Transtopia Newsletter September 2009

Hi yes I'm back and present you the Transformers Newsletter once again, from the comments it received I see you liked First Gen's August Newsletter and I want to use this opportunity to thank him again for helping me out as I needed him, thank you First Gen!
Well this issue does come 2 days late for which I apologize, this delay was due to technical difficulties which have now been resolved but I want to apologize for the delay anyway.
The current Transtopia banners will be replaced for next month's issue just to bring in a bit of a variety, after all everything changes so don't be surprised to see something different next month.

-Dead Metal


How to Showcase Your Work...
The newsletter is your opportunity to show off your work and talent. We rely on your articles, artwork, and customs to make it interesting. Entries will be reviewed on a monthly basis. You can submit your work here:
Repaints, Kitbashes, Scratchbuilds
Fan Art
Fan Fiction
Guides


Newsletter Credits:
Design - Flix
Formatting – Mattyc1007
Fan Art - Mykltron
Customs - Dead Metal
Fan Fiction – Name_Violation
Editing – hellkitty, Dead Metal




Just click the images to visit the repaint's thread with full-sized images!

G1 Nemesis Prime by Chimera245


Armada Nemesis Prime by Chimera245


Movie 2007 Ratchet by liKwid


ROTF Sideways without the red by Pontimax


See more in the repaints forum!


Just click the images to visit the kitbash's thread with full-sized images!

ROTF Devastator with leg articulation by StreetSweeper


Classics Trailbreaker by stinky


Visit the kitbash forum for more!


Just click the images to visit the scratchbuild's thread with full-sized images!

Transformer props for fan-made Transformers movie by Joshua Vallse


Universe Constructicons and Devastator by zfeakye


ROTF AllSpark shard by a3.trion


For more visit the scratchbuild forum!


This month I’d like to draw your attention to a piece of art that took more work than anything submitted to Transtopia before: A live action film. This film required a staggering amount of work that incorporates most elements of the branches of Transtopia featured in our newsletter such as drawing designs, scratchbuilding and writing, and took up every weekend from March until mid-August just for the filming.
The idea of using Transformers as an allegory for Christianity has been around since…about the time I was asked to stand up in church and show off my G1 Optimus Prime while the minister talked about how Jesus can transform our lives. In this film a regular guy (John) has been chosen to take an ancient artefact called The Word to some people. The artefact bears a stylised crucifix and symbolises Jesus’s teachings. The people he must take the message to are the kids at the children’s Bible camp the film was created for. At the end of the film, when John says “Transform!” the lights go up and the kids see the prone form of a defeated Destronicus with John and Alpha Primus standing victorious. Alpha Primus is actually a 13 feet tall robot with a person inside to control it. I think you’ll agree that this was an impressive start to the camp for the children!
Part one and Part two are the film shown at the camp. Part three gives us a look at the hero robot in detail.
John Aoki (the star of the film) approached our fellow Seibertronian Joshua Vallse with the film’s concept. Most of the script was about camera directions with little dialogue as the actors were left to improvise on specific points.
Destronicus took about a week to build but Alpha Primus took longer due to budget and weight problems that necessitated design changes. The robots are made from sheet metal, PVC piping, actual car bumpers and fenders, steel struts and steel straps, bolts, nuts, screws, car interior casings, rim covers, and metal piping. Josh says it cost around $1000 to build the pair.
This film is a good bit of fun with the obligatory stacks of cardboard boxes that must be driven through, and very impressive for a small budget film. The music, taken from the live action movies, works very well to enhance the mood, although there are a few sloppy cuts in the dialogue during the debriefing scene. The car-chase sequence is very convincing and Destronicus looks awesome with the sun glinting off his face.

Josh shed sweat and blood over this film (something most kitbashers know about) and was up for 72 straight hours finishing the film so whatever your religious views please spare some time to watch it and appreciate the colossal effort put in - from the initial concept to building a pair of robots that stand around 13-feet tall, to filming and editing the finished thing. Also, take a look at Joshua Vallse’s thread as there is some very cool artwork in there.

And now the other artwork, just click the images to visit the artist's thread with the full-sized images and sometimes even more artwork!

Heavy Metal War team by mitchsantona


Decepticon Winch by hippymodule


Bumblebee's and their humans by Quickfire


Movie concepts "Cyclonus killing Skidz by agentdc7


Or just visit the art forum!

Send us your artwork!
Art entries are reviewed on a monthly basis for the newsletter. Send your entries here by October 12th for the October newsletter.





Do you have modeling or art tips to share with other members? Why not write a guide? Feature tips from - repainting, kitbashing, drawing, sculpting, and even computer graphics: Send an email to Transtopia.Guide@gmx.de for details.




