Robotmasters (franchise)
From Transformers Wiki
| The name or term "Robot Master" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Robot Master (disambiguation). |
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Robotmasters (ロボットマスターズ Robottomasutāzu, alternatively Robot Masters) is a Takara franchise which ran from 2004 to 2005 consisting mainly of redecoes of previously released toys with several all-new molds of popular characters thrown into the mix. Every mold created for the line received at least one redeco, and the line itself was the sister range to the U.S.'s own Universe, except designed specifically to sell smaller toys at lower price points.
Most redecos in the line came with new or retooled accessories, including some classic-style chromed-silver guns.
The only all-new molds created for toys were of existing characters, and popular ones at that. Optimus Prime, Optimus Primal, Megatron, Starscream, Star Saber, Victory Leo, and Lio Convoy were given the star treatment for new, quasi-TV show-specific playthings.
As far as storyline goes, the tale of Robotmasters was told through packed-in minicomics, brief online mini-comics, 3D diorama comics, and DVDs that came with specific toys as mentioned below.
| “ | In 2004, Optimus Prime is alerted to a disturbance at the gates of Autobot City; a force of Decepticons led by a vicious new enemy, a Tyrannosaurus rex calling himself Megatron!! Autobots and Decepticons from across the eras have converged on this time to clash over the newly discovered energy source solitarium! | ” |
| —Opening to the Robotmasters cartoon | ||
Contents |
Media
The Robotmasters storyline was told through five(ish) outlets:
- A comic series, related through a web feature and a pair of catalogs.
- A monthly prose series in Dengeki Hobby that presented an abridged telling of the comic's events.
- A duology of short DVD animations presenting an even more abridged adaptation of the story.
- A "3D diorama comic" series illustrating the toys' action features via photocomics.
- A second prose series told through a series of pamphlets chronicling a side story to justify the toyline's exclusive black repaints.
- A guidebook chronicling the history of the brand thus far with character profiles on the Robotmasters cast.
The most complete version of the story was delivered in the comic series written and drawn by brand stalwart Naoto Tsushima, while highlights were dramatized in the duo of animated specials by the studio Actas Inc. of Unicron Trilogy fame. When Robotmasters was included as part of Takara's official Generation 1 timeline, it mainly referred to specific events featured only in the comics.
Toys
Regular retail
Wave 1 (July 15 2004)
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Wave 2 (August 5 2004)
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Wave 3 (September 9 2004)
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Wave 4 (November 18 2004)
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Wave 5 (December 28 2004)
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Wave 6 (March 24 2005)
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Wave 7 (May 26 2005)
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| Robotmasters Edition (August 11 2005) |
Exclusives
| Dengeki Hobby magazine | e-HOBBY | Figure Ō magazine | Hobby Japan magazine | |||||
| HyperHobby magazine | TV Magazine |
Notes
- A Fan's Choice poll was held at a Japanese toy convention around the line's debut that indicated characters like Big Convoy and Predaking were being considered for the Robotmasters treatment. However, this poll also included the likes of Road Rocket, who got a Robotmasters release anyway, so make of that what you will.
References
- ↑ The box that Skywarp and Thundercracker come in does not have an "RM-##" number, but the words "Robotmasters Edition" appear in English on both the front of the box and the Robot Points.
External links
- Takara's Robotmasters homepage (archived)
- Actas Inc. (archived)
