New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer
Friday, May 13th, 2016 10:31PM CDT
Categories: Site News, Toy NewsPosted by: Seibertron Views: 60,027
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Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than ... my actual very 1st Transformer!
Here we are at Seibertron.com's 4,000th Transformers toy gallery. No prototype. No rare figure. Nothing new. Nothing of particular interest, except maybe to me. It has historical significance to Seibertron.com and much personal significance to myself. Lo and behold, it's my first Transformer from 1984 who is none other than G1 Bumblebee. He's battle damaged, worn, has some extra paint apps, rust, a flat tire, a missing tire, a damaged tire, a stress mark, and more. You might be wondering what's so special about this run-down Transformers toy. Well, he's my very first Transformers toy that I got way back in 1984 at the age of 7. It marks the beginning of something major in my life which ultimately has led to this very moment years later with you reading an article that I'm writing on Seibertron.com, a website about Transformers toys that I created 16 years ago. It is the earliest physical representation I possess of the moment Transformers became of interest to me. Here all of us are on Seibertron.com, which winds back to that moment in time.
Pretty unremarkable, huh? Well, let me tell you a story or three ...
Like all of you, my collision course with our favorite robots that convert from one thing to another and back, has a beginning. With me, it was one fateful Saturday morning when I woke at the crack of dawn, turned on the television to discover another weekly installment of Saturday morning cartoons, when I came across a cartoon about those very robots. I was mesmerized by the Transformers. I don't recall much about watching that first episode but I swear I remember flipping the channel to Wheeljack and Bumblebee's opening scene in the first episode. Later that day, I begged and pleaded my Mom to take me to Toys R Us to get a Transformer toy. She did, and she bought me the Mini-Bot Bumblebee toy you see featured below and my brother took home a Windcharger (thanks Mom!). My earliest connection with the Transformers comic, that I remember, was my Dad buying me a copy of Transformers #4 at a Perry Drug store. Transformers had fully captivated my childhood imagination.
As you'll see from the pictures in this gallery, there are some "artistic" shots showing the wear in detail. Some of my favorite photography shots that came out of this were of the rust on the screws and the diecast piece on Bumblebee's back as well as the shots of the tires. It's not perfect and that's the point. It was interesting photographing a toy for Seibertron.com that wasn't as close to perfection as I normally strive. Capturing this detail helps tell the story.
While I don't understand what happened with his tires, which appear to have melted at some point, I'm assuming the rust was caused by Bumblebee's many water adventures he went on. As a child, we lived on a lake in mid-Michigan about 1/2 way between Flint and Ann Arbor. I fascinated with taking my Transformers in the lake, playing with them on the sand, in the bathtub ... I had no long term plans for these toys at that time but I sure had about as much fun as a kid could have with them. They were buried in sand, entangled in covert missions amongst seaweed, had forest hideouts among leaf piles, wood chips, tree branches, shrubs or whatever else I could think of. On vacations up north, the Constructicons dug holes from the shores of the Straits of Mackinac all the way to "the other side of the world" (wherever that was) or they entombed their Autobot captives in sandy embankments.
Ryan's 1st Transformer: G1 1984 Bumblebee (121 images)
Bumblebee's running a little flat these days.
His tech specs said "He can go underwater for reconnaissance and salvage missions" but didn't mention anything about him being rust proof.
Minimal bumper paint wear and the head is still attached amazingly and even has the decal on the back of his head still. Not bad 1980s-Ryan!
Rotted tire not included.
Does this mean that I didn't actually get Bumblebee in 1984 like I always thought? Shhh! Don't tell anyone!!!
Here's where memories can get the best of you. I swear on all that's holy that I got into Transformers during 1984. Yet, there's my original Bumblebee's copyright stamps staring me in the face with 1985 on it clear as it gets, aside from a little dirt from back in the day. Is it possible that Transformers toys in late 1984 were shipping with 1985 stamps on them? Can anybody help assure me that I did get Bumblebee in 1984 or is this proof that I probably didn't get into Transformers until 1985? I remember clear as day seeing that first episode of More Than Meets The Eye, which could have been in reruns already, but I know I got Marvel Comics Transformers #4 (which came out in December 1984) after I had Bumblebee, though it's highly possible that the comic had been shelf warming prior to my discovery of it.
C'mon! That's a cool photo you'd see in some art gallery somewhere or in some fancy art book about vintage toys.
More battle damage.
Gold paint remnants from "The Golden Lagoon" reenactment. You should see what happened during the Scraplets reenactment months later.
Yes, you read that correctly. I actually played out the Golden Lagoon cartoon episode complete with painting Transformers with gold paint. If you look closely at the copyright stamps on the bottom of his feet, you can even see one of my fingerprints from the gold paint. I was inspired to do this after my Dad introduced me to model cars and the paints that go with them. 10 year old me saw gold paint, I had Transformers, seemed like a great idea at the time. An idea that was superseded by the Scraplets week when I decided that I would take apart all of my Transformers with screwdrivers while playing out a Scraplets storyline, inspired by the Marvel Comics. My Transformers had much fun during my childhood and this gold paint remnants brings a smile to my face thinking about those fun days.
Minty collector owned G1 Bumblebee on left, Childhood Battle Damaged War Veteran version on the right
"Oh man, you've even got a nice rubsign still? I lost mine during a reconnaissance mission in Lake Ponemah."
Primus has been busy. Those Transformers are like petro-rabbits!
Hard to believe how many G1 Bumblebee toys I own now, not to mention the other 150+ Bumblebees I've photographed so far from my collection. What's even crazier is how many more Bumblebees are in my collection that I've never photographed, or how many Bumblebees I don't even own (such as the Estela ones). On the left side of the photograph: Encore Bumblebee, BotCon Glyph, e-Hobby Bug-Bite, near perfect rubsign Bumblebee, and Fun-4-All Keychain Bumblebee. On the right: G2 Bumblebee, G1 Bumblebee red version, Collection Bumblebee, and the G1 Bumblebee replacement I bought at BotCon 1996 (the rubsign came off and was replaced with an Autobot sticker from the Autobot sticker sheet included with Takara's New Year's Convoy set).
Ryan's 1st Transformer with Lost-and-found Soundwave from 2nd grade
One last early childhood memory of my Transformers. In the above photo, my 1st Transformer is pictured alongside Soundwave. One day in 2nd grade, I saw Soundwave sitting in the Lost-and-found window of the school office in my elementary school. I went into the office and asked the secretary if I could have it. She asked if it was mine and I told her no. She said that if the toy was still there in 1 week and on one claimed it, that I could have it. Every morning and afternoon for the next week, I went by the Lost-and-found to see if Soundwave was still there. The level of anticipation and excitement that built over the course of that week was probably more than I could handle. One week had passed, Soundwave was still there, and the Secretary let me take him home. For the next year and a half, Soundwave led my Decepticons against Perceptor's Autobots until Santa Claus brought me Ultra Magnus and Galvatron in 1986.
Side note: The Decepticon symbol on Lost-and-found Soundwave was made on my parent's inkjet printer way back in 1995. Man was I excited that I could make reproduction symbols. Unfortunately, I lost interest in that and was very content with what I had created.
Ryan Yzquierdo's 1st grade picture from 1983 - 1984 school year
Ryan's Autobot forces around Christmas 1988
You can see G1 Bumblebee, Ryan's 1st Transformer, on the left side of Metroplex
Ryan's Decepticon Forces around Christmas 1988 with Lost-and-Found Soundwave
Here's my amazing drawing of Bumblebee that I drew back around 1984 or 1985!**
Share Your Childhood Transformers Stories
So that's my 1st Transformer toy, everyone. It's been officially photographed so that it can continue to endure the sands of time. I hope all of you will share your own personal stories about your 1st Transformer(s) related memories on our forums so that others can enjoy hearing about what captured your imagination. While I love collecting Transformers toys, the memories of my life that come along with these toys are one of the greatest parts about collecting Transformers, and thanks to events like BotCon, the memories continue to be one of the parts that I cherish most from this hobby.
