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 Studio Series Transformers Bumblebee 109 Concept Art Megatron
Transformers: Studio Series #86-24: Junkion Scrapheap. New 2024
Siege/Earthrise Megatron to SS86 Transformers Megatron Upgrade Kit with Cannon
Transformers Studio Series Commander Optimus Prime 86-31 - Box has Flaws - New
Hasbro Transformers Legacy Evolution - Crosscut Action Figure (Box Not Mint)
Transformers Studio Series Commander Optimus Prime 86- New
Optimus Prime Transformers * 2024 Hot Wheels Track Fleet Series
Transformers One Studio Series MEGATRON 114 Deluxe Class Takara Tomy New Sealed
Transformers G1 Megatron Reissue/Retro HQ Rub Sign Version MIB
Transformers Power of the Primes Deluxe Class Decepticon Rippersnapper - New
Transformers Studio Series Leader 86-19 Dinobot Snarl 8.5" Action Figure
Hasbro G0243 Transformers Retro: 40th Anniversary G1 Bombshell & Ramhorn Figures
Generations War for Cybertron: Earthrise Airwave Deluxe Figure Deluxe Class
Transformers R.E.D. Optimus Prime Robot Enhanced Design Exclusive Figure RARE
Hasbro Transformers Ultra Magnus Leader- WFC-S13 War
Transformers: The Complete Original Series (DVD)(2020)
Transformers Studio Series Commander Class The Transformers The Movie 86-31 Opti
Hasbro Collectibles - Transformers: Dark of the Moon - Studio Series - Deluxe Cl
NEW SEALED Transformers BUMBLEBEE Cyberverse Adventures Box Damaged
Transformers Legacy United Autobot Cosmos Action Figure Deluxe Class IN STOCK
Hasbro Transformers Legacy Evolution Bombshell
Transformers Generations Selects Voyager Class Antagony Action Figure
Transformers Hot Wheels Optimus Prime Truck 1:64 Scale Die-Cast Metal by Mattel
Transformers Legends Series Jetfire Action Figure Transforming Toys Gift NEW BOX
Transformers Studio Series 114 Megatron *NEW*
Transformers Toys Studio Series #76 Voyager Class Bumblebee Thrust Action Figure
Super7 Transformers Ultimates Grimlock Dino Mode 9-Inch Action Figure
TRANSFORM G1 Reissue G1 Megatron Brand New Free Shipping
Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Starscream Autobot Action Figure Hasbro Toy
Hasbro Collectibles - Dark Avengers Comics - Marvel Legends - Warbird Action Fig
TRANSFORMERS R.E.D. Knock Out Action Figure 6" inch, New in Box
TRANSFORMERS: The Movie Studio Series 86 Core Class Autobot Ratchet Free Shippin
Marvel Legends Deadpool & Wolverine - Wolverine 6" Action Figure Hugh Jackman
Transformers Studio Series 86-07 Leader Dinobot Slug and Daniel Witwicky DMG PK
Transformers Studio Series Soundwave 83 BumbleBee Voyager Class New In Box
Transformers Gen Figures Studio Series RA: DOTM Deluxe Class Wheeljack PRESALE
Hasbro Transformers Studio Series Starscream #21 SS21 Voyager Class Movie Figure
Transformers HAS F86205L0 Retro 40th Anniversary, Soundwave, Laserbeak, & Ravage
Hasbro Transformers Legacy Voyager Class Armada Universe Starscream New Sealed
TRANSFORMATION G1 Reissue Megatron Brand New Free SpeedPAK shipping
Transformers Studio Series SS36 Movie 5 D-Class Autobot Drift Action Figure
Transformers War For Cybertron Earthrise Deluxe Class Bluestreak Walgreens Excl
Hasbro G0153 Transformers Retro: G1 Optimus Prime Figure
Hasbro: Transformers - Autobot Skid 5.5" Action Figure (F3008)
Transformers Retro 40th Anniversary Autobot Blaster & Steeljaw, 4 Years and Up
Transformers - 86 Leader Class - Coronation Starscream - Action Figure New Seal
Transformers Revenge of The Fallen - Scattershot - Scout Class - Figure
Transformers Autobot & Decepticon Logo Stickers: Authentic G1 Decal Sign Sticker
Transformers Dark of the Moon - Sergeant Noble, Tailpipe & Pinpointer - Figure
Megatron Arm and Fusion Cannon for Studio Series Optimus Prime *Accessory Only
Transformers Toys Studio Series Core Transformers: Bumblebee Concept Art Frenzy
Jada Toys 33521 Transformers Optimus Prime Converting RC Radio Control Vehicle
