Transformers – 1990

Transformers – 1990

After seven fantastic years, Hasbro ended the Transformers line in 1990. The seventh and final wave of Transformers gave us a limited selection of new figures, which were divided among either the Micromaster or Action Master series. The Micromasters featured four sub-sets, while the Action Master series featured five waves of popular Transformers, mixed with new characters across different sub-sets. The Action Masters were the first released Transformers that did not actually transform into anything.

For more information about Hasbro’s final Transformers line from 1990, see bottom of the page for a complete summary.

Transformers (1990): Action Master – Wave 1

The Action Masters were Hasbro’s attempt to capture the nostalgia of the original Transformers, but in a smaller 3.75″ format. Some new characters were also mixed-in with the series. The strange thing with the new Action Masters was they no longer transformed into their iconic vehicle form, and instead all came with weapons or accessories like a traditional 3.75″ line.

Grimlock

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $30 – $45

Grimlock
Accessories: Anti-Tank Weapon
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Grimlock no longer transformed into his alternate mode but came with his new Anti-Tank Weapon.

Jazz

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Jazz
Accessories: Turbo Board
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Jazz no longer transformed into his alternate mode but came with his new Turbo Board.

Rad

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Rad
Accessories: Lionizer
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Rad was a new character added to the Action Master line, but like the others, did not transform into an alternate mode but came with a partner, Lionizer.

Rollout

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Rollout
Accessories: Glitch
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Rollout was a new character added to the Action Master line, but like the others, did not transform into an alternate mode but came with a partner, Glitch.

Soundwave

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $30 – $45

Soundwave
Accessories: Wingthing
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Soundwave no longer transformed into his alternate mode but came with his new partner, Wingthing.

Treadshot

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Treadshot
Accessories: Catgut
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Treadshot no longer transformed into his alternate mode but came with his new partner, Catgut.

Transformers (1990): Action Master – Wave 2

The Action Masters were Hasbro’s attempt to capture the nostalgia of the original Transformers, but in a smaller 3.75″ format. Some new characters were also mixed-in with the series. The strange thing with the new Action Masters was they no longer transformed into their iconic vehicle form, and instead all came with weapons or accessories like a traditional 3.75″ line.

Bumblebee

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $30 – $45

Bumblebee
Accessories: Heli-Pack
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Bumblebee no longer transformed into his alternate mode but came with his new accessory, a Heli-Pack.

Blaster

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Blaster
Accessories: Flight Pack
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Blaster no longer transformed into his alternate mode but came with his new accessory, a Flight Pack.

Devastator

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Devastator
Accessories: Scorpulator
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Devastator no longer transformed into his alternate mode but came with his new partner, Scorpulator.

Jackpot

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Jackpot
Accessories: Sights
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Jackpot was a new character added to the Action Master line, but like the others, did not transform into an alternate mode but came with a partner, Sights.

Krok

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Krok
Accessories: Gatoraider
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Krok was a new character added to the Action Master line, but like the others, did not transform into an alternate mode but came with a partner, Gatoraider.

Mainframe

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $30 – $45

Mainframe
Accessories: Push-Button
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Mainframe was a new character added to the Action Master line, but like the others, did not transform into an alternate mode but came with a partner, Push-Button.

Transformers (1990): Action Master – Wave 3

The Action Masters were Hasbro’s attempt to capture the nostalgia of the original Transformers, but in a smaller 3.75″ format. Some new characters were also mixed-in with the series. The strange thing with the new Action Masters was they no longer transformed into their iconic vehicle form, and instead all came with weapons or accessories like a traditional 3.75″ line.

Banzai-Tron

Market Value:
Carded $150 – $200
Loose $30 – $45

Banzai-Tron
Accessories: Razor-Sharp
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Banzai-Tron was a new character added to the Action Master line, but like the others, did not transform into an alternate mode but came with a partner, Razor-Sharp.

Inferno

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Inferno
Accessories: Hydro Pack
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Inferno no longer transformed into his alternate mode but came with his new accessory, a Hydro Pack.

Kick-Off

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Kick-Off
Accessories: Turbo Pack
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Kick-Off was a new character added to the Action Master line, but like the others, did not transform into an alternate mode but came with his new accessory, a Turbo Pack.

Shockwave

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $30 – $45

Shockwave
Accessories: Fistfight
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Shockwave no longer transformed into his alternate mode but came with his new partner, Fistfight.

Skyfall

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Skyfall
Accessories: Top-Heavy
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Skyfall was a new character added to the Action Master line, but like the others, did not transform into an alternate mode but came with a partner, Top-Heavy.

Snarl

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Snarl
Accessories: Tyrannitron
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Snarl no longer transformed into his alternate mode but came with his new partner, Tyrannitron.

Transformers (1990): Action Master Action Blasters

The Action Master Action Blasters were similar to the standard Action Master figures, except these came with a larger accessory. In most cases, the accessory was a vehicle the figure could either ride or use to attack. The figures did not transform, but the vehicle accessory did change into a weapon.

Attack Copter w/ Over-Run

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $175
Loose $30 – $45

Attack Copter w/ Over-Run
Alternate Mode: Double-Barreled Cannon
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Like the other Action Masters, Over-Run does not actually transform, but his Attack Copter does change into a Double-Barreled Cannon. Cannons and a Blast Shield are concealed and pop-up when activated.

Off-Road Cycle w/ Axer

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $175
Loose $30 – $45

Off-Road Cycle w/ Axer
Alternate Mode: Twin-Cannoned Artillery Gun
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Like the other Action Masters, Axer does not actually transform, but his Off-Road Cycle does change into a Twin-Cannoned Artillery Gun. Cannons are concealed and do pop-up when activated.

Turbo Cycle w/ Prowl

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $175
Loose $30 – $45

Turbo Cycle w/ Prowl
Alternate Mode: Field Artillery Platform
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Like the other Action Masters, Prowl does not actually transform, but his Turbo Cycle does change into a Field Artillery Platform. There is a spring loaded cannon that can be activated by a button on the vehicle side.

Turbo Jet w/ Starscream

Market Value:
Boxed $100 – $175
Loose $30 – $45

Turbo Jet w/ Starscream
Alternate Mode: Artillery Station
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: Like the other Action Masters, Starscream does not actually transform, but his Turbo Jet does change into an Artillery Station. The jet engine cover can be removed and used as a shield by Starscream.

Transformers (1990): Action Master Vehicles

The Action Master Vehicles were similar to the standard Action Master figures, except these came with a larger vehicle, that could transform into an attack vehicle. Each vehicle was made for the figure to be able to ride.

Armored Convoy w/ Optimus Prime

Market Value:
Boxed $300 – $400
Loose $120 – $180

Armored Convoy w/ Optimus Prime
Alternate Mode: Interceptor Shuttle, Battle Station Base
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Like the other Action Masters, Optimus Prime does not actually transform, but his Semi-Cab and Trailer do transform. The cab changes into a shuttle, while the trailer changes into a decked-out Battle Station Base with tons of weapons. This vehicle was probably the highlight of the Action Master line.

Neutro-Fusion Tank w/ Megatron

Market Value:
Boxed $350 – $450
Loose $120 – $180

Neutro-Fusion Tank w/ Megatron
Alternate Mode: Missile Launcher, Jet Chair
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Like the other Action Masters, Megatron does not actually transform, but his Neutro-Fusion Tank does change into a Missile Launcher and a Jet Chair. This was the first new Megatron figure released since his initial release in 1984 (not counting the Megatron Decoy mini-figure released in 1986).

Attack Cruiser w/ Sprocket

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $50 – $75

Attack Cruiser w/ Sprocket
Alternate Mode: Attack Helicopter
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Like the other Action Masters, Sprocket does not actually transform, but his Attack Cruiser does change into a Helicopter.

Stratotronic Jet w/ Gutcruncher

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $75 – $100

Stratotronic Jet w/ Gutcruncher
Alternate Mode: Air Attack Jet, Tank, Attack Base
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Like the other Action Masters, Gutcruncher does not actually transform, but his Stratotronic Jet does change into an Attack Jet and Base.

Turbo Racer w/ Wheeljack

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $50 – $75

Turbo Racer w/ Wheeljack
Alternate Mode: Jet Fighter
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Like the other Action Masters, Wheeljack does not actually transform, but his Turbo Racer does change into a Jet Fighter.

