One of the most iconic and beloved franchises to come from the '80s is Transformers. The robots in disguise conquered pop culture through cartoons, comics, live-action films, and, most importantly, through toys. It is no secret that the successful cartoon series was just a ploy to sell more figures, but this was hardly needed as these toys practically sold themselves.
Even today, collectors love to get their hands on all kinds of Transformers statues and figures, both newly released and original. There is a multitude of collectible figures for fans to hunt down and display. But which ones widen eyes and empty wallets the fastest?
Tiger Handheld Games
One of the most popular toys to come from the '80s and '90s was the Tiger Handheld Games. These simple and cheap games revolved around a screen that light up static images to simulate movement.
These games may not be much in terms of gameplay, but they are looked back on fondly in terms of nostalgia. If the recent years have taught consumers anything, it is that nostalgia sells, so these Tiger games have made a comeback. Many collectors seek out these Transformers variants from their childhoods, and just as many buy up the new ones as well for a fun time capsule.
Transformers X Collaborations
Transformers is one of the best-known IPs of all time. One of the best ideas to come from Hasbro is to merge them with other known properties - such as Transformers X. This line takes popular vehicles from fan-favorite films and turns them into a transformable Autobot or Decepticon.
Each one also features a unique name to add further charm to the figure. The Back To The Future DeLorean becomes Autobot Gigawatt. The Ghostbusters' Ecto 1 becomes Ectotron. Most recently, fans can purchase a two-pack featuring a Decepticon T-Rex named Tyrannocon Rex, and a Jeep turned Autobot simply named JP-94, based on Jurassic Park.
Star Wars Crossover
Leading up to and following the release of Revenge Of The Sith in 2005, Star Wars was more popular than ever. This was most apparent when browsing any toy aisle at the time. Hasbro already owned the toy rights to Star Wars, so they made the logical choice to cash in on the hype and release a line of Transformers inspired by the galaxy far far away.
Many fan-favorite characters received their own figure, including Darth Maul, Obi-Wan Kenobi, several Darth Vaders (one of which turns into the Death Star), and a two-pack Han Solo and Chewbacca that combine to form the Millennium Falcon. The line lasted from 2005 until 2008 and had a brief resurgence in 2011. Fans are just as eager to purchase these figures now as they were back then.
Helmet Replicas
Many collectors agree that one of the coolest kinds of collectibles is replicas. From weapons to artifacts, any kind of nerdy replica will garner major cool points among the community. Imagine then how cool it must be, to see replica heads of the heroic Autobot Optimus Prime, and the menacing Decepticon Megatron inspired by their G1 looks. These GameStop exclusive helmets are incredibly detailed and are enough to make any fan stare in awe.
They can be displayed to cause envy in others, but that's not all. Their eyes have LED lights to either bring hope or strike fear. Both helmets also feature voice clips from their respective character. Whether for display or for creative cosplay, these helmets are sure to bring joy to their owners and they can have one of their own by late August.
Studio Series Hot Rod
Recently, Hasbro has released the Transformers Studio Series, a series of highly detailed figures for the adult collector. One of the coolest figures in this line was a Hot Rod figure based on his appearance in Transformers: The Movie.
Hot Rod has been a fan-favorite character ever since his debut in the animated film, and this is arguably the best figure he has ever received. The figure is highly articulate and, of course, transformable, as well as detailed as a figure based on animation can be. Of all the figures in the line, this is one of the most sought after and praised.
Classic G1 Figures
When it comes to a variety of subjects, the original seems to be better. To many, this especially rings true to Transformer figures, as the original line of figures is just as popular now as they were in the '80s. Whether it is original fans living out their nostalgia, or newer fans going back to the beginning, there are plenty of reasons to return to the toy line that started it all.
Of course, well-known characters, such as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, or Megatron, are the most sought after. However, some of the best, lesser-known side characters in the Transformers franchise will bring a retro edge to any fan's collection.
Sideshow Jet Power Optimus Prime Statue
There are many conflicting opinions about Michael Bay's Transformers films. One thing not many people can dispute is that there are several awesome moments. One such moment came in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen when the newly resurrected Optimus Prime returns to battle the Fallen, using parts from Jetfire, the ancient Autobot, to help.
This is one of the most powerful forms Optimus Prime has ever had in Transformers, and the legends at Sideshow Collectables commemorated this iconic moment with an equally iconic statue. Detailed doesn't begin to describe the care taken to make this giant figure as movie accurate as possible. Just because a Transformers figure doesn't transform doesn't lower the cool factor, and this statue is proof of that.
Nightwatch Optimus Prime
Like any toy line of a big-budget movie, there are variants of characters that never happen on screen, such as the case with Nightwatch Optimus Prime. This deluxe figure has a new blue and silver paint job and includes lights and sounds. The figure was bigger than most figures at the time, and it could be quite challenging to transform it.
With some practice, the process became easier, although most left him in robot form so they could admire it. Fourteen years later, the figure is enjoyed just as much by adult collectors, and it makes a fantastic addition to any collection.
Studio Series Devastator
Hasbro's Studio Series line has plenty of detailed figures fans love. Perhaps one of the favorites, however, is Devastator based on his appearance in Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen. The package contains four figures, the Constructicons, who each transform into various construction equipment.
The four can be combined into the appropriate titles Devastator. A similar four-pack was released when the film came out, but this is incredibly movie-accurate and practically begs to be displayed on a collector's shelf. The figure is a perfect example of how the Michael Bay films had some great character designs.
War For Cybertron Unicron
Robots that turn into vehicles are cool enough, but a giant robot that transforms into an entire planet that then proceeds to devour other planets is a different beast entirely. Such an awesome character should have an equally awesome figure, and that is exactly what Unicron from Hasbro's War For Cybertron line is.
This massive figure is one of the biggest figures to ever carry the Transformers name and is sure to be the centerpiece of any collection. The planet mode has a base to display it on, but it looks just as incredible in robot form. This figure isn't very play-friendly, as it is a daunting task to switch between forms. However, it does bring joy to fans old and young alike.