Transformers: Universe
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Transformers: Universe is a line of toys consisting of repainted re-releases from various Transformers toy lines. The toy line has spawned several series of comics and other stories. In addition, Marvel Comics produced an unrelated mini-series called Transformers Universe. (see below)
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[edit] Marvel Comics
Transformers Universe was the name of a 4-issue limited series published by Marvel Comics in 1986 to showcase profiles of the most popular characters in the Transformers comic and cartoon series, in addition to The Transformers: The Movie. The series was demanded by fans of the comic series who were already familiar with Marvel's own 12+ issue Marvel Universe reference series profiling their own characters in alphabetical order. After the four issue run (which covered most Transformers used from 1984 to 1986 -- only Bandai-made figures and those omitted from the American animated series bible were not shown), a second series of Transformers Universe profiles were run in the closing pages of most Transformers comics, from issue #47 to issue #79. These later profiles covered popular characters from 1987 and 1988. The concept was revived in 2002 when Dreamwave Productions published Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye (and its sister title for Transformers: Armada), this time carrying profiles for all Generation 1 (and Armada) characters -- popular and obscure. In addition to providing another concise resource for Transformers characters, the MTMTE series allowed Dreamwave to showcase their artists' new styles of illustrating the pre-1984 to 1991 characters.
[edit] Toy Line
Transformers: Universe is a Transformers comic series and toy line that was started to reintroduce repainted versions of past figures. The Transformers: Universe toy line traces its origins back to when Hasbro imported the Transformers: Car Robots toy line from Takara and called it Transformers: Robots in Disguise. Although they made Hasbro versions of most of the Car Robots characters, they also released a number of repainted molds from previous toy lines (yet uncharacterized in Car Robots; mostly Generation Two and unused Beast Machines concepts) and released them as part of the Robots in Disguise line. When the Robots in Disguise line ended and Transformers: Armada started, the repaint line was given its own title, Transformers: Universe.
Meanwhile the BotCon Covention Comics had a plotline set during and after Beast Machines. This plotline was wrapped up with the repainted figures from RiD and Universe to create the storyline of Transformers: Universe.
[edit] Fiction
In a post Beast Machines era, Cybertron is enjoying a time of peace. However, it is cut short when the evil Unicron returns planning to exact his revenge and consume the universe. Using his tremendous powers, he reaches into other time periods and dimensions to assemble an army of familiar faces to challenge the forces of good. In response, Primus resurrects and reformats Optimus Primal, and the two work together to gather an army of their own. Each side takes the name of an ancient Transformer faction: Primus' warriors are the Autobots and Unicron's are the Decepticons. As the battle progresses, the Transformers radiate energon, unaware that Unicron is taking this energy for himself.
In the comic series, Unicron consumes the sparks of fallen Transformers, not just energon given off when they die fighting.
Most Universe toys lacked any tech specs on the boxes, however many of the toys did have tech specs appearing on the Transformers official web site or in the short lived Transformers: Universe and Wreckers comic books.
[edit] 3H Enterprises
The Transformers Universe comic series was released through the Official Transformers Collector's Club. It came to an end when the license for the club and convention was given to Master Collector.
Transformers: Universe - Wreckers #1 contained a story called "Departure". Starts with a flashback to late Generation One, where Daniel Witwicky and Wheelie are killed. This puts Daniel's friend Arcee into a sad state. Hot Rod and Springer talk about becoming Maximals. Main story is set in the later episodes of Beast Machines. In "Departure", the Wreckers, Mutants and Dinobots arrive on Cybertron and are sent on missions by the Oracle. Arcee, Dillo, Mol, Rav, Skywarp, Cyclonus, Rotorbolt and Devcon join the Wreckers. Contained Primeval Dawn Part 1, a story set on the Beast Wars Earth just after the Maximals left at the end of the Beast Wars television series. The Vok return Airazor and Tigatron to Earth as Transmetals, and then use the Matrix from Optimus Prime, the Transmetal 2 Driver and the control suit from the Beast Wars which was used by Quickstrike to control Optimal Optimus to create Primal Prime. We learn Tarantulas (Fox Kids repaint colors) and Ravage (Transmetal 2 Tripredacus Agent version) are still alive and are making a new army of Predacons.
Transformers: Universe - Wreckers #2 contained a story called "Betrayal". The Dinobots are attacked by the Dweller. Mutants are killed by the Quintessons. The Wreckers meet Glyph and Tap-Out. Cyclonus betrays the Wreckers for his true master, Cryotek. Contained Primeval Dawn Part 2. The Maximals are joined by Ramulus. The Predacons (Ravage, Razorclaw, Spittor and Iguanus) attack as Tarantulas rips the Matrix out of Primal Prime. In a flashback scene Rodimus Prime consulted Quickmix, Skids, Perceptor and Rad on his plans to send out ships to gather information on threats from space after the defeat of Unicron.
