Transformers Cartoon News

Ark Addendum: Webworld (part 5) and a special milestone

All week over at his "Disciples of Boltax" blog, Jim Sorenson has been treating everyone to an extensive series of sketches inspired by the G1 Transformers episode entitled "Webworld."

Jim has just posted Part 5, which finishes out the therapy portion of the backgrounds. We have excerpted a small image below for your convenience.



Also of note is a special milestone that Jim is celebrating in regards to his blog. We'll let him tell you in his own words.

Finally, this post is something of a milestone. My very first post was a year ago today. That makes today the one year anniversary of this blog. Looking back, there were exactly 300 posts in the first year (this is #301 for all time), an average of over 300 visitors per day and over 100,000 pageviews. In that time I've published two books, gotten married and seen blog contributors come and go. I like to think that we'll have as much to be proud of next year.

Congratulations, Jim! If you have never visited his blog, now would be a great time to do so. Simply go to boltax.blogspot.com or click here.

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Ark Addendum: Webworld (Part 4)

A few days ago, our good friend Jim Sorenson dropped us a line to let us know that all this week he would be posting sketches featuring a very popular episode of the G1 Transformers series entitled "Webworld."

It was our intent to keep you updated on these postings but unfortunately we were having some server issues.

However, Jim is now up to Part 4. We'll let him describe it in his own words.

Webworld continues! The fourth set of models are two rooms inside the advanced facility. Originally I was going to combine these models with the ones on the previous page, but they're just so detailed that I couldn't bear to shrink them.

The top drawing is just a corridor, and yet look how elaborate it is. The bottom drawing is the room where Galvatron's 'art therapy' takes place.

Once again, a big shout-out to Monzo for providing these beauties.

We have excerpted part of the sketch to give you a special sneak peak.



Be sure to visit Jim's blog to view not only the rest of part 4, but parts 1-3 (and many other sketches) if you have missed them!

Seibertron.com - The Ultimate Transformers resource!

Ark Addendum Update: Webworld (Part 1)

Jim Sorensen has updated his blog 'Disciples of Boltax' with another page out of the Ark Addendum. This time around it's one of his favourite episodes from Generation One Season 3 - 'Webworld'. Check out part of the sketch (the rest can be seen on his blog) and what he has to say below.

It's time for more of The Ark Addendum. All this week, and for a little while yet to come, I bring you Webworld. Webworld was a third season episode and one of my favorites. It probably was the most Decepticon-centric episode of the series, with only a brief Autobot/Decepticon scuffle in the beginning of the episode. After that, it was all-Galvatron, all the time. It lampoons the mental health system, examines how the Decepticons would chafe under an insane leader, and manages to be very funny to boot. It's also one of the few episodes where I have virtually every model. I decided to to package all of them together, so the next few days will be all-Webworld, all the time. I hope you enjoy.

This is a good time to introduce the newest Disciple of Boltax - Monzo. For those of you who don't know, Monzo is what I'd call an über-fan. Named for the Headmaster, he has devoted a good fraction of his energies to obscure facts, merchandise and characters from Transformers. Check out his website if you have a moment. He's generously agreed to share some of his findings here, so I look forward to seeing what treasures he will unearth. You can thank him for most of the background images from Webworld that I'll be displaying, including the lovely shot of the planet itself.

Michael McConnohie (voice of G1 Tracks and Cosmos) lands new role

Michael McConnohie, best known to Transformers fans for voicing Tracks and Cosmos in the G1 Sunbow Cartoons has now landed a new acting role. We'd like to thank Sharon Dean, Michael's Appearances Coordinator for sending us the following press release.


MICHAEL McCONNOHIE, veteran voice actor (TRANSFORMERS Tracks, Cosmos, Hotshot, Ironhide and currently WoW's LICH KING - see selected credits below) is a regular on the new sci-fi web series FRONTIER GUARD.


