YouTube, 11 August 2008,https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqvrURhB1rw 

Rololbolon et al. “Tread Bolt" TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Tread_Bolt Accessed 5/7/2020

Seichi et al. “Transformers: Armada (Toyline)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Armada_(toyline) Accessed 5/6/2020 

S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47. “Powerglide (G1)/Toys” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Powerglide_(G1)/toys Accessed 5/7/2020

Singularity et al. “Size Class" TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Size_class Accessed 5/5/2020

Spin-Out et al. “Lugnut (TF 2010)" TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Lugnut_(TF_2010) Accessed 5/7/2020

Steve-o et al. “Beast Wars (franchise)" TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Beast_Wars#Reception Accessed 5/7/2020

SuperRobbie et al. “Transformers: Timelines (Toyline)” ,TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers_Timelines_(toyline) Accessed 5/7/2020 

TheLastGherkin et al. “Series" TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Series Accessed 5/7/2020 

[transformersaesthetics]

Revenge of the Fallen

Hey Gang! Going a bit out of order today. I’ve been doing some more in depth research and I’m hoping to integrate that into the whole project soon. With that in mind, here’s ROTF! One of my personal favorite toylines, because of how experimental it was in terms of characters and alt modes.

    Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (ROTF) was the sequel to the blockbuster 2007 live action Transformers film. The toyline continued and expanded upon many trends and ideas present in the 2007 movie line, including the complexity of the figures, licenced, realistic alternate modes, and intricate robot mode detailing. The line was massive, even by the standards of the previous movie, which it rivaled in terms of both number of waves and new molds. Because of the sheer size, the line had many aspects and introduced new toy and aesthetic concepts, many of which would go on to heavily influence, not only subsequent movie lines, but arguably Generations as well. As a result of its scope, faithfulness to and expansion of concepts found in the first movie, its wide influence, and its willingness to take risks and experiment ROTF is one of the most fascinating movie lines overall. 

The aesthetics of the designs in ROTF have a great deal in common with those of the previous film. The handful of new Autobot designs have blocky heads, that are human enough to be sympathetic but alien enough to be intriguing.  Deceptions are once again spikey, alien and monstrous. These elements are not simply recycled, but expanded upon. ROTF Sideswipe in particular is one of the most visible deviation from standard Autobot designs. He features the decidedly inhuman elements of wheel feet and sword arms.(Abates, Sideswipe) Such dramatic alien elements are largely not found in the previous movie, despite the presence of such details as Jazz’s claws and visor, or Ironhide’s arm cannons. Mudflap and Skids also feature more inhuman designs. Skids has buck teeth and a left arm larger than his right, and both of them feature disproportionately large eyes, ears, and deformed heads.(FFN, Mudflap;Skids) These more cartoony designs are likely to reinforce their status as comic relief characters. Alien design elements are also apparent in the wildly inhuman designs of the trio of female bike transformers. These characters use a single wheel for robot mode locomotion instead of legs.(FFN, Arcee) Their waists are remarkably thin, and their backs often feature serpentine jointing.

    Most of the new Decepticons introduced in ROTF were Constructicons. The spiky, triangular detailing of 2007 movie Decepticons continues to be present in the Constructicons, but carried to an extreme degree. The already insectile heads feature even more and smaller parts, increasing their detailed appearance. Moreover, none of the Constructicons that received scout class toys or above or who had significant screen time in the film had anything approaching human proportions. Mixmaster has squat legs (when transformed correctly) and long, lanky arms.(FFN, Mixmaster) Long Haul’s toy, which does differ somewhat from his character model, has long, beefy arms and is quite tall.(FFN, Long Haul) Devastator himself is more dog-like than human, often portrayed shambling on all fours rather than walking upright. His head is much narrower than a human’s, and his forelimbs are much longer than his hind ones.(Abates, Devastator) 

Demolishor and Rampage in particular are not even humanoid; Rampage has massive forearms and claws, and a pogo stick instead of legs.(FFN, Rampage) Demolishor has two wheels stacked one on top of the other, and nothing that could even meaningfully be called a torso.(Apoc)  These design choices, combined with the already alien heads, make the Constructicons not only inhuman, but actively monstrous. Much like Bonecrusher in the first film, the proportions of Mixmaster and Long Haul in particular use the fact that they are humanoid, but twisted and distorted, to telegraph their monstrosity. 

    The Decepticons also explored a design avenue opened by Megatron and the protoforms of the 2007 film, namely cybertronians without an earth based alternate mode. The robot modes of these figures feature the elaborate metal plating found on other characters, but have no smooth sections of alternate mode kibble to interrupt it. Moreover, their vehicle modes are also largely comprised of this layered plating, leading some of them, particularly Soundwave and Ravage, to have somewhat unfocused alternate modes. (Servitor 2152, Soundwave) Many of the non-Constructicon characters introduced in ROTF fall into this category; Megatron himself, Soundwave, the Fallen, and Ravage all lack earth based alternate modes. The Fallen in particular was not actually designed to have a CG alternate mode, and never actually transforms in the film.(ChrisMcFeely) This results in his vehicle mode largely being a rearrangement of robot mode pieces to form something that vaguely looks like a jet. 

        Much as aesthetic choices in the 2007 film dictated complexity in the toyline, the extension of those choices in ROTF resulted in a completely unprecedented level of complexity. Many of the new designs featured very little alternate mode integration,  requiring the toys to perform involved contortions to conceal robot mode pieces. Some of the complexity also stems from attempts to produce more screen accurate toys of 2007 movie characters. In particular, ROTF Leader Class Optimus Prime is a famously complex mold that uses many little design tricks and moving pieces to create an impressively accurate robot. (MasterX2447)  Unfortunately, as with RID SideBurn, some of these toys became infamous for their unintuitive and fiddly transformation schemes. The aforementioned Leader Class Optimus is featured on both of Seibertron.com’s most complex transformer of all time lists.(william-james88) It takes me about ten minutes to transform mine.   Voyager Mixmaster is the most complicated non leader, non masterpiece toy that I have personally transformed or encountered, and also makes it on the Seibertron list.(william-james88) Even simpler toys, such as Demolishor and Lockdown, have an incredible number of joints and employ transformation schemes that often completely depart from traditional design choices. (Apoc;TX55)

    ROTF was, in some senses, a very experimental toy line.  This is primarily true about three aspects of the line. First, there was a remarkably high density of toy only characters in ROTF. Second, the range of alternate modes was hugely diverse, featuring everything from antique planes to Japanese tanks to household appliances. Third, the line occasionally hybridized Movieverse and other aesthetics, namely those of Animated and G1. 

ROTF features a remarkable proportion of toy only characters, both new molds and redecos. Indeed, almost the entire Scout Class assortment is toy only characters, perhaps because of scale issues.  Many toy only figures feature some variation on the theme of the softer, toyline unique movieverse aesthetic, as discussed in the 2007 movie essay. Figures such as Breakaway and Blazemaster feature remarkably high proportions of alt mode integration for movieverse figures, although their transformation schemes are quite complex.(Seichi)  Similarly, Dirge, who features a similar amount of integration but a less complex transformation scheme, derives much of his visual busyness from detailing, rather than being intrinsically complicated. (Seichi)  

In the previous movie toyline, redecos of molds used for on screen characters were largely confined to being a different or more accurate version of the character themselves, perhaps because characters like Barricade and Jazz were so recognizable. In ROTF, HasTak demonstrated a willingness to reuse these molds as toy only characters. Dead End’s deluxe toy is retooled from Sideways, and Swerve from Sideswipe.(Abates, Sideways;Sideswipe) There are also several redecos of 2007 line toys, some, such as Gears, are toy only, and some, such as Grindor, actually appear in the film.(Seichi)

ROTF features a tremendous and novel range of alternate modes. Stratosphere is the only transformer that has a mode approximating a commercial jet liner, Ransack turns into a biplane, Depthcharge is a realistic military boat, Brawn is a humvee,  Bludgeon turns into a Type 90, Scalpel turns into a microscope that doesn’t look like Perceptor, and Dirt Boss (happily, based on a Ken Christiansen design for the 2007 Activision game) turns into a forklift.(Seichi) None of these alternate modes had been used previously. More remarkably, these alternate modes don’t fall within one of the traditional categories of Transformer alternate modes, such as sports car or fighter jet; boat is in and of itself a fairly neglected group. Stratosphere and Brawn in particular continue the tradition, established in the first movie line by Incinerator, Stockade, and Landmine, of turning into non-transforming vehicles seen in the films themselves. 

 However, perhaps the single most outlandish altmode is held by Ejector, who turns into a toaster. This is one of the best things to happen in transformers, ever.(Your own eyes, with which you see the truth) It is plausible that this diversity represents HasTak playing with the opportunities afforded to them by a hugely successful toyline based on realistic vehicles and devices. It almost seems like they used the public’s willingness to purchase anything associated with the movies to experiment with novel directions for the brand. Many of these figures are Scout class or toy only characters; for these, HasTak seemingly leveraged the design freedom afforded to them by the lack of an existing character model. 

ROTF also featured a remarkable hybridization of movieverse and other aesthetics, namely those of Animated and G1. Unlike the 2007 line, ROTF featured many deluxe class figures who were references to G1 characters and who were not in the movie . Thrust, Dirge, Gears, Brawn, Blazemaster  and Smokescreen were all references to G1 toys. (Seichi) The voyager figures Long Haul and Mixmaster are also references, although they were involved in the film.(FFN, Long Haul; Mixmaster)

 However, Deluxe Lockdown and Voyager Bludgeon are the most intriguing reference figures. Deluxe Lockdown is a very direct reference to the Animated character of the same name.(TX55) Both his robot and vehicle mode appearances are heavily based on the appearance of his namesake. Indeed, he shares even absurdly specific traits with the Animated toy; both are significantly taller than the rest of the toyline, and both can exchange weapons with the deluxe Ratchet of the same line.(TX55) Although his intricate detailing indicates a movieverse origin, he also features traits from animated. Lockdown has large blocks of a flat color, mostly on his legs, and the front end of the car, especially the headlights and the grey spikes at the front, are more cartoonish than standard for a movie figure.(TX55) 

Voyager Bludgeon, on the other hand, is often considered the definitive “Generations” version of the character, even by HasTak themselves; the design heavily inspires many of his appearances in the first IDW G1 comics, and is the direct basis of his G1 self’s appearance in Transformers: Legends, Earth Wars, and Forged to Fight.(Octopus Prime, Bludgeon) Moreover, while there have been many other homages in the form of a Timelines figure, a RID 2015 figure, and even a Prime Master, there has not been another attempt at a Generations Bludgeon.(Octopus Prime, Bludgeon) However, retools of the figure have been used in the Generations line, and in Generations inspired lines like Takara’s Cloud and the 2010 line, to represent various characters.(Octopus Prime, Bludgeon) While the toy features a comparatively complex transformation, and, in places, intense mechanical detailing, it also features many Generations style elements. These include detailing designed to evoke the lines between plates of metal found in real vehicles like airplanes. Most significantly, his torso, limbs, and head sculpt mostly lack the signature movieverse Decepticon sharp/triangular bits. They are instead simply generically robotic, and therefore able to fit within Generations. It is intriguing to note that the figure resembles a concept submitted by artist Don Figueroa during the Unicron Trilogy, perhaps explaining its somewhat incongruous aesthetics.(Octopus Prime, Bludgeon)

ROTF broke with the previous movie line in terms of size class. The Real Gear robots assortment was replaced by more conventional scout class figures, meant to represent smaller robots that largely transformed into traditional vehicles.   Scalpel and Ejector are reminiscent of the Real Gear Robots line, in the sense that both their alternate modes are real life appliances.  Moreover, Ejector is a reference to a scene in the film where the Allspark once again animates household objects, much as the Real Gear robots were.   On the other end of the size spectrum, ROTF introduced the Supreme Combiner class, only used for a toy of Devastator. It was formed from six vehicles without independent alternate modes.(Abates, Devastator) It retailed for 100 USD, and paved the way for the subsequent Titan class, introduced in 2013 with Metroplex.(Octopus Prime, Metroplex) 

Another novel size class introduced during ROTF was the Human Alliance class. A touch larger than voyagers, these figures were somewhat in the style of Alternators, having accurate car modes, detailed interiors, and opening doors.(Sunjumper) In a new twist, these figures came with roughly to scale, articulated human minifigures, based on characters from the film.(Sunjumper) These figures also came with weapons that the human figures could sit on or interact with. Since there was some effort made at scale, smaller figures like Mudflap and Skids came with supplemental transforming figures, namely small versions of Chromia and Arcee.(Sunjumper)

Like in the previous movie line, HasTak moved to have figures of several core cast members at various size classes. Ratchet got a new mold deluxe toy and a reissue of his first movie voyager, Optimus got the aforementioned leader figure and two reissues of his first movie toy, and Bumblebee received three releases of a single deluxe mold, one of which was a heavy retool, a Human Alliance figure, and the Ultimate Bumblebee figure, which was full of lights and sounds and had a size class unique to itself.(Servitor 2152, Bumblebee) All of these characters also received legends class figures, which fall below the scope of this survey. 

ROTF featured a gimmick somewhat similar to the Automorph of the first movie toyline, Mech Alive.(Deceptitram) In essence, if part of the figure was moved, another part would move. Generally, this was achieved by adding gearing to the elbows of figures, which would move exposed gearing elsewhere, or by designing the thigh swivels to function off rods, which were exposed and had detailing. Examples include the Sideways mold and the Lockdown mold.(Abates,Sideways;TX55) The gimmick tended to be minimally invasive, and was present on a great many of the new mold figures. 

    As evidenced by its many mentions throughout this article, ROTF Leader Class Optimus Prime is one of the most influential molds to come out of ROTF, if not in general. For many years the definitive incarnation of the character, this toy was redecoed, retooled slightly, and reissued countless times with a huge number of different accessories.(MasterX2447) The most recent release of the figure occurred in 2017, under the Movie the Best line. (MasterX2447)  Design elements of the figure influenced many subsequent attempts to create a very screen accurate Optimus Prime, including the masterpiece figure. The combination of the remarkably screen accurate robot mode and the challenging transformation sequence served to make this figure a long time fan favorite. It is frequently mentioned on lists of the best figures of all time. 

    In 2008, the economy crashed, both in the United States and around the world. This had some financial impacts on Hasbro, and they were forced to tweak much of the ROTF line.(FFN,Rampage) Jolt lost paint applications, Demolishor’s treads were changed from being linked pieces connected by pins to a piece of rubber, and Leader Optimus lost planned finger articulation.(MasterX2447) Prices also climbed a few dollars at every size class, a change that would be permanent.(Singularity) It is unclear how much of this was because of the recession, and how much was because of other financial considerations at HasTak. 

