Transformers: Dark of the Moon concept artists Josh Nizzi, Joel Chang and Warren Manser have each posted concept art from the movie on their websites. Among the interesting tidbits it reveals is the near use of Steeljaw (called Warpath) and that Shockwave and Soundwave probably had other Decepticon codenames to prevent the leaking of details about the characters assuming the art didn't leak. Shockwave was being called Blitzwing while Soundwave was being called Breakdown but the artwork makes it very clear who they were going to be. Driller was being called Colossus but I am betting Marvel owns that name so couldn't get it cleared. Of the group, I think Nizzi's art is my favorite. If a Transformers 4 (reboot or continuation) is made and only one of this team can be brought back, I hope it is Josh Nizzi as he has shown the most command of Transformers design over the years. Below are sample of my more favorite pieces but make sure to hit the links for much more art.
Update: Aaron Sims, another DOTM concept artist, has now posted his TF3 work online. Read More »
An amusing commercial from ESPN featuring Mark Cuban and Optimus Prime.
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.
Read More »
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.
The movie news keeps coming and expect to ramp up even more with the world premiere in Moscow, the various talk show appearances and who knows what else. This is probably the best time to squeeze in various Transformers: Dark of the Moon news related to toys, promotions, toy reviews, Kre-O reviews, Oakley 3D glasses and more.
Life Sized Transformers Scrap Metal Statues
At this link is a few pictures of Transformers created over the years from scrap metal. I think I have posted about most of them at some time or another but nice to see them collected together. If want to check out more Optimus Prime, click here. Thanks to Feris for the link.
Soundwave Toys Coming
Now that we know that Soundwave's earth mode is a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, it is just a matter of time before the toys would come out. Full Metal Hero is reporting that three of them are in the works - a Human Alliance with Laserbeak, Deluxe Soundwave, and Cyberverse Legion. Expected release date is October, sadly no images yet. Read More »
Yahoo! Movies has posted 8 new stills from Transformers: Dark of the Moon. Most focus on the human characters but not all. Sadly the image sizes are not that big but still some cool shots. Thanks to Brendon for the link.
Speaking of still images, Jeff of Pixel Rally has posted more images from the Chicago set from when a lot of those stills were filmed. He also put together a comparison shots from the trailers & TV spots with what his camera captured last year. One of his observations is the building that gets squashed by the 100% CGI glass building (it was "built" on the neighboring empty lot) was changed between trailers, "they've made it look like there's a patio table instead of a person, and changed the styling of the building itself." He also has an image of Shia attacking a blue head while in Chicago which thanks to the TV spots we now know is Starscream so Jeff did a little Photoshop to the image to make the case. The comparison images are below, the full larger sized gallery can be found here.
Update Two need comparison images added by Jeff. One shows the "Power Glove" which actually appears to be a safety contraption as he swings around so can be "caught" by Bumblebee. The other gives you an idea of how cardboard face can be come more with Michael Bay and ILM doing their magic.
Update 2: Jeff, who was on site at the time it was filmed, argues that the glove is not a safety device, but "I think it shoots some grappling hook that Sam uses to climb up on the Decepticon, rides on it's head as he attacks it, and falls off, at which point Bumblebee catches him. There's other shots where the Josh Duhamel stunt double is trying to cut Sam free from the cable, and maybe he succeeds, so that's when they fall and Bumblebee skids in, Transforms, runs up the wall and saves them." He then provided a college to show the sequence of events (last pic below).
Feris Othman has tweeted more pictures taken with his blackberry from the "Chevrolet Transformers 3" road show at 1 Utama shopping center in Petaling Jaya. Yesterday was about the large displays and cars while today focuses on the Transformers toy themselves. Chevy seems to know how to do displays right as they had three cases filled to the brim with Transformers from all eras (the pics are front and back of those cases). There was a display of just Bumblebee (cause of the Camaro) including a diorama that mimicked an Ultimate Bumblebee transforming. Even cooler, someone was on site creating custom paint jobs of move related toys including Shockwave, Megatron and Optimus Prime. If something like this was done stateside you would probably get the car, posters a rack of DOTM toys to buy (which this show also had) but not much else. To view Feris's full gallery click here.
As part of a Transformers: Dark of the Moon promotion, Chevy Malaysia with Naza Quest is doing the "Chevrolet Transformers 3" road show at 1 Utama shopping center in Petaling Jaya. The show includes a Chevy Camaro SS with Bumblebee related deco, a concept truck, and a 22" foot tall model of Optimus Prime. Thanks to Feris Othman, below are pictures from the road show that he tweeted.
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 »
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 »
It has been a while since a link fest due to a lot of Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie specific news. This is a catch up of the toy and video game information with more coming from Botcon. Of note is a look at Leadfoot with maybe alt mode of Brains, a video review of Optimus Prime with trailer, Warpath concept art, galleries and more.
First Look at Wrecker Leadfoot
At this point I can't keep track of all the toys but I do believe this is the first time we have seen a toy for the red Wrecker Leadfoot. Of note is this is a Human Alliance figure with an interesting "human" which apparently is a Transformer dog. Could this be the alt mode of Brains, new BFF for Wheelie?Read More »
To my limited knowledge, the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys are now released worldwide (press release). Reports indicate your mileage will vary at the local level as many stores are doing a less then spectacular job of getting the toys up on shelves despite having many months advance noticed to be prepared. Related to this is yet more toy news, reviews, and galleries along with a few DOTM odds and ends in the links below.
Mechtech Optimus Prime with Trailer (10x)
Another version of Optimus Orune that is currently Japan only. This one is a look of voyager class Optimus Prime that comes with his trailer. We have seen leaks of this toy before but still cool to see. No news if this will get a stateside release anytime soon but I would be really surprised if it didn't as an exclusive at some point in time.
