Power Plans
From Transformers Wiki
Power Plans (or sometimes Powerplans) were included on the packaging of all Action Masters. They show a photograph of the robot that highlights the layout of weapons and other unique mechanical features of the character. This was in addition to the bio and Tech Specs. Like the Tech Spec / bio / box art card (often referred to simply as a Tech Spec), buyers were encouraged to clip and save the Power Plans.
Though some Action Masters were packaged with vehicles or Exo-Suits, only the core robot was featured on the Power Plans. Likewise, the Power Plans for the transforming Action Master Elites featured only the robot mode of the character.
They are noted for having some truly bizarrely-named (and placed) internal components listed, as well as more often than not using pictures of figure prototypes instead of finished ones.
Alternity
Power Plans were revived in the 2009 TakaraTomy Alternity toyline. The toy photos were replaced with line-art akin to the Beast Wars packaging schematics, though the format was otherwise largely unchanged.
Notes
- Power Plans are referenced in the Japanese Legends of the Microns comic "Linkage Part 1".
- Though never labeled as "Power Plans," the following Beast Wars characters did feature schematics on the back of their packaging extremely reminiscent of Power Plans: Rampage, Depth Charge, Tigerhawk, and Optimus Primal (in his Optimal Optimus body).
- The Transformers Character Card series of collectible profiles by Japanese vendor e-HOBBY similarly employ Power Plan-evoking schematics.