Transformers: Universe - Wreckers #3 contains a story called "Disclosure". The Wreckers rescue a banished Quintesson who tells them a story of the origin of Cybertron. Dinobots Terranotron, T-Wrecks, Triceradon and Dinotron join Devcon, who is hunting Cryotek. Contained the story "Primeval Dawn Part 3". Primal Prime is reanimated by the Vok.
Transformers: Universe - Wreckers #4 Unreleased issue. Main story would have merged the story with the other Universe comic. Artwork released on the internet contained appearances of the Dinobots, Devcon, Rook, Snarl, Skydive, Longhorn, Che and the Monsterbots. Story involved the invasion of Cybertron by the Quintessons. Would have contained Primeval Dawn Part 4, the last part of that story. Presumably the story would have contained the death of Airazor, the defeat of Tarantulas and the Maximals being joined by Fractyl, Packrat, Spittor and Sonar and returning to Cybertron. The first four pages of this issue were eventually finished and published in issue 16 of the Transformers Collector Club magazine.
Transformers: Universe #1 contained a story called "Abduction". Some time after the end of Beast Machines On the reformatted technorganic Cybertron Beast Machines Cheetor, Rattrap, Silverbolt and Blackarachnia were interviewed by the Autobot reporter Universe Rook. They then welcomed the Autobots Roulette, Shadow Striker as well as Generation 1 Sideswipe, Sunstreaker and Trailbreaker back to Cybertron. Beast Machines Buzzsaw, Beast Wars Drill Bit, Beast Machines Quickstrike and Rockbuster were also present. The returning Autobots along with Blackarachnia and Silverbolt were then abducted via teleportation beams and taken to Unicron. Tap-Out, Armada Megatron, Brawn, War Within Grimlock and Beast Machines Snarl were also abducted from various timelines. Silverbolt, Blackarachnia, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker were forcibly reformatted by Unicron into their Universe forms. Taken captive by Universe Razorclaw, Reptilion, Obsidian, Tankor and Striker, the Autobots were forced to fight one another. They witnessed Armada Smokescreen kill Generation 1 Smokescreen, whose spark was absorbed by Unicron. Sensing the need for a champion Primus and Alpha Trion brings Optimus Primal back to life.
Transformers: Universe #2 contained a story called "Escape". After the events of the Botcon 2003 voice actor play Optimus Primal, Megatron and Grimlock are holding Striker defeated. Optimus Primal is able to use his spark telepathy to free Striker from Unicron's influence. Sideswipe and Sunstreaker are forced to fight. Silverbolt and Trailbreaker discover that each of their holding cells are attuned to the spark energy signature of its occupant. In order to escape their prisons Trailbreaker and Silverbolt swap sparks for a brief time, and are able to break out of each others cells. Optimus Primal helps break free the slaves from various timelines which are held there and gets them to Cybertron. Blackarachnia and Shadow Striker defect to the Decepticons and stay behind. Blackarachnia discovers Tarantulas is working for Unicron.
Transformers: Universe #3 Optimus Primal pleads with Magnaboss and the Maximal High council (which includes Bantor, Air Hammer, Corahda, Torca and Battle Unicorn) to take the threat of Unicron seriously, but they doubt his claims. Optimus Primal is detained, but Snarl frees him. Alpha Trion and Primus claim they need Primal to choose his troops from any Cybertonians past or present, and he chooses Rhinox and Depth Charge, who are brought back to life. Although Rhinox is happy to have a second chance to redeem himself, Depth Charge isn't pleased with being brought back from the dead. Depth Charge rescues Rattrap from an attack by Blackarachnia.
Plans were for the two titles to merge after the fourth issues into one story, but both titles were canceled after 3 issues and never got a chance to merge.
[edit] OFTCC Voice Actor Dramas
In the 2003 OFTCC Voice Actor Drama by Simon Furman War Within Grimlock, Armada Megatron and Universe Optimus Primal are each transported to the Unicron world, where they eventually team up and fight Striker and Reptilion. This story takes place between issues #1 and # 2 of the Transformers: Universe comic series. There is a small continuity error in that this story ends with Grimlock, Megatron and Primal standing over Reptilion, but issue #2 of the comic starts with them standing over Striker.
