Transformers: Universe re-debuted in 2008, after the original toyline bearing this name had faded to obscurity. The new Transformers: Universe bridged the gap between the roles of the original Universe and Classics lines. This succession led many fans to refer to the line as “Universe 2” or “Classics 2.0”. We use “Universe 2” throughout this site to bring clarity to mentions of either toyline. Officially, the first and second portions of Transformers: Universe only differ by their logos.
Universe 2 started out as the clear successor to Classics, introducing many new-mold versions of classic 1980s characters, generally in a similar scale and style as those sold under the Classics banner. Each toy had a subtitle on the package denoting the character’s origins, and for the first couple waves it was simply “Classic Series”. Later toys had more detailed subtitles, such as “Generation One Series” or “Beast Wars Series”. After a short while, many toys released were redecoes with a classic name, but not necessarily bearing resemblance to any original character.
Toys in the Universe 2 line fit into the usual size classes of Legends, Deluxe, Voyager, and Ultra. As with many modern toy series, Universe 2 included a huge number of store and event exclusive toys of varying description. The line also had co-branded toys released under the Titanium and Robot Heroes banners. This archive lists those toys under their respective series.
The reimaginings of classic characters were an instant hit with older collectors, and due to its large variety the line sold quite well. Despite its eventual cancellation in early 2009, the line’s success guaranteed another helping of homage toys in the successor line Generations.
