Pretenders (Transformers) Pretenders (Transformers) Pretenders is a subline within the Transformers toy line, introduced in 1988. The concept behind the toy was that the Transformers were capable of disguising their robotic forms through the use of synthetic organic outer shells. While the Autobots' outer shells all resemble human beings clad in armor, the Decepticons' shells are all in the form of monstrous animalistic creatures. The robot figure is contained entirely within the shell, invisible to the outsider observer. After the shell splits apart to release it, the shell can be recombined for a second figure. Although the first set of Pretenders was
The Transformers (IDW Publishing) Maximo also made their first appearance in the "First Strike" and "Till All Are One" series respectively. Furman also expressed interest in re-inventing Japanese-exclusive characters and female Transformers, exploring the challenge of rationalizing sex/gender in giant robots. Furman addressed the issue of gender in Transformers in a "Spotlight" issue on Arcee, rationalizing them as a failed attempt to introduce gender into the Transformer race by Jhiaxus. Elita One and a few other female Transformers later appeared in the "Megatron Origin" mini-series. The miniseries titled "" (which is the finale of IDW's "Transformers" comics) started being published on May 5, 2018.