The Voice Actor Drama was written for OFTCC 2004 by Simon Furman, set after the events in the comics. Rhinox has built a device to deflect Unicron's attempts to pull victims from other dimensions with his tractor beam. The Autobots deflect two attempts and the victims end up on a frozen planetoid instead of with Unicron. Maximals Rattrap and Silverbolt and the Predacon Waspinator are sent to help the victims, but Reptilion, Sunstorm, Ruination and the Mini-Con gestalt Perceptor are sent to get them for Unicron. As a side effect of the device Rhinox built, a vortex opens which sucks in an Autobot shuttle from the past piloted by Bumblebee, Tracks and Cosmos. Sunstorm attacks the Maximal ship, but they are saved by being transported to the Autobot shuttle. The Autobots and Maximals then go to the planet where they save the victims from the Decepticons. On the planet are two groups of Autobots. One is from the Robots in Disguise story, with Landfill (Walmart recolor), Universe Side Burn and Universe Prowl. The other is from another parallel world with Spy Changer Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Prowl and Ironhide. They successfully fight off the Decepticons. The Autobot shuttle is sent back to its own time.
[edit] Fun Publications
The Transformers: Cybertron comic featured Sentinel Maximus, a character who is the fused form of the Transformers characters Primal Prime and Apelinq, who were merged to be able to defeat Cryotek during an untold story. Universe characters Nemesis Prime, Ramjet and his Mini-Cons also appeared in this story.
In the comic story found in issue 8 of the Transformers Collectors Club magazine Robots in Disguise Optimus Prime told the story of the last battle he was in, set in the Transformers: Universe storyline. Alongside 10th Anniversary Optimus Primal they attacked the last of Unicron's forces when Unicron suddenly disappeared, and they barely escaped. Among the Autobot forces were Universe Fireflight, King Atlas, Universe Night Slash Cheetor, Universe Longhorn, Universe Prowl, Universe Repugnus, Rhinox, Universe Side Burn, Universe Silverbolt, Generation One Sideswipe, Generation One Sunstreaker, Tap-Out, Trailbreaker, Cybertron/Robots in Disguise Ultra Magnus and Universe Whirl. Among the Decepticons were Universe Blackarachnia, Nemesis Strika, Universe Obsidian, Universe Razorclaw, Reptilion and Universe Skywarp.
[edit] Transformers: Universe toys
[edit] 2002 toys
Although the Transformers: Universe line didn't start until late 2003, several convention exclusives were released in 2002 bearing the Transformers: Expanded Universe title, and they were worked into the Universe line.
- CatSCAN - A redeco of Beast Machines Night Slash Cheetor.
- Cyclonus - Redeco of 'Beast Machines Jetstorm, a BotCon 2002 exclusive.
- Glyph - Recolor of Generation One Bumblebee keychain. A BotCon 2002 exclusive.
- Rook - Recolor of Generation 1 Windcharger keychain. A BotCon Europe 2002 Exclusive.
- Tap-Out - Recolor of Generation 1 Cliffjumper keychain. A BotCon 2002 exclusive.
[edit] 2003 toys
- Optimus Primal - Redeco of first Beast Wars gorilla version as an Autobot.
- Optimus Prime - Redeco of Robots in Disguise version in yellow.
- Razorclaw - Redeco of Beast Wars Tigerhawk as a Decepticon.
- Reptilion - Redeco of Beast Wars Transmetal 2 Iguanus as a Decepticon.
- Roulette & Shadow Striker- BotCon 2003 exclusive remolds of Robots in Disguise Side Burn as a female Autobot and Decepticon.
- Sideswipe - Remold of Robots in Disguise Prowl. A convention exclusive.
- Silverbolt - Redeco of Beast Wars Fuzor as an Autobot.
- Snarl - Redeco of Beast Machines Snarl as an Autobot.
- Sunstreaker - Remold of Robots in Disguise Prowl. A convention exclusive.
- Ultra Magnus - Redeco of Robots in Disguise version.
[edit] 2004 toys
- Air Raid vs. Wind Sheer - A Decepticon and Autobot set of redecoed Generation 2 Cyberjets sold together under the Deluxe size class.
- Blackarachnia - Redeco of Beast Machines version as a Decepticon.
- Bonecrusher - Micromaster forms part of Devastator.
- Buckethead - Micromaster, forms part of Devastator.
- Crystal Widow vs. Oil Slick - A redeco of Beast Machines Blackarachnia as an Autbot with a remold of Armada Sideswipe as a Decepticon and Mini-Con Search and Destroy), a K-Mart store exclusive.
