Transformers News

WonderCon 2013 IDW Transformers Panel Summary

Date: Monday, April 1st 2013 9:55am EDT
Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): Supreme Convoy

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Seibertron.com Moderator Supreme Convoy attended WonderCon 2013 over the weekend. He has provided us a summary of the IDW panel, as well as an audio recording and photos which you can view below:

Transformers presentation:
Transformers: Regeneration One with Simon Furman & Andrew Wildman

• The continuation of the Marvel series picking up where Furman & Wildman left off.
• Andrew Wildman is doing another project and will be leaving Regeneration One for a while.
• Guido Guidi will be the new artist of the title. They even showed a never before seen Guidi page during the panel. Stephen Baskerville will continue to ink.
• Andrew Wildman will continue to do covers and will return for #100.
• In the Q&A portion, Geoff Senior was suggested to replace Wildman by a fan. His schedule wouldn’t allow him to replace Wildman but there are plans for him to do sequential work. Senior will continue to provide covers.

Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters with Mairghread Scott, Mike Johnson, & Augustin Padilla.

• Launches in May.
• Scott says it’ll follow the same characters from Rage of the Dinobots and will continue to the present day leading into Transformers Prime Season 3.
• Energon is so scarce the Dinobots moves underground trying to find the last source of Energon.

Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye with James Roberts & Alex Milne

• According to John Barber, Issue #16 will “tear the internet in half” and made an IDW intern cry.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise with John Barber and Andrew Griffith

• Issue #15 just came out with Bumblebee’s government collapse, Megatron returns, and Prowl is Devastator’s head.
• “Things get worse before they get better.”
• Issue #17 will be the origin of Shockwave with Livio Ramondelli on art. It’ll tie into both More than Meets the Eye and Robots in Disguise.

Transformers: Monstrosity with Chris Metzen, Flint Dille, and Livio Ramondelli

• Monstrosity is a digital first exclusive comic. The print version will have three chapters collected in an issue.
• Follow up to Autocracy, Optimus’ origin.
• Monstrosity is about why the war started, Optimus unifying the divided planet while fighting monsters. There’s “lots of robot carnage.”

Transformers Spotlight issues with James Roberts, Matt Frank, and Agustin Padilla

• Trailcutter by Matt Frank on art.
• Hoist by Agustin Padilla on art.
• Both issues stand alone and will build towards what’s being set up #17 through #22 of both More Than Meets the Eye and Robots in Disguise.

Transformers teaser

• There was a short teaser with the words “Dark Cybertron.” It transitioned into an image of Shockwave and the words “The Purple Reign Begins.”
• Will debut in the Fall.
• Barber claims it’ll be the biggest event in Transformers history.

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You can listen to an audio recording of this event by clicking here.

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You can view larger images of these photos by clicking on the images and viewing the images in our Events section.

Seibertron.com Member Interview / Spotlight - Va'al

Date: Sunday, March 31st 2013 6:59pm EDT
Categories: Interviews, Site Articles
Posted by: Blurrz | Credit(s): Blurrz

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Hi Seibertronians! I think that once a month is an opportune interval to take a break from the flurry of Transformers news and shine more light on the awesome members of our community. When I initially planned to interview this Autobot, he was only a normal, hard-working maintenance 'bot. However our reigning Magnus has promoted this 'bot to the rank of Prime, so please give a warm welcome to my newest interview experiment subject and coincidentally, newest staff member, Va'al!

[START TRANSMISSION]

Blurrz: HiVa'al! Iwilltrytoslowdownmyspeechsoyoucancomprehendme. Before we dive into deep and thought provoking Transformers talk, let us give our fellow Transformers fans a little information on Spotlight: Va'al. Where are you from? Who is your favorite Transformers character? And lastly, why 'Va'al'?

Va'al: Hi! Well, this is nice. I've never really been interviewed before -- is this going to be my 15 minutes of fame, and then back to obscurity? You know, fame over, finished. Where I'm from is an easy question, it's the answer that's a bit trickier: I'm half-Tuscan, on my dad's side, half-Yorkshire, on my mum's - that's half-Italian half-English, for non-Europeans! But there's Turkish, French, Dutch and Irish blood in me. Grew up in Italy, and moved to the UK in 2008. My screen name is actually a blend of my second name and my first (Alex), and I'm quite proud of it. It gets annoying when websites don't allow apostrophes though. I have to stick an 'h' in there instead. As for my favourite Transformers character... this one's a pickle, I've been trying to figure it out. I always thought it'd be Soundwave, and my collection seems to prove that. But reading the recent More Than Meets the Eye comics series, I discovered Vos. A linguist, a sadist, a Decepticon. After my own spark. Literally. As an afterthought, though, I think The Fallen, deserves an honourable mention. He's a part of the background mythology of the other characters, and he's modelled on various mythemes from different cultures, something I'm particularly interested in. Plus, he's on fire, baby.



