thecartoonarchive.com

Cartoons from the 1980s and 1990s

Transformers! at the Cartoon Archive

Robots in Disguise!

There’s not a lot to say about Transformers that hasn’t already been said. They were popular back in the eighties and their still pop ular, albeit slightly changed today. The Original Transformers series aired in 1984, or as it is now known Transformers Generation One, was about a fight between two armies of giant robots, the Good Guys: The Autobots ( called the Cybertrons in Japan) and the Bad Guys: The Decepticons.
The robots were normally fairly human shaped in one state, but they could then also transform into another state, usually a vehicle. The good guys were lead by Optimus Prime and the bad guys were led by Megatron. They all came from a planet called Cybertron that was running low on energy, and so the various groups set out to find a new energy source. The Autobots were attacked by the Decepticons and both groups crashed into Planet Earth, where they lay for 4 million years! Then in 1984 a volcano erupted and woke up the dormant robots and so the battle began again! in Japan the first two seasons were called 'Fight! Super Robot Life Form Transformer!', but perhaps because this wasn't too catchy seasons 3 and 4 were renamed 'Transformers 2010'. Later in 1993 there was also another computer generated series of cartoons released called Transformers Generation 2, this was basically a souping up of the original episodes using new computer technologies to push out more toys to a new generation of kids.
The fact that Transformers was really a vehicle to push out the Japanese Microman and Diaclone toys on which the cartoon was based, meant that the cartoon notoriously suffered from some very poor/strange plot lines and not much in the way  of story continuity. For example seasons would begin with a complete change of cast or addition of new members of the autobots/decepticons as additions were made to the toy lines. We also had the introduction of the Dino-bots and the Insecticons, as their respective toy-lines became available. Despite this the cartoons evoke some very fond memories, and have led to some great action films recently released (see resources section) and who can forget the chi-kuu-koo sound that the transformers make, there's nothing quite like it!

Autobots

The autobots are led by Optimus Prime, a red and blue machine that can transform into a huge HGV. There are too many autobots to mention here, but the included BumbleBee, Gears, Hound, Jazz, Prowl, Ironside, BlueStreak etc). In the original Japanese cartoon Autobots were known as Cybertrons.
The Autobots whilst travelling to find a new source of energy aboard the Ark are attacked by the Decepticons. The ensuing battle crashes them to Earth where they are dormant for many milions of years.
When they awake the Autobots be-friend humans such as SparkPlug and Spike Witwicky. The Autobots are now intent on defending the humans and ridding the Earth of the Decepticon menace.

Decepticons

Decepticons

The Decepticons are led by Megatron, who has a hugely powerful arm cannon. Megatron can transform into smaller weapons and also partners with StarScream ( a decepticon that can turn into a jet) as a weapon under StarScream's under-carriage. Other Decepticons include SkWarp, ThunderCracker, Reflector.
Megatron often has conflict within his own group and StarScream particularly would like an opportunty to fight Megatron for control of the Decepticons. Megatron wishes to rule Cybertron and possibly then the universe! He has no real compassion for humans, but allies himself with Dr Arkville to further his aims.  In the Japanese original the Decepticons were known as the Desetrons.

Transformers: The Lyrics

The Transformers,
More than meets the eye
Autobots wage their battle to destroy the evil forces of the deceptions
Transformers
Robots in disguise
The Transformers
More than meets the eye
Transformers!