It was first rumored and then confirmed and now we have photographic evidence that Transformers: Prime will have its own sub line of toys. The release of images seemed to have gone to different websites as a runup to the New York Toy Fair that run from February 13 to 16th. The probably deluxe sized toys so far are Bumblebee, Arcee, Starscream, Optimus Prime, and Megatron. There are also kid figures. I suspect that the line will more or less be part of the Transformers: Generations line similar to how the War for Cybertron toys was handled. The overall result is actually pretty sweet and makes me hope they plan on continuing the line as long as the series is around. Update: Added images of Optimus Prime, Megatron and kids toys.
In separate interviews, Transformers: Prime executive producer Bob Orci and Frank Welker (voice of Megatron) promote the upcoming return of Prime to the airwaves. The various interviews seem to be part of a press screening that occurred in California for the show. In the MTV interview (video below) Orci talks about the character of Arcee. ToonZone.net was only on site and provide a summary of the Q&A session with Orci and Jeff Cline and The Hub executives. MTV was also able to interview the voice of Megatron (and tons of other characters) in a brief walk down memory lane of his legendary career and how he does all those characters. That full interview can be found here.
The Superbowl ad for Transformers: Dark of the Moon has finally aired during the second quarter at the 11:01 mark in the game. It is pretty bad-a$@ with lots of robot action. As promised by MichaelBay.com has posted the ad, links below. For those who enjoy the game for the commercials, YouTube has the Adblitz channel for most of the Superbowl ads once they air. Thanks to NHLfan for the link.
Update:Here is a fantastic comparison shot from the beginning of the trailer with a picture that Jeff of Pixel Rally took when Transformers 3 was filming at the MPEA Busway in Chicago this summer. It shows what a great camera angle combined with color correction and CGI can produce.
Update 2: Here are 9 screenshots I gathered that show off moments on the Superbowl TV Spot. The first one is worth looking at just to see the destruction of the Chicago skyline with damaged, toppled and bent buildings. The next two show that Ironhide isn't colliding with one but both of the Suburban Dreads. The fourth shows more invasion destruction of Chicago. Fifth is a look at the worm thing. Sixth is Laserbeak complete with the homage to his G1 cassette look with turbines on his wings. The seventh pic shows Optimus Prime flying onto the scene (in front of Hotel 71) with Bumblebee and Ratchet on site. In the middle of that may be Soundwave but I think its just a drone that falls to Prime's blade in the next last two screenshots.
A new commercial from NASA to promote a video contest aimed at elementary kids to promote interest in science might just show a brief look at the Transformers: Dark of the Moon version of Optimus Prime. The commercial is part of the partnership between Paramount and NASA when TF3 filmed there this summer and includes the as always excellent voice work of Peter Cullen. Prime's appearance begins at the 15 second mark. Hopefully tonight's Superbowl commercial will give us another look.
Youtuber 747turtle has posted a video review of voyager Megatron from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon figure toyline. This is the first real look that shows the transformation process from vehicle to robot mode and gives a bit of a look at his facial battle damage.
More videos for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys for your enjoyment. The first video is a preview of voyager Shockwave as the camera gets nice and close at at the big bad of the movie. The next two videos after that is a review of deluxe Skids broken down by checking out the vehicle mode and then the robot mode. (via Seibertron, TFW2005)
Superbowl Sunday is here and with it a new Transformers: Dark of the Moon trailer. Until then here is more DOTM toy related news. The first video below is a Peaugh toy review of deluxe DOTM Starscream that just might be the first movie version of Starscream I might actual buy. The second video is a slideshow of vehicle images (where are the robots modes?) of maybe Sentinel Prime fire truck, convertible Sideswipe, the helicopter, Bumblebee and others (still images of same here).
On a related note, eBay has an auction for DOTM deluxe Crankcase/Dread that is priced only for the most impatient diehard fan at $199.99. Last is a pull from the Wal-Mart database by Zobovor of alt.toys.transformers newsgroup (wonder if Raksha still infamous there) that seems to list all the toys that is likely to be released in May. About the only noteworthy toy in the list is Human Alliance Soundwave. The full list can be found here.
The Hub has released several clips to promote the upcoming return of Transformers: Prime on February 11th along with a first look at new character Skyquake. Thanks to Christopher for sending the links and his write-up below since his summary is better than what I would have written. On a related note, ToonZoon has confirmed with a Hub executive that Transformers: Prime is being renewed for a second season of 26 episodes.
Update:EW.com has just posted the first commercial for the upcoming season and now verified the time slot as Fridays at 6:30pm EST/3:30pm PST. A copy below, official version at EW link. Thanks to Christopher for the update.
All three links are from next week's episode "Masters and Students". The animation seems to have improved a little, and the voice acting remains top-notch.
