Transformers 1984-2014 Original and Limited Edition Art

The Transformers franchise was originally inspired by Microman and its spin-off, Diaclone, toy lines created by a Japanese manufacturer. These eventually became the transformers toy line by Hasbro. Having worked with Marvel Comics and building on the success of the marketing strategy used for G.I Joe: A Real American Hero, which was comprised of a toy line, tie-in comic, and an animated miniseries, it was decided to approach the development of the Transformers in the same way.

The pilot episode first aired in September 1984. We learned that there were two warring factions of humanoid robots- Optimus Prime's heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, led by Meagtron. They were embroiled in a battle on present-day Earth for control of resources that could take them back home. The first Transformers movie was an animated feature film released summer 1986. The cartoon series would air for 4 seasons from 1984-1987. A 5th season was aired in 1988 but was more of a Best Of...showing 15 episodes from the original series along with The Transformers: The Movie.

Check out the IMDB page for more information about the original cartoon series here. It provides a synopsis of each season's episodes and cast bios.

And for further insight into the movies including the animated feature from 1986 enjoy the IMDB links provided below: The Transformers: The Movie (1986), Transformers (2007), Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009), Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011), Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)