Buster Optimus Prime Video Review

Peaugh has posted a new Transformers video review, this time for Revenge of the Fallen Leader class Buster Optimus Prime. This toy is currently a Japan exclusive but that doesn't mean it may not get a release elsewhere in the future.

Overall it is an improved version with the same transformation but better, more detailed paint job and a sweet accessory. I am just glad I had not bought the current Leader Prime as will gamble I can get this version at retail in the future. Wish I could say this toy is why but really Hasbro has trained me to wait until at least two versions of every toy have been announced as most of the time the repaint is an improvement either in design and/or color scheme.

Voyager Bludeon Hidden Feature

Thanks to Yoboy, here is a video update for Voyager Bludgeon that show that his Katanas can combine into a longer sword, something not shown in previous review.

Transformers Linkfest

Lot of new links to various Transformer galleries including new Alternity gallery with review, look at Legends Devastator in G1 colors, Masterpiece Nemesis Prime and more.

Alternity Bumblebee and Cliffjumper Gallery
Huge 84 image gallery of the now finished version of the next figures in the Japan exclusive Transformers Alternity line. The alternate mode is the Suzuki Swift Sport and the two are essentially identical except for color and head mold. The Alternity line are small (about Deluxe sized) but detailed toys with complex transformations and use of die-cast in their construction. The average stateside import price is $50.

Alternity Bumblebee Video Review
In addition to the above gallery, here is a video review of Alternity Bumblebee that shows off the gimmicks and the transformation of the toy. Due to cussing can't exactly call it safe for work nor is it as good as Peaugh's but gives you an idea of whether the toy is worth the extra cost.(via TFW2005)



Masterpiece Optimus Prime in Black
Gallery of in package MP Prime in yet another re-issue (I think fifth version). This time the Japan exclusive is sporting the black and teal that tends to be associated with Nemesis Prime.

EZ Collection Devastator in G1 Green (mirror)
Click the link to view an official gallery of images from Takara of the repaint of Legends Devastator that remains a Japan exclusive. He is sporting the G1 green that the Constructicons first had back in 1984. Thanks to Christopher and RY for the links.

Next Masterpiece Toy Hint
In an interview with TF designer who created MP Prime, Buster Prime, and more Hirinori Kobayashi hints that the next figure in the MP line will come from the Season 3 line of toys. That season was dominated by characters from Transformers: The Movie.

XBox Revenge of the Fallen Avatars
Now available on the XBox Live Marketplace is Transformers: ROTF clothing and helmets for your avatars. The helmets (Megatron, Bumblebee, Optimus Prime) cost 240 MS points and the shirts (7 types total) are 80 MS points.

Device Label Grimlock and Trypticon
Now available in Japan are these two new Transformers from the Device Label line. Grimlock and Trypticon are identical (except for paint job) whose alt mode is a fully functional optical mouse. The average cost stateside $50 each.

Another Leader Starscream Gallery
A new high-quality gallery of the upcoming toy that almost seem like official images. No clue when Leader class Starscream reaches stores, actually thought he would have by now for the Holiday season but maybe he is being held back for the 2010 wave of toys. Thanks to Kaly for the link.

Black Friday Shopping Guide

Here in the states, Friday is when the Christmas sales season officially begins. The marketing people way back when started calling it "Black Friday" as it is often the day that stores go "into the black" to profitability for the year. It is usually a day with lots of shopping, good deals, waiting in lines and chaos.

Anyway, thanks to TFormers, if you are in the market for Transformers, they have a fantastic guide that breaks down all the various deals available nationwide. In general, most of the deals are nothing special; working out to be around 10-20% off retail but hopefully you will find what you are looking for at a worthwhile price.

Click here for TFormers Shopping Guide and click here for more info on BFAds.net which is the source I use for Black Friday information.

25 Years of Transformers Clip

From Seibertron.com, below is a clip from the "25 Years of Transformers" extra feature that came with the home video release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on DVD and Blu-ray. The clip was released by Paramount to help promote the release of the movie in the UK on November 30th. Thanks to Kaly for the link. Video below or click here to view.

