Today, the Transformers franchise is a global phenomenon, thanks in large part to a record-breaking run of live-action blockbuster movies. But its roots lie in the 1980s, when it began as a range of toys before spinning off into a Marvel comic and a classic animated TV series. This book is the most comprehensive, authoritative guide ever to be published on that original incarnation of the Transformers (known officially as the 'Generation One' era). The toys, the comics and the animated series all receive in-depth coverage, with plot synopses, reviews and unprecedentedly detailed notes on the stories' continuity. In addition, the book contains essays on various aspects of the fiction and its production; biographical data for all key personnel; and much more besides. In short, this book contains everything a fan would ever need to know about the original incarnation of the Transformers. Whether you're a long-time devotee with a collection of battered old comics and VHS tapes, or a newcomer encountering the early years of the franchise for the first time through more recently-issued trade paperback reprints and DVDs, there is something here for everyone!