Just as the characters on "Transformers" change from one form to another, the entire Transformers universe has gone through several changes and incarnations. This includes numerous animated series and the recent live-action film directed by Michael Bay. Perhaps, the most familiar would be the Generation 1 version which was the animated series that ran during the 80´s. The original "Transformers" show began life as a toy line in Japan that was purchased by Hasbro for distribution throughout the States. Following their successful collaboration on "G.I. Joe," Hasbro once again went to Sunbow to produce the cartoon and Marvel Comics to create a storyline to incorporate into the toy and tie-in series. The show went off the air in 1992, but four years later it was reincarnated as the all-CGI "Beast Wars" where the characters transformed into animals rather than vehicles.
The most recent versions of "Transformers" to hit the airwaves are a trio of series that fans have dubbed "The Unicron Trilogy." Produced in Japan, the trilogy began with "Transformers: Armada" and was followed by "Transformers: Energon" and, finally, "Transformers: Cybertron." The latter two used computer animation to create the Transformers. While "Armada" and "Energon" were direct sequels to one another, "Cybertron" is more of a reboot than a sequel. "Cybertron" does pick up where "Energon" left off, but wipes the slate clean and makes no reference to past continuity. New fans will have no problem with that though the ones who´ve followed each show might be a tad confused.
"Transformers: Cybertron" has been released in complete form through this seven disc Ultimate Collection.
The pilot episode of "Transformers: Cybertron" begins on the Transformers´ home planet of Cybertron after the destruction of the planet-sized menace known as Unicron. His annihilation has left a black hole above Cybertron threatening to destroy it. With no other choice, Optimus Prime leads his fellow Autobots on an exodus to Earth. In order to save their home, the Autobots must collect four powerful items known as the Cyber Planet Keys which have been scattered across the universe. The Keys were formed from the spark (a Transformers´ soul) of Primus, the first Transformer, and only that power will stop the back hole. The Cyber Planet Keys can also be utilized by a Transformer to give them additional powers and weapons. The Autobots´ quest to save Cybertron takes them to other planets inhabited by Transformers they´ve never seen before.
As in the other cartoons, Optimus Prime is the leader of our heroes. The other main Autobots include familiar names like Hotshot, Red Alert, and Jetfire. When they arrive on Earth, the Autobots befriend three kids who become their guides to their new world. There´s Coby, a mechanical whiz and his younger brother Bud, and Lori, the lone female. The kids do their best to hide the Autobots´ existence from their parents and other humans. Eventually, they go on to meet two adult allies in Professor Lucy Suzuki, who has studied extraterrestrial life for years, and Col. Mitch Franklin whose life was saved by an Autobot years ago. Of course, you can´t have heroes without villains and the Decepticons are ever present as always. That includes Megatron and Starscream.
Just as the characters on "Transformers" change from one form to another, the entire Transformers universe has gone through several changes and incarnations. This includes numerous animated series and the recent live-action film directed by Michael Bay. Perhaps, the most familiar would be the Generation 1 version which was the animated series that ran during the 80´s. The original "Transformers" show began life as a toy line in Japan that was purchased by Hasbro for distribution throughout the States. Following their successful collaboration on "G.I. Joe," Hasbro once again went to Sunbow to produce the cartoon and Marvel Comics to create a storyline to incorporate into the toy and tie-in series. The show went off the air in 1992, but four years later it was reincarnated as the all-CGI "Beast Wars" where the characters transformed into animals rather than vehicles.
The most recent versions of "Transformers" to hit the airwaves are a trio of series that fans have dubbed "The Unicron Trilogy." Produced in Japan, the trilogy began with "Transformers: Armada" and was followed by "Transformers: Energon" and, finally, "Transformers: Cybertron." The latter two used computer animation to create the Transformers. While "Armada" and "Energon" were direct sequels to one another, "Cybertron" is more of a reboot than a sequel. "Cybertron" does pick up where "Energon" left off, but wipes the slate clean and makes no reference to past continuity. New fans will have no problem with that though the ones who´ve followed each show might be a tad confused.
"Transformers: Cybertron" has been released in complete form through this seven disc Ultimate Collection.
The pilot episode of "Transformers: Cybertron" begins on the Transformers´ home planet of Cybertron after the destruction of the planet-sized menace known as Unicron. His annihilation has left a black hole above Cybertron threatening to destroy it. With no other choice, Optimus Prime leads his fellow Autobots on an exodus to Earth. In order to save their home, the Autobots must collect four powerful items known as the Cyber Planet Keys which have been scattered across the universe. The Keys were formed from the spark (a Transformers´ soul) of Primus, the first Transformer, and only that power will stop the back hole. The Cyber Planet Keys can also be utilized by a Transformer to give them additional powers and weapons. The Autobots´ quest to save Cybertron takes them to other planets inhabited by Transformers they´ve never seen before.
As in the other cartoons, Optimus Prime is the leader of our heroes. The other main Autobots include familiar names like Hotshot, Red Alert, and Jetfire. When they arrive on Earth, the Autobots befriend three kids who become their guides to their new world. There´s Coby, a mechanical whiz and his younger brother Bud, and Lori, the lone female. The kids do their best to hide the Autobots´ existence from their parents and other humans. Eventually, they go on to meet two adult allies in Professor Lucy Suzuki, who has studied extraterrestrial life for years, and Col. Mitch Franklin whose life was saved by an Autobot years ago. Of course, you can´t have heroes without villains and the Decepticons are ever present as always. That includes Megatron and Starscream.
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