What are Tonka Gobots? - Kalidor
GoBots were a line of robots that converted into vehicles that Tonka Toy Corporation imported in 1983 (yes, before Hasbro TransFormers). Most of the original molds were licensed from Bandai Japan, where they were previously sold as Machine Robo. A small startup company, Popy, actually engineered several of the early figures, evidence of which can be seen on the toys themselves.
How many series, episodes of the cartoon were there? - Drivaaar
The original series, Challenge of the GoBots, was animated by Hanna Barbera Studios and lasted approximately 65 episodes. I say approximately because, although I have a list 65 episodes long, I can only personally account for around 55. Like with the TransFormers, there was a single feature movie produced. Battle of the Rocklords introduced a subline of toys and I vaguely remember a very short lived series starring them as well.
Any comics? - Drivaaar
It depends. The GoBots Magazine, which was published for 2 years, contained a min-comic in each issue. I have yet to locate any printed comics, which I am told were printed by DC, but several comic fans swear they exist. I wouldn't hold my rbeath, though, as the mini-comics I do have are even worse than Marvel's TF series.
Which toys are considered good? - Grimlock81
That's very subjective. Personally, I believe many GoBots toys were superior to their counterparts. If I had to chose favorites...Leader1, Scooter, Crasher, and Vanguard would be among them.
Where can you get them? - Grimlock81
Anywhere you can get TransFormers is a good bet. Conventions, some online stores, eBay, etc.
What were the differences between the "small" gobot toys and the "large" ones (ex: Leader-1, Cy-kill)? - Grimlock81
Besides being small and large? Only 3, arguably 4, GoBots had 2 versions. In the case of Vamp, it's the same toy on a different scale. In the case of the leaders, they have more details such as retractable landing gear on Leader1. The small GoBot, MajorMo, also bears a striking resemblance to Zeemon.
How many gobot combiners were there (might want to address the power suits at some point)? - Grimlock81
Technically, there were 5 combiners...Courageous (white Power Warrior), Grungy (black Power Warrior), Puzzler, Monsterous, and a very rare Power Warrior with a tank instead of a jet at the center. On the PowerWarriors, all arms are interchangeable and all legs are interchangeable.
How does Puzzler compare to a TF combiner? - Grimlock81
Another subjective question but here goes. Unlike every TF combiner to date, including those from Energon, Puzzler has every piece built in. The arms have pretty good articulation for their simplicity. The individual figures are also pretty decent for their time, certainly more complex than most of their contemporaries. The biggest weakness I would say is how the legs connect in combined mode, using bare slots instead of spring backed sockets in a combiner like Bruticus.
Questions on the Gobots/Rock Lord movie might include: when did this come out? Was it releaed in theather, or direct to video? - Grimlock81
If I remember right, it was the summer of 1986. Paramount, through the Club House Pictures subsidiary, produced it. The VHS release followed in 1987. I actually own a poster advertising the VHS release, which I find quite unusual.
What was it about? At what point in the show timeline does it takes place? - Grimlock81
Long story short, a rogue Rocklord is conquering every kingdom on his planet and stealing the ruler's power sceptre. Two good Rocklords travel to GoBotron to beg for the Guardians' help. Supposedly, when all the sceptres are combined, they will unlock a superweapon of some type. Renegade spies overhear the plea and decide to help Magmar take over the planet.
There are very few clues to it's placing in the timeline. The way the GoBots cartoon worked was somewhat different from TransFormers. It focused on 3 Guardians, 3 Renegades, 3 Humans. There were a few ever present background characters, the plot device threat, and then whatever GoBots were astrobeamed in from headquarters to help. Without going into an indepth discussion and analysis, this question realistically has no answer other than "it doesn't break any continuity."
