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From the Facebook page of Marcelo Matere, the artist behind the package-art pencils for Combiner Wars' fan-built 'bot Victorion, we have a look at a similar piece of art for a much more recent combiner - Power of the Primes Volcanicus (comprised of the Dinobots being released in Waves 1 and 2 of the line).
Much like his work for Victorion and Combiner Wars Bruticus, this art of Volcanicus displays a somewhat 'rounded' and filled-out style, eliminating gaps and small engineering compromises found on the actual toys in order to present an incredibly intimidating-looking robot! Given that Volcanicus also has no fully-consistent "proper" limb configuration yet, which many of the G1-based updates from Combiner Wars and Power of the Primes do possess, it's also interesting to note the positioning of each Dinobot in this depiction - Swoop and Slug form arms, while Sludge and Snarl take on the heavy lifting as the legs.
Check out the pencil work below and on Matere's Facebook page, and share any thoughts you may have on this piece or the figure itself in the Energon Pub Forums!
Dinobots Combiner Volcanicus package art pencils from Transformers : Power of the Primes toy line -2017. #dinobots #combinerwars #poweroftheprimes #art #artist #marcelomatere #hasbro #transformers #toys #pencils #pencilsketch #volcanicus
The staff of Seibertron.com would like to wish all of you Seibertronians a safe and Happy New Year! 2018 will mark the 34th anniversary of the Transformers brand, the 22nd anniversary of Beast Wars, the 13th anniversary of Armada, the 11th anniversary of Bayverse, and the 18th anniversary of Seibertron.com.
It seems 2018 is poised to be another big year in the world of the Transformers. Along with exciting new Masterpiece figures such as MP-41 Dinobot and MPM-5 Barricade, the mainline Transformers Power of the Primes toy line is officially upon us. Later this year, the 6th Transformers movie will be released around December 2018 which features Bumblebee in the first ever solo Transformers film. In other media, Unicron will ravage the Hasbro Universe in IDW's popular range of Transformers comics and other Hasbroverse titles such as G.I. Joe, ROM and Micronauts. Turn on your TV, and you might just catch the new Transformers Cyberverse cartoon series or if you have an Internet enabled device, you will be able to catch the finality of the Machinima Titans Return episodes. Toss in some exciting news from Toy Fair, SDCC, NYCC and any other events and it's guaranteed to be another exciting year with everyone's favorite Robots In Disguise.
Please stop by to share your New Year messages with your fellow Seibertronians by clicking here. Stay safe, and warm, my fellow Seibertronians ... 2018 is here and promising to be more than meets the eye! Happy New Year!
FYI ... the "cool" color scheme is NOT part of a site redesign, just inspired by the bitterly cold weather with which we ended 2017!!! Stay warm Seibertronians!
Fellow Seibertronian ebo716 found a YouTube video review of the upcoming Power of the Primes Legends Class Battleslash and Roadtrap figures. Both individual figures combine to form Battletrap. The video was posted by xcorpeo on YouTube.
The Battletrap character was originally a Decepticon Duocon released in 1987 (the year of the Headmasters). He was comprised of two separate vehicles. In Battletrap's case, his separate vehicle modes were a helicopter and a blue SUV (or truck). However, his original form didn't have individual robot modes for his separate vehicle forms, so the new Power of the Primes take on him with Battleslash becoming the helicopter and Roadtrap becoming the truck is a new concept for the character.
Battletrap's last incarnation was from the BotCon 2015 "Cybertron's Most Wanted" set. That version of him was a recolor of Generations Voyager Class Autobot Springer, with a new head specific for Battletrap.
It is unknown if Battletrap's Duocon brother Flywheels will get the same treatment. Flywheels was also released as a Duocon in 1987, but was last seen under the previous series as a Titans Return Titan Master.
