For those of you that are new to the Transformers Universe, it can be a complicated one to understand!

The Transformers toyline, cartoon series, comic books, and previous movie all owe their existence to the Japanese toyline, Microman. In 1980, the Microman spin off, Diaclone, was released. It featured inch-tall humanoid figures who were able to sit in the drivers' seats of scale model vehicles.  The vehichles could transform into humanoid robot bodies the drivers piloted... whew what a concept!!

My main interest is in the Marvel Comics comic book line. Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief at that time, Jim Shooter, produced a story concept for the series, creating the idea of the two warring factions of alien robots – the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons.

 Having the concept Shooter then called upon veteran comics editor Dennis O'Neil to create character names and profiles for the cast of characters. Unfortunately O’Neill’s work – for whatever reason – did not meet with Hasbro’s expectations, and they requested heavy revisions to the whole concept.

O’Neill declined to make the requested revisions, and the project was then turned down by several other writers and editors until editor Bob Budiansky accepted the daunting task. After a weekend's marathon of work, Budiansky’s new names and profiles were a hit with Hasbro, and thus production began on a bi-monthly four-issue comic book miniseries, and three-part television pilot! The Transformers TV show, toy line and comic book series went on to great success in the USA !

NOTE:  There was a previous Transformers movie before this new one due out in July....  In 1986 the summer release of  'The Transformers: The Movie' was released. However it was a critical and box-office flop. Hopefully this new movie will increase exposure to the Transformers Universe!