Just released - a new "Faces of the Guard" vignette featuring his character, alien Professor Walt Kellogg:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxga5QAgmxc


For further information on the FRONTIER GUARD project, go to:

http://www.frontier-guard.com/


MICHAEL McCONNOHIE's extensive credits include TRANSFORMERS (Tracks, Cosmos, Hotshot, Ironhide), G.I. JOE (Cross Country), VISIONARIES (Ectar, Lexor), THE BIG O, DIGIMON, WORLD OF WARCRAFT (Lich King, Uther), DIABLO II, CRACKDOWN, FINAL FANTASY, PARAWORLD, STAR TREK (games), MONSTER, ARGENTOSOMA, TENCHI MUYO!, BOBOBO-BOBOBOBO, CODE GEASS, ROBOTECH, DRAGON BALL MOVIE 3, STAR WARS ROGUE SQUADRON, POWER RANGERS, TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, HARE + GUU, LENSMAN, VAMPIRE HUNTER D ("D"), NARUTO, BLEACH, FIST OF THE NORTH STAR, TEKNOMAN, ERGO PROXY, PARANOIA AGENT, COWBOY BEBOP, DISGAEA, RUROUNI KENSHIN, BLUE DRAGON, LAST EXILE and many others.


Imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0566332/


For further information or appearance inquiries contact:

SHARON DEAN
Appearances Coordinator



Seibertron.com - The Ultimate Transformers Resource!

Hasbro Studios hires new Executive Producer

While we anxiously wait for the new Hasbro-Discovery joint venture network to take the air, Hasbro Studios continues to make key personnel hires. For those who are not aware, Hasbro Studios will be in charge of creating new programming for this network, based of course on iconic Hasbro toys such as Transformers, G.I. Joe, My Little Pony and many more.

In August, Stephen Davis was named President of Hasbro Studios. Just last month, Linda Steiner was appointed General Manager. Today, courtesy of a Hasbro, Inc. press release comes the news that Kathy Samuels is the new Executive producer.

Here is an excerpt of that press release.

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 6, 2009-- Kathy Samuels – an industry veteran with a proven track record of success during stints at both CBS Television Distribution Group (CTDG) and NBC – has been named Executive Producer at the newly-formed, Los Angeles-based Hasbro Studios. In this new role, Samuels will be responsible for overseeing production on a number of the Studio’s creative initiatives, covering a variety of program genres, according to Stephen J. Davis, Hasbro Studios President.

Samuels’ engagement follows her work at CTDG, television’s number one syndicator of programming. As CTDG’s Senior Vice President, Samuels was part of the team that oversaw the development, launch and programming of shows like “Rachel Ray”, “The Doctors”, “Entertainment Tonight” and “The Insider”.

“I've had the great fortune to work on some of the best brands in television,” Samuels said. “However, as a working mom, I've always had a personal and professional passion to make great television for kids, and in the kid and family arena, Hasbro owns and has access to the best brands in the business. I see Hasbro Studios as a perfect fit for my skills and interests, and it presents me with a wonderful opportunity.”

Prior to CTDG, Samuels spent more than a decade at NBC. As Senior Broadcast Producer, Samuels helped launch the nationally syndicated news magazine show “Access Hollywood” and its teen spin off “Real Access” for the Noggin network. Previously, she was the Entertainment Producer for KNBC Los Angeles.

Hasbro Studios president Stephen J. Davis said, “Kathy comes to Hasbro Studios with a solid track record as a top producer and has been closely involved with some of television’s most successful and enduring franchises. The Studio is establishing itself as a home for great talent – and Kathy’s vision and creativity complements the talented group of professionals we have been putting in place here.”
The Hasbro-Discovery JV Network is currently scheduled for a fall 2010 debut.

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Ark Addendum update: Blaster Blues

Our good friend Jim Sorenson contacted us today with the following message that we'd like to pass along.

Howdy, intrepid Seibertronians! I wanted to let you know that I've updated Disciples of Boltax (boltax.blogspot.com) with some new G1 character models. This week, it's the landscapes (and spacescapes) from the episode Blaster Blues.

