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I'll honestly admit it. I did not expect 2010 to be that strong of a year compared to 2009. Well I was completely wrong there. After living and breathing the Transformers lifestyle for the past 12 months, it feels like Transformers has gained a new level of popularity, and another level of excellence. 2011 brings mystique and new horizons. Yet if it's anything like 2010, then we are certainly in for one heck of a ride.
Can you believe it? We're about to enter the 27th year of the Transformers franchise! While franchises have become defunct, or have fallen off the face of the Earth, we have stood strong together. Certainly it hasn't always been pretty, take the transition from Generation One to Beast Wars, or the split-opinion on Michael Bay's Live-Action films as examples. However as a long-time fan and member of this site, as long as Transformers continues to be what it is - the heroic Optimus Prime fighting against all odds, or that joy you get when you open up toy packaging - then every year will be a great one.
Before we embark into 2011, I think it's suitable that we celebrate 2010. With that notion, I have the help of eight of my fellow staff members - Burn, Counterpunch, Dead Metal, Delicon, DevastaTTor, Diem, Mach, and Razorclaw0000. Before you get to know their Transformers tastes, let's get to know a little bit more about the people who help maintain Seibertron.com and assist this wonderful community!
I'm Blurrz, from the land they call Canada. Armada crazed, and you don't need to guess who my favorite Transformer is.
Burn is here to give us his "disgruntled" "I-like-my-TF's-as-bricks" opinion. We're not actually sure what he does on the staff though!
Counterpunch has a knack of making other people buy Transformers. He also keeps the forums safe with burning justice, or was that Punch?
Dead Metal is crazy, from Germany, and he helps out the news crew while most of us are fast asleep. Did I mention he's crazy?
Delicon is a humble Transformers fan from the Northeast United States. He keeps the news up and running.
DevastaTTor has this addiction to collect transforming plastic toys. You might have heard of it.
Diem spent most of the year in Takara territory, and made his way back to the US later on. He got married this year, so congratulations!
Mach keeps the news looking mighty fine from Singapore. He's an Optimus Prime fanatic, he probably has more blue and red trucks than you!
Razorclaw0000 is a big contributer on the News Crew, and still has the time to maintain one of the most comprehensive Mini-con collections in the world!
Now that you know a little more about the staff, here's how we're going to reflect on 2010. We're each picking our favorite candidate for the following categories listed below. Once you're done reading our input, we'd like to see yours by replying in the forums through the 'Discuss This Topic' link above. If you are interested in one of our many different selections, links will be provided to galleries of the featured toys so you can follow along!
The Transformers Figure of the Year
Favorite Toy Line of 2010
Favorite Transformers: Generations Figure
Favorite Power Core Combiners Figure
Favorite 2010 Movie Line Figure
Favorite 2010 Animated Figure
Favorite 2010 BotCon Exclusive Figure
Favorite 2010 Non-BotCon Exclusive Figure
Favorite 2010 Third Party Figure
Favorite Transformers-Related Moment of 2010
What you are looking forward to with Transformers in 2011
So hide your Starscreams, hide your Bumblebees, and hide your Megatrons, 'cause they are certainly going to be jealous when they look at our selections. 2010, through the eyes of the staff of Seibertron.com.
You'll find our selections, comments and funnies for 2010 in the forums!
We hope you enjoy our review and favorites of 2010. May your 2011 be full of joy, love, excitement, good health, and more Transformers!
So where to begin telling you about Transformers Prime? In less than two short days, many of you will get to experience what I've already watched about a half dozen times. Earlier this week on Monday morning, an unexpected package arrived from The Hub via UPS. I quickly opened up the package and was surprised to see that they had sent me an advance copy of the first two episodes of Transformers Prime.
I quickly got to work writing extremely lengthy and detailed summaries of the first two episodes. I wasn't sure who my review would be competing against so I decided to do summaries instead of a review first in case everyone and their robo-brother did reviews. I figured detailed summaries would be least likely by everyone. My instinct was correct. If you missed the spoilerific summaries I posted earlier this week, you can check them out by clicking on the following links.
Much to my surprise, I really liked the show. I'm not sure what I was expecting. To be honest, I've had Transformers Prime on my mind's back burner. I've been so busy with keeping up with galleries on Seibertron.com that I hadn't really given "Prime" much thought other than making sure news was getting posted about it when necessary. Prior to seeing the show, I would never have believed what my reaction would have been. To sum up my thoughts about Transformers Prime, let me put it like this in terms that Seibertronians will understand loud and clear -- "Prime is like the love child of Beast Wars and the Live Action Films". Basically everything I like about both of those series seems to be here, except without the senseless and cheesy humor.
On November 24th, weekly entertainment trade magazine Variety posted a review of "Transformers Prime". I was hesitant to read what they wrote initially, but after getting through the first paragraph or two I realized that they liked it as well. Their review wasn't quite what I was expecting from a mainstream magazine. I thought for sure that my Transformers warped mind was making me watch the show through rose-colored glasses. Nope -- they liked it and even summed up several of my thoughts.
Variety wrote:As no-brainers go, a Transformers TV show on the Hub -- welding Hasbro's popular toy line into its cable co-venture with Discovery -- ranks down there with making a sequel to the first movie. Yet the product of that assembly line, "Transformers Prime," proves unexpectedly sharp -- better than the movies (admittedly damnation with faint praise), thanks to the arresting CGI animation, which proves especially well-suited to rendering shiny robots and their vehicular alter egos. There's nothing more than meets the eye here, but what does appear is a plenty entertaining addition to this well-oiled moneymaking machine.
Having read such a positive review from Variety, I felt more encouraged to state how much I liked Transformers Prime. The voice acting is superb, the animation looks incredible and uniquely stylized (even if the human animation models are lacking something), the musical score was beautiful, and the aggressive story below me away.
The first two episodes were serious, sophisticated, rather dark and contained various mature themes -- something I was not expecting at all, especially after the somewhat misleading character trailers that The Hub recently rolled out. This show is definitely not geared toward the younger kids like Transformers Animated was. I don't even know what previous series Transformers Prime is most like. I think I'll need to view a few more episodes to decide. I'll tell you what it's not like ... it doesn't have the kiddie feel to it like Animated, it's extremely coherent and not dumbed-down or poorly dubbed like the Unicron Trilogy, it's not simplified or hyperactive like RID, it's not a whiny complaining misguided hippie like Beast Machines, it's not like Beast Wars despite being the closest thing I could compare Prime to, and it doesn't come across like a toy commercial like G1 does at times (sacrilegious, I know).
Transformers Prime doesn't waste any time. Something major happens in the first third of the first episode that I don't think anyone was expecting. I can't wait to see if the second episode truly ended what happened or if there's more than meets the eye awaiting us. I'm still shocked at what happened, especially in the second episode. Crazy!
Knowing that an army of you Seibertronians will be here on Friday evening posting your reviews in this topic, I'll keep the rest of this review to a minimum. Here are some of my final thoughts that I want to share with you to tide all of you over until Friday afternoon when Transformers Prime debuts.
It's in widescreen, though (unfortunately) most of us won't get to watch it in widescreen because most of our Cable companies haven't started airing The Hub in HD yet. Here's hoping for a quick release of this show on DVD, or at least when the toys inevitably come out.
This show has an actual musical score along the lines of the music from the live action Transformers films. It's complex, not repetitive, and it always seems completely appropriate for the scene. Beast Wars suffered greatly in this department whereas it seems to be one of Prime's greatest strengths.
The voice acting is superb in my book. I was pretty geeked about Peter Cullen and Frank Welker reprising their rightful roles as Optimus Prime and Megatron respectively. The rest of the voices seemed appropriately cast. None of the voices seem out-of-place. Everything seems natural. It definitely feels like the animation was done to the voice acting instead of the other way around, which was one of Beast Wars greatest strengths.
