[Analog]

I know that there have been Anime series based on TF, however why do people that I talk to assume that it started out as an anime series? Any thoughts or feedback?

[Kiai]

I just have this notion of old robot anime in the 80s starting with the japanese. Macross... (can't remember any others) and those other titles from back then were imported, I guess I just think of it that way. Guilty by association?

[PJ-Animation]

I've always been told that it was an anime, and I don't remember ever actually seeing the original series of Transformers ever, so I really didn't know for sure.

[Analog]

Well, it did come out in 1984. I remember the time well myself because I was 14 at the time and was crazy about TF and other toons and anime. But I know that TF was not anime. Robotech/Macross was... so was Star Blazers/Yamato and Battle of the Planets/Gatchaman and well as Voltron. TF, on the other hand, was created by Hasbro and Marvel. Now, the designs were based on a line of Japanese toys, but that was as close as the connection really was.

TF and GI Joe were hand in hand those days. Both were American concepts although both would go on to have Japanese anime spinoffs. Wiki has a good summary of it as well... better than my memory is that's for sure. :P

Transformers Wikipedia History

[Moelman]

I've always been told that it was an anime, and I don't remember ever actually seeing the original series of Transformers ever, so I really didn't know for sure.

Yeah, same here. I just thought of it as a cartoon as a little kid but once I started to get into anime I thought it was an anime..

[kyubichan]

To your question:

'coz they're morons.

[Moelman]

Oh come on, I'm not a moron, just misinformed.

[Chimasterwang]

I knew it wasnt anime XD
@Analog: Watch out for Lynk you used Wiki =P

[kyubichan]

>.> Sorry Moel. I was talking about the people that "Analog talked to"

[Moelman]

Ahh, no prob then.

[Analog]

I knew it wasnt anime XD
@Analog: Watch out for Lynk you used Wiki =P

Hehe Thanks for the warning Chim. I'll use Wiki for rambling histories (like TF) for a backup method. In this case, it reaffirmed (and helped me recall) what I once knew and filled in some gaps along the way. But I know its not the end all resource, but it can be helpful... especially the other source links often included in the articles.

[kyubichan]

I bet Lynk will love this.

[Rebel]

Transformers is based of a line of Japanese toys. The show is american made.

[Laughing Man]

Transformers was an American Idea. we made the initial Run, the original movie and that god awful crap called beast wars. and also what resparked everyones interest in transformers was RiD which i still think was great even though it wasn't originally transformers until it came stateside. its more or less a 50/50 Franchise. we started it, japan did their thing to it and pretty much took over
Like Mercedes Buying out Chrysler

[Lynk Former]

I've never thought that Transformers was an anime.

And technically, the Canadians made Beast Wars.

[Rebel]

I've never thought that Transformers was an anime.

And technically, the Canadians made Beast Wars.

yeah, but most dubbing is done in Vancouver, so....Mainframe kicked ass, I can't believe they tried to come back onto the scene with crap like Scary Godmother.

And contrary to Launghing Man, Beast Wars was/is a quite popular series. Most people hated Beast Machines. It's craptacularness was due to new writers who didnt know jack about transformers.

[Maverick]

I never thought it was anime, anyway the term anime wasn't and still it isn't very known here

[kyubichan]

I never thought it was anime, anyway the term anime wasn't and still it isn't very known here

*gasp* Poor, poor people...

Oh, and I liked Beast Wars, the one when they were on "Earth" ^^ With the tiger and the hawk...the one after that, when they returned to whats-that-planet, I didn't really like >.>

[Tyne]

I don't think I've ever run into anyone that thought it was an anime. Then again, Transformers isn't exactly a hot topic, but like Analog said, TF and GI Joe were hand in hand so, at least back then, there was little question if it was American made or not. I suppose it's becoming hot again with the new movie coming out. Anyone seen any trailers for it yet? I hope it doesn't suck like other much hyped movies (*coughEragoncough*).

