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.
Another year, another linkfest. This one covers a fairly wide range of Transformers news. To start, a walk down memory lane with a look at some of the very first Transformer toys including a line of gun robots. Also news on the return of TF cartoons, more 3rd party toy galleries and a tease of a new Transformers comic. Also there are videos of Kre-O stop motion, Oscar trailer with Transformers cast members and 5 toy reviews of a 3rd party add-on, 4 G1 inspired 3rd party toys and TF Prime toy.
Micro Change Gun Robots and Micro Change Italy It turns out that Megatron was not the only Transformer to have a gun alt mode back in the G1 era. Takara actually had an entire line of Diaclone (TFs) based on real guns. The link above gives you a little background with a whole lot of images of the various Gun Robos that were produced. Sadly various toy laws make it difficult to re-create this line as I am such a sucker for TFs that are based on actual real world objects. The other link is a kind of part 2 as it expands to other "Micro Change" (aka TFs) that was released in Italy around the same time, most of which should be very familiar to fans.
Transformers: Prime Season 2 Starts February 18th The Hub has revealed that Transformers: Prime and Transformers: Rescue Bots return on February 18th. Rescue Bots will air at Noon EST while Prime is at 8:30pm EST. No idea how many consecutive new episodes will follow.
The years 2012 is looking pretty good on nearly all fronts for Transformers. Transformers: Prime starts season 2 in February, Transformers: The Ride opens in Hollywood in May, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron video game is coming in the fall and the Prime toy line is expected to hit store shelves very soon if recent reports of clearance prices are any indication. Third party makers are coming up with better and better homages to Transformers past with not Devastator, a Dinobot combiner, and more in the pipeline for this year and the comics are getting a soft relaunch that focuses on a post-civil war Cybertron for the first time in TF history. About the only area that is likely to remain slow is the live action movie front as most of the news will be focused on if Michael Bay is directing the 4th film and if not who will. I suspect that if the year ends with just a director and writer in place, consider it good news. Now on to the last link fest of the year which includes a DOTM/Little Mermaid mash-up.
Custom DOTM Masterpiece Optimus Prime Hit the link for the gallery of a sweet custom job by DubCustomz. The figure uses leader class Revenge of the Fallen Optimus Prime as a base but then piles on a realistic paint job, custom built weapons and electronics to create a very sweet version of Prime.
Transformers: The Ride Grand Opening Date Screamscape is reporting that the "Grand Opening" of Transformers: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood will occur on May 25th, Memorial Day weekend (as predicted). Keep in mind there is a difference between the "grand opening" and the official open date as people have to get trained and problems ironed out so I would not be surprised if the ride becomes available to guests by the second week of May.
The holidays are near and that makes me think of fun holiday things like Transformers toy. Hasbro may have bigger plans in the works for the Transformers: Prime line at least judging by a single picture. Also making plans is various 3rd party transformer makers with more images of previously known figures like not Devastator, not Shockwave, and not The Fallen. There are links to an Autobot Ukulele, articles on re-issues, and a look at not Sixshot. In the video department, we have a Kre-O commercial, TF book commercial and two reviews of two more not Constructicons. On the not so merry side there is also a potential PR nightmare for Hasbro if the mainstream media gets bored and looks into a report on one of their Chinese Transformer factories but in the meantime they are suing Asus.
Transformers: Prime - Robots in Disguise Bumblebee Based on the image above, it seems the successor to the Transformers: Prime First Edition mini-line is ready to go called "Robots in Disguise" line with red colored package (personally I like the First Edition blue more). The deluxe Bumblebee seems to be a new mold. At this point I am a bit confused about the whole Prime line as far as what is being released when with what type of package (blue or RID red) but I assume the goal is to have a strong prescense on the toy aisles in time for the second season launch in Feburary. A leaked list of potential RID figures include deluxe Skywarp and Ratchet.
Another week, more news related to Transformers. Oddly there have been an uptick in Transformers: Dark of the Moon stuff with a concept art gallery and a new USB product. In addition, Transformers: Prime toys images are popping up and more teases of upcoming 3rd party toys. Last are a few videos with a video review, Ironhide tribute and Transformers in 1-D.
Ryan Church Concept Art Hit the link to look at the latest concept art from Ryan Church for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The main focus of the artwork is Shockwave both in his design and how might look during Chicago battle.
Transformers: Prime Galleries - Megatron | Arcee & Starscream | Cliffjumper Hit the links to view galleries that show off the robot and vehicle modes of four figures from the Transformers: Prime toy line that should start hitting stores in time for Christmas.
Time for another linkfest. This one covers a wider variety from the Transformers world of accessories. This go around includes more 3rd party toys, Masterpiece improvements, news of upcoming releases, computer accessories, new TF book, and an interesting toy related video.
TFC Dinobots Prototype Image ACToys posted a single image look at the TFC next wave of toys inspired by the Generation One Dinobots. The image shows a prototype look at not Swoop and not Grimlock. There is a rumor of a not Dinobot combiner but not sure if this is part of that or not.
