Robots in disguise! Transformers are probably one of the most “toyetic” characters and creations in the history of Western cartoons, which is saying a lot considering what the 1980’s churned out in terms of media-driven animation.
The robots who could change, or, transform into cars, trucks and the like started out as a marketing ploy and quickly grew into legacy that helped define a generation.
Transformers Toys for Sale
Thanks to Michael Bay’s affinity for the Pentagon, Transformers have remained popular even after the era of Saturday morning cartoons. These toys and cartoons helped to define an entire generation, so perhaps it is no wonder that they remain a part of modern popular culture. Here are Transformers toys available for sale right now:
Transformers R.E.D. Thundercracker Robot Enhanced Design Exclusive Figure RARE
Transformers GALVATRON /Studio Series SS-90/ Age of Extinction Movie Hasbro 2022
Transformers R.E.D. Optimus Prime Robot Enhanced Design Exclusive Figure RARE
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (DVD, 2023) New Sealed
Transformers R.E.D. Megatron Robot Enhanced Design Action Figure Gift Hasbro Toy
TRANSFORMERS: The Movie Studio Series 86 Core Class Autobot Ratchet Free Shippin
Transformers The Complete Original Series 15 DVD Box Set BRAND NEW
Hasbro Collectibles - Transformers - Generations Comic Edition Autobot Flame & E
Transformers G1 Optimus Prime Walmart Reissue 2018
Transformers Legacy United Star Raider Ferak Voyager Class Figure New
2024 Transformers 40th Anniversary Trading Cards Blaster Box 5 Packs Plus 5x7
Transformers CYBERVERSE Lot Of 7 Scout Class Grimlock, Loose New Complete
Takara Tomy Transformers Studio Series 101 ROTB Leader Class Scourge New
TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS LEGACY DELUXE DEAD END ACTION FIGURE NEW/SEALED!
Transformers R.E.D. Optimus Prime Robot Enhanced Design Exclusive Figure RARE
Transformers Deseeus Army Drone Netflix War for Cybertron Trilogy Autobot NEW
HASBRO TRANSFORMERS LEGACY EVOLUTION VOYAGER CLASS NACELLE 7" ACTION FIGURE
Hasbro Transformers Bumblebee Thundercracker 1:8 Studio Series 89 Action Figure
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (DVD, 2023) New/Sealed
Transformers Hot Wheels Optimus Prime Truck 1:64 Scale Die-Cast Metal by Mattel
TRANSFORMERS STUDIO SERIES 113 SKYWARP
Hasbro Transformers Studio Series 91 Leader Transformers: The Fallen (F3202) New
Megatron Arm and Fusion Cannon for Studio Series Optimus Prime *Accessory Only
Hasbro Transformers - Generations Leader Class Volvo VNR 300, Optimus Prime, 8"
Transformers Optimus Studio Series Truck Hasbro Action Figure - Kids Toy
HASBRO TRANSFORMERS ONE STUDIO SERIES 114 DELUXE CLASS MEGATRON ACTION FIGURE
Transformers The Complete Original Series 15 New DVD Box Set Shout Factory
Transformers Studio Series Deluxe 100 Rise of The Beast Bumblebee Action Figure
Transformers Decepticons Scrapmetal Studio Series (✨50%OFF)
Transformers Prime R.E.D. Robot Enhanced Design Megatron Exclusive Figure RARE
Transformers Hot Wheels Optimus Prime Truck 1:64 Scale Die-Cast Metal by Mattel
Wheeljack #81 - Sealed figure - Transformers Generations : Studio Series. MIB
Transformers: 7-Movie Collection [New Blu-ray] Boxed Set, Gift Set, Slipsleeve
Transformation Robot Car Toys Studio Series Truck Hasbro Action Figure
Transformers Siege War for Cybertron WFC-S8 Cog WFC-S8 Weaponizer Action Figure
Transformers: the Ultimate 5-Movie Collection (DVD, 2018)
TRANSFORMERS SOUNDWAVE LEGACY CORE CLASS FIGURE MINT IN SEALED PACKAGE!!
