The Energon Pub

[Sabrblade]

It's nice to see that there is a reason Shadowstriker is a mish-mesh of parts other than because Shockwave experimented on her.

And that the reason also ties into her rivalry/hatred of Bumblebee.

[william-james88]

Round Table Review for Transformers Cyberverse Episodes 7 and 8

Episode 7 Cube

Synopsis: Bumblebee learns how he first met Windblade and relives a Golden Age encounter with a young Starscream and his Seekers.



What we liked best

I find it super cool how this show really just embraces all of what may be called G1 into one big package. In this episode we saw that Windblade retained everything we know of her through the IDW comics,like her being a city speaker, comes from caminus - William-James88

I love the idea of Cube, a sport that could be the cybertronian equivalent of football (soccer for US readers!) and a nice introduction for how Windblade met Bee. - ZeroWolf

We got to see Starscream shine, not as a backstabbing weasel, but as an impatient and devious rascal! It was also nice seeing more of the culture aspect of Transformers, since we saw a game of Cube (a mix between rugby and, funnily enough, the fictional Quidditch). Here, we get to see how Autobots and Decepticons used to act like together before the war, something that is more apparent in the later episode "Maccadam's." Something else nice was the appearance of two of the Coneheads (besides a cameo in "Allspark"). And hey, Windblade is from Caminus in this continuity too! And there was this bot that looked like Trailbreaker. I can go on... - notirishman


What we liked least

The main confrontation here is Bumblebee and Windblade vs Starscream, Ramjet and Dirge. Now that sounds like par for the course for a Transformers cartoon, but my problem with taht is that it was a flashback sequence from before the war. After the previous episode, Megatron is my Hero, went out of its way to show that it was not always the same old story and that villains were not always villains, we get this episode here that just discards all that. Starscream and his goons were always villains, which is pretty dull. - William-James88

That not much thought was actually put into Cube past the concept. This would have been a perfect chance to put some cameos into the teams. You could have had future Decepticons and Autobots on the same team, enhancing the idea that the war really separated everyone into two sides. - ZeroWolf

While it was cool seeing the Coneheads, they didn't speak at all... like at all. Also, Bumblebee is totally jet-cist. - notirishman



Our overall thoughts

I found this episode rather dull in general since I did not care much for the backdrop being a Cybertronian Quittish game. I did like seeing Dirge and Ramjet, despite of course making them act just as goons in an era where we could have seen something more interesting. - William-james88

A fun but flawed episode, while the whole subplot with Starscream could have been done away with, it had its moments, I'll echo Williams comments here about Windblades integration with a lot of her IDW backstory appearing, I love it. I also like how it is just not even going to attempt to answer the question about why there is fembots, it just accepts it and moves on. While in terms of the on-going narrative, this episode adds nothing but it is a good character episode - Zerowolf

It was a good, well balanced, fun, episode! It was generally pretty entertaining!- notirishman


Episode 8 Terminal Velocity

Synopsis: Bumblebee explores a nightmarish memory of his visit to Velocitron while Windblade pilots the shuttle in a relentless dogfight with the Decepticon Seekers.



What we liked best

It is always fun when any kids cartoon gives you some semblance of inner machinations, lie the writers really thought something through. I felt that here in a great scene where a group of Seekers, headed by Slipstream, go after Windblade who is piloting a Decepticon ship. The way Windblade looses them is by heading out into space where Slipstream cannot chase her, and I found that super cool since it revealed to me that in this rendition of the franchise, when you take on an earth based alt mode, you take on all its components, including its mechanical limitations. That was a great example of showing and not telling. I also loved everything with Blurr but I won't spoil anything. - William-james88

I liked the dual nature of the episode. We had a creepy showing at what cosmic rust was capable in one half, while in the other there was a frantic dogfight between Windblade and the Seekers. Also Hot Rod! There was also more use of the colony idea. - Zerowolf

