Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Zone (story page)

Japanese Generation 1 continuity « Zone » Toyline Cartoon Commercials Manga Story Pages

The majority of the Transformers: Zone (トランスフォーマーZ) fiction was told through a series of story pages published in TV Magazine. The series ran from February, 1990 to January, 1991. The story pages were illustrated by Ban Magami, who also illustrated the Zone manga, and written by Masumi Kaneda.

They follow the adventures of the Micromasters and Powered Masters as they fight off the attacks of Violengiguar and the Nine Great Demon Generals, who are seeking the Zodiac energy. This iteration of the story is notable for covering events occurring both before and after the single direct-to-video episode of Zone, including the introduction of Roadfire, the third Powered Master, as well as Metrotitan, a new Decepticon headliner.

Due to some discrepancies between the animated cartoon and the larger story told in the story pages and manga (for instance, Predaking is shown to survive his clash with Dai Atlas in the manga and reappears in later story pages, whereas in the cartoon, he was rather graphically destroyed), the story pages are not, in the very strictest sense, part of the larger animated continuity. Takara's 2007 Transformers timeline, however, made it clear that their events did occur in animated continuity, at least in broad strokes.

TV Magazine

Issues

Part 1

Published: February, 1990

"The Autobot Z-Project Begins!"

In order to protect their latest scientific achievement, Energon Z, Victory Saber initiates the "Zone Project". With the help of the Micromaster Race Car Patrol Team, Off Road Patrol Team, Battle Patrol Team, Rescue Patrol Team, Jet Patrol Team, and Super Car Patrol Team, planet Micro is upgraded, reinforced, and transformed into the new planet called Zone.

"This is the World of Transformers: Zone!"

To counter the threat of the Autobot Zone, the Decepticons have begun conquering multiple planets in order to create a Decepticon Zone. Moonradar launches Galaxy Shuttle and Galaxy Rocket from the Rocket Base in order to patrol the universe. Each Micromaster patrol team is deployed to a planet which suits their unique special abilities. For instance, the Off Road Patrol Team is deployed to a rocky, mountainous planet. Meanwhile, rumors abound that the Autobot Zone may not be commanded by Victory Saber, but by a new Autobot Supreme Commander!

Elsewhere, the mysterious and enigmatic Violengiguar, the new Decepticon Emperor, has gathered together his Nine Great Demon Generals: Overlord, BlackZarak, Devastator, Abominus, King Poseidon, Trypticon, Predaking, Menasor, and Bruticus.

Part 2

Published: March, 1990

"Micro Warriors Into Action!"

The Decepticon Flame General Bruticus attacks planet Feminia. The Super Car Patrol Team, Rescue Patrol Team, and Battle Patrol Team respond to the threat and engage Bruticus in battle. With the help of Galaxy Rocket and Moonradar, they defeat him.

The process of Patrol Team deployment is explained thoroughly. From Planet V, Victory Saber is alerted to the emergency and issues a command to Galaxy Shuttle on Planet Zone. Galaxy Shuttle then selects a Micromaster Patrol Team best suited to the environment and they are launched from the Rocket Base via Galaxy Rocket.

"Secrets of the 3 Micro Teams and Rocket Base!"

Each member of the Rescue Patrol Team, the Super Car Patrol Team, and the Battle Patrol Team is introduced. Rocket Base is the heart of planet Zone and the Autobots' main command center. It can transform into a launchpad for Galaxy Shuttle and a battle station to fend off attacks.

Part 3

Published: April, 1990

"Autobots Battle on the Water Planet!"

On the ocean-covered world of Wall, Oceanic Fish General King Poseidon and Dinosaur General Trypticon attack. Victory Saber charges into battle, but is quickly overwhelmed. Overload, Erector, Missile Bull, and Skywave, commanding the Off Road, Jet and Race Car Patrol Teams, arrive in time to save the drowning citizens of Wall, rescue Victory Saber and beat back the Decepticons.

"The 3 Teams and 4 Commanders That Beat the Decepticons!"

The three commanders are introduced alongside each member of the Off Road Patrol Team, Jet Patrol Team and Race Car Patrol Team.

Zone comic

Included in a special booklet in the April 1990 issue of TV Magazine, was the Transformers Zone manga, taking place between these two story pages. Three months later, a direct-to-video cartoon was released featuring a slightly different version of the manga's story.

Part 4

Published: May, 1990

"Debut of the New Autobot Supreme Commander!"

Dai Atlas and his Deputy Commander, Sonic Bomber, introduce themselves. They are both Powered Masters and are in charge of "advancing development and culture across the universe". Okay. The Powered Masters have gathered from the far reaches of the universe to strike down the new Decepticon threat: Violengiguar.

"Dai Atlas Carried Out Operation Z!"

