The Energon Pub

[Sabrblade]

Take the first three episodes of Blurr and Salvage, for instance. I've gone into this trilogy of episodes before, but by golly, these episodes were practically an analytical deconstruction of every single TF cartoon episode that ever dealt with the subject of "young kid-appeal good guy character gets into trouble against his leader's orders". Every time Cheetor/Side Burn/Wedge/Armada Hot Shot/Energon Ironhide/Cybertron Hot Shot/Animated Bumblebee/Prime Smokescreen/etc. would get cause some mischief, he'd learn a lesson by the episode's end and at best get a stern talking to or at worst get a pat on the back and a "We're glad you're okay" from each's respective Optimus, and all that would be promptly forgotten the very next time each kid-appeal character would once again get into trouble, then learn his lesson again, and rinse and repeat.

The trilogy of episodes that debuted Blurr and Salvage were basically a big middle finger to that episodic story structure and were like "No! That's not how it works! The troublemaker isn't gonna learn anything that way. He's just gonna keep making the same mistake over and over again." Rescue Bots' take on that scenario actually devoted time and effort to put some developmental growth not only into the young troublemaker (Blurr) but also into his leader (Heatwave). Blurr caused trouble in his first outings and, on top of the revelation from Salvage about what really happened in the past (Blurr nearly abandoning Salvage on Earth), the episode ends with most of the team no longer wanting to trust him. That's a pretty grim and yet realistically believable way to end that episode. It shows that Blurr's not just gonna fall in line with the team overnight, and that trust needs to be earned instead of handed out on a silver platter.

not to decry your thoghts, but this may reflect the changing times more than being "better" storytelling than any previous series. In times past. It was expected that an erring child learn form their mistakes the first time. Even in the workplace, if you *majorly* screw up more than once, you are probably not going to have a job. But in todays more lenient society, for good or ill (I say ill but I know most don't agree), its all about 3rd, 4th, 5th chances etc...

Blurr not learning his lesson I would say is not better handled than all other series, just a more modern take. I use episodes like that as how NOT to do things in real life.

Ah, but there lies a counterargument with that in the current RID 2015 cartoon, in which we see Sideswipe playing the same rambunctious youth role as all his predecessors, getting into trouble and learning his lesson by the episode's end (save for when it happens in multi-parters), only to fall right back into the status quo of once more making mistakes that he has to learn from all over again by each episode's end. And thus, the traditional cycle continues on with Sideswipe.

[o.supreme]

Ah, but there lies a counterargument with that in the current RID 2015 cartoon, in which we see Sideswipe playing the same rambunctious youth role as all his predecessors, getting into trouble and learning his lesson by the episode's end (save for when it happens in multi-parters), only to fall right back into the status quo of once more making mistakes that he has to learn from all over again by each episode's end. And thus, the traditional cycle continues on with Sideswipe.

Agreed. One of many flaws with RiD15

[Raccoonimus]

In many respects, Rescue Bots is arguably one the most mature TF series ever made (and I use the word "mature" in its most literal, denotative meaning and not what the likes of Adult Swim, Michael Bay, or Zack Snyder would have us believe the word to mean), as it tackled many concepts and subjects not often dealt with in TF cartoons, or tackled in ways that most TF cartoons didn't try for.

Phenomenal post. I am somewhat relieved to see I'm not the only person of 'parent' age watching this show with my preschool son who is thoroughly impressed with the writing and its handling of complex themes well beyond what I'd expect a show targeted at preschoolers would tackle.

Completely agree with you on the depth of Heatwave's character as a leader. They progressed from the subtle undertones of a smart, ambitious, mid-level leader angling for a "better" assignment from Optimus in Season 1, to the nuance you described in later seasons.

There's a similar post about leadership you could make about how Optimus handles the introduction of High Tide to the team. High Tide has as much to learn from the core Griffin Rock team as they do from him. But there is no way, given High Tide's personality and his relationship with Optimus, that he would be receptive to having Optimus tell him this. I thought the the way Optimus handled this situation - assuming as I did that Optimus genuinely thought the learning was actually going to go both ways - showed great emotional intelligence.

[WreckerJack]

Well I at least wanted to see Medix and Hoist before the show ended and to find out who the heck these rescue bots were pretty sure that two of them were Medix and Hoist.

I want to say that the blue one with the smiling face is Medix. He's always got a smiling face when he is depicted on the toy packages. I think the gruff looking fellow in green looks like he would be Hoist.

Both are just guesses at this point.