Ooh, this episode took a dark turn. Pretty much, this episode introduces the "Plague of Rust" which you can think as Cosmic Rust, but on steroids. It is shown reducing planets to nothing! Blurr was a nice bonus to see, and so was Hot Rod, who are both well personalized in this episode. Back to what I was saying, this is a drastic dark turn for the show, as there is some major death. Also hey, Acid Storm and Thrust were in this episode! - notirishman


What we liked least

It's odd but for a show where the designs are very fun, they settled on the least exciting design for Hot Rod's alt mode. The character has always had a flashier and unique car mode that easily sets him apart from others. But here it is just a box. - William-james88

The dual nature is also a bit of a double edged sword as we could have done with seeing more about Velocitron. There was also a mystery hinted with the worker (who is a reuse of Wheeljacks animation model) but is never played upon. - Zerowolf

It was a bit anticlimactic. Since we didn't get attached to those who end up dieing within 10 minutes, their deaths didn't have much of an impact. We also only saw Blurr use his fast speed once, which I'm indifferent about, actually. But seriously, how did Bumblebee forget/ignore that there was a guy obviously holding a plague that kills planets?- notirishman



Our overall thoughts

Much better than Episode 7 with nice nods to cosmic rust and some fun action set pieces. - William-james88

This is another filler episode or at least it seems it on the surface. Nothing is really advanced but we know a little bit more about the universe this series inhabits. Will we see more about the rust in future episodes? Was Hot Rod aboard the Ark? I can't wait to see what this show has in store. The dramatic shift between this episode and the last cannot be understated, ep 7 was bee and Windblade fighting to stop Starscream being a jerk, ep 8 was about bee and Windblade fighting to stay alive. - Zerowolf

It was a dark episode, but I liked it! But, I mean, Mr. Bee, I don't wanna go... - notirishman

[Black Bumblebee]

Meanwhile Transformers Animated Derek Wyatt is thinking to himself, "So, they didn't like it when I turned him into a cube, eh? I wonder how they'll like THIS" lol

[Sabrblade]

Meanwhile Transformers Animated Derek Wyatt is thinking to himself, "So, they didn't like it when I turned him into a cube, eh? I wonder how they'll like THIS" lol

Eh, at least Animated Blurr eventually got restored back to normal.

[Ultra Markus]

im pretty sure that wasnt thrust with acid storm and slipstream
as it looked nothing like this

[Sabrblade]

im pretty sure that wasnt thrust with acid storm and slipstream
as it looked nothing like this

DnUbOalXsAAdagg.jpg

The end credits referred to Thrust by name.

[ZeroWolf]

To be fair, there was some time between that appearance of Thrust and ep 8

[Sabrblade]

To be fair, there was some time between that appearance of Thrust and ep 8

That's Ramjet and a generic gold and maroon Seeker in that pic.

[ZeroWolf]

Ah I see, then why the belief that its Thrust?

[Sabrblade]

Ah I see, then why the belief that its Thrust?

There is none. Ultra Markus was pointing out that the red Seeker from Episode 8 doesn't have the same coneheaded look as Ramjet so as to argue that he wasn't Thrust despite the end credits naming Thrust in the episode.

[william-james88]

Why does any of this matter? What did you guys (anyone reading this) think of these two episodes? Does anyone else agree with me that Hotrod's car mode looked ultra lame?

[ZeroWolf]

Why does any of this matter? What did you guys (anyone reading this) think of these two episodes? Does anyone else agree with me that Hotrod's car mode looked ultra lame?

I'll agree with you on hot rods alt it didn't look right, especially since they did a good job on his robot mode. It seemed very generic looking.

[o.supreme]

Meanwhile Transformers Animated Derek Wyatt is thinking to himself, "So, they didn't like it when I turned him into a cube, eh? I wonder how they'll like THIS" lol

Eh, at least Animated Blurr eventually got restored back to normal.

