Transformers Prime 2.07 Crossfire Promo, Clips

Crossfire, the next episode of Transformers: Prime will air tomorrow night on the Hub. In it "Arachnid and Starscream struggle to control an Insecticon warrior", I assume one that was on Cybertron from the Orion Pax season opener. Considering Starscream lost his Transformation Cog (T-Cog) and more or less exiled from the Decepticons, I assume he may have other plans for the Insecticon. Below is promo and clip for the episode. Images can be found here and here.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Behind Scenes of New Trailer

Yesterday High Moon Studios released a new trailer for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron that reveals its August 28th release date. Today they have provided a behind scenes video as the developers of the game talk about their goals for the game. Most of the info we have heard or read before over the last few months but its full of game footage so worth a look.

Transformers: Fall of Cybertron Trailer, Release Date

High Moon Studios has released the official first trailer for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron via GameSpot. The last trailer we saw for the game was the teaser last year. The trailer reveals the game will be out With the release is news that the official release date of the game is August 28th, 2012 for XBox 360 and Playstation 3.

Transformers Autocracy #6, Regeneration Previews

Today will brings Transformers: Autocracy #6 for online download. The issue continues to tell the events that lead to the rise of Optimus Prime, the end of Zeta Prime's corrupt leadership and the true launch of the civil war that devastates Cybertron. A preview can be found here.

In addition, May 5th brings Free Comic Book Day to your local retailer with most of the comic book publishers offering samples of the wares on that day. That includes IDW and Transformers with Transformers #80.5 that summaries the previous 80 issues of Marvel's classic Generation One run that help lay a lot of the foundation for the continuity, characters and story ideas that have fueled the many different iterations of Transformers over the years. Click here for a couple page preview of 80.5.

Transformers: Autocracy #6
Chris Metzen, Flint Dille (w) Livio Ramondelli (a)
12 CHAPTER DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE SERIES! ZETA PRIME MAKES HIS MOVE! When the Autobot leader strikes out, ORION PAX--the future Optimus Prime--witnesses scenes of devastation beyond his wildest imagination! Will Pax be changed? Or will he fall?

Transformers #80.5
Simon Furman (w); Andrew Wildman (p), Stephen Baskerville (i); Wildman (c)
The wait is over--after a 20-year hiatus, IDW proudly returns to the original TRANSFORMERS comic book universe, picking up right where 1991's TRANSFORMERS #80 left off! Optimus Prime, Grimlock, Kup, Hot Rod and all your favorite Generation One TRANSFORMERS characters charge into the future as fan-favorite writer Simon Furman and legendary Transformers artist Andrew Wildman present TRANSFORMERS #80.5! Reflecting back on the dizzying highs and the terrifying lows of the original run of Transformers comics, Optimus Prime watches over a Cybertron that hasn't faced Megatron for decades. But that peace shudders to an end, as we dive headlong into July's TRANSFORMERS #81!
Because the Fans demanded it! Thousands of TRANSFORMERS fans signed petitions urging us to make this book--and IDW listened!

Transformers Linkfest - Masterpieces

In this addition of the linkfest, we have more 3rd party toys and finally some new official Transformers news from Takara with two additions to the Masterpiece line. There is also a look at more Generation One inspired unlicensed (which are banned from Botcon), creative use of Lego, a new Kre-O commercial, a "real" Transformer, GTA 4 mod, and two reviews.

Lego Transforming GameBoy
Hit the link for this cool creation. Built by Julius von Brunk, this is a GameBoy that transforms but made out of Lego. It is based on the first GameBoy released back in the late 1980s. (via Gizmodo)

Singapore Cybertron Con 2012 Recap
Hit the link for panel images that showcased some of the toys that Takara is working on for their 2013 Transformers Generations line that is expected to have 40+ figures. They also teased Transformers Prime Rumble and Kup, Masterpiece Sunstorm (repaint of MP 2.0 Starscream), and revealed that their next Masterpiece toy will MP-12 Lambor (Sideswipe). Most of the Generations teases were repaints of previous Generations/Classic molds. Click here for images of Starscream's collectible coin.

Transformers Prime 2.06 Promo and Clip

Tomorrow brings another new episode of Transformers: Prime to the Hub with Episode five Loose Cannons with the return of sword wielding Wheeljack. The description says "a legendary Autobot returns to Earth to look for a new Decepticon, but Optimus finds that something is not right with the rogue Bot." Images from the episode are here, promo and clip are below.

