One can hope. We have generations now suckered by Transformers as a toy-line and full-slot commercial programs to sell them, now several (not terrible at all) series and a run of movies.

They're better at the process now, but so is the public at being less influenced by them.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I'm sorry, what? Maybe it's because I just woke up that I'm not comprehending what you're saying. I know the transformer movies are product placement showcases, it's pathetic, but it sounds like you're calling the very existence of transformers a successful ad campaign.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago (1 children)

They were a toy set first (inspired by variable mechs in Japanese Anime, e.g. the Valkyrie variable fighters Macross) and the original pitch of the series was as a means to sell initial line of toys.

So yeah, it would be much like if they made a TV series about Hot Wheels cars. That isn't to say it was of poor quality, just that the primary motivation was to sell toys.

So yes. the very existence of transformers emerged from a successful ad campaign. Deregulation of television during the Reagan era was what allowed this to happen during the early eighties.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 2 months ago

On the one hand, gross, but on the other, launching a full fledged product (a hand animated cartoon series) to sell the arguably cheaper product is such a high effort move that I'm not even mad. The end result is two high quality products for the target audience - I mean Gen X on down have fond childhood memories of the cartoons and toys.

But GROSS.