Also Animated Blurr got enough character development for fans to care. Death just for the sake of killing off a character doesn't make for compelling drama. For kids watching this the first time, Blurr is no more significant than any other one time appearance character in any other series, that was quickly forgotten.

[ThunderThruster]

Why does any of this matter? What did you guys (anyone reading this) think of these two episodes? Does anyone else agree with me that Hotrod's car mode looked ultra lame?

I'll agree with you on hot rods alt it didn't look right, especially since they did a good job on his robot mode. It seemed very generic looking.

His car mode reminded me of the Prime Vehicons.

[Ig89ninja]

Terminal velocity is now up on YouTube

[Bumblevivisector]

Why does any of this matter? What did you guys (anyone reading this) think of these two episodes? Does anyone else agree with me that Hotrod's car mode looked ultra lame?

I'll agree with you on hot rods alt it didn't look right, especially since they did a good job on his robot mode. It seemed very generic looking.

His car mode reminded me of the Prime Vehicons.

I actually thought they were basing it on his Micromaster car mode. Kinda' cheap and boxy, but also timely considering the return of Micros just on the horizon in Siege.

Did anyone else think the emphasis on Bee' hand touching Exhaust erm, Plague-Jack's hand and later Hot Rod's hand implied the rust was being passed along, until we see that it actually spreads so fast that it couldn't have been the case? I guess they were just misleading to build tension?

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Thanks to Seibertronian IG89ninja, we have word that the 8th episode of Transformers: Cyberverse, titled "Terminal Velocity," is now up on Hasbro's youtube channel!. This episode features the return of Velocitron to cartoon form, and the star bots include hot headed racers Hot Rod and Blurr, alongside our standard cast. It even includes a nice Wheeljack model recolor! The episode is once more featured as a flashback during a chase scene in the present. The episode has aired in Canada and is expected to reach Cartoon Network for US airing sometime in the near future.

Check out the episode below, and check out our Seibertron.com roundtable review of this episode and the previous one, titled "Cube" HERE!!!

[CircuitBreaker]

Whelp, I guess that's why Blurr only got an old redeco'd toy and not a new one.

[Sabrblade]

No new episodes aired in Canada this weekend. Instead, Teletoon reran Episodes 1 and 2.

[notsoalex]

The 9th episode of Transformers: Cyberverse, titled "Shadowstriker," is now up on Hasbro's YouTube channel, starring none other than, Shadow Striker! This episode specifically talks about her backstory and why she had a patch work body of assorted limbs in "Allspark" and "Megatron Is My Hero." This episode also explains her grudge against Bumblebee, and why she always wants to kill him. It has an all around darker mood than the rest of the show generally has.

The episode has aired in Canada and Cartoon Network for US airing, as well as the Cartoon Network mobile app and their website.

Check out the last episode
"Terminal Velocity," here.

[Flashwave]

Well, that was cool I guess. Kinda wish they had stretched the Shadow Striker plot across multiple episodes, like how Prime did Shockwave, instead of just dumping her entire arc on our laps all at once, but eh. Guess this isn’t that kind of show. Shade Striker was the one I was most excited for though since she was new.

Is it wrong to want a Shaow Striker Hero Masher?

And am I the only one who looks at those Shockwave Pets and thinks of the Cybertron Scrapmetals?

Grimlock saying Your welcome perfectly captured the “Excuse me” moment from the movie. well done on that part.

[notsoalex]

Anyone got links for episode 11 and 12?

[william-james88]

Round Table Review for Transformers Cyberverse Episodes 9 and 10

Episode 9 Shadowstriker

Synopsis: Bumblebee revisits memories of his archnemesis Shadowstriker and learns there's more to being a hero than just knowing how to fight.