- Depth Charge - 2004 redeco of Beast Wars version as an Autobot, came with Cybershark drone. Hasbro designer Aaron Archer claimed at BotCon 2004 that this toy's color scheme was meant to resemble Boba Fett's Slave-1.
- Dirt Boss - Armada Dirt Boss packaged with a tiny tin.
- Downshift - Armada Downshift packaged with a tiny tin.
- Fireflight - 2004 redeco of Beast Machines Spy Streak as an Autobot. Came packaged with repaints of the Armada Mini-Cons Firebot and Thunderwing. Sold together as a Deluxe sized set.
- First Aid - 2004 Micromaster redeco of Sireen, forms part of Defensor, a Kaybee store exclusive.
- Autobot Groove - 2004 Micromaster redeco of Glide - forms part of Defensor, a Kaybee store exclusive.
- Hightower - Micromaster forms part of Devastator.
- Hoist - A redeco of Robots in Disguise Spy Changer X-Brawn.
- Hot Spot - 2004 Micromaster redeco of Neo-Wheel, forms part of Defensor, a Kaybee store exclusive.
- Inferno - 2005 redeco of Transformers: Robots in Disguise Prowl, painted in a style resembling Generation One Red Alert. According to Glen Hallit, had the Transformers: Universe comic continued, this character would have been a reincarnation of Beast Wars Inferno.
- Autobot Jazz - A redeco of Robots In Disguise Spy Changer Side Burn.
- King Atlas - A redeco of Predator Skyquake/Machine Wars Starscream as an Autobot, designed to resemble the Japanese-exclusive character Diatlus.
- Longhaul - Micromaster forms part of Devastator.
- Megazarak - Redeco of Armada Megatron and Galvatron. Comes with the Mini-Con Caliburn, a redeco of Armada Leader-1. A convention exclusive.
- Mirage - Armada Downshift packaged with a tiny tin.
- Nemesis Prime - Redeco of Japanese Big Convoy, a Target store exclusive Decepticon.
- Nemesis Strika - Repaint of Beast Machines Strika as a Decepticon.
- Optimus Prime - 2004 repaint of Robots in Disguise Spy Changer Scourge painted to resemble Generation One Optimus Prime.
- Optimus Prime & Prowl- 2004 redeco of Robots in Disguise Spy Changer in yellow, packaged with Spy Changer Prowl. A Walmart exclusive.
- Prowl - 2004 redeco of Road Police, forms part of Defensor.
- Prowl - 2004 redeco of Robots in Disguise Prowl. A Walmart exclusive.
- Quickmix - Micromaster, forms part of Devastator.
- Ramjet - Redeco of Armada Skywarp, Toys-R-Us exclusive. Came with redecos of the Mini-Cons Thunderclash and the Air Military Team.
- Autobot Ratchet - 2004 redeco of Robots in Disguise X-Brawn.
- Red Alert - 2004 redeco of Discharge, forms part of Defensor.
- Ruination - Combined form of the Commandos, a redeco of the Robots in Disguise set. A Walmart exclusive.
- Scavenger - Micromaster, forms part of Devastator.
- Sentinel Maximus - Redeco and remold of Transformers: Armada Overload. His Mini-Con/Headmaster partner was originally to be named Hyperlinq, although it is meant to be the same character as Apelinq. It was changed to Apelinq for the final release through Hasbro.
- Side Burn - 2004 redeco of Robots in Disguise Side Burn. A Walmart exclusive.
- Silverstreak - Repaint of Robots in Disguise Side Swipe.
- Skydive - 2004 redeco of Beast Machines Skydive as an Autobot.
- Skywarp - Repaint of Beast Machines Deluxe Jet Storm, painted in the colors of Generation One Skywarp. Although he is a Decepticon, in the comics he is not allied with Unicron's Decepticon forces, but is a member of the Wreckers, a mostly Autobot and Maximal group.
- Smokescreen vs. Ransack - A redeco of Armada Smokescreen, with Mini-Con, packaged in a "Battle in a Box" with Decepticon Ransack, a redeco of Armada Hoist and Mini-Con Liftor.
- Soundwave & Spacecase - Repaint of the Machine Wars version painted to resemble Generation 1 Soundwave, packaged with a redeco of Generation 2 Spacecase.
- Stockade & Magna Stampede - 2004 redeco of Beast Machines Tank Drone. Sold with Magna Stampede redecoand 2 Mini-Cons, Armada Prowl and Terradive redecos.
- Streetwise - 2004 redeco of Circuit II, forms part of Defensor.
- Dinobot Striker - 2004 redeco of Beast Wars Neo Saberback as an Autobot.
