Botcon 2013

Last weekend Botcon 2013 was held in Austin, Texas. On the whole no major news. Hasbro was on hand to hint at their toy line-up for the next few months and used the panels to to tease future plans like Generations 2014 and 30th Anniversary collection. IDW spoke about their already solicited comics but no major revelations. Hasbro bans 3rd party makers from the convention but that didn't stop a few from showing off their wares. Transformers 4 wasn't covered at all so nothing new to report on the toy front. Hasbro did show off their Beast Hunters line up but as the links below indicate, "repaint" is the norm rather than exception but the Generations line is looking awesome. Below are summaries of info and links to lots of galleries put together by other Transformers sites that were able to attend the convention.

Update: Some TF4 toy news thanks to an interview with Hasbro's Joshua Lamb (starting at 24:05 point) from TF reviewer Vangulus indicates that discussions with Michael Bay on toy design indicates a goal of trying to simplify for faster transformations to try and mimic the movies (and cartoons) where characters transform and "engage to the action fast." The scaling of legion class Beast Hunters to deluxe size is an experiment towards simplification but TF4 toys deluxe are being designed from scratch. The interviews with two Hasbro managers discussing the toys and Hasbro's future approach can be found here.

Amazing Transformers Inspired Costume

Below is a video of a sweet movie Transformers inspired costume called Bolt with moving parts, light up eyes, jet pack smoke thrusters, moving mouth and more. The sound is off because Marc De Repentigny got a notice about the background music that was playing. You can also find a gallery of images for the suit at MarksProjects.com.

Linkfest - G1 Recreations

Toy Fair showed us a great upcoming line up of toys coming out months from now but time to focus on the more immediate future with lots of new Beast Hunters and 3rd part offering in the pipeline along with a few interesting tie in products. More Beast Hunters products are starting to hit shelves so lots of reviews to look at for them. On the third party front we have a look at a not Stunticons line-up, review of not Shockwave, not Jumpstarters, not Fall of Cybertron Omega Supreme and more. Masterpiece Soundwave is out so a review for him. New not toy products include a expensive coin set from New Zealand and a Optimus Hockey Jersey. Basically as the links and reviews show, the next year is going to be a wallet buster.

Causality not Stunticons - T-Bone
From Fansproject, their next series is the not Stunticons of CA-09 Car Crash, CA-10 T-Bone, CA-11 Down Force and CA-12 Last Chance. Apparently they are designed to merge into not Menasor but have not seen that gestalt form or what these four look like in appendage mode. Even if don't merge, each looks like be great additions to a collection. The average prices is $60 with Car Crash out in February, T-Bone in March and no dates on the rest.

Real Life Toy Sized Transformer

Below is a video of a 1:12 scale remote controlled robot that actually transformers by itself into robot mode and back to car vehicle mode. The transformation sequence almost looks like it was taken from one of the G1 cartoons. Other features include built in Wi-Fi cameras, spring loaded weapons and LED lightning. It can also be yours for $24,000 from Brave Robotics. (via Bleeding Cool)

Acid Free Optimus Prime Print

For those that like to collect Transformers art, you mind be interested in an official print created by Kevin Tong on the Acid Free Gallery website. There are two versions of the print - a $40 color one and a $100 black, white and yellow varient. The prints are on sale for a 24 hour period that ends on 11/17 at 12:30pm EST. So if interested have to buy them now. Click here for more details and to order click here.

TF Linkfest - Hoodies, Pinball, and Posters

This edition of TF Linkfest is an interesting hodge podge of Transformers stuff. We have hoddies, new poster art, "cheaper" pinball machine, and custom TF art. New (currently) Takara only toys have been announced along with galleries for the next Masterpiece toy. Last but not least is video reviews for not Reflector, TF Prime Ultra Magnus, TRU Exclusive MP Prime, Gaia Unicron, not Brawn and not Cosmos.

Optimus Prime and Grimlock Hoodies
Now available from 80s Tees is two unique hoodies that could double as an easy Halloween costume. Grimlock is currently sold out but Optimus Prime is available. They cost $60 each.

Linkfest - TF Legends

This linkfest brings you a little bit of info on two new video games (one mobile, one for Wii U), Digital Domain bankruptcy, TFs on your street, transforming furniture, real life transforming car, new take on Unicron, a mobile card game and an amusing repaint. For videos we have an amusing new Kre-O commercial, a not Devastator stop motion video, reviews of MP Thundercracker, Bruticus, Dreadwing and more.

