Transformers Linkfest - Art and Memory

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.

San Diego Comic-Con Day 2-4 (Updated)

The second day of the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con as ended with a few more Transformers related bits with gallery of Soundwave & Ironhide, the TF Animation panel, and when the exclusives will be available to buy online.

Update: Nothing new happened on the final two days of SDCC. The only things of note is a new gallery from the dealer room by AllSpark and a look at Bumblebee Kre-O costume.

Human Alliance Soundwave Gallery
Hit the link to get a good look Human Alliance Soundwave that appears to come with Laserbeak and Dylan Gould figure. I have to admit he is looking pretty sweet. Wheeljack is also getting released but no word on Mirage/Dino. The scheduled release date is December.

Cannon Force Ironhide Gallery
At this link are images of the red paint job for voyager class version of Ironhide that will be released in September.

Transformers Hall of Fame Character Inductees

Hasbro has released three of the videos they put together when announcing three of the character Transformers that joined the Hall of Fame at Botcon a week ago - Soundwave, Ironhide and Ratchet. They had earlier released the videos for Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg. Not sure if fan choice Waspinator got one too. The videos are edits of the character from their various cartoon and movie incarnations over the years.

Botcon 2011 Day 3 Linkfest

Day 3 of Botcon 2011 has concluded in Pasadena, California and it seems to have been a good day with panels from Hasbro and Activision among others. The Hall of Fame ceremony was held with Beast War's Waspinator revealed to be the fan choice for inductee. Also lots more Transformers toy pictures from all eras and upcoming exclusives. As was with Day 1 & 2 post, if you see a link, probably worth clicking.

Hall of Fame Goodie Bag
A look at the freebies given to those that attended the Hall of Fame ceremony. Nothing major, just advertisements and the like but worth a moment to click through.

Hasbro Panel
Lots of info on the next six months or so of toy releases that Hasbro has in the pipeline. Hit the link for specifics but a few highlights include Ironhide getting a G1 inspired red repaint, a Cyberverse Battle Pack with Bumblebee and Barricade that was inspired by the D.C. police accident with Bumblebee, and Generations line will continue. As for as Kre-0, will be 28 "Kreons" at launch which is sometime this Summer. Transformers: Prime will be released on 12/1/11 with Deluxe Cliffjumper, Voyager Optimus Prime, Voyager Bulkhead, and others.

Botcon 2011 Day 1 & 2 Linkfest

The official Transformers Convention, called Botcon, is going on this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California from June 2nd to June 5th. The convention is similar to a comic book one only it is about all things Transformers with dealer rooms, panels and more. Expected panels include most of the voice cast from Transformers: Prime, Hasbro introducing their TF: Prime toys and upcoming plans and Michael Bay accepting his entry into the Transformers Hall of Fame. I wouldn't even be surprised if he shows up with exclusive clips that sadly the rest of may not get to see.

Sadly I could not afford to go but luckily other Transformers sites could and they have posted lots of pictures and videos from the first two days. Below are those that grabbed my attention especially Kre-O which is bigger and better than expected. In addition get a first look at the Transformers: Prime toys, info on the upcoming TF MMORPG, lots of galleries, look at the Hall of Fame displays, and lot more. If you see a link, probably worth clicking it.

Kre-O Transformers Gallery
Hasbro's new answer to Lego. If the large gallery at the link is any indication, the result could be pretty awesome. My favorite aspect is the TF version of the Lego mini-figs, especially the Botcon exclusive Optimus Prime. Taking a page from Lego, human size creations have also been built for display purposes. Based on the images the release date for the line is July-August 2011 and will not just be based on DOTM but also Generation One.

Many DOTM Toys Galleries and Reviews

T-minus five six days and counting for the official release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line on May 15th 16th. At least in the United States. I am unclear if this date is worldwide but assuming so. I got way behind on the various DOTM galleries but consider this a quick way to catch up and more importantly check out some of the various size molds and exclusives that are in the pipeline. At this point the issue is more of which version or versions to get as it seems most of the key characters have around 3 or more sizes, repaints, or exclusives coming. In addition, below are more video reviews because that also helps in working on that DOTM wish list. Oops got the date confused.

DOTM Galleries Part 1
Kre-0 | Human Alliance Roadbuster & Tailpipe | Deluxe Prime | HA Bee and Skids (repaints) | Exclusive Figures | Deluxe Arcee and Air Raid (repaints) | Scan Series I | Scan Series II
This first set provides another look at the Kre-O (Lego knockoff) line, more Human Alliance figures, and a summary of many of the exclusive figures that may hit toy shelves soon. Of this group probably the one most worth checking out is the Scan Series images which are Toys R Us exclusives and give the deluxe class of DOTM toys a pretty unique look. TRU tends to charge more for their exclusives but just might be worth it for some of the figures.

Dark of the Moon Comic Adaptation Preview Reveals Story Spoilers (Updated)

Per the request of Transformers: Dark of the Moon producer Don Murphy, the copyrighted images and spoilers have been removed. Due to the content of the comments, they have been cut off.

Amazon.com has posted a preview of the official comic book adaptation of Transformers: Dark of the Moon scheduled for release on May 25th. If you click the cover or "Search inside this book" you get about the first seven and last seven pages of the trade. A system error revealed more pages than intended leading to major story points being revealed.

I don't consider characters and alt modes to be spoilers. So knowing that, I will reveal that the leaked images did confirm that Soundwave's alt mode is the silver Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as indicated by the game image. Also Wheeljack is a confirmed Autobot in the movie but I saw only has his name being said. Did not see his robot mode or vehicle mode to confirm if "Einstein", the blue 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550.

It should be noted that adaptations usually work from a final movie script along with designs and storyboards offered by production. However, as Sir Peter Jackson points out, there are three phases to a script - writing it, filming it and editing it. As a result what the comic shows for a scene and what the movie shows may not be the same. Certain elements like the major plot points, characters, etc tend to stay static due to cost but the specific details can easily change (scenes, characters, etc being left on cutting room floor).

If you wish to seek out the spoilers, that is up to you. Be warned the pages did reveal major plot and character developments in the story. If you are even a little bit sensitive about spoilers it is advised to not seek out that information.

More DOTM Toy Galleries and Reviews

Another "linkfest" for Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys and related merchandise. This edition is heavy on toy images and bios which sadly reveal little about the movie but do have two new video reviews including one for leader class Ironhide. Most of the toys are expected to hit shevles on May 16th.

2000 Pound Bumblebee Cake
Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey created a massive cake for a General Motors display at the Javits Center. The cake will be featured on TLC's "Cake Boss" program on June 20th. The cake has the Bumblebee astride his Camaro alt mode. The 2000 pound creation is made of vanilla pound cake with butter-cream frosting and Rice Krispies treats to "bind the cake at critical flex points." (via AllSpark)

DOTM Mobile Game Coming (5x)
Electronic Arts is working on a mobile game around Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The leaked screenshots (at link) show a game that seems to be part side scroller with a bit of overhead "Spyhunter" type play style. On description says "“While Megatron is hiding after the disgraceful defeat, Decepticons Shockwave, the ruler of Cybertron, is preparing to visit the planet with absolutely no good intentions. The game takes place not only on Earth, but the dynamics Moon, a dark side which holds no less dark secrets." There is no indication on price or release date. Thanks to Sahara for the link.

DOTM Voyager Ironhide Video Review

Kapow Toys brings us a new Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy review for Voyager Ironhide. Like all of the DOTM toys, it is a new mold that is a touch smaller then the voyager toys from the past. Like Ratchet, he doesn't really do much for me as a toy but sure Ironhide fans will find him a fine addition to their collection.

Deluxe Thundercracker, Voyager Prime & Ironhide

A tease of sorts for a new Transformers: Dark of the Moon has been posted online. As the pic shows, Deluxe Thundercracker joins the initial wave of DOTM toys coming out over the course of the summer and fall. The toy uses the Starscream mold with his traditional blue paint scheme. While I doubt the character is in the film, it does prove that Hasbro will be continuing the repaint tradition as I suspect pretty much every DOTM mold will get re-issued with different paint job over the next year or so. On a related note, Seibertron has posted a new gallery that shows of voyager Optimus Prime and Ironhide that you can find here.

New York Toy Fair 2011 Transformes Images

Saturday was the beginning of the New York Toy Fair 2011 convention where retailers get a look at the upcoming years’ worth of toys the various toy manufacturers plan to release for the next year. Hasbro was on hand with a huge display that showed off their Transformers: Dark of the Moon, Transformers: Prime, and more. They also had the real Optimus Prime truck with trailer on hand. The other Transformers sites were able to go and they have posted official Hasbro pics and images from the convention. The first wave of DOTM toys are schedule to be released on May 16th.

Over all there are not really any surprises since most of them leaked early like Ultimate Optimus Prime, Shockwave, and Megatron. A few did grab my attention such as a first look at leader class Ironhide, a look at the Space Station mode of The Ark, the San Diego Comic-Con exclusive, and Skyhammer is the voyager class helicopter. As for prices, it is in the expected range - Leader ($39.99), Voyager ($19.99), Deluxe ($11.99), and Ultimate ($79.99).

With the release of Hasbro's official images for the Mech Tech line we might just have the official names of a few Transformers, at least judging by the posted files names. Assuming the names are accurate then green Wrecker is Roadbuster, blue Wrecker is Top Spin, and Crankcase is name of the SUV (not Dread). So far no info on the third Wrecker.

DOTM Ironhide, Masterpiece Rodimus Video Reviews

Two new reviews from Peaugh. The first is a look at voyager Ironhide from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line. The toy has been tweaked in design as he is a touch smaller then previous movie Ironhide releases and has a different transformation sequence.

The second video is for Masterpiece Rodimus Prime that I have been posting about on and off (and costs $210). The Masterpiece line remains an engineering marvel while creating some of the most challenging (and sometimes nerve-racking) transformations in the history of the franchise with this one continuing the tradition. Based on the very tight tolerances of the figure and potential breakage points, it would be wise to watch this video before trying to transform your figure (assuming you dropped the $210 for one). I can see why Hasbro decided that importing the trailer may not be worth the cost it would add to the figure whenever it gets released stateside.

DOTM Ironhide Video Review, Official Images and More Galleries

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 version of 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).
Ratchet | Starscream | Optimus Prime

DOTM Jolt, Prime, and Ironhide Images

Yahoo Auctions, Japan continues to be a treasure trove of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy leaks. The latest is a look at deluxe Jolt with new paint scheme, voyager Optimus Prime in his box (no trailer), and deluxe Ironhide. All have the massive MechTech weapon gimmick that just looks odd on the deluxe toys. I don't know if this means Jolt will be in the movie or not. While the car was not spotted on any Transformers 3 set, there was a lot of filming in Los Angeles that we know nothing about. (via TFormers)

More Dark of the Moon Toy Images, Packaging, Pricing

Over the last day or so a few new images of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys have popped up online. The leak from German Transformers site NTF-Archive shows off toys images and packaging of Bumblebee and Optimus Prime at various classes. The packaging is mock-up that gives you idea of how the final packaging will likely look but is clearly not final because it is missing the "Dark of the Moon" logo instead of the "3". The main thing is several of the images finally verify the "Cyberverse" line which seems to be the successor to the Legends line.

The site also revealed the potential pricing of the upcoming line with Legends/Cyberverse around 8 euros (around $10 US), Deluxe as 20 euros (~$26 US), Voyager as 35 euros (~$46 US) and Leader at 70 euros (~$92 US). These prices seem excessively high (as least going by the conversion rate) so take it with a grain of salt as suspect Hasbro will stick with the pricing scheme currently in place possibly plus a dollar or two.

Below are a few images but the full gallery can be found at NTF Archive or mirrored here and here. If interested, more Ironhide pictures have popped up here showing off his large weapon accessory. Thanks to Foxtail for the link.

Transformers 3 Megatron, Prime and Ironhide Images

In time for a little Christmas Eve fun is more leaks of potential Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys with images of the packaging and instructions for Voyager Megatron along with a look at a DOTM Optimus Prime and more Ironhide. The images are thanks to DOTMToys.com and mirrored below and other various websites.

Probably the coolest of the set is full verification that the Mad Max tanker truck is Megatron. While the previous pictures were close in how to transform, it seems the cape/tarp is designed to cover Megatron's scarred face. In addition it gives you a first look at the packaging design for Dark of the Moon and reveals the "MechTech" gimmick.

