#generationmechs

Transformers: Generation Mechs, my 500-page all-new work detailing the rise and fall of G1 and, more importantly, the evolution of the TF fanbase, is now shipping worldwide.

This deluxe limited edition hardback - the debut release from Empurata Books - is available for a short time only: once it’s sold out, that’s it.

I was one of those now-ancient “first fans”. I witnessed what we all assumed at the time was Transformers’ permanent demise and, like other likeminded souls, resolved to keep it alive. That meant fanfic, fanart and, of course, fanzines.

I’ve interviewed over 50 people - Hasbro executives, comic pros, zine editors and more - to bring you the definite history of 80s and 90s fandom, analogue and digital. More than that, I’ve exhaustively documented the genesis of the brand, its incredible mid-80s high point, and its gradual commercial (if not creative) decline.

The book covers everything: the rise of media fandom, the deregulated 1980s entertainment industry, gender studies, contested brand synergy, fan civil war, Trukk Not Munky and much more besides.

If you’ve ever emailed me about my TF books you should by now have received an email telling you how to order Gen Mechs. (If you can’t find it, check your spam.) Everyone else should email [email protected] for ordering and pricing info.

Thanks for your patience and I hope you enjoy the book. Oh yeah - please share this far and wide x

This is how old I am. 25 years ago I published a Transformers novel called Eugenesis, and a couple of years later - somehow - it ended up being reviewed by the Harvard Crimson.

At the time, Eugenesis was intended to be my fandom swansong. I’d be writing fanfic since 1987, and this was to be the grand finale. Also, I was by 2001, a husband and a new Dad, so real life was making very understandable demands on my time. My fandom journey at that point hadn’t been particularly unique: as Generation Mechs proves, it’s a journey that many fans who grew up with Transformers went on in the 80s and 90s.

Sorry it’s been a while. I’m really eager to get Generation Mechs to everyone who wants a copy, but my plans have been delayed thanks to the imposition of new US tariffs.

If you head to my Insta (j.roberts332) you’ll find a more detailed explanation of Where We’re At. Look for the Update post.