2003
2003 saw Machine Robo relaunched in Japan (after a brief 'preview' in late 2002) as Machine Robo Rescue.
North America[edit | edit source]
- Central Park Media released the first two volumes of Machine Robo: Revenge of Cronos on DVD.
Japan[edit | edit source]
Machine Robo Rescue[edit | edit source]
After a 10 year hiatus from toy stores, Bandai gave the Machine Robo franchise a major relaunch with the PLEX-designed Machine Robo Rescue, an all-new line of converting and combining robots. The first trio of toys were released in December 2002, and the remainder followed across 2003.
Toyline[edit | edit source]
The figures were designed for strong interaction with each other. The backbone of the line were the boxed sets of Hyper Mode figures, each containing a Leader Robo and a quartet of near-identical Supporter Robo. The combiners could swap limbs easily for different combinations. Larger toys were also designed as transports for the various figures, and could interact with them in various ways. The only particular exception to this was the 1:1 K-Boy toy, based on a communication device from the series.
As well as the regular releases two recolour Machine Robo Variations figures were released, while towards the end of the year five of the central Leader Robo figures were reissued to promote their compatibility with the new Machine Robo Mugenbine range.
Rescue Combination[edit | edit source]
Emergency Launch DX[edit | edit source]
Commander DX[edit | edit source]
Rescue Mobile Phone[edit | edit source]
Base[edit | edit source]
Machine Robo Variations[edit | edit source]
Leader Robo[edit | edit source]
Cartoon[edit | edit source]
The new line was accompanied by a cartoon produced by Sunrise. 51 episodes were broadcast in 2003, with two 'special' episodes following in 2004.
Machine Robo Mugenbine[edit | edit source]
Similar to 2002, Bandai 'previewed' the new Mugenbine line with a trio of late December releases.
Toyline[edit | edit source]
Calendar[edit | edit source]
- January 8: Machine Robo Rescue begins broadcast in Japan.
- January: K-Boy is released as part of Machine Robo Rescue in Japan.
- February: Wing Liner Robo and Fire Robo are released as part of Machine Robo Rescue in Japan.
- March: Siren Gallery Robo is released as part of Machine Robo Rescue in Japan.
- April: Gyro Robo, Stealth Robo and Gear Dump Robo are released as part of Machine Robo Rescue in Japan.
- May 28: Submarine Robo is released as part of Machine Robo Rescue on May 28 in Japan.
- May: Giant Slalom Base is released as part of Machine Robo Rescue in Japan.
- June: Shuttle Robo is released as part of Machine Robo Rescue in Japan.
- July: The Super Performance! figurines are released as part of Machine Robo Rescue in Japan.
- August: Machine Commander, BL Police Robo, BL Fire Robo and BL Drill Robo are released as part of Machine Robo Rescue in Japan.
- September 26: Pioneer release Machine Robo: Battle Hackers on DVD in Japan.
- October: V-Stealth Robo is released as part of Machine Robo Rescue in Japan.
- November: The Burning Color Edition and Blizzard Color Edition are released as part of Machine Robo Variations, and the Machine Robo Rescue Leader Robo Jet Robo, Drill Robo, *Police Robo, Submarine Robo and Stealth Robo are reissued to help with the preview of Machine Robo Mugenbine.
- December 19: Les Tremayne, who provided undetermined voices for Challenge of the GoBots, died, aged 90.
- December 27: Machine Robo Mugenbine launches with the release of Air Leon, Build Giraffe and Carry Eagle.