Edit: Just saw Analog's other TF thread... for the movie. I really should scan the forums better before posting. :P

[Rebel]

Transformers interestingly never died in japan(we had that Gap from after Beast machines to RID), because they had 2 Beast Wars series and another TF series which they wont air in the States *coughbittorrentcough* It's always been a bit of a cult following over there. Not that Energon or Cybertron were ideal series to help restore the TF line. Armada, not so bad, RID just made me go: WTF?

[Chimasterwang]

People been coughing alot recently XD

[Lynk Former]

I know I like Beast Wars.

[kyubichan]

I know I like Cheetor. Myawr!

[Exofluke]

Saying transformers is anime is like comparing dinosaurs to your mothers dinner surprise. Just suck it up and eat it! I wouldn't mind if you called transformers anime. It doesn't really ruin the idea of anime. Since whenever I think of mech type stuff I think of Japan. That's probably why people think it's an anime anyhow. Mechs!

[Prime]

I've actually never heard it labeled as an anime, but then again I watched the original run.

[Morpheus]

I'm on the I like Beast Wars bandwagon. I liked the story overall, but disliked most of the character designs. Wasn't too big on the whole animal transforming concept when I grew up with Transformers the original series which was vehicle based.

[Geass]

I thought the toys where actually made by Takara, Later by Hasbro, later spanning in to a series that was kinda changed in to a semi-Animé american cartoon medium.

If I am correct, you have the character counterpart names, such as Optimus being known as Convoy in Japan. I am not sure whether it was made in Japan first then imported to the US where it panned out, or whether it was an American invention then Japan thought it was cool to improve upon it.

[Lynk Former]

The theory is that Transformers was conceived because of the rising popularity of transforming robot "cartoons" coming from Japan which led Hasbro to the decision to develop Transformers. At least that's what I heard.

[Damatee]

Its true that Mecha Anime was becoming more popular at the time which probably caused Hasbro to create Transformers to beat it, And it worked, only problem now is that it still remains popular over 20 years on which has (thanks to Hasbro selling the rights to pritty much anyone who wants them) caused a flood of 2nd rate anime attempts that pale in comparison to the original... with the exception of Beast Wars that show just rocks.

Although the new show that is rumoured to be in production is said to be in no way Anime looking.

[Rebel]

I thought the toys where actually made by Takara, Later by Hasbro, later spanning in to a series that was kinda changed in to a semi-Animé american cartoon medium.

If I am correct, you have the character counterpart names, such as Optimus being known as Convoy in Japan. I am not sure whether it was made in Japan first then imported to the US where it panned out, or whether it was an American invention then Japan thought it was cool to improve upon it.

as I said above, the characters such as the Destrons and Leo Convoy and so on were only toys with backstory, there was no TV series. And yes Takara did make them. The show was an american idea while collaborating with the Japanese who came up with the toys. they got new, niftyier names, and then Hasbro marketed the toys.

Then when it died in the mid 90's here, Japan picked up on it, then again with Beast Wars, and there hasnt been an american made transformers show till the movie comes out in July. Sure, americans have worked on the latest shows because we know lots about the original, but it's still japanese originated.

[Scar da Kookee]

I know I like Beast Wars.

We know you like the animals Lynk. Rawr.

[Stormfalcon]

I know that Transformers was animated in Japan, so I think that makes it an anime. XD

[Lynk Former]

Transformers wasn't animated in Japan, the work was done in Korea, it's just that the company who was doing that animation is Japanese owned. So by your logic, it's a Korean animation.

[Black Howling]

Well Transformers way back in 1984 is not an anime and if anyone claims it is ill cave their heads in, i know the takara verison of transformers is considered anime, Transformers looking like gundams *cringes* and dont get me started on any transformers show that came after beast wars *they all sucked* >>

[Stormfalcon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-aTbHsZJ9g

^What happens when Autobots f*** up. XD