What got you into Transformers? Do you remember your first toy?

I wrote about this in my collection thread, but I'm still trying to locate things in time really. As I was born in 1989, in Italy, I didn't catch a lot of original stuff. First series I remember watching, and following, was Beast Wars; it stopped airing after the last episode of season 1. I was extremely disappointed. I'm sure it was on TV after that, but I never found it again (I finally caught up three years ago).

The thing that really got me back into the toys (I had a few as a kid, especially Beast Wars, though, were the three recent Michael Bay films. When the Revenge of the Fallen toyline came out in the UK, I fell in love with Sideways and Sideswipe, and it just kept going from there.



My first toy, on the other hand, was a present my dad got me during one of his business trips: G2 Sideswipe, known to me as 'Freccia' ('Arrow'). I loved it, but have no idea where it went. I think my fondest memory of a Transformer toy was Beast Wars Optimus Primal, which my mum bought me on a surprise trip to the toy shop for one of my birthdays. He's still alive and kicking, although missing all his missiles bar one, and only has half a sword left.

That's an interesting point you bring up, as I believe a fair number of us Transformers fans were brought back into the hobby from the Transformers Movies! For those who have yet to dive into your collection thread, what is your favorite Transformers line that you have collected? And why so?

For a while, the only line I was collecting were the movie-related ones: Revenge of the Fallen, Hunt for the Decepticons, Reveal the Shield, Dark of the Moon. Then some Generation started appearing across the UK. I can't remember which one I picked up first, but some of them were absolutely stunning! So different from the movie lines!
Then Power Core Combiners showed up. That was a troubled relationship, to say the least. I bought the Crankcase and Destrons 5-pack on a whim. Played around with him, then decided to give him to my brother for Christmas. As I was wrapping the figures, I had a strange feeling of regret. I put them to one side, and got him something else. The following day I found Bombshock and the Combaticons on sale. I bought a couple more after that, didn't like them that much, sold them again. Then missed them, horribly, a couple of months later. You know where this is going...



I've said this before, PCCs are not only desirable, they are adorable.


Well, as long as you have your kidneys! It is interesting to get the perspective of fans who aren't exactly in the heartland of the Transformers fandom. Do you feel like the Hasbros in Europe are providing enough content for the fans who want to keep up with their fellow fans in North America or Asia? If there is one thing you could change about the way the company works in Europe, whether that be distribution, toy content or something else, what would that be?

I've spoken to several other European fans, from Italy, Germany, France, the Netherlands and, of course, the UK. And no, I don't think there is a particularly good service. Entire waves not arriving, surplus of earlier waves at the cost of later ones, store exclusives, even distribution within the same country! And the prices are pretty ridiculous too.

If I were to change something, just magically change it, I'm not considering any real-life application here, it would probably be distribution. I'd like to ensure that the different branches across Europe have similar stock at similar times, rather than the current situation: if I go visit my girlfriend in Manchester (north of England), I will find a lot more selection than here in Norwich (south-east). As soon as I go back to Italy to visit family, they're still a series or two behind, even.

However, I only realised all of this once I joined Seibertron.com. Had I not been wanting to keep up to date with the franchise, I never would have known, and possibly never cared, either.

I'll have a go at what you said though: do you really think that the "core" of the fandom is in the US or Asia? For the toys, maybe, but in terms of comics... Simon Furman, Andrew Wildman, John-Paul Bove, Nick Roche, Livio Ramondelli (although he now lives in L.A.), Guido Guidi, James Roberts. All from Europe, and at the core of the current, and in my opinion, extremely successful, three series!



Good insight! I think it would be incorrect for fans in general to underestimate the European contributions to the Transformers brand! Let us get one more toy-related question in before we head into more comic-heavy discussion. What is your Transformers toy holy grail?


Ah. Er... Hm. I'm not actually sure I have one, as of now. I'm getting to a point where I feel like quitting collecting the toys for a bit, to save some extra money while I'm still getting some for my studies. And that thought tends to push out most of the others!

I really like the mythology currently being explored by both the animated series Transformers: Prime and the comics series, and the focus on the different origin stories of Cybertron and its inahbitants. It's not really a grail, more of a "I'd like to see a figure of...": Nova Prime and The Fallen, and possibly the Decepticon Justice Division.

(Although I am patiently waiting for Maketoys to deliver their stand-in for The Fallen... and it's PCC compatible! Double win!)



There's a Transformers fan who has yet to read IDW Transformers comics. What issue or series do you hook them with, and why?