Here we are at Seibertron.com's 4,000th Transformers toy gallery. No prototype. No rare figure. Nothing new. Nothing of particular interest, except maybe to me. It has historical significance to Seibertron.com and much personal significance to myself. Lo and behold, it's my first Transformer from 1984 who is none other than G1 Bumblebee. He's battle damaged, worn, has some extra paint apps, rust, a flat tire, a missing tire, a damaged tire, a stress mark, and more. You might be wondering what's so special about this run-down Transformers toy. Well, he's my very first Transformers toy that I got way back in 1984 at the age of 7. It marks the beginning of something major in my life which ultimately has led to this very moment years later with you reading an article that I'm writing on Seibertron.com, a website about Transformers toys that I created 16 years ago. It is the earliest physical representation I possess of the moment Transformers became of interest to me. Here all of us are on Seibertron.com, which winds back to that moment in time.
Pretty unremarkable, huh? Well, let me tell you a story or three ...
Like all of you, my collision course with our favorite robots that convert from one thing to another and back, has a beginning. With me, it was one fateful Saturday morning when I woke at the crack of dawn, turned on the television to discover another weekly installment of Saturday morning cartoons, when I came across a cartoon about those very robots. I was mesmerized by the Transformers. I don't recall much about watching that first episode but I swear I remember flipping the channel to Wheeljack and Bumblebee's opening scene in the first episode. Later that day, I begged and pleaded my Mom to take me to Toys R Us to get a Transformer toy. She did, and she bought me the Mini-Bot Bumblebee toy you see featured below and my brother took home a Windcharger (thanks Mom!). My earliest connection with the Transformers comic, that I remember, was my Dad buying me a copy of Transformers #4 at a Perry Drug store. Transformers had fully captivated my childhood imagination.
As you'll see from the pictures in this gallery, there are some "artistic" shots showing the wear in detail. Some of my favorite photography shots that came out of this were of the rust on the screws and the diecast piece on Bumblebee's back as well as the shots of the tires. It's not perfect and that's the point. It was interesting photographing a toy for Seibertron.com that wasn't as close to perfection as I normally strive. Capturing this detail helps tell the story.
While I don't understand what happened with his tires, which appear to have melted at some point, I'm assuming the rust was caused by Bumblebee's many water adventures he went on. As a child, we lived on a lake in mid-Michigan about 1/2 way between Flint and Ann Arbor. I fascinated with taking my Transformers in the lake, playing with them on the sand, in the bathtub ... I had no long term plans for these toys at that time but I sure had about as much fun as a kid could have with them. They were buried in sand, entangled in covert missions amongst seaweed, had forest hideouts among leaf piles, wood chips, tree branches, shrubs or whatever else I could think of. On vacations up north, the Constructicons dug holes from the shores of the Straits of Mackinac all the way to "the other side of the world" (wherever that was) or they entombed their Autobot captives in sandy embankments.
Ryan's 1st Transformer: G1 1984 Bumblebee (121 images)
Bumblebee's running a little flat these days.
His tech specs said "He can go underwater for reconnaissance and salvage missions" but didn't mention anything about him being rust proof.
Minimal bumper paint wear and the head is still attached amazingly and even has the decal on the back of his head still. Not bad 1980s-Ryan!
Rotted tire not included.
Does this mean that I didn't actually get Bumblebee in 1984 like I always thought? Shhh! Don't tell anyone!!!
Here's where memories can get the best of you. I swear on all that's holy that I got into Transformers during 1984. Yet, there's my original Bumblebee's copyright stamps staring me in the face with 1985 on it clear as it gets, aside from a little dirt from back in the day. Is it possible that Transformers toys in late 1984 were shipping with 1985 stamps on them? Can anybody help assure me that I did get Bumblebee in 1984 or is this proof that I probably didn't get into Transformers until 1985? I remember clear as day seeing that first episode of More Than Meets The Eye, which could have been in reruns already, but I know I got Marvel Comics Transformers #4 (which came out in December 1984) after I had Bumblebee, though it's highly possible that the comic had been shelf warming prior to my discovery of it.
C'mon! That's a cool photo you'd see in some art gallery somewhere or in some fancy art book about vintage toys.
More battle damage.
Gold paint remnants from "The Golden Lagoon" reenactment. You should see what happened during the Scraplets reenactment months later.
Yes, you read that correctly. I actually played out the Golden Lagoon cartoon episode complete with painting Transformers with gold paint. If you look closely at the copyright stamps on the bottom of his feet, you can even see one of my fingerprints from the gold paint. I was inspired to do this after my Dad introduced me to model cars and the paints that go with them. 10 year old me saw gold paint, I had Transformers, seemed like a great idea at the time. An idea that was superseded by the Scraplets week when I decided that I would take apart all of my Transformers with screwdrivers while playing out a Scraplets storyline, inspired by the Marvel Comics. My Transformers had much fun during my childhood and this gold paint remnants brings a smile to my face thinking about those fun days.
Minty collector owned G1 Bumblebee on left, Childhood Battle Damaged War Veteran version on the right
"Oh man, you've even got a nice rubsign still? I lost mine during a reconnaissance mission in Lake Ponemah."
Primus has been busy. Those Transformers are like petro-rabbits!
Hard to believe how many G1 Bumblebee toys I own now, not to mention the other 150+ Bumblebees I've photographed so far from my collection. What's even crazier is how many more Bumblebees are in my collection that I've never photographed, or how many Bumblebees I don't even own (such as the Estela ones). On the left side of the photograph: Encore Bumblebee, BotCon Glyph, e-Hobby Bug-Bite, near perfect rubsign Bumblebee, and Fun-4-All Keychain Bumblebee. On the right: G2 Bumblebee, G1 Bumblebee red version, Collection Bumblebee, and the G1 Bumblebee replacement I bought at BotCon 1996 (the rubsign came off and was replaced with an Autobot sticker from the Autobot sticker sheet included with Takara's New Year's Convoy set).
Ryan's 1st Transformer with Lost-and-found Soundwave from 2nd grade
One last early childhood memory of my Transformers. In the above photo, my 1st Transformer is pictured alongside Soundwave. One day in 2nd grade, I saw Soundwave sitting in the Lost-and-found window of the school office in my elementary school. I went into the office and asked the secretary if I could have it. She asked if it was mine and I told her no. She said that if the toy was still there in 1 week and on one claimed it, that I could have it. Every morning and afternoon for the next week, I went by the Lost-and-found to see if Soundwave was still there. The level of anticipation and excitement that built over the course of that week was probably more than I could handle. One week had passed, Soundwave was still there, and the Secretary let me take him home. For the next year and a half, Soundwave led my Decepticons against Perceptor's Autobots until Santa Claus brought me Ultra Magnus and Galvatron in 1986.
Side note: The Decepticon symbol on Lost-and-found Soundwave was made on my parent's inkjet printer way back in 1995. Man was I excited that I could make reproduction symbols. Unfortunately, I lost interest in that and was very content with what I had created.
Ryan Yzquierdo's 1st grade picture from 1983 - 1984 school year
Ryan's Autobot forces around Christmas 1988
You can see G1 Bumblebee, Ryan's 1st Transformer, on the left side of Metroplex
Ryan's Decepticon Forces around Christmas 1988 with Lost-and-Found Soundwave
Here's my amazing drawing of Bumblebee that I drew back around 1984 or 1985!**
Share Your Childhood Transformers Stories
So that's my 1st Transformer toy, everyone. It's been officially photographed so that it can continue to endure the sands of time. I hope all of you will share your own personal stories about your 1st Transformer(s) related memories on our forums so that others can enjoy hearing about what captured your imagination. While I love collecting Transformers toys, the memories of my life that come along with these toys are one of the greatest parts about collecting Transformers, and thanks to events like BotCon, the memories continue to be one of the parts that I cherish most from this hobby.
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Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789517)
Posted by Mr Skram on May 13th, 2016 @ 10:34pm CDT
Posted by Mr Skram on May 13th, 2016 @ 10:34pm CDT
Awesome! I kinda called it, too.