The kids weren't as annoying as I had expected. I'm one of those fans that understands the purpose of having humans in the Transformers cartoons. Without humans, there'd be little point to Transformers being "robots in disguise". They're a necessary evil and, in this case, they're handled fairly well. The show is about the Transformers and not the kids -- there seems to be little confusion about that.
"Prime" is dark at times -- some themes that might not be appropriate or suitable for young children. They might even be getting away with some of what happened in the first two episodes because what occurred happened to "robots" and not humans and because it's airing on a cable channel half-owned by the same people who own the Transformers (*ahem* that'd be Hasbro folks). If you question whether or not the show is dark, just ask yourself this ... has the word "cadaver" ever been used in an episode of Transformers before?
The overall mood of the show, or at the very least the first two episodes, is far more serious than we've seen in a long time. I guess this is what makes me keep thinking of Beast Wars. But not all of Beast Wars. Think "The Trigger", "Dark Voyage", "Law of the Jungle", "Other Voices", "Other Visits", and "Code of Hero". Not on an epic scale like Other Voices or a heart-wrenching scale like Code of Hero, but in its own unique way.
The animation has grown on me. There are some things that I don't like. This might be the show's weakest link and one of its greatest strengths. The backgrounds, the complexity of each scene, the transformations, the alternate modes, and the Transformers robots themselves all look incredible. Yet at the same time, I get this feeling like I'm watching the cut scenes in a video game. Something's not quite right and I can't pinpoint it. For the most part though, the show looks incredible. I really like the overall style of the animation even though I have a few issues with it. It is definitely unique, as unique as the style of Transformers Animated is and the style of the live action Transformers films.
Speaking of transformations, they're very fluid -- more along the lines of the live action films. To be honest, I really had to think about this because none of the transformations really stood out to me -- but that's actually a good thing because it means they didn't waste a lot of time forcing the transformations upon you. It just happened and the show went on.
As I've said before, War For Cybertron/Exodus and Transformers Prime are a "forced" continuity meaning that they weren't originally intended to be the same continuity despite what Hasbro tells us. There are a few things that contradict what's already been established in the WFC universe, not to mention a flash back scene in Transformers Prime that uses the Prime animation models and not anything that looks like the WFC designs. I'll consider them the same continuity to humor everyone but they're as forced together as Transformers Cybertron was forced into the Unicron Trilogy.
And now for my thoughts on the characters ...
Optimus Prime - he's basically the same as his movie counterpart. As much as I love Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime, I sometimes feel that he takes the role a little too serious. Everything always seems so epic and heavy with him voicing Optimus. Maybe it's just me. Maybe I'm just looking for something to complain about like a typical fan boy. Or maybe he does need to loosen up a little bit.
Megatron - I'm not usually on the Frank Welker-voicing-Megatron bandwagon like many fans are. Every time I've heard him do his "Megatron" voice in recent years, I kind of cringe. His recent Megatron voice is definitely not his G1 Megatron voice, whether it's him or how it's vocoded I don't know. So I was a little reluctant about him reprising the role of Megatron. His voice at the end of the first episode is like his recent Megatron voice that I don't particularly like. However, his voice in the 2nd episode is unlike any other Welker/Megatron voice I've heard before. It's unique to this character and very appropriate. This Megatron is EVIL, a true villain, something that has been missing from Megatron for a very long time. Sometimes I wonder what the difference is between Megatron and Optimus because we rarely get to see Megatron be evil. You do in Transformers Prime and that's why this Megatron has got me wondering if this could be my favorite Megatron since the Beast Wars Megatron.
Arcee - She's a pretty major character in the first two episodes that gets a lot of screen time. She's the bridge that basically brings the humans into the Transformers storyline. She's a very serious Arcee. This isn't your Headmasters "secretary" Arcee or Susan Blu's Animated Arcee. This is an Arcee with an attitude. Not IDW's Furmanized Arcee, but definitely more of a serious warrior Arcee
Starscream - not a wuss. Voice is different than previous incarnations. More like the first live action film than the second. It's unique and not the "screaming" high pitched voice either. I wasn't quite sure what to think of it at first. I liked it, but I just kept thinking that it's not a voice for Starscream. I was sold pretty quickly on it when I saw Starscream being a complete badass in the first episode when he does something we haven't seen in a Transformers cartoon in a really long time (if ever). Give this Starscream a chance. He might just give previous Starscream incarnations a run for their money.
Ratchet - Jeffrey Combs does an incredible job with this really fun character. This might be the best rendition of Ratchet to date. Picture a cross between G1 cartoon, comic, and Transformers Animated Ratchets -- and the best of each to boot. He's not fond of the human kids, has a sense of humor, grumbles, complains, and still gets the job done. I'm rooting for a Starscream versus Ratchet battle, they both might be worthy of revisiting Simon Furman's Marvel Comics battle between these two characters.
Soundwave - Megatron's here because of him basically, no thanks to Starscream, but we really don't find out too much about him. We don't even really hear him speak, he just plays back a recording of something Arcee said. Hopefully he's more than just a drone.
Bumblebee - more-or-less like his movie counterpart with some added bits from his Animated self. He can't talk, which is one of my few complaints about the show, especially with no explanation about why he can't speak other than via beeps and boops, which Raf can oddly understand. He surprisingly didn't get as much screen time as Arcee did, which I thought was a little odd. I'm sure he'll get his moment in the spotlight in the near future though.
Bulkhead - basically like his Animated character, but without the goofy clumsiness. All muscle it seems. Voice is similar but different. Lots of fun potential with him. Minimal screen time but enough to get a taste of him.
Cliffjumper - seems like a cool character. Not sure that they needed to bring in a Hollywood name to do his voice. His design is one of my favorites in this show. Definitely a risk taker. He was portrayed very well in IDW's Transformers Prime comic and his characterization carried over to the cartoon show.
"Transformers Prime" Production Credits:
Produced By Hasbro Studios
Executive Producers:
Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Jeff Kline are executive producers. Kurtzman and Orci served as co-writers of the feature films "Transformers," "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" and "Star Trek." Kline was also executive producer of the animated series "Jackie Chan Adventures."
Main cast:
Optimus Prime - Peter Cullen
Arcee - Sumalee Montano
Ratchet - Jeffrey Combs
Bulkhead - Kevin Michael Richardson
Megatron - Frank Welker
Jack - Josh Keaton
Miko - Tania Gunadi
Raf - Andy Pessoa
Starscream - Steve Blum
Agent Fowler - Ernie Hudson
June Darby - Markie Post
Well, that's it for me for tonight. Please make sure you stop by to share your thoughts after you watch Transformers Prime. I look forward to hearing what other Seibertronians think of this show.
This is a Seibertron.com World Premiere Exclusive! You read it here 1st!
Yesterday The Hub sent Seibertron.com advance screening copies of the first two episodes of "Transformers Prime". I will be posting my actual review later tonight or tomorrow. My one line review in the meantime ... "'Transformers Prime' is the darker toned love child of Beast Wars and the live action Transformers films without the cheesy humor." Stay tuned for more! In the meantime, here's our detailed summary of the second episode of Transformers Prime (after the spoiler space below). DO NOT CONTINUE UNLESS YOU WANT TO READ SPOILERS!
"Transformers Prime" - Part 2 of "Darkness Rising" (premiere: Friday, November 26, 4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m.) When a weak life signal is received from Cliffjumper (Dwayne Johnson), the Autobots roll out and are met by Megatron who has obtained a mysterious and powerful substance...dark Energon!
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TRANSFORMERS PRIME EPISODE #2 SUMMARY
"DARKNESS RISING" PART 2
Running Time: 22:34 minutes
Episode opens up with a "previously on Transformers Prime" recap of the previous episode.