Battleslash and Roadtrap will be part of the Power of the Primes Legends Class Wave 2 assortment. Both figures will be joined by Tailgate in this assortment, which we have previously reported on. Wave 2 is expected to arrive in stores around March or April along with other Easter/Spring stock shipments.
Thanks to online retailer Amazon.com, we have a listing for the issues of IDW Publishing's Transformers: Lost Light that follow the Mutineers Trilogy, collected as a trade paperback in volume 3 of the ongoing series!
The release date is currently set at September 18, 2018, and the current price for the pre-order is $13.07. This will go up to regular 19.99 later, so if you're in for the trade, take advantage of the discount. The book has the cover for issue #13, and as a bonus, you can also take a look at the Cyclonus-centric art by Jack Lawrence before it got coloured below!
A witty, smart, emotional take on fan-favorite Transformers characters in a sci-fi world unlike any other!
Winner of the Comixology Award for Best Ongoing Comic Series of 2017, as well as Best Writer for James Roberts!
Crammed into a dead Decepticon astropod that's ten sizes too small, the displaced crew of the Lost Light face their most serious threat yet: each other. No worries though, Rodimus can save the day! Plus, the Scavengers have never had it so good. The war is a receding memory, their patchy service records have been forgotten, and the five of them can roam the galaxy as they please. All's well that ends well? Not quite.
Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.
Top 5 Best Samurai Transformers Toys
I realized that I lost track of time at some point (having a new baby will do that to you) and on week was skipped in December. So to remedy that, you are getting this new list just one week after the previous one about the best Ravage toys (where most people surprisingly agreed that the Masterpiece version was not the best). But enough of older lists, on with the new. 2018 will be giving us a new take on the the most popular Pretender figure of all time, Bludgeon, and in light of this I chose to look back on the best Samurai themed toys (since a list of just Bludgeon would not leave us with much).
With the Transformer toys originating from Japan, it only makes sense that the toy designs would emulate certain archetypes from the motherland even when designed by western designers (which is the case for every one of these top 5 toys). The Samurai armor is legendary and many designers have had fun throughout the year to integrate it into a Transformer's design regardless of how much sense that would make for alien robots. It is a fun and recognizable theme and here are the top 5 toys that make it work best.
While the initial Drift character design was more subtle when it first appeared in the comics, the Michael Bay version takes it to a whole other level. The robot mode doesnt take cues from the samurai look, it is the samurai look, probably the most out of all this list. You have the leather armour complete with Haidate and Sode (thigh armour and shoulder pads). I love how efficient and smart the design is. The Sode are done by folding the car doors outward which replaces alt mode detail with brand new detail for the robot mode. The robot's chest is still the front of the car, thus retaining the Bugatti logo at the front, but peeled to reveal a samurai armour chest. He also has weapons storage for his 4 swords. The goal of the Takara designers when thinking of the engineering was to make him have as much robot specific detail as possible without it being overly complicated to transform and I think it's a mission they accomplished and even better than the retool that came out for Transformers: The Last Knight.
While movie Drift is fun, I still find the initial Drift release to be a better toy. The Samurai theme is present but more subdued with more of a look at what a samurai warrior would look like on Cybertron, made up of more car details. I especially like the big shoulders and the sword sheets that along with the car doors acting as the Haidate (armoured skirt). He also has the best sword found on this entire list.
This guy is a whole storm of Japanese themes. He is a motorcycle that turns into a ninja Transformer. The articulation even permits you to give him some amazing sneaking poses since you have have him stand on his toes. The best part though is that a later release of the toy came with a side car for the motorcycle and this side car could unfold into samurai armour. It just works so well as a toy. Everything fits perfectly turning a ninja into a samurai (at the cost of articulation). While the base toy is awesome and was already number 1 on a previous list, it is his samurai mode that is the focus here and the fact that it removes more than 60% of his initial phenomenal articulation is definitely a point against him.