My brother's first Transformer was the shiny chromed Bee. Mine was the shiny red chrome Hubcap. Your collection as a kid put mine to shame. Thanks for the site and all the work you put into it, Seibertron!
(Another edit to include pics!)
I think my saddest Transformer memory as a child was when my brother and I got Grimlock and Snarl. We loved the dinobots and my favorite dinosaur was the stegosaurus so obviously my favorite dinobot was Snarl.
Well, we had them a couple days and then my mom told us we had to return them. I'm not sure why, but I presume it was around the time my dad was laid off and the family was hurting for money. Anyway, we were sad but we repackaged them as best we could(minus a couple accessories we replaced with some Ninja Turtle weapons for some reason). I think I still have a dinobot sword floating around somewhere. I have yet to replace my long lost Snarl, but maybe one day.
My brother's first Transformer was the shiny chromed Bee. Mine was the shiny red chrome Hubcap. Your collection as a kid put mine to shame. Thanks for the site and all the work you put into it, Seibertron!
(Another edit to include pics!)
I think my saddest Transformer memory as a child was when my brother and I got Grimlock and Snarl. We loved the dinobots and my favorite dinosaur was the stegosaurus so obviously my favorite dinobot was Snarl.
Well, we had them a couple days and then my mom told us we had to return them. I'm not sure why, but I presume it was around the time my dad was laid off and the family was hurting for money. Anyway, we were sad but we repackaged them as best we could(minus a couple accessories we replaced with some Ninja Turtle weapons for some reason). I think I still have a dinobot sword floating around somewhere. I have yet to replace my long lost Snarl, but maybe one day.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789518)
Posted by DedicatedGhostArt on May 13th, 2016 @ 10:39pm CDT
Posted by DedicatedGhostArt on May 13th, 2016 @ 10:39pm CDT
This is awesome! Childhood history with Ryan!
Childhood history with Ryan!
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789519)
Posted by Noideaforaname on May 13th, 2016 @ 10:46pm CDT
Haha, things kids do to their toys. I remember when I 'mummified' TMNT Dinosaurs with masking tape... cleaning that up was the first time I stayed up past midnight.
Posted by Noideaforaname on May 13th, 2016 @ 10:46pm CDT
Gold paint remnants from "The Golden Lagoon" reenactment. You should see what happened during the Scraplets reenactment months later.
Haha, things kids do to their toys. I remember when I 'mummified' TMNT Dinosaurs with masking tape... cleaning that up was the first time I stayed up past midnight.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789520)
Posted by DedicatedGhostArt on May 13th, 2016 @ 10:52pm CDT
What I would do was give plastic dinosaurs weird-looking and colorful hairdos and beards with Play-Doh.
Posted by DedicatedGhostArt on May 13th, 2016 @ 10:52pm CDT
Noideaforaname wrote:Gold paint remnants from "The Golden Lagoon" reenactment. You should see what happened during the Scraplets reenactment months later.
Haha, things kids do to their toys. I remember when I 'mummified' TMNT Dinosaurs with masking tape... cleaning that up was the first time I stayed up past midnight.
What I would do was give plastic dinosaurs weird-looking and colorful hairdos and beards with Play-Doh.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789521)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:03pm CDT
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:03pm CDT
I remember when I got my G1 'Bee but it was far from my first Transformer. I was in 4th grade and the teacher (Mr. Herbert) would hold these auctions every Friday with stuff people would donate. We would get these currency stamps in a folder for things like perfect attendance and getting good grades on tests etc. to bid on items. I don't remember how much I "paid" for Bumblebee but it was absolutely the most exciting thing I ever bought in the auctions. I couldn't believe anyone would give up such a wonderful toy.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789522)
Posted by Burn on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:08pm CDT
Posted by Burn on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:08pm CDT
This ... this put a smile on my face!
Not because it was Bumblebee, but because of the story behind it. We all have THAT story, they're all different, but at the core they're the same.
Thank you Ryan, not just for the look into a young Ryan Yzquierdo and what began this long journey of being a Transformers fan, but thanks for the 4,000 galleries, the forums for us to talk about those galleries, thanks for giving us all a place to share such stories like these.
Not because it was Bumblebee, but because of the story behind it. We all have THAT story, they're all different, but at the core they're the same.
Thank you Ryan, not just for the look into a young Ryan Yzquierdo and what began this long journey of being a Transformers fan, but thanks for the 4,000 galleries, the forums for us to talk about those galleries, thanks for giving us all a place to share such stories like these.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789523)
Posted by Bronzewolf on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:13pm CDT
Posted by Bronzewolf on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:13pm CDT
That was great, Seiber. Really cool you still have him after all these years.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789524)
Posted by AutobotAlvaron on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:29pm CDT
Posted by AutobotAlvaron on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:29pm CDT
Great write-up Ryan! Seibertron has the most comprehensive TransFormers galleries anywhere. Congratulations on your 4,000th suite of EXCELLENT pics! Your photography is crisp, clear, professional, and thorough, well done!
Your article brings back treasured memories of my first G1 TransFormers so very long ago...
I fondly remember a late weekday afternoon back in 1984 (I was 8yrs old) when my Dad said he was going out to run a quick errand. My little brother & I wanted to go, but Dad said he'd be back quick and that we had to stay with Mom and finish our homework.
When he got back, he had a little surprise for us. For my kid brother, a brand new red jet, an A-10 Thunderbolt named PowerGlide. And for me, a fresh mint-on-card Red Bumblebee! I had no idea that it was more than just a toy car, as I was into Trains, Hot Wheels, and anything Space Shuttle related. I hadn't even known about the G1 cartoon until weeks later when my classmate David Reyna told me about it on UHF channel Fox35 (remember the UHF dial on the old TV's?).
VW Bugs are a favorite of mine, and Dad had bought me my first orange Smokin'-Bump-n-Go VW Beetle when I was about one year old. My first transforming toy ever was a small but important beginning and entry into the Transformers Hobby and also to my now sizable Collection. He remains a battered but treasured center-piece on my shelf today, and a reminder of my Dad always. I have "restored" him with newer parts like arms with intact rubber tires, and a new shiny rear-end plate for his original head. I used a silver-pen to cover his wheel rust, and a Sharpie for his die-cast back-plate, and I tightened his loose feet with a drop or two of dried Gorilla-glue and added a ReproLabel Autobot symbol for his bot-belly. He is now a hybrid, but more original than not and fully functional; I couldn't leave him tire-less, floppy, with a broken neck. Now, once again, he stands proudly as the Center-Piece of my Collection.
Go-Bots followed (Spay-C, Loco, & Scratch), and Zy-Bots (the black trailer), some pull-back Dyna-bots, and then Long Haul, and my first boxed Transformer Shrapnel! Then glory, Wow, I got Astrotrain for my Birthday from Mom & Dad!! I will always recall when my Dad got back from a TDY and took us to ToyBox in South Park Mall and bought me Springer, and that year they rewarded my report card with Rodimus Prime, and then on Christmas I got Ultra Magnus! And how I miss Winn's, where my Mom put Galvatron for lay-away for another Birthday and Albertson's where she bought me Hun-Gurr...ah the feels, the Memories!!
Later, once I started working and earning my own money, I could really go wild and buy more and larger figures and expand my Collection, so that now I have around 300 (most of which I bought myself). But those old "firsties" are dear to me, and I'm fortunate to still have most of them now.
Though we had our struggles financially growing up, I have been blessed with loving, generous Parents who sacrificed of themselves so that my Brother & I would have everything that we needed, and most of what we wanted. Now Dad is gone, and it's my turn to take care of Mom, and I am grateful for the great childhood & awesome memories that they gave me and even for the fun hobby they helped me start. 30 years have passed, but the memories tied to these wonderful transforming robots remain, and I'm thankful and even joyful that the whole thing is still going stronger than ever after all this time.
Long Live The TransFormers! Long Live Hasbro/Takara-Tomy! AND Long Live the Loyal, Energetic & even Quarrelsome TransFormers Fandom!
Your article brings back treasured memories of my first G1 TransFormers so very long ago...