As for the next few new episodes:
3/31 Crossfire - Arachnid and Starscream struggle to control an Insecticon warrior
4/07 Nemesis Prime - Optimus Prime becomes destructive, while MECH reveals the master plan.
4/14 Grill - Agent Fowler has some explaining to do under the threat of military tribunal and Team Prime's termination.

Transformers: The Ride Preview Weekend

TFW2005's firehawc_69 has learned that Universal Studios Hollywood is giving a sneak preview of Transformers: The Ride during the May 4th-6th weekend. The ride itself will open officially around Memorial Day weekend. The news comes via the March 2012 Annual Pass Member Newsletter that says "Save the Date for a Sneak Preview Event. On May 4-6, Annual Pass members will get an exclusive chance to be among the first to experience Transformers: The Ride 3D. Stay tuned for more details." I guess this means only season pass holders will get a chance to ride it but wonder how they will enforce that for non-season pass holders. I guess tourists are out of luck until the attraction officially opens.

Robots in Disguise #3 Preview

Today brings Transformers: Robots in Disguise #3 to comic and online stores. The current story arc continues to explore the post-Civil War status of Cybertron. The covers and the first 8 page preview of the issue can be found here.

John Barber (w) Andrew Griffith (a) Casey Coller, Griffith (c)
CYBERTRON IN CRISIS! An explosion in the middle of the capitol city strikes. Was it a DECEPTICON attack? Suspicions run high, and the uneasy peace unravels! Only Wheeljack can solve the puzzle-but will he do it before Starscream takes advantage of the AUTOBOTS weakness! The bold new direction in Transformers storytelling continues!
FC 32 pages $3.99

IDW June Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for June. A total of three trades and two comics are being released that month. If you are interested in the books, just let your local comic book store know. For the full details of IDW's other books including GI Joe, Star Trek, Locke & Key, and more click here.

Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye Ongoing #6
James Roberts (w) • Nick Roche (a) • Alex Milne, Nick Roche (c)
MADNESS IN SPACE! A rescued Autobot loses his grip and it’s up to Hot Rod’s questing team to stop him—before the damage becomes irreparable! This is surely one of the most intense Transformers tales ever committed to paper!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: Prime The Game Announced with Trailer

Today Hasbro and Activision has officially announced the development of Transformers: Prime The Game for release later this year. The Game was teased with the Season 1 sets of TF: Prime. They also released a teaser trailer (below) for the video game. No exact release date but it is coming out on Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo DS, all systems that will not be getting Transformers: Fall of Cybertron when it is released in the Fall. As a result I suspect both games will be released very close together to try and get a Transformers video game on all platforms much like Hasbro has been doing for the last few years. It is described as "brawler-style combat [with] diverse driving sequences" so I imagine it will be like most of the games released over the last few years.

Transformers: The Ride Communique #4

Univeral Studios Hollywood has released another video to promote the May opening of Transformers: The Ride in the States. Like the previous three communiques, it is a re-edit of the footage used for the attraction. This one focuses on Megatron's attack of the NEST base to steal the AllSpark fragment. Video below.

Transformers: MTMTE #3, Autocracy #5 Previews

Today brings two new comics to your hot hands. At the retail level it is Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #3 as Rodimus Prime and company continue their deadly space adventures. For download only, Autocracy #5 is also out which continues the adventures of Orion Pax as he fights the rebel Decepticons while trying to deal with Zeta Prime's ruthless leadership. The preview of MTMTE is here and Autocracy is here.

Transformers: Hall of Fame Nominees

Hasbro has opened voting for the 2012 nominees for the annual Transformers Hall of Fame ceremony that will be held at Botcon on April 28th. On average about four Transformers are inducted each year, with one being a fans choice. The three Transformers will be G1 Jazz, G1 Grimlock, and G1 Shockwave. The fan choice vote is between Beast Wars Megatron, G1 Wheeljack, G1 Arcee, G1 Rodimus, and Beast Wars Sky-Byte. Click here to vote. Voting closes on March 21st.

Two People that strongly influenced the Transformers are also being inducted. This year it is Chris Latta (G1 voice of Starscream) and Simon Furman (long time writer of TF comics that influenced the movies). Previous human inductees include Peter Cullen, Michael Bay, and Bob Budiansky (created of G1 bios, history, and names).

