Transformers are alien robots hailing from the planet Cybertron. They are divided into two factions: heroic Autobots and evil Decepticons. Autobots and Decepticons have been locked in an apocalyptic civil war for millennia. The line was launched in the United States in 1984 with an accompanying animated television series, it followed in Europe later that same year. Many of the Hasbro-distributed toys were actually rebranded versions of the existing Japanese ‘Microman’ and ‘Diaclone’ toylines made by Takara. The combination of vehicle and robot, and the often complicated series of movements required to change between the two modes, meant Transformers were extremely popular children’s toys during the mid-1980s.

Powerglide is an Autobot who was introduced in Transformers’ second year (1985). He is a ‘Mini-Vehicle’, a Transformers sub-group of more cheaply-priced toys. He was characterised in the television series as being extremely self-confident and egotistical; in one episode he insisted on being cast as an actor in a Hollywood movie, in another he fell in love with a spoilt (human) heiress. He was unusual among Autobots in that he was able to fly unassisted (most others required rocket packs). The toy, which transforms into an A10 ‘Thunderbolt/Warthog’ warplane, had more points of articulation than any other ‘Mini-Vehicle’ that was produced.