After the Decepticons retrieved Megatron via the Space Bridge at the end of the previous episode, the Decepticons continue mining for Energon deposits. Starscream informs Megatron about how significant this deposit is and that they have amassed quite a stockpile. Megatron informs Starscream that now that he has returned, he will be issuing the commands. Starscream declares he is Megatron's "humble servant". Megatron tells Starscream that his Decepticon army will come but via a new way of materializing them via the solidified form of the "Blood of Unicron". Starscream refers to Unicron as "the destroyer" and that Unicron's blood is the anti-spark. Megatron refers to it as "Dark Energon" which Starscream says has the power to revive the dead. Megatron states that they only need a cadaver to test it, then asks Starscream if he's willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. Starscream tells Megatron that won't be necessary, then presents the deceased Autobot Cliffjumper as a "welcome home present" to his master. Cliffjumper looks pretty rough.
Cuts to opening credits.
Meanwhile at the Autobot base, Optimus Prime discusses their situation with the Human companions telling them that it would be best if they stayed under their watch. Ratchet disagrees with the decision to keep them there. A proximity sensor alarm starts beeping alarming the Autobots to the arrival of a human government worker known as Special Agent Fowler, who arrived via helicopter. Fowler is the Autobot's liaison to the outside world who only visits when there are "issues", according to Optimus Prime, and that it would be best if the teens do not meet Fowler at this time.
Fowler enters the base via an elevator shaft. When he walks into the base, he starts going off on the Autobots regarding the damage caused in the previous episode in the city as well as reports about a motorcycle of unknown make and model and a black and yellow muscle car racing through the city. The human children watch from their hiding spot. Optimus assures the Fowler that the Autobots have the situation under control. Optimus tells Fowler that the Decepticons have not left. Fowler states that it's time to wake up the Pentagon. Optimus assures Fowler that the Autobots are their best defense against the Decepticon force. Optimus tells Fowler that military involvement will only result in catastrophe and that he cannot condone widespread human casualties. Fowler tells Optimus to handle the situation under the radar or that he will, then he leaves.
Back at the Decepticon mining base, Megatron stabs Cliffjumper's corpse with a shard of the Dark Energon. Cliffjumper's seems to come back to life due to the evil powers of the Dark Energon. However, he begins making hideous creature like noises, screaming as he breaks free from his restraints, eyes and mouth glowing an eerie blue light. Cliffjumper then attacks several Decepticons in a fit of maddening rage. Megatron and Starscream watch as Cliffjumper crushes one of the Drones heads with his bare hands. Cliffjumper turns his attention to another Drone who had just begun firing upon the crazed Autobot. Cliffjumper pounces at the Drone and begins pulverizing him with his bare hands in the shadows. The concerned Starscream asks Megatron if "That's your plan? To bring Autobots back from the dead to attack us?" Megatron states that Cliffjumper is just a mindless beast intent on who's instinct is to destroy anything in its path. The Cliffjumper creature then turns its attention toward Megatron. Megatron, in self defense, slices Cliffjumper in half, cutting through him diagonally with a blade attached to his arm. The top half of Cliffjumper's body slides off as the body tumbles over a cliff. The top half hangs on to the edge of the cliff, continuing to scream at Megatron and reaching to attack. Megatron pushes the creature off the edge of the cliff with the bottom of his foot. The creature flails its arm as it falls below bouncing off the wall until it lands on the ground. Megatron declares to Starscream that this will be the indestructible seed to his army and that they will be the ultimate weapon once he learns to control it.
Back at the Autobot base, Ratchet curses the "Earth tech" because Cliffjumper's life signal popped back online, said it's not possible for Cliffjumper to come back online; blamed it on problems with the computer system. Optimus Prime, Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Arcee leave via their "Ground Bridge" (a scaled down version of Space Bridge technology, similar to how it worked in "Car Robots" / "Robots in Disguise") which enables the Autobots to travel from their base to anywhere on Earth. Optimus tells Ratchet to prepare the sick bay because they may need it. (This is a great scene with Ratchet's character. He really seems like a cross between his various incarnations - mostly between G1 and Animated. Even his voice is like a happy medium between those respective voices.)
The Autobots arrive near the location of where Cliffjumper's life signal was detected, at the Energon mine from earlier in this episode. Optimus determines that the Decepticons had been there for a while due to the size of the mine. The Autobots briefly observe the Decepticon Drones mining. Optimus announces "let's find Cliffjumper!" then the Autobots simply march into the middle of the Decepticons mining operation. The Drones take notice and begin firing upon the Autobot intruders. Each Autobot demonstrates their various battle skills as they take down the Decepticon Drones.
Ratchet and his "human companions" discuss his problems with the Earthen technology they adopted from the mountain base's "previous tenants" -- a former missile silo. Raf resolves some problems that the computer's were having, which Ratchet couldn't believe because it was "complex".
After the Autobots take out the initial wave of Drones, they are met with another dozen or so Drones who begin to attack them. The Autobots transform to battle the Drones. As the Autobots advance further through the mine, they are attacked again as they approach the bottom of the cliff/mine shaft where Cliffjumper was disposed of by Megatron.
Aboard the Decepticon ship floating above the mine, Megatron contemplates how to wield the power of the Blood of Unicron. Starscream informs Megatron that "intruders" have entered the mines. Megatron commands Starscream to ready the ship to leave and to "blow the mine".
Back in the mine, Arcee sees Cliffjumper's body a couple of levels up the mine shaft. The rest of the Autobots give her cover as she attempts to rescue his body. A pool of purple liquid surrounds his upper torso as Arcee approaches. The flooring collapses beneath Cliffjumper's body due to the Drones firing at Arcee. She grabs Cliffjumper's arm as his body falls. As she tries to pull him up, the Cliffjumper creature becomes reanimated, attempting to attack Arcee. The creature screams angrily at her causing her to let go after becoming startled. Cliffjumper's body falls again, then slams into a floor below, bouncing off until it reaches the ground level falling amongst some Energon.
The Autobots watch their poor comrades body as it falls when they hear Starscream laughing above. The Autobots move from their place of cover to get a better view of Starscream, who drops a bomb into the mine right before transforming to escape the mine in order to join Megatron aboard the Decepticon ship. The bomb lands next to some of the raw Energon. The Autobots transform to vehicle form leaving the body of Cliffjumper behind. The bomb goes off, causing a gigantic explosion due to the Energon. Optimus orders Ratchet to open the Ground Bridge to bring them back to base. The blast from the explosion is catching up to the Autobots as they race away from the explosion's epicenter. The Autobots barely escape back to the base.
The humans realize that this is a sensitive moment of defeat for the Autobots so they take off to explore. Optimus then asks Arcee what she saw. She says "Not Cliff', at least not anymore. He was mutated, butchered, something like one of the 'Con experiments during the war." She becomes dizzy and falls. The humans are surprised at how "human-like" the Autobots seem. Raf: "Robots who get dizzy?" Miko: "Robots who have emotions?" Jack: "Robots who can die." Ratchet scans Arcee to determine what is wrong with her. He notices a purple liquid on the back of her left hand. Ratchet asked what it was. Arcee responded that she didn't know ... that Cliffjumper was covered in it, leaking it. Ratchet scrapes it off her hand then orders her to take a decontamination bath.
The humans convince Optimus Prime that they need to go home to their parents who are probably worried about them since they were out past curfew. Optimus hadn't considered their Earth customs. Optimus commands Bulkhead to take Miko home and to maintain surveillance in vehicle form. Bumblebee is to watch over Raf. Arcee is to accompany Jack.
Arcee pulls into Jack's parent's garage. He gets off Arcee, and apologizes for her "loss". Jack's mom arrives home. She explains that she was worried about him and is concerned that she now has to worry about him driving a motorcycle. The scene ends with Jack and his mom going into the house for the night, leaving Arcee in motorcycle form in the garage.
The next morning, Jack hears Arcee revving up her engine. He complains that it's Saturday and she teases stating that he can watch Saturday morning cartoons back at the base with Arcee. Arcee tells Jack to leave a note for his Mom so she won't worry.
