[Joe Moore]

Transformers Overview
Produced by Hasbro, the original Transformers line of toys, now dubbed Generation 1, ran from 1984 all the way through 1990. It consisted of hundreds of different toys during that era and is the foundation upon which all future Transformers series were built. The original figures were comprised of toys culled from Takara's various Japanese transforming robot lines from the 1970's, such as Diaclone and Microman. Eventually, Hasbro would incorporate designs from a few other, non-Takara toy lines and then move into completely original designs. Even to this day, new and old fans alike still compare the current toys to the originals, be it for it's design, originality or representation of the classic character it purports to be.



Star Wars Overview
Star Wars, as a toy line, began it's life in the very late 1970's by Kenner. However, it wasn't until the beginning 1980's when this toy line took a real foot hold on the toy world. This was the first toy line that would truly capitalize on licensing of a film property. The original toy lines ran from 1978 (though marketed in the holiday season of 1977) until 1985 and covered the entire original trilogy. In 1985 the line was discontinued by Kenner. The Star Wars line helped popularize the 3.75" action figure scale and was also one of the toy lines to help create the market for large vehicles. The styling of the original line lives on to this day, as Hasbro still releases figures in packaging modeled after the vintage card backs and Gentle Giant releases 12" versions of the original Kenner toy line.