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{{Template:Disambig2|real world events|
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{{cleanup|April 2007}}
 
  +
the 'Timelines' convention-exclusive toy and comic series|Timelines}}
   
  +
''This is a timeline of Transformers-related events that occured in the "real" world, including release dates and other major occurences.
−
==Detailed synopsis==
 
   
  +
==The dawn of time==
−
The episode recaps with [[Victor Caroli]] going over a recap of the events of part 1. Onto the start.
 
  +
* The Big Bang creates the universe as we know it. The protons, neutrons, and electrons that will eventually compose Transformers are formed. A Tuesday.
   
  +
==1980s==
−
The episode begins with a marching band parading through the streets of Central City. Berger announces that today is Decepticon Day. Sparkplug and Chip immensely dislike the event. Chip says that its too late for spike to be searching for evidence to clear the Autobots names right now.
 
   
  +
===1982===
−
Back in a tape room, Spike finishes watching another tape showing the Decepticons as the real culprits behind it. He's about to leave when he meets Ravage. During a brief fight, in which Ravage slams into a TV screen, gets friend, smacked with an office chair and then finally gets buried under a shelf of video tapes (poor kitty), Spike makes his escape.
 
  +
* March - The first two toys from [[Takara]]'s ''[[Diaclone]] Car Robo'' line, No.1 Countach LP-500S Super Tuning (red version) and No.2 Onebox Cherry Vanette (black version), are released to stores in Japan. These toys' molds would later be used in Transformers as [[Sunstreaker]] and [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]], respectively.
   
  +
* April - The first four toys from the [[Popy]] company's [[Machine Robo]] line are released to stores in Japan. They will go on to be better known in the West as [[Cy-Kill]], Tank, Fitor, and Cop-Tur of the evil Renegades in the [[Tonka]] [[Tonka GoBots|GoBots]] line, the closest competitor to Transformers.
−
At a nearby high school disco, Soundwave makes an appearance. We see Rumble dancing as well as Ravage staring down some school girls and Laserbeak giving a real evil glare to a guy who's offering him a cracker.
 
   
  +
* October 3 - ''The Super Dimension Fortress Macross'' debuts on Japanese television, featuring the transforming Valkyrie fighter jet. This vehicle will go on to be '''less''' known in the West as the Transformer [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]].
−
In deep space, Cosmos is leading the rocket ship through space. Inside, Ironhide and Cliffjumper persude Prime to turn round and head back to Earth. After the ship doesn't respond to Cliffjumper's computing, Hound uses his shoulder scanner to pinpoint their desination...The SUN!. Cosmos is unable to link up with teletraan-1 as the rocket starts to overheat...along with the autobots inside. Cosmos comes aboard and starts working at the computer, but to no avail.
 
   
  +
===1983===
−
Inside the Nemesis, Megatron looks with glee as he watches the Autobots and their ship collide with the sun and explode. They then leave for a press conference.
 
  +
* January - The first three toys from Takara's New Microman: MicroChange line, MC-01 Micross (available as blue and red variations), MC-02 Jaguar (available as blue and black variations) and MC-03 Condor (available as blue and black variations), are released to stores. These would later make up the first wave of [[Mini Cassette]]s.
  +
* Unknown date - A Hasbro delegation discovers Takara's Diaclone and Microman toys at the Tokyo Toy Show.
  +
* Late 1983 - Takara releases three of their Diaclone toys (red Sunstreaker, black Ironhide and blue [[Trailbreaker]]) in the USA under the name "[[Diakron]]". Due to the new licensing agreement with Hasbro, the Diakron line is discontinued following these three toys.
   
  +
===1984===
−
Spike is with the mayor in his office and he shows the Mayor the tapes he's found. The mayor can't bring back the Autobots, but now..armed with the right evidence, spike and the mayor start a campaign to clear the autobots names.
 