Did any of the Transformers voice actors work on the Gobots cartoon? - Aberration
The ones that I remember off the top of my head were Arthur Burghardt (Turbo/Devastator), Frank Welker (Scooter/Megatron), and Peter Cullen (Pincher/Ironhide). There're probably more, didn't Michael Bell do Prowl as well as some Rocklords and additional voices? Guess I'll check the IMDB later. Of interesting note is Rene Auberjonois, remembered as Deep Space Nine's Constable Odo, who played the crackpot scientist Dr Braxis.
Why didn't they dub "Revenge of Cronos" and show that as the American cartoon? - Jetfire1985
Unofficially, I would say the reason is twofold.
Personally, I prefer what Hanna Barbera produced. Yes, it's a minority opinion but, hey, who's writing the FAQ? :P
When the line began, Transformers toys were culled from existing toys that were manufactured in Japan by Bandai, Takatoku and Takara, among others. Were GoBots toys also designed and distributed by a foreign company before Tonka released them in the US? - Snapper1973
I mentioned this earlier but I'll revise it in future versions of the FAQ.
Popy designed the first dozen molds, suffered financial difficulties, and was bought out by Bandai Japan.
Were all of the toys taken directly from the Machine Robo line, or did Tonka or Bandai design some originals for the line? - Snapper1973
Few MR toys didn't make it here, most notably the bullet trains. Several of the later toys were Tonka designs. If I recall, every toy up to about 50 or 60 has a designated MR number code. Tonka followed this code for the most part, with a few exceptions and some odd shuffling. Sparky, Vanguard, and a couple others are actually designated by an MRT number...which is basically Machine Robo Tonka. Also, most of the 3rd wave of Super GoBots were Tonka creations, as well as Secret Riders, Dread Launchers, ZOD, Scales, and all ships. Rocklords appeared in Machine Robo fairly late but I'll have to do some research on that one.
Were there "exclusive" figures during the line's run, and if so, what were they? - Snapper1973
I can only think of 2. In 1986, there was a mailaway for a glow-in-the-dark green version of Creepy. Also, the UK got a version of Super CyKill with silver paint over the grey plastic.
Which figure or figures was (or were) available at retail for the longest time? - Snapper1973
Most of the lower numbered characters were available 1983 through 1986. Midrange 2 years, beyond only 1. You can tell a GoBot's vintage by the packaging. 1983's line has "Die Cast Metal" along the card bottom. 1984's have a colored bar that says "Mighty RoBots Mighty Vehicles" in it's place. Later releases have the 1984 card with a 3D holographic sticker included. I seem to remember Pincher and Vamp warming pegs well into 1988 though.
About how much did each figure retail for when initially released? - Snapper1973
Usually $2.00 each, which at the time was double the price of a Matchbox car...some stores went as high as $3.00 initially. Not bad for the die cast content compared to minicars and cassettes.
When was (or were) the last GoBots toy(s) released, and what was it (or they) released? - Snapper1973
Rocklords really nailed the lid onto the coffin, so I'd say 1988 or so was the end of the line. It was pretty impossible to find the last wave of GoBots and the 3rd wave of Super GoBots anywhere. I believe the last toys actually released were the Secret Riders and Dread Launchers, which were terrific and terrible in that order.
Is it true that GoBots beat Transformers into US stores (in many markets) by a few months? - Snapper1973
Yes. I want to say GoBots started in the spring and TransFormers came in the fall but I'd have to doublecheck. It's been said by Tonka employees that, had they not underestimated the initial demand, TransFormers never would've had a shortage to take advantages of.
Which are the rarest figures in the line? - Snapper1973
That's a tough one. Series 3 Super GoBots are up there, along with Dread Launchers. The rarest small figures, though, are supposedly a red Tailpipe and Snoop. Most Tailpipes released were black like the card art. Snoop was a prototype whose run was shut down after only a few were produced. They're more common in Australia but not by much.
Why do Loco and Tux kick so goddamn much ass? - Snapper1973
In the case of Loco, I'd say HB's writers did a great job with the character. He was a mean bastard, not unlike Motormaster. In the case of Tux, I'd say because his design was reasonably clever.
