The iconic “ Transformers ” franchise is
celebrating its 40th anniversary with a host of nostalgic releases, including
new toys and collectibles. The highlight of the celebration, however,
is an animated collaboration with legendary anime studio TRIGGER (Kill
la Kill, Delicious in Dungeon), which has captured fans’ attention by
offering a visual homage to the robots-in-disguise’s rich history. Packed
with references and surprises, this video encapsulates every part of
Transformers’ illustrious history, from its classic cartoons to the live-action
films.
The video, which was teased weeks before its release,
is a real treat for fans of the franchise, showcasing countless versions and
generations of characters in one animation. Among the highlights, fans will be
able to recognize many characters from the classic Generation 1 (G1) series,
but that’s just the beginning. The animation opens with an image of
Vector Prime from “Transformers: Cybertron,” and within the first few seconds,
multiple Autobots and Decepticons can already be seen interacting, including
powerful figures like Star Saber from the “Transformers: Super-God Masterforce”
series, along with the Headmaster Juniors and Godmasters from that series.
Another notable nod to Japanese anime fans is the
appearance of the “Brave Stance” from the 1990s sister franchise Brave/Yusha,
featuring various Autobot leaders unsheathing their swords to take on their
fierce enemies. The video isn’t limited to Japanese productions,
either. Western series also make their way through, with depictions of
Optimus Primal from Beast Wars, Beast Machines, and “Transformers: Rise of the
Beasts.” In one thrilling moment, G1 Optimus Prime fuses with Optimal
Optimus, while G1 and Beast Wars Megatrons combine into Transmetal 2 Megatron,
evoking a sense of nostalgia for fans of both generations.
TRIGGER’s experimental animation shines throughout the
video, making each timeline depicted have a distinctly “anime” aesthetic. Remarkably, all
of the animation was done by hand, without using a hint of CGI, highlighting
the unique visual style that this studio brings to the table. Satoshi
Ameniya, who previously worked on the “Gridman Universe” anime, was in charge
of directing the video. It’s worth mentioning that Gridman has a
slight connection to Transformers due to the character designs that pay homage
to various figures from the franchise.
The music of the video is another highlight. The
song “Mayday” by Japanese rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN accompanies the animation,
adding an epic touch to the homage. BUMP OF CHICKEN is no stranger to
the franchise, as an Optimus Prime toy inspired by the musical group was
recently revealed, further cementing its link to Transformers. In
short, this animated project is a true celebration of the Transformers legacy
and a treat for all fans who have followed the evolution of the franchise for
decades.
Source: Yahoo!News Japan