In the first clip, the Decepticons, especially Soundwave, are clearly unhappy with Starscream. It's also proof that the Eradicons are sentient - what kind of mindless drone would question Starscream about lost hope, an emotional function? It's also very clear how pissed Soundwave is - look how stiffly he nods his head. Also, who knew Starscream was such a ham?
In a little break from all the Transformers: Dark of the Moon pictures how about more pictures of the various Autobot vehicles including the Ferrari, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, and few others. The full gallery can be found here. Thanks to lordberti for the link.
A single image from ACToys shows off the vehicle mode of 19 toys of various classes for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line. Most of them we have seen before but a few new additions include deluxe blue Wrecker, deluxe Sideswipe, voyager helicopter, and leader side of the Rosenbaurer Panther Fire Truck rumored to be Sentinel Prime or Ultra Magnus.
The full list from bottom left according to TFW2005 is legends Skids (new), deluxe NASCAR blue Wrecker (new), deluxe Crankcase/Dread, deluxe NASCAR Green Wrecker, legends Barricade, deluxe Starscream, deluxe Sideswipe (new), deluxe Ratchet, deluxe Barricade, deluxe Jolt, deluxe Bumblebee, deluxe Skids, voyager Military Helicopter(new), voyager Shockwave, voyager Megatron, voyager Ironhide, voyager Ratchet (new), voyager Optimus Prime and leader Rosenbauer Panther Fire Truck (new).
Below is a new DOTM video review for legends Crankcase, the current favorite name for the Suburbans from Chicago. The character name still has not been officially confirmed. Hopefully soon we will be getting reviews of non-legends class Transformers.
TVGuide has posted the episode descriptions of the next three new episodes of Transformers: Prime when it returns on February 11th. The main point of interest is the introduction of new characters like Wheeljack and Skyquake. Makes you wonder just how big the rumored toy line might become. Thanks to Jeff for the links.
Season 1, Episode 6 "Masters & Students" Episode Synopsis: Starscream pursues other interests while Skyquake battles with Optimus Prime and Bumblebee. Original Air Date: Feb 11, 2011
Season 1, Episode 7 "Scrapheap" Episode Synopsis: Scraplets invade HQ while Optimus and Arcee patrol the Arctic, leaving Bumblee and Ratchet to repel the enemy. Original Air Date: Feb 18, 2011
Season 1, Episode 8 "Con Job" Episode Synopsis: Bulkhead awaits a visit from his buddy Wheeljack, but his arrival does not go as planned. Original Air Date: Feb 25, 2011
It turns out that Transformers: Dark of the Moon is going to get a little extra commercial love this Sunday for Super Bowl XLV thanks to Chevy who is partnering with the production to help promote their cars. Fortunately we don't have to wait until then thanks to the ad leaking early. The commercial seems like an old style local lot car commercial but with a Transformers twist. A better quality version can also be found here. Also it seems that the online campaign may have started as Brian reports that ads have started appearing on ESPN.com.
Another Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy has made its way into someone hands for a video review. This time it is a legends class Lowe's Wrecker. It is a pretty standard legends figure with ease of transformation and little articulation. Also, another look at deluxe Barricade in both vehicle and robot mode. Still no confirmation if the character turns up in Dark of the Moon.
The first issue (of 2) of Transformers: Infestation hits this Wednesday at your local comic book store. The series is part of IDW's Infestation event that has zombies invading various universes including GI Joe and Star Trek. Unlike most zombie stories, these particular ones have the ability to turn robots into zombies too. Don't ask why, better to just go with it. The covers and first five pages can be found at Issuu.com.
Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (w) Nick Roche (a) John K. Snyder III, Nick Roche with Gabriel Rodriguez (c) The biggest event in IDW Publishing's history infects the TRANSFORMERS universe with this two-part, bi-weekly series written by Infestation architects Abnett and Lanning! BOOM! BAM! SMASH! Buildings are falling, and the dead are rising! When Big-Bad GALVATRON crash lands on Earth, something ain't right. It's up to our 'Bots-in-blue to run to the rescue or... well... EVERYONE to fight off not just Galvatron, but the zombie horde spreading through Las Vegas! (via Allspark)
IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for April. The month will have four Transformers books, two trades and two slipcases. The slipcases are the various mini-series that IDW published for Transformers 1 and 2. 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, Angel and more click here.
Transformers #18 Written by Mike Costa, art by Alex Milne, covers by Marcelo Matere, Nick Roche. The Autobots have been beaten down, backed into a corner, and harried into making a huge mistake. But the biggest blow has yet to fall, as Prime sets out to face Megatron one-on-one in the final chapter of REVENGE OF THE DECEPTICONS. Nobody dies... but somebody's gonna wish they had. 32 pages, $3.99.