Why did they already have Earth-based alt-modes (IIRC) when they first arrived here? - LBD Nytetrayn
Good question. The backstory to The GoBotron Saga, as well as the short comic packaged with ZOD, explained that the GoBots were human at one time. Theoretically, their society could have evolved to use some similar looking vehicles. Turbo, for instance, is a futuristic race car and I've never seen a Helicopter quite like Coptur. And to this day, despite many inquiries, I have yet to track down such a cool looking motor Scooter :P
The Guardian Academy also has a large technology warehouse that contains several modifier mechanisms. In The GoBotron Saga, it was explained that the modifier is what gives GoBots the ability to transform. SmallFoot was put through the Earth programmed one after the Master Renegade vaporized her conversion circuitry. In the same miniseries, CyKill also used one aboard Roguestar to turn a dead yellow CraneBrain lookalike into Pincher.
Ultimately, I'd have to say it was probably a minor detail initially tossed aside like the Cybertronian modes in MTMTE.
Do they eat Energon? - LBD Nytetrayn
Presumably, that could work. References are made to recharging, perhaps in the same way Star Trek's Lt Data does. As the Renegades were not nearly as focused on stealing energy as the Decepticons, it was almost never addressed.
Why so many humans (I seem to remember there being like, 5 regulars... took TransFormers nearly 20 years before that happened). - LBD Nytetrayn
Matt Hunter, Nick Burns, AJ, Colonel Newcastle, Last Engineer, Master Renegade, Dr Turgenova, and Dr Braxis are the only recurring human characters.
Matt was an astronaut on a mission with 2 trainees when their shuttle was downed in some crossfire between the Renegades, who had fled GoBotron to regroup, and the pursuing Guardians. It's somewhat similar to how the Armada kids met up with the Cybertronians 18 years later. Well, except that adult astronauts with security clearances are a hell of alot more useful.
Colonel Newcastle is the head of UNECOM, which stands for UNited Earth COMmand. He's usually the liason between Earth's leaders and the Guardians. Dr Turgenova, introduced in the pilot, is a Soviet scientist who was rescued from the fallout of a Renegade attack. She doesn't appear very often afterwards, usually to explain some scientific plot devices.
Dr Braxis worked in the space program with Matt and was the Renegade contact on Earth. He was a brilliant scientist, having created an interdimensional portal, mind control waves, the nova beam, and more but was always a dificult person to work with. After being abused by the Renegades so many times, he went insane (see Braxis Gone Bonkers). If you want a TF counterpart, look up Dr Archevil.
The Last Engineer was the visionary responsible for saving his people after the asteroid crash. He's only seen in 6 episodes, The GoBotron Saga and Quest For New Earth. Still, he's a very important figure in GoBot history. The Master Rengade, his arch nemesis, appears in the same episodes. He was the terrorist leader who orchestrated several attacks, including the asteroid sabotage that nearly killed the entire population. He's so dangerous that even CyKill had him locked up...
What was the Gobots cartoon about other than that damn Scooter? -Spark
Simply put, it's the Guardians defending Earth and GoBotron against CyKill and the Renegades' sinister ambitions.
How long did the show run for and how many episodes were there? - Xybot
I think I answered this but I'll condense it later. 3 years with 65 episodes (including 2 5-parters and 2 2-parters) and a feature length movie. Also, there may be a couple Rocklords episodes.
How did sales compare to Transformers? - Xybot
Specifically, no idea. The story goes that early shortages did alot of damage to the GoBots line. However, if the amount of merchandising is any indication...
Obviously it was less succesful in the long run than TransFormers :(
How did US sales compare to Japan? - Xybot
Specifically, no idea. The line was popular enough to be partially reissued in the early 1990s and inspire Machine Robo Rescue a decade later.
What were all of the different size classes? - Xybot
GoBots, 3 inch (basic). Super GoBots, 6 inch (deluxe). Secret Riders and Dread Launchers would've been Megas. Beyond that you have random stuff like the starships and ZOD.
