Generation One Reissues Index

Generation One U.S. Reissues (Toys "R" Us Exclusives)

Ah, the original Transformers. Brings back memories, doesn't it? If it doesn't, then you've either been living in a cave all your life (in which case you aren't reading this), or you weren't around during the 1980s. Regardless, due to a burgeoning '80s nostalgia craze and increasing Transformers sales, Hasbro decided to begin re-releasing the original "Generation 1" Transformers in late summer of 2002. They were released in much smaller amounts than they had been originally, however, for obvious reasons, and as such, they were sold only at Toys "R" Us stores, as exclusives.
To be honest, however, these toys are not true reissues. Most of these have been remolded slightly to fit the more strict safety standards that have been placed on toys today- i.e., making the missiles longer, blunting sharp edges, etc. This, coupled with the inclusion of diecast metal (which is more expensive nowadays than it was back then) and an overall greater toy complexity, also led to highly inflated prices for the reissues- in some cases, as much as 300%! This was not all Hasbro's fault, however- Toys "R" Us was the main culprit in upping the prices so much. Although the high prices didn't affect the sales of more popular characters, like Optimus Prime, they really started to take their toll as the line continued, and Toys "R" Us canned the line in late 2004, with a few sporadic releases showing up as exclusives in later years.
Later on, as the collector market burgeoned, G1 Reissues again became a bigger seller, with other reissues being released in multiple other avenues, such as online or as Wal-Mart exclusives. (Some toys, such as G1 Hot Rod/Rodimus, have been reissued multiple times. I only cover the first instance of a reissue here, unless there are substantial changes, like a complete redeco.)

(RATINGS NOTE: I am not an expert at sticker applications, nor do I pretend to be. Thus, some of the toy pictures may have some small stickers slightly off-center or even missing altogether. Sorry, but when I can't get 'em on, I can't get 'em on. Also, an extra "stat"- how hard it is to apply the toy's stickers- is included in these reviews as well. For hard sticker applications, I recommend using the tip of a missile to help apply the stickers to their proper places. Price will also factor into a toys' rating, but I will go easy on them when it comes to articulation and detailing, seeing how old these toys are.)

Series I
Optimus Prime
Rodimus Major
Ultra Magnus

Series II
Powermaster Optimus Prime
Starscream

Series III
Autobot Jazz
Silverstreak
Thundercracker

Series IV
Prowl
Red Alert
Skywarp

Series V
Autobot Tracks
Hoist
Inferno

Series VI
Autobot Grapple
Smokescreen

Series VII
Dirge
Rodimus Prime

Series VIII
Autobot Skids
Side Swipe (Toys "R" Us AND KB Toys Exclusive)

Series IX
Astrotrain (Hasbrotoyshop.com Exclusive)
Ricochet w/ Nightstick

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