Transformers Prime The Video Game for Wii U Dated
Nintendo has officially announced the release date of the Wii U for North America as November 18, 2012 with a price of $350 (there is a $299 model but no point in getting that one). One of the official launch games will be Transformers Prime The Video Game (also be Wii, DS, and 3DS versions). Oddly the listed release date is November 13, 2012 with retail price of $49.99. The game lets you play as various TF Prime characters in 3rd person action in a new single player storyline or multiplayer action.

Digital Domain Files for Bankruptcy
The company that James Cameron (Avatar) created and Michael Bay once owned a stake in (but sold off more than three years ago) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company created visual special effects for the three Transformers films, Apollo 13, Titanic, The Fifth Element, Star Trek: Nemesis, Tron: Legacy, Avatar, X-Men: First Class and host of others. Upcoming films they are set to work on (for now anyway) are Ender's Game, Jack the Giant Killer and G.I. Joe: Retaliation. The cause for the financial problems does not seem to be known except that the bankruptcy was initiated because it was in default on its loans. A public auction to sell the company is set for September 21st with Searchlight Capitol indicating it will bid $15 for it. The speed to deal with the bankruptcy is due to studios threatening to pull their films to give other studio effects companies’ time to complete any visual effects.

JLA/Transformers Pitch Crossover Artwork

For the last few days long time Marvel writer Brian Michael Bendis has been tweeting comic related artwork from his tumblr blog but it was a piece from last night that got the most attention from the comic blogosphere. He tweeted "Transformers/JLA by Phil Jimenez yes, i said Transformers/JLA by Phil Jimenez" with gorgeous artwork (left). It turns out this piece wasn't just some fan commissioned artwork but a pitch from IDW's Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall for a JLA/Transformers crossover that looks to have been truly DC Universe wide and epic in scope. The idea was probably killed by DC as it came when they were getting ready to relaunch the DC Universe that would adjust the look and history of DCU. On bright side it doesn't mean they might revisit this in a few years and just update the story to reflect the new DCU.

Phil Jimenez followed up via twitter with an additional piece of art (right) and comments to fans. I strung them together below.

"Somehow, that rascally @brianbendis got a hold of my JLA/Transformers pitch art! Oh, what an epic that would have been! It would have been EPIC. You missed out on Wonder Woman's invisible jet becoming a very cool Transformer. Another piece of unused art from my JLA/Transformers pitch, with colors by the unbelievable @rfajardojr

"Giving credit where credit is due: the idea for Optimus Prime as a GL was none other than @chris_ryall's. Smart guy. A pitch for a cross-over! Got sideline after the DC relaunch, I think. Would have been fun, though! I'm a sucker for those Seacons. ...this was just pitch art, my friend. Just to give a taste. The transforming invisible jet... which was "female," I think. She would have been sooo cool. This would have been epically fun. No other reason to attempt such a thing, really, except for fun!"

Linkfest - Prime Masterpieces

This week’s linkfest is about little odds and ends to play catch up on after last week’s SDCC. To start, we have a cool fan creation that mixes Optimus with Warhammer, news that Hasbro’s mini-war with 3rd party toys continues, another 3rd party toy gallery, a new G1 reissue, new TF Prime themes, Masterpiece Prime US vs Takara comparison, and video reviews of Wave 1 Fall of Cybertron toys, SDCC Exclusive toys, and more. If interested in the SDCC panels, click here for links to videos of more then 100 panels that where held that week.

Orktimus Prime
Hit the link with a gallery of images for Orkitums Prime and interview with its creator madscuzzy. This version of Prime is based on Ork Truckk used for Warhammer game products only with that Transformers touch. It took two months to create using 3rd party Gundum parts and 1.5 ork trukk kits. The paint job proved to be especially difficult but as the images show, the final result was pretty darn cool.