How did you guess I'm into the comics? The easy thing would be to start with the "official" jumping-on point of the two most recent series, Robots in Disguise and More Than Meets the Eye. Maybe even The Death of Optimus Prime, to get some pointers about how previous stuff ended and the series begin. And a lot of fans seem to prefer either one or the other, whilst still reading both (and they do call to each other, every now and then). The problem with recent IDW stuff? It's all connected. The writers are quite explicitly trying to patch up some continuity troubles from the previous series, and most of the Spotlight comics are set back then too. So if you haven't read any of the IDW stuff, I'd cheat, and suggest the IDW Omnibus reprint of Dreamwave's The War Within, published as Transformers: War Within. Simon Furman, Don Figueroa and Andrew Wildman shaped a really good prequel to pretty much the whole story we all know. Shame it was never finished (although I do have the first three issues of the third part of the story, plus the scripts and summary of the ending). It does introduce The Fallen, though.



Good ole' Dreamwave! So lets move along to the current side of Transformers comics, mostly looking at Robots In Disguise and More Than Meets The Eye. I'm rather sure if we started discussion on the series itself we'd end up writing a novel, so sadly I guess instead off looking at each series at a whole, I guess I'll just rephrase this question, first focusing on RID, what was your favorite issue in RID so far, and why?

These may contain spoilers, if reader's haven't caught up with the series yet!

As much as issue 14 contains a gigantic turn of events, I still think that issues 12 and 13 work, on a different level. The build-up is insane: Prowl is recovering from being blown up, disappears and reappears beefed up; Wheeljack is trying to keep everything under control, unsuccessfully (and he quotes Ghostbusters); Megatron returns, gets almost blown to pieces by the Autobots, then is taken in for recovery by Wheeljack and Jetfire; Starscream gives a heck of a speech, only to find out that no one cares, especially not the Decepticons; Arcee reveals herself to Blurr and his bar clientele (including a Sky-Bite/Jazz spoken word-music double act). And that's just issue 12!

Special mention goes to the Annual, especially for the flashback sequences drawn and coloured by Guidi. Wow.

(As an aside, and I know not everyone will agree, but I really enjoy how Griffith is trying to give characters their toy counterpart look, where possible.)

RID's sister comic, More Than Meets The Eye. Favorite issue so far, and why?

For this one, there are three big contenders: issue 6, with the introduction of the Decepticon Justice Division; issue 12, exploring the various relationships between the characters on the Lost Light; issue 13, because it's stupidly fun. Oh wait, 7, too. But Shadowplay is amazing as well. Blast.

Ok, focusing on just one issue. I'd say 12. It expands on Tailgate, Cyclonus, Whirl, and especially Chromedome and Rewind. It was really moving, and I'm not embarassed to say it, the way in which Chromedome talks about Rewind's past and how he found him. Really good character development. And useful to the plot, in the light of issue 14, which I've only just read.

But Shadowplay - That's a story by itself. That is something that needs reading. Takes up from where Chaos Theory left, and wow, does it have a kick and a half.

(Again, special mention to the Annual, for its further look at the mythology behind Cybertronian culture.)



They are certainly a series that fans can get into! This is probably not talked about much, despite him being such a dynamic character - with Megatron's resurrection/reappearance in our two Ongoings, what role do you see Orion Pax/Optimus Prime playing in the near future? Is he a character that belongs back with the rest of the cast, or should he remain an outcast? In a related note, any comments on the art of Ramondelli?

Ah, yes. I was initially disappointed with his return so early in the series, but I do like that he's doing his own thing at the moment! He's chasing Jhiaxus and Bludgeon, dangerous characters, who are chasing Shockwave's plans. That's three of the sharpest, most dangerous Decepticon minds he's after. I think he has his hands full as it is, to be honest. Having said that, his stories do appear in the same series as Megatron, but with Overlord back again in MTMTE, the Decepticon leader also might have his hands full.

Ramondelli's work is something very different from the rest of the artistic cast. His cover art is superb, Autocracy was executed brilliantly, and I enjoyed every moment of it, and I'm really looking forward to the Monstrosity TPB. Chaos, on the other hand, was a bit confusing at times. He does shine on spreads and splash pages though, and he's excellent at talking with fans. And he does all his work on paper (then scans it and colours it)!

We touched on this prior, so let us say you get a cushy job at Hasbro R&D, you are assigned character selection for 2014 Generations Waves 3 and 4. We already know you love the DJD, so they're Wave 3. Who is in Wave 4?


Hmm.

So we have Tarn, Vos, Helex, Tesarus and Kaon (with The Pet!) as wave 3, with Vos and Kaon as Deluxe, and the other three as Voyagers. I think we need some love for Rung, Swerve, Tailgate and Rewind. But throw in Metalhawk and Jhiaxus, too, from Robots in Disguise. And I suppose Prowl, at this point, is a must.

But for some real fanservice, you want Overlord. Deluxe size tank, Deluxe size jet, Voyager(ish, probably a little bigger) robot mode.



Do it Hasbro!

Time for word association, I give you a phrase, name or a word and you respond with one word of your choice!

