Big robots and Poland. Analysis of Polish edition of Transformers comic books in Early 90s

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to look into editorial aspects of 24 issues of the Transformers comic book series, published in Poland in 1991–1995 by TM-Semic. Its main objective – except for the analysis of particular issues and certain aspects of implementing American mainstream comic books into the Polish market in early 90’s – is to provide broader context explaining what was the basis for the synergy between the toy industry and comics based on popular franchises. It is important to notice that such works of fiction – both in USA and Europe – had a dual commercial purpose: to be sold in possibly high circulation figures and to advertise other products (in this case, the toys). The paper summarizes the effects of this strategy in United States and its adaptation in the Netherlands, and finally in Poland, where the Dutch model was introduced. It also aims to answer the question whether or not (and which, if any) editorial aspects of Polish edition were appealing to the target audience, both in case of translation and publication values.