Since I started Vaults of Iacon back in 2005, well the online bit that is, I have been fortunate to meet and get to know some fantastic people, recently I got to know Dean and Ed.
Dean is the owner and operator of Zombies Vs Clothing, an online retailer for inspired zombie t-shirts. Examples of which include Zombies Vs Soundwave and Zombies Vs Skeletor. They are currently producing exclusive tees for Auto Assembly 2013.
Ed is one of the most talented comic artists I have seen, his work is amazing and really gives depth and a fresh take on old and familiar characters. With a history in graphic design he is now the “in-house” artist for Auto Assembly, designing the current exclusive tees available through Zombies Vs Clothing.
Dean’s retail site can be accessed via our links page as can Ed’s online portfolio, both are very much worth a look.
Some rare material here, catalogue scans from the Argos Catalogue. These scans cover the years from 1984 to 1986, as you will no doubt note some are mis-transformed. Also of note is the US/Asia issue of Ultra Magnus (clearly identified by the paint application to the face plate and rubber tyres).
*Also worth a note are the Blackstar figures, these were produced by Galoob and were released along side Masters of the Universe figures between 1983 and 1985, in a bid to cash in on the others success. Filmation did a 13 part cartoon series in 1981, this pre dating Masters of the Universe but again to cash in on its success it was aired again in 1983, with little success and plans for a second series were dropped along with the toyline.
#1 was released in the UK on the 20th September 1984
Circling the star Alpha Centauri ages ago was a planet unlike any other in the heavens, Cybertron. No rock or soil or sand contributed to it’s bizarre geography, it’s content was entirely mechanical, yet life had evolved here. It had grown, adapted and thrived in it’s environment remarkably well. The planet’s dominant life form the Autobots, had created a mechanical paradise where each Autobot went about his pursuits in peace and prosperity. But every paradise has it’s serpent and on this world it was Megatron, commander of those who called themselves the Decepticons.
#2 was released in the UK on the 4th October 1984
4 million years after the Autobots spacecraft the Ark crash landed on the once lifeless planet of Earth, the Autobot and Decepticon passengers have been revived by Auntie, the Ark’s main computer. Each Cybertronian has been given the ability to alter their form into Earth vehicles, weapons or military machinery. The Decepticon forces commanded by the malevolent Megatron decide to flee the crippled spacecraft to recover and recharge before they continue with their mission, to destroy the Autobots once and for all.
#3 was released in the UK on the 18th October 1984
The Decepticons are in need of fuel after being revived from a 4 million year slumber in the Autobot spacecraft the Ark. The Decepticons led by Megatron, prepare to strike the Harrison Nuclear Plant, hoping to get the energy they need.
#4 was released in the UK on the 1st November 1984
After the Decepticons learn of a human agreeing to leading the Autobots to a fuel source, they set out from the base in the Harrison Nuclear Plant to seize the human. A fight ensues which the local police try to get involved in and find their weapons are useless against the robots. Megatron snags Sparkplug and briefly fights with Optimus. Sparkplug is momentarily freed only to get captured and taken away by Starscream. The fight leaves the Autobots in desperate need of recharging.
Both the above toy adverts like the previously posted one are from the early 1980′s, both pre dating the start of The Transformers. It is interesting to note, with the exception of Convoy, how the colour schemes changed from Diaclone to Transformers. What I like about these early adverts is the detail in them, almost like a mini serial, unlike the later Hasbro adverts.
Toy advert for Diaclone Dinosaur Robo
Now who doesn’t like the Dinobots, however how much cooler is pre Grimlock with actual working flame thrower ?
Dean is the owner and operator of Zombies Vs Clothing, an online retailer for inspired zombie t-shirts. Examples of which include Zombies Vs Soundwave and Zombies Vs Skeletor. They are currently producing exclusive tees for Auto Assembly 2013.
Ed is one of the most talented comic artists I have seen, his work is amazing and really gives depth and a fresh take on old and familiar characters. With a history in graphic design he is now the “in-house” artist for Auto Assembly, designing the current exclusive tees available through Zombies Vs Clothing.