     ROTF builds on themes established by the 2007 movie line such as the aesthetic, complexity, and realistic vehicle modes, and carries it to new heights. The aesthetics evolved, featuring more of their traditional hallmarks in a more exaggerated way. The figures went from remarkably complex to legendarily so, with some figures standing out as among the most complex of all time. Realistic vehicle modes were also extrapolated to include highly unconventional alternate modes, such as a biplane or a toaster. The line introduced several elements, such as the reintroduction of Scout Class toys, and the Human Alliance assortment, which would have a profound impact on later lines of movie toys. More than that, the willingness of ROTF to experiment, both in terms of new, toy only characters, new alternate modes, and novel fusions of radically different aesthetics, set the stage for some of the most interesting lines in history of the brand, namely the 2010 line, and allowed a movie toyline to have design influences that reached even Generations figures. ROTF is certainly one of the most interesting and influential movie lines. 

Works Cited

Abates et al. “Devastator (ROTF)” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Devastator_(ROTF) Accessed 5/8/2020

Abates et al. “Sideswipe (Movie)”. TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Sideswipe_(Movie) Accessed 5/8/2020

Abates et al. “Sideways (ROTF)” TFWiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Sideways_(ROTF) Accessed 5/8/2020

Apoc et al. “Demolishor (ROTf)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Demolishor_(ROTF) Accessed 5/8/2020

ChrisMcfeely et al. “The Fallen/Toys” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/The_Fallen/toys Accessed 5/8/2020 

Deceptitran et al. “Mech Alive” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Mech_Alive Accessed 5/6/2020

FFN et al. “Arcee (Movie)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Arcee_(Movie) Accessed 5/6/2020

FFN et al. “Long Haul (ROTF)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Long_Haul_(ROTF) Accessed 5/8/2020

FFN et al. “Mixmaster (ROTF)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Mixmaster_(ROTF) Accessed 5/8/2020

FFN et al. “Mudflap (ROTF)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Mudflap_(ROTF) Accessed 5/8/2020

FFN et al. “Rampage (ROTF)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Rampage_(ROTF) Accessed 5/8/2020

FFN et al. “Skids (ROTF)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Skids_(ROTF) Accessed 5/8/2020

MasterX2447 et al. “Optimus Prime (Movie)/Toys” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Optimus_Prime_(Movie)/toys Accessed 5/8/2020

Octopus Prime et al. “Bludgeon (G1)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Bludgeon_(G1) Accessed 5/8/2020

Octopus Prime et al. “Metroplex (G1)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Metroplex_(G1) Accessed 5/8/2020

Seichi et al. “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (toy)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Revenge_of_the_Fallen_(toyline) Accessed 5/8/2020

Servitor 2152 et al, “Bumblebee (Movie)/Toys”, TFwiki,

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Bumblebee_(Movie)/toys#Deluxe_Class_toys Accessed 5/6/2020 

Servitor 2152 et al. “Soundwave (ROTF)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Soundwave_(ROTF) Accessed 5/8/2020

Singularity et al, “Size Class”, TFwiki,

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Size_class Accessed 5/5/2020

Sunjumper et al. “Human Alliance” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Human_Alliance Accessed 5/8/2020

TX55 et al. “Lockdown (ROTF)” TFwiki.

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Lockdown_(ROTF) Accessed 5/8/2020

william-james88 . “Top 5 Most Difficult Transformers Toys” Seibertron.

https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/top-5-most-difficult-transformers-toys/36811/ Accessed 5/8/2020

[transformersaesthetics]

Transformers: Animated

Transformers: Animated. Because the others weren’t.

But all kidding aside folks, I’ve got a special essay for you today! We’ll be talking about Animated, one of the Transformers toylines with a profoundly revolutionary aesthetic. I’ll be focusing more on general historical trends in this essay, because the line is somewhat small, and the Wiki covers it very well.

Hope you enjoy!

    Transformers: Animated was the first cartoon-supporting toyline released in the wake of the first live action film. The aesthetics of the line marked a sharp break with previous media. Where the movie had opted for hyper-complex robots, Animated abandoned many of the more traditional, Gundamesque robot design elements of G1, Armada, and RID. Instead, Animated created a new, hyper-cartoony design vocabulary, “following head character designer Derrick Wyatt's love of ‘rounded squares and squared rounds’” (MSipher) The line built upon the successes of Cybertron and the movie line, heavily emphasizing smaller figures, including the legends class and the new, roughly basic sized alternators. (M Sipher) These features would largely define its legacy. The aesthetic of Animated would serve as a starting point for the decade long journey of design transformations that has, at present, culminated in Transformers: Cyberverse. Similarly, the wide diversity of toy offerings present in Animated and the movie line would give HasTak the tools to redefine what toys were made for who, and would eventually demand they do so. 

    Unlike the Unicron Trilogy lines, or indeed the movie line itself, Animated lacked an overall gimmick. (M Sipher) Because of this, and the relatively small size of the line, the wiki’s summary page contains a concise and appropriate description of the main features of the toyline to which there is not much to add. For the sake of completeness, the highpoints of this analysis will be recapitulated here. However, the bulk of this essay will focus, not necessarily on the features of the figures themselves, but the larger features of the toyline, in particular the aesthetics and what kinds of toys the line chose to offer. 

    The wiki highlights several key features of the toyline. First, “Animated has no overarching, line-wide extra play gimmick...the toys have other special features unique and appropriate to the character” (M Sipher) Second,”Hasbro designers, the Cartoon Network design team, and TakaraTomy engineers all worked closely together out of the gate to make sure toy and show-character were as close as possible, to the point where even the characters' transformation schemes were consistent between 2D media and 3D toy” (M Sipher) The wiki also mentions that Animated was the first line since Beast Machines to be canceled, with molds left in design limbo. (M Sipher) Animated also featured many remarkably articulated figures, especially when compared with the sometimes awkward joints of the contemporary movie line. Balljoints made a prominent return. The line contained a remarkable number of figures that had a semi-transforming armor accessory (read three). (M Sipher) 

  Most crucially for our analysis, the wiki notes “Like the concurrent live-action film toyline, there was a heavy focus on keeping the small core cast —especially the Autobots— available at multiple price points and complexities to get them in as many kids' hands as possible.” (M Sipher) Animated featured the legends class, the traditional run of deluxes, voyagers and leaders, a single Supreme class figure, the activators, Bumper Battlers, simple figures reminiscent of the G1 Battlechargers, which triggered transformation and electronics upon collision, Power Bots, and, of course, Happy Meal toys. (M Sipher) Bumblebee and Optimus Prime, in particular, had figures in every size class or sub-branding. (M Sipher) 

    While the core of the line was composed of more traditional figures, most of the classes were focused at a younger audience. In particular, the alternators demonstrate something of a visible break from the scout class figures from the Unicron Trilogy or the Real Gear Robots of the movie line. The alternators were not composed of unique characters whose fictional depictions pegged them as smaller than the average Transformer. Rather, the line was populated by members of the main cast, such as Starscream and Optimus Prime. (M Sipher) Moreover, the activators were not simply scout sized figures; they also marked the return of spring loaded auto-transformation after a lengthy hiatus. (M Sipher) 

    In this sense, the alternators figures were fundamentally different from the scout class that had come before. These figures were not merely a size class smaller than deluxe. Rather, they represented an opportunity for younger children to have a more kid-friendly version of Optimus Prime, a version that didn’t feature the intricate transformation schemes of the movie toyline. Indeed, in Animated, and to some extent the movie line, a clear distinction begins to arise between figures targeted at different age groups. While occasionally the target group of an entire line would shift, (for example, Armada had a somewhat younger target audience than RID or Beast Wars) the lines were largely internally consistent. That is to say, most of the figures in Armada have roughly the same level of complexity, articulation and electronic gimmickry, accounting for differences in size class. This is simply not true in Animated; there is a world of difference between the sophistication of the deluxe figures and the simplicity and electronics of the Bumper Battlers. 

    As time wore on and the complexity of the movie figures waxed, the conscious division of lines into various groups of figures designed to appeal to various age groups became ever more important. Although not the first to do so, Animated and the movie line dramatically expanded the kind of toy that could be considered a Transformer, or that could at least receive the branding in the case of some of the role play toys. When HasTak eventually began to more fully explore these divisions, they found themselves with precedent, and many tools pioneered by Animated, in the form of size classes, concepts such as one step transformation, more non-traditional converting figures, or even larger action figures that didn’t transform at all. This aspect of Animated is perhaps one of the most influential; all three subsequent cartoon lines would take what had been established and run away with it. 

    The other significant aspect of Animated was the aesthetic. All the cartoon series previous to Animated that had featured primarily vehicle-based Transformers had relied on a very traditional robot design language. Vents, paneling, and conventional, if blocky, proportions ruled the day. Animated almost completely abandoned these, in favor of designs much more heavily drawn from the world of cartoons at large. Gone were the mostly human proportions of the G1 cartoon. Animated characters “leaned towards the superheroic, with bulky chests jutting out with broad shoulders and large arms”, and “faces were given much more expression than the default "neutral" non-expression of most Transformers lines, with large eyes, smirks, snarls and more as appropriate to the general attitude of the character.” (M Sipher)  Character designs featured large blocks of bold primary colors and cell shading. All this was tied together with the unique style of head designer, Derrick J. Wyatt, to create an aesthetic that is instantly recognizable and highly evocative of cartoons in general. 

    Of course, Transformers as a franchise was no stranger to significant redesigns. Both Beast Wars and the movies had completely reimagined Transformers in directions that had little semblance to that which had come before. What makes Animated significant is the impact it had on what was to come. In many ways, the designs of Animated served as a jumping off point for the next ten years of cartoons. Transformers:Prime and RID (2015) both have very well-defined aesthetics of their own; yet it is inescapable that both owe a great deal to the innovation of Animated. For a somewhat silly example, characters in Animated tended not to have very pronounced noses; many simply had a nosepiece like protrusion from a helmet. Almost no characters have any sort of nose in either Prime or RID (2015); it would not be until Cyberverse that Transformers would again have actual noses in a main-line cartoon. 

    In many ways, the legacy of Transformers: Animated is one of freedom. HasTak increased the design space in which Transformers could operate, both in terms of physical figures and artistic choices. Before, for all their diversity, many toylines had featured many of the same kinds of figure; ball-jointed, transforming robots from the Gundam school of aesthetics. Animated broke down the door for experimentation with new looks and new kinds of toys. Although the most profound changes in toy offerings would not be for some years, and would occur not in the cartoons but in the movies, every line after Animated borrowed something from the pool of ideas it pioneered. Through these influences, Animated once again breathed new life into our storied franchise. 

          Works Cited

MSipher et al. “Transformers Animated (Toyline)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers_Animated_(toyline) Accessed 10/4/2020

[transformersaesthetics]

TRAINS

Tumblr, this is sincerely the nerdiest thing I’ve done and that’s a high damn bar. Hope you like trains.

If you’re anything like me, you enjoy trains. You think to yourself, gee, me, I like trains. I wish there were more Transformers that turned into trains. You say, there’s lots of trains out there. Why aren’t there more train Transformers? I have wondered this exact thing many times, dear reader. 

There are many factors that contribute to this dearth. First, there is only one prominent character with a train alt mode in the original G1 cartoon. Second, the aesthetic choices made by most elements of the Transformers franchise since G1 have made train alternate modes difficult or unlikely. Third, it is highly uncommon for Transformers to have altmodes more than a handful of years old, or that aren’t famous or widely used at the time of their release. Considered in inverse, these challenges constitute a set of criteria that determine whether or not a train is likely to have a Transformer. The most significant reason that there are very few train Transformers is not, fundamentally, that HasTak simply don’t make many trains because of these challenges. Rather, it is that almost all of the trains toys that can be created with these constraints have already been created. 

    Although Transformers has featured a diversity of franchises with unique art styles, characters and toy design, HasTak have continued to draw on some of the most successful elements of the original G1 cartoon in almost all of their subsequent media. Nearly every single Transformers cartoon features Optimus and Megatron characters, and oftentimes much of the supporting cast is also heavily inspired by G1. For example, Transformers: Prime contains a Cliffjumper, an Arcee, a Ratchet, a Smokescreen, a Wheeljack, a Starscream, a Soundwave, a Shockwave, and even a Breakdown, all of whom have G1 counterparts. (ItsWalky, Transformers) Even in franchises like Transformers: Armada, where the departure from G1 templates is more pronounced, they are still invoked as a source of character names and broad strokes concepts. Armada Cyclonus is different in many particulars from G1 Cyclonus; however, both are flying evil henchmen. (ChrisMcFeely, Mendou) With the contemporary omnipresence of Generations and other CHUG lines, the already large influence of G1 has grown even more pronounced. 

    What has this to do with trains, you might well ask? Of all the many characters in the G1 cartoon, only one, Astrotrain,  turns into a train. (ItsWalky, Astrotrain) Moreover, Astrotrain is not simply a train Transformer, but rather a triple changer; he turns into both a train and a space shuttle. (ItsWalky, Astrotrain) As noted in my Transformers: Universe essay, figures of characters with multiple alternate modes tend to be larger (although Astrotrain himself has a deluxe class figure), and often pose more design challenges. (ItsWalky, Astrotrain) This added difficulty in producing and selling toys likely has steered HasTak away from using the Astrotrain template. Indeed, although present in various comic series, convention media, and CHUG lines, a character did not use the Astrotrain template until 2020’s Transformers: Cyberverse. (MSipher) Since Astrotrain is the only template, and is demonstrably difficult to employ, the number of new train characters is severely restricted. 

    Of course, far from everything in Transformers is a G1 homage. Almost every franchise introduces completely new characters and designs based on the aesthetics of that franchise. However, for one reason or another, many of these aesthetics have a difficult time integrating trains. Beast Wars obviously didn’t introduce any characters that turned into trains, and Beast Wars or Machines product was on shelves for a good five years. Micheal Bay’s Transformers films, one of the dominant media pillars of the franchise since the release of the first film in 2007, focus heavily on the most sleek, modern sports cars or the most fearsome military vehicles, leaving little room for trains. 