Hasbro Bails on TFCon
Hasbro has announced that they have cancelled their New Product Preview and Q&A panels at TFcon this coming weekend because of the allowed sale of 3rd party TF toys at the Con. The Canada's Annual Transformers Convention is being held from July 27th to 29th in Mississauga, Ontario. They will still have a product display. The 3rd party market is not violating any law or copyright which is why Hasbro is applying pressure in ways like this (they also tried to get online stores to ban the products). If legal is an issue I am sure Lego would love to have words about the Kre-O line. Hasbro has chosen to ignore the collector's market as not having enough mass market appeal to reach the profit margins they desire (see Breakdown below as example). Takara has attempted to meet the need with their Masterpiece line (and BinalTech in the past). The 3rd party market (and Hasbro's SDCC exclusives) has clearly demonstrated that collectors are willing to pay a premium for new and unique products. Transformers' Collectors Club of repaints does not count as a meaningful effort to fill that niche. Nothing wrong with Hasbro's choice, from a business perspective I get it. I just can't agree with Hasbro's attempt to punish fans and conventions when others decide to fill a market area they chose to ignore using the same tactics Hasbro uses to their own benefit (see Kre-O). I applaud any convention (like TFCon) that refuses to bend to their unreasonable demands. Note: Botcon, being officially attached to Hasbro, as no choice but to comply.

Linkfest - Fall of Cybertron

It turns out this week’s unintended theme for the link fest is Fall of Cybertron as collected multiple links on the subject including video reviews of Jazz & Shockwave, Achievements, Bruticus release month, and Metroplex screenshots. In addition, another look at the next three Masterpiece toys from Takara-Tomy, Scott Barga gets Academy invite, violin remix of Transformers I Arrival to Earth score and video reviews of upcoming TF Prime toys.

Next Three Masterpiece Transformers Images -
All Three | Hi-Re Gallery
A few weeks ago we got a look at the non-colored prototype of Masterpiece Sideswipe (MP-12) that Takara is releasing in a few months. Now we can get a leak at him in his fully painted glory along with a look at the Soundwave with Laserbeak (MP-13) and Red Alert (MP-14) prototypes that will clearly stick as close as possible to look of the Generation One characters. Of note is it seems Takara isn't going to try to come up with a modern alt mode for Soundwave, choosing to stick with the classic cassette boom box.

Transformers' Scott Benza Joins the Academy
Transformers trilogy animation supervisor Scott Benza was recently invited to join the Academy of Arts and Sciences. Members of the organization are those that vote for the Oscar winners each year and considered a huge honor in Hollywood. 176 members total were given invites this year, most of them either past winners or nominees including Benza who received multiple nominations for the effects work on the Transformers’ films. Congrats to him for the honor.

Linkfest - Generations

Time for another linkfest summarizing the latest in new regarding Transformers. This edition has a look at the concept art for Ironhide, video and galleries of next wave of toys including Transformers: Generations, another Fall of Cybertron Bruticus box set, Cobra Commander crossed with Soundwave, four TF: Prime toy reviews, a stunt award of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, a real life transformers, and more.

Transformers: Prime Ironhide Concept Art
TF Prime artist Ken Christiansen has posted his concept art for Ironhide. At the post he writes about his approach to the character. The result is a pretty "bad ass Ironhide" that seems to combine the classic G1 touches with the physical impressive look of the movie version. While the character has yet to be confirmed as appearing in the TV series, Hasbro has made a Commander class figure that will be coming out soon. A deluxe version is in the works but Kup gets first crack at the mold in release order. (via Seibertron)

Botcon 2012 Display Videos
Hit the link for 10 videos that show off all the products that Hasbro had on display at Botcon a few weeks ago. Most are scheduled for release this year with Generations coming out next Spring.

Linkfest - Unicron

More links of Transformers things to enjoy. This set includes two custom figures, a look at upcoming waves of Transformers: Prime toys, Masterpiece toys & interview, more 3rd party toys, Hasbro art ban, and new toy reviews.

Custom Generation One Unicron
Hit the link for a gallery of images for a custom re-creation of the Unicron prototype that Hasbro created as a potential release for Transformers: The Movie toy line. As the images show, Hasbro probably made a wise decision to not go past the prototype phase but I am sure there are many collectors who still wouldn't mind having a G1 Unicron of their own.

Upcoming Transformers Prime - Deluxe | Legion | Wave 3 | Play sets
A new gallery shows off of upcoming wave of Transformers: Prime deluxe toys. They will include Airachnid, Deadend (repaint of Wheeljack), and Ultra Magnus in the deluxe class. For Legion there will be a repaint of Bumblebee, Mirage, Flamewar (repaint of Arcee), and others. Evac is thrown in with the lot but he is really release for Transformers: The Ride. The wave 3 toys are Knock Out, Hot Shot and Vehicon. No info on release dates.