More Buster Optimus Prime Images

For whatever reason, a bunch of new images have popped up of Leader class Buster Optimus Prime which is currently a Japan only exclusive from Takara. The main differences are a more movie accurate paint job and the additional accessory based on Prime's blaster (from the factory scene that sends Starscream through the wall). I will be really surprised if this toy doesn't get released in North America and Europe as an exclusive at some point next year.

Gallery 1 and Gallery 2
Click these links for multiple shots of the toy in its package which is in English oddly enough. I believe the bio remains unchanged from the regular leader class Prime toy. The gallery also includes shots of the figure loose and combined with Jetfire. Thanks to Kaly for the link.

Comparison Gallery
This gallery is does a great job of uses images to compare Buster Prime (left) with the old (right). The images don't just do the usual far away shots but close-up of various parts to give you an idea of the many tweaks added all over the place to improve the toy. The new blaster accessory also gets shown off in detail.

Buster Prime 360 View
Last but not least is a flash video that gives you a 360 degree view of the toy. If you click "Action" in the top right you can also get a look the chest and light gimmick ("02 Style") and the vehicle mode ("03 Style"). Thanks to Baruch for the link.

Tales of the Fallen #4 Preview

From TFormers.com is an eight page preview of the upcoming issue of Transformers: Tales of the Fallen #4. The issue gets into the background and history of The Fallen as it tells why he decided to turn on his brothers. Of note is The Fallen suggests the Allspark "spoke" to him to turn rogue. The new issue is in comic stores this Wednesday.

Click here for the preview. Four of pages, a few different, can be found here. Thanks to Chris for the link.

Custom Generation 1 Ark Autobots Auction

ProCustomizers.com has charity auction going on now for the Make-A-Wish Foundation that gives you a chance to own Autobots that arrived on the Ark when it crashed on Earth in the original Transformers cartoon. The figures are based on Transformers Classic and Animated toys but customized in their G1 colors with much greater details. Currently included in the auction are Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Hound, Ironhide, Jazz, Mirage, Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, and Wheeljack. It will also include a lithograph of "On the Wings of Heroes" art (image to right is work is not final art). The auction runs through November 29, 11PM EST. So if you want to give until it hurts and get something cool in return be sure to check it out.

The eBay auction with images of the toys can be found here. The video "commercial" for the auction (below) is courtesy of Peaugh.

Transformers :ROTF Video Game Nominations

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen The Video Game has been nominated in two categories for Spike TV's Video Game Awards for 2009. One is for "Best Performance by a Human Female" for Megan Fox and "Best Performance by a Human Male" for Shia LaBeouf. It seems a lot of the nominations for these categories are less about superior voice work in video games (only "famous" people did good voice work?) but really so they can some stars for the awards program that will air live on Saturday, December 12 at 8:00PM on Spike TV.

The competition for Fox is Kristen Bell (Assassin's Creed 2), Eliza Dushku (Wet: Bethesda Wetworks), and Tricia Helfer (Halo 3: ODST). Shia is competing against Bill Murray (Ghostbusters), Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Samuel L. Jackson (Afro Samurai), and Vin Diesel (The Chronicles of Riddick: Assault on Dark Athena).

To vote for your favorite video games in these categories and more click here. (via TFW2005)

Bay: No To Killing Fox

Michael Bay tells USA Today that Megan Fox's Michaela Barnes character will not be killed in Transformers 3 despite some of her more inflaming comments such as calling Bay "Hitler" like.

But it turns out, Bay couldn’t care less. Really. “I love her,” the man responsible for the blockbuster franchise told USA TODAY's Andrea Mandell. “It’s just, she’s young. Everyone’s got to give her a break, she only…23? It’s just hard. I’ve traveled around the world with her and she’s just like this world symbol now, you know?”

