Transformers Generations vol 1 - Review

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Transformers Generations 2009 Vol. 1 got released in Japan. I snagged a copy yesterday and I'm glad that I did. It is a feast for Japanese Transformers fans.



This book is very similar in style and presentation to the Japanese Transformers Collection 2007 book. In fact, this book begins where Transformers Collection 2007 left off.

There are 100 pages of photographs, captions (in Japanese), drawings, and a mini comic. The purpose of the book is to showcase all of the TakaraTomy Transformers from the past two years, which was executed very well. You'll find lots of detailed pictures showing numerous angles and gimmicks for each figure. In some cases, may be too much. Everything is printed on high quality paper, which allows magnificent detail to be shown. Each figure gets 1-4 pages. The book covers Henkei, Alternity, Binaltech, Masterpiece, Encore, Marvel Crossover, and miscellaneous figures like exclusives and branded labels, like Music Label.

Alternity Convoy is the first thing you'll encounter when you open the book. A whopping 10 pages are devoted to him. Takara isn't pulling any stops with this little guy's promotion. Too bad his release date couldn't be as determined. Alternity Megatron is not featured in this book.

The Henkei figures cover all of them from Optimus Prime to Dinobot. Japanese exclusives are also shown. Each figure is displayed in 2-5 shots. A frame with the Hasbro version is included for comparison. The only Henkei figures not included were Red Alert, Smokescreen, and the Minibots (they'll probably be in volume 2).

For the Binaltech & Masterpiece section, expect to see: Arcee, Blue Streak, Argent Meister, Convoy, MP US Edition Starscream, MP Thundercracker, and Grimlock. The details of Grimlock include the transformation process. Sorry...can't give away secrets...

The Encore section is another worthwhile feature. The book covers the figures from Ironhide through Hoist. (Optimus, Megatron, Starscream, and Soundwave were covered in Transformers Collection 2007). The cassettes and Bruticus were not included, but they will probably be in the next volume.

The miscellaneous figures include: Disney Label, Music Label, Marvel Crossovers, and Encore exclusives. Chrono Label is not included.

Now for the fun part! The reason why this book is called "Generations" is because it connects all 25 years (And if you’ve been paying attention - you'll also know that is the campaign theme on Takara Transformers website). http://www.takaratomy.co.jp/products/TF/25th/25th.html

So, where the first half of the book focuses on the present; the second half focuses on the past. The entertainment begins with G1 Optimus Prime. Have you ever imagined attending an Optimus Prime party? Take every G1 Optimus Prime ever made (legitimately by Takara & Hasbro) and let them strut around on twelve pages. There are over two dozen Primes, and they all want their picture taken. It's like a Prime convention. What is particularly cool about having all the Primes together for a family reunion is that you can see all the big and small variations between each figure, trailer, andor box. Attendees at this party include Diaclone Prime; 1984&85 Prime (first, second, and third runs); Pepsi exclusives, Goodbye Convoy, Lucky Draw, G2, New Year Specials, Commemorative Series, etc?Eunning all the way up to the present. Prime fans might want to get the book just for this alone.

The other cool feature of this book is the concept art. Some very intriguing, old, and outlandish drawings have been pulled from some dusty archive hidden below Takara's HQ. There are drawings of Powered Convoy (Ultra Magnus) with armor resembling Go-Bot power suits; motorcycles for instance, are used for his arms and legs. Other cool drawings include a Robotech looking Prime featuring a different transformation and a trailer that transforms into a combat vehicle; Mirage, Inferno, and Sludge are also included, in addition to a slew of others you wouldn't recognize.

I highly recommend this book if you are into concept art and like referencing Japanese figures from numerous angles.