Botcon 2012 Linkfest

Botcon 2012 was held this weekend at Dallas, Texas. On hand was Hasbro who displayed and talked about many of their upcoming products including next wave of Transformers: Prime toys, SDCC exclusives including Bruticus, IDW's plans and more. Below are the highlights in new information each panel provided with links to a bunch of galleries showing off upcoming toys. The best look to be Fall of Cybertron Bruticus, stateside release of Masterpiece Prime 2.0, and Fall of Cybertron Soundwave with transformable data discs replacing the classic cassettes. Seibertron's massive gallery of images are here.

Hasbro Panel
The Hasbro panel discussed the next years’ worth of releases including Transformers: Prime, Fall of Cybertron and Generations toys. Details below.
- Transformers: The Ride Evac is based on Movie character design and has legion and deluxe sizes which will be sold at the parks for now.
- TF Prime wave four figures will be Dead-End, Shadow Strike Bumblebee, Airachnid.
- Deluxe Wave 5 will be Deluxe Kup and Runamuck
- Thundertron (from Exiles book) will be a wave 3 Voyager figure with a pirate look.
- Masterpiece Optimus Prime 2.0 is coming stateside as a Toys R Us exclusive. No release date or price (but estimate is $100). Will include his trailer, Spike figure and Roller.
- Generations will start coming out in Spring 2013. Figures will include Fall of Cybertron based Kickback, Starscream, Sideswipe, and Soundwave.
- Soundwave will be Voyager sized with Laserbeak data disc. He can hold up to three data discs that are spring released.
- Other data discs to be released will be Legends classed Rumble, Ravage, Frenzy and Ratbat

Transformers: Prime 2.11 Flying Mind Promo, Clips

Saturday night brings another new episode of Transformers: Prime with Flying Mind. Below is the promo and a clip from the episode described as "The Decepticon Warship threatens humanity, and Raf, Jack and Miko are the only ones who can stop it." Another pic from ep is here.

Frank Welker Talks Transformers Prime

In an interview with TV Web, the legendary voice actor Frank Welker talks about Transformers: Prime and voicing iconic villain Megatron. He talked about how things have changed over the last 25 years (more feedback and fan interaction), how he voices Megatron now vs then (get to explore wider vocal range), and basically he has not yet heard anything about Transformers 4 (usually doesn't here until end of production). The full interview is here.

Kruger Returns for Transformers 4

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount Film Group President Adam Goodman confirmed that Ehren Kruger is returning to write Transformers 4. The writer co-wrote Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and soloed on Transformers: Dark of the Moon. He also mentioned something about if could have a do-over would have released Transformers through the Nickelodeon label. Not exactly sure what difference that would have made on marketing or production of the film.

THR: Is making Transformers 4 without Shia LaBeouf risky? Is he out?
Goodman: The story is going in a different direction now. Ehren Kruger [who wrote the past two Transformers movies] is writing it for us, and we're starting to engage, but I can't say anything more.

THR: Michael Bay is re-envisioning Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for Nickelodeon movies. What are your plans for Nick?
Goodman: We want it to be family adventures and really hard-core family comedies. If I was starting again, I would have put Transformers through Nick. Upcoming movies that could be released through the label are Christopher Columbus' The Secret Lives of Road Crews or Etan Cohen's Boy Scouts vs. Zombies.

How High Moon Saved the Dinobots

The Verge has posted an interesting article that gets into the story of how High Moon Studios talked Hasbro into reviving the Dinobots for Transformers: Fall of Cybertron. Hasbro had reached the decision that the Dinobots no longer fit in their Cybertron based continuity since Earth alt modes did not make much sense on a planet that had yet to make contact with Earth. As a result they would not be available for the movies or video games. Game Director Matt Teiger disagreed, wanting one of his favorite Transformers to be in the next video game. It became an issue of figuring out a story based reason that Hasbro could support for the Dinobots existence. A solution High Moon eventually found as the article explains in detail. It is an interesting article to read. Click here for the whole thing with a few highlights below.

Transformers: The Ride POV Video and Queue Tour

For those (like me) that will likely not get a chance to check out Universal Studios Hollywood's Transformers: The Ride any time soon, you at least get a chance to experience some of the ride thanks to the videos below. Of course the attraction is in 3D so some of the effects don't come through but at least gives you some idea of what occurs. As expected, it doesn't seem to be any different than the Singapore attraction. Also below is a video of the queue path with all the various props and details they added while waiting in line. Seems to be worth checking out if you are visiting one of the parks. Transformers: The Ride officially opens on May 25th.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #4, Autocracy #8 Previews

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #4 and Autocracy #8 hits comic books stores and online this Wednesday. The RID issue continues to first arc as Bumblebee and his team continue to naviate the dangers of peace time, especially when most of the populace think you are just as bad as the Decepticons. Autocracy continues exploring the foundations of the Great War as Prime and Megatron stand together against the corrupt Autobot government. The first seven page preview of RID #4 is here and Autocracy #8's four page preview is here.