Hasbro Transformers Studio Series STARSCREAM #06 SS06 Voyager Class Movie Figure
Hasbro Collectibles - Transformers - Generations Comic Edition Decepticon Straxu
On Sale!!! Transformers Studio Series #12 BRAWL SS12 Voyager Decepticon Figure
Transformers Kingdom War For Cybertron Trilogy Figure Deluxe Pick Your Character
Hasbro Transformers Headmaster Skullcruncher Mint In Box
Transformers Prime R.E.D. Thundercracker Robot Enhanced Design Exclusive Figur
Hot New Bumblebee Autobot Knight Actions Figure Deluxe Deformabl Robot Toys Gift
Transformation G1 Galvatron Megatron Brand New Action Figure WITH BOX MISB Gift
Takara Tomy Transformers Legacy Buzzworthy Bumblebee Silverstreak Action Figure
Transformers One (2024) Film US Movie 1 Disc BD All Region New Sealed Boxed
Hasbro Transformers Studio Series STARSCREAM #06 SS06 Voyager Class Movie Figure
Transformers Toys Studio Series 86-11 Deluxe Class The The Movie Perceptor...
Transformers Bumblebee THUNERCRACKER Studio Series SS-89 Movie Hasbro 2022 New
Transformers Silver Knight Optimus Prime 10" Action Figure Toys Gift NEW BOX
Transform G1 Optimus prime metal reissue MISB Improved Version with 2 Big Guns!
Hasbro Transformers Studio Series 86-15 Dinobot Sludge - (F3203) New Sealed
Generations War for Cybertron: Earthrise Airwave Deluxe Figure Deluxe Class
Transformers: The Ultimate 5-Movie Collection (DVD SET) Brand New & Sealed
17cm Transformation Robot Toy Truck Commander - Optimus Prime Action Figure
Hasbro Transformers Masterpiece Edition MP-32 Optimus Primal - New In Box
Hasbro Collectibles - Transformers Generations Selects - Deluxe WFC-GS17 Shatter
Takara Transformers Masterpiece MP-54 Reboost New Sealed US Seller T951
HASBRO TRANSFORMERS LEGACY UNITED DELUXE ARMADA UNIVERSE WHEELJACK ACTION FIGURE
Hasbro Collectibles - Transformers: One - Studio Series Deluxe - 112 Optimus Pri
Transformers Generations WFC Selects G2 RAMJET Voyager Class Action Figure
TRANSFORMERS: The Movie Studio Series Core Class Autobot Wheelie Free Shipping
Hasbro Transformers Megatron Studio Series 54 Deluxe Action Figure
Transformers Bitty Pop! Bitty Bot Soundwave with Rumble
TRANFORMERS PRIME R.E.D. KNOCK OUT Action Figure by Hasbro New in Box
Transform G1 Grimlock dinobot reissue brand new action figure Free Shipping
Hasbro Transformers Starscream Studio Series SS21 Deluxe Action Figure Official
Transformers Collaborative Street Fighter II Mash-Up Hot Rod Ken vs. Arcee Ch...
Hasbro Transformers Studio Series Starscream #21 SS21 Voyager Class Movie Figure
Transformers Ultimates Megatron Super7 Gen 1 Cartoon Style NEW Wave 2
Transformers Autobot & Decepticon Logo Stickers: Authentic G1 Decal Sign Sticker
Transformers Cyberverse LOT 8 NEW Scout Class FIGURES Loose GRIMLOCK, RATCHET
TRANSFORMERS One (DVD, 2024) NEW‼️🔊 Pre-Sale Order Ships🚨 12-26-2024💯
Transformers Studio Series #12 BRAWL SS12 Voyager Decepticon Figure
Hot New Bumblebee Autobot Knight Actions Figure Deluxe Deformabl Robot Toys Gift
Transformers Bumblebee Studio Series 86-29 Hasbro. Box Not Mint. New and Sealed
New Optimus Prime Transformers 10302 Building Blocks Toy Bricks Set 1,508pcs
Transform G1 Devastator complete reissue brand new WITH BOX free shipping
TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE Studio Series 77 Deluxe NEST Action Figure N.E.S.T.
Hasbro Collectibles - Transformers Generations Titans Return - Titan Class Fortr
New Transformers Nemesis Prime Studio Truck Action Figure Kids Toy Brand Rep
Transformers Studio Series Core Class 86 Autobots Ratchet and Wheelie New
Transformers Blackarachnia Kingdom Deluxe Generations War for Cybertron MIB
Transformation Lockdown Action Figure Deformation Robot Toy 18cm Alloy NEW Model
Transformers Optimus Studio Series Truck Hasbro Action Figure - Kids Toy
18cm Transformers Dark of The Moon MEGATRON voyager complete dotm No Box
Hasbro Transformers: The Movie R.E.D. Coronation Starscream 6" Plastic Action...