Alex Irvine, writer of Transformers: Exiles, InterviewThe next novel set in the War for Cybertron universe is out now. The writer, Alex Irvine, spoke with Suvudu about the novel. It seems, at least from the interview, that things are drifting away from the movies and now moving these prequel stories so the align more with the Transformers: Prime universe. The movies may continue to inspire ideas (the Allspark, original Primes, etc) but it seems that for the purposes of Hasbro's current TF continuity, the Autobot experience on Earth will those depicted in TF: Prime. The Exiles story will explore Cybertronian colonies like Junkion, more about the Thirteen, and more about the Optimus and Prime conflict that is the heart of the civil war.
While Transformers: Dark of the Moon is winding down its theatrical run, a little of toy related news continues to pop up now and then. Below is the latest, most of it about repaints and the like.
FDR Bay-ized This tongue in cheek poster is an amusing take on what a Michael Bay version of President Roosevelt may be like. At the link is more images (not really Bay related) that places other Presidents in classic movie type settings like George Washington vs. Zombies and Andrew Jackson vs. aliens.
More Warren Manser Concept Art Hit the link to look at more images of concept art from Transformers 3 posted by Warren Manser. It seems he may continue to add to the set but it’s still worth looking at all the cool artwork created for the movie.
A tongue-in-cheek trailer on why you should see Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The opening title card of "The following preview has been approved for lovers of excess" should give you an idea of things. When it comes to summer movies, I am a proud lover of excess. (via i09.com)
Decepticon Base Diarama (10x) From Transformers customizer frenzy_rumble is a gallery of images of his latest custom which is a diarama of G1 Decepticons. The base is a modified version of iGear Ark playset and I believe the figures are custom paint jobs of various G1, Masterpiece toys and others.
Starscream and the Seekers Cover "Bad" A few months ago there was a music video to Michael Jackson's Thriller mostly featuring Autobots and now here is one covering Bad with all the Decepticon jets.
ROTF Accurate Custom Jolt Hit the link for a gallery of images of a custom job that create a more movie accurate version of Jolt from Revenge of the Fallen complete with battle damage and arm tips that were used to provide Optimus with the "jolt" he need to merge if Jetfire's parts. Thanks to Bryan for the link.
NASA Announces Winner of Transformers Video Contest A month or so ago, NASA held a contest for elementary school students to create videos about "their favorite technology." The contest was collaboration between Hasbro, Paramount and NASA "to help students understand how NASA technology 'transforms' into things used daily." The winners receive the NASA Optimus Prime trophy during the awards ceremony on April 12th with Peter Cullen (voice of Prime) at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. Congrats to the winners. (via Seibertron)
Transtopia Masterclass - Soundwave From Seibertron, a look at another Transformer custom. This one is a combo piece of Reveal the Shield Perceptor with Generations Soundwave (like the guns) and a fantastic paintjob. The figure already sold on eBay for $281.87 but be sure to hit the link to view the gallery.
Transformers: Beast Wars Re-release Shout! Factory has tweeted plans to re-release Transformers: Beast Wars on DVD with new extras material. They also have indicated that the Generation One set will also get re-issued and they are looking at giving the Japanese cartoons a possible stateside release. I still have the Rhino editions of both cartoons and probably need to upgrade but the cost of those sets at the time was not cheap. Takara continued the Generation One cartoons for another 3 or so season after it had ended stateside.
An amusing picture from Toy Fair 2011 as it turns out that even Optimus Prime isn't above the law. As the image from Oh No They Didn't shows, the truck and trailer used in the filming of Transformers: Dark of the Moon was ticketed by NYPD during the Fair while it was illegally parked outside for posterity. Thanks to Brian for the link.
It has been a while since the last linkfest and the links have piled up. This edition brings a nice detailed look at the recently released Masterpiece Optimus Prime and more pics of upcoming Reveal the Shield/Classic toys, a G1 graphic, and some videos. The highlights of that is a Generation One Autobots dancing to Thriller and the entire Generation One cast, CGI style, fighting it while Stan Bush sings his latest single.
Masterpiece Rodimus Prime Gallery Hit the link for a large gallery that shows off the latest Masterpiece toy. The figure was just released this week in Japan and will likely start arriving in people's hands in the next week or so if pre-ordered. This figure is starting to shape up to be one of the best yet.
NASA's Optimus Prime Contest NASA has opened public voting on a video contest aimed at elementary students designed to get them interested in science by encouraging people to vote on the videos they created. NASA is using their recent relationship with the Transformers: Dark of the Moon production to promote the contest with the chosen winner will win an "NASA Optimus Prime" trophy. Voting ends on Feb. 6th. Thanks to Richard for the link.
Time for another linkfest with info on the lastest from the Alternity toy line, Masterpiece toy line, a real life Pentagon sponsored Transformer, and some humor with soon to be retired news legend Larry King.
Official Alternity Thundercracker Image The third Seeker in the Alternity line gets some official pictures. Based on the Starscream mold, this one has a metallic blue color scheme that looks pretty good. Not sure if "Seeker" applies though when the alt mode is a Okamora Orochi. The figure will be released in the fall as a Japan exclusive and probably in the $50 range.
