Transformers: Generation 2
Encyclopedia
Transformers: Generation 2 (also known as Generation Two or G2) is the name used to refer to a Transformers
toy
line, television series and comic book
series which ran from 1993-1995. The prior Transformer television series, comic books and toys were retroactively termed as 'Generation 1', and are officially referred to as such even though the term was never used during their original runs. Generation 2 ends as the first Beast Wars: Transformers toys were made. Due to the typeface used on the word Transformers, some collectors consider Beast Wars to be a continuation or spinoff of Generation 2.
and Decepticon
symbol
s, changes made to the toys for child safety purposes, and the common use of bright vivid colors. The first and second years of toys in Generation 2 were filled with many remolds of classic original Transformers (now referred to as 'Generation 1' or 'G1') toys. A larger percentage of toys featured electronic lights and sounds, and the re-release of the G1 Optimus Prime featured an additional electronic soundpack.
The second year of Generation 2 featured many new characters and molds, but with the popularity of the classic names among the fans, many of the original Generation 2 toys started being recolored and given classic names from the original series.
The final year of Generation 2 saw many of the toys in its line packaged on cards that did not carry the "Generation 2" subtitle under the Transformers name. The two most prominent lines under this banner were the Cyberjets (3 small jet fighter/robots in 6 color schemes with ball-and-socket joints when transformed to robot mode) and the Go-Bots. The Go-Bots were 1:64 scale cars (compatible with some Hot Wheels
and Matchbox tracks) that transformed into equally small robots carrying guns. Although there were 6 different car models used to create them, each car transformed similarly with only details setting them apart. There were about 15 different Go-Bots produced, with several seeing color variants due to a partial tooling change (to accommodate newer Go-Bots being modeled after classic G1 characters). Despite the 3 Cyberjet molds being sold as 3 Autobot and 3 Decepticon characters respectively, 2 of the Autobots (Jetfire
and Strafe
) were decaled with G2 Decepticon emblems on their tailfins.
Many molds and recolors intended for release in Generation 2 never made it past prototypes. Some were utilized in later lines like Machine Wars
(as the basic sized flip changers) and Robots in Disguise
(as Spy Changers).
, with a new computer-generated main title sequence, computer-generated scene transitions, and other small changes.
The original stories were presented as though they were recordings of historical events by the Cybernetic Space Cube (sometimes referred to as the Cybercube). The cube had the various scenes on its faces, which it span between for transitions, replacing the classic spinning Autobot/Decepticon logo.
A large percentage of the characters featured in the show did not feature in the toyline, and vice versa. The G1 toys re-released for G2 which did feature in the show sometimes had their colour-schemes radically altered and no longer matched their animated counterparts.
Some of the Generation 2 versions of the episodes have been released in the United Kingdom as region 2 DVDs. Simply entitled "Transformers: Generation 2" the DVD featured the episodes - More Than Meets The Eye Parts 1-3; SOS Dinobots; and Heavy Metal War. The DVD was available alongside DVD compilations of miscellaneous original G1 episodes. They were later replaced by Generation 1 DVD volumes, and later complete season boxed sets.
produced a gritty, 12 issue Transformers: Generation 2 comic book series. Produced early in the toy line, it features a few new Generation 2 characters, as well as many characters from the original series. The story concerned a form of Transformers, who called themselves Cybertronians, having evolved past Autobot or Decepticon. There was also an overarching enemy, The Swarm, which was slowly approaching the Earth, threatening all Transformers in its path. In his search to discover the nature of the enemy, Optimus Prime
went into the matrix, discovering that the Swarm was actually a byproduct of an early form of Transformer reproduction.
As a part of the Generation 2 line, several characters were given new forms, such as Megatron becoming a tank
due to the efforts of Cobra in G.I. Joe
(Marvel) #139. New characters appeared briefly towards the end of the series, such as the Rotor-Force and Color-Changers.
In Japan, both TV Magazine story pages and mini-comics packaged with toys told a different G2 story. Set in the animated series' timeline (specifically after the end of Battlestars: Return of Convoy and therefore Operation Combination ), the story tells of a true time of peace between Autobots and Decepticons, known as the Cybertron Alliance, until human soldiers accidentally kill one of Megatron's most loyal followers, causing for him to upgrade to his "Combat Hero" form and causing the war to start yet again. The story also featured a fairly bleak storyline and an art style somewhat similar to the Marvel comics, but was different by focusing more on the "new mold" characters (i.e.: The Laser Rods, Laser Cycles, and Cyberjets) and introducing things such as a Reconfiguration Matrix, which allowed Prime to change from his Hero form to his Laser form after nearly being fatally wounded in battle against Megatron. The story ends with Laser Optimus Prime defeating Megatron, who then leads the Decepticons into space after his defeat, while Prime himself is aided off of the battlefield, wounded, but victorious.