From the perspective of cartoons, Armada, Animated and other franchises largely revolved around futuristic, blocky cybertronian vehicles, which precluded the use of classic steam locomotives or even more modern diesel engines. Of course, this does not prevent the design of a train Transformer with some imagined cybertronian train mode, or a more cartoony train. Indeed, this is a route that Energon opted to explore with Omega Supreme. (RolonBolon) However, a common criticism of cybertronian altmodes is that they are somewhat unfocused, and this is particularly true of the two extant cybertronian trains. Both Omega Supreme and Titans Return Astrotrain stretch the concept of train to its very limits, and the resulting designs can be somewhat challenging to parse.(RolonBolon; ItsWalky, Astrotrain) This is not to say that these designs are objectively bad, or that this potential difficulty would prohibit HasTak from pursuing this avenue altogether. Rather, this argument is to emphasize that HasTak’s primary consideration is to sell toys. If design constraints increase the likelihood that a child will find a toy unappealing, it decreases the likelihood HasTak will create a toy with those constraints. 

    Trains also confront several core difficulties, independent of the aesthetic idiosyncrasies of a franchise. Trains are much larger than most other common types of vehicle, in turn making the Transformers that turn into trains much larger than their compatriots (although lord knows this doesn’t stop them from making fighter jets). Traditionally, characters that are much, much larger than their peers have, for logistical reasons, limited screen time. It is difficult for that character to be involved in the intricacies of planning a battle when they don’t fit in the same room as their allies. This limited screen time in turn makes it more difficult to sell toys. 

    Similarly, trains require rails to move. This creates something of an awkward dilemma from a writing perspective. Either all of your action must take place within easy reach of train tracks, or you must abandon a quite noticeable level of realism in your storytelling. The G1 cartoon opted to abandon realism, which was a reasonable choice in an environment where Megatron and the other Decepticons could themselves fly with no visible means of propulsion. However, in a more serious and dramatic show like Transformers: Prime, such a lapse would likely feel out of place and silly. Perhaps even more than size, the difficulty posed by rails complicates the inclusion of any potential train based character in a new franchise. 

    In the real world, trains occupy a significantly different design space than cars. Cars are a consumer good, and there are significant financial incentives to continually introduce new generations of cars. In contrast, trains tend to be costly infrastructure investments, either by companies or governments. For trains, the incentive structure runs much more towards long lifetimes, and as a result few new generations. Moreover, not only are new trains somewhat scarce, but many of the most iconic train designs are very old indeed; steam locomotives have been around for almost two hundred years. 

    This is a significant limitation from the perspective of Transformers alternate modes. It is extremely uncommon for a Transformer that turns into a real world vehicle to turn into something more than a handful of years older than the toy. There are some exceptions, of course; Movieverse Starscream turns into an F-22 Raptor despite the age of the plane, partially because the Raptor continues to see widespread use, and partially because it is extremely iconic. However, it is almost unheard of for a Transformer to turn into a Model-T, for example, or even old airplanes like the p-51. This is a natural consequence of the overriding imperative to sell toys; children are more likely to desire a figure that reflects something in their environment to which they have a preexisting connection. Because of both the infrequent generations of train design and the huge body of classic trains, this simple fact presents an almost insurmountable obstacle to the creation of many train Transformers. 

    With all these challenges, one would not be unreasonable to ask if there are any train Transformers at all. Yet there are! For all the difficulties posed, seven Transformers in the modern era are based on trains, and even more in the later stages of G1. These figures have been created because they manage to slip through all of the barriers outlined above. An inversion of our above challenges allows for the formulation of an explicit set of criteria governing the creation of train Transformers. All of the extant train figures meet one or more of these criteria; more remarkably, almost every single train that meets these criteria has a corresponding Transformer. Phrased a different way, the most fundamental cause for the lack of train Transformers is not that, for one reason or another, train Transformers are not made. Rather, it is because almost all of the train Transformers that can exist, do. 

    The first criteria for the creation of a train Transformer is, simply put, that it should be of Astrotrain. Although much of the proceeding discussion concerning Astrotrain was focused on limitations, he is still a G1 character, and a popular one at that. Where cartoons have neglected him, media and toylines targeted at collectors have been much kinder. Astrotrain has received a number of figures over the years, and is far from forgotten. 

    Second, the figure should be in a toyline largely dedicated to licensed, real world alternate modes. This avoids all the design difficulties associated with cybertronian train modes. Moreover, real world alternate modes have something of an existing natural sample space. Where a cartoon has any number of imaginary cars it could exploit, licensed vehicle focused lines can only exploit a handful of real models from a handful of real manufacturers. 

    Third, the figure should be of a train that is either extremely iconic, or that has come out in the last five years or so. More explicitly, it should be a train that children can have attachment to. Although this criteria stems from age of train, it encapsulates more than that. It is crucial that Transformers has two separate audiences, because of the dual ownership of the property. Hasbro aims at American children, and Takara aims at Japanese children.  In the United States, trains are not widely used, and do not have the meaningful cultural impact of, say, cars. In Japan, however, where many Transformers are at least in part designed, trains are a much more normal part of daily life, and have a correspondingly larger cultural footprint. So, for a child to have attachment to a train, it should not only be new and iconic; it should be Japanese. 

    The first two of these criteria are for figures, and the third is for the trains used for alternate modes. Before discussing each modern figure and its relation to the first two criteria, the third criteria will be applied to gain some understanding of the scope of the crucial limiting reagent, the pool of plausible trains. When the third criteria is applied to this pool, it shrinks dramatically. Almost every train made before 1960 falls away, eliminating most steam locomotives at a blow. Similarly, all American trains are eliminated. Indeed, even most Japanese trains are eliminated. However, there is one group that remains; the Shinkansens. 

    The Shinkansen is Japan’s high speed rail system. The Shinkansen is iconic, especially in Japan. One of the very first high speed railways in the world, the incredible reliability of the trains, both in terms of punctuality and safety, has made it famous.(Shinkansen) The technology and trains have been exported to other countries the world over. (Shinkansen) These trains are Japanese, they are iconic, and, in part due to their widespread usage, have frequent generations. Because of all these factors, we would expect to find Shinkansens dramatically overrepresented among train Transformers, and indeed, this is exactly what we find. Of the twenty six different train molds, fully eleven are Shinkansens. More, of the eleven, eight are of the hundreds series of trains, the series containing the very first Shinkansen. This is remarkable, because there are only eight kinds of hundreds series trains; every single hundreds series train has a corresponding Transformer. (Shinkansen) Indeed, of the other three Shinkansens, two are based on or modifications of 100 series trains. Not only are the most viable series of trains dramatically overrepresented, they are represented with a stunning completeness. 

    Having reviewed in general what pool of trains is viable for Transformers production, we will now conduct a figure by figure survey of the 100 series trains and the existing modern train figures to examine how they relate to the first two criteria. 

0 series: Shouki 

    The Transformer representing the 0 series of trains is the Headmasters character Shouki. The leader of the Trainbot combiner team, Shouki was released (exclusively in Japan) in 1987. (M Sipher, Shouki)  Although the first 0 series trains began running in 1964, they continued running until 2008. (Shinkansen) Moreover, their status as the very first Shinkansen makes them unquestionably iconic. Although headmasters was not a line focused on realistic vehicle modes, Shouki and his team were originally developed for the pre-Transformers Diaclone line, which was. (M Sipher, Shoki). Shouki, not being Astrotrain, meets two of our three criteria. 

100 series: Leaf and Spark 

    The 100 series of trains is represented by two characters, Leaf and Spark. Both are members of the Liner Team combiner team, and can merge to form Sixliner. Interestingly, although they share an altmode, the two are unique molds. The 100 series began running in 1985, and Leaf and Spark were released in 1991, under the Return of Convoy line, again only in Japan.(Shinkansen; Deceptitran; Repowers)  Leaf and Spark are interesting, since though they themselves are real vehicles, Return of Convoy most decidedly is not focused on that. They meet one of our three criteria, namely the third. (Deceptitran; Repowers) 

200 series: Yukikaze 

    Another member of the Trainbots combiner team, Headmasters character Yukikaze represents the 200 series of trains. The 200 series began running in 1982, and, like Shouki, Yukikaze was released in 1987. (M Sipher, Yukikaze; Shinkansen) Again like Shouki, Yukikaze meets two of the three criteria. (Most characters are not, in fact, Astrotrain). 

300 series: Desire 

    Desire is a retool of Spark, and a member of the Train Team combiner team. Although the TFwiki identifies him as a “Hokkaido Bullet Train” , Desire has several features characteristic of the 300 series, primarily the headlights, the high seated windows, the skirt, and blue stripe. (Dr Spengler; 300 Series) Desire was released in 1992 in the Operation: Combination line, the same year the 300 series began to run. (Dr Spengler; Shinkansen) Operation: Combination was retools or redecos of existing G1 toys, many of which were real life vehicles. Desire meets two of the three criteria. 

400 series: Windy 

    Like Desire, Windy is a member of the Train Team, and was released in the Operation: Combination line in 1992. (Rosicrucian) Unlike Desire, and all the other members of her team, Windy is not a retool of a member of the Liner Team; rather, she is a new mold. (Rosicrucian) The TFwiki identifies her as a “Yamagata "Tsubasa" bullet train”. (Rosicrucian) The 400 series was “introduced in 1992 on Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa services” (Shinkansen). This, in combination with the visual features Windy shares with the 400 series, is a compelling positive identification. With her release coinciding with the release of the 400 series and featuring in the Operation: Combination, Windy meets two of the three criteria. 

500 series: Railspike 

    A member of Team Bullet Train, Railspike was one of the first modern train transformers. (M Sipher, Railspike)  He transforms into a 500 series Shinkansen, accurate down to the 500 printed on his side. Railspike combines with the other members of his team to form Rail Racer.(M Sipher, Railspike) The 500 series began running in 1997, and Railspike was released in 2001 as part of the Robots in Disguise line. (Shinkansen; M Sipher, Railspike) RID was not exclusively focused on real vehicles, as it contained many Beast Wars figures, among other things, but almost all of the autobots had real alt modes. (Siax) Railspike meets two of the three criteria. 

600 series: No one 

    The 600 series of Shinkansens doesn’t actually exist. (Shinkansen) It could be argued that Midnight Express, another modern train toy who turns into an e4 Shinkansen, is in spirit a 600 series, as the 200 series served many of the same lines.(M Sipher, Midnight; Shinkansen) However, this argument is tenuous at best, given the 400 series served entirely different routes. (Shinkansen) 

700 series: Rapid Run 

    The third member of Team Bullet Train, along with Railspike and Midnight Express, and one of the seven modern train toys, Rapid Run transforms into a 700 series Shinkansen, specifically, the Hikari Rail Star. (M Sipher, Rapid) The 700 series began running in 1999, and Rapid Run was released in 2001. As with Railspike, he meets two of the three criteria. 

800 series: Astrotrain 

    Although Astrotrain’s G1 toy turns into a JNR Class D51, in 2006 he received an update in the Classics line. (S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) Instead of his original alt mode, Classics Astrotrain turns into the more modern 800 series Shinkansen. (S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) The 800 series began running in 2004. (Shinkansen) Classics was a complex line with many facets; although many altmodes were made up out of whole cloth, many were also based on real vehicles at least loosely. (Nevermore) Astrotrain, being Astrotrain, meets all three criteria. 

Three modern train figures have not been discussed in the survey of hundreds series Shinkansens. Two of these are Astrotrain figures; Titans Return Astrotrain and Siege Astrotrain. Titans Return Astrotrain turns into a cybertronian armored train, and Siege Astrotrain turns into an approximation of his JNR Class D51 mode. (S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) Both figures meet only one criteria, namely being Astrotrain. However, this is a powerful criteria indeed and in many ways can replace the third criteria of age and attachment, especially in the current collector driven market. Although children don’t have a connection to Astrotrain’s altmode, collectors certainly do. HasTak are therefore able to sell toys, the primary driver of the third criteria. 

The last remaining modern train figure is… unusual, by any metric. Released in the 2014 japanese exclusive toyline Transformers:GO, Optimus Exprime is a version of Optimus Prime that can turn into a train resembling a 700 series Shinkansen, a Dragon, and can combine with other figures from the line.(SanityorMadness) This figure meets zero of the criteria, on its face. Speaking personally for a moment, I honestly don’t know how this exists, or why. It appears that one day, Takara simply decided to… make a train Transformer. In many respects, this undermines the primary thesis of this essay. It is not part of a line oriented towards realistic vehicles, it is not Astrotrain, and it's not readily identifiable as a 700 series, but rather cartoonish and genericized. If Takara made such a thing once, what is to prevent them from doing it on other occasions? Perhaps, as argued with the Astrotrain figures, the sheer power of the name Optimus Prime is enough to overcome all the strangeness of the figure and make it attractive to children. After all, G1 Optimus Prime has turned into some truly silly things. This appears to be a reasonably compelling argument, enough to at least award the figure half a criteria. Although Optimus Exprime is exceptional, the fact that it is an Optimus Prime figure makes it work where a new character might, unfortunately, not. 

As mentioned previously, there are some 15 train toys that have not been discussed here, all from G1 or immediately subsequent japanese toylines. Almost every one of these is either part of the Trainbots, the Liner Team, or the Train Team, and almost all of them are Japanese trains. Although many of these are older trains, I suspect many of them, like the JNR Class D51, are iconic in their own way, although this is difficult to verify without much more in depth research. Moreover, despite the age of the trains, these figures were created in an era in which almost literally every figure was based on a real vehicle, regardless of the obscurity. Although this essay is somewhat more expansive, the general scope of the Transformers Aesthetics survey does not include G1; as a result, these figures have not been given as much attention here. 

Other than the hundreds series, there is one other primary series of Shinkansens that is not as well represented in Transformers, namely the E series. There are some compelling temporal reasons this series has been ignored. The E1 was released in 1994, in the thick of Beast Wars; Takara would have been unable to release a new train figure at the time. (Shinkansen) The E2, E3, and E4 were all released at the same time, in 1997. (Shinkansen) As mentioned previously, the E4 was released as Midnight Express; it makes sense that Takara could only release one of the trains from this generation, especially given that they had chosen to use two other train figures to make the 500 and 700 series at roughly the same time. Simple explanations are more difficult for the E5, E6, and E7, which were all released much more recently. (Shinkansen) The explanation may to some extent lie in the shape of the E series; unlike the hundreds series trains, the E series does not tend to be sleek and bullet shaped, but oddly duckbilled. (Shinkansen) Perhaps the explanation lies in the aesthetics of the then concurrent cartoons; it would have been quite difficult to work trains into either Transformers: Prime or Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2015). 

This almost completely exhausts the pool of available trains as defined by the three criteria outlined above. Most of the other Shinkansen trains are either very niche, or some variation of the 700 series. (Shinkansen) Although it would take further research to verify, I suspect that subway cars and regular commuter trains are significantly less iconic in Japan, and therefore suffer greatly under the third criteria. 