  +
''The Transformers'' launches in the US, in toy, comic and cartoon formats, [[Ruined FOREVER|forever ruining]] ''Transformers''.
  +
* February - [[Hasbro Bradley]] unveils their new ''Transformers'' toyline at Toy Fair.
  +
* March - [http://www.electric-escape.net/node/590 ''Marvel Age'' #17] announces the April debut of the ''Transformers'' comic book.
  +
* Spring - The first animated commercial advertising the Marvel comics airs on US TV.
  +
* May 8? - [[The Transformers (comic issue)|Issue one of the Marvel comic]] is released.
  +
* May 22 - The [http://groups.google.com/group/net.comics/msg/1cdaf7df610e0376?dmode=source&hl=en first Usenet post about Transformers] is posted by Ted Nolan to net.comics. In a prediction of things to come, it is mostly complaints.
  +
* Spring - ''Transformers'' toys start filtering into stores across the United States.
  +
* September 17 - [[More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1]] premieres on U.S. television Saturday morning.
  +
* Unknown date - the UK is the only European country to get Transformers toys this year. Toys are being distributed by Hasbro. Megatron is not available until 1985.
  +
* September 20 - The Marvel UK comic begins publication.
  +
* December - Transformers mania is in full swing, as the figures fly off store shelves, becoming the year's best seller for Hasbro.
  +
* Unknown date - Takara conduct test market sales of the Hasbro toys in Japan, under the working name "Henshin Sentai Transformers" ("Transformation Squadron Transformers").
   
  +
===1985===
−
At the Press Conference, Megatron reveals that he plans to conquer the planet and suck it dry of energy. He is now the marshal of earth and every will be made slaves and force to obtain energy for the decepticons. On a nearby screen, we see the Coneheads running amok through central city. Spike learns of the Autobot's destruction and escapes..but the tape of evidence is destroyed. Berger saves Spike from getting killed by Laserbeak, but their escape is short lived as they';re all captured by Megatron.
 
   
  +
* July 6th - Seasons 1 and 2 of the US cartoon begin airing in Japan as ''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformer''.
−
Back in space, the Autobots have been saved by Trailbreaker's forcefield. They're still attacehed to Cosmos, who's still heading towards the sun, since his actions are still controlled by Teltraan-1.
 
  +
* The Transformers toyline starts getting released to most European markets, with Hasbro using Milton Bradley's facilities for the continental European market, due to an initial lack of resources on their own. The MB toys would be available in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain and include lots of oddities unique to Europe, such as a red version of Tracks. Concurrently, [[GiG]] launches [[Trasformer]]s (sic) in Italy (Diaclone toys with no Transformers license), while [[El Greco]] launches their short-lived version of the line in Greece.
  +
* October 6 - The [http://groups.google.com/group/net.comics/msg/fce7a2ddb7e35a81?dmode=source&hl=en first Usenet post about the Transformers cartoon] is posted to net.comics by Bill Flanagan.
   
  +
===1986===
−
Back on earth, things are grim. All the humans have been enslaved by the decepticons and they;re being forced to mine energy from every available source. Berger got his reward...he too faced being cuffed and madr to work in a power plant. One night, Chip breaks out of the power plant and sneaks onboard a nearby truck. He heads for the Ark and works at Teletraan-1. He finds out that the Autobot rocket was destroyed. He's about to find out more when Thrust breaks into the ark. Thrust destroys Teletraan-1 and takes Chip back to the plant.
 
  +
* August 8 - ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' is released in theatres in the United States. International releases follow, except for Japan and Germany.
   
  +
===1987===
−
Cosmos then realises he's got control back and heads back to Earth. Back on earth, an air force rescue attempt is easily destroyed by the seekers and blitzwing. Megatron has the humans cornered, when the autobots arrive....
 
   
  +
The American version of the G1 cartoon ends its run, to be replaced in Japan by the [[Headmasters (cartoon)|Headmasters cartoon]].
−
Optimus Prime assembles the entire 84 and 85 line to combat the decepticons and they win, heavilly damaging many, including the insecticons and constructicons. The Decepticons retreat because they've lost the advantage
 
   
  +
===1988===
−
The Mayor pardons the Autobots, while Berger is taken by the Authorities to face justice himself. With the decepticons defeated...the autobots transform and roll for home.
 
   
  +
===1989===
  +
* August - Hasbro begins manufacturing and selling Transformers toys in mainland China. [http://www.allspark.com/hydras-tf-pulp/the-little-sticker-in-the-corner-the-truth-about-early-1990s-chinese-g1-transformers-toys-20070811.html]
  +
* August 9 - ''The Transformers: The Movie'' finally is released in Japan, where it is not actually called "Matrix Forever".
   
  +
==1990s==
  +
===1990===
  +
*The last year of Generation 1 toys are released in North America, while the franchise continues in Japan and Europe.
   
