Transformers Generation 2 relaunched the brand in 1993 with repaints, neon colors and a CG Cybernet Space Cube. John DeLuna springs the topic on Brian Kilby as some old man talk, inspired by the G2 releases in Combiner Wars. They trade first memories of G2 and ask whether it succeeded or failed. They also cover the later G2 toys that fans still love and whether Hasbro would ever brand a Generation 3.

First Memories of Generation 2

John’s first G2 memory is the Constructicons and Devastator commercial in 1993, when he was 13. He made his parents drive him to Target that afternoon. Brian knew G2 mostly through the cartoon on his local station, since he had moved on to G.I. Joe by then. He vaguely remembers a turquoise Grimlock on shelves. Brian says he enjoyed the CG Cybernet Space Cube as a teen without seeing it as a gimmick to rerun the cartoon.

The First Relaunch and the Birth of the Repaint

The hosts call G2 the first serious relaunch after the line went dormant in the US. It also started the tradition of repainting old molds that outsiders find strange. One host wonders why Hasbro started with the 1984 and 1985 molds rather than later ones. The pair believe the G2 Megatron tank was the first new mold of the line, and they wonder how Hasbro produced it. G2 faced Power Rangers, Ninja Turtles and the home console boom, which the hosts say made success hard.

The Later G2 Toys and the Unreleased Ones

G2 grew into its own line with Rotor Force, Laser Rods, Cyberjets and Go-Bots. The unreleased stealth bomber Megatron and Starscream became a cult favorite. The unreleased G2 Stunticons and Protectobots became famous online, and Combiner Wars G2 Menasor is coming this year. The hosts hope a G2 Defensor follows.

Will There Ever Be a Generation 3?

Brian does not expect a line called Generation 3. He could see Generations sub-brands marked G2 or Beast Wars, or a joke G3 repaint. John likes that G2 remains something the mainstream never heard of. The pair also wonder whether Generations is effectively Generation 3 already. Later, John says he is glad Transformers is going strong with no need to plan a G3 relaunch.

Contributors: John DeLuna, Brian Kilby

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Brian Kilby

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