So, although there are many, many kinds of trains, for one reason or another, most of them are very difficult to make as commercially successful Transformers. Those trains that have the potential to work have almost all already been created. Moreover, those trains, like the E1, that might have at one point been viable but were not made as toys due to an accident of timing are now supremely unlikely to see release; the E1 is almost 25 years old. (Shinkansen) Although Takara has demonstrated a willingness to make a random train in the past, it was tied to Optimus Prime, arguably the strongest single Transformers character. Moreover, Takara acting on their own is increasingly unlikely in the wake of the brand unification initiated during Power of the Primes. While a train figure could theoretically be made for an older train or a less iconic, non-Shinkansen train, the difficulty these toys might encounter at general retail will likely keep them from existing. Moreover, Siege Astrotrain is, in many ways, the definitive version of the character, being hyper accurate to his robot mode and both vehicle modes. (S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47) It is unlikely Astrotrain will receive another update for some time. This means that any new toy of, say, the E1, or a subway car, would require a new character. Given both the aesthetics of the recent Transformers: Cyberverse cartoon, and its recent end, it is unlikely that a new character with a train alternate mode could find a home there. 

What does this imply for the future release of train Transformers? Depending on the aesthetics of the next cartoon, we might see a release of an E8 when it begins service in 2024. (Shinkansen) However, given that the last cartoon that meaningfully involved real vehicles was RID 2001, it seems unlikely. It seems that the hundreds series is more popular than the E series; it is possible that if and when the 900 is released, we would see a figure of that in some way, shape or form. However, the gap between the releases of hundreds series trains appears to be 5 or so years, and the 800 came out in 2004, and on a more minor line at that. (Shinkansen) Moreover, JR seems to be favoring upgrades to the 700 series, with the N700 in 2007 and the S700 in 2019. (Shinkansen). A possible 900 series seems a long way off indeed. 

Given the limited potential of future trains being released, it seems the greatest chance of new train figures being realized as figures lies in HasTak choosing to revitalise some of the G1 designs. There seems to be something of a good chance of this; Takara revealed a banner with a silhouette resembling Raiden, the combined form of the Trainbots, that appeared to hint at a masterpiece release. (william-james88). 

Although Siege and Earthrise have been releasing updated micromaster figures, there has not even been a whisper of a rumor about the micromaster sixteam combiners being revitalized. Updated versions of the Liner team and Train Team seem quite unlikely, especially given the shift in emphasis of Kingdom to Beast Wars. Overall, it seems that the next release of a train in Transformers will come from Masterpiece Raiden. 

    Well, dear reader, there you have it. Why aren’t there more Transformers trains? It turns out they’re quite difficult to make successfully, and many of the trains that could be used in this way have already been taken. In many respects, it’s truly amazing how many train figures we’ve gotten over the past few years, and how complete in particular the hundreds series is. The past is expansive, the future is somewhat bright, although more limited than one might wish. What more can one ask for? 

Well, a really sick steam locomotive. Or one of the BNSF trains. How cool would that be? 

Choo choo. 

             Works Cited

ChrisMcFeely et al. “Cyclonus (G1)” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cyclonus_(G1) Accessed 9/20/2020

Deceptitran et al. “Leaf” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Leaf Accessed 9/20/2020

Dr Spengler et al. “Desire” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Desire Accessed 9/20/2020 

ItsWalky et al. “Astrotrain (G1)” TFwiki. 

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Astrotrain_(G1) Accessed 9/20/2020 

ItsWalky et al. “Transformers: Prime (Cartoon)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Prime_(cartoon) Accessed 9/20/2020

Mendou et al. “Cyclonus (Armada)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cyclonus_(Armada) Accessed 9/20/2020

Monzo et al.“Beast Wars:Transformers(toyline)”, TFwiki,

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Beast_Wars:_Transformers_(toyline)   Accessed 4/25/2020 

M Sipher et al. “Astrotrain (disambiguation)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Astrotrain_(disambiguation) Accessed

M Sipher et al. “Midnight Express (RID)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Midnight_Express_(RID) Accessed 9/20/2020

M Sipher et al. “Railspike (RID)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Railspike_(RID) Accessed 9/20/2020

M Sipher et al. “Rapid Run (RID)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Rapid_Run_(RID) Accessed 9/20/2020 

9/20/2020

M Sipher et al. “Shouki” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Shouki Accessed 9/20/2020

M Sipher et al. “Yukikaze” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Yukikaze_(Headmasters) Accessed 9/20/2020

Nevermore et al. “Transformers: Classics” TFwiki.https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Classics Accessed 5/11/2020 

Repowers et al. “Spark (ROC)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Spark_(ROC) Accessed 9/20/2020

Rolonbolon et al. “Omega Supreme (Energon)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Omega_Supreme_(Energon) Accessed 9/20/2020

Rosicrucian et al. “Windy (OC)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Windy_(OC) Accessed 9/20/2020 

Saix et al. “Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)” TFwiki.https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Robots_in_Disguise_(2001_toyline) Accessed 6/13/2020

SanityorMadness et al. “Optimus Prime (WFC)/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Optimus_Prime_(WFC)/toys#Go.21 Accessed 9/22/2020

S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47 et al. “Astrotrain(G1)/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Astrotrain_(G1)/toys Accessed 9/20/2020

William-james88 “Possible Masterpiece Raiden Coming” Siebertron https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/possible-masterpiece-raiden-coming/44268/ Accessed 9/20/2020

“300 Series Shinkansen” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/300_Series_Shinkansen Accessed 9/20/2020

“Shinkansen” Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen#Types_of_lines Accessed 9/20/2020

[transformersaesthetics]

Gender in Beast Wars

Damn, I came over here to add the whole thing and I forgot I set up wordpress to do it for me! Aweseome awesome. We're finally continuing my women in transformers series today! We'll be talking about Beast Wars, in particular Airrazor and Blackarachnia, just in time for those Kingdom leaks. Enjoy!

Gender in Beast Wars

In many ways, Beast Wars marked the introduction of the first truly prominent female characters in Transformers. Although Arcee was present for many storylines, as discussed in the previous article in this series, she was often passive and relegated to maternal roles. In contrast Blackarachnia and Airrazor frequently drove the plot, and had entire arcs dedicated to them and their development.…

[transformersaesthetics]

Transformers: The Movie

Hello hello hello! I am not dead! Sorry I missed a Sunday folks, I didn’t have access to a computer on account of being out of town. Here’s the movie essay! Hot takes; the movies are important and Michael Bay makes my soul weep tears of blood.

The release of the first live-action Transformers movie and the accompanying toyline represents the dawn of a new era in the Transformers brand. Released roughly a year after the end of Cybertron, the film breathed new life into the brand and made HasTak tremendous profits. It ushered  in a franchise that continues to release films to this day, with a sequel to the 6th film, the Bumblebee movie, on the horizon. The aesthetics and the designs of the transformers marked a radical departure from anything that had been seen before, becoming hugely visually intricate. The toys also featured a remarkable increase in complexity that has largely stayed with the brand subsequently. The Movie toyline is one of the larger lines in the history of the brand, comparable with giants such as Beast Wars or Cybertron. The sheer volume of toys released means that there are many sublines and concepts at work within the line. We will examine many of these, including Automorphing, Real Gear Robots, licenced vehicle modes, and many more. However, some of the more directly youth oriented product, such as the role play toys, Cyber Slammers and Fast Action Battlers, fall outside the scope of our survey. It is important to note that these figures would influence later lines, leading to the fairly common presence of masks and swords on store shelves, as well as lines of simple figures with intensive action gimmicks designed to appeal to younger audiences. Regardless, the Movie line featured an incredible amount of ideas. 

Almost all of the unique elements of the Movie figures, including Automorph, the realistic vehicle modes, and the comparatively complex transformation schemes, are a response to or are drawn from the character models designed for the films themselves. In some senses, the starting point for these designs is the concept of the movie as live action. This would intuitively dictate that the concepts and designs employed for the movie should be more realistic, which obviously implies real vehicle modes. This also means that there is no reason that the characters should look like robots from the 80s that people would build. Instead, they should be complex, featuring moving parts everywhere like living creatures would. They should have metal that almost appears organic in its fluidity and shape.(Proctor)  The characters should also be somewhat alien in their appearance. This is the first major division in the designs for the Autobots and the Decepticons. For the Autobots, alien means humanoid, but with features that are blockier than our own, which are different enough to be interesting and similar enough to excite sympathy.Autobot characters include the occasional beak like mouth, on Optimus and Jazz, but are mostly similar to people. For the Decepticons, alien means insectoid, deformed and spiky.  Barricade has more eyes than a human, Blackout’s head is phenomenally spiky, and Bonecrusher is squished. The proportions of these characters are also less human and more overtly monstrous. Bonecrusher in particular features extremely lanky arms, and highly unconventional feet, with wheels in the middle of them. These design elements telegraph otherness and danger. 

A hallmark of the Movie line is the presence of licenced vehicle modes.(Seichi, Transformers) This represents a departure from quite a few years of main branch product. While Classics does have realistically styled vehicles, it was not the focus of the line. (Nevermore) Unicron Trilogy figures tend to be more cybertronian and fictional in nature.(Seichi, Armada) In that sense, movie toys step into a vacuum left by the end of Alternators.(Steve-o) Although many of the realistically styled vehicles are licenced, particularly those produced by General Motors, many of the vehicles are genericized enough to avoid licensing fees. A good example of this is Incinerator, who turns into what is clearly supposed to be an Osprey, but genericized enough to avoid shelling out money to whoever makes those.(FFN, Incinerator)  

The detailing of the vehicle modes and the realism of the vehicle modes combine to create complexity. Cars don't generally have the kind of fluidity that the designers wanted for the robots. As a result the models, and by extension the figures, are required to have two sets of details, one for the car, and an unrelated one for the robot. Since these details have very little in common, there is very little integration of the vehicle mode in the robot mode. This contrasts with lines like the Unicron Trilogy, and toys like Demolishor, whose robot and vehicle forms are inseparably intertwined.(Mendou)  One of the most traditional techniques for resolving this contradiction is shellforming, where large parts of the vehicle mode are simply a shell around the robot mode. Bumblebee, Bonecrusher, Brawl, Swindle, Dropkick, Wreckage, Stockade, even arguably Optimus Prime and Blackout, all feature some significant shell elements.(Seichi, Transformers) It is intriguing to note that figures like Incinerator that were exclusive to the toyline, and thus didn’t have to adhere to intricate cg models, still feature shells. This is likely because the designers sought to keep the aesthetic of these figures in line with the larger trends of movie design. Shells tend to add a great deal of complexity to toys, since the shells themselves have to be jointed, and are distinct parts from the robot parts. 

Other sources of complexity can be found in the design process of the cg models. At least Optimus Prime was first designed with an endoskeleton of sorts, mostly composed of the detailed grebling that would become a movie trademark. Armor was later added to this, and later still was a rough transformation scheme outlined.(Proctor) Since the priority of the robots is to look good as robots first and to have plausible transformations second, they are much more likely to use cheating and obfuscation to achieve a successful transformation. This includes techniques such as having elements of vehicle kibble simply disappear during complex transformation sequences where it won't be missed, and playing with the proportions of the remaining parts to make them more aesthetically pleasing. For example, the roof of Jazz’s car completely disappears in robot mode.(Gwolf) 

While these choices are certainly not invalid, they do create certain problems when it comes to creating toys. The most obvious of these is the question of what should be done with the vehicle pieces that simply disappear. Generally, as with Movie Jazz, the solution is to put these pieces on the character's back, and occasionally to make them detachable as a weapon or shield.(Gwolf) Movie Bonecrusher is another example. In order to create arms with the correct detailing, Bonecrusher's vehicle mode is largely composed of panels that fold up to reveal his robot pieces, which sit somewhat awkwardly in robot mode.(Undead Scottsman, Bonecrusher) However, even if vehicle mode pieces did not disappear, the toys would still confront the problem of complexity. Each joint and gram of plastic costs HasTak money, so there is a limit to how complex any toy can be.(Singularity) This is not true for the models, which capitalize fully on their ability to be arbitrarily intricate. It would be impossible for HasTak to recreate the movie models even if they were designed with transformation schemes beforehand, simply because of cost. 

That being said, they do take a good crack at it. The movie toys feature a totally unprecedented level of complexity and jointing. Toys like Blackout feature unbelievably detailed transformations that employ novel devices, featuring large portions of the robot composed entirely of thin panels. This toy also includes not one but two involved action gimmicks, the spinning of his blades and the autotransformation in his chest.(King Starscream) This marks a radical departure from the largely blocky Unicron Trilogy toys of the previous half decade.(Seichi, Armada) Bonecrusher's pelvis is formed by turning itself inside out, and Jazz features an entirely novel joint on the hood of his car, which admittedly meets with limited success.(Undead Scottsman, Bonecrusher;Gwolf) Even seemingly simple and traditional molds like Bumblebee incorporate this complexity. Although his chest is formed by the hood of the car in a very traditional move, the entire thing is spring loaded, and his legs are entirely moving gears.(Servitor) 

Another example of complexity is Automorphing. This term was coined by HasTak to describe a range of features, which to some extent recreates the on-screen transformations of characters in plastic.(Undead Scottsman, Automorph) The autotransformation element of Deluxe Movie Bumblebee, whereby a button on his roof is pushed, causing his car hood to flip down and form the chest, simultaneously revealing his head, is an Automorph gimmick. (Servitor) So is Deluxe Movie Dropkick’s head springing out when you lift the roof of his cab.(M Sipher, Dropkick) In subsequent lines like ROTF, automorphing would largely be confined to the motion of a limb causing some small visible spinning elsewhere on the toy.(Deceptitran) While automorphing was near omnipresent in the Movie line and had echoes in the lines immediately subsequent, it was not a gimmick destined to shape the history of the brand.(Undead Scottsman, Automorph) Automorphing had largely disappeared by the time DOTM rolled around.(Bluestreak7) However, some degree of automatic transformation has been present in the brand in one form or another since the Throttlebots in G1.(M Sipher, Throttlebot) Examples include many of the basic Beast Wars figures, or Cruellock in Energon.(Monzo; Autobus Prime) Automorphing did introduce useful terminology for referring to these sorts of gimmicks. 

