Transformers Finalist for Toy Hall of Fame

Transformers, the brand as a whole, is one of 12 finalists to join The National Toy Hall of Fame in 2011. The Toy Hall of Fame announced the 12 finalists yesterday, 7 of which are Hasbro properties. The competition is stiff for Transformers as the others finalists include Dollhouse, Dungeons & Dragons, Hot Wheels, Jenga, Pogo Stick, Puppet, R/C Vehicles, Rubik's Cube, Simon, Star Wars action figures, and Twister.

As you may have noticed some of the inductees are not a trademarked brand but more of the toy concept like previous inductees the kite, jump rope or checkers. The winner will be based on icon-status, longevity, encouraging learning & creativity, and innovation. Something Transformers has in spades. One November 10th, the two winners will be announced. You can find the full list of previous winners here. Below is the full press release. Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Time for another linkfest of Transformers news. It remains heavy on third party Transformers with a mix of G1 past and a new teaser for the Transformers Universe MMORPG coming next year.



Fansproject Heavylabor Teaser

The next vehicle in the Hercules (Devastator) set has been teased. The dump truck Heavylabor (aka Long Haul) will be the torso and hips once all the figures are out later in 2012. The estimated release date for the $100 figure is September 2011.

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Transformers: The Movie Turns 25 Today

Today is the 25th Anniversary of the release date of Transformers: The Movie, the true first movie for the one of the most successful toy and now movie franchises in the world. While the movie didn't do so hot in theatres, it seems it did just fine in home video sales since the movie keeps getting re-issued. This movie is why most Generation One fans bring up Unicron, proof that Optimus Prime is a bad@$#, and Hot Rod is an idiot among other now iconic aspects of Transformers.

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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.
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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.

Transformers Linkfest - Mostly 3rd Party Edition

It has been a while but here is another bunch of links to upcoming Transformers toys not related to Dark of the Moon. Most of them are 3rd party creations that look epic including a Devastator tease and plans for a Dinobots Combiner. Also have links to a few galleries of upcoming Hasbro releases.

MakeToy's Devastator Teaser
The company has released a full size image of the combined Devastator that will be a combo of six smaller robots (blurry images of those at the link). The combined figure looks to be a round 12 inches high. Read More »

Last Stand of the Wreckers Fortress Maximus Custom

I was going to post this as part of the Transformers Linkfest but really this custom job is just too pretty and deserves a little extra attention. In what can only be called dedication, GetRightRobot took one of the most coveted (and expensive) Generation One Transformers, Fortress Maximus, and added a fantastic paint job along with a bunch of custom tweaks resulting in a just gorgeous toy to emulate his Last Stand of the Wreckers look. The images were posted on the Seibertron message boards and almost a good reason to get my own boards.

This beauty has a custom parts, new main weapon, LED eyes, interchageable faces, new hands and whole lot more. Really worth the time to click here to view the full gallery with notes on its features. After that, watch the video below to learn the effort involved in creating him.

Transformers Linkfest

Yep, another link fest already but this one is for the non-Dark of the Moon news. News bits include a return to Botcon with a G4 report and Transformers: Prime panels. Also cover two custom figures, the new Masterpiece toy, 3rd party toys, Vince DiCola interview, two Transformers customs and reviews of the new Seeker Masterpiece toys. Bonus: Added one technically DOTM related item with Peaugh's review of the $150 Oakley Transformers 3D glasses.

Dark of the Moon Ultra Magnus Custom
During production of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, the character of Sentinel Prime was referred to by his placeholder name of Ultra Magnus. Customizer autobotx23 decided to make the toy version of that character by taking the leader class Sentinel Prime toy and performing his magic. At the link is a gallery of images and notes on the custom Transformer. Maybe one day this level of paint detail will be available at the retail level.

Botcon Transformers: Prime Panel and Video Interview
I glossed over it when I was reporting on Botcon but TFormers has posted a detailed summary of the Transformers: Prime panel (1st link). The discussion went from the development of the show, to how the G1 legacy informs what they do, toys, characters and more. They also posted a 35 minute interview with Transformers: Prime Executive Producer Jeff Kline (2nd link) in a separate panel as he discusses the characters and plans for the series as they gear up for season 2 (article here). Read More »

The Secret Origin of Transformers Part II

Then Marvel's Editor-in-Chief (or about to be) Jim Shooter has posted "The Secret Origin of the TRANSFORMERS – Part 2". Normally when people get into the history of Transformers, the discussion is on the business side with Marvel and specifically Bob Budiansky's efforts in creating the characters and mythology we now all know and love. What Shooter gets into with the second part of the discussion is the business side of the Transformers origin from his Marvel Comics perspective, specifically the dynamic that existed between the three companies that was molding what would become a worldwide franchise - Hasbro (toys), Sunbow (cartoons), and Marvel (comics, creative aspects).

