Hey. Wanna know a secret? The original Transformers toyline from the 1980s brought us some of the most memorable toys ever. Yeah, I know I just blew your mind, so I'll give you a minute to compose yourself.
All better now? Good! With the Transformers toyline's iconic status in mind, I figure sharing a list of each year's highlights is a fun idea. I'm going to start with the Decepticons first. In the 80's, the bad guys were always a bit more fun.
First, a disclaimer: I know from experience that some of you reading this might become enraged because I've left out one of your favorites. I'd suggest taking matters like some dude's toy preferences a bit more lightly. Anyway, let's get to it!
Soundwave is one of the most iconic Transformer characters around, and his toy is excellent. It goes without saying that the micro-cassette recorder alt mode sparked tons of imaginations, but the biggest draw here is the tall, reasonably articulated, and solidly proportioned robot mode. If there's one must-have Decepticon from '84, I say it's Soundwave.
1985 is a bit more of a Sophie's Choice given Devastator and the Insecticons, but I think Shockwave is the victor. The alt mode might be a bit more sci-fi than some would like, but the robot mode is both sleek and menacing. It's pretty easy to see why he was given such a cold personality in the cartoon and comics.
Even with horned animal heads for knees and giant spiked knuckles, I'm not sure Predaking is my favorite Decepticon combiner design. That won't stop me from admitting that the toy is the most impressive however. Each component is in a similar scale, and they're all quite large on their own. The end result is significantly more imposing than Devastator and the "Scramble City" style bots. The draw of several robots merging into one gigantic form is truly at its most effective with Predaking.
How could I not go with Sixshot? This guy's claim to fame is having six different modes. Sure, most of them barely resemble anything, but the ambition behind the idea is admirable. Even among toys with weird new gimmicks like detachable heads with their own robot/humanoid modes, Sixshot manages to be the most over the top. It's beautiful.
While sold separately, Dreadwind and Darkwing are meant as a duo. Who would want to miss out on that crazy combined "Dreadwing" jet mode? Yeah, it's a bit on the clunky side, but that's easy to ignore given these guys' awesome robot modes. Between the '87 and '88 assortments, the toys finally started to carry the lightly armored, stylized humanoid mecha look established by the early character models. Best of all? Most of the 1988 Decepticons were produced in a range of soft blues and purples that are incredibly easy on the eye. For me, Dreadwind and Darkwing are the best of the bunch.
The reining fan favorite from the '89 assortment will probably always be Bludgeon, but Thunderwing is my jam. The "Mega Pretender" gimmick allows for some solid play value, especially with its weaponized space fighter alt mode. Looking back, the Pretender shell's large, grimacing head might be more comical than intimidating, but the overall design has one of the most effective blends of organic and robotic elements. If stylized a bit more, it would probably look right at home in the Guyver series.
His "Breastforce" gimmick might inspire giggles, but that doesn't make Deszaras from the Japanese exclusive Victory series any less of a beautiful freaking robot. His design is every bit as regal as you'd want an Emperor of Destruction to be, and the winged kaiju alt mode conjures up all sorts of wonderfully horrific imagery. It's a shame that this guy didn't get a worldwide release, because he's easily one of the most badass Decepticons ever produced.
As the Generation 1 series began to lose steam, the toys took a much simpler turn. This is the year that introduced the controversial non-transforming Action Masters. I actually dig most of the figures from that assortment, but Banzai-tron is clearly in a league of his own. This toy is all style, with a design that's almost more "Gundam" than "Transformer." The color scheme, samurai-esque head sculpt, and goofy name all come together to create an absolute must-have.
While the Transformers series hit a complete lull in North America, new toys were still being released overseas. The ridiculously colored Action Master Thundercracker is my favorite from the '91 crowd. Was Bombshell cooler? Sure. Were the weird Bruticus and Scorponok analogues that were somehow Action Masters despite transforming more interesting? Probably. However, staring deeply into the melted crayon-box color palette of Action Master Thundercracker changes you. It's the closest I've come to having a legitimate religious experience.
Another European exclusive, Skyquake is the leader of the "Predators" subgroup. Overall, he's every bit as impressive as a toy with such a lofty position should be. He can't do much outside of standing there, but hey, he looks damn snazzy doing it! Plus, I think the jet mode is incredibly sleek. He's far from widely known, but Skyquake is a keeper.
1993 was an odd transitional year for the Transformers brand. In North America, the Generation 2 series was already up and running, but Europe continued with one final assortment of G1 toys. The "Stormtroopers" subgroup had some nice looking bots, but this year's leader character was the best of the bunch. Meet Clench, a Decepticon that manages to make sparkly green and pink completely ominous. He looks delightfully evil behind his artillery platform. The impressive light-piped gaze only adds to the effect. Clench is not to be trifled with!
In 1994, the European market embraced the Generation 2 banner, bringing the original G1 series to an official end. It's nothing to be sad about however. The Transformers franchise was founded on the potential beauty within change, and this embrace of a new direction paved the way for future success.
The G2 series wasn't exactly a major hit, but it lead to even more radical change down the line with Beast Wars. After figuring out that the series can be refreshed and broadened every now and then, Hasbro managed to ensure that it could continue on for years to come. Now, in its 30 year anniversary, I'm thrilled that the Transformers franchise has done exactly that.
Update: The G1 Autobot Highlights post is now live!
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