Transfomers Timeline: 1984 - Present

Here's everything you ever want to know about the Transformers - where the robots came from and how they evolved from being a popular toyline into one of the most anticipated movies of all time. From Rope of Silicon:

Pre-1984

Hasbro secures the rights to many changing/converting robot brands in Japan and creates the umbrella name The Transformers to unite them. Takara, a Japanese toy manufacturer, saw the potential for future Transformers growth and becomes Hasbro's lead partner in the development of new Transformers products. This successful alliance has lasted for more than 20 years.

1984

The Transformers toy line is launched by Hasbro, with a classic theme song that had kids all over the U.S. reciting the refrain "Robots in Disguise." The 21 toys in the original set include Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Jazz and Starscream. This is the beginning of what has come to be known the "Generation: 1" era.

The Transformers animated television series debuts with a mini-series entitled "More than Meets the Eye." New episodes began in September, airing on Saturday mornings.