Lurking in the shadows, it's Uncle Name_Violation, reminding everyone that there's fan fiction. Actually, we had a great turn-out this last month. I would like to give a special mention to hellkitty--her new work made it hard to choose a winner. I reccomend looking up her latest work in the fan fic department. Thanks to everyone else who posted something in my shadowy back room known as the fan fic department.

Any way, this month's selection is by Carriemus Prime. A great read if you have the time, we've picked a choice selection to give you a sample of her work, TF Movie fiction - The Secret Within. If you liked either movie, and have plenty of spare time to spend reading, I highly recommend this. I give it 4 Non-Biological Extraterrestrials out of 5. So until next month I'll be lurking, watching, waiting. Mwahahahahaha

N_V


TF Movie fiction - The Secret Within

By Carriemus Prime




Arcee raced down the valley, clouds of dust kicked up behind her. Reaching the cave, she slowed her pace. Keeping her distance, she passively scanned the opening to the cave. It was all clear.
“Arcee to Prime, the entrance is clear. I am going in for a closer look.”
“Arcee, wait for us to reach your position. Do you copy? Hold your position.”
Arcee transformed, her protoform glinted in the sun. She looked back up the valley wall. Ratchet and Prime would have to find another way down. Their size would cause a mini landslide if they attempted to scale the steeper slope. Arcee turned back to the cave, drawing her weapon, she headed forward cautiously. She could have the cave scoped out and the ship secured by the time the other two got there. If the Decepticons were here they would have guarded the cave. Taking one last look back at the ridge, she plunged into the darkness of the cave.

****

Longhaul smirked. “The small Wheel-bot has entered the cave. She won’t be too hard to deal with.”
Starscream pointed at Rumble. “See to it. Restrain her, injure her if you must. Do not kill her.”
“But Starscream, she is no match for...”
“Do as I command, you incompetent runt!” Starscream snarled. “I have plans for the foolish little Autobot.” He grinned, turning to watch the screen that displayed Arcee’s progress.
“Where are the others?”
“Almost in the valley, we have minutes.”
“Do we know who it is yet?”
Longhaul sighed. “Not yet. They’re not in range.” Longhaul whirled to face Starscream. “What if it’s Prime?”
“What if it is?” Sneered Starscream.
“We are no match!” Longhaul took a step toward him threateningly; he was not willing to die on this forsaken planet, least of all for Starscream.
“You won’t have to be Longhaul.” Starscream patronized. “There are four of us and only two of them.”
“I for one hope it is Prime, he deserves knocking down a peg or two.”
“Don’t be a fool Thundercracker!” Starscream snapped.
The computer beeped.
“They’re at the cave. Prime’s with them.” Longhaul glared at Starscream, who grinned menacingly.
“Excellent. You three will take the smaller one. Kill him if you have to. I will handle Prime, drive him into the cave if you can, I’ll do the rest.”
“As you command Starscream.” The Decepticons answered in unison.

****

Arcee could just about see in the darkness, rocks crumbled behind her, her weapon at the ready, she could see nothing. Cursing, she continued forward.
“Should have waited Arcee.” She scolded herself.
“Yes you should have.”
Swinging round in the direction of the voice, Arcee was too late, a force slammed into her chest plate sending her flying into the wall of the cave. Rumble aimed a sharp kick to her face. Crying out as her armour cracked, Arcee sprawled on the floor. Rumble was brutal, using the darkness as cover, he dodged Arcee’s weapon as she fired blindly.
“Show yourself coward!”
“By all means.” Rumble answered. Throwing all his weight into his strike, the specially designed pistons in his arms, punched into Arcee’s leg joint. The axle of her single wheel snapped like a twig. Laying another punch into the injured joint, her servos finally gave in. Arcee howled as the joint cracked in the wrong direction, coolant spilled onto the rocky ground. Using his advantage, Rumble kicked Arcee’s weapon from her grasp. He crouched over her as she tried to crawl from under his grasp. Pinning her to the ground, he leaned in closely, wrenching her head up to his, he hissed.
“I was ordered not to kill you, but I’m really going to enjoy this.” With that, he wrenched her head up as far as he could before slamming it into the rocks with all his might. Her face plate splintered against the stone. Struggling, she tried to wriggle free; managing to free her arm, she landed a hard blow across Rumble’s face, his red optic split with the force of her strike. Yelling in surprise, Rumble leapt for her weapon. Pointing it directly at her face, he grinned.
“I’m going to have to disobey.”
Arcee stared at the weapon, the shot rang out and she closed her eyes, her arm raised in an attempt to shield her face. Rock rained down on her from above. ‘I’m a goner.’ She thought.

Sensing something was wrong, she looked up. She was greeted by the massive, tattooed form of Starscream. He grabbed the weapon from Rumble. Casting it aside, he gripped Rumble by the throat, lifting him into the air until their eyes were level, he was a menacing sight.
“You will pay for this insolence Rumble.” He whispered, dropping him to the floor. Rumble groaned in fear and rage.
“Join the others, wait for my signal.” