The is a line of toys produced by the American toy company Hasbro. The Transformers toyline was originally created and produced by Japanese company Takara Tomy (Formerly Takara) and branded as Diaclone and Microman.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness; "a rare word"; "rare books"
recurring only at long intervals; "a rare appearance"; "total eclipses are rare events"
(of meat, esp. beef) Lightly cooked, so that the inside is still red
not widely distributed; "rare herbs"; "rare patches of green in the desert"
Transformers Vault
The Complete Transformers Universe - Showcasing Rare Collectibles and Memorabilia
I must've spent a full hour yesterday calling which local bookstore has this available in their inventory. Luckily, a store within a 30-minute drive (well, one can get there in 10 minutes without the heavy, heavy rush hour traffic) had a copy.
Upon learning that a local toy shop was selling this same book for US$10 more, the drive into heavy traffic was well worth it.
The WFC Cybertronian Optimus Prime was thrown in for size reference.
This Transformers figure is Dinoot Swoop from the Generation 1 line, released in 1985. It is complete and in "well loved" condition. To be honest, this Swoop has seen better days, but I still really like this figure. He's got some paint chipping on his chest and some lost stickers, and his head sometimes falls off, but it's a rare figure and not easily replaced. At least the chrome is in great shape!