Transformers – Figure Guide, History & Collectibles
The most useful thing before buying: what Deluxe, Voyager and Leader mean, why the same character ranges from 12 to 150 euros, and what is genuinely coming to the franchise.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
The size classes: why prices differ so much
An "Optimus Prime" figure can cost twelve euros or a hundred and fifty. That is not a pricing error – they are different classes, and Hasbro prints them on the box:
The smallest, around 9 cm. Simple transformation, low price. Good for young children or for starting a collection.
The most common class, around 13 cm. A good balance of size, detail and price. Most people start here.
Around 18 cm, with a more involved transformation and greater detail.
Around 22 cm. A striking display piece, with many transformation steps.
The largest and most expensive. Dozens of transformation steps – for collectors, not for play.
Before you buy: Hasbro boxes also state a transformation difficulty level. If the gift is for a child under eight, stay with Core or Deluxe – the larger classes involve steps that need patience and steady hands.
The history: toys first, story second
Something few people know: Transformers did not begin as a story. It began in 1984 as a Hasbro toy line – Japanese transforming toys to which the company gave names and personalities.
The story was written to sell the toys. And then the story became bigger than the toys.
Why this matters: it is exactly why Transformers figures are so well engineered. They are not a secondary product – they are the original product, and forty years of refinement show.
The 1986 film returns
The Transformers: The Movie turns forty – and returns to cinemas in 4K, from 17 to 21 September 2026.
It is the animated film that shocked an entire generation of children: it killed Optimus Prime within its opening act. That remains one of the most discussed moments in the franchise's history.
The run begins on 17 September, "Transformers Day".
What is genuinely coming
Paramount confirmed in April 2026 that two projects are in development: a new Transformers film, and the G.I. Joe crossover teased at the end of Rise of the Beasts.
In June 2026 a writer was hired for the new film. There is still no director, cast, title or date.
"Trailers" for 2026 and 2027 Transformers films are circulating on YouTube and social media. They are fake, generated with AI. No new film has an official date.
The characters
Leader of the Autobots. The red-and-blue truck – one of the most recognisable toy designs ever made.
The yellow one – the most popular with children, and with a film of his own.
Leader of the Decepticons. The villains often sell as well as the heroes.
Two Decepticons with an enormous, devoted following from the 1984 series.
Gift guide
Core or Deluxe – simple transformation, durable.
Voyager – impressive size, manageable difficulty.
Leader or Commander – especially 1984-era designs.
A Deluxe Optimus Prime or Bumblebee – they never miss.
Frequently asked questions
- What do Deluxe, Voyager and Leader mean?
- They are Hasbro size classes. Core is around 9 cm, Deluxe 13, Voyager 18, Leader 22, with Commander larger still. The bigger the class, the more involved the transformation and the higher the price.
- Which class for a child?
- Under eight, Core or Deluxe. The larger classes have dozens of transformation steps, which frustrate a young child – or break in their hands.
- Is a new Transformers film coming?
- Two projects are in development – a new film and the G.I. Joe crossover. There is no date, director or cast. The "trailers" circulating online are fake, generated with AI.
- What does "G1" mean?
- Short for Generation 1 – the original 1984 line. It is the design most adult collectors prefer, and many modern figures reproduce it with present-day engineering.
- Where can I find Transformers figures in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
