The Guardian has a pretty sweet article with Bob Budianksy and Bryce Malek about the creation of the original Transformers series. Bob Budiansky worked for Marvel and was the one who eventually named the original wave of Transformers, wrote their backstories – eventually becoming Tech Specs and the basis for all things to come. Bryce Malek was an animated series story writer for Marvel’s animation wing, and wrote the bible for the cartoon that other writers would reference. Both share a brief run down memory lane in the article and is worth a read. Hit think link and check it out in full!
YoungPrime
I can't disagree with adult Spike, he was more mature but that's because he basically took Sparkplug's role while Daniel took his but they made him younger (To identify with kids I guess) and more annoying. And that was Sunbow Season 3. Don't get me started on Japan's Headmaster version.
researchicon
Sometimes you gotta throw a Hail Mary pass down the field.
Mormolyce
I liked Marissa Faireborn, and Spike grew on me once he grew up in the '86 film
I would've been told "you have enough toys!" and if I was lucky that Christmas I might get a cheap Gobot by way of apology.
AnegefalosGR
To Carbombya.
YoungPrime
As a kid I might've saw Optimus once at a Kiddie City or Bradlee's but didn't bother asking for a $25-$30 toy (especially in the 80's).
My mom was too busy wasting whatever money we did get on lottery tickets….
…..That episode where Seaspray was on that alien planet and became humanoid and found a girlfriend comes to mind… They probably ditched the space prostitute theme and made them slaves/rebels instead.
YoungPrime
"I really wanted to emphasize the human characters in the show, to give the audience something to identify with. But in retrospect, I think the kids just really liked the robots."
Those kids are now adults and still only like the robots! Wish someone would pass the memo over to Paramount since "Sense" isn't always common.
Mormolyce
That was great, seeing an explanation of the names for one thing. Also this was my favourite part:
Novus
The only decent thing The Guardian has ever given anyone.
KA
really? hadn't noticed that. can refer me some links? i need to do some…research.
EightiesKid
Fun stuff, and a nice read.
MatrixOfWumbo
Now, I know standards were different back then, but where did that guy possibly think the space prostitute idea was going to go?
Wheeljack_Prime
Obsidian X
So kids fill in any gaps with their own stories and also cosmic hookers you say?
I guess from now on I will fill in any gaps within the G1 episodes with space prostitutes then, lots of space prostitutes.
Sinestro00
From the article: "These days I work as a clinical psychologist. I like to joke that, after screwing up so many little brains with cartoons, I’d better start fixing them."
Does that mean I can send him the monthly bill for my MP plastic-crack addiction? You know, since he's admitting responsibility. Or would he simply just be an enabler then, rather than a fixer? I guess we should be entitled to a few free therapy sessions at minimum.
unpunk
Ha!
Booster Gold
Nice, goes to show how thrown together things were back then. Marvel was a total madhouse, try reading "Marvel Comics: The Untold story" for more on that
Bass X0
But are those kid's stories canon?
aledromo
The Bryce segment is particularly enlightening. And he's a psychologist now?
I'm ravenous for this stuff. Even the stuff I already know feels good to hear coming from the primary sources. I guess I'm happy they lived to see how much their art meant to people.
Ramberk Magnus
Fun article, even if its short. Thank you for sharing Maz!
Novaburnhilde
Nice article.