Time for another linkfest. With the Dark of the Moon news down to just the upcoming home video releases and repaints, figured time to merge this stuff into one. Have not decided if will start seperating this stuff out yet into a bunch of seperate posts or not. What do you think? This method easier or prefer five or six individual posts? Any case, the latest is a TF pinball machine, a look at more 3rd party figures, TF Prime concept art, repaints and a review.
iGear Masterpiece Cartoon Seekers
Third party Transformers maker iGear announced the next two toys in their not Masterpiece line. They are release cartoon version of not Starscream (December 31st) and not Skywarp (April 30th, 2012) that is based on their modified mold from Takara's Masterpiece Starscream that was released three or so years ago. The newish mold started with their recently released conehead seekers where the back leg wings have been modifed to eliminate the ball joint connection at the hip resulting in a better looking figure. Based on the coneheads, the retail cost will probably be around $130 each.
iGear's not Sharticon
Speaking of iGear, they also revealed the near final look at their next not Generation One Transformeer knockoff with a look at their not Sharkicons based on the Quintessons' evil minions from Transformers: The Movie. Not sure on size, release date, or cost. Keep hoping they will be so cheap that you could practically create an army of them but not holding my breath on that.
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A pieces of news in regards to Transformers: Dark of the Moon and Transformers: Prime for home video.
For DOTM release you can add a new case type on top of a steelcase and alt cover with a Transforming Megatron case, at least in Germany. No idea how widespread these alt cases will be in the other countries but if previous history is a guide usually they become store exclusives somewhere in other regions. Speaking of other regions, it seems Germany is getting the movie on November 10th and the UK on November 28th. 
Also below is the HD version of the US release commercial thanks to JosephNCali.
Shout Factory has announced the December 6th release of Transformers: Prime - Darkness Rising on DVD. The mini-series was the initial five episodes that launched the series last October. Their press release can be found here. The retail price is $14.97 but Amazon currently has it for pre-order at $10.49. Personally I am just going to wait until a season box set comes out.
Below are links to the various Transformers related panels held during the San Diego Comic Con. The panels include a look at upcoming toys, IDW's comic plans, Shout Factory on their various DVD sets and cast and creators of Transformers: Prime. If you are interested in viewing even more SDCC panels, links to more than two dozen panels from movies, TV, comics, toys, and video games have been collected here.
Hasbro Transformers Toy - Part 1 | Part 2
IDW Transformers Comics - Part 1 | Part 2
Shout Factory (DVDs) - Part 1 | Part 2
Transformers: Prime - Part 1 | Part 2
Transformers: Prime Roundtable - Part 1 | Part 2
Yesterday was the preview, today was the first official day of the San Diego Comic-Con 2011. Transformers held multiple panels today from Hasbro, IDW, and Transformers: Prime revealing upcoming toys (including asked about DOTM toys), comics news, and hinting at a significant story arc for Prime.
Hasbro Transformers Panel
The Hasbro panel revealed a bunch of new toys that are in the works. The Generations line is getting relaunched with Junkheap (Wreck-Gar repaint) and Sky Shadow (Thunderwing repaint). Dark of the Moon wave 6 toys will include deluxe Wheeljack (specifically not Que) and Soundwave who will come in deluxe, Human Alliance (with Dylan Gould), and legion sizes. Additional DOTM toys include Air Raid and Darksteel. Target will be getting two score exclusives in the form of Leadfoot and a Leadfoot/Twin Twist two pack. Not sure why they just don't do a Wrecker trio set. Even more Transformers: Prime toys were teased with concept art for legion & deluxe class Wheeljack, legion Bumblebee, commander class Ironhide, deluxe Soundwave with Laserbeak, deluxe Knockout, voyager Skyquake, and voyager Starscream.
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The San Diego Comic-Con 2011 officially begins today but that didn't prevent visitors getting a chance from looking at the various displays that where built by the many companies that are using the convention as a means to promote their products including Hasbro. Below are links to the many galleries that have been posted of the upcoming wave of Transformers including Unicron, Toys R Us exclusive Rodimus Prime, Kre-O displays, Transformers: Prime toys, pallet of Kre-O Primes and more. Except for a couple of repaints, there isn't really anything new. Thanks to Sahara for some of the links.