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.
Peaugh once again shows off his ability to get hold of the latest Transformers toys before anyone else by reviewing Transformers: Dark of the Moon deluxe Ironhide. He actually posted the review about two weeks ago but I somehow missed it. The Mech Tech weapon gimmick doesn't do anything for me. The robot mode is looks good but appears to suffer from some engineering issues. It is possible that those have since been ironed out but I doubt it since Hasbro is probably past the design phase and now mass producing the toys to make their May release date (which is why all the leaks).
Speaking of, it seems Hasbro has recognized that the cat is out of the bag and decided to go ahead and release official images of Deluxe Starscream and Ironhide to AllSpark.com. Also hit the links below for more DOTM toy leaks images with voyager Ratchet, deluxe Starscream, and voyager Optimus Prime. As for the below right, that is a life size versionof Bumblebee with his Mech Tech weapon that was for Takara-Tomy's Toy Forum in Japan for retailer while the image up top is for the 2011 New York Toy Fair that will take place from February 13-18th at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (via TFW2005).
A few days ago our first look at the voyager Shockwave toy for Transformers: Dark of the Moon and now we get an even better look. ACToys has a new gallery of pictures that really show off the color and look of the Voyager class toy and therefore a close approximation of how he will look in the movie. While I am not completely sold his tank mode, the robot mode is pretty sweet and I like the homage to the classic Generation One design. The full gallery can be found here. (via Seibertron)
Update:ACToys has a group photo of DOTM leaked toys. According to TFW2005 the identified toys from bottom left are: - Legends Crankcase/Dread - Legends Nascar Blue Wrecker - Deluxe Ratchet - Deluxe Class Skids - Voyager Shockwave - Deluxe Nascar Green Wrecker - Deluxe Crankcase/Dread - Deluxe Starscream - Voyager Ironhide - Voyager Optimus Prime - Voyager Megatron
The toy leaks keep coming. There is news from the UK Toy Fair 2001 that while gives a little more insight into Hasbro's plans for the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line by providing a full summary of the various sub-lines and releases. The main highlights include "Ultimate Optimus Prime" that will come with a his trailer that "converts into Mech suit" and the Cyberverse Ark Playset "provides 2 in 1 play as it converts from vehicle mode to battle station." No pictures were allowed at the fair so the descriptions will have to do. Thanks to Udana for the link. In addition, hit the links for a few new DOTM toy galleries.
MECHTECH 1) Transformers Movie 3 Mechtech Deluxe Assortment New Mechtech weapons system features an assortment of new key transformers movie 3 characters. Includes new deployable mechtech weapon system that works with other mechtech assortments. Deployable weapons attach and convert in both modes
2) Transformers Movie 3 Mechtech Voyager Assortment New Mechtech weapons system features an assortment of new key transformers movie 3 characters. Larger scale voyagers include bigger mechtech weapons that can be attached at multiple points in both robot and vehicle mode.
3) Transformers Movie 3 Mechtech Leader Assortment Largest scale movie themed Mechtech weapons provide the most features in the mechtech system. Weapons include light and sounds and attach into large scale converting characters in both robot and vehicle modes. Weapon conversion deploys when attached.
4) Transformers Movie 3 Ultimate Optimus Prime Movie 3 features Optimus Prime driving into battle with his weapon trailer. Trailer converts into Mech suit that powers up Optimus Prime. Try me packaging with lights and sound. Optimus Prime has several ports to armor up with Mechtech weapons from other characters.
With all the toy leaks it was just a matter of time. Thanks to members of ACToys (via Collecticon) we now have our first look at the robot and alt mode of Shockwave, the big bad of Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The character is designed as homage to his Generations One look with Cyclops head and horn along with a purple color scheme now with an alt mode of a Cybertronian tank rather than his G1 alt mode of a Cybertronian gun. The switch to a tank alt mode is expected as that has been his most common alt mode since Transformers: Energon cartoon series. As a bonus, hit the links below for more images of deluxe Barricade, various DOTM legends class figures, Crankcase (possible other name of Dread Suburban) and more.
It was first rumored and then confirmed and now we have photographic evidence that Transformers: Prime will have its own sub line of toys. The release of images seemed to have gone to different websites as a runup to the New York Toy Fair that run from February 13 to 16th. The probably deluxe sized toys so far are Bumblebee, Arcee, Starscream, Optimus Prime, and Megatron. There are also kid figures. I suspect that the line will more or less be part of the Transformers: Generations line similar to how the War for Cybertron toys was handled. The overall result is actually pretty sweet and makes me hope they plan on continuing the line as long as the series is around. Update: Added images of Optimus Prime, Megatron and kids toys.
