Transformers -- Retro Still Popular

August 2004 (Newstream) -- Some of the coolest trends in toys these days are retro favorites. Back in 1984, a new toy changed the playing habits of kids everywhere. Now, twenty years later, with toy legends like MY LITTLE PONY, EASY BAKE and GI JOE being incredibly popular with today's kids as well as adults who played with them when they were young, TRANSFORMERS are as popular as ever.

The original TRANSFORMERS became cultural icons of the '80s, with kids all over the world playing with the toys, reading the comic books and even carrying TRANSFORMERS lunch boxes. For the first time, kids had two toys in one -- a vehicle and a robot. Also known as ROBOTS IN DISGUISE, they revolutionized the action figure.

Now, the excitement continues with a whole new generation of fans and collectors who met at this year's official TRANSFORMERS convention. As a crowning touch for 2004, Hasbro will introduce a 20th Anniversary special version of the heroic OPTIMUS PRIME robot as a fan-requested tribute to the original 1984 toy.

With a hit video game from Atari, a best-selling comic book series, a new line of action figures based on real cars and a live-action motion picture executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, TRANSFORMERS are still proving that they're "more than meets the eye."

For all the latest TRANSFORMERS news and photos, as well as history and character bios, go to www.transformers.com. ---------------