So he brushes her diatribes under the carpet? “Absolutely,” he said. “She called me (after the Hitler comment) and goes, ‘It’s all bullsh—t, Mike.’ The press, they just like to prey, and stalk, and pounce and find a good little juicy thing. But she’s always wanted to do these crazy comments. That’s just her. She’s great.”

He also said, “She’s got a great part in Transformers 3,” and he said he’s currently working on the script. So Bay’s not planning on getting revenge by, say, killing her off? “No, no. no,” he said, dismissing it. “She gets enough of that already.”

I cannot say I am really surprised. Michael Bay has shown to be a fantastic business man and for him Megan Fox is simply helpful in making money. Taking her statements personally is pointless and just useless noise. Having said that, I am betting if the story makes her or any other character's death necessary, he will not hesitate to pull the trigger despite the above statements. With the script in very early stages of development, I doubt much is written in stone. Thanks to Carlo for the heads-up.

Hearts of Steel Optimus Prime Images

Seibertron.com has posted four images of KM-01 Knight Morpher Commander which is based on Optimus Prime from IDW's Transformers Evolutions: Hearts of Steel comic book mini-series from 2006. The figure is a not a Takara or Hasbro product but form Master Mind Creations. It is 6.5 inches tall so around Voyager class sized. The estimated release date of the toy is February 2010 with a price tag to be determined. Overall it’s a pretty sweet looking toy that I intend to add to my personal wish list.

Signed Transformers 1 and 2 (Updated)

Thanks to Chris, here is an image of the signed copies of Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on Blu-ray by Tyrese Gibson and Michael Bay for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you haven't got yours yet, I assume its coming but you will need to check at MichaelBay.com for more details. Hopefully MB.com will announce soon how much Transfans, Bay and Tyrese helped make for the charity.

Update: An additional note from Chris, "in the package there was printed note saying they raised almost $20,000 for Make a Wish Foundation."

USA Today's Transformers #1 Article (Spoiler Warning)

If the goal of IDW was to get the attention of "mainstream media" with their first issue of Transformers, apparently they succeeded with an article from USA Today which discusses the status quo changes to the Transformers comic universe with the death of Ironhide and Optimus Prime quitting as the leader of Autobots. Yep, you read that right. Prime, upset over the death of his friend and having achieved the goal of stopping the Decepticons decides to throw in the towel by apparently turning himself over to the humans. How long this last isn't known.

Snippets from the article:

"This first story arc is all about upheaval and change and what happens when you realize that all the tools and skills you've previously spent your life accruing are no longer effective."

With news of Ironhide's death breaking several weeks ago, Schmidt understands that fans of the series are a passionate lot, with strong opinions. "Fan reaction has been mixed. Everything from 'Wow, they're really making changes and taking this seriously. Can't wait to pick it up!' to, 'I love Ironhide, I'll never read that!' "

He feels that fans will understand the controversial plot decisions as the story progresses, though. "We'll see how it goes, but I believe the storyline is great and ultimately that is what we aim to deliver to the fans. The hate mail has already begun but that's what happens when storytelling risks are taken. I'm waiting to see how fans react when they see it in context."

Transformers Review and Sneak Peak

Not much on the Transformers news front, but some new comics are in the works. This week brings us Transformers #1 ongoing issue and next week will bring Tales of the Fallen #4. In addition, there is a sneak peak at the covers for February Transformers issue.

Transformers #1 Review - With Spoilers or Without Spoilers
The first issue of the new ongoing Transformers comic series is on comic stores shelves as of today. Based on the review, it appears that old habits die hard with an aim for "shock" moments (for details read the with spoilers review) that don't really accomplish much except get a leading character to suddenly do a 180. Long time fans will likely be angry while new fans will just be confused. Strong emotion though for an issue is usually a good thing though so at the very least should be interesting how it plays out.

February TF Previews
From Chris Ryall, Editor-in-Chief of IDW Publishing has posted covers for two TF comics coming out in February. The first is cover to Transformers #4 and the second is for Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers #2.

