But not life as we know it today. Intelligent robots that could think and feel inhabited the cities. They were called Autobots and Decepticons. But the brutal Decepticons were driven by a single goal – total domination. They set out to destroy the peace-loving Autobots – and a war between good and evil raged across Cybertron; devastating all in its path, draining the planet’s once rich sources of energy. The Autobots, on the verge of extinction, battled valiantly to survive…
With these words on this day in 1984, the first-ever episode of Transformers Generation 1 was broadcast. While Transformers itself had already launched with the first issue of the comic book from Marvel comics on May 8 1984, for many of us it was the cartoon that truly cemented the Transformers into our imagination. In this first episode we were introduced to the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons and their war that had led them to leave their homeworld of Cybertron and crashland on Earth. It was the beginning of a legend that would span 98 episodes and a theatrical released movie, not to mention countless series that spun off from the mythology on both sides of the Pacific. This original three-part story arc even now stands the test of time and stands strong and proud as the beginning of all Transformers cartoons.
If you were a fan from the beginning who remembers watching More than Meets the Eye Part 1 on the original broadcast or one of the members of our fandom who perhaps joined later, I hope that today you will join me in raising a glass and celebrating the 28th birthday of the first airing of the cartoon that started it all.
Happy 28th birthday, More than Meets the Eye! Happy 28th birthday, Transformers cartoons!
Pictured at left, Wheeljack, the first Transformer to appear on screen in More than Meets the Eye Part 1.
Autobot_Hiphop
Touching story bro. Thanks for sharing the memories. Your dad was very cool.
Autobot_Hiphop
The first Transformer my dad bought me was Insecticon Kickback. Then Smokescreen. I was already hooked on the cartoon when it first aired.
I never understood how some kids had a Megatron because (A) I wasn't allowed to own a toy gun and (B) I couldn't find him in stores anyways lol.
But I always wanted that toy even though his proportions were a little off.
Great times, and now playing War For Cybertron and FOC on the ps3 feels like the toys of my youth have come alive.
TILL ALL ARE ONE!
Kenucme
That's an awesome recollection for the beginning of the G1 cartoon! Thanks for sharing.
Mine is nowhere close on the awesome scale, but I do recall the event. I was playing hooky from football practice although I can't remember if I caught the episode by accident (somewhat likely) or I specifically was trying to watch it (possible since I already knew of them reading the Marvel Comics).
Oh, and I was staying with my Aunt and Uncle during that time since my Mom was taking a vacation trip to Hawaii.
Kantus Prime
You had one great dad
Autovolt 127
Your Dad was the best.
scoobsterinc
I love how a simple cartoon can bring memories!
Kantus Prime
Time to make a cake and eat it all by myself.
NeverDoubt
Aww, seriously that is a wonderful story.
Bubbah
Wow dude, awesome story! Thread winner right there It's amazing the memories a "simple cartoon" can leave with a person!
Snake_eyes1975
Watched the 1st episode on TV back then. There were commercial lead ins so I knew when it was gunna happen. Sometimes my bus ran late and I would miss the 1st 5 minutes of the show in that slot (cant remember what it was before TF)
I was in school,4th grade, everyone was talking about rushing home to watch it, and a voice came over the PA, "Mrs. Oldham, Can you please send DAVID LOVELOCK to the office. Thank you"
DREAD instantly hit me. I prolly squeezed a bit of carmel out at the thought of JUST WHAT I HAD DONE…to deserve a trip to the pricipal's office. I gather my things, slowly walk to the office…
There was my dad.
OMG….WHAT….THE……HELL….did….I….do…..
My dad said…
"Hey buddy, I thought it would be nice If I picked you up and drove you home so you could watch the new transformers cartoon"
Never forget that..trip home….I was SO happy with my dad, That he actually knew how important it was for me as a lil kid to watch that….
Miss you Dad…Thanks Dad, and G1 for all the awesome memories
puffmarko
This anime show stolen immediatly my attention: I was 7 years old. Simply the best thing I ever seen on TV during my childhood.
Ultramax Primus
Happy birthday G1, the best series next to Beast Wars and Prime.
NeverDoubt
Yeah and it's interesting how little tweeks can create differences in personality yet still maintain the same overall character.
Gingerchris
Happy Birthday first episode! If you were a person I'd buy you a celebratory hooker.
I remember mornings sat with the VHS remote trying to start recording the TF segments without too much Timmy Mallet crap between them. I've still got those old recordings somewhere.
Happy childhood days of waiting for the TF cartoon bit and glimpses of Michaela Strachan's side-boob whenever she wore those loose vest tops and started waving her arms about.
O.Supreme
Yeah its one of the things that I think makes Transformers so unique. There is no question as to the origin of Superman, or Batman, or Spider-Man, or the X-Men all because they were revealed in the pages of their respective comics, and animated series followed sometime later.
Transformers began developing BOTH at the ame time (obviously it takes more time and effort to produce an animated series, thus the reason why the comic went public first). But to this day when someone asks "What is the Origin of Optimus Prime?" you have AT LEAST 2 different answers, both of which are equally correct.
Captain
Happy birthday! I thank God for all things Transformers!!
QLRformer
Happy Birthday to one of the most awesome shows of my childhood.
May the TF saga live for ever and ever.
TFW10
Remember running to watch the series with my brother on Sunday mornings, 9:00am.
Oh and Happy B TF, wow 28 years never have thought of it being that old.
Oracle_Aesir
Yeah I celebrated the 28th anni in May…. (when the comics began)
edf
egads-lol, while i was 4 years old when it first aired- i didnt get into transformers til, like, 2-3 weeks ago at 32 years old…
But its great that this show and all survived through the times!
Happy b-day! LOl- i did start to rewatch the cartoons yesterday- tho, just a coincidence.