-2009-2011 Ongoing Series

Preperation

-Power Core Combiners

ADORABLE

-Holomatter Avatars

Spot on

-Transformers 4



-Hasbro Masterpiece Soundwave w/ 5 Cassettes

..if only


Looks like this wraps things up. Thanks for sitting in on this one Va'al. Any last words for the community?


It was fun! Thanks for the opportunity.

Last words: Read the comics - love Power Core Combiners.



[END TRANSMISSION]

Previous Interviews - Counterpunch / El Duque / Razorclaw0000

Seibertron.com Reviews Transformers: Robots in Disguise Ongoing #15

Date: Tuesday, March 26th 2013 12:55pm EDT
Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: Va'al | Credit(s): IDW Publishing

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Synopsis

THE END OF THE WORLD! When Cybertron collapses—who will pick up the pieces? MEGATRON stands poised to triumph—locked in final battle with BUMBLEBEE, STARSCREAM, METALHAWK, and PROWL! One will stand… the rest will fall.





Story

Last issue, the big revelation (or cop-out, depending on which side of the argument you are) took place: Megatron is in control of everything, thanks to Bombshell's cerebro-shells controlling Prowl – who is now Devastator's headbot. But Ironhide, the Dinobots and Superion are back from the wastelands, and it's time for a bigger robot than usual to fight with another bigger robot.



Yes, Ironhide's back. The Dinobots are back. The Aerialbots are back. But... something's missing. If this is the big climax to all that has been building since issue 1, it's a bit disappointing. It's all a giant fight scene, and while there's nothing wrong with that, I expected a little more.



Arcee's motives are revealed, and they are entirely unsurprising. Although there are redeeming features to her over the top characterisation since her Spotlight. Sort of. Ironhide and Jazz are the token tough bots, and that may go down well with some, may not with others.



The thread running through the whole issue is Prowl's inner monologue, as he sees the devastation he causes to Cybertron, now that he's part of the big green. And he refers to events from Costa's ongoing, and Spike. I can't shake off the feeling that Barber is trying to explain and fix continuity and characterisation, and this time it just doesn't work. I didn't mind the exposition with floating heads in RID #14, personally, but this one is a bit off. Until the very end.

Art

Andrew Griffith is on pencils, with Brian Shearer on inks. Shearer did a really good job on MTMTE 15, so I wonder if it's Griffith's robo-facial expressions that don't work for me this time. Superion, Megatron, Bumblebee, Jazz all seem to have at times a wonky (can't think of a better term) mouth. This may be me, but I think perspective is a bit off.



I do like Mowry's lettering though, and the colours by Perez are really well executed. There are not as many variations in the lettering designs, but sound-effects really pop, both in font and colour. (There are a lot of colour metaphors running through the issue, actually, and art and story really do work well in that aspect.)



I think the biggest problem, in terms of artwork for the issue, is the amount of action and characters per panel: there's just too much going on in the story, and a price has to be paid for it. The artistic team have done a fabulous job at conveying the absolute chaos of a whole (ish) planet at war, and something's bound to slip. But well done to them anyway!

Thoughts
Spoilerish ahead

I'm not convinced about this one, to be honest. The Arcee twist was predictable, there's a lot of fighting, fighting and more fighting, and some of the facial expressions really didn't do it for me. I'll admit, though, that the final panel was not what I, and I think most readers, was expecting. Personal highlight, however, was Shockwave's absence, and how other characters are trying to cover it up or dismiss it. Purple reign, anyone?



This issue is a little disappointing, in my opinion. The artwork is there, the story is ok, but Barber seems to be taking a long time to do things, so let's throw in some fighting, shall we? Here's hoping to a satisfying and, dare I?, logical conclusion in the next issue.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise Ongoing #15 Preview

Date: Tuesday, March 26th 2013 1:12am EDT
Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): IDW Publishing

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Our friends at IDW Publishing dropped by with a preview of this week's new Transformers comic offering, Transformers: Robots in Disguise Ongoing #15. Be sure to swing by your local comic shop or download this issue on Wednesday, for now enjoy the preview found below. Full review coming later today.

Transformers: Robots in Disguise #15
John Barber (w) • Andrew Griffith (a) • Griffith, Casey Coller (c)
THE END OF THE WORLD! When Cybertron collapses—who will pick up the pieces? MEGATRON stands poised to triumph—locked in final battle with BUMBLEBEE, STARSCREAM, METALHAWK, and PROWL! One will stand… the rest will fall.
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio

FC • 32 pages • $3.99


*Variant Cover:
Marcelo Matere variant cover!

Bullet points:

The final fate of Cybertron is about to be decided
Favorite characters return—but will they survive?
You’ll pay for the whole comic—but you’ll only hold on to the edge!

Official Hub 2013-14 Programming Press Release

Date: Wednesday, March 20th 2013 8:53pm EDT
Categories: Cartoon News, Press Releases
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): Nick and More

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Nick and More has posted an official press release from the Hub details their 2013/14 programming line-up. Of note to Transformers fans will be the details regarding the "Predacons Rising" TV movie, which is described as a 90 minute epilogue to Transformers Prime Beast Hunters. We also get a small Transformers: Rescue Bots Season 2 update, it's debut is scheduled for sometime this winter. See the full press release below.

