Not long ago, J.J. Abrams (Lost, Alias), one of the executive producers/directors, are in talks with Hasbro making a live-action film based on the Microman series.  Hasbro bought the license over the 70’s classic series as it was part of the company’s long term strategy which lead to its phenomenal debut of Transformers G1 in the 80s, thanks to Takara’s (blessed) efforts in expanding Microman product lines into this range of vehicle-transforming robots called Diaclone series.

After reading their article,  I decided (with plenty of enthusiastic reasons) to go online and research further what made Microman such a hit in the late 70s….

And here’s what I encountered!

Microman series 1976-1980

From the look of this video, it consolidates all the great Microman commercial series, showcasing all the different models were made during that 4-5 year tenure.  Here are some of them.

Microman Vintage Commercial – One

Microman Vintage  Commercial – Two

Microman Vintage Commericial – Three

Later on, Takara,( its original company name before being rebranded as TakaraTomy) saw its Microman toylines’ potential to expand them, and eventually created an entirely new brand of toylines called the Diaclones, which are the shape-shifting miniatures that can disguise themselves into any toy vehicles ie cars, devices, airplanes, trucks etc.

Aka that’s how Transformers G1 series was born.

Here’s a couple of interesting early making of Transformers.

First Jazz Appearance

First Optimus Prime Appearance

First Dinobot Appearance

So, there you have it. Plenty of history going on here behind these vintage Japanese TV ads and how Transformers’ evolution gotten here.

Rest assured I’m certainly looking forward to watch Transformers G1’s predecessor in the big screen!!

Source: ANN.com