Which figures were on the show and which were toys only? - Xybot
Besides extras, Steamer was the only GoBot never to get a figure. Snoop was very close, though, with such a short run. Pretty much every toy up to about 50 or 60 was featured on the show or in the movie.
Exceptions, to my knowledge, are Treds, Tailpipe, MajorMo...Mr Moto was in a minicomic if that counts...and some of the monsters. Some later figures were renamed on the show, particularly Skyjack as Spike and Herr Fiend as Dr Go.
I am really sure Monsterous was in Third Column but unfortunately I don't posess a viewable copy of that episode yet. The black Power Warrior might've appeared as well, but I definitely remember Courageous being mentioned as a huge obstacle many times.
Were there any characters on the show / movie that were never made into toys? - Xybot
Pretty much every Rocklord got a toy actually, even the stupid Gnarlies. The Fossil Lord was supposed to have been released as a 3-part combiner that formed a T-Rex skeleton but I don't think it was released here. I have a photo of it somewhere, which I think is from a catalogue...you can see it on Super Toy Archive's GoBot page as well.
Which Gobots have made cameos in the Transformers comic books by Dreamwave? - Xybot
So far, I'm only aware of the CyKill-Fitor-Coptur cameo in either War Within or Energon.
How many episodes don't involved Turbo getting knocked out of commision or captured? - Yertle
I know this is in jest but I'll include it for now. Basically any episode outside The GoBotron Saga (a plot device to find the Last Engineer), Speed is of the Essence, and Invasion From the 21st Level.
Where can I find a complete toy list? - Grimlock81
Well, Super Toy Archive has catalogue scans. There's also a dubious list MSipher spread around years ago. Of course, that doesn't answer much...STA and TFU are good for some pictures and the info is out there but nobody's really compiled it yet...sorry.
What are some(if any) good Gobots site? - Grimlock81
LordCyKill had some great sites up at one point but Geocities' bandwidth restraints are awful. Your other alternative is the French GoBots site...which is mostly in French and requires registration. Also, the person who runs it is directly responsible for LordCyKill's lack of updates. Stealing content and claiming it as your own is not cool. Plus it's hard to update your site when it depends on someone else putting new content on theirs >:P
Where are all the lady gobots? - NeroMan
They're out fighting alongside the guys. Crasher, Snoop, SmallFoot, Pathfinder, SpayC, and Vamp are female GoBots. I want to say Defendor is as well. Scooter, however, was just a whiz kid.
Where did they get the name Gobots for the US release of the Machine Robo line? - Asquian
Honestly? No idea. Europe called them Robo Machine and Austraila has Machine Men.
Who was in charge of coming up with names and "characters" for each vehicle - Asquian
Good question, wish I could answer it.
Any idea how they went about deciding with MR would be a Guardian or Renegade? - Asquian
Well, in Machine Robo, all the vehicular toys were good with the monsters and rocks being evil. I spent some time looking over the Tonka release list and it looks to me that they just went down the list and did a couple Renegades here, a couple Guardians here, and so on until they ran out. There's not much more of a pattern to it really.
Why do some of the Rock Lords have better articulation than Deluxe Gobots? - Asquian
Tough call. Because they needed all the advantage they could get to overcome being rocks?
The GoBots line was always pretty hit or miss for articulation. You have an awesome toy like Leader1 at one end and a piece of garbage like Mr Moto at the other. Given the time period, alot of it's pretty standard...lack of knees, windmill arms, etc. Then you have outstanding figures like Scooter with working legs and ball jointed shoulders.
What chemicals were being imbibed by whomever came up with Rock lords? - Asquian
Clorox laced with cocaine.
Will the Gobots TV show ever be available on DVD? (meh, why not? wasn't that much better a cartoon than G1 Transformers were) - Asquian
With the amount of filth out there and selling, Warner Bros holding back so much of their catalogue (Animaniacs, Thundercats, Superman, Yogi Bear, GoBots, etc) is inexcusable.
If copyright law (DMCA included) ever starts working in a reasonable manner again, most certainly yes.