THE HUB NETWORK UNVEILS 2013-‘14 PROGRAM SLATE
WITH SIX NEW ADDITIONS TO JOIN NINE RETURNING ORIGINAL SERIES

Ashley Tisdale, Russell T Davies, Stan Lee and Christopher Pike
Make Their Debut on The Hub

Upcoming Hub Original Family Movies Include
An Epilogue for “Transformers Prime Beast Hunters”
And Stan Lee’s New Band of Superheroes Voiced by An All-Star Cast

LOS ANGELES – The Hub Network today announced a slate of new programming for the 2013-‘14 television season that includes four new series, two Hub Original Family Movies, and nine returning series. Set to debut starting this summer, the lineup continues the network’s strategy of building a schedule with programs based on well-known brands featuring popular and respected names in the entertainment space. The announcement was made today by Margaret Loesch, President and CEO of The Hub, the fastest growing children’s cable network.
“The Hub is in a tremendous growth stage with triple-digit ratings increases, a major bump in distribution, and quality programming that appeals to both children and their parents,” said Ms. Loesch. “This slate of new and returning programs will capitalize on and sustain that momentum as we head into next season and continue to exponentially grow our presence in the kids space.”

Two new live-action series are set to debut on the network including the new Hub Original Series “Spooksville” which is based on the popular tween book series from Christopher Pike. Additionally, the popular U.K. adventure-fantasy series “Wizards vs Aliens” from Executive Producer Russell T Davies (“Doctor. Who,” “Torchwood”) will make its U.S. debut this summer on The Hub.

The new programming lineup will also include two animated series: the new Hub Original Series, “Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch,” starring Ashley Tisdale (“High School Musical”) as the iconic teen character re-imagined for a new generation; and an acquired series called “SheZow,” which features 12-year-old Guy, a thrill-seeking dude trying to cultivate a macho image who inherits the superhero persona of his deceased aunt — the kick-butt, FEMALE superhero SheZow!

In addition, The Hub will have two animated Hub Original Family Movies, including “Stan Lee’s Mighty 7,” starring the legendary superhero creator himself, as well as an all-star lineup of voice actors; and “Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising,” which wraps up the series’ final chapter revealing the fate of Cybertron.

A comprehensive list of The Hub’s 2013-’14 programming slate is as follows:

Summer 2013

“Wizards vs Aliens” (Hub Acquired Series – Live Action)

Created by Russell T Davies and Phil Ford — the creative forces behind “Doctor Who” and “Torchwood” — the series follows the adventures of two 16-year-old school boys, Tom and Benny, who battle to save Earth from the Nekross, an alien race. While Tom lives a seemingly ordinary life with his dad and grandmother, he hides a deep secret: his family members are wizards. Following the tremendous success of season one in the UK, “Wizards vs Aliens” will make its American debut on The Hub. The series is produced by BBC Cymru Wales and FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment.

“SheZow” (Hub Acquired Series – Animated)

Twelve-year-old Guy Hamdon is a natural cut-up who fancies himself an extreme dude with his own catch phrase, “It’s a GUY thing.” Guy lives the dream of every rough-and-tumble boy when he discovers an awesome power ring belonging to his deceased aunt, which transforms him into a mighty superhero SheZow! There’s just one tiny catch — the ring that gives Guy his amazing super powers was only meant to be worn by a girl and the result is absolutely she-larious! Guy must use his super powers to battle mega-villains while sporting an outrageous female superhero costume, which actually ends up helping him tremendously on his own personal journey toward becoming one heck of a super man. The series is produced by Moody Street Kids & Kickstart Productions Inc.

Fall 2013

“Spooksville” (Hub Original Series – Live Action)

Based on the acclaimed book series by author Christopher Pike, the new kid in town discovers that he holds the key to a battle between good and evil that has been taking place for centuries in a bizarre small town that plays host to a wide array of supernatural and unexplained occurrences. The half-hour series is produced by Front Street Pictures and Springville Productions in association with Jane Startz Productions.

“Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch” (Hub Original Series – Animated)

The pop culture phenomenon SABRINA THE TEENAGE WITCH will return to television in the all-new original animated series with “High School Musical” star Ashley Tisdale, who lends her voice to the lead character of Sabrina. The series features the iconic teen character re-imagined for a new generation. The series is produced by Moonscoop; Archie Comic Publications, Inc.; DSK Group, India; Laughing Lion; and Telegael Teoranta.

“Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising” (Hub Original Family Movie – Animated)

The eagerly anticipated conclusion of the CG animated Daytime Emmy® Award winning series will make its network television premiere as a Hub Original Family Movie. A 90-minute epilogue to the final season wraps up the series that chronicles the epic battle between the Decepticons and the Autobots in their mission to defend Earth and one day restore their home planet of Cybertron. The Hub Original Family Movie is produced by Hasbro Studios. The final season of “Transformers Prime Beast Hunters” begins on Friday, March 22, 7:30 p.m. ET.

Early 2014

“Stan Lee’s Mighty 7” (Hub Original Family Movie – Animated)

Stan Lee executive produces and stars in this Hub Original Family Movie as an animated version of himself, a legendary superhero creator teaching a crew of alien prisoners and their jailers, who have crash-landed on Earth, how to work together and use their powers to be superheroes. The series features brand new characters voiced by an all-star cast. The Hub Original Family Movie, which is produced by A2 Entertainment, Archie Comic Publications, Inc., and Stan Lee’s POW Entertainment, will serve as a springboard for a potential future television series.

Returning Hub Original Series/Specials with new episodes (in chronological order)

“The Aquabats! Super Show!” (Season two premiering this summer produced by BatMagic)
“Pound Puppies” (Season three premiering this summer produced by Hasbro Studios)
“Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters” (Season two “Clash of the Duel Masters” premiering this summer produced by Hasbro Studios)
“Family Game Night” (Season four premiering this summer produced by Hasbro Studios and Zoo Productions)
“R.L. Stine’s The Haunting Hour: The Series” (Season four premiering this fall produced by Front Street Pictures in association with The Hatchery, LLC)
“My Little Pony Friendship is Magic” (Season four premiering this winter produced by Hasbro Studios)
“Littlest Pet Shop” (Season two premiering this winter produced by Hasbro Studios)
“Transformers Rescue Bots” (Season two premiering this winter produced by Hasbro Studios)
“Secret Millionaires Club” (22 all-new specials produced by A Squared Entertainment to run monthly on The Hub)
About The Hub Network

THE HUB is a multi-platform joint venture between Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) and Hasbro, Inc., (NASDAQ: HAS) with a goal of entertaining, enlightening, empowering and educating children and their families. The cable and satellite television network features original programming as well as content from Discovery’s library of award-winning children’s educational programming; from Hasbro’s rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built during the past 90 years; and from leading third-party producers worldwide. The Hub lineup includes animated and live-action series, as well as specials, game shows, and family-favorite movies. The network extends its content through a robust and engaging online presence at http://www.hubworld.com. The Hub rebranded from Discovery Kids on October 10, 2010, and is available in nearly 72 million U.S. households. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

GREGG BERGER AND FLINT DILLE TO APPEAR AT TFEXPO 2013 IN WICHITA, KANSAS

Date: Monday, March 18th 2013 2:16pm EDT
Categories: Event News, People News, Press Releases
Posted by: El Duque | Credit(s): TFExpo

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Our friends for TFExpo dropped by with an official press release to announce this year's specials guests Gregg Berger and Flint Dille. Registration is now now live, click here to visit their website.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2013

GREGG BERGER AND FLINT DILLE TO APPEAR AT TFEXPO 2013 IN WICHITA, KANSAS!

Following last year’s success, TFExpo returns to Holiday Inn at Kellogg & Rock Road in Wichita on August 3rd, 2013 with two brand new guests!

Fans will no doubt remember Gregg Berger’s iconic performance as Grimlock not only in the G1 Transformers cartoon, but also last year’s immensely popular video game “Transformers: The Fall of Cybertron”! Gregg also contributed several other voices to Transformers, including Skyfire, Outback, and Long Haul. With a career spanning more than four decades, Gregg has lent his talents to many other programs as well, including G.I.Joe, Garfield and Friends, Duckman, and many, many more! Gregg will be making appearances and signing autographs throughout the day.

As a story editor and writer for both Transformers and G.I.Joe, Flint Dille was instrumental in crafting the stories of the characters we’ve loved for most of our lives. A writer and designer of video games and interactive novels, Flint recently returned to the world of the Transformers as co-writer of IDW’s digital comic “Autocracy”, as well as its current sequel, “Monstrosity”! Flint will be hosting a Writers Workshop at TFExpo 2013, as well as speaking and making appearances throughout the day.

This year, TFExpo is pleased to announce its very first EXCLUSIVE TOY UPGRADE SET! When a shuttle emerges from the far reaches of the galaxy, a new hero is born! NEBULA STARSHIP is ready to take the fight into the depths of space! This toy upgrade set includes a new head and wings to attach to your existing toy. This set will be given to everyone pre-registering with the TFEXPO ALLIANCE at the Ultra and Premium Levels. (PLEASE NOTE: The TFExpo Exclusive Toy Upgrade Set is an aftermarket accessory, intended to enhance the enjoyment of your toy. It is neither created nor endorsed by Hasbro, Inc. or Takara Tomy.)