- Sunstorm - Redeco of Armada Thrust, packaged with Mini-Con Inferno (redeco of the Armada Mini-Con Inferno) and a redecoed Armada Street Action Team. A Walmart exclusive.
- Swerve - 2004 redeco of Armada Blurr (came packaged with the Mini-Con Roadhandler, a repaint of the Armada Mini-Con Incinerator).
- Tankor & Obsidian - Redeco of Beast Machines version, packaged with Obsidian as Decepticons.
- Trypticon - Redeco of Robots In Disguise Megatron painted to look like the Generation 1 Trypticon.
- Dinobot Triceradon - 2004 redeco of Beast Wars Neo Guiledart as an Autobot.
- Ultra Mganus & Ironhide - Redecos of Robots in Disguise Spy Changer Ultra Magnus and Generation 2 Go-Bot Motormouth. A Walmart exclusive.
- Ultra Magnus vs. Treadshot - Redeco of Armada Optimus Prime as the Generation One character, with the Mini-Con Over-Run. Packaged in a "Battle in a Box" set with Treadshot (a remold of Armada Side Swipe) and the Mini-Con Nightbeat.
- Wheeljack - A redeco of Robots In Disguise Spy Changer Daytonus.
- Whirl - 2004 redeco of Turbomaster Rotorstorm painted to look like Generation 1 Whirl.
A three of 6 packs of Armada Mini-Cons were released under the Transformers: Energon, but according to the official Hasbro web site these packs were described as Transformers: Universe toys. The sets included Adventure and Sea teams, the Race and Space teams and the Night Attack and Road Wrecker teams.
[edit] 2005 toys
- Arcee - Repackage of Energon Arcee.
- Barricade - Rerelease of Energon Barricade, overstock sold at closeout stores like Big Lots.
- Blastcharge - Black repaint of Beast Machines version.
- Night Slash Cheetor - Redeco of Beast Machines Night Slash Cheetor as an Autobot.
- Doomlock - Repackage of Energon Doomlock.
- Downshift - Kaybee store exclusive redeco of Energon Downshift.
- Frostbite - A redeco of Beast Wars Transmetal II Jawbreaker as a Decepticon.
- Insecticon - Rerelease of Energon Insecticon, available in Family Dollar stores.
- Longhorn - A redeco of Beast Wars transmetal 2 Ramulus. This toy was actually called Transformers: Universe Ramulus on the Hasbro web site, but in the box it was labeled Longhorn.
- Perceptor - A repackage of the Transformers: Energon Mini-Con set.
- Ramjet - BotCon 2005 exclusive redeco of Legends of Cybertron Starscream in the colors of Universe Ramjet.
- Sharkticon - Repackage of Energon Sharkticon.
- Snowcat - Kaybee store exclusive redeco of Energon Snowcat.
- Skywarp - SDCC 2005 exclusive redeco of Legends of Cybertron Starscream in the colors of Generation 1 Skywarp.
- Steamhammer - Rerelease of Energon Steamhammer, similar to Barricade.
- Storm Jet - Repackage of Energon Storm Jet.
- Energon Strongarm - Repackage of Energon Energon Strongarm.
- Windrazor - Repackage of Energon Windrazor.
[edit] 2006 toys
- Air Raid - Micromaster Autobot.
- Bonecrusher & Scavenger - Repaint of Robots in Disguise Build Team members painted to look like Generation One Constructicon Bonecrusher and Scavenger. A Target store exclusive.
- Camshaft - 2006 repackage of the second clear recolor Spy Changer W.A.R.S. with a new bio. Character is supposed to be a homage to the Generation 1 Omnibot Camshaft, but isn't the same color. Exclusive to Family Dollar stores.
- Cruellock - Repackage of Energon Cruellock.
- Energon Saber - Repackaged Energon Saber team under the Universe label sold at discount stores.
- Fireflight - Micromaster Autobot.
- Hoist - 2006 repackage of the second clear recolor Spy Changer Ironhide with a new bio. Character is supposed to be a homage to the Generation 1 Hoist. Exclusive to Family Dollar stores.
- Longhaul & Hightower - Repaint of Robots in Disguise Build Team members painted to look like Generation One Constructicon Long Haul and Hook. A Target store exclusive.
- Midnight Express - Micromaster Autobot.
- Mirage - 2006 repackage of the second clear recolor Spy Changer Mirage with a new bio. Character is supposed to be a homage to the Generation 2 Go-Bot Mirage (with which it shares a the same mold). Exclusive to Family Dollar stores.