Transformers: Prime 2.04 Preview, Happy Meal Images

Saturday brings a new episode of Transformers: Prime with Operation Bumblebee Part 1. The episode brings Tony Todd (voice of The Fallen in Revenge of the Fallen) as Dreadwing. Below are various promotion videos for it.

In related news, click here to view a gallery of images of the TF Prime Happy Meal toys at McDonalds that I think are available now. Based on the images and instructions, these are non-transformable but instead of gimmicks with lights and hidden weapons.

Here is the episode schedule for the month.
3/10/12 Operation Bumbleebee Part 1 - Bumblebee questions his worthiness to his team after he is compromised.
3/17/12 Operation Bumblebee Part 2 - Bumblebee discovers that MECH and Starscream are responsible for his troubles; Ratchet confronts demons from his Cybertronian past.
3/24/12 Loose Cannons - A legendary Autobot returns to Earth to look for a new Decepticon, but Optimus finds that something is not right with the rogue Bot.
3/31/12 Crossfire - Arachnid and Starscream struggle to control an Insecticon warrior.

Transformers: Prime Renewed for Season 3

Today The Hub issued a press release indicating that Transformers: Prime has been renewed for the 2012-2013 season. Sadly no GI Joe Renegades so my hope is dashed on a return of that series. The just started 26 episode season 2 of Prime is expected to run through this year.

THE HUB TELEVISION NETWORK UNVEILS 2012-'13 PROGRAM SLATE WITH FOUR NEW ORIGINAL SERIES JOINING EIGHT RETURNING ORIGINAL SERIES
Scott Wolf, Freddy Rodriguez, John DiMaggio and Phil LaMarr Featured In New Animated Series "Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters" Premiering This Summer

Other New Original Series Include Animated "Care Bears: Welcome to Care-a-Lot" and "Littlest Pet Shop," as well as Live-Action Series "Spooksville" Based on Popular Kids' Book Series from Christopher Pike

Transformers: Prime Season 1 DVD, Soundtrack Out Now

Just a quick reminder that Transformers: Prime Season 1 DVD and Blu-ray set is out at retail in the states. Amazon has the price at $21 for DVD, $40 for Blu-ray. I did not really notice any retail stores running sale prices on the set.

In addition, Transformers: Prime Season One Score by Brian Tyler has also been released on iTunes and at Amazon. The price is $9 for download, around $15 for the CD. The individual tracks are 99 cents to download.

Hasbro Auctions Role in Transformers 4

Saturday was held the Hasbro Children's Hospital's Battleship Bala Gala in Rhode Island to raise money for charity (and going by the title, promote the upcoming movie). Allspark.com was on hand for the event as the site and their Transformers fans raised $6000 for the charity. In addition, it seems the first official casting has occured for Transformers 4 thanks to a winning bid of $21,000 for a walk-on role. Details below, pictures from the event are here.

Last night, The Allspark.com's Galenraff, Powered Convoy, and ShinRa all had the chance to attend the Hasbro Children's Hospital's Battleship Ball Gala in the Rhode island Convention Center. Thanks to the generous support from our users and users from other fan boards, the trio were there to represent the $6,000 donation that the Allspark.com's Charity Drive was able to raise! They will have a summary and images from the event after they take a moment to collect their thoughts.

Transformers Linkfest - This and That

Another week, more TF toy stuff. Below are links to new 3rd party toys, comics trade, more from G1, Peter Cullen & NASA, reviews and more.

Not Brawn, Not Cosmos Announced
iGear has announced their next set of figures in their line of "mini-warriors" based on the classic Generation One characters will be Hench and UFO. The company has revealed their intentions of trying to create a more scale accurate toys that have the sizes and heights between the group match what they were in relation to each other in the classic cartoon series. More images of not Cosmos can be found here.

Transformers Prime Ep 3 Previews, Video Game Coming

Saturday brings a new episode of Transformers: Prime to the Hub and with it comes preview images and promos. The episode is the conclusion to the Orion Pax storyline that will likely end with the restoration of Optimus' memories. As the teaser image shows, it seems the series is taking a page from the IDW comics by introducing the Insecticons as a type of predator that has taken over Cybertron (but unlikely in the same volume as the comics due to simple lack of budget). Another image can be found here. Below is the promo video.

The final bit of news comes next week's release of Transformers: Prime Season 1 set which reveals that Transformers: Prime The Game is in the works for Wii, Nintendo DS, and Nintendo 3D with link to a website that isn't live yet. My guess this is game is to fill the void left by Fall of Cybertron not being released on those systems.