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Headmasters, Targetmasters, Powermasters. The Transformers gimmick juggernaut powered on through 1987 to 1988, bringing us the first reincarnation of Optimus Prime, a smaller range of Headmasters and Targetmasters (smaller toys, too) and introducing us to the concept of Powermaster-activated transformations. While Takara in Japan really broke off at a tangent and introduced Super God Masterforce, the Hasbro range of Headmasters (Takara versions referred to as Headmaster Juniors) – especially the Autobots – evolved into a slightly different concept compared to their legendary 1987 predecessors. This week we look at Autobot Headmasters Siren, Nightbeat and Hosehead together with their Nebulan partners. You can also have a look back at our previous articles on 1987 Autobot Headmasters, Targetmasters and Monsterbots as well as 1987 Decepticon Headmasters, Headmaster Horrorcons and Targetmasters for some background on the ‘New Direction’ Transformers went in that year. With the imminent Transformers Titans Return toy line set to feature 1988 Headmaster characters among others, what better time to revisit the original inspiration?

1988 Autobot Headmasters | Source Blog <- CLICK TO READ




All the best
Maz

Nice column, Maz, on some semi-forgotten toys. Admittedly I was kinda out of Transformer buying at the time, with some exceptions. Still, kinda nifty little guys. now let's see them get updated!

Love this one, great stuff as always.

I recently finished up watching masterforce, so it was great to get a little more info on stuff from that era.

You're really not kidding about Hosehead, he's a damn fine looking chap!

I really loved the box art from this era of transformers. I remember getting a birthday card with Brainstorm's box art on when I turned 4, and I later found Brainstorm for really cheap in a thrift store. It really cemented the idea in my head of that box art just being how a robot should look. It's probably one of the things responsible with my lifelong obsession with robots.

My wife got me the book Transformers Legacy - A history of packaging art for christmas, and it's one of the best presents I ever got. I highly recommend picking it up if you don't already have it.