This to me is the best of both worlds in terms of a Drift Transformer. While the AOE seemed to be wearing a human's samurai costume, the IDW Drift was more taking cues from the general look. This guy though fuses the themes to give you a very distinctive samurai look while also using most of his car parts. He is by far the most fun to transform of the three Drifts and the flipping car panel to reveal the robot chest is brilliant and efficient. I also love how well his giant shoulders are the same pieces found at the front of the car and don't seem out of place in either mode. He also has a fun headsculpt I prefer to the AOE mask, complete with a phenomenal mustache (which Hasbro forgot to paint, but that's why we have Takara, or sharpies). His alt mode is also sublime and super sleek, by far the best Drift alt mode so far.
I realize this list has a lot of Drift, as opposed to Bludgeon who is (or was?) the main Samurai themed bot in the brand. But that is because with Drift being less of a classic character, his look and personality was readily altered depending on the medium with Bludgeon usually staying more true to his original looks. Plus it doesnt help that his most recent toys (Prime, RID) have all been redecos/retools of previous toys. But the Revenge of the Fallen toy was Bludgeon through and through. This was a no-brainer for the number 1 spot, what a perfect toy. The idea was to homage a robot who turned into a tank which hid inside the shell of a non transforming toy which looked like an undead samurai. So what they did was have the alt mode be the tank and have the robot mode be the samurai, repurposing some alt mode detail. They knock that part out of the park by having the tank threads become the samurai armour on his legs and arms along with other piece of the tank, making this samurai armour near impenetrable. The tank cannon is where the longer sword is stored and the tank's turret can open up to reveal a sheath containing a shorter sword. These are all design masterstrokes, and it is hard to believe that this was released as part of the movie line. The homage being perfectly executed and using the alt mode to the robot mode's advantage earns this figure the rightful spot at the top.
Honourable mentions:
It would be hard not to mention the very first full on samurai ransformers toy, Transformers G1 1989 Bludgeon Gallery. Now you can look at the pictures above and see just how well the challenge was executed.
Banzaitron was also a robot who had an Asian theme about him and though the Asian look was further emphazised when he was redeco'd from ROTF Bludgeon, it was fun to see that carry through in the Alternity line. That line actually gave a samurai look to Megatron as well and I think it worked well for both of them:
Seibertron's very own Japan corespondent, Matt, has sent us the very first video review of Takara Transformers Legends LG-55 Slugslinger. He does a great job at comparing it to the original toy and showing where some deco choices come from. It is interesting to note that while the Hasbro version (which we also included a review of or those interested in comparing) is usually meant to be more toy accurate, this Takara version does have very important features that the G1 toy had which the Hasbro version does not include such as the silver paint on the chest and the inclusion of a Target Master.
This review covers everything regarding this toy like the comic and the box, which states that the toy is for and audience of 15 and over (something your fellow news editor had not realized until now).
We have another update to our collection of images featuring Transformers Masterpiece MP-15 / 16-E Cassettebot vs Cassettetron TakaraTomyMall Exclusive sets which are now making their way into collector's hands, as we reported back here, courtesy of the Masterpiece Transformers Facebook page.
As the established tradition goes, Hasbro Asia (which services distribution and release in all Asian markets but Japan, which is under Takara Tomy) will be including a collector coin for the set including Nightstalker, Wingthing, Stripes and Enemy, featuring the latter's face on one side, and the name of all the group on the reverse. Check it out below!
Courtesy of Paramount pictures, we have a new press release covering next year's live-action movie release in the Transformers universe, the first spin-off and first one without Michael Bay at the helm - Bumblebee: The Movie!
We have full synopsis, a repeat of the image with the Volkswagen car mode that Bumblebee will take in the movie alongside Hailee Steinfeld, and a couple more credits about the production team. Take a look below, and join the discussion in the Energon Pub!
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small Californian beach town. Charlie (Hailee Steinfeld), on the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns this is no ordinary, yellow VW bug.
