Icons Unearthed: Transformers

In the '80s, Hasbro eyed Japan's transforming robots craze, and created their own story-driven line in collaboration with Marvel Comics to break into the US market.

Transformers soars in popularity, but Hasbro sidelines Marvel and kills off Optimus Prime to push new toys in a risky move that could make or break the franchise.

Transformers were fading by the 2000s, but Steven Spielberg saw big-screen potential for the franchise and tapped Michael Bay, who doubted an '80s toy would be popular with a new generation.

When Transformers hits big at the box office, Paramount rushes a sequel amid a writers' strike, tight deadlines, and Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf dominating the tabloids.

Michael Bay returns to the Transformers films with huge Hong Kong set pieces, but VFX strain and convoluted medieval lore leave audiences groaning.

Michael Bay exits Transformers, leaving Paramount to reboot the franchise with two new directors who have to try to recapture the franchise's spark.