Introduction -The Transformers as works

 Hello everyone. I've caught the influenza from few days ago. Please be attentive to your physical condition. But I have to upload new post.
 From this week 5 to week 10, I'll introduce the Transformers as some kind of works; movies, toys, comics, and games.
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 Today, I'll talk about the growth of the media of the Transformers. I suppose most of you knew it by the recent movie in 2007, but the work "Transformers" has long history from 1980s.
 -------------Then what was the beginning of the "Transformers"?

 From 1970s, there were big boom in the animation and the toys of transforming and uniting robots in  Japan. For example, the Getter Robo. In 1984, a toy maker "TAKARA" was making two transforming toys too; the Diaclone and the Microman. But they were not very famous, so the sales were so small. The maker was in trouble. And the TAKARA exported the transforming toys to the U.S. where the technique in toy making was lower than Japan. The toys were selling like hotcakes! Furthermore, the TAKARA tied up with the big company of toys in America. And integrated those two series the Diaclone and the Microman ---------as the "Transformers".

 So that was the very beginning of the great toy series. With the success in toys, the animation of the Transformers was broadcasted in Japan and the U.S., and it was great hit too.
 Now, the toys are sold about 500 million toys in more than 130 countries.

 Based on today's summary, from next week, I'll start to explain the transformers' development in various media.
 Thank you for reading and see you next week!

the Microman

the Diaclone