−
==Stats==
+
===1991===
  +
* (Cover date of July) - The Marvel Comic ends in the United States with [[End of the Road! (Marvel US comic)|issue 80]].
   
  +
===1992===
−
'''Original airdate:''' [[???]]
 
  +
*[[Operation Combination]] comes to an end, signalling the end of the original ''Transformers'' series in Japan.
   
  +
===1993===
−
'''Written by:''' Donald F. Glut
 
  +
*''[[Generation 2]]'' attempts to revive the ''Transformers'' franchise in North America.
  +
* The last year of Generation 1 toys are released in Europe.
  +
* On September 11th, the Usenet newsgroup [[alt.toys.transformers]] is established. Fans now have a dedicated online public forum on which to discuss whatever is ruining Transformers.
   
−
===Featured characters===
+
===1994===
  +
* July 16 - The first [[BotCon]] is held, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  +
* ''Generation 2'' is released in Europe.
   
  +
===1995===
−
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.'')
 
  +
* ''Generation 2'' begins in Japan, the first ''Transformers'' series there in years.
−
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
 
  +
* ''Generation 2'' craps out in every market, including Japan.
−
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
 
  +
* August 5-6 - [[BotCon 1995]] is held in Dayton, Ohio.
−
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
 
−
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]
 
−
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
 
−
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]
 
−
* [[Bluestreak]]
 
−
* [[Brawn]]
 
−
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
 
−
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]
 
−
* [[Cosmos]]
 
−
* [[Gears]]
 
−
* [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]]
 
−
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]
 
−
* [[Hound]]
 
−
* [[Huffer]]
 
−
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]
 
−
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]
 
−
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]
 
−
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]
 
−
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]
 
−
* [[Perceptor (G1)|Perceptor]]
 
−
* [[Powerglide]]
 
−
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]
 
−
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]
 
−
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]
 
−
* [[Seaspray]]
 
−
* [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]]
 
−
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]
 
−
* [[Sunstreaker]]
 
−
* [[Teletraan I]]
 
−
* [[Tracks]]
 
−
* [[Trailbreaker]]
 
−
* [[Warpath]]
 
−
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]
 
−
* [[Windcharger]]
 
−
 
−
| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
 
−
* [[Astrotrain (G1)|Astrotrain]]
 
−
* [[Blitzwing]]
 
−
* [[Bombshell]]
 
−
* [[Bonecrusher (G1)|Bonecrusher]]
 
−
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]
 
−
* [[Hook]]
 
−
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]
 
−
* [[Long Haul (G1)|Long Haul]]
 
−
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]
 
−
* [[Mixmaster]]
 
−
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
 
−
* [[Ravage]]
 
−
* [[Rumble (G1)|Rumble]]
 
−
* [[Scavenger (G1)|Scavenger]]
 
−
* [[Scrapper]]
 
−
* [[Shrapnel (G1)|Shrapnel]]
 
−
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]
 
−
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]
 
−
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
 
−
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]
 
−
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]
 
−
 
−
| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" | '''Regulars'''
 
   
  +
===1996===
−
* [[Chip Chase]]
 
  +
* ''[[Beast Wars]]'' is launched. The fandom declares it will forever destroy ''Transformers'' and nobody will ever like it ever, certainly not ten years into the future.
−
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]
 
  +
* ''Beast Wars'' revives the franchise.
−
* [[Spike Witwicky]]
 
  +
* ''Beast Wars'' is the best ''Transformers'' anything ever.
  +
* July 12-14 - [[BotCon 1996]] is held in Rosemont, Illinois.
   
  +
===1997===
−
'''Guests'''
 
  +
* July 18-20 - [[BotCon 1997]] is held in Rochester, New York, by the newly-formed [[3H Enterprises]].
−
* [[Mayor of Central City]]
 
−
* [[Shawn Berger]]
 
−
* Berger's army
 
−
* Trucker
 
−
* [[Justin]]
 
−
* Justin's parents
 
   
  +
===1998===
−
| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |
 
  +
* June 19-20 - [[BotCon 1998]] is held in Anaheim, California.
   
  +
===1999===
−
|}
 
  +
* July 16-18 - At [[BotCon 1999]] in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the first episode of ''[[Beast Machines (cartoon)|Beast Machines]]'', "[[The Reformatting]]" is previewed, to overwhelming fan enjoyment.
   