What you liked best about episode 9

I like how this show cements the fun premise that this show will be told out of order and that questions will be answered. We had seen Shadowstriker before for a very short time and she was acting like Frankenstein's monster, presumably with no reason given. And now we see why. I like that. Plus it's a good origin story to the rivalry between Bumblebee and his new nemesis. I also love whenever Shockwave is used properly and we see how important he was to the war effort here, being the mad scientist he is. There is also some great Transformers imagery here involving Optimus in a similar pose to the famous Wolverine cover by Mark Silvestri. - William-James88

I liked the fact that this episode gave depth to one of the completely new characters for the franchise, Shadow Striker. Up to now we didn't know a lot about her or why she looked the way she did. By shining the spotlight on her, we got to see her a lot better. -ZeroWolf

The episode, once again, is very serious and considerably darker than other episodes. The episode has a great overall mood and well-written story. This episode explains the story behind Shadow Striker, the bounty hunter lad. I don't want to get into spoilers, let’s just say, she's a bit traumatized, eh? There is a funny scene, where her Seeker guards' were having a conversation about nothing. Literally nothing. It's actually pretty funny. -notirishman

Fleshing out Shadowstriker the way they did. They kind of took a more original path with her, making her one of the best Decepticons who is ruthless and really good. And then they have the main character accidentally blow her up, and the end result is she is the core spark of her former self, but with a freakish appearance from the reconnected body parts of her subordinates, who can no longer physically do what she used to and must make do, and as make do in a very angry way. They made her scary, but with reason. Used to be good, but now struggling to make do and fueled by vengeance. They made her a good character, and this was basically her spotlight. -D-Maximal_Primal




What you liked least about episode 9

It was a tad bit confusing at times and I do not know how Windblade knows certain things if she is not part of those memories we are seeing. - William-James88

Honestly, they could have just left out the wrap around with Windblade sparring with Bee. The time could be used better to add to Shadow Striker's parts. -ZeroWolf

When Shadow Striker blames Bumblebee for her life, he seems very angry at Shadow Striker trying to shoot him, despite she clearly losing a lot more? Also, how exactly did Shadow Striker get Optimus? -notirishman

I would not have minded if Shadowstriker looked a little more Frankenstein like. I feel she could have done with a little bit more in the patchwork department, especially since she's a car and her subordinates were seeker jets (that we saw). This could have provided some fun moments too, if she had jets in her boots from the other's parts and she could jump really high or even fly. -D-Maximal_Primal



Your overall thoughts on episode 9

I love rivalries in fiction and it's fun to see a new one within the Transformers lore involving Bumblebee. Plus more Shockwave experiments are always fun and this show further proves that it can handle darker subject matters (though not as dark as destroying Bumblebee's voice box). - William-James88

This was a strong episode, showing what Shockwave won't hesitate to do, and what's motivating Shadow Striker. I can see more encounters with Bee and friends. Will she remember his act to spare her? Or is she going to take any chance to take him out.-ZeroWolf

A very entertaining, well-written episode! Definitely the best after episode, or well... second. -notirishman

Great episode, this one feels like a great origin story, and as a whole the series feels like it's getting some good legs in under it. I enjoyed the banter between Bee and Shadowstriker, and I enjoyed the pity Bee feels while also still finding her an enemy. They have a pretty decent dynamic, and it can set up for some great moments to be explored later on. -D-Maximal_Primal


Episode 10 MacCadam's

Synopsis: Bumblebee remembers MacCadam's, his favorite hangout on Cybertron, at three different points in its storied history.

What you liked best about episode 10

DEADLOCK!!!!!!! Not that Drift/Deadlock is that much of a favourite of mine, but more that this show (both the show Cyberverse and this particular episode) is the most steeped example of new IDW Transformers lore put on screen. There is a lot more that reminds me of James Robert's G1 here, such as seeing Megatron in the Macadams bar before the war, plus the story not being told linearly and that becoming a plot point in and of itself. And we get to see Soundwave show off some great dance moves. - William-James88