Transformers: The Ride Preview

Behind The Thrills have written up their preview of Transformers: The Ride that is opening at Universal Studios Hollywood on May 25th. It is based on a "Technical Rehearsal" from April 22nd but since the attraction is identical to Universal Studios Singapore that opened last December, I doubt there are meaningful changes being made. Season holders will get a chance to check things out during the May 5th weekend. The full positive preview with pics can be found here.

On a related note, Seibertron discovered that USA Network is holding a contest for US citizens (18+ years of age) for a chance to win a round trip to Los Angeles for a two night stay for the VIP Grand Opening event for Transformers: The Ride. Click here to enter. Contest ends on April 30th at midnight.

Linkfest - Botcon Regeneration

Another week, another linkfest. This week's edition is a mixed bag with pics on Maketoys Green Giant, a look back at the origins of Transformers, gallery of TF Prime Starscream, comic stuff, Botcon news, WST Sixshot, DVD releases, and more.

MakeToys not Devastator in Green
Hit the link for Set "B" of Giant which is their 3rd party version of Devastator. Up to now the company has been releasing yellow homages to Generation 2 repaints but later this year they plan on releasing a gift set of all six figures in the more classic green paint scheme. The price is around $350 and expected to be released in June.

History of Transformers Translation
Hit the link for TFW2005's translation with two of the architects of Transformers. Hideaki Yoke and Koujin Oono talk about the origins of Transformers from more than 25 years ago as they discuss the various design and story aspects that helped create the Transformers franchise we all love today.

Transformers: Prime 2.10 Armada Promo

The streak of new Transformers: Prime season two episodes continue with Armada premiering tomorrow on The Hub at 8:30pm EST. Below is the promo and clip for the episode. The last two episodes of TF Prime, Grill and Nemesis Prime, is up on Hub World. Excellent way to stay caught up if, like me, you don't have access to The Hub. I could get it but not worth paying around $50 for the cable boxes and the digital tiers that my local cable provider would require. The clips are below.

Speaking of cartoons now is an excellent time to be watching as there are some excellent shows to watch. I highly recommend Thundercats, Green Lantern, and Young Justice on Cartoon Network (new episodes Saturday mornings from 9:30am to 11am EST). The Legend of Korra (sequel to Avatar: The Last Airbender) on Nickelodeon at 11am EST makes for a great end to the morning. On Sunday, Disney XD has Ultimate Spider-Man and The Avengers on from 11am to 12:15pm EST. Basically lots of excellent new all ages entertainment and not just the kiddy stuff you normally expect from these channels. Also keep an eye out for Kung Fu Panda - Legend of Awesomeness that Nick airs periodically as it has proven to be a very entertaining first season as well as Voltron Force on Nicktoons. Now if only The Hub would bring back G.I. Joe Renegades.

Behind the Scenes of Transformers: The Ride

Universal Studios Hollywood has posted a new video that shows some of the work, design and planning that went into creating Transformers: The Ride that will officially open on May 25th at the park.

Fall of Cybertron Grimlock Footage

From High Moon Studios and Kotaku is Transformers: Fall of Cybertron game play footage featuring Grimlock (below). The footage and gallery, along with comments from creative director Matt Tieger, speaks for itself.

Transformers: MTMTE #4 Preview

Tomorrow brings Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #4 to comic and online stores. Hot Rod's mission to find the Knights of Cybertron continues to be really a fight for survival as new dangers keep popping up. A preview of the first 8 issues can be found here.

Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye #4
Written by James Roberts, art by Alex Milne, covers by Alex Milne, Nick Roche.
Danger in space! Investigating the abandoned Autobot facility on Delphi -- one-time home of fan-favorites The Wreckers -- Ratchet uncovers a danger greater than he's ever faced... and the return of a character long thought lost! Will this bring them closer to their goal of finding the Knights of Cyberton -- or kill them?!
32 pages, $3.99

IDW July Transformers Comics

IDW Publishing has released their publishing plans for July. A total of three trades and three comics are being released that month. The Hasbro Transformers story continues for the first time in nearly 20 years iwth Transformers #81, the online only Transformers: Autocracy is being released and more. 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: The Ride Staples Center Promo

As the image shows, Universal Studios Hollywood chose an interesting way to promote the upcoming launch of Transformers: The Ride. The ad on the side of the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA gives the appearance that Megatron crashed through the side of the building. The LA Times says "A giant laminate stuck to the side of the sports venue makes it look as if an 80-foot tall, 20-ton metal alien creature from the movie "Transformers" busted a hole through the building. The laminate will remain on Staples Center until Tuesday." The Ride has a sneak preview the first week of May for season ticket holders and officially opens at the end of May.