Visitors to TFExpo 2013 will enjoy not only our guests and toy upgrade set, they’ll be able to shop in our Dealer’s Room, and enjoy presentations in our Panel Room throughout the day! Other daytime events will be announced as we draw closer to the show.

Following up last year’s dinner party, TFExpo is pleased to host the 2013 Dinner and Script Reading Event! Choose from plated entrées including Prime Rib, Chicken, and Vegetarian options. Dinner entertainment will include an exclusive script reading by our Guest of Honor, Gregg Berger! Live music will follow. And each guest will take home SURPRISE souvenirs! Stay tuned to www.tf-expo.com for further announcements about this event. Seating is limited and you WON’T want to miss out!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW—JOIN THE TFEXPO ALLIANCE TODAY! Visit www.tf-expo.com to register, and keep checking back for updates as we get closer to the show! Also don’t forget to “Like” TFExpo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Transformers: Prelude and Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters Volume 1 Preorders at Amazon

Date: Sunday, March 17th 2013 2:12pm EDT
Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: LOST Cybertronian | Credit(s): Amazon.com

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A couple of new Transformers Collections are up for preorder at Amazon. First up we got Transformers: Prelude followed by Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters Volume 1. Both due out in August.

Transformers: Prelude

The Spotlight falls on Orion Pax, Thundercracker, Megatron, Bumblebee, Trailcutter, and Hoist in this collection of six individual stories that explain an important moment in each character's life. From the distant past to current events, each story adds to the Cybertronian lore.

Paperback: 152 pages
Publisher: IDW Publishing (August 27, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1613777167
ISBN-13: 978-1613777169

Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters Volume 1

It's the beginning of the end for Transformers Prime! But a new enemy is revealed and the stakes are racheted up even higher as the Cybertronians continue their quest for peace throughout the universe.

Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: IDW Publishing (August 20, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1613777159
ISBN-13: 978-1613777152

IDW June 2013 Transformers Solicitations

Date: Friday, March 15th 2013 4:31pm EDT
Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: Blurrz

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The month of June brings with it a handful of exciting Transformers comics! We have Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye, Robots In Disguise, Regeneration One and Prime: Beast Hunters all continuing, while Monstrosity is being released in paper form. There's also collections for the Movie comics and an interesting 30th Anniversary Collection. Check it out below!


Transformers: Movie Collection, Vol. 1
Simon Furman, Chris Ryall, Kris Oprisko, & Chris Mowry (w) • Don Figueroa & Alex Milne (a) • John Nizzi (c)
From CYBERTRON, to Earth, and back again… the quest for the Allspark begins here! Volume 1 contains the TRANSFORMERS Movie Prequel, the TRANSFORMERS Movie Adaptation, and the comic sequel TRANSFORMERS: Reign of Starscream.
TPB • FC • $29.99 • 324 pages • ISBN 978-1-61377-692-6
Expected in-store date: 6/5/13
• Now available in paperback!



Transformers 30th Anniversary Collection
Jim Sorenson, Bob Budiansky, Simon Furman, Mike Costa, James Roberts & More (w) • Andrew Wildman, Geoff Senior, Pat Lee, Don Figueroa, EJ Su, Alex Milne, Nick Roche, & More (a) • Alex Milne (c)
It's a celebration 30 years in the making! Relive the landmark comics that helped define the legacy of TRANSFORMERS and read along with the creators that made these great comics as Jim Sorenson provides insight from a range of writers and artists that breathed life into the denizens of CYBERTRON. From Marvel to Dreamwave to IDW and other iterations in-between, this book is a must have for TF collectors!
HC • FC • $49.99 • 320 pages • 7" x 11" • ISBN 978-1-61377-662-9
Expected in-store date: 6/19/13
• Celebrating 30 Years of TRANSFORMERS comics!




Transformers: Robots in Disguise #18
John Barber (w) • Atilio Rojo (a) • Rojo, Casey Coller (c)
SURVIVOR'S GUILT! After the shattering events of the past two issues, we can't tell you who's alive and who's dead. But we will hint that one CYBERTRONIAN has to reconsider her worldview—while she comes face-to-face with some old enemies. We won't mention any names, but she's in for the fight of her life!
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 6/5/13
Variant Covers: Phil Jimenez variant cover!
T-Minus 4 months to the event that will rock the TRANSFORMERS to their core!
Superstar artist Phil Jimenez contributes a powerful variant cover!



Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye #18
James Roberts (w) • Alex Milne (a) • Milne, Sean Chen (c)
"DON'T LET THEM TAKE SKIDS!" The crew of the Lost Light left CYBERTRON before they could hear those words—part of a message from the future warning of terror and catastrophe and a threat to the entire Cybertronian race. Can the AUTOBOTS do anything to stop the beginning of the end?
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 6/26/13
Variant Covers: Nick Roche variant cover!
This is the big one—everything since MTMTE #1 has been leading to this story!
Heroes will fall—and revelations will change your perceptions of everything, ever!