Transformers Ongoing #1 Preview II

IDW has released another preview of the first issue of Transformers #1 ongoing that is coming this Wednesday I think. This time it appears to be the first eight pages of the comic, establishing the new status quo after the end of All Hail Megatron story arc. The gist is it is three years after Earth was freed from Decepticon rule with help of the Autobots. The human race has spent its time preparing all manner of defenses to combat the Cybertronian race (which has gone underground) and unfortunately for the Autobots they don't make any meaningful distinction between the factions. In essence its humans vs. Cybertronians rather than just Autobots vs. Decepticons. The key part though is this finally returns the series back to its "robots in disguise" origins. For me the real question is will this series finally move at a decent pace while telling interesting stories or suffer from the same excessive story decompression style that has plagued Transformers comics since their revival.

Click here to view the eight pages.

Update: Corrected the link, sorry about that.

Shia, Megan Nominated for People's Choice Awards

Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf have been nominated in several categories in the People's Choice Awards for their work on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Shia is up for "Favorite Action Star" against Christian Bale, Gerald Butler, Hugh Jackman, and Vin Diesel. The duo are also nominated for "Favorite On-Screen Team" against the teams from Harry Potter 6, The Proposal, Twilight, and Wolverine. Transformers sadly isn't up for favorite movie but it is up for "Favorite Franchise" against Harry Potter, Twilight Saga, Star Trek and X-Men.

To vote for your favorites in the above characters and many more for television, movies and music, click here. Winners will be announced live during the People's Choice Awards telecast on Wednesday January 6th by CBS.

"The Self-Manufacture of Megan Fox"

The New York Times has posted a long and interesting article on Megan Fox from interviews with the actress from just after Jennifer's Body failed at the box office, during the week the was prepping for her SNL appearance with a follow-up a month later. The article gets into her attempt to have a provocative (both verbally and physically) public persona while maintaining a private life. She tried to model her after Angelina Jolie (see tats, lip injections, and statements for proof) but the result has been a career that remains on unsteady ground despite the success of Transformers. The article can be found here and worth the read.

I actually like her Megan Fox (and not just for her looks) but then I have a fondness for direct bluntness which is rare nowadays (and often vilified). However, Hollywood stardom is grounded on how the public perceives and wants you. There are many possibilities from the slutty, dumb, sexy and more but the one that has consistently proven to be the most successful is the girl next door (see Nicole Kidman, Sandra Bullock, Julia Roberts, etc). They come across as the perfect girlfriend for the guys and the BFF for the girls. Instead, Fox has essentially become every guys' dream one night stand (looked back with pride but never brought home to meet mom) and someone women would want to hang with for some fun but not want to be friends with. Basically, Fox needs to seem more like a friend rather than a f$#@-friend.

Her best teachers are not just Jolie, but Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Reese Witherspoon, even Shia LaBeouf and really all the members of the $20 million per film club. Notice that the only time we hear about them is when they have their next project or charity to sell. Then they come across as a great person ("like me"), almost a good friend until the pitch is done and then exit the stage until next time. It works for them, there is no reason it can't work for Megan Fox. Just getting written about isn't sufficient (see Lindsay Lohan for that), it’s the quality that matters. She has plenty of time to repair her image thanks to Transformers 3, but she only has this last chance to decide exactly what she wants her public persona to be. She can continue on the Jolie track but that one is clearly not working.

Peaugh Video Review of Leader Starscream, Voyager Mindwipe

Here are two new video reviews of upcoming Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toys from Peaugh. The first is a review of Leader class Starscream. Like the previous review, this is based on the prototype version of the toy so the electronic aspects do not function. The differences between the two reviews are minor but Peaugh's does provide a better look at the transformation process and his gimmicks. The second video is for Voyager class Mindwipe, one of the few new molds for the upcoming wave of ROTF toys. Not that bad a toy, the dagger gimmick is a bit silly. Thanks to RY for the links.