Kreo Kreon Transformers Micro Changers Series Collection 2 Sets & Individuals
Hasbro Transformers Studio Series 86-15 Dinobot Sludge - (F3203) New Sealed
Baiwei Transformation TW-1028B Shockwave Movie Studio Series Action Figure
Box (15 Booster Packs) Transformers Trading Card Game TCG Wave 1 Factory Sealed
Transform G1 Starscream reissue brand new action figure Free Shipping
Transformers Studio Series Transformers One Voyager Sentinel Prime (PRE-ORDER)
Transformers Optimus Studio Series Truck Hasbro Action Figure - Kids Toy
30cm Optimus Prime Star Commander Action Figure | Transforming Robot Toy
Transformers Legacy Class G1 Triple Changer Sandstorm Action Figure
MTG Secret Lair Transformers: Optimus Prime vs. Megatron NON-FOIL SEALED
Transformers Siege War for Cybertron WFC-S8 Cog WFC-S8 Weaponizer Action Figure
Transformers Titans Return Kickback Legends Class Action Figure Toy New in box
History of Transformers
Transformers toys got their start in the 1980’s, of course, but there history isn’t as straightforward as you might think. A line of toys called Takera Toys entered the market in 1980. Hasbro picked up the brand in 1982 and renamed them Transformers. These early toys were the start of the franchise, because they were basically the original Transformers in terms of design and toy functionality.
In 1983 Hasbro when to Japan, found more toy lines of a similar vein, and bought the rights and the molds. In order to get the toys to sell, Hasbro decided to get creative and create some lore and backstory to drum up interest and get sales moving. they started this move by going to Marvel and had them set up the lore for all these new cool transforming robot toys. This laid the groundwork for the lore that would be brought to full force throughout the ‘80’s and beyond.
The first released toyline totaled 28 robots, with 18 Autobots and 10 Decepticons. Some of the toys were just reskins with other accessories, but a toyline it was. The next step after lore creation was to get the word out through cartoons. Back then it was a lot easier for companies to hawk their toys to kids with cartoons and the like, so they took full advantage of Saturday morning to get the word out and get sales going.
When it came to the cartoons, Hasbro once again turned to Marvel to help with the writing. This probably helps to explain why Transformers is better remembered and written back in the day than other similar “toyetic” cartoons.
The first Transformer cartoon was a miniseries that released in 1984. This helped start building hype for a thirteen episode series that released the following year. The season aired Saturday mornings, obviously, from October to December. This of course meant it was fresh in the minds of kids, and thus their parents, when it came time for holiday shopping. The timing and inclusion of Marvel helped explain the major success of these early releases and their staying power over the decades.
A second season totaled a hefty forty-nine episodes and tied closely to the toyline and its releases. They did this by heavily featuring certain characters when a new release was imminent, ensuring kids and their parents would have more interest in these toys than older standbys, though they of course still had their fans.
There are reasons companies aren’t allowed to do this anymore, after all. Ethics is a funny thing like that.
Then, in 1986, Transformers released a movie that killed off major characters to clear the line of older models and make way for new ones. The movie was daring in its own right and featured a lot of violence and even swearing, which made it controversial at the time and a reliable cult classic for later decades. It also featured the final role by Orson Welles.
Season three followed after the movie the next year. Over the decades, toys have come and gone, and new series and specials have kept Transformers in people’s minds since those first cartoons. A new generation of toys was released in 1993, and other related materials, now more muted as company’s got told to cool it with the marketing, released as well.
These cartoons were effectively really long commercials, but they continued to be of decent quality and appeal both to new and old fans. Nostalgia is powerful like that. The kids of the 1980’s are now parents and maybe even grandparents in their own right, and that means not only is their nostalgia to consider, but also new generations of potential toy sales.
Of course, the Michael Bay movies, the first of which hit the world in 2007, made sure the toys and their names would remain in people’s minds for some time. Though controversial for their content and Bay’s love for having the Pentagon foot the bill of his films, there’s no denying the massive reach those films had.
Collecting Nostalgia
As one of the most iconic franchises of the 1980’s, and now one of Michael Bay’s biggest cash cows, it’s no surprise that the toys remain popular to collectors and fans old and new alike. People are willing to shell out big bucks for nostalgia, and the older toys especially are highly sought after collector’s items. Both the older toys and newer ones in the line are popular, naturally, but of course finding the older toys can be a lot trickier to find.
Fortunately, collector’s items thrive on secondary markets, and one such market is eBay. eBay is a great place to look up prices and get an idea of availability for collector’s items, especially ones less likely to wind up in an antique store or pawn shop. It can take some digging to find the exact item you want, but for those starting their collection or looking to fill it out, eBay is a great place to start.
It’s hard to think of a more iconic part of the 1980’s and the early twenty-first century than Transformers. Whether it’s grown up kids from the eighties or younger folks curious to see what all the fuss is about, Transformers toys are an extensive toy line with a history far more rich and involved then some people realize.