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 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 Linkfest - TF Prime Reviews

Here are the last week's worth of Transformers related (mostly toy) links that have popped up. This time we have two custom pieces, confirmation that FoC will not be on the PC, new Shout! Factory release, Happy Meal TF Prime toys, Elita One prop for sale and reviews of four TF: Prime Robots in Disguise toys.

Custom DOTM Jetwing Optimus Prime
Hit the link for Frenzy_Rumble's latest piece with Jetwing Optimus Prime as the base figure but with a bunch of goodies and details added. The final figure includes posable jet pack, LED lights, new paint job, and more. More custom pieces can be found here. (via Full Metal Hero)

No PC Version of Fall for Cybertron
Full Moon Studios has confirmed that they are not making a port of Fall for Cybertron. Matt Tieger provided a few reasons, the main one being PC gaming is "outside of our area of expertise, to be honest. ...We were spread so thin that I feel like we barely served that audience. Then there were some issues with continued support that were frankly beyond our control, but at the same time did not create a great experience for PC gamers that got it." I am curious what the sales were but I bet the PC sales vs. the consoles makes it not cost effective to spend on the resources needed to avoid repeating their previous mistakes.

Transformers Linkfest - Happy New Year

Happy New Year!
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.

Transformers Linkfest - Generation One Past

Time that semi-weekly list of links and videos to various Transformers related topics. This week includes a heavy look back at Generation One with an entire case of G1 triple-changers up for auction, a series of blog posts from TFSource that is worth reading, a date set for Botcon 2012, and 3rd party toys inspired by those 25 year old toys. On the Dark of the Moon front, it appears that the Wheeljack and Soundwave toys are on the verge of release with galleries and videos. In addition, below are videos of a fan made Megatron voice changer helmet and two reviews.

TFC Toys Hercules in Color
More images of the combined "not" Devastator that is looking pretty sweet. The first two of six not Constructicons has been released with two more coming by year's end. The scale isn't bad with Hercules crushing deluxe Generations Prime's head. The final result will be about the size of Unicron.

DOTM Linkfest - Customs

Yet another Transformers: Dark of the Moon link fest and the toy and related news continues to trickle in. Below are few galleries to upcoming toys, a video review and two custom jobs that take two DOTM to the next level.

Leader Class Prowl Custom
Hit the link to view a gallery and how-to on this very sweet custom leader class Prowl created by autobotx23 that sold for $339 on eBay. The figures core is Leader class Bumblebee with parts from leader Brawl, leader Megatron, Sentinel Prime, Halo figures, and more. The result is just a ton of Transformer goodness.

Hasbro's DOTM Wave 5 Gallery
Hit the link for the deluxe class Wave 5 Transformers: DOTM toys. Not entirely sure when these are coming out but guessing in a few months. The line-up includes Armor Topspin (repaint), Darksteel (bio, repaint), and Air Raid (new mold).

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Linkfest

Time for a little cleanup on miscellaneous stuff that has popped up related to Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Links include a look at custom figures, a chance for Nebraskans to see two DOTM vehicles, a TF limo, new apparel line and more video reviews.

Customized DOTM Ironhide, Megatron and Sentinel Prime
Hit the link for a look at the custom figures based on the Dark of the Moon toys, each with a new gorgeous paint jobs, lights and other custom details that really make the figures stand out.

Gearing Up for DOTM
An interesting article with Tactical Pro Shop CEO Matthew Kime as he talks about how his company help outfit the gear that NEST wore in Dark of the Moon. “We started this project in Feb. 2010, so we had to be very proactive regarding where things are heading, plus integrate conceivable pieces of tech that this ‘elite’ unit would have had developed for their mission.” The company also helped on ROTF, helping with supplies when the shoot ran short in China.

Life Size Transforming Ravage

Compute146 has created a sweet custom Transformer that takes the Generation One Ravage of scales him to the size of a medium size dog. He transforms to a cassette type shape that fits in his custom briefcase. These are few images, with more here. What you should really check out is the thread where he describes the creation process step by step with images as he worked on it over four months. That can be found here.