    Many Movie toys feature elements from concept art, rather than the final cg models of the film. Blackout has a different head and feet from his final character model, Bonecrusher features remarkably long arms not found in the film, and Arcee was cut from the film altogether, despite having a character model.(King Starscream;Undead Scottsman, Bonecrusher; FFN, Arcee) This is largely a result of models continuing to change after HasTak had to finalize the mold tooling in order to have the toys on shelves at the correct time. These errors are also found on box art, such as Megatron’s using a previous head.(ItsWalky) 

        All of this conspires to create a unique  aesthetic for the movie toys, distinct from that of the film itself. Characters such as Jazz, Optimus Prime and Barricade have toys that feel blockier and more evocative of Unicron Trilogy design sensibilities while at the same time incorporating uniquely Movie elements.  These toys also devote a lot of space to their gimmicks, be it Optimus’s guns, Barricade being able to store Frenzy, or Jazz’s automorph. They are somewhat simpler than their cg selves, and, unlike subsequent Generations or contemporary Animated figures, don’t seek to recreate exactly the in fiction appearance of characters. Rather, these toys are content to be toys, and so have much in the way of odd, inaccurate kibble, as on Barricade’s chest and hands, or Starscream’s gatling guns. In essence, these toys look, not like the models stepped off the screen, but like someone designed a child’s toy of them, somewhat akin to the relationship between G1 figures and designs, although in reverse. 

    The Movie line also featured several sub-lines in. The three most relevant of these are Allspark Power, Premium Series, and Real Gear Robots. Allspark Power, a reference to the central mcguffin of the film, featured figures with light blue paint applications and plastic to display a powered up version of an earlier character, for example Bonecrusher.(Undead Scottsman, Bonecrusher) There were also several new molds released, also with light blue paint, such as Stockade, Incinerator, and Landmine.(Wing Saber; FFN, Incinerator; Seichi,Transformers) This marks another entry in the storied tradition of using redecos of molds to represent a character receiving some power boost.(Monzo; Seichi, Armada) Premium Series consisted of extensive, more screen accurate redecos of characters in unique packaging.(Seichi, Transformers) The latter of these lines were added retroactively after the initial success of the toys. (Seichi, Transformers) Taking a page from Armada’s book, the Movie line was padded with redecos of figures from older lines once it was found to be successful.(Seichi, Armada) Many of these were exclusive to various retailers. Molds were heavily drawn from Unicron Trilogy toy lines.(Seichi, Transformers) The basic class assortment of the Movie line was entirely figures that turned into diminutive, approximately 1:1 scale technologies, such as watches, phones, cameras, video game controllers, and so forth, called Real Gear Robots.(Seichi, Transformers) This references a scene in the film where the Allspark is used to bring various cars and individual pieces of machinery to life, and ties in with some of the other role play figures on offer at the time. Many of these figures, such as Spy Shot 6 or High Score 100, are somewhat smaller than the equivalent technology would be in real life.(Terrorcon Blot)

    The movie received many tie in video games, comics, novel adaptations, and other media. Artist Ken Christiansen designed several generic drones for the Activision console game, and some of these were made into toys.(Emerje) Dropkick, Longarm, Swindle, Dreadwing, and Payload all received figures.(Emerje) These toys have a distinct aesthetic when compared to other movie figures and designs, although, as we see first here, there is often some discrepancy between how characters appear and are designed in fiction and how they are realized as toys. While all of the Christiansen designs feature commonalities, such as the single, Shockwave-esque eye and a large visible turbine in their chest, some of these were not translated into plastic. Dropkick in particular features neither the turbine nor the eye.(Emerje) These sorts of discrepancies make it difficult to analyze particularly the movie designs from the perspective of toys alone. It is often necessary to discuss the computer designs as well as the figures in order to have a comprehensive survey of all the aesthetic components of a movie. 

    Christiansen’s characters are visually distinct from other movie characters for several other reasons. Since the drones were designed to be either Autobots or Decepticons, they feature the design hallmarks of neither faction. The panels of vehicle mode kibble don’t have a particular shape, in contrast with the distinctively blocky Autobot and spiky Decepticon panels. The models themselves feature some level of complex mechanical innards, that is to say, mishmashes of pipes, wires, and ambiguous bits of metal. However, in contrast with other movie designs, the Christiansen designs are actually fairly minimal in terms of this sort of mechanical greebling. Whereas designs such as Barricade and Blackout have huge portions of their robot modes, particularly around the legs, that are implied to come from within the vehicle, the majority of the Christiansen characters are recognizable pieces of the alternate mode. This is in no small part due to the fact that some, if not all, of the Christiansen designs were developed with transformation schemes. 

    The figures reflect these characteristics. Unlike the intricate and almost organic sculpting that recreates the appearance of movie characters in the film itself, the Drone figures are much more evocative of Unicron Trilogy design. Both the drone figures and Unicron Trilogy figures feature blocks of plastic, as a result of highly visible alt mode integration. This is in sharp contrast with the intricate jointing and panels of movie figures such as Blackout. Rather than the organic claws of characters like Bonecrusher and Jazz, or the intricate limbs formed from knots of twisted metal, the drone figures feature more generic robotic limbs, at least those portions of them that are not integrated with the alternate mode. The sculpt of Swindle’s shoulder is functional and subdued, and his thighs are cylinders of grey plastic. However, that is not to say that these figures don’t have intricate sculpting; it is to be found in detailing, rather than integrated into the limbs themselves. Dreadwing’s wings are totally covered in mechanical detailing, as is Dropkick’s front and the inside of Swindle’s doors. This is indicative of an attempt to bring simpler designs more in line with the aesthetic of the onscreen characters. The drones also share much with the broader line. The drone figures do have realistic vehicle modes, and Dropkick and Swindle in particular features a profusion of thin panels and joints that would make any Movie figure proud. Still, these characters remain some of the most unique designs of the line, evoking a different take on realistic transformers that is almost a fusion of the extant movie concepts and Unicron Trilogy designs. 

The Movie line reflects the complexity, organic detailing, and realistic vehicle modes of the cg models used in the films. However, the line does much more than reflect the film itself. It includes designs from the tie in video games, redecos designed to take advantage of the line’s popularity, and sublines inspired by peripheral elements of the film. The Movie toyline provided a sweeping overhaul of the Transformers brand, exploring new worlds of visual design and forcing the designers to explore new techniques for toy design and resurrect old ones. Perhaps even more importantly, the line energized the brand to levels unseen since Armada, and injected huge sums of money into HasTak, so much so that they could begin to pursue more experimental projects like Universe (2008). The impact of the line, both in terms of direct stylistic influence and what it enabled, cannot be overstated. Six subsequent toylines and films draw direct inspiration from the aesthetic ideas first expounded here, and every subsequent Generations style line would not exist but for the success of the first Movie toyline. Without a doubt, this line is one of the most pivotal in the history of the brand. 

Works Cited

Autobus Prime et al, “Cruellock”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cruellock Accessed 5/6/2020

Bluestreak7 et al, “Transformers:Dark of the Moon (Toyline)”,TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Dark_of_the_Moon_(toyline) Accessed 5/6/2020

Deceptitran et al, “Mech Alive”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Mech_Alive Accessed 5/6/2020

Emerje, “2007 Transformers: the Game concept art shown off by Ken Christiansen”,Seibertron, https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/2007-transformers-the-game-concept-art-shown-off-by-ken-christiansen/42873/ Accessed 5/6/2020

FFN et al, “Arcee (Movie)”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Arcee_(Movie) Accessed 5/6/2020

FFN et al, “Incinerator (Movie)”, TFwiki,  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Incinerator_(Movie) Accessed 5/6/2020

Gwolf et al, “Jazz(Movie)”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Jazz_(Movie)#Deluxe_Class_toys Accessed 5/6/2020  

ItsWalky et al, “Megatron (Movie)/Toys”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Megatron_(Movie)/toys#Voyager_Class_toys 

King Starscream et al, “Blackout (Movie), TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Blackout_(Movie) Accessed 5/6/2020

Mendou et al, “Demolishor (Armada), TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Demolishor_(Armada) Accessed 5/6/2020

Monzo et al.“Beast Wars:Transformers(toyline)”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Beast_Wars:_Transformers_(toyline)   Accessed 4/25/2020

M Sipher et al, “Dropkick (Movie)”, TFwiki,  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Dropkick Accessed 5/6/2020

M Sipher et al, “Throttlebot”,TFwiki,  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Throttlebot Accessed 5/6/2020

Nevermore et al, “Transformers: Classics”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Classics Accessed 5/6/2020

Proctor,Ben , “Transformers”, benproctor.com, http://www.benprocter.com/storage/oldersites/sitev2/html/PROJPAGE_Trans_02.html Accessed 5/6/2020

Seichi et al, “Transformers (2007 Toyline)”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers_(2007_toyline) Accessed 5/6/2020 

Seichi et al, “Transformers: Armada (Toyline)” ,TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Armada_(toyline) Accessed 5/6/2020 

Servitor 2152 et al, “Bumblebee (Movie)/Toys”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Bumblebee_(Movie)/toys#Deluxe_Class_toys Accessed 5/6/2020 

Singularity et al, “Size Class”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Size_class Accessed 5/5/2020

Steve-o et al, “Transformers: Alternators”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Alternators Accessed 5/6/2020T

https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Bonecrusher_(Movie)#Deluxe_Class_toys Accessed 5/6/2020

Undead Scottsman et al, “Automorph Technology”,TFwiki,  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Blackout_(Movie) Accessed 5/6/2020

Wing Saber et al, “Stockade (Movie)”, TFwiki, https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Stockade_(Movie) Accessed 5/6/2020 

[transformersaesthetics]

Transformers: Classics

TUMBLR! I’m back! I’m real stoked on today’s essay. We’re gonna talk about the line that started it all, the line that puts the C in CHUG, the reason I’m a broke toy person, Transformers: Classics. This marks the beginning of a change of pace for us; from now on our analysis of Transformers will split into 3. The movies, the cartoon show, and the CHUG lines (read on for what CHUG means). I’ll switch which one we do every week, and we’ll work our way up that way. This is also the first essay I wrote, and I love it, it;’s so small.

Here you go!

Transformers:Classics was released in 2006, to compensate for the delay of the 2007 Transformers film.(Nevermore) It was a hodgepodge of different concepts, demonstrating  Hasbro’s reticence to rely entirely on collectors or nostalgia to sell toys, and their desire to include more broadly marketable elements to a line as well. Part of the line, most notably the legends class figures, is reminiscent of the 2003 Universe line, which consisted entirely of redecos of previously released toys.(Fiction Alchemist) Other parts of the line continue successful practices of the Unicron Trilogy lines; Classics released six new mold minicon teams.(Nevermore) However, the most significant part of Classics was the fact that it gave new toys with modern engineering to G1 characters. 

The deluxe and Voyager classes were entirely new molds of G1 characters.(Nevermore) Many of these characters, such as Astrotrain and Bumblebee, had not received figures since the end of G1.(ItsWalky;S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47, Astrotrain) More notable still, this is the first time that any G1 characters received toys that were designed to be updated versions of the characters, faithful and evocative of their original appearances while relying on modern toy engineering. This is the main contribution of Classics; it launches the practice of having modern toys of G1 characters on the shelves without any supporting fiction, in contrast to toylines associated with the movies or the current television show. Indeed, the 2008 Universe line was occasionally referred to as Classics 2.0, emphasizing the direct thematic ties between the lines.(Jackpot) Many figures in the Universe line were branded as part of the “Classics Series” subline.(Jackpot) This practice of releasing updated G1 figures has continued, at first haltingly, then more or less continuously since 2012.(DDog)

    While it was not uncommon to include nods and references to previous Transformers fiction in figures, such as including a crown for Starscream, a reference to his appearance in the ‘86 movie, Classics introduced references of a novel opacity. Grimlock’s entire figure is a reference to his Pretenders figure. They both break from Grimlock’s traditional transformation scheme and end with him wielding his tail as a sword, and share a blaster with a bayonet.(Abates) Hot Rod features a flip out buzz saw, referencing a scene in the ‘86 movie (the place from which all Transformers references stem).(Rotty) Jetfire includes weapons and accessories to better replicate his original toy, a practice which has become standard on subsequent Jetfire figures.(S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47, Jetfire) Astrotrain is decoed not to reflect his appearance in the cartoon, but his original toy.(S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47, Astrotrain)

 What is remarkable about these references is that, while they have significant play value independent of understanding them, they are extremely arcane to the uninitiated. What child in 2006 is going to have ready access to Grimlock’s pretender figure, Jetfire’s original toy, or care enough about the ‘86 movie to scrutinize every frame? These references are clearly intended for adult collectors who remember these things from their own childhoods. Indeed, the very gimmicks of the line reference G1; The line also featured the return of rubsigns instead of regular faction insignias, which the 2010 Reveal the Shield line would also notably do.(S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47, Transformers)   

Many characters have updated alternate modes. Grimlock turns into a more scientifically accurate T-Rex (archaeology having come some way since the 80’s), Astrotrain turns into a bullet train rather than a steam locomotive, Optimus Prime has a more aerodynamic cab, and Bumblebee turns into a little hatchback rather than a VW bug. This is evidence of Hasbro’s desire to fuse  nostalgia with other elements with broader appeal. Optimus Prime in particular is an excellent example; his new wind vane transforms into a new weapon for him to use, which fuses his new appearance and added play features.(FFN, Optimus) 

With the notable exceptions of Grimlock and Starscream, most of the figures feature sleek, rounded alternate modes, with paint applications that are mostly broad stripes of color. This is particularly visible on Astrotrain’s train mode and Optimus and Bumblebee’s alt modes. The palette is generally light and bright. Something else particular to the Classics line is the way the figures are jointed. While the use of ball joints is still reasonably widespread, Classics features an unusual prevalence of strange hinge joints. Of particular note is a kind of joint that appears on Astrotrain and Jetfire. There is one hinge for forward motion of the thigh in the middle of the thigh, rather than at the hip.This is quickly followed by a parallel knee hinge. At the hips, there is another hinge joint that provides the legs with their side to side motion.(S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47, Astrotrain) The same designer is responsible for both toys.(FFN, Takashi)  

The Classics Seeker mold is historically significant enough to merit its own discussion. The Classics Seeker mold is widely regarded as the definitive Seeker mold. It takes inspiration from the Masterpiece Seeker mold and translates it to the deluxe size class, giving fans a cartoon accurate Starscream in rough scale with their Megatron and Optimus.(MistaTee) Over the course of its long history, the Seeker mold has been released as no fewer than 13 separate characters, and received a general retail release as recently as 2012, with an exclusive timelines figure as recently as 2015.(MistaTee;Poweredconvoy) Indeed, it is the single most redecoed and retooled mold in the history of the brand, beating out the next closest mold by almost double, 31 uses to 16 (For those of you curious, the next closest is Combiner Wars Dead End).(ZacWilliam) The mold is so popular that, during Transformers: Earthrise, a line famous for creating almost masterpiece level retail figures, the Starscream figure was simply an upscaled version of the Classics seeker mold with more joints. (MistaTee)Even almost 15 years after its initial release, the mold continues to influence subsequent lines.   

