The original set of toys produced in 1984 falls under Series 1 (for those that are more familiar with trading cards, this is akin to a rookie card or 1st edition set). Generation 1 (G1) would continue from 1984-1990, split up into individual series by year. Just as they had done before, Marvel and Hasbro would co-produce a comic and animated series alongside the toy launch, boosting overall reception and popularity. In 1984, Hasbro re-launched the Diaclone toy line under the name Transformers: Generation 1, turning the toys into recognizable characters such as Optimus Prime and Megatron. Decepticons was written and the Transformers were born. Thus, with the help of Marvel’s Jim Shooter and Dennis O'Neill, the battle of the Autobots vs. Joe franchise: a toy line, accompanied by a Marvel comic book and an animated series. Hasbro had just worked with Marvel on a wildly successful three-pronged marketing strategy for their G.I. One thing remained: a great marketing story that would bring the toys to life and make them irresistible for American kids. After purchasing the rights to produce the toys from Takara, the American toy manufacturer was ready to bring shape-shifting toys to North American markets. In short - the Diaclone series created a different way to play. The toys offered something new: modularity, an added degree of complexity and interaction for the user.
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