Hasbro's current Transformers toyline just got a blast from the animated past.
The Transformers: Legacy toyline contains fan-oriented figures representing characters from throughout the franchise's various continuities. One of these includes Transformers: Animated, which will receive new toys for two of its most prominent Autobots. A Deluxe Class and Voyager Class figure for Transformers: Animated Bumblebee and Optimus Prime have just been revealed. As per the case with the toyline's aesthetic, the toys combine the designs from the corresponding continuity (in this case, Animated) with the more evergreen look of Generation 1. The toys - revealed as part of the Hasbro Pulse Con lineup - are just a few of the toys that are going to be available as part of Legacy: United, the third phase of Transformers: Legacy.
As in the series, Animated Universe Bumblebee comes with his rocket boosters and a pair of electric energy "stingers." Likewise, Optimus Prime eschews the usual guns for a mighty energon ax, just like he did in that continuity's cartoon. These newly revealed toys aren't the only ones to represent the Transformers: Animated universe. Earlier in 2023, a toy for that continuity's version of Prowl was also released. Perfectly combining the cartoony aesthetic of his native series with a somewhat blockier, more typical Transformers look. It was not only the character's first toy in over a decade, but also the first toy released in the same span of time for that incarnation of the franchise as a whole.
Transformers: Animated was released in late 2007 (the same year as the first live-action Transformers movie), concluding in May 2009 (around the time that the movie Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen came out in theaters). It was initially controversial due to its unconventional designs and art style, not to mention Autobot leader Optimus Prime being portrayed as a young rookie. Nevertheless, fans quickly warmed up to the series due to its many callbacks to Generation 1 and the numerous fan-favorites that were brought back.
Chief among these was Starscream, whose design, characterization and voice were clearly meant to update the classic version. Other beloved Transformers such as Soundwave and the Dinobots also made appearances, giving old concepts a new look in a way that the movie series didn't. There were plans for a fourth season of the animated series, but this continuation never came to be. Thankfully, fans of this peculiar take on the Transformers franchise can celebrate it once again through these new toys.
The Transformers Legacy Toys will be available for pre-order on September 22, 2023.
Source: TFW