  +
==2000s==
  +
===2000===
  +
* Everyone hates ''[[Beast Machines]]''.
  +
* July 28-30 - [[BotCon 2000]] is held in [[Fort Wayne]], Indiana.
   
  +
===2001===
  +
* Everyone loves "[[Transformers 2000]]," but they hate ''[[Robots in Disguise]]''.
  +
* July 13-15 - [[BotCon 2001]] is held in Durham, North Carolina.
  +
* Hasbro introduces Transformers to Turkey through its recent acquired subsidiary [[Intertoy]].
   
−
==Stats==
+
===2002===
  +
* Hasbro ''Transformers'' lead designer [[Aaron Archer]] begins to post on the Transfandom.com boards as ORSON, at first primarily to refute various false claims about [[Armada (franchise)|''Transformers: Armada'']]. Skeptical fans remark that if he is a Hasbro designer, then they are various members of the British Monarchy.
  +
* April 3 - [[Dreamwave Productions]] begins publishing Transformers comics with [[Prime Directive, Part 1|Transformers Generation 1 #1]]. There is much rejoicing.
  +
* [[Aaron Archer]] does his best to kill ''Transformers'' through incredible sales; ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' kicks off the [[Unicron Trilogy]], the toys appear on store shelves in mid-July, the cartoon premieres in August.
  +
* July 6 - ''Armada'' toys begin arriving in small toy stores and Kay-Bee. [http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/b22311a4862b3c07?dmode=source]
  +
* July 26-28 - [[BotCon 2002]] is held in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
   
  +
===2003===
  +
* June 10 - [[Don Murphy]] and [[Tom DeSanto]] team up to produce a feature-length, [[Transformers (2007)|live-action ''Transformers'']] movie. They claim it will be exactly the same as G1. Really.
  +
* July 25-27 - [[OTFCC 2003]] is held in Chicago, Illinois.
  +
* Everybody loves ''Masterpiece/20th Anniversary'' [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]].
  +
* Everyone loves [[Binaltech]] / [[Alternators]].
   
  +
===2004===
−
Written by: [[Donald F. Glut]]
 
  +
* June 19-20 - Although no longer the official convention, [[BotCon 2004]] is held in Pasadena, California.
  +
* July 22 - [[Dreamworks]], [[Paramount Pictures]] and [[Hasbro]] sign an agreement to produce a [[Transformers (2007)|live-action ''Transformers'']] movie.
  +
* July 30-August 1 - [[OTFCC 2004]] is held in Chicago, Illinois.
   
  +
===2005===
  +
* January 4 - [[Dreamwave Productions]] goes bankrupt. Many artists complain about being unpaid for their work and/or being stuck with FedEx fees. [[Pat Lee]] gives them the finger and drives off in his Porsche.
  +
* April 18 - Don Murphy reports that he wants to please the fans, Dreamworks want to change everything, and Hasbro don't care either way as long as the movie gets done in time.
  +
* [[Michael Bay]] announced as the director for ''Transformers''. It will still totally be G1, honest.
  +
* May 19 - [[IDW Publishing]] acquires the ''Transformers'' comic book license.
  +
* September 22-25 - [[BotCon 2005]] is held in Frisco Texas, for the first time by [[Fun Publications]]. It's the official convention again.
  +
* October 19 - [[Infiltration]] #0, IDW's first ''Transformers'' comic, is released in comic book stores.
   
−
===Featured characters===
+
===2006===
  +
* January 18 - ''[[Infiltration|Transformers: Infiltration]]'' #1 is released in comic book stores.
  +
* May 29 - Filming begins on the live-action [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'']] motion picture.
  +
* July 24 - [[Peter Cullen]] is announced at San Diego Comic-Con as the voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] in the ''Transformers'' film. There is much rejoicing (yay).
  +
* September 15 - The first ''[[Classics]]'' toys arrive at a small store in Canada.
  +
* November 28 - ''[[Escalation|Transformers: Escalation]]'' #1 is released in comic book stores.
  +
* Takara settles the ''[[Michael Bay]] is raping my childhood'' debate by ''[[Kiss Players|actually raping your childhood]]''. Realizing that Michael Bay only touched your childhood in the swimsuit area, you apologize.
   
  +
===[[2007]]===
−
(''Numbers indicate order of appearance.'')
 