Transformers (1990): Micromaster Headquarters

Hasbro released two Headquarter sets for the Micromaster series with the Anti-Aircraft Base and Battlefield Headquarters. Each of them transformed from vehicle mode into the bases for the Autobots and Decepticons.

Anti-Aircraft Base w/
Blackout & Spaceshot

Market Value:
Boxed $250 – $350
Loose $50 – $75

Anti-Aircraft Base w/ Blackout & Spaceshot
Alternate Mode: Battle Tank
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Anti-Aircraft Base is essentially a large battle tank, which is driven by the pilots, Blackout and Spaceshot. The tank and pilots then combine to form the Anti-Aircraft Base for the evil Decepticons.

Battlefield Headquarters
w/ Full-Barrel & Overflow

Market Value:
Boxed $500 – $650
Loose $110 – $190

Battlefield Headquarters w/ Full-Barrel & Overflow
Alternate Mode: Semi-Truck and Trailer
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on the secondary market
Notes: The Battlefield Headquarters is essentially a large semi-truck, which is driven by the pilots, Full-Barrel and Overflow. The truck and pilots then combine to form the Battlefield HQ for the heroic Autobots.

Transformers (1990): Micromaster Patrols

The Micromaster Patrols released for the 1990 wave were sets of four mini-figures that formed a certain type of themed patrol for each set. This was the 2nd series of Patrol vehicles, following the wave released the year before.

Air Patrol

Market Value:
Carded $85 – $110
Loose $30 – $45

Air Patrol
Alternate Mode:
Blaze Master, Eagle Eye, Sky Hight, Treadbolt
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Air Patrol members all came packaged on one card and included Blaze Master, Eagle Eye, Sky Hight, and Treadbolt.

Construction Patrol

Market Value:
Carded $85 – $110
Loose $30 – $45

Construction Patrol
Alternate Mode:
Crumble, Groundpounder, Neutro, Takedown
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Construction Patrol members all came packaged on one card and included Crumble, Groundpounder, Neutro, and Takedown.

Hot Rod Patrol

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Hot Rod Patrol
Alternate Mode:
Big Daddy, Greaser, Hubs, Trip-Up
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Hot Rod Patrol members all came packaged on one card and included Big Daddy, Greaser, Hubs, and Trip-Up.

Military Patrol

Market Value:
Carded $85 – $110
Loose $30 – $45

Military Patrol
Alternate Mode:
Bombshock, Dropshot, Growl, Tracer
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Military Patrol members all came packaged on one card and included Bombshock, Dropshot, Growl, and Tracer.

Monster Trucks Patrol

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Monster Trucks Patrol
Alternate Mode:
Big Hauler, Heavy Tread, Hydraulic, Slow Poke
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Monster Trucks members all came packaged on one card and included Big Hauler, Heavy Tread, Hydraulic, and Slow Poke.

Race Track Patrol

Market Value:
Carded $75 – $100
Loose $20 – $35

Race Track Patrol
Alternate Mode:
Barricade, Groundhog, Motorhead, Roller Force
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher each year
Notes: The Race Track Patrol members all came packaged on one card and included Barricade, Groundhog, Motorhead, and Roller Force.

Transformers (1990): Micromaster Squads

The Micromaster Squads series, released for 1990, included themed sets of three different figures for each. Every vehicle breaks down to two different robots.

Astro Squad

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $25 – $50

Astro Squad
Alternate Mode: Space Exploration Vehicles Changing Into Six Robots
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher
Notes: The Astro Squad includes Phaser, Blast Master, Moonrock, Missile Master, Barrage, and Heave. Each of the three vehicles breaks down into two different robots.

Battle Squad

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $25 – $50

Battle Squad
Alternate Mode: Military Themed Vehicles Changing Into Six Robots
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher
Notes: The Battle Squad includes Meltdown, Half-Track, Direct-Hit, Power Punch, Fireshot and Vanquish. Each of the three vehicles breaks down into two different robots.

Constructor Squad

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $25 – $50

Constructor Squad
Alternate Mode: Construction Themed Vehicles Changing Into Six Robots
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher
Notes: The Constructor Squad includes Stonecruncher, Excavator, Sledge, Hammer, Grit and Knock-Out. Each of the three vehicles breaks down into two different robots.