With Dai Atlas' help, the reformatting of Micro into Zone has been fully completed. With his mind able to rest at ease, Victory Saber gracefully passes on the mantle of Supreme Commander to Dai Atlas. Zone is now outfitted with numerous bases, including Sky Hyper, commanded by Deadwheeler, and Landshaker, commanded by Gunrunner. There are also stations all across Zone, including the Gasoline Base, commanded by Glasspit, the Fire Base, commanded by Hot House, the Build Base, commanded by Ironworks, and the Airport Base, commanded by Overair.

Part 5

Published: June, 1990

"Protect the Universe, Dai Atlas and Zone Base!"

The Micromasters of Zone have had their morale increased dramatically by the inauguration of Dai Atlas as Supreme Commander. Under his leadership, they deploy to battle with a newer, greater resolve. The abilities of both Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber are expanded upon, as is the role of the Micromasters. The Micromasters exist as protectors of nature and beauty. They wish to live hand-in-hand with organic life.

"Dai Atlas' Friendship is his Strategy!"

Evil Spirit General BlackZarak wages an assault on Earth. Landshaker and Sky Hyper rush into battle but are quickly defeated and at the Decepticons' mercy. Fearing for the lives of their friends, Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber take BlackZarak on; their concern for their friends driving them to victory. Dai Atlas' four different modes are then introduced in detail.

Part 6

Published: July, 1990

"Burst! Two Heroes' Powered Action!"

Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber take on Dinosaur General Trypticon and Super-God General Overlord. Confident, they intend to end the battle within eight seconds. Sonic Bomber defeats Trypticon with his "Meteor Drop" attack: head-butting the Decepticon with the pointy thing on his head. Dai Atlas defeats Overlord, the strongest of the Generals, with his "Galactic Dash": using the treads on his feet, Dai Atlas spins around Overlord until his foe is off-balance, then strikes him with a "Dash Punch".

"The Two Heroes Combine! This is Sky Powered"

Thanks to the "unity of their spirit of friendship", Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber can combine to form the mighty Sky Powered. Able to move at speeds up to Mach 17, they know no fear in battle. Beast General Predaking, an expert in aerial battles, attempts to best Sky Powered but is defeated with ease.

A large advert for the Zone OVA is also shown.

Part 7

Published: August, 1990

"Out at Last! All About the OVA"

The events of the Zone OVA are covered extensively, introducing new characters Rabbicrater, Cain, Emusa, and Akira Serikawa. The mysterious Violengiguar is revealed in more detail, though his true form remains unknown.

"Dai Atlas' Rival Metrotitan Emerges!"

Metrotitan, created beneath the surface of Titan to be Dai Atlas' equal, has finally been unleashed. He has been schooled in the ways of evil by the Nine Great Demon Generals and, accompanied by the Metrosquad, he intends to destroy the Lunar Zone Base commanded by Rabbicrater.

Part 8

Published: September, 1990

"Metrotitan Attacks Zone City!"

Cain, Akira, Emusa, Rabbicrater, and Sonic Bomber are stationed on the Lunar Zone Base on Earth's moon when Metrotitan attacks. An SOS is sent to Dai Atlas, who rushes to their aid. Metrotitan destroys Galaxy Shuttle, though Cain, Emusa, and Akira escape inside Rabbicrater's vehicle mode. Meanwhile, the Metrosquad keep Sonic Bomber occupied. Finally, when all hope seems lost, Dai Atlas arrives to do battle with his Decepticon rival.

"Face Off: Dai Atlas Vs. Metrotitan"

Dai Atlas' abilities and specifications are given even greater detail and his son, Speeder, is introduced. Metrotitan's stats are revealed and although he falls six points short of Dai Atlas', the Metrosquad gives him the boost he needs to defeat the Autobot.

Part 9

Published: October, 1990

"New Hero Roadfire Emerges!"

Cain, Emusa, Akira, and all of the Lunar Zone Base are being frozen solid thanks to Metrotitan's Freeze Beam Gun. The attack even freezes the mighty Sky Powered. Suddenly, from the direction of the Sun, Roadfire the third Powered Master bursts onto the scene. With a single blow from his "Fire Kick", Roadfire instantly defeats Metrotitan and destroys the Freeze Beam Gun. Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber recover and gleefully welcome Roadfire into their ranks.

"This is Roadfire's Transformation!"

Roadfire's personality, transformation, and special abilities are detailed.

"The Latest Micro-Transformer Info"

The members of the Autobot Build Patrol Team and the Sky Patrol Team team are introduced. But the Decepticons are not without their own Micromasters, as the Race Track Patrol Team are introduced.

Part 10

Published: November, 1990

"The Mightiest Decepticon Emperor, Violengiguar, Emerges!"

Violengiguar has at last emerged from the shadows to attack the Earth. He intends to steal the Zodiac for his own evil ends. Violengiguar is a strange creature, given life on the mysterious Tenth Planet. Dai Atlas combines his Magna Shot with Sonic Bomber's Vulcan Shot and Roadfire's Iron Barger to create the "Triple Powered Attack". This attack fails to defeat Violengiguar, who steals the Zodiac. Violengiguar then takes Galaxy Rocket, containing Cain, Emusa, Akira and Moonradar, hostage and escapes into space. The Powered Masters decide to combine into Big Powered and give chase.