Toys R Us Hong Kong Midnight Launch Gallery
Hit the link to view pictures from the launch of the line last Friday night in Hong Kong that to HK-TF.com.Read More »
The official release of the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line is just days away, at least in the United States. Depending on where you live it may have already arrived. Here is more links to galleries and reviews of upcoming DOTM products including the first look at the full body of the reformatted Megatron. But first the links start a website that is perfect for putting together your toy wish list.
Dark of the Moon Toys R Us WebsiteThe Asian side of Toys R Us has launched their website to support the upcoming worldwide launch of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line. The Toys R Us website covers China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan but they are using the Hasbro packaging so the information applies to North America and Europe. The region is getting the toys a few days earlier than the US with China starting today and the other countries tomorrow.
The main value of the website is in the Product section that provides a breakdown of the Wave 1 toys by class with in and out of package images for each toy along the toy bio. Very useful for creating that wish list. The site also has a Character section with the CGI headshots, bio and tech specs for each character that will be available in the toy line at launch. Thanks to Feris Othman for the link.Read More »
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.Read More »
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.
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.Read More »
Today has been a bit of a media blitz (see next post) about Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The volume would make you think the trailer was released today but Michael Bay has already confirmed that we all will have to wait two more weeks. In the meantime the various articles about the movie has shown off an a truly awesome promo image of Optimus Prime with gun and blade extended with a devasted Chicago in the background. In addition a new image of Sentinel Prime has leaked thanks to Lyricis Interactive (mirrored by Collider). Thanks to Chris and Sahara for link.
 |
| Dear (Autobot) Leader. Optimus Prime |
With Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon opening in less than 3 months (July 1st), we thought it would be a good time for some filler wrapping up the missteps and good things in Revenge of the Fallen (Transformers 2). For the third installment, one can only hope they find a balance between the visually stunning first Transformers, vs. the overwhelming tintinnabulation of the second - the graphics didn't make up for the bloated mysticism of the story, which, admittedly, was alright by the kids as far as I could tell. It was almost like they wanted there to be dazzling graphics to take your mind off the fact that you had only a vague idea what was going on. Like, why did Optimus Prime even have to go ninja on so many - what was that, 19 Decepticons in that forest - enemies? Did it really take Ironhide, Ratchet and Bumblebee to escort Sam or whatever they were doing? This is just the beginning; there were other, less important but no less head-scratching moments that abused the suspension-of-disbelief upon which movies rely....Was Sam's mom high the whole movie? Why was she so hyper even before she ate the weed cookies? Where was the editor when Skids and Mudflap Transformers were brought up for review (more on this in a separate post) Out to lunch, apparently. What else can we expect from Michael Bay's clueless cauldron of humor, a turban-wearing Decepticon that infiltrates NORAD and blows itself up?
 |
| One baaaaddd dude. Starscream Transformer |
Consider getting a premium account in order to make all downloads blazingly fast! Plus, you get to download all files at the same time, instead of waiting:
following link to see Transformers 2:
http://www.uploadstation.com/file/7AqjG32
to the link below:
http://www.uploadstation.com/file/AFeYgyY
Download your FREE ebook on how to Make Money with Your Credit Cards here:
Thanks so much for supporting Cybertron Transformers! We couldn't manage this without you.
All remains basically dead on the Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie front. Sadly nothing either to verify if the trailer is coming next week either. In the meantime here is more toy stuff. Hit links below to view galleries of Optimus Prime with trailer, more Shockwave, Roadbuster and Jolt along with hints possible new additions to the DOTM toy line like Takara’s version of the combined Prime w/ trailer mode, human alliance Bumblebee and more.
Voyager Optimus Prime with Trailer (3x) A Japan Yahoo Auction provides a look at a version of Optimus Prime that currently has not been confirmed for American or European release. This version has voyager Optimus Prime with his trailer that currently is just a shell. Knowing Takara, it wouldn't surprise me if they have plans for that shell.
Voyager Sentinel Prime and Other Sets Speaking of the Japan market, while no pictures are provided Kapow Toys reports three new toys are joining the DOTM line there. Sentinel Prime is getting a voyager class release and two sets of around $100 each are planned - "#430254 T/F G1CONVOY & Movie OPTIMUS w/TRAILER" and "#430261 T/F G1MEGATRON & Movie MEGATRON". The details beyond that are unknown so no telling if looking at new molds, re-releases, DOTM molds are what that the sets will contain. Read More »
I thought about doing an April Fool's thing but considering the passion of fandom, it just seemed like it would backfire badly. So instead, here are the latest reviews of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys. Peaugh continues getting everything early with reviews of deluxes Laserbeak, Nitro Bumblebee, and Mudflap. Kapow Toys also has their own review of voyager Optimus Prime.
Laserbeak's alt mode is apparently is a jet but it just looks like a bird with little more creepy bird being the other mode. Except for the brief amusement of having him perch on Megatron's arm like did in Transformers: The Movie, there is little to the toy. Much like Ravage was for the ROTF line, he will be a future peg warmer. With Nitro Bumblebee, it seems that if you really want a DOTM Bumblebee toy, it’s a case of getting one or the other with no point in getting both. It does have a new and fairly creative transformation sequence but I see little reason to get this one over the regular deluxe 'Bee. Mudflap has same vehicle mode but different transformation sequence than his twin. Sadly he continues to suffer from the issue of simply being an ugly robot. The characters hitting the cutting room floor indicates another year of peg warming. Prime is about same as all voyager Primes. OK but not special.