Transformers: Monstrosity #1 (of 4)—SPOTLIGHT
Chris Metzen & Flint Dille (w) • Livio Ramondelli (a) • Ramondelli x 3 (c)
MEGATRON'S DESCENT! In the early days of the war on CYBERTRON, OPTIMUS PRIME puts everything on the line to unify the planet—but not everyone agrees that this new Prime should be in charge! Meanwhile, the fallen DECEPTION leader, MEGATRON, begins a journey that will change everything. Plus—what is the terrible secret of the DINOBOTS?
*3 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1-to-1 ratio
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 6/5/13
Exploding from the screen to your comic shop!
The sequel to the amazing AUTOCRACY!
Written by Chris Metzen (one of the main creative minds behind Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® universes) and Flint Dille (writer on the original TRANSFORMERS cartoon)!




Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters #2
Mairghread Scott & Mike Johnson (w) • Agustin Padilla (a) • Ken Christiansen (c)
THE WORLD BELOW! Deep beneath the surface of CYBERTRON, the last vestiges of life struggles to survive. Their only protectors: GRIMLOCK and his loyal DINOBOTS—who find themselves at the center of a dark mystery!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 6/19/13
Variant Covers: Animation art variant cover!
Ties in to the smash hit TRANSFORMERS PRIME: BEAST HUNTERS television show as seen on the HUB!
The creative team from the critically-acclaimed TRANSFORMERS PRIME: RAGE OF THE DINOBOTS is back!




Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters #2—Subscription Variant
Mairghread Scott & Mike Johnson (w) • Agustin Padilla (a) • Michael Lark (c)
For subscription customers only… enlist up at your local comic shop! A variant cover by superstar Michael Lark! Only for loyal subscription box customers!
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 6/12/13




Transformers Regeneration One #92
Simon Furman (w) • Andrew Wildman (a) • Wildman, Guido Guidi (c)
CRISIS ON CYBERTRON! A whole society, wounded and reeling after SCORPONOK's genetic manipulations, teeters on the edge of anarchy and uprising, a situation SOUNDWAVE is only too happy to exploit! When the newly recovered BLASTER uncovers the truth, he finds himself on the endangered species list—courtesy of the all-new, all-deadly MAYHEM ATTACK SQUAD.
*2 regular covers will be shipped in a 1-to-1 ratio
FC • 32 pages • $3.99
Expected in-store date: 6/19/13
Variant Covers: Geoff Senior variant cover!
CYBERTRON: The last line of defense!
Continuing the story of the original 1980s TRANSFORMERS comic book series!
Non-stop action in the Furman/Wildman manner!

Sneak Peeks: Transformers: Robots in Disguise Ongoing #15 & Transformers: Monstrosity #3

Date: Thursday, March 14th 2013 9:27am EDT
Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: Va'al | Credit(s): iTunes

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The iTunes Bookstore has uploaded a couple of screenshots for the upcoming IDW comics Transformers: Robots in Disguise #15 and Transformers: Monstrosity #3.

The images themselves are quite small, but you can get a glimpse of some of the action from the first few pages!

Transformers: Regeneration One #89 Review - Hot Rod Makes the Choice!

Date: Thursday, March 14th 2013 12:09am EDT
Categories: Comic Book News, Reviews
Posted by: Blurrz | Credit(s): Blurrz

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The Transformers: Regeneration One is nearing its half-point in its twenty issue tenure. Much has happened in the previous issues, unfortunately to the chagrin of the Autobots. Always outgunned and out-manned, the odds are against them as Scorponok's Gene Key has made its way throughout the majority of their forces. RGO #89 is not the most face paced issue of the series, however it helps connect the dots and raise the bar for issues to come. While a handful of characters make their appearances in one page snippets, the issue mainly focuses on Grimlock and Hot Rod.


Grimlock has been a rather overused character in recent months ever since the release of Transformers: Fall Of Cybertron. I appreciate that RGO has shed a different light on the character of Grimlock, as he is more independent and critical of his actions. This is much better rather than being the unintelligent, animalistic one-dimensional goof he has been in other Transformers Media. Sure, he may show signs of that behavior, but it isn't a gimmick. The same could be said about the other Dinobots, as they are not being used as a gimmick, rather I feel that they have a personality that is unique to themselves.



Looking at Hot Rod, he is a character, regardless of whatever Transformers series it is, that I love to follow. All of the action seems to surround him, and that does not differ in RGO #89. This issue he faces a choice between two relics from Cybertron's past. The way that this scene is done artistically, and dialogue wise is a very nice touch and probably the highlight of this issue for me.


In other character camps, we have appearances by Optimus Prime and Shockwave as well as Ultra Magnus and his crew. Scorponok's plans and the events that occure in #89 are setting up the upcoming issues for some intense action.


Transformers: Regeneration One #89 is available today, and if you are a fan of the series, there is no doubt that you will be happy with this issue.