For those of you who are newer fans, "Blaster Blues" was an episode of the G1 Transformers cartoon produced by Sunbow. These same cartoons are now available in stores as we speak, thanks to Shout! Factory. Blaster Blues is part of the Season 2, Part 1 set.

As usual, Jim has permitted us to excerpt part of the image, but to check out the full sketch (and a lot of other goodies as well), please visit his blog.



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Two Transformers DVD sets nominated for "TV DVD Awards"

While Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has dominated DVD news lately, there have been a lot of other fun Transformers DVD's released over the past year.

Two such releases, Transformers Animated Season 2 and Transformers 25th Anniversary Matrix of Leadership boxed set have now been nominated for awards.

Here is some more info, courtesy of Homemediamagazine.com.

A diverse selection of new hits and old favorites highlights the nominees list for the Sixth Annual TV DVD Awards, presented by Home Media Magazine, Agent DVD Magazine and TVShowsOnDVD.com.

Consumer voting for the awards began Nov. 2 and runs through Nov. 20 at HomeMediaMagazine.com/TVDVDVote2009 (the full ballot is available below. Vote now). Winners will be announced in December.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment’s Lost: The Complete Fourth Season and Warner Home Video’s Fringe: The Complete First Season took three nominations apiece. Lionsgate’s acclaimed Mad Men: Season Two release earned two nominations.

But the studio earning the most nominations was Paramount Home Entertainment, with 10 total nominations, including six from the CBS division. In second place with seven nominations was 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment. Indie distributor Shout! Factory earned four nominations, tying with Warner, Lionsgate, HBO Home Entertainment and BBC Video.

To be eligible, titles must have been released between Oct. 1, 2008, and Sept. 30, 2009. A blue-ribbon panel of judges rated each title based on the complete treatment, including program content, bonus materials and packaging. More than 170 submissions were considered.

The Transformers nominations come in the following categories.

Transformers Animated: Season Two, Paramount
Best Kidvid TV DVD -
A disc release intended for younger viewers

The Transformers: 25th Anniversary Matrix of Leadership Edition, Shout! Factory
Best Animation TV DVD -
A disc release of animated programming

To visit the nomination page, see the complete list of nominees and cast YOUR vote please click here!

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Ark Addendum Update: More Masterforce character models

Our good friend Jim Sorenson dropped us a line to let us know of some new character models that have been posted on his "Disciples of Boltax" blog.

This time around, Jim continues with some more sketches of the weapons of the Destron Headmaster Juniors.

You may view the sketches (and many more) by visiting Jim's blog.

Seibertron.com - The Ultimate Transformers Resource!

Next Transformers Cartoon Likely for 2010?

ENI News reports that news regarding the next Transformers cartoon, and other Hasbro properties will be told at Hasbro's Investor Day event in Rhode Island, on November 5th. CEO Brian Goldner hinted that Transformers, GI Joe, and My Little Pony would all be returning to TV at some point next year, during a conference call. To read their full report click here.

Not much is known about the next Transforms series, so stay tuned to Seibertron.com for info regarding it when it comes!

Destron Headmaster Juniors' Weapons: Ark Addendum

Jim Sorenson updates his blog with another animation design sheet...the weapons of the Destron Headmaster Juniors...so get your 'head on' and check 'em out.

Another week, another set of models. This week I bring you the weapons of the Destron Headmaster Juniors.

Unlike the Cybertron Headmaster Juniors, this trio remains armed to the teeth, even in their alternate modes. No namby-pamby rescue vehicles these, instead we get vicious crab/cobra monsters, a winged wolf thing, and mighty bull. While Cancer and Bullhorn get pretty cool weapons, Wilder just holds his regular gun. Boo! And yet they made him the leader.

Hasbro Studios hires two more executives

Back in August, we reported that Stephen Davis had been appointed the new President of Hasbro Studios, which will create programming for the new Hasbro-Discovery joint venture network.

Today, thanks to Yahoo Finance's business wire we have news that two more senior executives have also been hired by Hasbro Studios.