Back of the Decepticon ship, Starscream tells Megatron that he doesn't need to worry any further Autobot interference with "Optimus gone". Megatron questions what evidence Starscream has to make this claim to which Starscream slyly states that he blew up the mine where the Autobots were. Megatron assures Starscream that Optimus is not so easily defeated and that he a millennia's worth of battles to prove it. Starscream expresses his concern that Megatron should take a break for a while; that too much exposure to the Dark Energon could adversely affect him. Megatron tells Starscream that perhaps he had not permitted himself enough contact with the Dark Energon. Megatron then grabs a few shards of the substance, then thrusts it into his own "spark chamber" while Starscream yells his concern that Megatron shouldn't do it without knowing the consequences. Megatron begins trembling as the powers of the Dark Energon begin coursing through his body.
The scene transitions from the energy running rampant through the inside of Megatron's body to Ratchet's computer analyzing the same substance. Ratchet states that the base elements of this goo are like nothing he has encountered. He theorizes that it must be extremely concentrated in order for it to have affected Arcee so rapidly. He complains that results are slow coming without the use of proper diagnostic tools, no thanks to Bulkhead. As he pulls out a small tray of the substance, a small amount drips off the tray onto one of his tools laying on the floor. The substance soaks into the device as Ratchet walks over to one of his computers. The device begins to glow and transform ... growing legs and other parts similar to some of the Allspark creatures from the live action films. The episode ends with the small creature charging the camera.
Every year we send questions to Hasbro and almost every time we get answers that are not totally candid and satisfactory. Since then we at Seibertron.com have started answering the questions ourselves. Note that these answers are not from Hasbro or Takara, nor are they approved by those companies but are from experienced members of Seibertron.com.
If you have a question please post it in this thread during the next 7 days. Seibertron.com will use a combination of knowledge, educated guesses and occasional stabs in the dark to get you the answers you seek by the end of this year. And if you know the answers to any of the questions posted don't be afraid to share it in the thread!
This is a Seibertron.com World Premiere Exclusive! You read it here 1st!
Earlier today, Seibertron.com received an advance copy from The Hub of the first two episodes of "Transformers Prime" for screen purposes. I am in the middle of doing the summary for the second episode as well as putting together my review for these episodes. I will be posting my actual review later today after the episode summaries. My one line review in the meantime ... "'Transformers Prime' is the darker toned love child of Beast Wars and the live action Transformers films without the cheesy humor." Stay tuned for more! In the meantime, here's our detailed summary of the first episode of Transformers Prime (after the spoiler space below). DO NOT CONTINUE UNLESS YOU WANT TO READ SPOILERS!
"Transformers Prime" - Part 1 of "Darkness Rising" (premiere: Friday, November 26, 4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.) Optimus Prime and the Autobots investigate the return of the Decepticons while forced to account for a group of young humans who have unwittingly become involved in their centuries-old conflict.
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TRANSFORMERS PRIME EPISODE #1 SUMMARY
"DARKNESS RISING" PART 1
Running Time: 21:54 minutes
We start out with Cliffjumper and Arcee chatting over an intercom while cruising different landscapes, patrolling for Energon. Cliffjumper soon picks up a signal and finds a pit of Energon. He is quickly attacked by Decepticons. About a half dozen drones get ready to attack him.
Breaks to opening credits. No theme song. Just the primary "Transformers Prime" logo. Developed for television by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci and Duane Capizzi & Jeff Kline. Kurtzman, Orci, and Kline are all listed as Executive Producers as well. This intro makes the intro to Scrubs look long.
Back to the action, Cliffjumper attacks the Decepticons. Scene jumps to Optimus Prime in vehicle form receiving a message from Arcee. Optimus contacts the other Autobots to head to Cliffjumper's location for backup. Cliffjumper's battle with the Decepticon Drones doesn't last long. After an Energon explosion, the Drones take the fallen Cliffjumper aboard their ship where Starscream awaits. Cliffjumper and Starscream share some brief dialogue before Starscream kills Cliffjumper by stabbing him through the left side of his chest.
The Autobots arrive at the Energon field. They find one of Cliffjumper's horns that fell off during his battle. Ratchet's monitor of Autobot positions shows Cliffjumper's "life signal" go offline.
Onboard the Decepticon shuttle, Soundwave reports to Starscream. I initially thought Soundwave had a rather unique somewhat melodized computer voice, but after listening to it several times and catching some of what he says, it sounds like he's repeating back lines from Arcee. Starscream's line afterwards is about Arcee as well so I'm not sure if that was a highly computerized playback of Arcee's voice or Soundwave actually talking.
The Autobots have a round table discussion near the edge of a cliff with a beautiful sunset in the background. Optimus talks about not letting the loss of Cliffjumper to impair their judgement. He also mentions that they are the only Autobots on Earth, they owe it to Cybertron, to Humankind and to their fallen comrade. Arcee sulks off as she transforms and leaves to "protect humankind".
Meanwhile, at a burger joint in a city, we meet the 16 year old human teenager Jack who's working at the drive-thru. His day doesn't seem to be going well. Arcee is en route to the city with her hologram "Sadie". She notices two Decepticon drone "twins" in her rear view mirrors. Jack has a conversation with his mother on his cell phone when he sees Arcee in motorcycle form sitting in the parking lot outside of the restaurant. He's mocked by two girls after they hear him talking to the Arcee motorcycle, proclaiming his desire to own a bike like her.
The two Decepticon drones race toward Arcee and Jack. Given no choice, Arcee must take off with Jack as her passenger with the Decepticon Drones in hot pursuit. The street battle continues through the city. Arcee loses the Drones for a moment so she lets Jack off in an alley after telling him that she doesn't exist. As she leaves him, she sees the Drones again in her rear view mirror. One of the Drones turns to chase after Jack. Move over "slag", the new slang on Transformers Prime is first heard when Arcee says "Oh, scrap!" as she turns around to take on the Drones in order to save Jack who is running for the Drone down an alley. Arcee comes to his rescue, Jack hops on her motorcycle form, and the battle/chase takes to the highway.
Bumblebee soon comes to the rescue by attacking the Drones. Jack and Arcee end up at the end of an unfinished highway. Arcee leaps to the underpass we saw in the 1st Transformers Prime trailer. Another young boy, Raf, is at the bottom of the underpass playing with his remote control car. Raf asks Jack what's going on right. The Drones, having knocked out Bumblebee moments earlier back on the highway, transform and attack Arcee. They battle. The action's pretty good. The Drones take out Arcee with a fire blast to the head. Bumblebee then reappears as he jumps off the highway overpass. This is the scene we saw from the first teaser trailer.
The Drones almost get the best of Bumblebee until Raf shouts out for the Decepticons to leave Bumblebee alone. The Drones then turn their attention from Bumblebee to Jack and Raf. They run down a large sewer pipe until the Drone can't reach them. Bumblebee and Arcee seem to be getting the "scrap" kicked out of them until Bulkhead arrives. With the tide turned against the Decepticons, the Drones transform and retreat. One of the few bits of humor is shown here when Arcee asks Bulkhead what took him so long. Bulkhead replies "traffic". Subtle humor ... not over-the-top like Animated was.
The scene cuts to Arcee and Bumblebee back at Autobot base giving Optimus Prime a briefing on what happened. Optimus states that anyone seen as one of their allies will be at great risk.
Jack walks out of his high school, past a Japanese exchange student, a girl named Miko, who is drawing the "awesome" motorcycle parked in the high school's parking lot. Jack sees Raf. Bumblebee honks his horn, pulls up alongside the boys, and has Raf get in. Arcee takes off in pursuit of Jack. She talks to him about understanding the situation. Arcee tells him that his safety is why Optimus Prime has requested his presence. Miko makes her presence known as she overhears their conversation. Arcee takes both Jack and Miko back to Autobot base to meet with Optimus Prime. The arrival at the Autobot mountain base is fairly epic. You truly get a sense of how large their base is.