TF3 Bumblebee, Ironhide Toys Leaked (Update)

The movie may be months away from release but the toy leaks have already begun. Pictures of the prototype version of deluxe Bumblebee and leader Ironhide have hit Seibertron.com. Bumblebee appears to mostly remain the same but now has a spoiler, driver side netting and a large something or other as an accessory. As for Ironhide, there is no frame of reference so hard to know for sure he is leader class but the incomplete figure shows the character will continue to undergo transformation modifications much like his previous iterations. The idea of a leader class version this character is very appealing idea so hopefully the info is accurate. TFormers.com had posted another potential leak in the form of a transforming truck but pulled it. However, Collecticon.org has now posted it here. It doesn't look like any truck seen on the various sets so may not even be TF related.

Update: Thanks to the comments here are two more pictures from Facebook. One is another angle on the truck pic from collecticon and the other is a look at a motorcycle that a robot picture shows is Wreck-Gar. At this point I think the motorcycle is for the "Reveal the Shield" line, not Transformers 3.

Road Home, DC Video and TF Trailer Call-back

Even though current, but limited knowledge, indicates that Transformers: The Dark of the Moon is no longer filming in the states, the image taken by Denise T. shows Ironhide and Ratchet as they were transported on Monday around noon through Phoenix, Arizona in Eastbound lane. More than likely the destination is wherever the TFs are stored when no longer being used for filming or promotional use but maybe more is being done in LA.

Speaking of production, below is another video from Washington, DC filming. This one is shows more of the filming at Lincoln Memorial and what else Shia and Josh were up to after they ran across the lawn and what the flashing lights might have been for. The last video is the teaser trailer for the upcoming movie Skyline. Mostly posting it because found it amusing the use of the Transformers 1 trailer music queues and font designs complete with glowing light in the background. Thanks to Mauricio and and Jakenbocker for the links.

More Images, Video from TF3 in DC

The pictures and video continue to hit various websites and YouTube as Transformers 3 continues production around Washington, DC. Yesterday a big crowd showed up to the Lincoln Memorial as Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel and NEST members filmed.

The set of images below come thanks to Shane W. who took them while visiting the city on Tuesday. The pics where taken at the 9th Street base camp. Also below are links to additional galleries with the 1st gallery from Bryan showing the fans ringing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool while filming occurred with a break taken as Shia and Josh met fans including one fan that was able to get his ROTF 1st movie DVD signed. Bryan also reports that Tyrese was not on set but his stunt double. From comments, turns out the INOVA thingie on his uniform is a powerful flashlight.

As for videos, the first one comes from MyFox DC as they interview fans as they wait for the big Pennsylvania Avenue explosions from Monday. This is also the report that started the rumor that the Bumblebee accident would be incorporated into the scene, something that MB.com's Nelson says is untrue. Speaking of those explosions, Shane also posted five of his videos. The first three show a close look at the action from PA Ave. between 3rd and 4th Streets, the Mad Max car driving by on H Street, and the arrival of the replacement Bumblebee(s) to continue filming. Links to others show the unloading of 'Bee and Shia driving the Datsun along Pennsylvania Ave.

The fifth video is a nearly eleven minute look at some of the filming that occurred near the reflecting pool. At about that time, Bryan recorded 15 short videos from around that time that seems to include scenes with Shia, Josh and NEST. I chose a sample one, be sure to hit link below for the rest. The 7th video is from Sunday as at Constitution Hall. Not entirely sure but think Kevin Dunn (blue shirt) and Julie White (pink dress) were there. To finish things up, the last video returns us to explosion. This time from Constitution Avenue as it goes off and two cars smash into each other. Thanks to Shane, Bryan, Sideswipe, digifruitella, Katie, and Mauricio for the links, vides and images.

Transformers 3 DC Parking Lot Gallery

Thanks to Allison, here are images of the Washington, DC parking lot that is essentially base camp for Transformers 3 production complete with make-up, costume trailers and so forth. It is located near the Old Convention Center Parking Lot on 9th Street, between New York Street and H Street. The crew, once again showing their friendliness to fans, allowed picture to be taken as long as didn't touch anything and treated the property with respect. Sadly the Wreckers remained in their trailers so no pics of them. I believe the pictures were taken before the Bumblebee car accident which is why get a look at all of them including a peak of 'Bee next to the Ferrari. Still Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Ironhide, the Decepticon Suburbans and more are on site.