- Overbite with Repugnus - Repaint of Beast Wars Second Hellscream as a Decepticon with a redeco of Beast Wars Buzzclaw as an Autobot, painted as a homage to Generation One Repugnus. A Target store exclusive.
- Overload - Micromaster Autobot.
- Railspike - Micromaster Autobot.
- Rapid Run - Micromaster Autobot.
- Ro-Tor - Micromaster Autobot.
- Skydive - Micromaster Autobot.
- Signal Flare - Repackage of the Energon toy.
- Sonar - Recolor of Beast Wars toy as an Autobot.
- Silverbolt - Micromaster Autobot.
- Storm Jet - 2006 repaint of Micromaster Raker, a former Japanese exclusive in Generation One.
- Tankor - Micromaster Autobot.
- Terradive - Repackage of Energon Terradive.
- Treadshot - Repackage of Energon Treadshot.
- Wideload - Repackage of Energon Wideload.
[edit] 2007 toys
- Backstop - A repackage of Cybertron Scout class toy, released at discount shops.
- Brakedown - A repackage of Cybertron Scout class toy, released at discount shops.
- Brushguard - A repackage of Cybertron Scout class toy, released at discount shops.
- Downshift vs. Cannonball - Repackaged Deluxe toys from the Cybertron line. First seen stores in the Philippines, these toys were released in the U.S. on Black Friday 2007 in Walmart stores.
- Excellion vs. Thundercracker - Repackaged Deluxe toys from the Cybertron line. First seen stores in the Philippines, these toys were released in the U.S. on Black Friday 2007 in Walmart stores.
- Lugnutz - A repackage of Cybertron Scout class toy, released at discount shops.
- Optimus Prime vs. Megatron The Ultimate battle - A repackage of the Classic Deluxe 2-pack as Universe toys.
- Scattorshot - A repackage of Cybertron Scout class toy, released at discount shops.
- Autobot Swerve - Transforms into a Chevrolet Aveo. This toy is limited to only 2000 items and given away with the purchase of a Chevy Aveo car in China. Produced in both red and yellow.
- Undermine - A repackage of Cybertron Scout class toy, released at discount shops.
[edit] 2008 toys
Hasbro announced more Transformers: Universe toys targeted for release in the fall of 2008. This line will include a continuation of the Classics and Robot Heroes toys and will include about about half new molds and half redecos of old molds. According to reports at Toy Fair UK 2008 the line will include Beast Wars characters. Botcon 2008 announced more new figures. [1] Among the figures expected are:
- Acid Storm - A redeco of Classic Starscream in colors that are an homage to a generic G1 seeker, or Rainmaker, that can produce acid rain in the G1 episode Divide and Conquer.
- Aerial Rivals - A 5 pack of Legends class toys sold as a Target store exclusive. Names are unconfirmed. Air Raid is a redeco of Cybertron Soundwave. Blades is a redeco of Cybertron Evac. Ramjet is a redeco of Cybertron Starscream. Skydive is a redeco of Cybertron Jetfire. Thrust is a redeco of Cybertron Starscream.
- Beachcomber - Legends class figure, a new mold.
- Blades - A redeco of Cybertron Voyager Class Evac.
- Blaster with partner Blockrock - Redeco of Cybertron Voyager Soundwave and Laserbeak.
- Brawn - Legends class figure, a new mold.
- Cheetor - A new Deluxe sized mold.
- Cyclonus with Nightstick - Deluxe sized toy with Targetmaster partner.
- Dropshot - A redeco of Cybertron Cybertron Defense Scattorshot as a Decepticon.
- Galvatron - A classic-style remake of the Generation 1 character. Deluxe sized toy.
- Heavy Load with Drillbit - A Decepticon redeco of Cybertron Voyager Quickmix.
- Hound vs. Ravage - A Deluxe sized toy for hound with a cassette Ravage.
- Hound - A Legends class new mold.
- Ironhide - A Deluxe sized red SUV with Oregon plates.
- Leadership Team - A 5 pack of Legends class toys sold as a Target store exclusive. Hot Spot is a redeco of Cybertron Optimus Prime. Hun-Grrr is a redeco of Cybertron Scourge. Razorclaw is a redeco of Cybertron Leobreaker. Scattershot is a redeco of Cybertron Vector Prime. Silverbolt is a redeco of Cybertron Thundercracker.
- Jazz - A Legends class new mold.
- Mini-Con 12 Pack - A K-Mart store exclusive 12 pack redecos of the Classic Mini-Cons toys.
- Megatron - A Legends class new mold that turns into a tank.