Dreamwave comics, who produced several Transformers titles, had several Generation 2 characters make cameos in their stories including the Turbomaster
s and Axelerators. (Although technically the Turbomasters were released in Europe at the end of Generation 1, they were re-released in Generation 2.) IDW, the current Transformers license holder, has also had several Generation 2 characters appear in their comics, including Skram, Deluge and Leadfoot.
Transformers universes
is an entertainment franchise. It began with the Hasbro Transformers toy line, centered on two factions of warring alien robots which are called the Autobots and the Decepticons...
toy
Toy
A toy is any object that can be used for play. Toys are associated commonly with children and pets. Playing with toys is often thought to be an enjoyable means of training the young for life in human society. Different materials are used to make toys enjoyable and cuddly to both young and old...
line, television series and comic book
Comic book
A comic book or comicbook is a magazine made up of comics, narrative artwork in the form of separate panels that represent individual scenes, often accompanied by dialog as well as including...
series which ran from 1993-1995. The prior Transformer television series, comic books and toys were retroactively termed as 'Generation 1', and are officially referred to as such even though the term was never used during their original runs. Generation 2 ends as the first Beast Wars: Transformers toys were made. Due to the typeface used on the word Transformers, some collectors consider Beast Wars to be a continuation or spinoff of Generation 2.
Toy line
Generation 2 Transformers toys were notable because of the changed AutobotAutobot
Autobot, a faction of sentient robots from the planet Cybertron, are usually the main protagonists in the fictional universe of the Transformers, a collection of various toys, graphic novels, paperback books, cartoons and movies first introduced in 1984. In all but one Transformer story, the...
and Decepticon
Decepticon
The Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
symbol
Symbol
A symbol is something which represents an idea, a physical entity or a process but is distinct from it. The purpose of a symbol is to communicate meaning. For example, a red octagon may be a symbol for "STOP". On a map, a picture of a tent might represent a campsite. Numerals are symbols for...
s, changes made to the toys for child safety purposes, and the common use of bright vivid colors. The first and second years of toys in Generation 2 were filled with many remolds of classic original Transformers (now referred to as 'Generation 1' or 'G1') toys. A larger percentage of toys featured electronic lights and sounds, and the re-release of the G1 Optimus Prime featured an additional electronic soundpack.
The second year of Generation 2 featured many new characters and molds, but with the popularity of the classic names among the fans, many of the original Generation 2 toys started being recolored and given classic names from the original series.
The final year of Generation 2 saw many of the toys in its line packaged on cards that did not carry the "Generation 2" subtitle under the Transformers name. The two most prominent lines under this banner were the Cyberjets (3 small jet fighter/robots in 6 color schemes with ball-and-socket joints when transformed to robot mode) and the Go-Bots. The Go-Bots were 1:64 scale cars (compatible with some Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels
Hot Wheels is a brand of die cast toy car, introduced by American toymaker Mattel in 1968. It was the primary competitor of Matchbox until 1996, when Mattel acquired rights to the Matchbox brand from Tyco.-Models:...
and Matchbox tracks) that transformed into equally small robots carrying guns. Although there were 6 different car models used to create them, each car transformed similarly with only details setting them apart. There were about 15 different Go-Bots produced, with several seeing color variants due to a partial tooling change (to accommodate newer Go-Bots being modeled after classic G1 characters). Despite the 3 Cyberjet molds being sold as 3 Autobot and 3 Decepticon characters respectively, 2 of the Autobots (Jetfire
Jetfire
Jetfire is the name of several fictional characters from the Transformers universes. He is nearly always depicted as an Autobot with jet or space shuttle alternate mode.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
and Strafe
Strafe (Transformers)
Strafe the name of two fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. They are both members of the Technobots, an Autobot subgroup, who turn into aircraft.-Transformers: Generation 1:Strafe forms right arm of Computron...
) were decaled with G2 Decepticon emblems on their tailfins.
Many molds and recolors intended for release in Generation 2 never made it past prototypes. Some were utilized in later lines like Machine Wars
Machine Wars
Machine Wars was a short-lived toy series in the Transformers toyline, introduced in 1997. The series was initially exclusive to KB Toys and its subsidiaries, although overstock/unsold surplus eventually appeared at other retailers....
(as the basic sized flip changers) and Robots in Disguise
Transformers: Robots in Disguise
Transformers: Robots in Disguise, known in Japan as , is a Japanese anime television series and serves as a self-contained universe separate from any of the other existing Transformers universes...