Beachcomber, Deadlift Video Reviews

After a brief break reviewing Ghostbusters, Peaugh is back with two new video reviews of two Scout class Revenge of the Fallen toys. The first video is for Deadlift, a repaint of Dirt Boss in the Go-Bot's Spoons colors. The second video is for Beachcomber, a repaint of Dune Runner.

Transformers Linkfest

Bunch more links to various Transformer toy galleries and other TF related news.

EZ Devastator in G1 Green
A new image has popped up showing the EZ Collection (Legends) version of Devastator is getting a repaint in Generation One green that was the signature look for the Construction line. The figure is scheduled for March 2010 release in Japan only. Still no official confirmation that the Legends class Devastator of any color will get a stateside release.

Leader Shadow Command Megatron and Voyager Final Defense Optimus Prime
A new gallery of the upcoming repaints of the two faction leaders. The color scheme of gray and black looks pretty good on Megatron, something the movie version might benefit from since he has been essentially neutered by repeated Optimus beat downs in the sequel.

Scout Class 2-Packs
Click the link to view scout class repaints for the NEST Global Alliance two packs. One is "Windy City Chase" set with Slap Dash vs. Trenchmouth and the other is "Road Rival Showdown" of Beachcomber vs. Deadlift.

Voyager Bludgeon Gallery
New gallery of Bludgeon, a G1 character getting the ROTF toy treatment. The result is a pretty slick figure new and old fans will like. I am waiting for a video review before deciding if will pull the trigger and purchase once the toy comes out (no date on when). Update: Forgot Peaugh already did a review, which I posted about here. Thanks to Bruno for the reminder.

Supreme class Devastator Sale
If you’re in the market for the Supreme class Devastator, Costco.com is selling the toy for $69.99 with S&H included, for a $30 savings.

Transformers Continuum Preview
Five pages of the upcoming one-shop. The comic provides a summary of events in the last few years of Transformers comics that IDW has published so help get fans up to speed for the new ongoing Transformers comic series coming out in around two weeks.

Leader Class Starscream Video Review

Finally a good look at the new Leader class Starscream from KOToys' GenZhao. The review is based on a prototype version so doesn't include a look at the electronic gimmicks of the toy (click here for a brief look). Overall, the robot mode remains ugly but has improved look and articulation compared to the Voyager class. This might be the first version of Starscream that I have considered buying. The photo gallery at the end of the video can be found here. (via TFormers)

Optimus Prime Sings Discovery Channel Commercial (Updated)

In a rather odd combination, Optimus Prime "sings" briefly (at :34 second point) of the commercial "The World Is Just Awesome" promoting the Discovery Channel while over a scene from the first movie. I try to never miss Mythbusters (which is shown just before Prime). (from TFFINO via TFormers)



Update: It turns out the reason Prime was probably part of the commercial is the recent business deal between Discovery Communications and Hasbro to launch a channel sometime next year. "The rebranded network is
scheduled to premiere in late 2010. The network will feature content from Hasbro’s rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties, and content from Discovery’s extensive library of award-winning children’s educational programming, as well as programming from third-party producers." Thanks to Katie for the link.

Transformers Ongoing Preview

Comic Book Resources has posted three issues of the upcoming number one is of the new ongoing Generation One Transformers comic that reveals a major spoiler with the death of a fan favorite character. The issue hits comic book stores on November 18th. Click here if you are okay with reading the spoiler.

The issue description:

It’s been three years since the devastating events of All Hail Megatron. The Earth has been rebuilt, the AUTOBOTS are in hiding, and the next great era in the TRANSFORMERS saga is about to begin! Critically acclaimed writer Mike Costa is joined by superstar artist Don Figueroa for IDW’s biggest book of the year—the launch of the first ongoing TRANSFORMERS title in five years! This is what fans have been waiting for—you do not want to miss this!

T-1000 Easter Egg

Michael Bay has made it clear in comments made in the special features for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and in various media interviews that he held much disdain for Terminator Salvation's McG for his use of suspiciously Transformer like robots in his film. As a sign of that, here is an image captured by IloveMcG that illustrates a dig at the film by apparently labeling one of the cannon fodder Decepticons in the desert battle with "T1000", the classic name for the original Terminator model.

