Before Transformers: The Secret History of Diaclone and Micro Change
Before Transformers
In 1984, the world discovered Transformers: heroic robots from Cybertron. But did you know that these toys had already existed for years in Japan, under other names and with a completely different history?
Before they were Optimus Prime or Megatron, our heroes were simply vehicles piloted by humans or everyday objects. Let's delve into Takara's archives to discover Diaclone and Micro Change , the true ancestors of the franchise.
1. Diaclone (1980): The Origin of Vehicles
Launched by Takara in 1980, the Diaclone range aimed to sell realistic 1/60th scale vehicles that could transform into combat robots.
Now called: OPTIMUS PRIME
The most famous toy in the Diaclone range is the "Battle Convoy." A red and blue truck with a trailer that became a battle base. It had no personality of its own; it was a war machine.
The Story of OptimusMost of the Autobot cars (Jazz, Prowl, Sunstreaker) come from Diaclone's "Car Robots" sub-line. That's why the early toys had driver's seats, which were useless in the Transformers version!
2. Micro Change (1983): Robot Objects
While Diaclone supplied the vehicles, it was the Micro Change line (a spin-off of Microman) that provided the life-size (1:1 scale) objects. The concept? Everyday objects (pistol, cassette tape, microscope) that transform into robots to spy on humans.
Now known as: MEGATRON
The terrifying leader of the Decepticons was originally a harmless toy from the Micro Change range: the Gun Robo MC-12, a realistic replica of a Walther P38 pistol.
Everything about MegatronNow known as: SOUNDWAVE
Before becoming Megatron's loyal spy, he was "Cassette Man" (MC-10). He was a real transforming cassette player that could store mini-cassettes (which became his henchmen Laserbeak and Ravage).
Soundwave Dossier3. 1984: The Brilliant Fusion
In 1983, Hasbro discovered these toys at the Tokyo Toy Fair. They sensed the potential but felt they lacked a storyline. They bought the rights to both lines (Diaclone and Micro Change) and merged them.
It was Marvel Comics (and in particular the authors Jim Shooter and Bob Budiansky) who created the entire mythology:
- 👉 They invent the name "Transformers".
- 👉 They divide the robots into two camps: Autobots and Decepticons.
- 👉 They give names and personalities to toys that were just machines.
The Heritage Today
Today, the "Masterpiece" and "Generations" ranges often pay homage to these original colors (like the blue Delta Magnus which is reminiscent of the Powered Convoy Diaclone).
See Modern FigurinesTake the Quiz: Which robot are you?