[Sabrblade]

Guys, the video is adorable:

[BattleConvoy]

Rescue bots and RID are too kiddy. (IMO)

[Sabrblade]

Rescue bots and RID are too kiddy. (IMO)

G1 is too kiddy. (IMO)

[o.supreme]

Rescue bots and RID are too kiddy. (IMO)

G1 is too kiddy. (IMO)

Never understood your absolute disdain for the original series, but whatever... BC never stated what RB/RiD were "too kiddy" in comparison with... we all know you love these shows, and that's fine, but stick with what you are good at - defend the show, instead of needlessly attacking others.

[WreckerJack]

I like that Rescue Bots is cute. Sometimes with all the stressful crap thats on TV and in real life it's nice to watch something innocent and funny. Same reason I like sponge bob.

[Va'al]

Via the official Shout! Factory website, we have news of another Transformers: Rescue Bots DVD collection: Rescue Family, featuring five episodes! Check out the synopsis and more detailed information below, other than price ($13.93) and release date (June 20, 2017).

Synopsis

It's A Time For Family…Rescue Family!

The Rescue Bots—Chase, Heatwave, Blades and Boulder—along with their human counterparts, the Burns, are one big happy Rescue Family! Together, they join forces to keep Griffin Rock safe for its citizens. Even if it means going against weird teleportation devices, reality television and magicians! This and more in five fun-filled, action-packed adventures of the Recue Bots!

Product Information
Discs 1
Run-time 110 min

Episodes Episode Title
1 Transformers Rescue Bots: Road Trip
2 Transformers Rescue Bots: Odd Bot Out
3 Transformers Rescue Bots: Chief Woodrow
4 Transformers Rescue Bots: More Than Meets The Eye
5 Transformers Rescue Bots: Prescott's Bots

[o.supreme]

Just a thought...I would hope that Shout!Factory would at least consider perhaps a full series release on DVD now that the show is over.

I mean the Original Series DVD is still readily available

https://www.amazon.com/Transformers-Com ... ansformers

and the Japanese series is being re-released this summer

https://www.shoutfactory.com/kids/kids- ... collection

one has slightly less content, and one has slightly more, but they are both roughly in the same neighborhood.

When the Japanese collection first came out as a Shout Select title in late 2011, I think it was close to $100. So if S!F had any reservations, they could release a RB Complete set initially as a select title through their website, even with a slightly higher asking price (say between $60-$70 would not be too bad for the whole 104 episode run) . If sales justified a wide release, as many end up doing, then they could expand, but if not, there would be no loss.

It just saddens me to see so many individual DVD releases with no rhyme or reason, and sometimes duplicated episodes.

[Prime Nova]

We got the end of series 4 broadcast in the UK today - but we still have no DVD releases at all for the whole series.

[Va'al]

Via the official website of Signature Publishing, the company behind the Transformers: Robots in Disguise magazine in the UK, we have the announcement of a new Hasbro Transformers publication: Rescue Bots! Starting this May 19th, newsstands and shops (including WHSmith, one assumes) the new magazine will roll out across the UK - with claims of European market undoubtedly exaggerated - and include games and small gifts for the younger bots out there. Check out the press release and some images below!

Transformers Rescue Bots magazine launched

Transformers Rescue Bots magazine is the exciting brand extension into the Transformers universe for the pre-school market.

Open these pages to meet Rescue Bots Chase, Heatwave, Boulder and Blades, from the popular animated series, along with the iconic Transformers characters Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, as they learn about teamwork, friendship and problem solving. This all-new pre-school children’s magazine is full of games, puzzles, posters, colouring, competitons and an action-packed comic story in every issue. Plus, each issue comes with bespoke Rescue Bots gifts.

Following on from TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE, Signature Publishing is targeting younger fans of the massive, evergreen brand, TRANSFORMERS with the launch of TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS magazine, under license from Hasbro.

Aimed at the pre-school market TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS is the official magazine for the hugely popular animated cartoon series – one of the most-watched shows on Tiny Pop and the #1 selling TRANSFORMERS toy line for Hasbro.

TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS is Tiny Pop’s second strongest programme title, out of 40 titles.* It has averaged over 17,000 Kids across 600 plays on the channel; a huge +76% above the channel average. It has reached 1.5 million Kids since launch (more than any other title on Tiny Pop) while contributing a fifth of Tiny Pop’s overall ratings (on par with My Little Pony).*

‘The TRANSFORMERS franchise just keeps growing, with the launch of the latest blockbuster movie in June, while younger fans are engaging with the hit animated cartoon RESCUE BOTS,’ enthused Danny Morris, Signature’s Managing Director. ‘We are therefore delighted and honoured to be the first publisher, worldwide, to launch a standalone magazine for this fantastic extension to Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS brand where, as always, storytelling is at its heart. With the viewing figures and toy sales for TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS speaking for themselves, this new magazine is sure to be a huge success!’

TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS magazine is the perfect accompaniment to the hit TV show, as readers join Chase, Heatwave, Boulder and Blades, along with the iconic characters Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, on their rescue missions, with the action-packed storytelling, games, puzzles, posters and colouring focusing on teamwork, friendship and problem solving.

Aimed at children aged 3-5 years every issue will come with a unique, bespoke gift. On newsstands from 19th May the launch issue is priced at £3.99 and comes with a Chase car stunt set and a 4-roll sticker box.

[WreckerJack]

Boulder Media Studio has confirmed to be working on two new Transformers shows. The first is titled Rescue Bots Academy while the second has not had it's name released yet. Perhaps the show that has yet to be named will be a replacement or sequel to Robots in Disguise.

Boulder Media is working on several projects for a lineup of new media. The article goes on to mention a lot of different titles that seem to be getting new content. If you are a fan of the following series, be on the lookout!

The Studio, whose current slate includes animation for 'Transformers', 'Little Pet Shop' and 'Rescue Bots Academy' and 'Micronauts' for Hasbro Studios, as well as 'Danger Mouse' and 'Dorothy and the Wonders of Oz' (Warner Brothers), is ramping up to deliver innovative animation and storytelling across multiple formats and genres.

It is also hinted in a different article written by D.C. Douglas that Chase may show up in Rescue Bots Academy. This article goes on to tell us that the casting is being done outside of LA and that they are non-union cast from NY, including Optimus Prime’s voice.

If you would like to speculate on the return of Chase or on what the named Transformers cartoon will be about, feel free to do so on the boards!

[Sabrblade]

Huh.

The first Transformers cartoon to be recorded with the New York voice acting talent pool instead of the Los Angeles or Vancouver ones.

[LSHeroes21]

They haven't announced the second Transformers show from Boulder Media yet, since it will be the show that replaces RID2015. They might say something at SDCC, but I think it might be better saved for Hascon.

[Va'al]

As we know, a new animated Transformers: Rescue Bots series is being developed by Boulder Media, and thanks to an online CV found via the Curtis Brown agency we now have a little few details more about Rescue Bots Academy. Apparently, lead writer is Ben Ward of Horrible Histories and Danger Mouse, at least for two episodes of 22 minutes.

He will also, for those following, be lead writer on two episodes of the upcoming Micronauts series, also with Boulder Media. We will share more details as more emerge, so stay tuned!

Rescue Bots Academy
2x22"
Lead Writer

Boulder Media
In development

[Rysquad]

Rescue bots and RID are too kiddy. (IMO)

Shouldn't they be?

[Rysquad]

As we know, a new animated Transformers: Rescue Bots series is being developed by Boulder Media, and thanks to an online CV found via the Curtis Brown agency we now have a little few details more about Rescue Bots Academy. Apparently, lead writer is Ben Ward of Horrible Histories and Danger Mouse, at least for two episodes of 22 minutes.

He will also, for those following, be lead writer on two episodes of the upcoming Micronauts series, also with Boulder Media. We will share more details as more emerge, so stay tuned!

Rescue Bots Academy
2x22"
Lead Writer

Boulder Media
In development

I hope that Hoist and Medix get spots on the new show.

And more Rescan-sized toys.

[Va'al]

Still from the Hasbro Investor Day webcast and presentation slides, we finally have a look at the title card/logo for Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy - the sequel to Rescue Bots, as developed by Irish company Boulder Media under Hasbro! Take a look at the image below, and let us know what you think in the Energon Pub!

[Sabrblade]

Official trailer for the YouTube-original interactive series called My Transformers: Rescue Bots Adventure:

[william-james88]

Fellow Seibertronian Sabrblade found a great new trailer on youtube. It is for the new YouTube-original interactive series: My Transformers: Rescue Bots Adventure. This is a choose your adventure type of story where you can choose what kind of rescue to do with links bringing you to other videos depending on what the user clicks on.

Official trailer for the YouTube-original interactive series called My Transformers: Rescue Bots Adventure:

[Zeedust]

I haven't had the chance to go through it, but the first one seems to be up already. That was fast.

[Sabrblade]

I haven't had the chance to go through it, but the first one seems to be up already. That was fast.

It's late now, so I'll try this out tomorrow.

[WreckerJack]

Seibertron user Zeedust has discovered the new Rescue Bots interactive video has been posted. This video contains two missions, a fire rescue and a water rescue. It acts like a choose your own adventure game. It is well animated and is like starring in a mini episode of Rescue Bots. We have posted the interactive video below so you can try it out. Have fun!