An interesting tidbit that I didn't know is that Sunbow was a division of Hasbro's advertising agency Griffin-Bacal that was created specifically for the G.I. Joe cartoons and commercials but then extended to include Transformers (and later other Hasbro properties). Now it is obvious since most 80s cartoons existed to push the toys but then I just thought of them as like another Disney type company that made stuff I loved. The result is Sunbow and Marvel execs clashed for Hasbro's attention. Sunbow would take credit for Marvel's efforts while one Marvel executive was happy to let them due to his own hatred of comics (ironic but typical). The result is the usual ego and fighting that often occurs at the executive level, especially when one of them thinks they know everything while really knowing very little. My own experience supports this often chronic but rarely identified problem that occurs in corporate America. The article makes you wish someone from Hasbro would do their own behind the scenes blog posts as I am sure the franchise had its own battles getting to market within Hasbro. Part 2 can be found here (part 1 here).

Dark of the Moon Linkfest

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is now less than a week away from release. Thursday will mark the world premiere in Moscow even it seems Michael Bay and company already really premiered it in Rio de Janeiro and other places, but just didn't throw a party for it like they are in Moscow. In case this is another chance to get caught up on Dark of the Moon related stuff.

Takara Heat Scramble Booster Pack Art
Heat Scramble is apparently a collectible card game that Takara makes for the Japan market. For our purposes it is mostly just a great way to look at unique artwork inspired by all three Transformers movies.

Diecast Transformers Vehicles Coming
Full Metal Hero is reporting that Tomica (part of Takara-Tomy) is planning to release a die cast vehicle line around the movie version of Transformers. Think of them as (probably) higher quality matchbox cars. This is for the Japan market only.
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The Secret Origin of Transformers Part I

Jim Shooter has posted the first part of what he called "The Secret Origin of the TRANSFORMERS – Part 1". At the time, circa 1984, he was Editor-in-Chief of Marvel when Hasbro brought the franchise to them to help create the names and stories that would be used to market the toy line. It was the same model that they used in relaunching G.I. Joe where Larry Hama was given a chance to name, create the history and bios for those characters.

Any case in part 1 he discusses how the project came to Marvel and some of the early bumps that occurred in developing it. Of note is the mention of Dennis O’Neil who is credited with coming up with the name of Optimus Prime. The 1st part of the story (with more to come) can be found here.

Transformers Linkfest

Another catch-up news, reviews, and galleries on Transformers that doesn't involve the soon to be released movie. The info includes more hints on Transformers: The Ride, a new novel series, a comics related interview, amusing videos and reviews of most of the Botcon exclusive toys.

Transformers: The Ride Concept Art
Beyond the plans, there has been very little revealed about the attraction that is being built at Universal Studios Hollywood and Singapore. Some new artwork, four images total, have been released that hints at a tiny bit of what the attraction may contain including a look at an Autobot cavern, the line area for customers, control room and All Spark containment area.

New Transformers: Classified Novel Series
A leak on Amazon Japan indicates that a new young adult novel series is in the works called Transformers: Classified. The first novel, called "Switching Gears", written by Ryder Windham is scheduled to be released on October 21, 2011. The description provides few details, "An original Transformers novel series! Secrets are uncovered in the Nevada desert when a boy witnesses two Transformers arrive on Earth." There is no indication which TF universe this takes place in by considering Hasbro is at least trying to create a single one, I assume it is the War for Cybertron one. Read More »

Botcon 2011 Final Day Linkfest (Updated)

Today was the last day for Botcon 2011. As is often the case for conventions, not a whole lot of "new" left to report but below are links to reports from remaining panels, video and more galleries.

Update: Two new posts of interest. If interested in watching the IDW panel, Allspark has it posted here. If want to watch even more videos, Seibertron has posted 21 videos that cover all of Botcon from registration to all the toys displays and exclusives. Those can be found here.

Rage Over Cybertron 3-Pack
The new toy set was revealed that is three TFs from War for Cybertron line put sporting a new deco. If missed these Generations toys last year, this will be another chance to pick them up.

