Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2000 TV series)
A Japanese anime reboot localized as a self-contained Transformers series.
Transformers: Robots in Disguise is the American English localization of the Japanese anime series Transformers: Car Robots, which aired in Japan in 2000. Produced by Nihon Ad Systems and Studio Gallop in cooperation with Korean company Dongwoo Animation, the series is part of the Transformers franchise. In Japan it continues the continuity of prior series, while the English adaptation functions as a reboot with a self-contained continuity, renaming many characters and treating some as new iterations of classic Transformers characters.
- Japanese title
- Transformers: Car Robots
- English title
- Transformers: Robots in Disguise
- Country of origin
- Japan
- Production companies
- Nihon Ad Systems, Studio Gallop, Dongwoo Animation
- Original airing
- Japan in 2000
- English airing
- Fox Kids (US) from September 8, 2001 to March 30, 2002
Quick Facts
- Ja Romaji
- Toransufōmā: Kā Robotto
- Genre
- Action, science fiction
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The series follows the Autobots as they attempt to stop the Predacons from stealing Earth's energy. The Autobots ally with Koji Onishi after Predacon leader Megatron captures the boy's father, Dr. Kenneth Onishi. During their battles, both factions discover a crashed Cybertronian spaceship containing six Autobot protoforms; Megatron reaches it first and reprograms them into the evil Decepticons. Predacon sub-commander Sky-Byte tries to prove his worth by stealing the Autobots' O-Parts, while Ultra Magnus arrives on Earth seeking the Matrix, eventually enabling him to merge with Optimus Prime into Omega Prime.
Reader's Guide
The series is notable for its dual continuity treatment: in Japan it is a direct continuation of prior Transformers series, while the English localization reboots the franchise with a separate, self-contained story. This approach allowed new viewers to enter the series without prior knowledge, while Japanese audiences saw it as part of an ongoing saga. The English version aired on Fox Kids from September 2001 to March 2002, introducing renamed characters and new iterations of classic Transformers. The plot introduces Fortress Maximus, a giant Transformer hidden on Earth, and the Orb of Sigma, which transforms Megatron into Galvatron. The final battle between Galvatron and Omega Prime ends with the Decepticons and most Predacons returned to Cybertron, while Sky-Byte escapes into Earth's oceans. The series also features clip shows that differ between the English and Japanese versions.
Did You Know?
- The series was produced by Nihon Ad Systems and Studio Gallop in cooperation with Korean company Dongwoo Animation.
- In Japan the series is set in continuity with prior Transformers series, while the English localization functions as a reboot.
- The English adaptation aired on Fox Kids from September 8, 2001 to March 30, 2002.
- The three clip shows of Robots in Disguise differ between the English and Japanese versions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2000 TV series)?
It is the American English adaptation of the Japanese anime 'Transformers: Car Robots,' originally broadcast in Japan in 2000. Rather than continuing an existing storyline, the English version was restructured as a standalone reboot with its own self-contained continuity.
How does Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2000) differ from the Japanese original?
In Japan, the series picks up where earlier Transformers anime left off, maintaining a shared continuity. The English localization, however, resets the narrative, renames numerous characters, and presents some as fresh reinterpretations of well-known Transformers figures.
Who produced Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2000 TV series)?
The show was a collaboration between Nihon Ad Systems and Studio Gallop in Japan, with animation support from South Korea's Dongwoo Animation. It was then localized for the English-speaking market and broadcast on Fox Kids in the United States.
When did Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2000) air in the United States?
The English-dubbed version premiered on Fox Kids on September 8, 2001, and concluded its run on March 30, 2002. This came roughly a year after the original Japanese broadcast in 2000.
Why is Transformers: Robots in Disguise (2000 TV series) significant in the Transformers franchise?
It stands as one of the few Transformers entries that originated as a Japanese anime before being adapted for Western audiences, giving it a distinct visual and narrative style compared to most American-produced series. Its reboot framing also made it accessible to viewers unfamiliar with prior Transformers continuity.
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