- Nemesis Prime - Voyager redeco of Classics Optimus Prime in the style of the recent evil version of the character. It will be a SDCC 2008 exclusive.
- Onslaught - A Classic-style remake of the Generation 1 character. An Ultra size mold.
- Onslaught - A redeco of Cybertron Legends Red Alert in the colors of Generation 1 Onslaught.
- Optimus Prime - A re-release of the 20th anniversary Optimus Prime toy.
- Powerglide - An Ultra sized mold.
- Prowl - A Classic-style remake of the Generation 1 character. Deluxe size toy.
- Red Alert - A redeco of Cybertron Legends Hot Shot in the colors of Generation 1 Red Alert.
- Roadbuster vs. Dirge - A Traget store exclusive. Redecos of Cybertron Cybertron Defense Hot Shot and Cybertron Voyager Starscream.
- Sideswipe - A Classic-style remake of the Generation 1 character. Deluxe size.
- Silverbolt - A Classic-style remake of the Gemeration 1 character. Ultra sized, first appeared at the 2008 Australian Toy Fair. [2]
- Silverstreak - Remold of Universe Deluxe Prowl.
- Springer vs. Ratbat - A Target store exclusive. Includes a redeco of Cybertron Evac as Springer and a redeco of Cybertron Sideways as Ratbat.
- Starscream - A redeco of Cybertron Legends Thundercracker in the colors of Generation 1 Starscream.
- Stormcloud - A black purple and green redeco of Universe Ultra Powerglide.
- Sunstreaker - A Classic-style remake of the Generation 1 character. Deluxe size.
- Tankor - Deluxe sized toy formerly known as Octane. A Classic-style remake of the Generation 1 character.
[edit] Non-Transforming merchandise
- Robot Heroes Sunstreaker vs. Galvatron
- Robot Heroes Hound vs. Blitzwing
- Robot Heroes Rattrap vs. Blackarachnia
- Robot Heroes Cheetor vs. Megatron II
- Robot Heroes Arcee vs. Rumble
- Robot Heroes Optimus Primal vs. Tarantulas
[edit] Unreleased Transformers: Universe Toys
A number of toys for the Transformers: Universe line were proposed, but never saw the light of day for one reason or another.
- Alpha Trion - Repaint of Beast Machines Snarl.
- Blackarachnia - Repaint of the original Tarantulas/Blackarachnia mold. Was going to be released as a Wal-Mart exclusive "Horrorcon Halloween" two-pack with Leatherhide.
- Brawn - Remold of Energon Strongarm as a homage to Generation One Brawn.
- Defensor - remold of Robots in Disguise Optimus Prime.
- Devcon - repaint of Beast Machines Mirage.
- Devcon - Repaint of Energon Slugslinger.
- Drench with Mini-Con Wind Sheer - Repaint of Armada Wheeljack as a homage to Generation Two Drench with Armada Mini-Con Wind Sheer repaint. Was going to be released as a Target exclusive two-pack with Smokescreen. [ 1 ]
- Transmetal Fractyl - Repaint of Beast Wars Transmetal Terrorsaur.
- Leatherhide - Repaint of Beast Wars Mutant Soundwave. Was going to be released as a Wal-Mart exclusive "Horrorcon Halloween" two-pack with Blackarachnia.
- Megatron - Remold of Robots in Disguise Megatron as a homage to Beast Wars Transmetal 2 Megatron.
- Menasor - Decepticon repaint of Generation one Thunderclash. Was going to be called Motormaster at one point, but that name was unavailable.
- Nightprowler - Repaint of the original Beast Wars Cheetor mold. Was going to be released as a Wal-Mart exclusive "Horrorcon Halloween" two-pack with Waspinator.
- Ramulus - Repaint of Beast Wars Ramulus in the green colors had in early issues of the Wreckers comic.
- Roadbuster - Remold of Energon Strongarm as a homage to Generation One Roadbuster.
- Seacons - Redecos of the Generation 1 Seacons.
- Smokescreen with Mini-Con Jolt - Repaint of Armada Hot Shot as a homage to Generation One Smokescreen with Armada Mini-Con Jolt repaint. Was going to be released as a Target exclusive two-pack with Drench.
- Spacewarp - Decepticon repaint of Armada Jetfire, a homage to Generation One Astrotrain. Was going to be released as a Toys "R" Us exclusive with repaints of the Armada Space Team. The concept has since been revived by Master Collector for a club exclusive figure in 2007, it will feature a new headsculpt and feature the Transformers Cybertron Giant Planet minicon team
- Waspinator - A repaint of transmetal Waspinator. Was going to be released as a Wal-Mart exclusive "Horrorcon Halloween" two-pack with Nightprowler.
