Dedicated to the timeless classic "Transformers" in my memory

and has never faded away

The live-action Transformers series has produced four films. For those who enjoy tracing back to the origins, we will never forget that all of this originated from a children's animated series from our childhood. However, at that time, none of us anticipated the profound impact it would have on us in the future

Dedicated to the Optimus Prime and Megatron deep in my memory

A simple toy advertisement animation has evolved into a series of nearly 700 episodes of long-form animation; originally, the toy product was deemed successful with a projected cumulative revenue of 30 million USD, but it has ultimately transformed into a classic licensed product with global sales exceeding 500 million units and revenues in the billions of USD.

Although the creators initially had no intention of explaining these elements, the expansion and complexity of the "Transformers" universe later led to various "nonsensical explanations" provided by numerous official statements driven by commercial interests. However, the fact that such a problematic animated work as https://www.hetushucom.com could still achieve such success and become a classic likely points to deeper underlying reasons

The progressive style of the "Transformers" series ensures that its related products consistently maintain a close connection with the popular elements of the contemporary environment. This has resulted in a diverse style that remains anchored in its unchanging essence. Consequently, we are able to witness a continuous stream of innovative works and entirely new toy designs. The success of these subsequent works is undoubtedly built upon the foundation established by the original 1984 edition of "Transformers".

When the live-action "Transformers" made a strong debut in 2007, it ignited the childhood memories of a generation of Chinese people! A wave of nostalgia swept across the land! However, for me personally, this enthusiasm is entirely irrelevant nostalgia! Because I have never been apart from my "steel companions" in the comics, and they have never left me!

It is well known that robot-themed and toy-related works are important branches of Japanese animation and the model market. However, for Western audiences and consumers who are influenced by the "Frankenstein shadow," such works often play a supporting role in mainstream science fiction, making it difficult for them to take center stage

Since the 1984 version of "Transformers," through the numerous Japanese works that followed, to the "Beast Wars" series in the 1990s that reignited the "Transformers" craze, and then to the emergence of many new era animated and toy works after the millennium. Since that winter in 1989, I have never left these robot warriors with their own emotions, who have accompanied me through one spring, summer, autumn, and winter after another

The vast capacity of the European and American markets can indeed fully accommodate a successful work with such a theme. "Transformers" and "Voltron: Defender of the Universe," which emerged around the same time, happened to seize this market opportunity. They do not carry the heavy style of Japanese anime; instead, they present a relatively relaxed and more straightforward worldview characteristic of American animation. Coupled with the vigorous promotion by toy manufacturers, success was essentially predetermined from the very beginning

In fact, "Transformers" is a work that, upon closer examination, has numerous issues with its content and setting.

It is likely that even Hasbro did not anticipate that, much like Disney's rise from a small mouse, the success of the Transformers series of products originated from the story of a small toy. However, this story, rich in commercial flavor, unexpectedly resonated with our generation of children and became one of the most beautiful parts of our memories

The lack of rigor in the artwork and the numerous fatal flaws in the settings not only led to many jokes at the time of its airing, but even from today's perspective, they are quite evident! Almost every child of that era would be puzzled by Optimus Prime's seemingly magical transformation from a truck, and would be astonished by how Soundwave's massive form could turn into a mini cassette recorder

Transformers, transform and roll out

In the winter of the early 1990s, I welcomed my first winter vacation in elementary school. The animated series that aired at 6 PM every evening was the most anticipated moment for all children during that period. On an unremarkable day, a TV animated feature that had already become a sensation in the United States a few years prior suddenly appeared, completely transforming my world and perspective. From that moment on, the outside world unfolded before me like a door filled with freshness and vitality for the very first time.

Although the screening time was such that my hometown in the SD region of China saw the release of "Transformers" nearly six months later than many areas in BJSH, this did not in the slightest diminish my fervent love and pursuit of this work

The 1984 version of "Transformers" is essentially just a long advertisement produced by the American toy company Hasbro. The prototype of this toy series merely stems from a rehash of some mini robot combat series from Takara. Even when the American side insisted on repackaging these products that had been on the market for years for animated promotion, the toy creators in Japan did not believe that this idea would lead to success

For the creators at Toei Animation in Japan, who are accustomed to magical girl and action themes and regard robots merely as 'driving tools,' there was fundamentally a lack of respect for this commissioned work from the outset. However, as the saying goes, 'Intentions to plant flowers may not yield blooms, while unintentional efforts may lead to flourishing willows.' The final product of this film exceeded everyone's expectations significantly. Thus, a remarkable animated work with a captivating worldview and convincing character designs emerged. Moreover, the sales of related toys were completely stimulated, and all subsequent successes were beyond the initial expectations of the production team