While the sheer number of uses of the Seeker mold in and of itself constitutes a tremendous impact on the brand, it also gives a taste of things to come in more contemporary Generations lines. This is, in some ways, foreshadowing of Hasbro’s developing and understandable taste for squeezing every drop of money from a mold with retools and redecos. Indeed, this is somewhat evident even Classics itself; the final wave consists of a retool, Ramjet, and a redeco, Cliffjumper.(Nevermore) The primary strategies are using heavy retooling to release another character with the same mold (Starscream into Ramjet) , or using extensive redecos to release new characters or premium versions of existing characters (Starscream into Sunstorm, or G2 Starscream). This tendency was carried to perhaps peak extent in Combiner Wars (CW) and Titans Return (TR), and will be discussed more fully while examining those lines. 

Classics established important norms carried on by subsequent CHUG lines. G1 characters were given new, well articulated toys created using modern engineering. Obscure references were also included in these figures, to appeal to adult collectors.  The figures all have a unifying but loose visual aesthetic. Neither Classics nor its successor lines, with some exceptions, have featured supporting fiction. The vast majority of Classics figures do not feature action gimmicks.  However, while Hasbro was willing to provide a nostalgia element to the line, they were not willing to count on it entirely. While the figures were designed with recreating the G1 cartoon in mind, most of the figures featured updated alternate modes, and also include play features that appeal to children as well as adult collectors. Many figures were included in the line which had nothing to do with the G1 cartoon, being redecos of toys from the then current Cybertron cartoon or direct extensions of popular elements of other lines, namely Minicons. This practice would continue for a few subsequent nostalgia lines, but somewhat fades by the contemporary era. 

This is an excellent example of an element of Classics that does not continue to influence other lines; while foundational, Classics was also unique in many respects. Classics figures feature comparatively large amounts of unbroken, solid plastic, a design element that became uncommon in later lines. Classics figures also have unusual jointing, perhaps demonstrating that designers had not yet gotten the hang of crafting these types of figures. Indeed, several examples of this sort of trial and error process are visible in other parts of the line. Astrotrain, his fellow triple-changers, and Grimlock would almost universally recieve Voyager class figures from here on out.(Nevermore) Grimlock is traditionally portrayed as large, and, as Universe Octane demonstrates, it’s quite difficult to make a deluxe triple changer.  Grimlock, even in other incarnations, such as the RID 2015 character, would feature transformation schemes much more heavily based on the original toy. Megatron (or anyone else for that matter, see TR Sixshot and Siege Shockwave for examples) would never again receive an above Legends class general retail toy with a gun alternate mode, likely due to laws about toy guns. 

Although Classics was a small line, in many respects it has had an outsized impact on the brand at large.Classics is a remarkable moment in the history of the brand. It represents a confluence of ideas, elements and engineering from many previous toylines and franchises. Classics was also the last line before the Transformers movies changed toy engineering forever. Yet at the same time, it laid the groundwork for one of the most important changes that has occurred in Transformers.  Before Classics, almost every toyline was of new characters, and supported by a cartoon. After Classics, the release of new mold figures of G1 characters became increasingly commonplace, eventually becoming one of the three pillars of the contemporary Transformers environment. It is no overstatement to say this little line helped to usher in the current form of Transformers. 

Works Cited

Abates et al. “Grimlock (G1)/Toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Grimlock_(G1)/toys#Classics Accessed 5/11/2020

DDog et al. “Transformers: Generations (toyline)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Generations_(toyline) Accessed 5/11/2020

Nevermore et al. “Transformers: Classics” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Classics Accessed 

5/11/2020

FFN et al. “Optimus Prime (G1)/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Optimus_Prime_(G1)/toys#Classics Accessed 5/11/2020

FFN et al. “Takashi Kunihiro” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Takashi_Kunihiro Accessed 5/11/2020

Fiction Alchemist et al. “Transformers: Universe (2003 toyline)”TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Universe_(2003_toyline) Accessed 5/11/20204

ItsWalky et al. “Bumblebee (G1)/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Bumblebee_(G1)/toys Accessed 5/11/2020

Jackpot et al. “Universe (2008)/Toyline"TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Universe_(2008_toyline) 

Accessed 5/7/2020

MistaTee et al.  “Starscream (G1)/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Starscream_(G1)/toys#Classics Accessed 5/11/2020

Poweredconvoy et al. “Nacelle (G1)” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Nacelle_(G1)#Timelines Accessed 5/11/2020

Rotty et al. “Hot Rod (G1)/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hot_Rod_(G1)/toys#Classics Accessed 5/11/2020

S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47 et al. “Astrotrain (G1)/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Astrotrain_(G1)/toys Accessed 5/11/2020

S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47 et al. “Jetfire (G1)/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Jetfire_(G1)/toys#Classics Accessed 5/11/2020

S.H.I.E.L.D Agent 47 et al. “Transformers (2010 toyline)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Reveal_the_Shield#Hasbro_Reveal_the_Shield_subline Accessed 5/11/2020

ZacWilliam et al. “Dead End (G1)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Dead_End_(G1)#Combiner_Wars Accessed 5/11/2020

[transformersaesthetics]

Transformers: Cybertron

Good moooorning Tumblr!  I’m super excited about today’s essay. We’ll be discussing Transformers: Cybertron, a line almost as well loved as Armada. While the line itself is really cool, the main reason I’m excited is, as I mentioned last time, this is the last essay of the Modern period. From here on out, Transformers experiences some radical shifts in style, and I’m really looking forward to dragging all of you through that. Cheers folks, hope you’re keeping well.

After the lukewarm run of Energon, Transformers: Cybertron was largely able to revitalize the brand. The presence of a strong, unified gimmick, comparatively sophisticated engineering, and the introduction of the groundbreaking Legends of Cybertron subline all combined to carry Cybertron to financial success and a fonder place in the memories of the fans. The line was so large in scope that it had something to offer every fan. For collectors, Cybertron had the first ever figure of Primus, envisioned as the robot mode of the planet Cybertron itself. For kids, the line reintroduced Mini-cons, and pioneered the aforementioned Legends class, simple, small scale toys of main characters such as Optimus Prime and Megatron.(Derik; Corbet) The more conventional figures were each from various colony planets, each with its unique aesthetic. (Saix). In many ways, Cybertron took the themes of the earlier entries of the Unicron Trilogy and explored them to their full potential. 

The core gimmick of the Cybertron line was Cyber Keys and the several colony planets. Fictionally, the concept was that Transformers had long ago expanded from their initial home planet of Cybertron, colonizing other worlds. However, they eventually lost contact with these colonies, and as they reestablished connection to them, discovered diverse groups of radically different Transformers. (Saix) Each planet had its own style of Cyber Key, which could unlock new features on a Transformer. (Dracokanji) In practice, Cyber Keys functioned much like Mini-cons; each toy came with one, and it could be used to activate spring-loaded gimmickry of various levels of complexity, depending on the size of the figure. (Dracokanji) Each Cyber Key had a serial code on the back that could be entered into Hasbro’s website for more in depth character information about the figure. (Dracokanji). Especially in contrast with Energon’s vague combination theme, the Cyber Keys were well defined, and provided a strong unifying element to the line. 

    This element of unity was useful in part because of the substantively different aesthetics of the colony planets. Velocitron was the speed plane; “The vehicle modes are futuristic and fantastical” (Saix; Dr.Fang). Most of the figure’s alternate modes were streamlined and racing focused. Gigantion, the construction themed planet, featured transformers that were comparatively large.(Saiax;ItsWalky) To emphasize this height difference, each of them came with a Mini-con partner, who could ride or man the vehicle mode of the larger figure in some way. (Saix; Derik) These figures also all featured a work mode, essentially the robot mode with the proportions readjusted to be more squat. (MSipher) Animatron, the jungle planet, featured figures with “deeply-complex, nigh-organic sculpting that brings to mind the Transmetal IIs of Beast Wars”. (Saix) In many ways, this enabled Cybertron to tie together many themes that had been explored by earlier lines. The line now had a fictional conceit that allowed it to have cybertronian styled vehicle modes, more earth based modes, futuristic robotic animals, and other aesthetics, all at the same time. 

Like Armada and Energon before it, Cybertron released some truly massive figures. Perhaps most memorably, the line created the first ever new mold figures of one of the most important characters in the Transformers mythology, Primus. (Octopus Prime) Primus, essentially the Transformers god, turned into the titular planet, Cybertron, in some ways mirroring the Unicron of the Armada line. Like the powermasters in the days of yore, Primus could only be transformed by inserting a key (which itself held four Cyber Keys, one for each planet) into various places on the toy, ‘unlocking’ it from itself. (Octopus Prime) In that same size class, HasTak also saw fit to release… An upscaled version of the voyager class Starscream figure.(S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 47) The toy came with his crown, in a reference to Starscream’s famous death scene in the 1986 Transformers film. (Spoilers guys Starscream dies in the movie)

    But perhaps the most innovative thing Cybertron did with size was at the other end of the spectrum. First, and unsurprisingly, Cybertron reintroduced Mini-cons, creating some new mold teams and rereleasing many Armada figures. (Derik) Secondly, the Legends class was introduced. Legends class figures were small, 2-3 inch figures of the show’s main cast, with simplified articulation and transformation schemes. (Corbet) These figures “[gave] kids the chance to own an Optimus Prime or Megatron they could keep in their pocket”, in many respects making these characters accessible to children who might not be able to obtain a larger figure. (Saix) Many, many subsequent toylines have capitalized on this idea.(Corbet) Although HasTak have since discontinued the use of the Legends moniker, the core concept continues to be a staple of the brand, almost two decades after Cybertron’s initial release.(Corbet) Indeed, the creation of the Legends class concept is arguably the most influential part of the line. 

    As with almost every toyline since Beast Wars, Cybertron continued the practice of redecoing earlier toys and releasing them again to pad out the end of the line. Indeed, at this point, the practice was so commonplace that it almost ceases to be worth mentioning; I will likely omit it from essays at this point, since it is a near universal occurrence.

    Cybertron also featured a remarkable percentage of more obscure references to other franchises. Of particular note is the Longrack figure. Longrack was a redeco and minor retool of Armada Hoist. (Quickstrike) The figure’s deco and name were references to a Beast Wars Neo character that never saw release in the United States. (Quickstrike) Although this sort of arcane reference would eventually become a common practice, (especially with the advent of the TFwiki, making it so folks like myself can gain knowledge without earning it like the folks who write the wiki had to back in the old days) in 2006 it was fairly novel, especially in a line not aimed at collectors. These references are among the very first of something that would prove to be a staple going forward. 

    Overall, Transformers: Cybertron is a fondly remembered toyline. Between the robust, Armada style engineering, the reintroduction of spring-loaded gimmicks, and the presence of more accessible, smaller scale figures, Cybertron serves as a fitting capstone to the Unicron Trilogy. It is a line of toys in many ways dedicated to making toys fun for kids to play with, which was arguably the greatest virtue of Armada and Energon. Figures such as Hot Shot, Optimus Prime, and Primus are famous and well loved; the Legends of Cybertron line continues to influence the brand to the present day. Cybertron even had something for older collectors, in the form of references to earlier characters and figures. The regard the fans hold for Cybertron is quite tangible; Cybertron is one of very few toylines to receive modern, retail figures that directly homage characters and toys from an older line. (Siax) Cybertron marks the successful end of a comparatively successful series of ideas. But, as the furmanism goes, it never ends. Cybertron proved to be, not an ending, but a pause, a segue to the most dramatic reinvention it had experienced since Beast Wars; The live action Transformers movies. 

         Works Cited

Autobus Prime et al. “Animatron” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Animatron Accessed 7/18/2020

Corbet et al. “Legends Class (2005)” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Legends_Class_(2005) Accessed 7/18/2020

Dark T Zeratul et al. “Scorponok (Energon)” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Scorponok_(Energon)#Cybertron Accessed 7/18/2020

Deceptitran et al. “Megatron (Armada)/toys” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Megatron_(Armada)/toys#Dinosaur Accessed 7/18/2020

Derik et al. “Mini-con” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Mini-con Accessed 6/26/2020 

Dracokanji et al. “Cyber Key” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cyber_Key Accessed 7/18/2020

Dr Fang et al. “Velocitron” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Velocitron Accessed 7/18/2020

ItsWalky et al. “Gigantion” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Gigantion Accessed 7/18/2020

MSipher et al. “Quickmix (Cybertron)” TFwiki.  /https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Quickmix_(Cybertron)#Toys Accessed 7/23/2020 

Octopus Prime et al. “Primus” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Primus#Toys Accessed 7/25/2020

Saix et al. “Transformers: Cybertron(toyline)”TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Cybertron_(toyline) Accessed 7/18/2020

S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent 47 et al. “Starscream(Armada)/toys” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Starscream_(Armada)/toys#Cybertron Accessed 7/25/2020

Quickstrike et al. “Longrack (Cybertron)” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Longrack_(Cybertron)#Toys Accessed 7/18/2020

[transformersaesthetics]

Transformers: Energon

Hey gang! Today we’ll be discussing the second entry in the Unicron Trilogy, Transformers: Energon. Energon is famously... Not... Great. In this article, we’ll take a look into a bit of why! Of course, there’s still plenty of Energon figures I own and enjoy. I wouldn’t be without my adorable little Sharkticon for... well, at least 10 dollars. Anyways, we’ve got just one essay to go till the end of the Modern period, and until we move over to late Modern! (Man I don’t like that name.) Hope you enjoy!    