The music when Optimus Prime walks into the main room is very reminiscent of the music that played when he first appeared in the first live action Transformers film. He announces that they are "autonomous robots from the planet Cybertron, also known as Autobots". The scene feels very similar to when Optimus introduced himself to Sam Witwicky. Apparently Cybertron is uninhabitable because of the Autobot civil war against the Decepticons. We get to see a stylized flashback to war ravaged Cybertron. This scene looks similar to an animated comic book, but it seems appropriate since it's a flashback scene. Optimus states that he fought alongside one he might consider a "brother", but in war ideals can be corrupted, then Megatron lost his way (awesome screen shot right here of Megatron's head). Optimus tells the human teenagers that he fears Megatron's return is imminent.
Back at the Decepticon base, Starscream states that the transmissions emanating from deep space would be a waste of Energon to intercept unless Soundwave is certain of its source. Soundwave nods, so the Decepticons activate their space bridge to retrieve ... MEGATRON!
After partaking in the Hasbro Q&A program for the past two years, we decided to try something a little different. As some of you know, the restrictions imposed upon the websites can make for some lame questions being sent and for lame answers to be received. This time around, Seibertron.com answers each and every one of the questions that our fellow Seibertronians asked. We did our best to answer the questions as truthfully and straightforward as possible. Please understand when reading the following answers that these were provided by Seibertron.com, and not by Hasbro or any entity associated with Hasbro. The answers were not approved by Hasbro either. The answers are simply from Seibertron.com as we do our best to answer your questions.
It is our hope, that by taking the time to answer the questions you intended to be answered by Hasbro (of which we could only submit two), that many of the more casual fans who visit this site (which far outnumber the die-hard fans) will be able to sit back for the next few minutes and enjoy our attempt at answering your questions to the best of our ability. I'm sure that there are many answers below to which the more casual fans did not know the answer.
All of the answers were provided to the best of our ability. Some of the questions required the use of a magic 8 ball. Some of you might know more than us. Some of you might know better answers; if you do, let us know so that we can be informed as well. By all means, please feel free to discuss the questions and answers on our forums.
Without further ado, here is our attempt at answering the questions you sent us to send to Hasbro. Enjoy!
Leviathan wrote:Hey Hasbro just wondering if the Cycle Sisters (Arcee, Chromia, and Elita-1) do combine and if they do, are you going to post the way to combine them?
nemesis primus wrote:Considering that at Toyfair 2010 your representative announced that arcee combination instructions will be online, with elita-1's recent release when can we expect to see these instructions?
It appears Hasbro dropped the official transformation because it was either too complex or was never really planned out from the get-go with the toys we ended up with at retail. If you check out YouTube, there are several fans who've attempted to come up with some very creative ways to combine these 3 figures. Here are a few examples for you to view:
If there is an official transformation, we may never know. Hasbro has yet to reveal an official transformation despite being asked by fans many times.
Leviathan wrote:Another question is What is it that you plan on doing with transformers as a toyline after the third movie and TF: Prime?
Hasbro has yet to reveal what their plans are for 2012. Hasbro generally only lets us in on what they're through the next 6 to 12 months out.
The Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon toys will most likely start showing up on store shelves in late May about five or six weeks prior to the release of DOTM on July 1st, 2011. Hasbro's Toy Fair 2011 event is most likely on February 12th, the Saturday prior to the official Toy Fair. At this Toy Fair event, Hasbro will most likely reveal their DOTM toy line. It is possible that some of the toys from DOTM might start leaking as early as December 2010 as we've seen in the months leading up to the release of the previous Transformers films.
Is has been stated in several places that we will definitely get a Transformers: Prime toyline. I'd expect to see them on the shelves by the fall of 2011 if not sooner. If I can find some sources stating this again, I'll post them.
GEEWUN wrote:Dear Hasbro,
Will we be seeing any new (unannounced) War for Cybertron Figures in the near future?
Cliffjumper will be released in the next month. After that, it is unknown what their plans are. I've heard rumors of a WFC Starscream toy. I hope they can release this prior to DOTM so that we can get Thundercracker and Skywarp as well. If a Starscream toy is not released by the time DOTM toys hit the shelves, I wouldn't count on one until the next iteration of the Classics Universe is released ("Classics 4.0" if you will). If we don't see one by then, I wouldn't count on ever getting one.
nemesis primus wrote:Would you ever consider creating autobot/decepticon drones based on the create-a-character in war for cybertron that will allow two alt modes?
It would be awesome to have these drones made, but I'm sure these would be way down the list long after well known established characters like Jetfire, Starscream, Jazz, and Shockwave ever get toys of their own. As for the Decepticon drones in the upcoming Transformers: Prime cartoon series, that could be a possibility depending on how large the toy line is fleshed out.
dkreed7 wrote:Are we getting war for cybertron starscream any time soon?
And are the any plans to make more war for cybertron figures?
nemesis primus wrote:Are there any plans to create figures of war for cybertron omega supreme and trypticon?
Hasbro doesn't seem to like the big guys any more. Not sure how Star Wars keeps getting $150 Millennium Falcons and $100 AT-AT and GiJoe keeps getting large playsets, yet they don't think that a $100 or $150 Omega Supreme or Trypticon would sell. Hasbro has stated in the past that large Transformers playsets don't sell or something along those lines. Considering that there hasn't been a Hasbro released Transformers "playset" since 1987 (or 1990 if you want to count the Micromaster bases), I've never been sure where this statement comes from unless it comes from their market-researchers research (best guess?).
Tristar wrote:Are Liege Maximo and The Fallen the same being? If not How did Liege Maximo become corrupt? Why did, if Alpha Trion is one the orignal 13, he Attack Nexus Prime(maximus) In the Transtech Universe? Will any of my questions be answered in fiction in the forseeable future IE in the next year?
The Liege Maximo and The Fallen are two separate characters. In the Transformers: Exodus novel, Megatron references Liege Maximo and his "treacherous" brother The Fallen.
As for the evil Alpha Trion, he is derived from the Shattered Glass alternate universe where the Autobots are evil and the Decepticons are good. It is unknown where the Shattered Glass universe splintered from the mainstream Transformers realities.
Hasbro revealed at BotCon 2010 that they're working on the very details about the "original 13". The artwork they showed for some of those characters at BotCon 2010 was stunning. Hopefully more will be revealed at BotCon 2011. If I recall correctly, Hasbro stated that this part of the mythology will be explored further in 2013.
earltheyeti wrote:I've noticed that the Classics and Generations lines (the nastalgia ones that follow the Generation 1 styling) have stayed confined to the smaller scales (i.e. deluxe and voyager class.) Why is this? Are there plans to produce some figures in the Ultra or Leader class size?
(I, for one, would really go for a G1 style leader class Optimus Prime or voyager class Starscream.)
Kingpun wrote:Would carrying over a Leader class toy from a previous toyline allow for more new Leader class characters to be produced for a new toyline? Like how certain deluxe and voyage characters from Transformers '07 found their way into the Revenge of the Fallen toyline. Or is the marketability and demand for characters in the Leader size scale still too small to allow for one subline alone to carry what would be around 3 or 4 new unique Leader molds, in addition to 2 or 3 reused molds? Allowing for around 6 or 7 unique characters in one line?
Regarding a "Generations" Leader class toy, I think without a cartoon to appeal to the kiddies, it most likely comes down to profits. The deluxe class is the best selling size class of Transformers toys. I'm not sure where the other size classes rank, but I'm sure profitability is a factor as well. I imagine the profit margin is greater on a deluxe class figure versus a leader class figure. Without the cartoon pushing the larger products, I think they'd have a harder time selling the Leader class figures in the Classics line once the fans bought them up.
This is mostly pure speculation on my behalf. I welcome all of you to share your thoughts and feel free to debate this with your fellow Seibertronians.