Update: As pointed out in the comments I had my Terminator models confused. The T-1000 is the classic villain Terminator played by Robert Patrick in Terminator 2: Judgement Day. The T-800 is the Arnold Schwarzenegger's role as the villain in Terminator 1 and hero for T2. For Terminator 3, he was the "'850 series Model 101', a 'T-850', and a 'T-101'". Long story short, T-1000 is appropriate name for a Decepticon when taking a dig at the Terminator franchise since both are bad guys.

Transformers Linkfest

Time for more links to more galleries and news of the last few days relating to Transformers.

ROTF Available on USB
Kingston and Paramount have joined together to start offering their new releases on 4GB USB thumb drives starting with Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Similar programs have been done with other media (mostly on memory sticks) but doomed to failure due to the cost of the combined product. Considering a 4GB stick can be found for $10 or less and the movie for $15, its seems the MSRP price tag of $29.99 does little to address that issue.

Leader Starscream Gallery
New gallery that shows off the Leader class toy with comparison shots to other toys to give you an idea of Starscream's size. A worthwhile look for those on the fence about buying the toy.

Bumblebee vs Soundwave Set Packaging
A look at the package for the upcoming set that has another repaint of Soundwave with Cannon Bumblebee (both deluxes) including the bio. The set is part of the NEST Global Alliance sub-line that is coming out soon.

NEST Global Alliance Mail Away Offer
Back in the G1 days Hasbro use to offer exclusive mail offers for toys. Send in enough points, pay the price and you could get cool toys like Reflector. It seems that Hasbro is relaunching a similar program with the NEST Global Alliance line but sadly the exclusive is not nearly as cool with the exclusive offer being revealed to be a repaint of Deluxe Ravage sporting red highlights. Click the link on details on how purchasing NEST toys will give you a chance to get this toy.

Surface to Air 2-Pack Now Available
The Costco exclusive is now showing up in stores. The pack contains Voyager Grindor and Voyager Ratchet for $32.99.

New Marvel Crossover Gallery
A new gallery that shows the upcoming slate of Transformers/Marvel crossover series with some new toys and mostly repaints. A new design for the Hulk as a bulldozer while Wolverine gets another repaint in his X-Force black and grey colors.

Takara Voyager Optimus Prime Repaint
A new repaint of Prime in Japan minus the Chinese characters and darker G1ish colors and Autobot logo on the side. Not sure if this is going to be released outside of Japan but wouldn't surprise me if it does.

ILM's Benza Talks ROTF FX

The AllSpark has a great write-up with ILM's animation supervisor Scott Benza from the Paramount's press junket from a few weeks ago for the home video release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. He talks about the challenges and landmarks of the film. A lot of the information has been covered in previous articles and the special edition of the movie but still makes for an interesting read. Below is a snippet, the full article can be found here.

All robots were rigged in a way that they could animate almost any individual part that made up of the robot, ranging from springs to brake pads and all sorts of mechanical pieces one would find in various vehicles, using Mudflap as an example. That way it helped with the robots’ transformation sequences and the way how they moved. Benza added that each robot was defined by both external and internal pieces, sometimes certain parts filling out the interiors and certain animation models used in the first film were reused and revamped in the second. Since they had the same amount of time to animate everything like in Transformers but with a larger workload due to having over 40 robots, the animators had to make use of whatever they created and had. They tried to introduce more personalities into the transformation depending on the character and to work best from the camera’s point of view – Ironhide has a more forward attitude and is a veteran, hence his rather slow transformation, compared to Sideswipe’s energetic and flashy change, as well elegant and heroic for Optimus. Devastator’s combination sequence was intentionally made clumsy and dirty, as well difficult, showing off a pre-visual sequence. None of the transformations are done ahead of time and simply plugged into the shot, Benza noted.