Everything, well not quite everything (see below) but this was the best episode I've seen yet. I loved the first memory, showing again how everyone got along before the war, seeing Wheeljack and Shockwave being friendly was hilarious. I want to see more of that time period, what other friendships were destroyed? -ZeroWolf

This episode is just... really crammed with Transformers lore! While I won't delve into it too much, I will say that this is in fact, the first time Maccadam appeared in an animated cartoon! He sneakily appears in the title sequence for the whole season! One thing in the episode I liked was that you could see the effect of the war on the bar and its customers. It was something you didn't really see in Transformers cartoons, and was very nice to see! Also am a fan of the IDW universe references, namely Chromia pleading Windblade to return to their world Caminus, and Deadlock (Drift), finding safe passage in Maccadam's. -notirishman

The entire Maccadam's setting. It is so cool to see this public fun location over the course of 3 very different time periods, and what this place means to those assembled and present. It is cool to see how the characters all interacted before they became mortal enemies, with the Shockwave and Wheeljack friendship, and the dancing Soundwave and seekers as examples. It was fun! It was enjoyable! And no matter if it was in peace or in war, the place was nice to view, and it was also great because we got moments where fighting wasn't allowed, so everyone had to interact peacefully. -D-Maximal_Primal



What you liked least about episode 10

I guess the only thing I would like at this point is for them to drop the Bumblebee radio voice gimmick in the present, but that's old news. There wasn't much to complain about here aside from that it was too short and I want more pre/early war stories. - William-James88

We didn't get any longer in the pre-war memory. Even this us a minor quibble. -ZeroWolf

Deadlock didn't talk at all, which is fine, so, I mean, this episode really had little wrong in my eyes! -notirishman

I feel like this episode really didn't have a weak spot. It was all around strong in so many ways, and between the characters, the setting, and the jump around in time, it was paced well and enjoyable! So there really isn't something I did not like, or at least liked the least, in this episode. -D-Maximal_Primal



Your overall thoughts on episode 10

Best episode in the series so far and a nice deep cut within Transfomers lore for fans of all ages to enjoy. - William-James88

More like this please. The nods to other continuities was great, and it was nice to see macadams finally animated and to get a look at this version of the character, whose face looks a little like a ships psychiatrist from an IDW series that's ending. I think it's because of the eyes. It was also a fun cameo from Deadlock, from the point where he's trying to join the Autobots, so maybe Drift is in Cyberverses future? So far this is the high point of the show for me, let's wait and see now what the next batch bring. -ZeroWolf

This was my favorite episode in the show; it was well written, was jammed full of lore, and was very entertaining. -notirishman

Excellent episode, probably one of the best we have gotten over the course of the past few years in Transformers cartoons. It's certainly up there in terms of quality, has lots of good Easter Eggs, has a lot of fun, and shows us a great look at Cybertron through time. It even finally gives characterization to its longtime bartender and owner, and I like this version of Maccadam. It's really cool and it's 11 minutes of your life you really need to watch and enjoy. -D-Maximal_Primal

[Ig89ninja]

All I want now is to see someone edit the Soundwave dancing scene with meme music

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Thanks to the Cartoon Network youtube channel, we have 2 new clips to show you from the Transformers: Cyberverse TV show. These 2 clips take place over the course of the upcoming episodes 11 and 12, titled "Sabotage" and "Teletraan X". The first clip shows us Shockwave breaking into Bumblebee's memories and placing false memories, posing as Windblade, designed to mislead Bumblebee into thinking he is a Decepticon double agent. The second clip features a Seeker trap set for Bumblebee and Windblade by the seekers, and features a cute and annoying drone from the Ark, apparently named Teletraan X.

As a small but cool note, the false memory Ark features Deadlock as an Autobot, and the first TV appearance of Rack'n'Ruin! But as this is a false memory, it is unclear as to whether either bot was on the Ark, and if Deadlock is still Deadlock, or has taken a new Drift-y form.

You can check out both clips below, and let us know what you think of these upcoming episodes in the comments section below!