PAWTUCKET, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS - News) announced today the appointment of two senior executives at the company’s newly formed Hasbro Studios, which is based in Los Angeles. Well regarded entertainment industry executives, Lisa Licht and Linda Steiner will be stepping into leading roles at the Studio, working closely with Studio President Stephen J. Davis.

Linda Steiner, a veteran of Warner Bros., Cartoon Network and ABC Entertainment, has been named head of girls and preschool programming. Lisa Licht, who has served for two years as general manager of entertainment and licensing at Hasbro, has been promoted to general manager, Hasbro Studios.

Steiner joins Hasbro Studios from Warner Bros. Animation where she was senior vice president of creative affairs. While at Warner’s, Linda was responsible for overseeing development and production of some of the most high profile and highly rated animation programming on television including, The Batman, for which she won an Emmy Award, Legion of Super Heroes and Teen Titans. Steiner joined Warner Bros. in 1998 as vice president, development. Previously she held senior positions at ABC Entertainment in the network’s Children’s Entertainment division.

Prior to joining Hasbro, Lisa Licht held several senior-level posts at Twentieth Century Fox including executive vice president, global marketing, and senior vice president, feature film promotions and field operations. She was senior vice president of marketing at Mattel where she managed the worldwide BARBIE brand. Licht has spent the past two years growing Hasbro’s licensing business and helped play an integral role in developing the company’s TV strategy. Recently, she has been a member of the executive team responsible for the integration efforts for the Hasbro-Discovery Joint Venture. Moving to the studio, Licht will have broad responsibilities within the Studio which will include working along side Davis on strategy, operations, and coordinating the activities between the Studio and the new television network created by the joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA - News, DISCB - News, DISCK - News), that is planned to debut Fall 2010.

Stephen Davis commented, “Lisa and Linda represent very significant additions to the executive team at Hasbro Studios. Both have held key positions at some of the most successful companies in the children’s entertainment arena and are well respected for their leadership and accomplishments. They will make substantial contributions as we shape the iconic Hasbro brands along with other emerging and existing properties into new forms of visual entertainment.”

Hasbro Studios’ productions will feed all platforms, domestically and globally, including television, the Internet and mobile. New programming is planned based on brands such as ROMPER ROOM, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, SCRABBLE, CRANIUM, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, GAME OF LIFE, TONKA and TRANSFORMERS, among many others.

In addition, the “virtual” studio will produce programs from top third party content creators. Many of these shows will run on the new Hasbro/Discovery JV television network as well as on multiple channels in international markets.

To view the original article click here.

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Ark Addendum: War of the Dinobots

Working on completing your information related to the generation one cartoon episodes, Jim Sorenson reveals yet another animation model, this time for the episode 'War of the Dinobots'.

This newest addition to the archives shows the meteor, and observatory models for this episode which introduces dinobots Snarl and Swoop. The first three Dinobots change alliances thanks to the influence of the Decepticons, and its up to Snarl and Swoop to help free the Autobots from Megatron, and try to convince the dinobots to rejoin the Autobot cause.

Check out a glimpse of the page below, and the full addition at the Disciples of Boltax blog.



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SHOUT!'s G1 Transformers Season 2 Volume 2 Release Date Information

Pre-orders for Season 2 Volume 2 of Shout! Factory's Transformers Generation 1 Collection are available, and provide us with a release date and retail price for this, the next set in the series.

According to TVshowsonDVD.com, these pre-orders show the release date to be January 12th with an MSRP of $29.99.

Previous news regarding the cover art of the set can be found here. Don't forget, the entire collection is set to be released on October 20th in special collector's edition set (Matrix of Leadership Edition), but if you want the individual releases, now you know when to be on the lookout!

Seibertron.com for all of your Transformers news and resource needs.

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New Stan Bush interview now online

We recently reported that the soundtrack to the 1986 animated Transformers movie was named one of the Top 10 Sci-Fi soundtracks of all-time by Totalscifionline.com

The highlight of that album for many has always been the iconic rock anthem "The Touch" by Stan Bush. Totalscifionline.com recently took some time to interview Stan about not only making the list, but many other topics as well.

Here is an excerpt.