I fondly remember a late weekday afternoon back in 1984 (I was 8yrs old) when my Dad said he was going out to run a quick errand. My little brother & I wanted to go, but Dad said he'd be back quick and that we had to stay with Mom and finish our homework.
When he got back, he had a little surprise for us. For my kid brother, a brand new red jet, an A-10 Thunderbolt named PowerGlide. And for me, a fresh mint-on-card Red Bumblebee! I had no idea that it was more than just a toy car, as I was into Trains, Hot Wheels, and anything Space Shuttle related. I hadn't even known about the G1 cartoon until weeks later when my classmate David Reyna told me about it on UHF channel Fox35 (remember the UHF dial on the old TV's?).
VW Bugs are a favorite of mine, and Dad had bought me my first orange Smokin'-Bump-n-Go VW Beetle when I was about one year old. My first transforming toy ever was a small but important beginning and entry into the Transformers Hobby and also to my now sizable Collection. He remains a battered but treasured center-piece on my shelf today, and a reminder of my Dad always. I have "restored" him with newer parts like arms with intact rubber tires, and a new shiny rear-end plate for his original head. I used a silver-pen to cover his wheel rust, and a Sharpie for his die-cast back-plate, and I tightened his loose feet with a drop or two of dried Gorilla-glue and added a ReproLabel Autobot symbol for his bot-belly. He is now a hybrid, but more original than not and fully functional; I couldn't leave him tire-less, floppy, with a broken neck. Now, once again, he stands proudly as the Center-Piece of my Collection.
Go-Bots followed (Spay-C, Loco, & Scratch), and Zy-Bots (the black trailer), some pull-back Dyna-bots, and then Long Haul, and my first boxed Transformer Shrapnel! Then glory, Wow, I got Astrotrain for my Birthday from Mom & Dad!! I will always recall when my Dad got back from a TDY and took us to ToyBox in South Park Mall and bought me Springer, and that year they rewarded my report card with Rodimus Prime, and then on Christmas I got Ultra Magnus! And how I miss Winn's, where my Mom put Galvatron for lay-away for another Birthday and Albertson's where she bought me Hun-Gurr...ah the feels, the Memories!!
Later, once I started working and earning my own money, I could really go wild and buy more and larger figures and expand my Collection, so that now I have around 300 (most of which I bought myself). But those old "firsties" are dear to me, and I'm fortunate to still have most of them now.
Though we had our struggles financially growing up, I have been blessed with loving, generous Parents who sacrificed of themselves so that my Brother & I would have everything that we needed, and most of what we wanted. Now Dad is gone, and it's my turn to take care of Mom, and I am grateful for the great childhood & awesome memories that they gave me and even for the fun hobby they helped me start. 30 years have passed, but the memories tied to these wonderful transforming robots remain, and I'm thankful and even joyful that the whole thing is still going stronger than ever after all this time.
Long Live The TransFormers! Long Live Hasbro/Takara-Tomy! AND Long Live the Loyal, Energetic & even Quarrelsome TransFormers Fandom!
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789525)
Posted by Deadput on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:32pm CDT
Posted by Deadput on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:32pm CDT
My very first Transformers were the Air Military Mini-Con Team from Armada but I was not really interested in Transformers at the time since I was a major Bionicle fan boy which is what my Childhood mostly was (Transformers was only second until Bionicle ended in 2010)
But my second Transformer toy and my most treasured childhood possession is none other then Transformers Cybertron Hardtop and I got his brother Swindle very soon after and the first movie figure toy was the repaint of Hardtop as...movie Hardtop and I loved his first bio which stated he was the reason Bumblebee lost his voice.
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hardtop_(Cybertron)
So short story is I slagging love Hardtop and still have him and always will.
But my second Transformer toy and my most treasured childhood possession is none other then Transformers Cybertron Hardtop and I got his brother Swindle very soon after and the first movie figure toy was the repaint of Hardtop as...movie Hardtop and I loved his first bio which stated he was the reason Bumblebee lost his voice.
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Hardtop_(Cybertron)
So short story is I slagging love Hardtop and still have him and always will.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789526)
Posted by Seibertron on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:34pm CDT
Posted by Seibertron on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:34pm CDT
I updated the news story to include a piece of artwork I found of mine of good ol' Bumblebee. I thought it would be appropriate for this news story and discussion.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789527)
Posted by BERSEKAEL on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:41pm CDT
Posted by BERSEKAEL on May 13th, 2016 @ 11:41pm CDT
wow nice collection! I wish I had that many transformers when I was kid, my parents weren't that generous, perhaps I collect them now! 
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789528)
Posted by Railbomb on May 14th, 2016 @ 12:00am CDT
Posted by Railbomb on May 14th, 2016 @ 12:00am CDT
Called it! My first Transformer that I remember getting was RiD Megatron. I only say remember because I had/have some of the BM Dinobots figures and I'm not sure when I got them. It was Christmas Eve at my Grandma's house when I got Megs. Honestly, at the time I didn't like him very much. I was only like 3 or 4 and I had to get my Dad to transform him. I didn't really play with him much. Over time from sitting in a bucket he's lost most of his parts. When I found him again around when the first live action movie came out I thought he was some knock-off. Young me was only familiar with Autobots and Decepticons and Minicons. I still kept him though. I have him out away in my basement now, he's missing his tail, head fins, dragon head covers, and missiles, but he's not going anywhere. I'm not sure I could get rid of my old stuff even if I had to.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789530)
Posted by Microraptor on May 14th, 2016 @ 12:29am CDT
Posted by Microraptor on May 14th, 2016 @ 12:29am CDT
The first transformer I ever got was '76 Camaro Bumblebee.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789531)
Posted by camzilla51 on May 14th, 2016 @ 1:20am CDT
Posted by camzilla51 on May 14th, 2016 @ 1:20am CDT
Lost-and-Foundwave 
This is so touching. Thank you for sharing this, Ryan.
This is so touching. Thank you for sharing this, Ryan.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789534)
Posted by leokearon on May 14th, 2016 @ 1:33am CDT
Posted by leokearon on May 14th, 2016 @ 1:33am CDT
My first Tf was Hubcap, shame he is no longer around, due to over play, but many many years later I did managed to get one on eBay.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789537)
Posted by Ravage XK on May 14th, 2016 @ 3:13am CDT
Posted by Ravage XK on May 14th, 2016 @ 3:13am CDT
G1 Bumblebee was my first Transformer too, though mine hasn't suffered the battle damage.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789538)
Posted by Michael Alex Kawa on May 14th, 2016 @ 3:16am CDT
Posted by Michael Alex Kawa on May 14th, 2016 @ 3:16am CDT
Just like you my first Transformer was also G1 Bumblebee , got him the August of 1985, and like yours he has seen many adventures.
I discovered Transformers in the Spring of 1985, me and my sister were bored and was "channel surfing" on our old black & white TV, we were poor and it was the only TV we had. So we came across this animated show we have never seen before, it had this kid (Spike) and his Dad (Sparkplug) stuck in the ocean with some robot battle going on, it was like the last five minutes of the episode. When it ended I could not wait to see more and after that I was hooked. So officially the first product I ever bought was this set of 3-D foil stickers (since they were cheap), than a folder with Megatron & Prowl and a notebook with Jazz .
Then like I said above, cause we had some extra money my Mom was able to get me Bumblebee. Even though we were poor, I was very lucky to get all the figures I did, and I was also very lucky that I still have every single one, even though some of them are not in the best shape, war and an very imaginative child can do a lot of damage. lol
Since I do have the same Bumblebee I got in 1985, I can help you with your question. My Bumblebee, which came with the Rubsign
, does NOT have the 1985 copyright. Actually the only copyright on him is the TAKARA one, and it lacks the Hasbro, so that is odd. 
My Cliffjupmer is the same way, which I got for my birthday (September 1985).
As for the comic, I do know that in some cases drug stores do get copies like a month after they are released to specialty stores and comic book stores, that was at least how it was in the late 80s and early 90s.