  +
*June- The first promotional images for ''[[Transformers Animated]]'' are released. Take a guess as to the reaction. G'wan.
−
{|border=5 cellpadding=5 cellspacing=5 align=center style="border:#800000"
 
−
! style="background:#FFEEEE" | [[Autobots]]
 
−
! style="background:#EEEEFE" | [[Decepticons]]
 
−
! style="background:antiquewhite" | [[Human|Humans]]
 
−
! style="background:#FFEEB8" | Others
 
−
|-
 
−
| style="background:#FFEEEE" valign="top" |
 
−
* [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]]
 
−
* [[Blaster]]
 
−
* [[Bluestreak]]
 
−
* [[Brawn]]
 
−
* [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]]
 
−
* [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]
 
−
* [[Grapple]]
 
−
* [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]]
 
−
* [[Hound]]
 
−
* [[Huffer]]
 
−
* [[Inferno (G1)|Inferno]]
 
−
* [[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]
 
−
* [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]]
 
−
* [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]]
 
−
* [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]
 
−
* [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]
 
−
* [[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]
 
−
* [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]
 
−
* [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]]
 
−
* [[Teletraan I]]
 
−
* [[Tracks]]
 
−
* [[Warpath]]
 
−
* [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]]
 
−
* [[Windcharger]]
 
   
  +
*June 27-July 1- [[BotCon 2007]] is held at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island, Hasbro's hometown. It was expected to be the best Transformers convention ''ever''. It was also expected to be the worst Transformers convention ''ever''.
−
| style="background:#EEEEFE" valign="top" |
 
−
* [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]
 
−
* [[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]]
 
−
* [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]
 
−
* [[Ramjet (G1)|Ramjet]]
 
−
* [[Ravage]]
 
−
* [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]
 
−
* [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]]
 
−
* [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]]
 
−
* [[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]
 
−
* [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]
 
   
  +
*July 2- US theatres start showing the live-action [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'']] motion picture at 8:00 PM. By midnight, it's made $8.8 million USD.
−
| style="background:antiquewhite" valign="top" | '''Regulars'''
 
−
* [[Chip Chase]]
 
−
* [[Spike Witwicky]]
 
−
* [[Sparkplug Witwicky]]
 
   
  +
*July 3- The ''Transformers'' release date. It makes $27.85 million, more money on a Tuesday than any film in history. Transformers ruined forever.
−
'''Guests'''
 
−
* [[Mayor of Central City]]
 
−
* [[Shawn Berger]]
 
   
  +
*July 4- Americans celebrate their Independence Day by giving $29 million to that Hollywood movie about an [[Bumblebee (Movie)|alien robot]] summoning his friends to [[Earth]] where they disguise themselves as [[General Motors]] vehicles and team up with the [[United States Military]] to smash the evil robots. Unsuprisingly, this is more money than a movie's ever earned on the Fourth of July. Apparently, what's good for General Motors really ''is'' good for the country.
−
| style="background:#FFEEB8" valign="top" |
 
   
  +
*July 25- As of this writing, the ''Transformers'' movie has grossed $270 million in the United States, with worldwide gross earnings of nearly '''one half billion dollars US'''.
−
|}
 
−
 
   
  +
*July 28- A ''Transformers Animated'' preview is shown to the public. The fandom rejoiced (and complained).
−
==Notable quotes==
 
−
"Berger you filthy swine!"
 
−
:-- '''Human Reporter''' after learning that Shawn Berger betrayed Humanity to the Decepticons.
 
   
  +
===2008===
  +
*January- ''[[Transformers Animated]]'', which is sure to ruin Transformers to an even greater extent than was previously thought possible, is scheduled to premiere. The toys will be available in spring.
   
−
"Let's teach them a lesson in sorrow!"
 
−
:-- '''Dirge''' as he and the Coneheads terrorize Central City during the Decepticon imposed martial law.
 
   
  +
===2009===
  +
*June 26- ''[[Transformers 2]]'' is tentatively schedule to be released on this date.[http://www.allspark.com/news/transformers-2-june-26-2009-20070925.html]
   
  +
[[Category:Chronologies]]
−
"You pile of reject parts." <br>
 
  +
[[Category:Franchises| ]]
−
"Reject parts? HAHAHAHHAHA!"
 
−
:-- '''Chip Chase''' as '''Thrust''' destroys Teletraan-1 and takes the Human back to Megatron.
 