(as Spy Changers).
Animated series
There never was a separate Transformers: Generation 2 television series. What was actually seen was a rebroadcast of the original Generation 1 Transformers seriesThe Transformers (TV series)
The Transformers is an animated television series depicting a war among giant robots who could transform into vehicles, other objects and animal-like forms. Written and recorded in America, the series was animated in Japan and South Korea...
, with a new computer-generated main title sequence, computer-generated scene transitions, and other small changes.
The original stories were presented as though they were recordings of historical events by the Cybernetic Space Cube (sometimes referred to as the Cybercube). The cube had the various scenes on its faces, which it span between for transitions, replacing the classic spinning Autobot/Decepticon logo.
A large percentage of the characters featured in the show did not feature in the toyline, and vice versa. The G1 toys re-released for G2 which did feature in the show sometimes had their colour-schemes radically altered and no longer matched their animated counterparts.
Some of the Generation 2 versions of the episodes have been released in the United Kingdom as region 2 DVDs. Simply entitled "Transformers: Generation 2" the DVD featured the episodes - More Than Meets The Eye Parts 1-3; SOS Dinobots; and Heavy Metal War. The DVD was available alongside DVD compilations of miscellaneous original G1 episodes. They were later replaced by Generation 1 DVD volumes, and later complete season boxed sets.
Comic books
Marvel ComicsMarvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
produced a gritty, 12 issue Transformers: Generation 2 comic book series. Produced early in the toy line, it features a few new Generation 2 characters, as well as many characters from the original series. The story concerned a form of Transformers, who called themselves Cybertronians, having evolved past Autobot or Decepticon. There was also an overarching enemy, The Swarm, which was slowly approaching the Earth, threatening all Transformers in its path. In his search to discover the nature of the enemy, Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime
Optimus Prime is a fictional character from the Transformers franchise. Prime is the leader of the autobots, a faction of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron. The autobots are constantly waging war against a rival faction of transforming robots called Decepticons...
went into the matrix, discovering that the Swarm was actually a byproduct of an early form of Transformer reproduction.
As a part of the Generation 2 line, several characters were given new forms, such as Megatron becoming a tank
Tank
A tank is a tracked, armoured fighting vehicle designed for front-line combat which combines operational mobility, tactical offensive, and defensive capabilities...
due to the efforts of Cobra in G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe
G.I. Joe is a line of action figures produced by the toy company Hasbro. The initial product offering represented four of the branches of the U.S. armed forces with the Action Soldier , Action Sailor , Action Pilot , Action Marine and later on, the Action Nurse...
(Marvel) #139. New characters appeared briefly towards the end of the series, such as the Rotor-Force and Color-Changers.
In Japan, both TV Magazine story pages and mini-comics packaged with toys told a different G2 story. Set in the animated series' timeline (specifically after the end of Battlestars: Return of Convoy and therefore Operation Combination ), the story tells of a true time of peace between Autobots and Decepticons, known as the Cybertron Alliance, until human soldiers accidentally kill one of Megatron's most loyal followers, causing for him to upgrade to his "Combat Hero" form and causing the war to start yet again. The story also featured a fairly bleak storyline and an art style somewhat similar to the Marvel comics, but was different by focusing more on the "new mold" characters (i.e.: The Laser Rods, Laser Cycles, and Cyberjets) and introducing things such as a Reconfiguration Matrix, which allowed Prime to change from his Hero form to his Laser form after nearly being fatally wounded in battle against Megatron. The story ends with Laser Optimus Prime defeating Megatron, who then leads the Decepticons into space after his defeat, while Prime himself is aided off of the battlefield, wounded, but victorious.
Dreamwave comics, who produced several Transformers titles, had several Generation 2 characters make cameos in their stories including the Turbomaster
Turbomaster
Turbomasters were an Australian, Canadian, and European exclusive range of Transformers toys, released in 1992 as part of their final year of products for the original franchise. A subgroup of the Autobots, there were six Turbomasters: Thunder Clash, Rotorstorm, Boss, Hurricane, Flash, and Scorch...
s and Axelerators. (Although technically the Turbomasters were released in Europe at the end of Generation 1, they were re-released in Generation 2.) IDW, the current Transformers license holder, has also had several Generation 2 characters appear in their comics, including Skram, Deluge and Leadfoot.
External links
- Alignment - Simon FurmanSimon FurmanSimon Christopher Francis Furman is a comic book writer, particularly associated with of a number of notable Transformers comics for Marvel UK, Marvel US, Dreamwave, and most recently, IDW...
's prose conclusion to the Generation 2 comic book and overall, the Marvel Comics continuity