, got him the August of 1985, and like yours he has seen many adventures. I discovered Transformers in the Spring of 1985, me and my sister were bored and was "channel surfing" on our old black & white TV, we were poor and it was the only TV we had. So we came across this animated show we have never seen before, it had this kid (Spike) and his Dad (Sparkplug) stuck in the ocean with some robot battle going on, it was like the last five minutes of the episode. When it ended I could not wait to see more and after that I was hooked. So officially the first product I ever bought was this set of 3-D foil stickers (since they were cheap), than a folder with Megatron
& Prowl and a notebook with Jazz . Then like I said above, cause we had some extra money my Mom was able to get me Bumblebee. Even though we were poor, I was very lucky to get all the figures I did, and I was also very lucky that I still have every single one, even though some of them are not in the best shape, war and an very imaginative child can do a lot of damage. lol
Since I do have the same Bumblebee I got in 1985, I can help you with your question. My Bumblebee, which came with the Rubsign
, does NOT have the 1985 copyright. Actually the only copyright on him is the TAKARA one, and it lacks the Hasbro, so that is odd. My Cliffjupmer is the same way, which I got for my birthday (September 1985).
As for the comic, I do know that in some cases drug stores do get copies like a month after they are released to specialty stores and comic book stores, that was at least how it was in the late 80s and early 90s.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789550)
Posted by Va'al on May 14th, 2016 @ 5:23am CDT
DING DING DING we had the answer in two parts all along!
Ryan had showed me the gallery the first time we met in person, in London. I didn't know the whole story though, so that was an excellent read - thank you for adding all of it!
I think most of my TF stories have been said around the boards by now, but there's definitely one big chunk of it over here:
...we should do those interviews again..
Posted by Va'al on May 14th, 2016 @ 5:23am CDT
Mr Skram wrote:Some version of Bumblebee. It's obviously what the people want!
Railbomb wrote:In all reality I feel it's going to either be the first Transformer that Mr. Seibertron himself got or some Lucky Draw figure.
DING DING DING we had the answer in two parts all along!
Ryan had showed me the gallery the first time we met in person, in London. I didn't know the whole story though, so that was an excellent read - thank you for adding all of it!
I think most of my TF stories have been said around the boards by now, but there's definitely one big chunk of it over here:
My first toy, on the other hand, was a present my dad got me during one of his business trips: G2 Sideswipe, known to me as 'Freccia' ('Arrow'). I loved it, but have no idea where it went. I think my fondest memory of a Transformer toy was Beast Wars Optimus Primal, which my mum bought me on a surprise trip to the toy shop for one of my birthdays. He's still alive and kicking, although missing all his missiles bar one, and only has half a sword left.
...we should do those interviews again..
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789551)
Posted by Rainmaker on May 14th, 2016 @ 5:28am CDT
You guys did interviews?
(I have no idea what my first Transformer was, I think it was Treadbolt...)
Posted by Rainmaker on May 14th, 2016 @ 5:28am CDT
Dr Va'al wrote:Mr Skram wrote:Some version of Bumblebee. It's obviously what the people want!Railbomb wrote:In all reality I feel it's going to either be the first Transformer that Mr. Seibertron himself got or some Lucky Draw figure.
DING DING DING we had the answer in two parts all along!
Ryan had showed me the gallery the first time we met in person, in London. I didn't know the whole story though, so that was an excellent read - thank you for adding all of it!
I think most of my TF stories have been said around the boards by now, but there's definitely one big chunk of it over here:My first toy, on the other hand, was a present my dad got me during one of his business trips: G2 Sideswipe, known to me as 'Freccia' ('Arrow'). I loved it, but have no idea where it went. I think my fondest memory of a Transformer toy was Beast Wars Optimus Primal, which my mum bought me on a surprise trip to the toy shop for one of my birthdays. He's still alive and kicking, although missing all his missiles bar one, and only has half a sword left.
...we should do those interviews again..
You guys did interviews?
(I have no idea what my first Transformer was, I think it was Treadbolt...)
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789554)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on May 14th, 2016 @ 5:37am CDT
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on May 14th, 2016 @ 5:37am CDT
This makes me very nostalgic but also sad that I honestly can't remember which was my first Transformer but it's possible it's Trailbreaker whom my mum got me as a gift while I was stuck in hospital for a week. He seems the most likely suspect.
I remember my first TF comic was Marvel UK's Transformers #28 (It had dinobots on the cover and a free chocolate bar, so yes please) and I loved it and was gutted that I missed issue 30 cos it sold out and so from 31 I asked the local newsagents to put one aside for me cos it had become my new fave thing.
I remember my first TF comic was Marvel UK's Transformers #28 (It had dinobots on the cover and a free chocolate bar, so yes please) and I loved it and was gutted that I missed issue 30 cos it sold out and so from 31 I asked the local newsagents to put one aside for me cos it had become my new fave thing.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789556)
Posted by Va'al on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:22am CDT
We still do! When Blurrz was on staff, we also had members interviews (click on that link I put up there, there are more in it), but I've been swamped with creators ones, so haven't come back to those yet. We really should kick them back into gear, though...
Posted by Va'al on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:22am CDT
[BW] Rainmaker wrote:Dr Va'al wrote:
I think most of my TF stories have been said around the boards by now, but there's definitely one big chunk of it over here
You guys did interviews?
We still do! When Blurrz was on staff, we also had members interviews (click on that link I put up there, there are more in it), but I've been swamped with creators ones, so haven't come back to those yet. We really should kick them back into gear, though...
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789557)
Posted by Evil Eye on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:39am CDT
Posted by Evil Eye on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:39am CDT
Oh man, that's neat. I have the old keychain Bumblebee somewhere- his head broke off but I fixed the hinge with a styrene strip.
Anyway, my first Transformer was RID Side Burn. He's absolutely shagged now, with paint wear, flaking chrome and joints that are only still useable thanks to a coat of superglue, but dear god I love him. Superb vehicle mode, really fun robot mode and dear lord that gorgeous paintjob...
Anyway, my first Transformer was RID Side Burn. He's absolutely shagged now, with paint wear, flaking chrome and joints that are only still useable thanks to a coat of superglue, but dear god I love him. Superb vehicle mode, really fun robot mode and dear lord that gorgeous paintjob...
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789558)
Posted by Logan. on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:57am CDT
Posted by Logan. on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:57am CDT
My first TF was G1 Jazz^^
Seibertron, I have only few words about this awesome thread:
Thanks for all
Seibertron, I have only few words about this awesome thread:
Thanks for all
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789566)
Posted by Autobot N on May 14th, 2016 @ 7:48am CDT
Posted by Autobot N on May 14th, 2016 @ 7:48am CDT
I remember my very first Transformer was an Animated Activators Bumblebee that I got for Christmas (don't remember the year, though). However, I didn't really know nor cared what is was, so I mostly used it as a villain for my Sonic the Hedgehog action figures. However, at some point, I realized what it was, and gained a very tiny interest in the franchise. Then, at some point in 2012, eleven year-old me went to stay at my grandmother's house for the weekend. On Saturday, before we had to go home, she and my uncle took us toy shopping. Lo and behold, the figure that caught my eye was FOC Jazz. While I didn't get it at the store that day, I regretted the decision, so my parents ordered it for me once I got back. For a while, it was just Bee and Jazz, until later that year I purchased an eBay lot with 2007 Movie Voyager Prime, Deluxe Jazz, Deluxe Longarm, and some Ironhide. From there, it began to grow even more. Fast forward to today, where I have more than a shelf's worth of Transformers and virtually the whole CW line.
Sadly, FOC Jazz and Animated Bee are sitting in a box in the attic, as I put them there when I did a purging of my collection in early 2015, when I got rid of all my movie stuff and anything with extremely loose ball joints, those two included. I'd like to go back and get them sometime soon.
Sadly, FOC Jazz and Animated Bee are sitting in a box in the attic, as I put them there when I did a purging of my collection in early 2015, when I got rid of all my movie stuff and anything with extremely loose ball joints, those two included. I'd like to go back and get them sometime soon.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789575)
Posted by Bronzewolf on May 14th, 2016 @ 9:25am CDT
Posted by Bronzewolf on May 14th, 2016 @ 9:25am CDT
I'll throw my two cents into the ring.