   
  +
----
−  
−
==Other Notes==
 
−
==Animation and/or technical glitches==
 
−  
−
* At the end of the episode, we see two Ironhides. (One is actually Ratchet miscoloured as Ironhide. You can tell this because of the lights on his roof.)
 
−  
−
===Miscellaneous trivia===
 
−  
−
* When released as a video in the UK, it was released as both parts thrown together as a 45 minutes "movie" instead of a 2 part episode.
 
−  
−
===Keywords===
 
−  
−
==Miscellaneous trivia==
 
−  
−
* First onscreen appearance of Astrotrain.
 
−  
−
[[Category:Generation 1 episodes]]
 

Revision as of 19:46, 28 September 2007

This article is about real world events. For the 'Timelines' convention-exclusive toy and comic series, see Timelines.


This is a timeline of Transformers-related events that occured in the "real" world, including release dates and other major occurences.

The dawn of time

  • The Big Bang creates the universe as we know it. The protons, neutrons, and electrons that will eventually compose Transformers are formed. A Tuesday.

1980s

1982

  • March - The first two toys from Takara's Diaclone Car Robo line, No.1 Countach LP-500S Super Tuning (red version) and No.2 Onebox Cherry Vanette (black version), are released to stores in Japan. These toys' molds would later be used in Transformers as Sunstreaker and Ironhide, respectively.
  • April - The first four toys from the Popy company's Machine Robo line are released to stores in Japan. They will go on to be better known in the West as Cy-Kill, Tank, Fitor, and Cop-Tur of the evil Renegades in the Tonka GoBots line, the closest competitor to Transformers.
  • October 3 - The Super Dimension Fortress Macross debuts on Japanese television, featuring the transforming Valkyrie fighter jet. This vehicle will go on to be less known in the West as the Transformer Jetfire.

1983

  • January - The first three toys from Takara's New Microman: MicroChange line, MC-01 Micross (available as blue and red variations), MC-02 Jaguar (available as blue and black variations) and MC-03 Condor (available as blue and black variations), are released to stores. These would later make up the first wave of Mini Cassettes.
  • Unknown date - A Hasbro delegation discovers Takara's Diaclone and Microman toys at the Tokyo Toy Show.
  • Late 1983 - Takara releases three of their Diaclone toys (red Sunstreaker, black Ironhide and blue Trailbreaker) in the USA under the name "Diakron". Due to the new licensing agreement with Hasbro, the Diakron line is discontinued following these three toys.

1984

The Transformers launches in the US, in toy, comic and cartoon formats, forever ruining Transformers.

  • February - Hasbro Bradley unveils their new Transformers toyline at Toy Fair.
  • March - Marvel Age #17 announces the April debut of the Transformers comic book.
  • Spring - The first animated commercial advertising the Marvel comics airs on US TV.
  • May 8? - Issue one of the Marvel comic is released.
  • May 22 - The first Usenet post about Transformers is posted by Ted Nolan to net.comics. In a prediction of things to come, it is mostly complaints.
  • Spring - Transformers toys start filtering into stores across the United States.
  • September 17 - More Than Meets the Eye, Part 1 premieres on U.S. television Saturday morning.
  • Unknown date - the UK is the only European country to get Transformers toys this year. Toys are being distributed by Hasbro. Megatron is not available until 1985.
  • September 20 - The Marvel UK comic begins publication.
  • December - Transformers mania is in full swing, as the figures fly off store shelves, becoming the year's best seller for Hasbro.
  • Unknown date - Takara conduct test market sales of the Hasbro toys in Japan, under the working name "Henshin Sentai Transformers" ("Transformation Squadron Transformers").

1985

  • July 6th - Seasons 1 and 2 of the US cartoon begin airing in Japan as Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformer.
  • The Transformers toyline starts getting released to most European markets, with Hasbro using Milton Bradley's facilities for the continental European market, due to an initial lack of resources on their own. The MB toys would be available in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain and include lots of oddities unique to Europe, such as a red version of Tracks. Concurrently, GiG launches Trasformers (sic) in Italy (Diaclone toys with no Transformers license), while El Greco launches their short-lived version of the line in Greece.
  • October 6 - The first Usenet post about the Transformers cartoon is posted to net.comics by Bill Flanagan.

1986

  • August 8 - The Transformers: The Movie is released in theatres in the United States. International releases follow, except for Japan and Germany.