Hasbro Brand Panel
Hasbro panel that covers Transformers non-toy plans. Exiles, the sequel to novel Exodus, focuses on Optimus, involves rediscovery of lost TF colonies, more background on The 13, and introduce a new threat to the single continuity Hasbro is attempting to build. Mentioned Transformers: The Ride will be in 3D, based on the movies and one sequence will have riders go into Devastator's jaws. Hit the link for more. Read More »

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. Read More »

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.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Decepticon Base Diarama (10x)
From Transformers customizer frenzy_rumble is a gallery of images of his latest custom which is a diarama of G1 Decepticons. The base is a modified version of iGear Ark playset and I believe the figures are custom paint jobs of various G1, Masterpiece toys and others.

Starscream and the Seekers Cover "Bad"
A few months ago there was a music video to Michael Jackson's Thriller mostly featuring Autobots and now here is one covering Bad with all the Decepticon jets.
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Transformers Linkfest

While it has been a pretty busy week in Transformers: Dark of the Moon news (yeah bit of an understatement), the non-movie related links have been stacking up. The latest round news of a fan wish to continue Marvel's Transformers comics, Transformers: Prime score, Starscreams, TF lego creations, a custom Pretender, G1 related DVD news, and bunch of Peaugh reviews.

Fans Petition for Transformers Comic
Hit the link for the full details but the summary is Simon Furman, writer of many things Transformers, expressed interested continuing the stories of Transformers from the Marvel comics continuity, fans listened. The idea is the same as what IDW is already doing with G.I. Joe A Real American Hero title so in theory a new issue would start with Transformers #81. According to Simon, "There was a lot we never got to do, that I’d like to revisit or just to take the next big steps with all that we’d set up in the previous 20 or so issues." Currently the petition has 1705 names but could always have more.

Transformers: Prime Score for Free
TF: Prime composer Brian Tyler has posted 10 tracks of music from the first season of the series. Not available for download just yet but still a great listen. Really except for Batman: The Animated Series I don't recall last time a cartoon series has such a solid score.

Lego Optimus Prime (27x)
While Hasbro has its response with the Kre-Q line, the gallery of images at the link shows that there still isn't nothing like a well-built Lego model. The Lego Prime figure is built from 10k pieces and stands 55cm tall. (via TFormers)Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Nope, still no trailer news for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. In the meantime enjoy these galleries, videos and news related to Transformers including a ROTF auction, scrap metal art, a not really tragic death, and more.

Scrap Metal Movie Transformers (7x)
Hit the link to view a gallery of Transformers apparently created from scrap metal. I am not sure on scale the structures include Prime, Bumblebee, Jetfire, The Fallen, Starscream and Ironhide. The level of detail and just the overall look is pretty darn cool. Thanks to Tom for the link.

GI Joe/Transformer Line Plans? (3x)
A WonderCon panel called "Treasures of Hasbro Archives" revealed a bit of interesting Transformers history. It turns out that back in the 80s Hasbro considered a crossover line between Transformers and G.I. Joe. Ideas considered included a repaint of Omega Supreme and releasing Joe characters paired with accessories based on the look of Transformer characters like Arctic Baronness with Ravage.Read More »

Transformers: Exiles Book Announced

Author Alex Irvine, who wrote Transformers: Exodus, recently tweeted the release date and title for the sequel, “Hey #Transformers fans: the new book will be called EXILES, and it's due out on September 27." Exodus was a Hasbro sanctioned book that is considered part of their new canon for Transformers history so likely this one will be too. An Amazon listing is now up with a paperback price of $7.99. Below is their description of the novel.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

ROTF Accurate Custom Jolt
Hit the link for a gallery of images of a custom job that create a more movie accurate version of Jolt from Revenge of the Fallen complete with battle damage and arm tips that were used to provide Optimus with the "jolt" he need to merge if Jetfire's parts. Thanks to Bryan for the link.

NASA Announces Winner of Transformers Video Contest
A month or so ago, NASA held a contest for elementary school students to create videos about "their favorite technology." The contest was collaboration between Hasbro, Paramount and NASA "to help students understand how NASA technology 'transforms' into things used daily." The winners receive the NASA Optimus Prime trophy during the awards ceremony on April 12th with Peter Cullen (voice of Prime) at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. Congrats to the winners. (via Seibertron)Read More »