Fall of Cybertron Dinobots Concept Art

High Moon Studios has posted their concept art depicting all five Dinobots in robot and dinosaur mode on their Facebook page. We have been given a look at Grimlock but now we get a solid look at Swoop, Sludge, Slag and Snarl. The photos show they are very much based on the classic Generation One design. Hopefully Hasbro will be releasing toys on all five of them. Click here to view the entire gallery. Fall of Cybertron will be released on the XBox 360 and PS3 on August 28th, 2012.

Transformers Prime 2.09 Grill Promo, Clip

Tomorrow brings in the 9th straight new episode of season 2 of Transformers: Prime with "Grill", described as "Agent Fowler has some explaining to do under the threat of military tribunal and Team Prime's termination." Below is the promo and clip from the episode that premieres at 8:30pm Saturday on the Hub. The previous two episodes Crossfire and Nemesis Prime are available on The Hub website.

Upcoming episodes:
04/21 Armada - Bulkhead is trapped on the Decepticon Warship and amid dual tries on Megatron's life.
04/28 Flying Mind - The Decepticon Warship threatens humanity, and Raf, Jack and Miko are the only ones who can stop it.
05/05 Tunnel Vision - Arcee and Bumblebee go deep into New York's "underground" in an attempt to beat Megatron to the next four Iacon relics.

Transformers: The Ride Opens May 25th

In a new commercial posted by Universal Studios Hollywood, the official release date has been announced as May 25th, 2012. This fits the expected Memorial Day weekend release date. For those with season passes, the attraction will have a preview weekend from May 4th to 6th.

Transformers: Prime 2.08 Nemesis Prime Promo

Saturday night brings in the 7th new episode in a row for Transformers: Prime with the premiere of Nemesis Prime, described as "Optimus Prime seems to go on a destructive rampage, while MECH unveils their ultimate plan." In the comics Nemesis Prime is generally an evil version of Prime from an alternate universe that tends to have black and dark blue paint schemes. Based on the promo (below) and images, I assume the alternate universe angle will not be part of the story.

On a side note, Transformers: Prime is finally premiering in Japan to go along with the toys they have had a few months. I think its season 1 for them but not 100% sure. Details here.

Hasbro Studios Reaches Deal with Netflix

Good news for those that do not have access (or able to afford the required cable tier) to The Hub. Deadline is reporting that Hasbro Studios has signed a deal with Netflix to bring at least 10 television franchises to Netflix. Starting today, you can now stream previous seasons of Transformers: Prime, My Little Pony, GI Joe: Renegades and more. Later in the year older shows like Transformers: Generation One, GI Joe: A Real American Hero, Transformers: Beast Wars and Transformers: Rescue Bots will also be added to the streaming service.

Weird Al Yankovic "Interviews" Megan Fox

On Monday Chris Hardwick's The Nerdist channel (along with Felicity Day's Geek and Sundry) officially launched. Face to Face with Weird Al Yankovic is part of the programming. His show is a creative re-edit of promotional interviews with celebrities. In a weird way it also shows how most interviews are done as rarely do the on air "talent" do interviews. Usually producers, researchers, and the like are sent out to do them. If don't see the interviewer and interviewee in the same shot at some point, assume someone else conducted the interview and creative edits were used to make it seem as if the on-air talent did it. In the first episode he has hilarious "interviews" with Denzel Washington and Transformers' Megan Fox. If into podcasts, also recommend the TWiT network. The Megan Fox portion starts at about the 4:40 mark.

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.

Peter Cullen T-Shirt for Charity

For the next 24 hours, RIPT Apparel is selling a tribute to Peter Cullen T-Shirt called "Voice of a Generation" with $2 from each shirt going to Hasbro Children's Hospital. The charity sale will run today until midnight central time (1am 4/4 EST). As the image indicates the shirt depicts cullen ripping open his shirt Superman style revealing the Optimus Prime cab. Hopefully if this is successful they will do one for Frank Welker (Megatron), whose storied voice career is truly the voice generations have grown up to even if they don't know it. The shirt looks good, inexpensive and for a good cause. Click here to orders yours.

Dark of the Moon Avoids The Razzies

Thanks to Jack & Jill, Transformers: Dark of the Moon "won" zero Razzies when the winners were announced on April Fools Day. The movie recieved seven nominations in the 10 "Worst of" categories which Michael Bay responded to with his own math for hte movie. In the end Adam Sandler and his movie Jack & Jill made a little Razzie history by being the first movie to sweep all the categories in the awards' 32 year history. The full details are here.