Transformer is a popular toy that was created based on numerous stories about the existence of intelligent robots. It is based on the eternal idea of the struggle between good and evil. Intelligent technology is divided into several huge clans. Toys differ in the features of transformation, their size, as well as the presence of interactive functions, which allow them to transform from one shape to another, and other equally important parameters. Without exception, all superheroes have tremendous abilities. Years after the first Transformer toys were created, the movie industry decided to take advantage of their popularity and create a series of cartoons and movies.
Meaning and History
The history of Transformers began with the appearance of ordinary soldier figures in Japan in 1964. By 1984, Hasbro together with Marvel Comics began to promote the idea of two opposing coalitions of extraterrestrial robots – the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons. In 1984, the first generation of Transformers appeared, consisting of 21 figures, created by Bob Budiansky. The series includes such legendary heroes as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Hound, Jazz, Megatron, and Starscream. Next year, they were joined by a collection of robotic Dinobots. The first generation of toys was produced until 1990. Then, Hasbro decided to update the collection of Transformers. After transforming robots conquered the market and became in demand among children of different ages, work began on writing comics and filming the animated series Transformers: Animated. The premiere took place in 2007. Since then, several Transformers movies have also been released.
What is Transformers?
Long before Michael Bay directed the first “Transformers” that won millions of fans, the story of robots at war with each other was embodied in animated series, toys, and comics. Transformers toys won the love of children all over the world many years ago, and to this day they do not give up their positions.
1984 – 1989
The brand name was split into two lines, with the second being indented to the right. The company chose a bold, geometric font with a three-dimensional feel. The sides of the characters were mainly done in black to create that feeling of volume with only the top having a highlight. The letters themselves featured a white and red gradient. The name also had an article “The”, which is relatively uncommon. A nice slogan that said “More than meets the eye!” in all uppercase letters of a black color was tucked in the lower left corner. A mask symbol was placed in the upper right corner, right next to the last letter in the first line. The red color, which was also used for the mask, reflected the powerful abilities of the “Transformers”.
1989 – 1991
A similar to the original style of font, which created a strong and solid brand image, was used this time. The whole name was printed in one line. Moreover, the designers placed the characters very close next to each other, so some even slightly overlapped the others. They were done in white with a black outline. The whole inscription had a thicker line that created a border, repeating the shape of the letters. It looked almost like the letters had a double outline.
1991 – 1993
It might appear that the company simply changed the color palette by adding a red gradient to the top of the letters and a black shadow behind the inscription. However, they also updated the font. The letters “A” and “N” no looked more like they belonged to this font as they now had a more rounded shape similar to the other characters. An illusion of a thin double outline was preserved.
1993 – 1999
The logo was slightly modified again. To ensure that the emblem is still recognizable, they used a font that closely resembled the fonts used earlier thanks to its bold, sans-serif characters. The shadow behind the letters, red color, and slightly redrawn mask that was seen in the original enhanced the association with the Transformers brand. A new color was introduced this time. It was a bright, energetic yellow that was used to give highlights to the letters and as the base color for the mask. Another notable update was the slightly enlarged first letters, which made it look like it was capitalized. Just like in the last two versions, the whole inscription was italicized.
1999 – 2001
The bold, energetic yellow color now became the main color used for the logo. The company continued to use bold, sans-serif font to print its name. After all, straight, clean lines in combination with sharp, diagonal lines and rounded forms went perfectly with the shape of the Transformers toys. The characters no longer overlapped each other, but some of the letters were still interconnected, flowing one into the other. The mask, which was featured earlier, was removed.
2001 – 2007
This logo looks very futuristic and almost breathtaking. It also created an association with neon banners. This impression was mainly achieved by using a dark black background and adding a blue gradient. The blue appeared to be sprayed onto the white letters. Another unique feature of this logo was a line that ran from the “R” to the “S”.
2007 – 2014
This logo looks more like the versions seen before 2001. It features only the name of the company and nothing in the background. The letters are done in metallic silver, which not only makes an association with the material that the transformers are made of but also gives the logo a modern and technologically advanced feel.
2014 – Today
This is probably the most minimalistic and simple version of the Transformers logo. It features the name printed using a geometric font that preserved the feel of the previous logos. It is achieved by using thick strokes and diagonal cuts combined with straight cuts. The designers used a dark red color that gave the logo a powerful, strong, and energetic feel.
Font and Color
The logo introduced in 2014 features a font that resembles Bayformance font. Earlier, the company used similar sans-serif, bold fonts that featured a combination of straight and diagonal cuts. Each logo was done using a different color. The most prominent choices were bold red shades, as well as black/gray/silver variations that gave the logo a powerful, modern feel. The company also used a bright yellow for a short period and blue that gave the emblem a hi-tech impression.