Bumblevivisector wrote:I have a few related questions about the just-released Generations Darkmount figure. Specifically the fact that his being a Decepticon who'd only appeared in Marvel's Transformers comics meant they had the rights to his proper name of Straxus, and therefore Hasbro couldn't use it. I'd like to know if this will hamper any future efforts to do figures of toyless TF characters created for Marvel continuity, or if some deal has been worked out since then. I'm no legal expert, but considering Hasbro also currently produces Marvel Comics figures, and even a Marvel/Transformers Crossover line, this issue being a stumbling block sounds extremely silly to me.
But if it will continue to be an issue, will it make producing characters from the Marvel U.S. books (ex: Scrounge, Wipe-Out) tougher than ones from the Marvel U.K. series (ex: Impactor, Flame, Macabre)? And will Disney's recent buyout of Marvel Comics add further complications? (I know we'll never see a Transformer actually called Darkwing again)
You released a K.B. Toys exclusive figure called Jhiaxus last decade, despite that being a character created for the Marvel Transformers: Generation 2 series. Was that not a rights issue because the toy was just a random repaint and not a stab at an actual likeness of the character, or did Marvel just happen to not bother copyrighting that particular name?
Hasbro stated something about his name not being able to be used at BotCon 2010. I thought they said something about "Straxus" being the name for another product or company but I can't find anything on Google to back up what I remember. After doing a few other searches, I came up with Straxis.com which is the name of a website development company in Oklahoma. Could this be why Darkmount wasn't called Straxus in the US (similar to Outback being called Fallback due to Outback Steakhouse and Hasbro siding with extreme caution).
My understanding is that Hasbro can make any Transformer based off the Transformers robot characters that appeared in Marvel Comics. Unless Marvel started their own transforming robots comic line, I can't foresee them ever having a use for Spanner, Straxus, Impactor, Emirate Xaaron and other Marvel created Transformers robot characters. However, they cannot use the human characters that Marvel created such as Circuit Breaker, G.B. Blackrock, and Death's Head. Though I wonder about Buster Witwicky.
Fellow Seibertronian staff member Dead Metal had this comment to add to our answer:
Dead Metal wrote:Straxus was called Darkmount due to the Straxus toy Trademark being already taken. Marvel does not own the name or the character, that is part of the deal between Hasbro and the companies that provide fiction. All characters that are created for and first show up in Transformers movies, comics, books and cartoons are the property of Hasbro, and that includes their name and likeness. The only way Marvel could claim ownership to Straxus is if he showed up in a non-Transformers comic before his first TF fiction appearance. Jhiaxus was a Marvel comic Transformer and he's still part of TF fiction and even has a toy. Somewhere out there is a toy with the name Straxus making it impossible for Hasbro to use the name for their own products.
For those of you who don't know, Circuit Breaker (as Circuit Breaker, not Josie Beller) and Death's Head both appeared (albeit extremely briefly) in other Marvel comic books prior to their debut in Transformers comics which is how Marvel retains the rights to those characters.
I am not a lawyer and I do not claim to have legal expertise in the field of copyrights and trademarks. If someone who has more familiarity with situations such as this or can point out examples from other similar situations, please feel free to add your thoughts and comments to this thread to share your knowledge with us.
adamassc wrote:Is hftd Sunspot's coloration a homage or an original design?
To the best of my knowledge, it is an original design. Whether fans like it or not is still up for debate.
adamassc wrote:Can we expect the Powercore Combiner line's five packs to continue being based on previous combiner teams?
My magic 8 ball says "Concentrate and ask again". Joking aside, I'm sure Hasbro will continue to look at past themes used amongst combiners during the brand's 26 year history to see how those themes could be worked into the current Power Core Combiners brand. I'm also sure they'll take a lot of creative liberties that are best suited to this line. "Concentrate and ask again" indeed.
adamassc wrote:Where do the powercore combiners fit in storywise? Are they movieverse, Generations, or a standalone continuity?
This is a damn good question! Magic 8 ball -- what do you think? "Signs point to yes".
Hasbro answered this question for ASMzine.com recently: "While the Power Core Combiners have been seen in the movie-verse continuity, established in a Cyber Mission web episode, they basically exist on their own. For reference, the episode is currently available on http://www.transformers.com and http://www.hubworld.com. The concept of Power Core Combiners can also translate to other continuities similar to Mini-Cons."
EdgeAsus wrote:What other Human Alliance toys are going to be coming out other then the Black Sideswipe? Also How many more Generation ones are going to be coming out other then the obvious?
I'm pretty sure the black Sideswipe is the last in the Human Alliance line for the time being. I wouldn't be surprised to see the concept revisited with the Dark of the Moon line next summer, but nothing has been announced officially yet pertaining to this. Stay tuned!
Depends on your definition of the obvious. We've seen images of the figures through an early spring release. What we haven't seen yet is what's going to come out March through May -- if anything at all. Perhaps Hasbro has a few more tricks up their sleeves before Dark of the Moon hits store shelves in late spring / early summer 2011.
noodles2go wrote:Are you going to continue with the Power Core Combiners line?
Have we seen anything past the end of this year? I think all of the new PCC toys that we are aware of are scheduled to be released by January 2011. I'm not sure if this is a good sign or a bad sign for the Power Core Combiners line.
After doing a little bit of homework on Google, I found that Hasbro recently answered this question for ActionFigurePics.com: "Currently the plan is to continue the Power-Core Combiners line up until the release of the Movie 3 line with new teams and figures."
noodles2go wrote:Is the quality control in the Power Core Combiner figures going to be better? Many people have complained of loose ball joints, too tight or too loose power link joints, as well as drones not properly automorphing as they should. I have experience this on many occasions myself, and have had to return a couple items due to this.
Quaternion wrote:Hasbro,
How do you plan to improve quality control?
For example, I've returned MP Grimlock twice now for different QC issues and others have QC issues with this $70 figure as well: /energonpub/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=68503. If I pay $70, I expect acceptable quality.
Cheetron wrote:Across every line of Transformers product we've seen a multitude of Quailty control failures. From paint aps, to poor designs, to the wrong parts in the wrong position and even your products have broken due to the very thin plastic they're made of. My question is: Are you planning to improve on this and make you toys better?
It's early for me and my mind is foggy. If anyone want to improve on this, please make it sound better. lol.
I'll answer this with Hasbro's own quote from October 2008.
"Yes we are aware that there has been a rise in collector complaints about certain Transformers products. We can assure you that all products are quality tested to strict controls and it is something that Hasbro prides itself on. Given the huge increase in volume we have experienced in the Transformers range the likelihood of certain products sometimes not meeting consumer expectations slightly increases, however we always try to service our customers needs when a problem arises."
Anyone else care to share their thoughts on quality control issues? What have your experiences been with Transformers quality control?
backpack wrote:Are there any plans to release drone packs for PCC so that we can mix/match create our own teams?
I would safely say the answer to this is "no".
joeformer wrote:Ive asked this a million times with no luck but id like to try again lol. With the addition of the new little mini human figures that come with the screen battles. any chance of making some in scale figures for the generations and movie line with articulation?
backpack wrote:Generations Human Alliance? Yes/No/Maybe So?
I would safely say the answer to this is "no" as well, however, I'm pretty sure this question was asked at BotCon 2010 and we were given the typical "no plans at this time, but is something to consider" answer. I can't seem to find this via Google though. Can anyone else find this quote online?
It Is Him wrote:Re: Generation Red Alert's deco. Why did Hasbro choose toy colors over TV show colors?
Most likely simply to make their product slightly different than Takara Tomy's product. In this case, Takara Tomy's product for the Asian market resembled Red Alert's cartoon colors whereas Hasbro's version resembled the original toy from 1985. I think this was especially important for Hasbro to do since Takara Tomy's version of this toy preceded the Hasbro version by over a year. Many die-hard fans already purchased the Japanese version so by making the Hasbro product different, it gives fans a reason to purchase the new version even if they already own the original version.