My first Transformer ever was the Star Wars Captain Rex/AT-TE (the big six-legged walkers from the Clone Wars era). At the time Revenge of the Sith had just come out and I couldn't get enough star wars stuff. So when I was at my friend's house and saw his Obi-Wan/Jedi Starfighter transformer, I had to get one. A good bit of time passed before I actually did, because they where in the middle of phasing out that line. But I finally found Cap. Rex, and bought him on sight.
Fast forward maybe six-seven years, my brother had been born, and we stumbled upon the TF: Generations section of Target. We bought Legend Class Optimus & Roller. Then Cosmos. Then Megatron. Then Starscream. Then Swerve. And then we were addicted. Fast forward again to now, and my brother and I have a collection pushing 200+ figures, including CW, Generations, Beast Wars, TF: Prime, Rescue Bots, MPs, and we're looking to soon add our first G1 bot. We've got a full dresser devoted to them.
So, no, we haven't been fans since the very beginning, but Transformers and everything about them have become a big part of our lives.
I'm loving everyone's stories. A lot of great Nostalgia. Keep 'em coming!
My first Transformer ever was the Star Wars Captain Rex/AT-TE (the big six-legged walkers from the Clone Wars era). At the time Revenge of the Sith had just come out and I couldn't get enough star wars stuff. So when I was at my friend's house and saw his Obi-Wan/Jedi Starfighter transformer, I had to get one. A good bit of time passed before I actually did, because they where in the middle of phasing out that line. But I finally found Cap. Rex, and bought him on sight.
Fast forward maybe six-seven years, my brother had been born, and we stumbled upon the TF: Generations section of Target. We bought Legend Class Optimus & Roller. Then Cosmos. Then Megatron. Then Starscream. Then Swerve. And then we were addicted. Fast forward again to now, and my brother and I have a collection pushing 200+ figures, including CW, Generations, Beast Wars, TF: Prime, Rescue Bots, MPs, and we're looking to soon add our first G1 bot. We've got a full dresser devoted to them.
So, no, we haven't been fans since the very beginning, but Transformers and everything about them have become a big part of our lives.
I'm loving everyone's stories. A lot of great Nostalgia. Keep 'em coming!
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789576)
Posted by ArmadaPrime on May 14th, 2016 @ 9:39am CDT
Dang, you got there before I could
Despite being a comparative young'un I still have fond memories of discovering TFs in my childhood. I can't have been much more than about 5, judging by release dates, and it was the first time my Dad had been away with work (albeit just for a weekend). When he came back, he had gifts for my brother and I- I must admit I can't remember what my brother was given for the life of me, but I got Armada Red Alert, still one of my favourite figures from the line. I think I'd seen the show a little when watching saturday morning cartoons but it was only after getting red that I got really into it, and did I ever. I remember poring over the assorted minicon teams in Woolworths, my poor mother admitting that it all went way over her head and so she had no idea which ones I did or didn't have! I distinctly recall seeing the role-play weapons of the Dark and Star Sabers there too, though I never got them myself.
The only other figure I remember the circumstances around was Unicron- we'd made a trip down to ToysRUs to pick something out for either christmas or a birthday, and lo and behold, on the very bottom shelf, was the planet-eater himself. Whilst I'm sure he wasn't, in my memories he seemed like he was almost as big as I was! Naturally he carried a hefty price tag, so I remember some umm-ing and ahh-ing on my parent's behalf and some pestering pleading on mine, but when that birthday/christmas rolled around, there he was. Honestly for a while I could barely transform the bugger, some of the joints were astoundingly tight and those flaps on his arms to hide his hands behind required nails I really didn't have (luckily my brother was transfixed by him as I was), but I still couldn't have been more thrilled to have him.
Being in this fandom has been such a great experience for me, it's wild to think that had it not been for that one business trip, perhaps it wouldn't have happened at all.
Posted by ArmadaPrime on May 14th, 2016 @ 9:39am CDT
camzilla51 wrote:Lost-and-Foundwave
Dang, you got there before I could
Despite being a comparative young'un I still have fond memories of discovering TFs in my childhood. I can't have been much more than about 5, judging by release dates, and it was the first time my Dad had been away with work (albeit just for a weekend). When he came back, he had gifts for my brother and I- I must admit I can't remember what my brother was given for the life of me, but I got Armada Red Alert, still one of my favourite figures from the line. I think I'd seen the show a little when watching saturday morning cartoons but it was only after getting red that I got really into it, and did I ever. I remember poring over the assorted minicon teams in Woolworths, my poor mother admitting that it all went way over her head and so she had no idea which ones I did or didn't have! I distinctly recall seeing the role-play weapons of the Dark and Star Sabers there too, though I never got them myself.
The only other figure I remember the circumstances around was Unicron- we'd made a trip down to ToysRUs to pick something out for either christmas or a birthday, and lo and behold, on the very bottom shelf, was the planet-eater himself. Whilst I'm sure he wasn't, in my memories he seemed like he was almost as big as I was! Naturally he carried a hefty price tag, so I remember some umm-ing and ahh-ing on my parent's behalf and some pestering pleading on mine, but when that birthday/christmas rolled around, there he was. Honestly for a while I could barely transform the bugger, some of the joints were astoundingly tight and those flaps on his arms to hide his hands behind required nails I really didn't have (luckily my brother was transfixed by him as I was), but I still couldn't have been more thrilled to have him.
Being in this fandom has been such a great experience for me, it's wild to think that had it not been for that one business trip, perhaps it wouldn't have happened at all.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789577)
Posted by Razorclaw0000 on May 14th, 2016 @ 9:39am CDT
Posted by Razorclaw0000 on May 14th, 2016 @ 9:39am CDT
Incredible post and gallery, Ryan!
My first was Perceptor, and to this day, I think he helped foster a love of science.
My first was Perceptor, and to this day, I think he helped foster a love of science.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789578)
Posted by Bronzewolf on May 14th, 2016 @ 9:48am CDT
I know the feeling
That's a really nice sentiment. Yeah, as fandoms go, we're pretty good
Posted by Bronzewolf on May 14th, 2016 @ 9:48am CDT
ArmadaPrime wrote:Despite being a comparative young'un,
I know the feeling
Being in this fandom has been such a great experience for me, it's wild to think that had it not been for that one business trip, perhaps it wouldn't have happened at all.
That's a really nice sentiment. Yeah, as fandoms go, we're pretty good
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789582)
Posted by Sigma Magnus on May 14th, 2016 @ 9:57am CDT
Posted by Sigma Magnus on May 14th, 2016 @ 9:57am CDT
My first Transformer(s) was the Energon six-pack of the Night Attack Mini-Con Team and the Road Wrecker Mini-Con Team. Not sure where those are, now...my first 'real' Transformer was Energon Windrazor, specifically the Universe (2003) variant, whom I still have on my shelf on this day (though his Energon chip has been long since lost). But at that point, I was only a casual fan of the franchise. I got some Cybertron toys, two Scouts and Primus himself, but I didn't really watch the show very much, and if I ever saw Energon, I don't remember it. I suppose that's a good thing. Now, when the first movie came out...I was hooked. My first of that line was Deluxe Jazz. That's about when I truly became a fan. It kinda faded between RotF and DotM, but by the time AoE came around I had discovered Seibertron and TFWiki, and there was no going back. Now I consider myself a permanent member of the Transformer fandom, and I'm truly honored to use this site to talk with so many fellow fans.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789587)
Posted by Fuhzimota on May 14th, 2016 @ 10:49am CDT
Posted by Fuhzimota on May 14th, 2016 @ 10:49am CDT
Missing paint? Nah, that's just wear from all the nostalgia. Rust and tire damage? Nope. Those are really signs that old BB was well-played with. Missing stickers? nothing more than proof that Bumblebee was well-loved, and probably kept in close quarters, just in case Decepticons attacked... Thanks for sharing this with us, Ryan. he's really something special.
Thanks for sharing this with us, Ryan. he's really something special.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789590)
Posted by Dagon on May 14th, 2016 @ 10:51am CDT
Posted by Dagon on May 14th, 2016 @ 10:51am CDT
That's a really terrific story. Thanks for the excellent Saturday morning read.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789601)
Posted by ScottyP on May 14th, 2016 @ 11:32am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on May 14th, 2016 @ 11:32am CDT
This was an awesome read. Good stuff my man, really good stuff.
I don't actually have any idea what my first Transformer was because many of my bots were hand-me-downs from my brother. There were also so many bought for me during my really early years, even as early as when I was 3, that are so deep into the border between memory and childhood amnesia that yeah, I just really don't know. Still fun to look back on the condition of my originals in some cases, for instance my Dreadwind and Darkwing still have impressions from where my mom wrote my name on their wings when I took them to show and tell
I don't actually have any idea what my first Transformer was because many of my bots were hand-me-downs from my brother. There were also so many bought for me during my really early years, even as early as when I was 3, that are so deep into the border between memory and childhood amnesia that yeah, I just really don't know. Still fun to look back on the condition of my originals in some cases, for instance my Dreadwind and Darkwing still have impressions from where my mom wrote my name on their wings when I took them to show and tell
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789603)
Posted by SureShot18 on May 14th, 2016 @ 11:48am CDT
Posted by SureShot18 on May 14th, 2016 @ 11:48am CDT
What a neat read and a great way to celebrate a big milestone Seibertron. I didn't think it would be anything like this for the 4000 gallery. I expected something really significant or something insignificant as a sort of a joke but I think we can all agree this is a really significant gallery. Heck, if it wasn't for this figure there probably wouldn't be any galleries or Seibertron.com at all.
My very first interaction with Transformer toys were my dad's G1s. The ones I remember playing with are Hook(I vividly remember breaking his leg off), Ravage, Swoop, and Blaster. I still have his Laserbeak, 2 or 3 yellow Cliffjumpers, Huffer(really good condition too), and 2 bare bones Thundercrackers.
Eventually I got my first very own Transformer who I want to say was Classics Mirage. I think it's him because he predates the movie Bumblebee who was also one of my firsts. His rub sign is peeling off, he has paint wear all over the place and several of his joints are lose. He's a really good figure, so much so that I couldn't bring myself to get the CW version. I want to get a mint Classics Mirage at some point so I can really appreciate him.
I didn't think it would be anything like this for the 4000 gallery. I expected something really significant or something insignificant as a sort of a joke but I think we can all agree this is a really significant gallery. Heck, if it wasn't for this figure there probably wouldn't be any galleries or Seibertron.com at all.My very first interaction with Transformer toys were my dad's G1s. The ones I remember playing with are Hook(I vividly remember breaking his leg off), Ravage, Swoop, and Blaster. I still have his Laserbeak, 2 or 3 yellow Cliffjumpers, Huffer(really good condition too), and 2 bare bones Thundercrackers.
Eventually I got my first very own Transformer who I want to say was Classics Mirage. I think it's him because he predates the movie Bumblebee who was also one of my firsts. His rub sign is peeling off, he has paint wear all over the place and several of his joints are lose. He's a really good figure, so much so that I couldn't bring myself to get the CW version. I want to get a mint Classics Mirage at some point so I can really appreciate him.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789611)
Posted by ScottyP on May 14th, 2016 @ 12:21pm CDT
Posted by ScottyP on May 14th, 2016 @ 12:21pm CDT
And he paid less. Well, at least less than I did.Razorclaw0000 wrote:Dr Va'al wrote:Razorclaw0000 wrote:Lucky Draw Arms Micron Hades
Wait, he does actually own that, doesn't he?
Yep, and we teased him for not assembling it himself. Scotty and I endured the anus-clenching terror of clipping off gold chromed plastic from sprues. His was preassembled and in top shape. At the end of the day, he's much smarter.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789615)
Posted by Big Grim on May 14th, 2016 @ 1:01pm CDT
Posted by Big Grim on May 14th, 2016 @ 1:01pm CDT
Great story Seibs! Looks like he was well loved!
My first Transformer was bought when we lived in Germany. I was five. The family went to the local store, I think a Naafi, (we're Forces brats. Dad was in the RAF.) and by younger Brother and I saw a stand of these incredible toys. We stood and looked at them and were told we could get one each the next week. He chose Grimlock, I chose Soundwave. That week was agonising!
We returned and, as promised, we could pick a robot. Grimlock was there but...no Soundwave! Crushing, I know! There was however this amazing white jet with red wings called Ramjet! He looked great and that was that! Loved that toy. It was the start of a huge collection we got over the years. Shame that when I did that pesky "growing up" that Mum gave all our toys to a jumble sale...
Years ago I got back into Transformers when Titan started reprinting the US comics from when I was a nipper and I've been collecting since I bought RiD Optimus Prime (the big red fire truck). Still selling off the collection these days as completionism just wasn't viable. These days it's just Masterpiece though I never sold the Takara bookcase or Encore reissue Soundwave. Bookcase is the first proper Soundwave I ever owned. He was worth the wait!
My first Transformer was bought when we lived in Germany. I was five. The family went to the local store, I think a Naafi, (we're Forces brats. Dad was in the RAF.) and by younger Brother and I saw a stand of these incredible toys. We stood and looked at them and were told we could get one each the next week. He chose Grimlock, I chose Soundwave. That week was agonising!
We returned and, as promised, we could pick a robot. Grimlock was there but...no Soundwave! Crushing, I know! There was however this amazing white jet with red wings called Ramjet! He looked great and that was that! Loved that toy. It was the start of a huge collection we got over the years. Shame that when I did that pesky "growing up" that Mum gave all our toys to a jumble sale...
Years ago I got back into Transformers when Titan started reprinting the US comics from when I was a nipper and I've been collecting since I bought RiD Optimus Prime (the big red fire truck). Still selling off the collection these days as completionism just wasn't viable. These days it's just Masterpiece though I never sold the Takara bookcase or Encore reissue Soundwave. Bookcase is the first proper Soundwave I ever owned. He was worth the wait!
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789616)
Posted by Big Grim on May 14th, 2016 @ 1:03pm CDT
Posted by Big Grim on May 14th, 2016 @ 1:03pm CDT
Oh, and Seibertron was the first TF site I joined and only one where I served as News Crew, many years ago!
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789622)
Posted by DedicatedGhostArt on May 14th, 2016 @ 1:23pm CDT
Posted by DedicatedGhostArt on May 14th, 2016 @ 1:23pm CDT
Like everyone else is saying on here, thank you so much Ryan for all the work you have done!
I think my first Transformer was Cybertron Scout class Armorhide. Man that was one well-loved toy.
I think my first Transformer was Cybertron Scout class Armorhide. Man that was one well-loved toy.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789647)
Posted by Delicon on May 14th, 2016 @ 3:12pm CDT
Posted by Delicon on May 14th, 2016 @ 3:12pm CDT
I watched Transformers from the first episode as well. I still remember the part in the opening mini-series where Optimus tumbles down the side of the mountain and being super worried about him.
A few months later I got my first actual Transformers toys for my first communion. Off the top of my head, I think it was Optimus Prime, Huffer, Brawn and Cliffjumper. Cliffjumper confused me though because it was the yellow version so I ended up just calling him Bumblebee. Ryan's Bumblebee actually fared much better than my Cliffjumper as he was completely destroyed around the time the show ended. First it was tires, then the head kept popping off and eventually he just fell completely apart.
Here's to the kids in all of us who never grew up!
A few months later I got my first actual Transformers toys for my first communion. Off the top of my head, I think it was Optimus Prime, Huffer, Brawn and Cliffjumper. Cliffjumper confused me though because it was the yellow version so I ended up just calling him Bumblebee. Ryan's Bumblebee actually fared much better than my Cliffjumper as he was completely destroyed around the time the show ended. First it was tires, then the head kept popping off and eventually he just fell completely apart.
Here's to the kids in all of us who never grew up!
