The Transformers franchise has had some strange collaborations over the years, including some unexpected crossovers, more than we've seen yet. Now, Takara and Hasbro are teaming up again on an anime and trading card brand they teamed up on last year.
Revealed on social media by Takara Tomy and detailed at TFW2005, the new Transformers x Duel Masters collaboration is actually the second of its kind. With cards based on Generation 1 versions of the two iconic Autobots, the cards tie in well with both franchises. The collaboration also comes as both franchises are celebrating major milestones in 2024.
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Latest Duel Masters Cards Featuring Optimus Prime and Bumblebee
The two new Transformers x Duel Masters cards feature classic G1 versions of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. In the case of both, the art on the cards appears to be taken from the Transformers: Missing Link figures. These toys aim to update their classic G1 figures with modern articulation, although in the case of Bumblebee’s card, his color scheme is now a shiny, shimmering gold (somewhat reminiscent of Goldbug). Bumblebee can summon “Commander Optimus Prime,” who is shown in both robot and pickup truck alternate modes, though the former has more attack/power points.
These cards are for the Duel Masters Play digital card game, which has been out since 2019. In August 2023, a similar set of physical cards was made available as part of the Fabulous Art: Duema x TRANSFORMERS collaboration. These cards use art based on characters from the Generation 1 and Beast Wars versions of the Transformers series, although the character choices are based specifically on the Transformers: Rise of the Beasts live-action film. Sadly, the new collaboration, like the game it's part of, is a Japan exclusive, meaning that US Transformers won't be able to release these cards into their digital decks anytime soon.
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Transformers and Duel Masters both celebrate important anniversaries in 2024
2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Hasbro and Takara Tomy's Transformers franchise, which began with the original characters released as part of the Diaclone brand. Since then, the shapeshifting Cybertronians have taken on a life of their own, with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee being just a few of the iconic characters in the franchise. To mark the occasion, a number of new toys, collaborations, comics and collectibles have been announced, with many of these 40th anniversary Transformers products highlighting the Japanese connection to the anime of the robots in disguise.
Duel Masters, on the other hand, debuted in 1999, marking its 25th anniversary in 2024. Originally based on the Magic: The Gathering series, it has taken on a life of its own in Japan, becoming one of many popular card series alongside Pokémon and the Yu-Gi-Oh! card game. It started out as a manga by Shigenobu Matsumoto before becoming an anime series (with multiple seasons) and a card game. Along with these adaptations, the franchise has also had numerous toys and video games. While its heyday is long gone in the West (where it was quickly overtaken by other series), it remains a popular series in Japan.
Transformers
Transformers is a media franchise produced by the American toy company Hasbro and the Japanese toy company Takara Tomy. It primarily revolves around the heroic Autobots and the villainous Decepticons, two warring factions of alien robots that can transform into other forms, such as vehicles and animals.
First movie Transformers
Cast Peter Cullen, Wil Wheaton, Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Luna Lauren Velez, Dominique Fishback
Source: TFW2005