Were you commissioned to write 'The Touch' for Transformers the Movie, or did the song exist before then?

We actually wrote ‘The Touch’ for the Stallone move Cobra, but the record label ended up getting the song in Transformers: The Movie. I remember initially thinking it was just some cartoon movie, but little did I know it would become such a phenomenon.

What did you make of the movie and the use of your song in it?

It was very cool. I attended the screening and met some of the people who worked on the movie. It was great how they featured 'The Touch' in the crucial moments in the film.

Did you get to meet any of the cast, such as Orson Welles?

I met Weird Al Yankovic [who also featured on the soundtrack]. He was on the same record label, and we met at an industry party. I also met Greg Berger [Grimlock] and Peter Cullen [Optimus Prime].

You may read the entire interview here.

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Transformers Animated pulled from Cartoon Network lineup!

TFormers reports that the latest Transformers cartoon Transformers Animated has finally been pulled from Cartoon Networks programming. This comes to us as no surprise as it was long known that it has been ended with season 3 with all links to season 4 removed.
To read TFormers original article please just click here.

So we all say farewell Animated, it was fun knowing you.

Stay tuned to seibertron.com for all your Transformers related news!

The Ark Addendum Update: Hydra and Buster's weapons

Our good friend Jim Sorenson dropped us a line today with some info we wanted to pass along.

Howdy, newsmen of Seibertron. A quick update - I've added a new page of character models to my blog, Disciples of Boltax. It's the weapons for Buster and Hydra from Masterforce.



As always, feel free to excerpt part of the image if you are so inclined. The address is http://boltax.blogspot.com



Cheers,

Jim

Thanks, Jim. We've done just that.



To see the rest of the image (and much much more), please check out Jim's blog.

Seibertron.com - The Ultimate Transformers Resource!

Transformers (1986) makes Top 10 list of Best Sci-Fi Soundtracks

Our good friend Stan Bush dropped us a line to let us know that the 1986 Transformers movie soundtrack has just been honored by totalscifionline.com. They have listed their Top 10 Sci-Fi movie soundtracks of all-time. Not surprisingly, the original Star Wars (or Episode IV: A new Hope, if you prefer) took top honors but the animated Transformers movie found its way onto the list at #10.

Here is what totalscifionline.com had to say about the Transformers soundtrack.

Queen’s gloriously bombastic score for Flash Gordon also ranked highly, as did the classical soundtrack to 2001: A Space Odyssey. Perhaps surprisingly, the soundtrack to 1986’s Transformers: The Movie clocked in at number 10 ahead of more obvious choices, proving that Vince DiCola and Stan Bush have still got – to quote the soundtrack’s most famous song – “The Touch”.

You may view the original article which has the complete Top 10 here.

Seibertron.com - The Ultimate Transformers Resource!

Shout! Factory Season 2 Volume 2 DVD Art

Thanks to our friends over at tvshowsonDVD.com we all have a good clean look at Shout! Factory Transformers Season 2 Volume 2 DVD cover art. At this point in time, there is no scheduled release date however keep your eyes glued to Seibertron.com for all the best news as it happens.

It would seem that the theme to the Shout! Factory DVDs will be somewhat like the Rhino releases where every DVD plays off the image of the previously released DVDs.

Unused Transformers Animated Designs

S250 was able to obtain and share some of the unused TFA designs for Season 3.

The designs features Ultra Magnus Cybertron alternate mode, Reflector as well as High Brow alternate mode.







Stay tuned to Seibertron for all the latest news on Transformers.

Frank Welker Talks Shout! Factory, ROTF and more

Frank Welker: [In Revenge of the Fallen] Soundwave didn't have nearly enough lines!!!!

Seibertron.com member Johndoe4880 was kind enough to drop us some info on a new Frank Welker interview posted by the fine folks at Ugo.com.

In the interview Frank tells all on how he feels about the Shout! Factory re releases of the monumental G1 Transformers cartoons, tells us who his favorite character to voice was and gives us the scoop on how he wanted more lines in ROTF.

You can read the interview by clicking here.