Transformers: The Ultimate Guide

by Simon Furman

An updated, detailed look at the fantastic world of the mechanical marvels explains and illustrates the history of the Transformers as toys and as television and comic-book characters. Original.

Genres: Science Fiction, Comics, Reference, Fiction

149 pages, Paperback

First published May 3, 2004

About the author

Simon Christopher Francis Furman is a British comic book writer who is best known for his work on Hasbro/Tomy's Transformers franchise, starting with writing Marvel's initial comic book to promote the toyline worldwide, as well as foundations for both Dreamwave Production's and IDW Publishing's takes on the Generation 1 minifranchise.

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its surprises even me what I find going through my book cases!

I think before I comment about this book a few clarifications are due - this edition (am not sure if there are newer versions out there) is 2004 and focuses on the animated series and the toys that spawned from it (or is it the other way around). There is not reference to the Michael Bay films - and no I am going to comment on if that is a good or bad thing.

However this is a book of pure nostalgia for me - I grew up in the era where the Transformers was just starting to really take off. The amazing, creative and impossible toys which defied logic just captivated my imagination. How could they transform and change and still maintain their shape (and character)

and then there were the animated episodes - now I will admit that I really got it to those at a later date but still they were great fun although they epitomised the 80s (and 90s) view that even though you could kill a character off it was never gory and violent.

At times this book does feel like its a glorified toy catalogue (although I would dread to think how much some of these would be worth in mint condition) however for me its a case of remember how they were and in some cases how I dreamt of owning them.

I guess this book appeals to a fan of a certain age since I guess the ideas of Robots in Disguise means different things to different people - for me it was cartoons and incredibly intricate plastic models.

[Terrence Mann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exhaustive guide to the Transformers franchise, and it covers the shows, movie, comics and even toys from its inception up to right before the Michael Bay movies. If you want to get the skinny on the Transformers. This is the book. Be aware, this is the Updated Edition of the 2004 version (which has a white background instead of silver).

This book provides stats and technical specifications to all of your favorite Transformer Characters from every show. While you may not get every single detailed aspect of every character, this book does a very, very long way in documenting them all. The book also chronicles all of the comic book versions made throughout the years, detailing prominent plot points and showing the illustrations. Then there are the toys, which they provide great full color photos of, as well as the history of making and marketing each rendition of the Transformers. This book is a one-stop shop for all things pre-Michael Bay Transformers.

[Darren Vincent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This could just as well have been a 5-star book because though there are elements within the book that did not hold my interest, I think they are due to the deficiencies in the franchise and not the book itself (looking at you Beast Wars and Armada/Energon).

This was a good mix of bringing all the cartoon, comics and toy lines together. And there was enough G1 material to keep me entertained. Marvel and DC put out a series of ULTIMATE GUIDES a few years back and I really enjoyed those. This book was not nearly as thick as some of those but I thought it did a good job. I can't wait for an update version to appear in a few years as this one was published in 2004.

[Jdetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to pretend this is high art, but if you like the Transformers, as I do, its a wonderful rundown of their history from 1984-2002. It's not comprehensive, but it's a solid representation of the best of the bunch. Best thing: It's before Michael Bay's horrible movies.

[JKR · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS conforms to my notion of the Transformers, not the Michael Bay movies. That said, I’m a casual fan and this book hit the spot with just enough detail, although I can certainly recognize it is quite condensed.

[Stacy Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful reference for Transformers fans. It includes a detailed history of the Transformer, along with descriptions of various Transformers themselves.

It's no wonder that this book has its own special place on the bookshelf in our home.

[TK Keanini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ultimate guide going back to the toys I had as a kid. I'm just glad I have kids so I have an excuse to keep on collecting these toys. I cant wait for 7/4/7 when the movie is released!

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The absolute best reference guide to the world of Transformers. If you are a fan, or just remember them from your youth, it is well worth checking out.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

detailed information about the most popular characters across the series

[Graham Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great artwork and a good reference, but FAR from comprehensive, or even a good oversight overall. Too much was left on the cutting room floor, IMO.

[Mati · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was hunted down in dusty place, old but not that bad. However new edition would be nice.