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789649)
Posted by RK_Striker_JK_5 on May 14th, 2016 @ 3:16pm CDT
Posted by RK_Striker_JK_5 on May 14th, 2016 @ 3:16pm CDT
Thanks for four thousand awesome galleries, Ryan. We all appreciate your hard work.
My childhood story? I do recall seeing 'More Than Meets the Eye' when it premiered. My first toy was Bluestreak, which sadly I don't have anymore.
Ah, well. At least I got the encore reissue. Been hooked ever since.
We all appreciate your hard work.My childhood story? I do recall seeing 'More Than Meets the Eye' when it premiered. My first toy was Bluestreak, which sadly I don't have anymore.
Ah, well. At least I got the encore reissue. Been hooked ever since.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789660)
Posted by no-one on May 14th, 2016 @ 4:29pm CDT
Posted by no-one on May 14th, 2016 @ 4:29pm CDT
Cool figure, great pics and awesome read; thanks for sharing
I'm not really sure which TF was my first, probably Bee. I remember having that lil yellow bundle of awesome and taking him everywhere I went (even sneaking him to school
). I didn't really have very many G1 figures, but I remember playing with them a lot in vehicle mode. I feel that's really where the G1 stuff shines. I moved on from TFs to GI Joe and/or other toys. Over the years I've only held on to one G1-former; Hot Spot and here's why.
I don't have any stories about any of my G1 figures, but I do have a story about my first Transformer hunt. I've told this story here and there on the boards so forgive me for repeating myself.
For either my BDay or XMas I received all of the Protectobot limbs. More than likely the set came from Sears where they used to bundle toy lines together in their Wish Books of yore and legend. When I found out that they could combine to form a bigger robot I immediately went into beg mode. I hounded my parents night and day until I broke them down. They agreed that if/when we spotted him at a store they would buy him for me.
So much like I do now, the first place I go when I hit a store is the toy section. To carytheweeone, it seemed like it took months, no years to track down Hot Spot. Eventually I found him, and after a little more shameless begging he went home with me and formed the mighty Defensor. Over the years I've either lost or traded all my TFs except for the humble Hot Spot.
It all came back around again with Combiner Wars. On one of my many hunts I stumbled on all of the Protectobot limbs just hanging there on pegs like sun ripening fruit. It was 1985 all over again, all the feelings of desire and urgency rushed over me. Hot Spot hadn't hit retail yet and I could have ordered him right then and there online, but I decided to wait until I could find him at retail. The game is afoot. It didn't take very long to find Hot Spot this time or maybe I'm just a wee bit more patient (probably not). Good times
Again Ryan, thanks for sharing and for all the hard work that gives all of us a great place to hang out and talk about tiny plastic giant robots 
I'm not really sure which TF was my first, probably Bee. I remember having that lil yellow bundle of awesome and taking him everywhere I went (even sneaking him to school
). I didn't really have very many G1 figures, but I remember playing with them a lot in vehicle mode. I feel that's really where the G1 stuff shines. I moved on from TFs to GI Joe and/or other toys. Over the years I've only held on to one G1-former; Hot Spot and here's why.I don't have any stories about any of my G1 figures, but I do have a story about my first Transformer hunt. I've told this story here and there on the boards so forgive me for repeating myself.
For either my BDay or XMas I received all of the Protectobot limbs. More than likely the set came from Sears where they used to bundle toy lines together in their Wish Books of yore and legend. When I found out that they could combine to form a bigger robot I immediately went into beg mode. I hounded my parents night and day until I broke them down. They agreed that if/when we spotted him at a store they would buy him for me.
So much like I do now, the first place I go when I hit a store is the toy section. To carytheweeone, it seemed like it took months, no years to track down Hot Spot. Eventually I found him, and after a little more shameless begging he went home with me and formed the mighty Defensor. Over the years I've either lost or traded all my TFs except for the humble Hot Spot.
It all came back around again with Combiner Wars. On one of my many hunts I stumbled on all of the Protectobot limbs just hanging there on pegs like sun ripening fruit. It was 1985 all over again, all the feelings of desire and urgency rushed over me. Hot Spot hadn't hit retail yet and I could have ordered him right then and there online, but I decided to wait until I could find him at retail. The game is afoot. It didn't take very long to find Hot Spot this time or maybe I'm just a wee bit more patient (probably not). Good times
Again Ryan, thanks for sharing and for all the hard work that gives all of us a great place to hang out and talk about tiny plastic giant robots
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789674)
Posted by Seibertron on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:13pm CDT
Posted by Seibertron on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:13pm CDT
You guys want to see something really scandalous? You have to promise you guys won't tell anyone though. It'll be our little secret.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789675)
Posted by Rainmaker on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:17pm CDT
But this is the internet.
Posted by Rainmaker on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:17pm CDT
Seibertron wrote:You guys want to see something really scandalous? You have to promise you guys won't tell anyone though. It'll be our little secret.
But this is the internet.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789676)
Posted by no-one on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:19pm CDT
Posted by no-one on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:19pm CDT
Well obviously, nice avatar BTW.Seibertron wrote:You guys want to see something really scandalous? You have to promise you guys won't tell anyone though. It'll be our little secret.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789678)
Posted by Seibertron on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:21pm CDT
Yah but we can all keep a secret, right? Nobody else needs to know!!!
Posted by Seibertron on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:21pm CDT
[BW] Rainmaker wrote:Seibertron wrote:You guys want to see something really scandalous? You have to promise you guys won't tell anyone though. It'll be our little secret.
But this is the internet.
Yah but we can all keep a secret, right? Nobody else needs to know!!!
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789679)
Posted by Rainmaker on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:23pm CDT
Yeah I can keep a secret.
Posted by Rainmaker on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:23pm CDT
Seibertron wrote:[BW] Rainmaker wrote:Seibertron wrote:You guys want to see something really scandalous? You have to promise you guys won't tell anyone though. It'll be our little secret.
But this is the internet.
Yah but we can all keep a secret, right? Nobody else needs to know!!!
Yeah I can keep a secret.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789681)
Posted by Seibertron on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:31pm CDT
Alright. [BW] Rainmaker is onboard. How about everyone else? Are the rest of you good to keep a secret? This is really embarassing and I don't want people outside of forums to know about this.
Posted by Seibertron on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:31pm CDT
[BW] Rainmaker wrote:Seibertron wrote:[BW] Rainmaker wrote:Seibertron wrote:You guys want to see something really scandalous? You have to promise you guys won't tell anyone though. It'll be our little secret.
But this is the internet.
Yah but we can all keep a secret, right? Nobody else needs to know!!!
Yeah I can keep a secret.
Alright. [BW] Rainmaker is onboard. How about everyone else? Are the rest of you good to keep a secret? This is really embarassing and I don't want people outside of forums to know about this.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789682)
Posted by Sigma Magnus on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:32pm CDT
Posted by Sigma Magnus on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:32pm CDT
My lips are sealed. But still, you don't have to tell us if you don't want to.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789684)
Posted by Seibertron on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:38pm CDT
I know, I know. But I think it's important that all of you guys know about this secret.
Posted by Seibertron on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:38pm CDT
Sigma Magnus wrote:My lips are sealed. But still, you don't have to tell us if you don't want to.
I know, I know. But I think it's important that all of you guys know about this secret.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789685)
Posted by no-one on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:39pm CDT
Posted by no-one on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:39pm CDT
I'm on board, what cha got? You've got me super curious now.
Re: New Gallery: Seibertron.com's 4,000th Gallery is none other than Ryan's 1st Transformer (1789687)
Posted by Seibertron on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:43pm CDT
Let's make sure everyone else is on board. I want to show you guys the rest of the much larger drawing that that Bumblebee came from when I was a kid. It's almost borderline blackmail material.
Posted by Seibertron on May 14th, 2016 @ 6:43pm CDT
carytheone wrote:I'm on board, what cha got? You've got me super curious now.
Let's make sure everyone else is on board. I want to show you guys the rest of the much larger drawing that that Bumblebee came from when I was a kid. It's almost borderline blackmail material.