Real Life "Transformer" Pentagon scientists have created a tiny robot, about the size and shape of a piece of paper, which can "transform" itself into various shapes such as a boat, toy, or paper glider. The "transformer" is from collaboration with Darpa, Harvard and MIT. The demo version at link above) shows off the robot as it converts through four distinct shapes. The applications include ability for a soldier or whoever "carry a can...filled with the shape shifting particles of varying size" that can be programmed to form a particular tool, used on clothing to keep someone cool during the day, warm at night or even change the aerodynamics of a plane's wings in flight.
For your entertainment, Heidi Montag's Audition Tape for Transformers 3 that has her saying “This is for you, Michael Bay!” before shooting at various still targets. I admire the attempt, can't hurt to try but this is her audition? Considering the names that were floated around for weeks, I don't think Michael Bay's concern was ability to fire a gun. Apparently she tweeted the tape, not knowing that Michael Bay once said, "I will never have a twitter account." The effort is likely wasted as Bay seems to have cast model Rosie Huntington-Whitely. Already the audition has a parody (which ironically is a better audition).
Time for another installment of Transformers related stuff from the last week.
Transformers: Cyber Missions Trailer TG Studios released a trailer that shows off their online version of the 13 episode CGI series for Hasbro. This isn't related to TF: Prime (to our knowledge) but more or less a continuation of the Transformers movie-verse to help promote the NEST Global Alliance toy line. The episodes look very much like Beast Wars Season One with overall lack of environment details but to be fair to TG Studios, the more details means the more work in design and rendering which means the higher the costs to Hasbro. You get a budget; you usually have to stick with it. If interested in watching the episodes, you can find them at Transformers.com under the "Play" section. Thanks to Kaly and Katie for the links.
Transformers: Prime Trademarked Click the link for details but basically this seems to all but confirm that the next cartoon and toy line from Hasbro will be named TF: Prime. I suspect that Hasbro will officially announce the name and line at Botcon this summer.
Airachinid Joins Transformers: Prime Speaking of the new cartoon, S250 (who leaks lots of toy images), tweeted "just heard some rumor about Giant character of coming transformers series...something like giant arachnida and dinosaur" The name "Airachinid" may just be a mistranslation. Almost sounds like Blackarachnia may once again return to TF lore.
Digitalscape Working TF: Prime Yep, another piece of TF: Prime news. The company is a Japanese consulting company that is seeking 40 people to help create graphics for the cartoon. Since the company specializes in digital, not animated creations, this might be the first real proof that the next cartoon will not in the anime style from the last decade or so.
Optimus Prime, Balloon Animal Someone with a lot of love or way too much time created the G1 Optimus Prime from balloons over the course of 28 hours. The final result stands seven feet tall with points of articulation and his weapon. Seems silly but it is pretty impressive once you get a look at the video. (via Gizmodo)
Megatron, Balloon Animal Yep, same idea, same creator, but this time the G1 version out of balloon animals. Final result is six feet tall, made up of 300 balloons. Megs was entered into a balloon contest, sadly he lost to a rabbit.
Battle Ops Bumblebee in Packaging Look at this new version of Bumblebee that is slightly larger than the general leadership class but smaller than his ultimate version. Overall appears to be a very solid toy that will cost around $60 when released later this year.
Don Figueroa's Transformers Artwork The link above is a nice tight look at the gallery of images that great Transformers artist has posted or just check out his complete gallery of posted images at deviant art by clicking here. Figueroa has been a TF artist for nearly a decade going all the back to when the comics were being published by Dreamwave and along with Pat Lee is responsible for much of the look and designs we see for the G1 toys and comics today.
Starscream Ghost Version in Packaging and Video Click the link for a look at the Masterpiece Ghost Starscream that is pretty slick looking, if pricy (around $140). Below are videos found by Siebertron.com that show off a 360 degree look of the toy which is scheduled to come out in July.
Animated "Lego" Transformers Another gallery that shows off the lego-ish Animated Bumblebee and Optimus Prime, complete with a lego head.
Rifftrax of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - Part 1 | Part 2 Purely for your amusement, a kind of Mystery Science 3000 breakdown of ROTF by the Rifftrax crew. Some lines of note: Demolishor getting on his wheels: "DAMN IT, I had gone straight! I was helping to build a friggin children's hospital! But NO, a Decepticon can't reform! Screw you guys, I'm just gonna run amuck!" or Demolishor getting on his wheels: "DAMN IT, I had gone straight! I was helping to build a friggin children's hospital! But NO, a Decepticon can't reform! Screw you guys, I'm just gonna run amuck!" Thanks to Christopher for the link and info.
In the United States tomorrow, our yearly version of the World Cup is held with Super Bowl XLIV which pits the Indianapolis Colts against the New Orleans Saints.
As the images and video below show, Optimus Prime clearly has a favorite team. Personally I don't particularly care who wins, I just hope the movie trailers that usually premiere during the game are good. Thanks to Jonnyroobs for the links.
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.