1987

The American version of the G1 cartoon ends its run, to be replaced in Japan by the Headmasters cartoon.

1988

1989

  • August - Hasbro begins manufacturing and selling Transformers toys in mainland China. [1]
  • August 9 - The Transformers: The Movie finally is released in Japan, where it is not actually called "Matrix Forever".

1990s

1990

  • The last year of Generation 1 toys are released in North America, while the franchise continues in Japan and Europe.

1991

  • (Cover date of July) - The Marvel Comic ends in the United States with issue 80.

1992

1993

  • Generation 2 attempts to revive the Transformers franchise in North America.
  • The last year of Generation 1 toys are released in Europe.
  • On September 11th, the Usenet newsgroup alt.toys.transformers is established. Fans now have a dedicated online public forum on which to discuss whatever is ruining Transformers.

1994

  • July 16 - The first BotCon is held, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  • Generation 2 is released in Europe.

1995

  • Generation 2 begins in Japan, the first Transformers series there in years.
  • Generation 2 craps out in every market, including Japan.
  • August 5-6 - BotCon 1995 is held in Dayton, Ohio.

1996

  • Beast Wars is launched. The fandom declares it will forever destroy Transformers and nobody will ever like it ever, certainly not ten years into the future.
  • Beast Wars revives the franchise.
  • Beast Wars is the best Transformers anything ever.
  • July 12-14 - BotCon 1996 is held in Rosemont, Illinois.

1997

1998

  • June 19-20 - BotCon 1998 is held in Anaheim, California.

1999

2000s

2000

2001

2002

  • Hasbro Transformers lead designer Aaron Archer begins to post on the Transfandom.com boards as ORSON, at first primarily to refute various false claims about Transformers: Armada. Skeptical fans remark that if he is a Hasbro designer, then they are various members of the British Monarchy.
  • April 3 - Dreamwave Productions begins publishing Transformers comics with Transformers Generation 1 #1. There is much rejoicing.
  • Aaron Archer does his best to kill Transformers through incredible sales; Armada kicks off the Unicron Trilogy, the toys appear on store shelves in mid-July, the cartoon premieres in August.
  • July 6 - Armada toys begin arriving in small toy stores and Kay-Bee. [2]
  • July 26-28 - BotCon 2002 is held in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

2003

2004

2005

  • January 4 - Dreamwave Productions goes bankrupt. Many artists complain about being unpaid for their work and/or being stuck with FedEx fees. Pat Lee gives them the finger and drives off in his Porsche.
  • April 18 - Don Murphy reports that he wants to please the fans, Dreamworks want to change everything, and Hasbro don't care either way as long as the movie gets done in time.
  • Michael Bay announced as the director for Transformers. It will still totally be G1, honest.
  • May 19 - IDW Publishing acquires the Transformers comic book license.
  • September 22-25 - BotCon 2005 is held in Frisco Texas, for the first time by Fun Publications. It's the official convention again.
  • October 19 - Infiltration #0, IDW's first Transformers comic, is released in comic book stores.

2006

2007

  • June- The first promotional images for Transformers Animated are released. Take a guess as to the reaction. G'wan.
  • June 27-July 1- BotCon 2007 is held at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island, Hasbro's hometown. It was expected to be the best Transformers convention ever. It was also expected to be the worst Transformers convention ever.
  • July 2- US theatres start showing the live-action Transformers motion picture at 8:00 PM. By midnight, it's made $8.8 million USD.
  • July 3- The Transformers release date. It makes $27.85 million, more money on a Tuesday than any film in history. Transformers ruined forever.
  • July 4- Americans celebrate their Independence Day by giving $29 million to that Hollywood movie about an alien robot summoning his friends to Earth where they disguise themselves as General Motors vehicles and team up with the United States Military to smash the evil robots. Unsuprisingly, this is more money than a movie's ever earned on the Fourth of July. Apparently, what's good for General Motors really is good for the country.
  • July 25- As of this writing, the Transformers movie has grossed $270 million in the United States, with worldwide gross earnings of nearly one half billion dollars US.
  • July 28- A Transformers Animated preview is shown to the public. The fandom rejoiced (and complained).

2008

  • January- Transformers Animated, which is sure to ruin Transformers to an even greater extent than was previously thought possible, is scheduled to premiere. The toys will be available in spring.


2009