Transformer Toys

Good versus Evil

Like most toy lines marketed to young boys, Transformer toys include the good guys and the bad guys, although these roles are taken on by robots that can transform themselves into many different forms including rockets and animals. The basic plot line of these toys is that the robots – originally from another planet – transform into familiar forms in order to blend into the environment on Earth. This explains why Transformers sometimes appear as cars and other recognizable items.

The Transformers change their forms into their original robotic form when dueling with foes. This can make for hours of fun with the toys, but has also led to movies, comic books, video game, and Saturday morning cartoons. This is indeed a popular line of toys.

Buy Transformer Toys

Transformer toys can be found at almost any local retailer carrying toys and can also be purchased online. Hasbro is the company that distributes Transformers within the United States, and the official Hasbro website offers a wide variety of interesting Transformers and complimentary toys such as:

• Transformers specific to certain movies, such as Star Wars Transformers and others
• Helmets for boys that include voice changers inside, fashioned like a Transformer
• Transformer Monopoly game
• Transformer puzzles
• Transformer Super Soaker
• Transformer Chess Set

In addition to the interesting complimentary toys, Transformers come in many different sizes and shapes:

• Cars
• Boats
• Jets
• Helicopters
• Fire Engines
• Tanks
• Motorcycles
• Electronics

Different genres of Transformer fall into different categories. Some toy aficionados categorize Transformers by generations. The Hasbro website offers a wide variety of categories and generations of these toys.

Other Online Retailers

The Hasbro website is the official distributor of these toys, but many other retailers offer these toys at reasonable prices:

• Toys R Us
• KB Toys
• Amazon.com
• Sears
• eToys

You do not have to turn solely to the Internet for Transformers. A quick trip to the mall or other retailer will probably yield many suitable Transformers to choose from.

Collectibles

Transformers are not only loved by children. Some adults voraciously collect Transformers either as a hobby or to resell them at a higher price. Transformer collectables include:

• Transformers released in another country and not at all within the United States
• Older Transformers in perfect condition
• Transformers originally from a limited release

Websites like eBay often have vintage collectible Transformer toys for sale, although not all vintage toys will come in the original packaging or in perfect condition. Oftentimes the Transformer toys you will find on these websites were at one time or another taken out of the package and played with.

If you are a serious toy collector and have stringent regulations regarding the condition of the toys you purchase, you may want to visit collectible shops or regularly attend toy conventions. This will allow you to browse through the toys and personally inspect their condition prior to making a purchase. Be aware, however, that you will probably not be able to beat the vast selection of Transformer toys offered online. Check with the website you plan to buy the collectible from to make sure the return policy is to your liking.

Story Lines

There is more than one story line when it comes to Transformers. The Beast Wars Transformers plot, for example, takes place many years before the modern age. In other words, Optimus Prime in the form of a semi-truck would not necessarily mingle with the transformers of Beast Wars. The storylines are separate.

Age Appropriate

Hasbro offers a few different Transformers which are suitable for younger children, including a plush version of some of the more popular Transformers. The rest of the Transformer line is not generally suitable for younger children, and may contain small parts which would be considered choking hazards. Be sure to check the suggested age listed on the toy’s box prior to purchasing if you have small children in your home.