Transformers: Zone
Encyclopedia
is a one-shot OVA
exclusive to Japan
in the fictional Transformers universe
.
(OVA
) due to less than expected toy sales. The series was canceled after just one episode at 25 minutes. It is considered the last TF Generation 1 animated project, and the most violent episode amongst all of Generation 1 series.
, the mysterious three-faced insectoid being, Violenjiger dispatches the nine "Great Decepticon Generals"—Devastator
, Menasor, Bruticus
, Trypticon
, Predaking, Abominus
, King Poseidon
, Overlord
and BlackZarak
—to acquire "Zone Energy", destroying the planet Feminia to obtain the world's store. Caught in the destruction of the planet, Star Saber
is rescued by Dai Atlas, who then repels an attack by the Decepticon
s, and is appointed the new Autobot
commander at the conclusion of the episode.
, who also made up much of the toyline. Dai Atlas is a "Powered Master", so named for his motorized gimmick, as is his combining partner Sonic Bomber—the toyline also featured another partner for them, Roadfire, who was not in the episode. The solitary Decepticons in the toyline were the Race Track Patrol, and Metrotitan, a redeco of the Autobot city Metroplex
, neither of whom appeared in animated form.
These story pages were used to provide supporting fiction for the remaining two years worth of toylines—1991's Battlestars: Return of Convoy
and 1992's Operation: Combination.
Original video animation
, abbreviated as media , are animated films and series made specially for release in home-video formats. The term originated in relation to Japanese animation...
exclusive to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
in the fictional Transformers universe
Transformers universes
is an entertainment franchise. It began with the Hasbro Transformers toy line, centered on two factions of warring alien robots which are called the Autobots and the Decepticons...
.
Development
Originally intended to be a full TV series, Transformers: Zone was forced to become direct-length direct-to-videoDirect-to-video
Direct-to-video is a term used to describe a film that has been released to the public on home video formats without being released in film theaters or broadcast on television...
(OVA
Original video animation
, abbreviated as media , are animated films and series made specially for release in home-video formats. The term originated in relation to Japanese animation...
) due to less than expected toy sales. The series was canceled after just one episode at 25 minutes. It is considered the last TF Generation 1 animated project, and the most violent episode amongst all of Generation 1 series.
Story
Following on from VictoryTransformers: Victory
, commonly shortened to simply Transformers: Victory, is an anime series produced by Toei Animation. It is a Japanese-produced spin-off of the well-known original Transformers cartoon, and the final complete animated series from the original "Generation 1" era.-Development:Following the conclusion...
, the mysterious three-faced insectoid being, Violenjiger dispatches the nine "Great Decepticon Generals"—Devastator
Constructicons
right|thumb|Scavenger, Bonecrusher, Longhaul, Scrapper & Mixmaster - five of the original six Constructicons The Constructicons are a group of fictional characters from the various Transformers continuities...
, Menasor, Bruticus
Combaticons
The Combaticons are a group of Decepticon military vehicles in the assorted fictional universes of the Transformers.- Transformers: Generation 1 :...
, Trypticon
Trypticon
Trypticon is a fictional character in the Transformers toyline.-Transformers: Generation 1:Trypticon is the Decepticons' principal command base. He has three modes: a city, a mobile battle station, and a Tyrannosaurus rex. In each mode, he has a variety of weapons...
, Predaking, Abominus
Terrorcon
The name Terrorcons refers to several different groups in the Transformers toyline. They are referred to as Terrortrons in Japan.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
, King Poseidon
Seacons
This article is about the Transformers characters the Seacons. For the shopping mall, see Seacon Square. For the 1961 Worldcon in Seattle, Washington, Seacon, see 19th World Science Fiction Convention...
, Overlord
Overlord (Transformers)
Overlord is the name of several fictional characters from the various Transformers universes.-Transformers: Generation 1:-Animated series:Outside of Japan, Overlord's sole animated appearance was in the toy commercial aired in Europe....
and BlackZarak
Scorponok
Scorponok is the name shared by several fictional characters in the various Transformers universes. All are Decepticons that turn into Scorpoins.- Transformers: Generation 1:...
—to acquire "Zone Energy", destroying the planet Feminia to obtain the world's store. Caught in the destruction of the planet, Star Saber
Star Saber
Star Saber is the name of several fictional characters and also a legendary weapon in the Transformers toyline. He is the protagonist in the Japanese exclusive series Transformers: Victory.-Transformers: Generation 1:...
is rescued by Dai Atlas, who then repels an attack by the Decepticon
Decepticon
The Decepticons are usually depicted as the antagonists in the fictional universes of the Transformers stoyline and related comics and cartoons, and the enemies of the Autobots and the University of California Davis Aggies...
s, and is appointed the new Autobot
Autobot
Autobot, a faction of sentient robots from the planet Cybertron, are usually the main protagonists in the fictional universe of the Transformers, a collection of various toys, graphic novels, paperback books, cartoons and movies first introduced in 1984. In all but one Transformer story, the...
commander at the conclusion of the episode.
Characters
The cast of Zone is composed heavily of MicromastersMicromasters
Micromasters is a Transformers subline composed of small figures that came packaged in groups and with bases that interacted with the figures. They were sold at the peak of Galoob's Micro Machines craze and were packaged in groups of four just like Micro Machines...
, who also made up much of the toyline. Dai Atlas is a "Powered Master", so named for his motorized gimmick, as is his combining partner Sonic Bomber—the toyline also featured another partner for them, Roadfire, who was not in the episode. The solitary Decepticons in the toyline were the Race Track Patrol, and Metrotitan, a redeco of the Autobot city Metroplex
Metroplex (Transformers)
Metroplex is the name of several fictional characters in the various Transformers series.-Transformers: Generation 1:Metroplex is capable of transforming into a battle station or a giant robot...
, neither of whom appeared in animated form.
Adaptations
The missing characters did go on to appear in the pages of the Japanese publication, TV Magazine otherwise known as Telemaga. This monthly magazine had always included Transformers manga story pages and splash illustrations with explanatory text. No direct manga was ever released for Zone.These story pages were used to provide supporting fiction for the remaining two years worth of toylines—1991's Battlestars: Return of Convoy
Battlestars: Return of Convoy
Battlestars: Return of Convoy is the penultimate part of the Japanese Transformers continuity, and features the rebirth of Convoy as Star Convoy...
and 1992's Operation: Combination.