Where Armada is widely regarded as one of the better Transformers entries, Energon is almost universally regarded as both one of the weakest cartoons and one of the weakest toylines in the history of the brand. Armada had a strong, central theme in Minicons, and used the simplicity of the toys as an attractive feature. Energon struggled to maintain cohesion in terms of toy design and gimmicks, and allowed simplistic designs to become crude. Although there was “an overarching theme of ‘combination’”, it was implemented in several ways across all the various price points, and occasionally in different ways within a price point.(MSipher, Energon) Moreover, this was largely confined to Autobots; Decepticons lacked any sort of universal gimmick. (MSpiher, Energon) Energon had neither the influence, enduring popularity, nor the success of Armada. Its largest impact was putting HasTak in a position to “re-think how to take the line forward from there”. (MSpiher, Energon) 

    One of the defining features of Energon is the low quality of many of the figures. From a normative perspective, although figures frequently featured more joints than their Armada counterparts, many fans still found the articulation of figures such as Hot Shot wanting and awkward. (Abates, Hot) Although they lack the involved Mini-con gimmicks of Armada, many Energon figures also feature high levels of kibble. Mirage, in particular, wears his entire boat alt mode as a sort of skirt and on his forearms. (Starfield) While this could be argued to have aesthetic merit, along the lines of how the wings of the Seekers are a defining part of their silhouette,three or so large blocks of solid plastic give him an absurdly large backpack that manages to inhibit his leg articulation.(Starfield)  

More objectively, many figures, for example Prowl, have awkward proportions in both vehicle and robot modes.(Rolonbolon) A particularly famous example of this is Energon Optimus Prime, whose small limbs and exquisitely large backpack make him decidedly obese in appearance. (Abates, Optimus) Energon also featured the return of the brick. (Omnisvalidus)  Wing Saber, essentially a glorified accessory for Optimus Prime, features two points of articulation, one joint at either elbow.  (Bodycount) Although not anywhere near universal, some Energon figures were plagued with serious design flaws. Slugslinger features compromised structural integrity. (Chip) The aforementioned Mirage figure comes apart at the knees with regularity. (Starfield) Alpha Quintesson would frequently come misassembled, unable to attach to his base and thus stand. (MSipher, Alpha) Although many of these complaints are not objective or necessarily disqualifying, the sum total of them likely contributed to the lukewarm reception of the line. The issue was not any one thing, but rather, that Energon struggled with all of them. 

Although Energon did have general themes, such as the titular Energon and combination more broadly, it struggled to implement them in a consistent, unified manner. The energon gimmick was largely, but not exclusively, confined to the appropriately named Energon class (roughly equivalent to Basics). (Singularity) Although there were combining Decepticons, much of the emphasis of that gimmick was found only in Autobots. (MSipher, Energon) Moreover, there are many different types of combination present. The aforementioned Energon Class figures each came with several clear plastic ‘energon’ accessories, which could be assembled into a larger weapon. (MSipher, Energon). Armada Perceptor also received a new mold figure (one of the bare handful of new mold Mini-cons released in Energon), once again a team of three minicons that combined into a larger robot. (Dark T Zeratul) Autobots of Combat Class and Mega Class (Deluxes and Voyagers, roughly) could combine with each other freely in two robot teams, with one forming the top and arms of the resulting figure, and the other forming the legs. This process was referred to as Powerlinx, despite the fact that in Armada that term had referred to a larger figure’s use of a Mini-con. (HooperX) At the Combat Class, Tow-Line featured the ability to Powerlinx with the back half of his own vehicle mode, which could also form a tool bench of sorts. (MSipher, Tow) Energon also released five robot combiner teams, in the traditions of G1. Three of these figures were released, two of which were Decepticons (the only combining Decepticons in the line). (MSipher, Energon) The limbs of these figures were released at the Energon Class, with the torsos being Combat Class figures. (MSipher, Energon) In addition to the more standard Powerlinx autobots, the Mega Class contained Mega-Dinobot, a pack of two smaller robots able to combine into a larger figure. (MSpiher, Mega) 

Larger figures also featured extensive combination gimmicks. “Command Class Autobots (the new molds, at least) each include transforming accessories that form part of their vehicle modes. In robot mode they could combine with these pieces to be in "Brute Mode"” (MSipher, Energon) Optimus Prime has perhaps the most involved combination gimmicks of the Energon line. HE came with a trailer of four different vehicle drones, which could attach over his limbs to form a super mode. He could also combine in two different arrangements with Wing Saber. Finally, Optimus Prime could wear the Supreme Class Omega Supreme figure as a sort of suit of armor. His drones could then attach to the outside of that armor. (Abates, Optimus). 

The sheer number of different combining gimmicks present in Energon is somewhat overwhelming. However, many of them are confined to a single figure, and none of them are uniformly applied to the entire line. Much of the work that went into solidifying Mini-cons as a distinct concept simply does not exist in Energon writ large. As a result, it is difficult to characterize exactly what the core theme of Energon is, especially since a little under half of the figures feature no ability to combine whatsoever. This lack of focus likely contributed to the weak sales of the line. 

Energon also released a handful of more unusual figures. Alpha Quintesson is perhaps the most famous of these. As a mainline Transformers figure that does not, in fact, transform, the figure is something of a rarity.(MSipher, Alpha) Moreover, it represents the first official toy of any kind of Quintesson (aliens introduced in the 1986 movie). (ItsWalky, Quintesson) The other unusual figure is the Kicker/High Wire two pack. The set features a roughly basic sized High Wire figure which turns into a roughly scale motorcycle that the included Kicker figure can ride. (ItsWalky, High) Although subsequent Transformers lines have included human action figures (in particular the Human Alliance subline of many live action movie lines), it is highly unusual to include one so large. The figure also ends up being unusually simple for a ‘Combat Class’ figure, feeling much more like a big Mini-con. 

Transformers: Energon didn’t manage to capitalize on the success of Armada for several reasons. The lack of a cohesive gimmick, the low overall quality of the toys, and the infamously unwatchable TV show all conspired to create a line that, while not necessarily awful, is certainly not fondly remembered. As a direct result, unlike most of the other lines we’ve examined, Energon would not prove to be particularly influential. Even Beast Machines has received more figures that directly reference it. (Monzo) However, Energon did manage to make the occasional contribution, particularly the first Quintesson figure. Of course, none of this is to say that Energon was a terrible line that produced no good figures. Perhaps the most important lesson of the second entry of the Unicron Trilogy is that we can still enjoy figures even if they’re not all we’re used to, and that the line does not define the individual toy. 

         Works Cited

Abates et al. “Hot Shot (Armada)/toys” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hot_Shot_(Armada)/toys#Energon Accessed 7/12/2020

Abates et al. “Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Optimus_Prime_(Armada)/toys#Energon Accessed 7/12/2020

Bodycount et al. “Wing Saber (Energon)” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Wing_Saber_(Energon)#Toys Accessed 7/12/2020

Chip et al. “Slugslinger (Energon)” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Slugslinger_(Energon)#Toys Accessed 7/12/2020

Dark T Zeratul et al. “Perceptor (Armada)” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Perceptor_(Armada)#Energon Accessed 7/12/2020

HooperX et al. “Powerlinx” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Powerlinx Accessed 7/12/2020

ItsWalky et al. “High Wire (Armada)” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/High_Wire_(Armada)#EnergonKicker Accessed 7/12/2020

ItsWalky et al. “Quintesson” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Quintesson Accessed 7/12/2020

Monzo et al.“Beast Wars:Transformers(toyline)”, TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Beast_Wars:_Transformers_(toyline) Accessed 4/25/2020

MSipher et al. “Alpha Quintesson” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Alpha_Quintesson#Toys Accessed 7/12/2020

MSipher et al. “Mega-Dinobot” TFWiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Mega-Dinobot#Toys Accessed 7/12/2020

MSipher et al. “Tow-Line (Energon” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Tow-Line_(Energon)#Toys Accessed 7/12/2020

MSipher et al. “Transformers: Energon (toyline)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Energon_(toyline)Accessed 7/12/2020

Omnisvalidus et al. “Brick (term)” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Brick_(term) Accessed 6/26/2020

RolonBolon et al. “Prowl (Energon)” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Prowl_(Energon)#Toys Accessed 7/12/2020

Seichi et al. “Transformers: Armada (toyline)” TFwiki.    https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Armada_(toyline) Accessed 6/23/2020

Singularity et al. “Size Class” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Size_class Accessed 5/5/2020

Starfield et al. “Mirage (Energon)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Mirage_(Energon)#Toys Accessed 7/12/2020 

[transformersaesthetics]

Transformers: Armada

Gooooooood morning Tumblr! This week we’ll be talking about Transformers: Armada. For many of you, this was your introduction to the brand, and I hope you get to relive a bit of that with this essay! As far as our survey goes, it means we’re reaching the beginning of the end of Transformers modernity; once the Unicron Trilogy is over, we’ll be solidly Late Modern. As a reminder, if you want to check out my other essays, here and my website are both good places! Here’s the link for this week’s. https://transformersaesthetics.wordpress.com/transformers-armada/ Hope you enjoy!    

Transformers: Armada marks a turning point in the brand almost as large as Beast Wars. After the mixed results of Beast Machines and Robots in Disguise, Armada’s success with children reinvigorated Transformers. Perhaps the most defining characteristic was it’s introduction of Mini-Cons. These were smaller, simpler figures, one of which was packed with each larger toy. Mini-Cons proved phenomenally popular, and in no small part propelled the Armada franchise to occupy it’s exalted place in fandom memory. Armada marked a radical shift in the engineering of toys. From G1 to RID, the general trend had been increases in complexity and articulation. Armada made a different choice: “The early offerings in particular were blocky, easy to transform, sturdy and colorful. Articulation tended to be reduced.”(Seichi) Many of the aesthetic and engineering changes Armada pioneered would have a dramatic impact, not only on the immediate successors Energon and Cybertron lines, but almost every subsequent line.    

Armada’s engineering is one of the most distinctive features of the line. Where Beast Era and RID molds had featured intricate transformations and the near omnipresence of ball joints, in Armada,“ball joints largely disappeared from the non-Mini-Con toys in favor of permanently-joined swivels.” (Seichi) Articulation on figures was, as a result, more restricted than it had been on previous figures. Overload in particular is famous for being one of the first ‘bricks’ released since the conclusion of Generation 1. (ItsWalky; Omnisvalidus) Even more traditional figures such as Demolishor feature an absence of bicep and thigh swivels that had appeared regularly on figures in previous lines. (Mendou)      The absence of articulation and the robustness and simplicity that provided allowed HasTak to experiment with much more gimmick laden toys. Almost every figure had some sort of action gimmick, ranging from Demolishor’s spring loaded missiles to Superbase Optimus Prime’s extremely involved auto-transforming trailer. (Mendou; Abates) Above the “Super-con” class, (the new name for the 10 dollar price point), all figures featured sounds, and some of the “Giga-con” figures featured both lights and sounds. (Seichi; Singularity)      

  Taken together, the simplicity of the figures in terms of transformation schemes and their complexity in terms of gimmicks represent a coherent design philosophy. Where the toys of RID in particular had often been difficult to actually play with, Armada made a conscious decision to make transformers accessible, and indeed attractive. This element of Armada continues to strongly influence the design of contemporary figures, in particular the current Cyberverse line. In some ways, this philosophy is relevant now more than ever, with the resurgence of incredible complexity in figures as a result of the live action movies, and HasTak’s parallel emphasis on one-step changers and the like in lines aimed at kids. In many ways, Armada represents the first real conscious move towards simplicity, not simply because of costs or engineering limitations, but for play value. Whatever your feelings about that kind of figure, that tension between complexity and accessibility has certainly stayed with us.  

  Many of the gimmicks of Armada figures were intimately linked to Mini-cons. Demolishor’s aforementioned missiles could only be launched by attaching a Mini-con to the specially sculpted port on his arm. (Mendou) Almost every action gimmick was activated in a similar manner. This was tied to the fictional conceit that Mini-cons were able to serve as a source of energy and to unlock powers for larger transformers. (Nova 81426) Much of the action of the cartoon was centered around the various factions trying to gain as many Mini-cons as they could. As a result, there was something of a ‘collect them all’ atmosphere surrounding the Mini-con figures.   

Specific elements of their design and marketing also aided this perception. First, and perhaps most importantly, Mini-cons were established to be their own faction, complete with a unique faction symbol. (Derik) Second, the way Mini-cons interacted with larger toys was very specific. Each figure included somewhere on it a ‘powerlinx port’, essentially a five millimeter hole with a peg in the middle, which could be used to attach to a larger toy and activate gimmicks. (Derik) Third, the Mini-cons not included with larger transformers were sold as sets of three, in themed packs. Some of these packs featured figures that could combine, and some merely featured a common gimmick. (Derik) These elements, and others, such as their unified aesthetic of “facial designs [that]  tend  toward the unorthodox” combine to give the Mini-cons a very strong identity as a class of things, which one could reasonably collect all of. (Derik)     Indeed, not only could one collect all the Mini-cons, there was incentive to as well. Mini-cons, particularly the three packs, featured an incredible diversity of alternate modes. (Derik) Boats, a Saturn-5 styled rocket, and even a skateboard are all represented. These alternate modes were quite unusual, and to employ a normative assessment, many of them are very cool. Independently of collecting all the Mini-cons, it’s cool to have a Saturn-5 transformer. Moreover, their small size makes Mini-cons easy and rewarding to play with, and to own several of. Indeed, this small stature was likely a very conscious decision on the part of HasTak; earlier popular figures such as the Micromasters and Soundwave’s cassettes fit into what HasTak terms the ‘Micro play pattern’, where smaller figures interact with larger ones. (Repowers) Mini-cons proved to be so popular and identifiable that many subsequent uses of this play pattern, though entirely unrelated from a mechanical perspective, continue to use the Mini-con branding. (Derik). Indeed, a new-mold figure with the original Mini-con insignia was released as recently as 2014. (Derik)  

  Armada also featured some elements of design continuity with previous lines. As with RID and Beast Wars, the show had a smaller core cast, all of whom received figures at retail. Although there were figures that did not appear in the show, these were part of the traditional end of line expansion following its success. These figures were largely retools of existing Beast Wars molds, with some redecos of earlier characters in powered up colors. (Seichi) Like Beast Wars and RID, Armada continued to feature size classes. However, now these were renamed, and prices were slightly adjusted. (Singularity). The Mega class was at this point permanently discontinued. (Singularity) Aesthetically, Armada shifted from the realistic vehicles of RID to designs that were more genericized or cybertronian. For example, Demolishor doesn’t turn into any specific kind of tank, yet is clearly a tank of some sort. (Mendou) Much like RID, Armada Optimus Prime was also capable of combining either with himself or other figures to form a super robot. (Abates) Armada did establish figures like Overlord, which were effectively glorified accessories for Optimus Prime’s super mode, in the modern era, a trend that would be continued well into its successor series Energon. (ItsWalky)  

  From the perspective of single figures, arguably the most influential figure from Armada was its Unicron. After slightly less than 20 years after the character’s introduction in the 1986 movie, Armada marked the release of the first Unicron figure. (Seichi). Unicron, as befit a robot that turned into a planet, was massive. The toy has a huge number of hidden compartments and play features, like launching missiles and closing jaws. (Deceptitran) This figure was hugely popular, and in some respects paved the way for “other releases like Energon Omega Supreme” and large figures of large characters in general. (Deceptitran) This figure, or some retool of it, is often considered the definitive Unicron. Indeed, it took until 2021 and a special crowdfunding project for a rival to even be developed, in the form of the famously expensive War for Cybertron figure. (Deceptitran) Perhaps the most enduring testament to the figure’s popularity is it’s continued release; A retool of the mold was released as recently 2018. (Lonegamer78)   

Transformers: Armada proved to be another breath of fresh air for the brand. After the somewhat notorious complexity of RID figures, Armada made a conscious and enduring return to Transformers as toys for children. Although toylines would again grow extremely complex, Armada demonstrated that simplicity can and does succeed at retail. In many ways, the legacy of Armada has stayed with us through to the contemporary era, and the heavily gimmicked, child focused Cyberverse line. Armada also gave us terminology and concepts to process smaller Transformers, and cemented Mini-cons as an indispensable part of the brand. Although in many ways its reach is less sweeping than that of Beast Wars, Armada is still one of the most influential toylines in the history of Transformers; between its emphasis on toys for kids and the way its tremendous popularity expanded the reach of Transformers, and involved folks who continue to be fans to this day, Armada is one of the biggest lines there is.   

