Their disguises have engaged us for such a long time, it’s hard to believe that the beloved Transformers rolled out exactly 40 years ago. Since its inception in 1984, the robots in disguise have evolved from a kids toy line, and transformed into a franchise powerhouse that has been embraced by millions of fans around the world.
From its worldwide debut as revolutionary robot-to-vehicle action figures, to combining a series of smaller ones into one massive robot, The Transformers have also evolved, by adding several comic book series and animated series, followed by a series of successful live-action Transformers films.
But guys will never forget their first, which was the franchise’s first animated movie feature in 1986, The Transformers: The Movie, which has since been regarded as a cult favourite among fans. In recent years, the countless animated series and live-action movies that followed, alongside Hasbro’s toy releases, have kept the franchise going stronger than ever.
In 2024, Hasbro is celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Transformers with an onslaught of toy lines, as well as a new animated movie, Transformers One, hitting cinemas in September. The first animated movie since 1986, the film will explore the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron during their teenage years on Cybertron.
To further add to the celebrations, Hasbro Singapore and Malaysia are giving out a Limited Edition Transformers 40th Anniversary Coin Set starting this month, to fans who purchase above S$100 (Singapore) / RM300 (Malaysia) worth of Transformers toys from participating retailers. Be warned, this is while stocks last!
The double-sided coin comes embossed with the Autobots and Decepticons logo mashed together on the front, while the 40th Anniversary logo along with “TILL ALL ARE ONE” and “MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE” are printed on the reverse side. It also comes packed with a printed card of authenticity with its serial number embossed XXXX/5000 pieces made. Do note that this coin is exclusive only to select Southeast Asia markets and not available anywhere else.
Participating retailers are as follows:
- SINGAPORE: Hasbro SG on Lazada, Hasbro SG on Shopee, The Falcon’s Hangar and Robo Robo.
- MALAYSIA: Hasbro MY on Lazada, Hasbro MY on Shopee, MYTOY and 1TOY.
To get things started, here are a few of the latest top picks to include on your buy list!
Transformers Legacy United Voyager Class Cybertron Universe Vector Prime
This 7-inch Cybertron Universe Vector Prime action figure converts between robot and spacecraft modes in 22 steps. Gear up for battle with the included sword and Cyber-Key accessories that attach in both modes. The Cybertron Universe Vector Prime figure is inspired by the character from the animated series, Transformers: Cybertron, and features articulated head, arms, and legs.
Transformers: One Studio Series 112 Deluxe Optimus Prime
Inspired by Transformers: One, this Transformers Studio Series action figure features movie-inspired details and accessories. The action figure converts from robot to Cybertronian truck mode in 25 steps, and comes included with a Metropolis of Iacon removable backdrop scene for posing fun.
Transformers Studio Series Deluxe The Transformers: The Movie 86 Bumblebee
Inspired by The Transformers: The Movie, this action figure features movie-inspired details and accessories. Convert the Studio Series Transformers action figure from robot to mini car mode in 23 steps and it comes included with ‘The Depths of Unicron’ removable backdrop scene for posing fun.
These are just a few of the upcoming releases to mark the franchise’s 40 years – which character do you want to see get a new release?
Yonk is a geek who is fortunate enough to have an equally geeky Star Wars fan for a wife, who owns a LEGO Millennium Falcon encased in a glass coffee table as their home’s centre-piece.
Si Jia
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