Preview Night Galleries - TFormers (x217) | TFW2005 (9x)
Various galleries that are a combo of Transformers products and displays. The number in () is pics at the link.
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In prep for the San Diego Comic-Con 2011 that starts today, Hasbro has released official images of the next wave of Transformers: Prime toys that are scheduled to come out either this December or early next year. The next wave includes voyager Optimus Prime, voyager Bulkhead, deluxe Zombie Cliffjumper, and deluxe Vehicon. In addition Peaugh has posted a video review (below) of Transformers: Prime deluxe Starscream that is looking pretty sweet.
Tomorrow brings a new episode of Transformers: Prime on The Hub at 7pm EST. Below is a preview clip found by Seibertron from the episode called "Metal Attraction." Looks like might be a fun one.
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 »
A new episode of Transformers: Prime, called "Operation: Breakdown", premieres tomorrow on The Hub at 7pm EST. The description for it is "The Autobots roll out to rescue Breakdown, the Decepticon, who has been kidnapped by Silas and the sinister agents of MECH." No idea if this is the beginning of a cluster of new episodes or not. Screenshots from the ep can be found here.
On a related note, ToonZone has posted an interview with Transformers: Prime (and G.I. Joe: Renegades) executive producer Jeff Kline. He discussed how they developed the series and hinted at future plans. The full interview can be found here.
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 »
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 »
This is a repost. Do to blogspot.com failure, Google had to restore from a backup that was 30 hours old eliminating the original and related comments
Transformers: Prime's first season has scored 4 Daytime Emmy Award nominations and two wins today from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. The show accounts for six of the eight nominations The Hub received in its first year of broadcasting. I also believe that it is the first Emmy nomination for the legendary Peter Cullen whose long history of voice work should have garnered more than just Emmy mod. Below is the press release from the Hub. Congratulations to Peter Cullen and the cast and crew of Transformers: Prime. Hopefully they will add a few trophies when winners are announced at the live ceremony on June 19th.
Nominations
Outstanding Performer In An Animated Program - Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime
Outstanding Directing In An Animated Program
Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction And Composition
Outstanding Writing In Animation
Winners
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - Vince Toyama (WINNER)
Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation - Christophe Vacher (WINNER)Read More »
This Saturday a new episode of Transformers: Prime called Shadowzone will air on The Hub. The episode description, "Kids are trapped in an alternate dimension with a reanimated Skyquake in the middle of a GroundBridge failure." Commercial is below.
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 »
The next new episode of Transformers: Prime called "Out of His Head" will air this Saturday, May 7th. The episode description, "Megatron controls Bumblebee from inside his mind and influences his behavior at HQ." Below is the TV spot for the ep. (via TFW2005) Read More »
The next episode of Transformers: Prime airs next Saturday on the Hub. From Comic Continuum, here is a preview of "Sick Mind" described as "Optimus Prime becomes infected with a Decepticon plague and Arcee and Bumblebee must sneak aboard the Nemesis to find the formula for the cure." (via TFW2005)
Update: From the comments, "Sick Mind" will be the new episode on Saturday, April 30. "Convoy" was a repeat tonight.Read More »
Hero Complex has posted screenshots and short clip from the next episode of Transformers: Prime that airs tomorrow at 7PM EST. The episode introduces Airachnid which invokes Beast War's Blackarachnia. Hit the link above to view.
New episodes of Transformers: Prime returns to the airwaves with a new time slot of Saturday at 7PM EST. "Speed Metal" has the Arcee, Bulkhead, and Bumblebee taking on Knockout and Breakdown. (via Seibertron)
MSN TV has posted the dates for the next four episodes of Transformers: Prime but only a description for one of them. (via Seibertron)
* Divide and Conquer (listed as 04/17/11 but probably mean 4/22/11)
* Sick Mind (04/29/11) - Optimus Prime becomes infected with a Decepticon plague.
* Out of His Head (05/06/11)
* Shadowzone (05/13/11)