       Works Cited

Abates et al. “Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Optimus_Prime_(Armada)/toys#Armada Accessed 6/26/2020

Deceptitran et al. “Unicron/toys” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Unicron/toys#Armada Accessed 6/26/2020

Derik et al. “Mini-con” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Mini-con Accessed 6/26/2020

ItsWalky et al. “Overload (Armada)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Overload_(Armada)#Toys Accessed 6/26/2020

Lonegamer 78 et al. “Unicron of Light” TFwiki.https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Unicron_of_Light Accessed 6/26/2020

Mendou et al. “Demolishor (Armada)”TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Demolishor_(Armada)#Armada Accessed 6/26/2020

Nova 81426 et al. “Transformers: Armada (cartoon)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Armada_(cartoon) Accessed 6/26/2020

Omnisvalidus et al. “Brick (term)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Brick_(term) Accessed 6/26/2020

Repowers et al. “ Play pattern” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Play_pattern Accessed 6/26/2020

Seichi et al. “Transformers: Armada (toyline)” TFwiki.  https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Armada_(toyline) Accessed 6/23/2020

Singularity et al. “Size Class” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Size_class Accessed 5/5/2020

[transformersaesthetics]

Transformers: Robots in Disguise

Hey gang! Today we’ll be talking about a favorite line of mine; it’s Robots in Disguise, the TV show that was on the Fox Box when I was very little. It’s stupid and anime and has a haiku writing shark and it’s just objectively the greatest thing. Hope you enjoy the essay!

   Transformers: Robots in Disguise returned Transformers to its roots, at the same time breaking sharply with the previous Beast Era lines while setting important precedents both in terms of fiction and design. When Hasbro abandoned plans for Transtec, the successor to Beast Machines, they made the decision to import the then current Japanese Car Robots line.(Saix) From a fictional perspective, this would prove to be a taste of things to come. Robots in Disguise has no fictional ties to Beast Wars or the Generation 1 cartoon continuity whatsoever, making the series the first full reboot in the history of the brand. After RID, almost every new transformers franchise would be a reboot of some sort. From the perspective of toy design, RID was much more traditional. Although it still included several characters with animal alternate modes, most of the cast transformed into real earth vehicles, ranging from cars to trains to construction vehicles. For a toy line as small as it is, RID has lots going on. Although the franchise itself is often considered somewhat forgettable, especially when compared with such titans as Armada and Beast Wars, it manages to explore with many intriguing concepts and achieved considerable influence on subsequent lines. 

      The most defining feature of the 2001 Robots in Disguise toyline is its diversity. Although many of the primary show characters were new mold figures drawn from the Takara Car Robots line, many others were redecos of figures from almost every other franchise in the brand; “Robots in Disguise included molds from Generation 1, Generation 2, Beast Wars, Machine Wars, and Beast Machines—in other words, every American toyline that had been produced to that point.” (Saix) What this means is that the line includes a huge variety of gimmicks, complexity, and articulation in its figures. At the simpler end of the spectrum were the Spy Changers, many of which were imported directly from the Generation 2 line. (ZacWilliam) These figures featured 3-4 step transformations from a hot wheels style car to a very simple robot with articulation only at the shoulders. On the more complex side of things, we find the massive Super Class Optimus Prime and Ultra Magnus figures, which have very involved, partsforming transformation schemes, intricate weaponry, and also combine with each other.(Derik, ItsWalky) While it makes sense to talk about some overarching features of the line, many size classes don’t have unifying elements. Because of the widespread use of multipacks, for example a pack of two basic figures from Machine Wars and G2 sold at the deluxe price point, it is also difficult to say exactly what constitutes a size class.(Saix) As a result, our basic unit of analysis will not be the size class, but rather the loose groups of toys that share similarities. For example, the Autobot brothers all share real car alternate modes and intricate, shellforming transformation schemes, while their fellow deluxe class toys, the build team, feature similar designs on account of their flexible combination mechanic.(Interrobang, Omegalink) 

      One of the other consequences of the diversity of molds present in RID is a corresponding diversity of factions. Instead of the usual two, there are three factions present in the Hasbro version of the show; the Autobots, the Decepticons, and the Predacons. (Saix) The series marks the first use of the iconic original factions since the end of G1. (Nova81426) In many ways, this return to the origins of the brand is intuitive, as it is accompanied by the aforementioned realistic vehicle modes found on many characters. Although there are more factions, each of them has fewer members. There are a mere five Predacons present, and six Decepticons. (Nova81426) Despite the presence of both Autobots and Decepticons, the initial conflict is between the Autobots and the Predacons, a completely unprecedented pairing. (Nova81426) Moreover, the Predacons and Autobots are completely unconnected with any of their previous incarnations. Although Megatron is a Predacon, his motivations and character are completely distinct from Beast Wars Megatron. (DrSpengler, Megatron) Similarly, none of the other predacons are pre-existing characters. (Nova81426) The use of different factions in RID is an excellent microcosm of the franchise as a whole; it uses old elements and recombines them into something unprecedented. 

       As mentioned earlier, one of the defining characteristics of RID is the return of earth based vehicle modes. Although Beast Machines had reintroduced vehicles to the brand the previous year, all of them were cybertronian.(Monzo) RID is the first time since the end of the initial G1/G2 lines that transformers characters turned into recognizable cars.(Saix) Although much of our discussion of Beast Wars was centered around its lasting influence, it did not manage to fully transition transformers away from vehicles and towards animal based alternate modes. In returning to the more traditional cars and trains and construction vehicles, RID laid the groundwork for what would prove to be a permanent pivot back to vehicle focused lines. However, even in this traditional move, RID demonstrated its characteristic willingness to use successful elements from multiple points in the brand. As we have already noted, RID featured the Predacon faction; these figures were, with the exception of Megatron, redecos of Transmetal 2 figures from Beast Wars. (Saix) RID did not dedicate itself entirely to vehicular figures; rather, it opted for a mix of vehicles and robotic animals, much as G1 had so many years earlier. In many ways, this would prove to set the tone for most subsequent toylines. Although primarily focused on cars and such, lines such as Armada and Universe left themselves the option of including more animal themed characters if that became appropriate. In this, RID’s mix and match philosophy of toy design would prove very influential. 

Like Beast Wars before it, once RID proved successful, Hasbro sought to pad the end of the line with other figures. Unlike Beast Wars, this primarily took the form of exclusives, such as KB Toys exclusive Destructicon Bludgeon, a redeco of G2 Megatron. (Saix) However, RID did employ two of the other strategies Beast Wars used, namely redecoing figures from earlier in the line and revitalizing unreleased molds for which much development had already been done. For example, many of the KB Toys exclusives were redecos of the already released Spy Changers, and figures such as Air Attack Optimus Primal and Megatron Megabolt were Beast Machines figures that had gone unreleased due to the truncation of the line. (Saix) 

    The three ‘Autobot brothers’ are among the most iconic molds and characters to arise from the RID toyline. The three deluxe class molds each employed intricate shellforming to achieve hyper accurate earth vehicle modes. These molds, Sideburn in particular, are notorious for their high level of transformation difficulty.The Autobot brothers represent the first time that the strategy of shellforming had been applied to cars. In some respects, these figures presage the complexity of the subsequent 2007 movie line, and the widespread use of that same technique of shellforming to achieve hyper-realistic licenced vehicle modes. Although influence is often conceived as having elements of a design present in subsequent works, these molds are arguably the most influential in what they caused to be omitted from subsequent designs. Although the Movie figures would rely heavily on shellforming, the highly asymmetrical designs of the Autobot brothers are notably absent. Similarly, one of the most difficult features of the Autobot brothers is that it is often unclear or unintuitive where a specific part is supposed to end up in vehicle mode; later movie figures developed a coherent design language (eg. arms go on the side of the car) that made it much easier to figure out a figure’s transformation simply by fiddling with it. It could be argued that these figures represent Takara’s designers beginning to learn their way around these sorts of designs, providing both the tools and ability to execute the movie line successfully all those years later. Even here, RID mixes two preexisting design elements, namely shellforming and car based alternate modes, to create something novel. 

    After the 1997 Beast Wars line, combiners had been largely absent from Transformers toylines until RID. RID featured no fewer than three different combiner teams. The first of these Team Bullet Train, a set of three robots with shinkansen altmodes that combined into Rail Racer. They were among the last toys to use the Mega price point; after RID, the size class that had struggled throughout Beast Wars and Beast Machines was discontinued entirely as part of a revamp of the size class structure.(Singularity) Even Team Bullet Train themselves were not fully in this size class; “The Bullet Trains, which were developed with Takara's flexible pricing structure, really did not fit into Hasbro's more rigid existing price-points, budget-wise. They cost too much to be sold as Deluxes, but weren't really up to Mega-costs.” (M Sipher, Railspike) They are also one of the vanishingly few novel combiner architectures in the history of the brand; most combiners are of the ‘scramble city’ type, where four interchangeable limb robots are attached to a central body. (Steve-o) Three robot combiners are comparatively uncommon. (Steve-o). 

    The second group of combiners from RID were the deluxe class build team. Three of the four team members shared much engineering, as any two of them could form the legs of the combiner, with the third forming the arms.(Omegalink) This architecture is also extremely uncommon. (Steve-o) It is of particular note that the Build Team represents an entirely different concept of interchangeable combiner, completely distinct from the scramble city architecture. Unlike much of the rest of the line, the Build Team does not turn into any specific earth vehicles; rather, they turn into generic construction vehicles of no particular make or model. 

   The third and final combiner team present in RID were the Decepticon Commandos. (M Sipher, Commandos). These figures are noteworthy for being essentially the only Decepticon characters in the show; aside from that, they are straightforward redecos of the G1 Combaticon figures.

    Aside from the Commandos, there was one other Decepticon figure present in the line. In the cartoon, Scourge was a Decepticon based on Optimus Prime; in the toyline, he was a redco of the G2 Laser Optimus figure. ()Scourge is the earliest mainstream figure to sport a deco that would become infamous over the history of the brand. After the release of this figure, it became common practice to rerelease Optimus Prime and other Autobots in black, teal and red decos to represent an evil version of the character.(Andrusi) 

    Three mildly interesting asides; First, RID is one of the more show accurate toylines around. (williamjames-88) Second, it contains the mold with the most alternate modes of any in the history of the brand; the Galvatron use of the Megatron mold clocks in at 10 official alternate modes. (DrSpengler, Megatron) Third, RID introduced one of very few characters in the history of the brand to become arguably as popular as G1 staples; Sky Byte, the comic relief villain. Everyone’s favorite charmingly inept, haiku composing flying shark has appeared in subsequent franchises and comics, and, unlike almost every other minor character from obscure franchises, continues to receive figures to this day. Not too shabby, all things considered. (M Sipher, Sky-Byte)

    Although Robots in Disguise is not the most famous Transformers toyline, nor the most fondly remembered, it did make its share of contributions to the brand as a whole. RID was able to combine many existing elements of the brand, such as Decepticons, shellforming, tail end exclusives and others, into something new and effective. Although it featured Autobots and Decepticons, it shared effectively no characters with any previous continuity. Although alternate modes were now vehicular, the complex engineering of Beast Wars and Beast Wars Neo found its way into the designs. Indeed, in its capacity as the first reboot in the brand, and because of its tendency to poach successful elements and figures from other lines, RID paved the way for almost every subsequent Transformers franchise. 

     Works Cited

Andrusi et al. “Black repaint” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Black_repaint Accessed 6/13/2020 

Derik et al. “Optimus Prime (RID)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Optimus_Prime_(RID)#Robots_in_Disguise_.282001.29 Accessed 6/13/2020

DrSpengler et al/ “Megatron (RID” TFWiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Megatron_(RID) Accessed 6/13/2020 

DrSpengler et al. “Scourge (RID)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Scourge_(RID) Accessed 6/13/2020

Interrobang et al. “Autobot Brothers” TFwiki.https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Autobot_Brothers Accessed 6/13/2020  

ItsWalky et al. “Ultra Magnus (RID)” TFWiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Ultra_Magnus_(RID)#Toys Accessed 6/13/2020

Monzo et al.“Beast Wars:Transformers(toyline)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Beast_Wars:_Transformers_(toyline) Accessed 4/25/2020

M Sipher et al. “Commando (RID)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Commando_(RID) Accessed 6/13/2020

M Sipher et al. “Railspike (RID)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Railspike_(RID) Accessed 6/13/2020  

M Sipher et al. “Sky-Byte (RID)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Sky-Byte_(RID) Accessed 6/13/2020 

M Sipher et al. “Team Bullet Train” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Team_Bullet_Train Accessed 6/13/2020

Nova81426 et al. “Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 cartoon)” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Robots_in_Disguise_(2001_cartoon) Accessed 6/13/2020

Omegalink et al. “Build Team” TFWiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Build_Team Accessed 6/13/2020

Saix et al. “Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2001 toyline)” TFwiki.https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Transformers:_Robots_in_Disguise_(2001_toyline) Accessed 6/13/2020

Singularity et al. “Size Class” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Size_class Accessed 5/5/2020 

Steve-o et al. “Combiner” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Combiner Accessed 6/13/2020

William-james88, “Top 5 Most Show Accurate Transformers Toylines”, Seibertron, https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/top-5-most-show-accurate-transformers-toylines/43441/ Accessed 4/25/2020

ZacWilliam et al. “Spy Changers” TFwiki. https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Spy_Changer Accessed 6/13/2020