Learn fascinating variations between the Transformersof Japan, America, and Europe through hundreds of gorgeous color photographs. This in-depth guide delves into such Japanese toy lines as the Headmasters, Masterforce, Zone, and Return of Convoy, European figures including the Turbomasters, Predators, and the Obliterators, and the early Pre-Transformers like the Diaclones and Kronoforms. Fun to read, and with current market values in each caption, this is the book collectors have been waiting for. Transform and roll out!

What is a Transformer? "A toy that through a series of changes can alter its form from a vehicle to a robot." This ground-breaking book, now in its new and improved second edition, presents these incredible changing figures of the 1980s and '90s in over 500 color photos with descriptions and an up-to-date price guide. The history of these toys is presented, from the early Diaclone, Diacrone, and Micronautsof Japan through the emergence of Hasbro's Transformerscreations to the Transmetals and Fuzors of the late nineties. This immensely popular guide belongs in the library of every action figure collector.

An engaging text and over 1,000 color images display the Transformers*TM collectibles beyond the action figures, including PVC figures and cold cast porcelain busts, arts & crafts, battery operated toys, birthday party decorations and favors, clothing, comics, DVDs, puzzles, radios, videos, and walkie-talkies. The captions provide current market values for the items displayed.

Cult Collectors examines cultures of consumption and the fans who collect cult film and TV merchandise. Author Lincoln Geraghty argues that there has been a change in the fan convention space, where collectible merchandise and toys, rather than just the fictional text, have become objects for trade, nostalgia, and a focal point for fans’ personal narratives. New technologies also add to this changing identity of cult fandom whereby popular websites such as eBay and ThinkGeek become cyber sites of memory and profit for cult fan communities. The book opens with an analysis of the problematic representations of fans and fandom in film and television. Stereotypes of the fan and collector as portrayed in series such as The Big Bang Theory and films like The 40 Year Old Virgin are discussed alongside changes in consumption practices and the mainstreaming of cult media. Following this, theoretical chapters consider issues of gender, representation, nostalgia and the influence of social media. Finally, extended case study chapters examine in detail the connections between the fan community and the commodities bought and sold. Topics discussed include: The San Diego Comic-Con and the cult geographies of the fan convention Hollywood memorabilia and collecting cinema history The Star Wars franchise, merchandising and the adult collector Online stores and the commercialisation of cult fandom Mattel, Hasbro and nostalgia for animated eighties children’s television

From veteran collectors to the new generation of "Transformers", fans enthralled by the blockbuster DreamWorks "Transformers" movie, everyone will find key identifying details and secondary market pricing for their favorite first generation "robots in disguise," in this pocket-sized guide. Autobots and Deceptions manufactured between 1984 and 1990 are featured in 500 superb color photos, which also feature each character in their alternative mode.

For many years, the Transformers have been a staple of pop culture. As new and old collectors seek to enhance their knowledge of this toy line, this book provides a wide view of the Transformers action figures from their earliest incarnations, their journey through the 1980s, and culminating with the Beast Wars in the 1990s. Extremely well researched, this guide provides information on the development of the figures while explaining their key features, along with showcasing many figure variations. Featuring images of figures both in and out of package, yearly product listings for easy reference, and pricing examples for many key items, this book is a great tool for reintroducing yourself or getting familiar with these toys from the past.

Charts toy robot design of the last half of the 20th century and explores Japanese aesthetics in tinplate toys, especially robots. Over 200 photographs and original conceptual drawings illustrate this fascinating history. Robotic manufacturers such as Tomy, Horikawa, Waco, and Sony are just a few of the Japanese manufacturers whose robotic designs are featured here. Captions provide much relevant information, including date, size, manufacturer, and current values. An important book for historians, collectors, designers, and students of Japanese studies and popular culture in the golden age of toy production.