The first Transformers toys were created from the different transforming robot toylines from Takara, notably the Diaclone and Micro Change (Microman) series. Hasbro acquired the rights to sell them in the United States but, instead of selling them under their original names, they were rebranded as "The Transformers." The first two years consisted primarily of reusing the Diaclone/Micro Change molds. Some of the models from the Diaclone line still have the pilot's seat in their design. The tagline to the Transformers is, "More Than Meets The Eye!" The earliest toys had some parts made of die-cast metal, which were eventually phased out.
It is worth noting that the line was released as "The Transformers" in the USA, Canada and the UK in 1984 but Takara was still marketing Diaclone at least during 1984. Hence in Japan "The Transformers" did not debut under that brand till 1985, when the line was also rolled out to the majority of the rest of the world between Takara and Hasbro. Hasbro Europe still will not accept, however, that the range was released in the UK in 1984, not even with evidence such as Argos 1984 catalogues containing the range, the UK comic launching in September 1984 or even the 1984 Transformers product catalogue produced by "Hasbro Industries (UK) Ltd, Wokingham." It is thought that Hasbro Europe as it now stands did not come into existence till 1985, hence no records of Transformers sales in 1984. UK Transformers toys were sold in identical boxes to those of their American counterparts up until around 1998/9 when the range started to have UK exclusives
The Transformer Toys.co.uk website contains over 2,000 transformers toy imaget galleries one of which is Japanese Wonderfest Exclusive Transformers Movie - Re-Entry Protoform Optimus Prime which you can view by clicking the link.
[tags transformers, transformers toy galleries, Japanese Wonderfest Exclusive Transformers Movie - Re-Entry Protoform Optimus Prime]
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