Transformers Authentic BUMBLEBEE 4.5" Action Figure Hasbro 2017
Transformers 40th Anniversary Autobot Ramhorn & Insecticon Bombshell Figures NEW
Kenner Batman Forever Bruce Wayne/Batman Target Exclusive Action Figure MOC
NEW Transformers Studio Series 83 BumbleBee Soundwave & The Movie Junkheap 86
Hasbro Transformers Decepticon Wild Rider 5.5 in Action Figure - F3030 Brand New
Transformers Deseeus Army Drone Netflix War for Cybertron Trilogy Autobot NEW
TRANSFORMERS One Brand New Sealed DVD - 2024 - FREE FAST SHIPPING
Transformers One Megatron Studio Series Deluxe 114 - Box has Dents - New Sealed
1995 Kenner Batman Forever Transforming Bruce Wayne Action Figure New
Hasbro Transformers Studio Series 86-15 Dinobot Sludge - (F3203) New Sealed
BAIWEI Transformation TW-1031 Scourge Rise of the Beasts KO SS101 Action Figure
Transformers Gen Figures Series TRA: The Movie Voyager Clas 86 Scrapper PRESALE
Transformers Toys Legacy Evolution Voyager Metalhawk Toy, 7-inch, Action Figure
Hasbro Transformers Legacy United Doom 'N Destruction RUCKUS Action Figure
Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (DVD, 2023) New/Sealed
Transformers: the Ultimate 5-Movie Collection (DVD, 2018)
Diamond Select Invincible Deluxe Action Figure
Hasbro Transformers Generations WFC Kingdom Core Soundwave Action Figure
Transformers Siege War for Cybertron WFC-S8 Cog WFC-S8 Weaponizer Action Figure
*Damaged Box* Transformers Legacy Evolution BLUDGEON 7" Figure Voyager
Transformers Generations Power of the Primes Autobot Tailgate Figure Gift Toys
Hasbro Transformers Studio Series 86 Core Decepticon Frenzy Action Figure...
Transformation VT-01 VISUAL TOYS Bounty Hunter Lockdown with Two Dogs Figure
Transformers Legacy Evolution G2 Universe Laser Cycle Walmart exclusive Deluxe
SLUG Transformers Cyberverse Adventures Deluxe Dinobot Hasbro 2021 New
Hasbro Transformers Universe Prowl Autobot Classic Series Action Figure 2007
Mirage 2019 3.75" TRANSFORMERS ReAction Super 7 NEW Sealed #2
APC Toys Dark Master 20cm Evil God Transformation TFP Battle Damaged Ver
Hasbro Collectibles - The Transformers: The Movie - Studio Series - Leader Class
Transformers 40th Anniversary Trading Cards 5-Pack Blaster Box Collector Edition
2023 - Transformers Authentics More Than Meets the Eye Series Optimus Primal
Hasbro Collectibles - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts - Studio Series - Deluxe
Hasbro Transformers Studio Series STARSCREAM #06 SS06 Voyager Class Movie Figure
Transformers Hunt for the Decepticons - Hubcap - Scout Class - Figure
Transformers Generations Titans Return Titan Class Fortress Maximus Figure
Transformers Legacy United Commander Beast Wars Magmatron *Box has dents! New
Transformers Optimus Prime Studio Series Truck Hasbro Action Figure
Hasbro Collectibles - Transformers - Generations Comic Edition Autobot Flame & E
Takara Tomy Transformers Earth Spark ESD-14 DX Elita-1 NEW Japan
Transformers War Cybertron Golden Disk Collection Autobot Jackpot & Sights MIB
Transformers Legacy United Titan Class Armada Universe Tidal Wave Action Figure
Transformers Kingdom Legacy Optimus Prime Complete Core Class war for cybertron
Transformers Prime R.E.D. Thundercracker Robot Enhanced Design Exclusive Figur
Hasbro Transformers Legacy United Deluxe Class Autobot Side Burn New
Blokees Transformers Galaxy Version 04 Ultra Magnus Blind Box Model Kit Figure
Transformers Generations Legacy Commander Motormaster
Hasbro Collectibles - Transformers: Rise of the Beasts - Studio Series - 116, Le
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.
Mark is a senior editor and retail/deals enthusiast at TheDealExperts.com. He specializes in finding the best deals available in-store and online. In his spare time, mark enjoys taking his pups on hikes, camping, fishing and getting on the road.