Metro Squad

Market Value:
Carded $100 – $150
Loose $25 – $50

Metro Squad
Alternate Mode: Public Service Themed Vehicles Changing Into Six Robots
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Can still be found but getting tougher
Notes: The Metro Squad includes Wheel Blaze, Roadburner, Oiler, Slide, Power-Run and Strikedown. Each of the three vehicles breaks down into two different robots.

Transformers (1990): Micromaster Transports

A second wave of Micromaster Transports series figures were released in 1990, and included three different figures that came with accessory pieces with each that also transformed.

Cannon Transport

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $75 – $100

Cannon Transport w/
Cement-Head & Terror-Tread
Alternate Mode: Cannon Transport, Battle Station
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Cannon Transport is a weapon transport vehicle and comes packaged with its pilots, Cement-Head and Terror-Tread. Together, they can form a Decepticon Battle Station.

Missile Launcher

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $75 – $100

Missile Launcher w/ Retro & Surge
Alternate Mode: Missile Launcher, Battle Station
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Missile Launcher is a weapon launcher and comes packaged with its pilots, Retro and Surge. Together, they can form an Autobot Battle Station.

Tanker Truck

Market Value:
Boxed $200 – $300
Loose $75 – $100

Tanker Truck w/ Pipeline & Gusher
Alternate Mode: Tanker Transport, Weapons Station
Years Released: 1990
Scarcity Factor: Tough to find on secondary market
Notes: Tanker Truck is a tanker transport vehicle and comes packaged with its pilots, Pipeline and Gusher. Together, they can form an Autobot weapons Station.

Transformers (1990): Mail-Order/Exclusives

Hasbro did not offer any mail-order exclusives to the public in 1990, nor did any retail chain carry any type of Transformer exclusives.

Since 1984, the Transformers toy line had been one of the top selling toy lines in the world but Hasbro decided to end the Transformers line in 1990 after seven glorious years. There were a few reasons for this, including a steep drop in sales and increased competition from newer lines such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghostbusters and the Nintendo brand. Since their wildly successful launch in 1984, the Transformers toy line quickly became a global phenomenon, but as all successful toy lines have seen in years past, all good things must come to an end, despite Hasbro’s valiant last ditch attempt at re-branding the franchise. As for other merchandising, the Marvel Comics Transformers comic continued another year until 1991. The Transformers franchise would, of course, return multiple times throughout the years, in many different forms, but the Generation One Transformers will always be fondly remembered by collectors and fans as the true originals. The Transformers have shown time and time again, that they have earned their place on the Mount Rushmore of action figure lines along side other iconic brands such as Star Wars, GI Joe and the Masters of the Universe.

Each wave of past years featured many new and interesting characters, but the seventh and final wave of the Transformers line, gave us only a handful of new figures, with several older characters being brought back for the various sets. All figures were branched off to either the Micromaster or new Action Master series. Each sub-set was a mixed bag of both, the heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons. The Micromaster series, which was added the year before, was brought back in 1990, with four sub-sets, including Micromaster Headquarters, Patrols, Squads and Transports. Hasbro also released the Action Master series for 1990, which featured popular Transformers from the past, mixed with new characters across a few different sub-sets. The Action Masters were the first Transformers to be released that did not actually transform. Instead, the transforming was left to the vehicle or accessory the figure was packaged with. No mail-order items or exclusives were offered for the final Transformers release in 1990.

Despite minor differences, the packaging for the Transformers figures remained basically the same through the years, but 1989 brought a completely new packaging design, which continued for the 1990 wave. The Micromaster series kept their Silver themed packaging. The boxes did not feature the usual see through window, in favor of a closed box. The blister cards featured multiple mini vehicles on them with the new Transformers logo prominently featured across the top of each type of package. The Action Master series were a bit more nostalgic by bringing back the traditional red Autobot or purple Decepticon colored packaging back. The carded figures featured the figure to the top left of the package with the character artwork to the right. The new Transformers logo was stretched out across the bottom of the card. The boxes of the Action Masters were closed box with no window to see the vehicle inside. The new package designs were an effort by Hasbro to break up the usual look and offer something new to the public. Some aspects of this proved popular while others simply did not.