"Triple Combination Big Powered in Pursuit!"

Big Powered is a Hell of a space cruiser, able to reach atmospheric speeds of 9999 powered knots (whatever those are) and space speeds fast enough to orbit the Earth 8.5 times in one second. As a matter of fact, Big Powered moves so fast, it can create a rainbow in outer space.

That's right. I said it.

Big Powered also sports command chairs for Speeder, Sonic and Drillbuster. With Big Powered in pursuit of Violengiguar, the Micromasters take command of the Zone Base in their Commander's absence, ensuring its safety.

Part 11

Published: December, 1990

"Supreme Commander Dai Atlas’ Full Power Unveiled!"

With the final confrontation between the Autobots and the Decepticons looming on the horizon, Dai Atlas has upgraded himself to be even more powerful. His Magna Shot, Z Powered Cutter, and Tank Mode have all been enhanced, as have his three Powered combinations: Sky Powered, Land Powered and Big Powered.

"Explode! Final Blade! Double Powered Cutter!"

The Powered Masters chase Violengiguar to the Tenth Planet. There, Violengiguar splits into his three monstrous insect forms: Vion, Lenger, and Iguarn. Sonic Bomber takes on Iguarn in the air, Roadfire takes on Lenger on the surface, and Dai Atlas battles Vion with his Powered Cutters in both arms. They succeed in defeating and destroying all three components of Violengiguar and regain the Zodiac, yet the battle is still not won...

Part 12

Published: January, 1991

"The Powered Masters’ Final Battle!"

Violengiguar is not through yet! His body destroyed, he reveals his true form: that of a mighty phoenix-like monstrosity formed from numerous disembodied Decepticon spirits. The Powered Masters then focus their minds and energies with the Zodiac and transform into Big Powered. The Zodiac enhances their strength by thirty times, allowing them to perform the "Powered Rainbow Attack". Blasting straight through Violengiguar while emitting a beautiful rainbow behind them, the Decepticon Emperor is vanquished forever. With the monster dead, the once dark and desolate Tenth Planet is reformed...

"Let’s Build a Peaceful New World!"

Thanks to the Zodiac's rainbow, the Tenth Planet has been turned into a lush, beautiful new world, not unlike Earth. Cain and Akira hold hands and run through the flowering meadow together, as they pick flowers with Emusa and put them in their hair (not subtle!). The Autobots then vow to turn the Tenth Planet into a peaceful utopia.

"Battlestars Begins!"

No sooner has the Decepticon Emperor been destroyed, another has risen to take his place: Dark Nova. The Autobots realize that the only one capable of standing up to this new threat is the original, and very dead, Optimus Prime. The Battlestars Sky Garry and Grandus are united with a secret mission in mind: Bring back Optimus Prime!

Featured characters

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

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Other Story Pages

Two additional story pages were released via catalogues. Having not been released in TV Magazine with the rest of the Zone storyline, their canonicity was originally questionable. However, the events of the first catalogue story page were referenced in the Kiss Players timeline, so it would appear that they are. Or at least the first one is. But while it's in continuity with the cartoons, it's not in continuity with the previous story page and manga continuity, that was started in the Super-God Masterforce story pages and continued in the Victory manga, which had a happy ending with Deathsaurus living, which this catalogue contradicts. It's all terribly confusing, but it wouldn't be Japanese continuity if it wasn't.

Catalogue story

Page 1

"Zone Project Story"

Deathsaurus has been revived as the "Dark Emperor". Leading several underlings (including Devastator, Abominus, King Poseidon, and Liokaiser), he attacks the Micro Zone on planet Zone in an attempt to steal its Energon Z. The Micromasters repel his attack and send the Decepticon forces into retreat.

• This story page takes place between Victory and Zone. Exactly what happened to Deathsaurus after this defeat or even how he and Liokaiser were revived from certain death is unknown. Certain specifics, such as Deathsaurus actually being resurrected and his wanting the Energon Z specifically from the Micro Zone, are only mentioned in the Kiss Players timeline. In the original story, he's just alive and attacking the Micro Zone for the Hell of it.

Page 2

"Zone Story: Birth of the Powered Masters!!"

The Nine Demon Generals unite for a full assault on Zone, intending to steal the Zodiac. Dai Atlas and Sonic Bomber arrive and defeat all nine Generals, though they escape into space. Victory Saber then congratulates Dai Atlas, passing the role of Supreme Commander on to him.

• Exactly how this catalogue story page can work into the timeline is uncertain, as it presents a completely alternate explanation for how Victory Saber named Dai Atlas as his successor. It seems far too contradictory to work with the rest of the Zone story pages.

Featured characters

(Numbers indicate order of appearance.)

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External links

• Zone catalogue story pages at TFArchive