BUMBLEBEE is produced by “TRANSFORMERS” franchise veterans Lorenzo di Bonaventura and Michael Bay, along with executive producers Steven Spielberg, Brian Goldner and Mark Vahradian. Chris Brigham (“ARGO,” “INCEPTION”) will also executive produce. The screenplay is written by Christina Hodson (“UNFORGETTABLE”).
Directed by Travis Knight (“KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS,” “CORALINE”), the film stars Hailee Steinfeld (“EDGE OF SEVENTEEN”), Pamela Adlon (“BETTER THINGS,””LOUIE”), John Cena (“DADDY’S HOME 2,” “TRAINWRECK”), Stephen Schneider (Comedy Central’s “BROAD CITY”), Jorge Lendeborg Jr. (“SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING”), Jason Drucker (“DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL”), Kenneth Choi (“AMERICAN CRIME STORY”), Ricardo Hoyos (“DEGRASSI: NEXT CLASS”), Abby Quinn (“LANDLINE,” “THE SISTERHOOD OF THE NIGHT”), Rachel Crow (“DEIDRA & LANEY ROB A TRAIN”), and Grace Dzienny (“ZOO”).
BUMBLEBEE WILL BE RELEASED IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE ON DECEMBER 21, 2018
Today we have to share with you a very cool stop motion video promoting the Machinima Titans Return animated series viewable on go90 (in the US). It includes some neat effects and sounds applied to a video of real Titans Returns figures in action. The video features a battle between Optimus Prime and Hot Rod against Overlord taking place in an office space. It's worth the watch as it uses some really great animation, the production team put in a lot of effort and it shows. We won't spoil the fight for you, you can watch it mirrored below.
Also, if you enjoy Titans Return figures, please be aware that some Target stores are putting some Titans Return figures on clearance after the holidays. It may be worth it to go on a toy hunt to see what you may find!
Now Instock - TFSource Exclusive MakeToys - RM-09SP Bounceback w/ Targetwarrior Recoil LE500! This limited edition Make Toys figure features RM-09SP Bounceback and Targetwarrior! Limited to just 500 pieces worldwide, Bounceback transforms from a sleek black sports car to robot and back and features flame deco on his car hood! Bounceback stands approximately 8" tall in robot mode and is Masterpiece scaled. Order yours today!
Now up for preorder - Maketoys - MTCD03 - Thunder Manus + Divine Suit Boxset! This great set includes both Thunder Manus & the Divine Suit Set! Preorders up at TFSource here:
New Japanese Transformers Takara Tomy Power of Primes preorders up! You can preorder PP-01 thru PP-09 now! This includes Optimus Prime, Rodimus Prime and More!
Preorders available for Mister Moon - MM01 the Recorder & MM02 the Mic - Set of 2. The set includes two legends scaled figures. MM01 the recorder transforms from boombox/tape deck to robot and back. MM02 the Mic transforms from a microscope to robot and back. Preorder here:
Street Fighter 2 Transformers Preorders Up! Including official images, pricing and preorder information on this legendary mash-up are confirmed! Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Street Fighter, these remold/recolored figures exclusive to Takara Tomy mall can be preordered at TFSource here:
NEW SOURCE ARTICLE! How have some of the Transformers Masterpiece toys deteriorated over a few years of ownership? TFSource Report | Deterioration
NEW SOURCE REVIEWS! Peaugh Reviews Transformers: Power of the Primes - Leader Class Optimus Prime and Rodimus Prime! Watch the reviews here: Optimus and Rodimus. And then shop Power of the Primes at TFsource here: https://tfsource.com/power-of-the-primes/
Have you signed up for Source Points yet? Earn points with every purchase towards Freebies! Accumulated points and want to redeem them? Click the following link to enroll or redeem your points today! Source Points - TF Source
* Price and quantities subject to change. Shipping costs, taxes and other fees not included in cost shown. Refer to listing for current price and availability.
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