[edit] Non-Universe toys which appeared in Universe
Besides the official Transformers: Universe toys, the comic book series had a great number of characters from other toy lines make appearances.
This list attempts to account for all the non-Universe characters/toys who made appearances in the two Universe comic series and the Botcon voice plays.
[edit] Transformers: Generation 1
- Alpha Trion
- Doublecross
- Grimlock - In his War Within form.
- Grotusque
- Hot Rod - Now known as Rodimus in "The Wreckers".
- Kup
- Perceptor
- Quickmix
- Rad
- Repugnus - Although there was a Universe version of Repugnus, the Repugnus who appeared in Wreckers #4 was in his Generation One form.
- Rodimus Prime - Appeared in a flashback of Rodimus as Rodimus Prime.
- Sideswipe - Appeared in Generation One form before being reformatted into Universe form, then was returned to Generation One form.
- Skids
- Smokescreen
- Sunstreaker - Appeared in Generation One form before being reformatted into Universe form, then was returned to Generation One form.
Appeared in a flashback to Generation One Era
- Arcee
- Hot Spot
- Sky Garry
- Springer
- Sureshot (Transformers)
2004 Botcon voice actor play
Characters fleeing captivity from Unicron
- Big Daddy - Micromaster appeared among the characters fleeing captivity from Unicron.
- Brawn
- Ransack
- Squeezeplay
- Trailbreaker
- Wheelie - Appeared in a flashback to Generation One Era and among the characters fleeing captivity from Unicron.
[edit] Transformers: Armada
- Megatron
- Red Alert
- Smokescreen - A recolor of Armada Smokescreen was released in the toy line, but in the Universe comics Armada Smokescreen appeared in his original colors.
- Star Saber - Appeared in the 2003 Botcon voice actor play being wielded by Megatron.
- Unicron
[edit] Beast Wars
- Fractyl
- Packrat - Blue Transmetal Rattrap toy appeared as Transmetal Packrat.
- Rhinox
- Rockbuster - Appeared among the crowd on Cybertron in Transformers: Universe #1.
- Sonar
- Terrorsaur - Appeared among the characters fleeing the captivity of Unicron.
Maximal High Council
Primeval Dawn Storyline
- Airazor (Transmetal)
- Iguanus (Transmetal 2)
- Ramulus
- Razorclaw
- Spittor (Transmetal 2)
- Tarantulas (Transmetal - Fox Kids Repaint)
- Tripredacus Agent (Transmetal 2)
[edit] Beast Machines
- Ape-Linq
- Battle Unicorn - Appeared as a member of the Maximal High Council.
- Blackarachnia - Appeared in Beast Machines form before being reformatted into Universe form.
- Buzzsaw - Appeared among the crowd on Cybertron.
- Cheetor - Appeared in Beast Machines form throughout the Universe comic.
- Chro - Name given to blue version of Deployer Rav.
- Quickstrike - Appeared among the crowd on Cybertron.
- Rattrap - Appeared in Beast Machines form throughout the Universe comic.
- Silverbolt - Appeared in Beast Machines form before being reformatted into Universe form.
- Thrust - Appeared among the captives of Unicron.
Characters in "The Wreckers" Comics
- Blastcharge - Although a repaint of Blastcharge was released in the Universe line, the Blastcharge who appeared in the Wreckers comic #1 was in his original colors.
- Cat-Scan
- Dillo
- Magmatron
- Mol
- Nightscream
- Optimus Primal - Appeared in Wreckers comics and in flashback to his death.
- Primal Prime
- Rav
- Scavenger
- Spy Streak
- T-Wrecks
[edit] Transformers: Robots in Disguise
- Cryotek
- Dreadwing - Appeared in a Collectors Club bio page as a Universe character.
- Jhiaxus - Appeared in a Collectors Club bio page as the G1 character.
- Megabolt - Appeared in a Collectors Club bio page as a Universe character.
- Landfill - Walmart Exclusive yellow recolor, appeared in the 2004 voice actor play.
- Smokejumper - Appeared in a Collectors Club bio page as a Universe character.
[edit] References
- ^ The Allspark: Transformers News, Transformers The Movie News, Beast Wars, G1 - BotCon: Hasbro Panel!
- ^ http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/universe-14/universe-classic-20-ultra-class-silverbolt-revealed-at-australian-toy-fair-164571/
[edit] External links
- Official website,(only includes CGI trailer based on The transformers 1986 animated movie and Prototype pictures of the new "classics 2.0" toys set for release in august of 2008.