Rated X wrote:My question is a follow up to a question asked at the Botcon 2010 Hasbro pannel. The question asked at Botcon was "Why cant the USA get the repaints or redeco's that Takara makes in Japan ?" Hasbro answered the question by stating "The USA has its market and Japan has its market and the two were not meant to combine." A good example in reference to this question is Henkei Classics Deluxe Thundercracker not getting a USA version like his 2 counterparts.
My question is:
Who decides what the "USA market" or "Japan market" should be and what is the process for doing it ???
Sombody ultimitly has to make decisions. Tell us who and how these decisions are made.
This is an interesting question. The first comment I want to make pertains to Thundercracker. I'm almost certain we'll get him at some point. It should just be a matter of time. And patience.
I'm sure a lot of decisions about what products should carry over from country to country depend upon a core group of people at each company. I'm sure profitability plays a large factor in this as well as how to capitalize on each unique market. Profitability isn't a bad word folks. You want these companies to make money. The more money they make, the more Transformers we'll get. And the better Transformers designs we can get because more money can be dumped into research and development.
I also think some of it has to do with when a certain product can be brought to the market. What might be a good time for a product to be released in Japan might not be a good time for a product to be released in the US. I'm sure both companies are very wise to fans such as us using the Internet to import toys from other countries. Why release the identical figure in both countries when you can delay the release and come up with an alternate (or better) paint scheme on the latter release to capitalize on profits? The Red Alert toy mentioned above is a great example of this.
When one thinks of this less from a fan or collector's perspective and more from a business perspective, these types of decisions start to make more sense. Making more sense doesn't necessarily parallel making fans happy so take this for what you will.
Anyone else care to share their thoughts on Rated X's question(s)?
Gandalf wrote:At BotCon this year, someone on the Hasbro panel stated that you were unable to get Generations Thunderwing's "drone" to transform. Why couldn't it have been a Minicon/Targetmaster like with Universe Cyclonus? Would you consider making this drone into a Scout class figure in the future, under a different name if needed?
I think this all comes down to cost and getting this toy/mold to fit within the confines of the deluxe class price range. The more complex the tooling, the more expensive the toy (or the less profitable a toy depending on how the toy is sold or marketed). I think the upcoming Scourge toy is victim of this as well. Someone at Hasbro or Takara Tomy surely had to say "Hey, why aren't we making Fracas to go with this?" I will be the first to point out that my argument here can quickly be flawed simply by pointing out that Nightstick got made with Cyclonus. Maybe this has to do with the changing markets, or the cost of plastic or not enough time to design Thunderwing's drone and Scourge's partner Fracas.
From my personal opinion, I think Thunderwing having a drone would've been confusing in today's market and for many fans unfamiliar with the Pretender concept. It is my belief that the Thunderwing toy, as are any Pretenders homages going forward, are an amalgamation of the Pretender shell and inner robot since the Pretender concept isn't being used.
I wouldn't count on Thunderwing's drone ever being released separately. No need for this.
omega666 wrote:I see custom Transformer figures that improve on the original figures. Does Hasbro ever see these custom figures and try to use the ideas to make newer figures better? (I don't have a specific example)
This would be interesting to know, but I would think legal issues would prevent Hasbro's ability to disclose this answer in a straightforward answer.
What do you think Magic 8 ball?
emeraldbeacon wrote:Many recently-released figures seem to be, either clearly or obscurely, homages to others released in the past. In general, what is your approach towards creating figure assortments, in terms of new and unique designs versus homages to older figures or ideas?
Some recent toys have clear, yet undocumented, interaction capabilities (such as Skystalker/Mindwipe, Seaspray/Breacher, and Lockdown/Ratchet). Are there any other such pairings, either on the market now or coming soon, that the fandom has yet to 'discover'?
These are actually a great set of questions for which I do not have an answer. Does anyone have some light they could shed on these?
dkreed7 wrote:Are we getting war for cybertron starscream any time soon?
And are the any plans to make more war for cybertron figures?
Galvatrondestroyer wrote:will we see anymore WFC figures in Generations? the two i have and the other two ive seen reviews on are really great figures
Please bring on some more!
WFC Cliffjumper, a WFC Bumblebee repaint with a new head, is the last of the WFC figures for the time being. Hasbro hasn't mentioned anything other than (if I recall correctly) a possible WFC Starscream figure but I have a feeling that might have fallen off the radar as they gear up for the Dark of the Moon toyline. It is possible they could be saving other WFC toys for a later date or a possible "Classics 4.0" line after DOTM. Cliffjumper is scheduled to begin appearing in early 2011, which means he should start popping up around the beginning of December at some stores or online retail outlets such as BigBadToyStore.com and tfsource.com.
autobot-jolt wrote:I've got one that's really different, but I'm just curious to know, where did Hasbro get the idea for RPM's?
Hmm ... I can't imagine this has anything to do with giving Mattel some good old fashioned competition at long last? Kind of makes you wonder, if RPMs / Speed Stars is successful, how long it will take for Mattel to come up with a line of transforming robot toys to compete against Hasbro's Transformers to return the favor.
-L- wrote:Any Chance we'll be seing more of the Masters concept (i.e. Head Masters Target Masters or Power Masters) especially after seeing the Success of Generations Cyclonus w/ Nightstick?
It doesn't appear that this trend will be happening any time soon. The most obvious choice would've been Scourge with Fracas, but poor Fracas won't be seeing the light of day any time soon -- at least not in an official capacity from Hasbro. This was such an obvious choice that it almost makes us wonder if they're counting on one of the 3rd part companies to make a Fracas figure for us. Guess ol' Nightstick will have to go play with Scraplets all by himself.
Rodimus723 wrote:Are there be any planes to go back to the original combiner concept, but with modern sculpting techniques?
-L- wrote:Also is there going to be any modern application of the G1 Combiner (using 5ish ACTUAL characters instead of 1 character and 4 drones)?
Hasbro answered this question for tformers.com back in May 2010. Here's what they said to them:
"While we understand your passion for the traditional combination figures from G1, Energon, etc., however, the great part about Transformers is that things can change over time. So it is not a question of difficulty or costs, but more about how can a great concept like combination be re-imagined and re-invented.
For example, in creating the new Power Core Combiner line, we wanted to establish a "system" of play that allowed kids the opportunity to not only play with the teams of figures, but also have the ability to create their own teams by collecting more and more figures.
Additionally, we also wanted to expand the story line of Combiners, thus the reason and rationale for drones, mini-cons and certain characters all working together as a team."
The Power Core Combiners concept appears to be it for now. Hopefully one day Hasbro will give us Combiners done right in the style of FansProject Munitioner and Explorer and their incredible Bruticus.
More recently, Hasbro answered a similar question but pertaining to G1 combiner reissues in lieu of the Seacons/Piranacon reissue. This answer was originally posted on KittysPryde.com: "We do not have any plans to be re-releasing any of the other classic combiners at this time."
-L- wrote:And Do you think we will be getting a New Fortress Maximus even if it's just the IDW Maximus?
I'm sure Fort Max, and his Decepticon counterpart Scorponok, both have to be on Hasbro's radar to tackle at some point. Hasbro's been working their way through updated versions of our favorite classic 80s Transformers so I'm sure these two have to be in the works or at least an idea on the table.
Would anyone else like to see them use the Energon Scorponok mold but done in his original Headmasters colors as part of the continued "Classics" line?
StarscreamLeader815 wrote:Do you have any plans to release Transformers Animated Wingblade Optimus? It would fit good under the Generations line.
"Unfortunately, we do not have any plans to release these figures in the near future."
"Unfortunately, we do not have plans to release them at this point in time."
