While Hasbro handles the brand in America, the Transformers franchise wouldn’t exist without Takara Tomy. Now, that company is releasing a new line of the robots in disguise that seemingly combine generations and a somewhat anime-inspired aesthetic.
New images for the first two Transformers Overgear series entries have been revealed, with these figures being for Ironhide and Blackout. Seemingly drawing from different incarnations of the characters, there’s also a “real mecha” design premise at work in these toys. While they’re only in the prototype stage, these action figures promise to kick the franchise into a higher gear.
Ironhide and Blackout Prototypes Shown for New Transformers ‘Overdrive’ Toy Line
The prototypes for Transformers Overgear Ironhide and Blackout in robot mode.Image via Takara Tomy
Through the Takara T-Spark website, new images have been revealed for the Transformers Overgear toys for the Decepticon Blackout and the Autobot Ironhide. As seen through these prototypes, the designs are rather eclectic, with Blackout seemingly transforming into a helicopter and visually inspired by his depiction in the live-action Transformers movies.
At the same time, the overall aesthetic of those films is dropped entirely, exchanged for a look that’s both more traditional for the Transformers franchise and evocative of various mecha anime. Ironhide also has a more “evergreen” version of his movie design (complete with what appears to be a truck alternate mode), but minus the arm cannons and with a head that more heavily resembles his original Generation 1 cartoon incarnation.
The Transformers Overgear series is intended to become a modern successor to the Transformers Alternators/Transformers Binaltech toy lines, with those having the Autobots and Decepticons turn into licensed, realistic cars and trucks. This time, that scope is expanded, with the toys described as having the Autobots turn into “heavily modified older vehicles” while the Decepticons turn into “modern weapons.” In the case of Blackout, this weapon form might more accurately be described as a military vehicle.
Both toys also have a “real mecha” aesthetic similar to Real Robot anime such as Mobile Suit Gundam. This includes immense detail in both forms, making them the perfect figures for older fans who want more complex collectibles that also diverge from the other releases in the franchise. While their alternate modes aren’t shown yet, the toys will be available for pre-order on Feb. 13, with both releasing physically sometime in October 2026.
