The iconic franchiseTransformers” celebrates its 40th anniversary with a series of nostalgic new releases, including new toys and collectibles. However, the highlight of this celebration is an animated collaboration with the legendary anime studio TRIGGER (Kill la Kill, Delicious in the Dungeon), which caught the attention of fans by offering a visual tribute to the rich history of costumed robots. Packed with references and surprises, this video summarizes every part of the illustrious history of Transformers, from its classic cartoons to the live-action films.

The video, which was teased weeks before its release, is a true treat for fans of the franchise, featuring numerous versions and generations of characters in a single animation. Among the highlights, fans will be able to recognize many characters from the classic Generation 1 (G1), but that's just the beginning. The animation opens with an image of Vector Prime from “Transformers: Cybertron”, and in the first few seconds it is already possible to see several Autobots and Decepticons interacting, including powerful figures like Star Saber, from the series “Transformers: Super-God Masterforce”, along with the Junior Directors and their Godmasters.

Another important nod for Japanese anime fans is the appearance of the “Brave Stance” from the 1990s sister franchise Brave/Yusha, featuring various Autobot leaders drawing their swords to face their fierce enemies. Furthermore, the video is not limited to Japanese productions. Western series also have their place, with representations of Optimus Primal from Beast Wars, Beast Machines and “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”. In a heartwarming moment, G1 Optimus Prime merges with Optimal Optimus, while the Megatrons from G1 and Beast Wars combine into Transmetal 2 Megatron, evoking a sense of nostalgia in fans of both generations.

TRIGGER’s experimental animation shines throughout the video, making each timeline depicted have a distinctly “anime” aesthetic. Surprisingly, all of the animation was done by hand, without using even a hint of CGI, which highlights the unique visual style that this studio brings to the table. Satoshi Ameniya, who previously worked on the anime “Gridman Universe”, was responsible for directing the video. It is worth mentioning that Gridman has a slight connection to Transformers due to the character designs that pay homage to several figures from the franchise.

The music in the video is another highlight. The song “Mayday”, by the Japanese rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN, accompanies the animation, giving an epic touch to the tribute. BUMP OF CHICKEN is no stranger to the franchise, as an Optimus Prime toy inspired by the musical group was recently revealed, further cementing its connection to Transformers. In short, this animated project is a true celebration of the Transformers legacy and a gift to all fans who have followed the evolution of the franchise for decades.

Source: Yahoo! News Japan