Optimus5678 wrote:Are they going to reissue generation one favaroties like Hound, blaster, blitzwing, that takara has done? Would they consider reissues based on japanese characters such as Twin Cast Soundblaster Raiden, Minerva, overlord, go shooter, Artfire, Star Saber, Victory Leo cause these would make some awesome addtions to anyone's collection
Questions similar to this have circulated since the reissues began about ten years ago (hard to believe, huh?). It's a good question, one to which we'd all drool at a real answer, but Hasbro and Takara Tomy have kept the lid shut on this answer. For whatever reason, the Japanese exclusive characters don't seem to do real well as reissues (Ricochet, God Ginrai, and Star Convoy come to mind) so it'll probably take a while for some new ones to get reissued from Takara Tomy.
As for Soundblaster and Twincast I don't foresee Hasbro releasing these ever. I think this is one of those instances where Hasbro knows that die-hard collectors of these characters would've already bought the Japanese version so there's little need to release those Japanese exclusive characters here in the states.
As for Blitzwing and Hound, I'm surprised these didn't get released about 4 or 5 years back when the reissues were real popular as well. I can't help but wonder if the small pieces that are included with both of those figures might be considered a choking hazard and possibly don't meet American safety standards. Or maybe they just never got around to them.
Chupacabra Convoy wrote:1: Will the Classic Three pack that has Rodimus, Cyclonus, and Galvatron ever make it to state side retail stores? Or at the very least, can we see a Generations Armada to go with Cyclonus?
2: Given the popularity of Last Stand of the Wreckers, are any of the "new" characters (Overlord, Ironfist, Impactor, Pyro, Guzzle, and Rotorstorm) are being considered for a toy design? (Not sure if this is against the rules. If it is, I apologize in advance.)
3: Will Thunderwing get repainted as Black Shadow?
4: Can Drift's Toy head be swapped with Blurr's for a Deadshot release?
5: Is the Generations Scourge's alternate head mold Devcon?
6: Do any of the War for Cybertron toys have alternate head molds like the rest of the newer Generations molds?
I'll do my best to answer these but some of these are bordering on the "can't ask about future products" restriction Hasbro has in place on Q&A.
1. The "Challenge at Cybertron" Cyclonus and Rodimus will be coming out in an exclusive two-pack later this year, called "Battle in Space", with a Matrix of Leadership accessory and an exclusive comic book. Galvatron will not be included in this set.
2. We haven't heard anything yet. Considering the lack of Transformers characters that have made it to the comic scene recently yet haven't been translated to toy form, I think we can safely say that the answer to this question is most likely "no", unfortunately. It sure would be nice to get an updated Overlord though, wouldn't it?
3. Thunderwing repainted as Black Shadow would be truly awesome. I doubt Hasbro would do this, though it is possible. I could certainly see Takara Tomy doing this. At a minimum, I could see this as a future BotCon exclusive since Black Shadow falls within the obscure character realm on which the BotCon folks have been focusing. Time will tell. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
4. While it is possible since they could just repaint the Blurr figure white, I doubt Hasbro would do this simple to avoid confusion about the Drift character.
5. Scourge with a new head to become Devcon would be interesting. Not my first pick, but an interesting option nonetheless. I'm hoping for some minor repaints as Sweeps ala Jetstorm and his drones in Beast Machines.
6. Just Bumblebee and Cliffjumper. See one of the above answers for an image of Cliffjumper if you haven't seen him yet. He should be on shelves in about two months or less.
Arlekkin wrote:I saw the picture of Skullgrin on Darkmount (Straxus)'s instruction, and so far I wasn't that impressed, and I was wondering if Hasbro had thought about of doing any of the Pretender's shells in figures like the Battle Beasts, reminiscent of Takara's Masterforce animated series?
Hasbro seems to want to stay away from the Pretenders concept, which is evident from them releasing several homages of Pretenders characters as regular Transformers minus Pretender shells. I'd love to see the Pretenders concept revisited with today's toy technologies as well though. Speaking of Pretenders ... where's Alice from ROTF?
Arlekkin wrote:Another thing which is really annoying me is this. Some characters which in the original series had a cybertronian/futuristic form are getting earth alt modesin Transformers Universe/Generations. Are we gonna see any Cybertronian form in the Generations lines (apart from the War for Cybertron figures)?
Same thing goes for characters like Blaster whose alt forms are tools/appliances. Are we gonna see any transformers in the generations line with such alt forms rather than vehicles?
Hasbro recently answered this question for RavingToyManiac.com: "For the Transformers brand, we are always looking forward to finding new ways to re-imagine our favorite characters. We have not re-released all of the 1980's figures as we believe this would be a stale treatment of our beloved characters. Instead, we look at Transformers as being the most up-to-date technologically advanced sentient beings. Based on this, we feel that they would continually update themselves so that they would remain "Robots in Disguise" versus staying in their 1984 vehicle form and sticking out like a sore thumb!"
Arlekkin wrote:In an interview I've read that someone from Hasbro would like to see a new Rhinox and a new soundwave.... Are we gonna see any new figure from the Beast Wars series in the Generations line?
Hasbro recently answered this question for us in our most recent Q&A: "We're thrilled that fans chose to honor Dinobot during the first Transformers Hall of Fame induction however there are no plans for Beast Wars figures at this time."
Arlekkin wrote:Are we going to get any other repaint or retool of the starscream mold? A nice Sunstorm or a revamped Predator Talon wouldn't look bad in my collection.
There is at least one more planned release of the Starscream mold which is next year's TCC exclusive G2 Ramjet figure. While Hasbro hasn't announced a Thundercracker figure yet, I can't imagine that they'll leave fans hanging for too much longer. I'd expect a Thundercracker release in the next year or two. I'm sure there are a lot of fans that would also like to see someone make a Sunstorm repaint from this mold as well. Keep your fingers crossed!
emeraldbeacon wrote:Some recent toys have clear, yet undocumented, interaction capabilities (such as Skystalker/Mindwipe, Seaspray/Breacher, and Lockdown/Ratchet). Are there any other such pairings, either on the market now or coming soon, that the fandom has yet to 'discover'?
This is all that has been discovered so far. Stay tuned to the news at Seibertron.com to see if other special interactions are uncovered!
Seibertron reader BKZ has tipped us of that the 3rd party company PerfectEffect has posted new images of their upcoming products - PX04, PE-09, PE-10 & Px-02.
If you're reading this, you better call Scooby-Doo and the Gang for help. As we at Seibertron.com have a mystery for you! A very rare figure will be making it's debut in the galleries in the very near future. In celebration of the upcoming gallery, we are going to have a little contest. We want to know who YOU think it is.
First member to guess correctly what figure the gallery is for will receive a Hunt For the Decepticons Battle Blade Bumblebee figure. If no one guesses the correct answer, the staff will pick a winner based on the best response, so get creative! Only your first answer will count, but you can keep guessing if you feel like it. No changing that first answer either!
So what are you waiting for? Post your answer and why now!
Look at your computer. Now look at my computer. Back to your computer, now back to mine. What is my computer have that your does not? One of the most beautiful Transformers discussion known to a man, the sound of special guest Linkara discussing Pat Lee's Transformers - all of this assembled into one hour of goody goodness. How do you get this sound onto your computer? You go through this news story, look at it's wonderfully written English, and click the downloadable links at the end of it. Now look at my computer, the Podcast is now diamonds! Anything is possible when you’re a listener of the Seibertron.com Twincast/Podcast. I’m on a fembot.
The Universe of the Transformers is vast, and populated by many characters. Their universe is a large tapestry, made up of the stories and points of view of countless experiences that serve the larger whole.
These are some of those stories. This is:
It should be noted that while this project has been recognized by IDW Publishing and Hasbro, none of the works presented have been commissioned or solicited by either company. The stories are not official canon, except where noted. These stories are the result of Transformers enthusiasts taking the time out of their busy days to contribute to a universe they love. No one has been paid for the production of these stories.
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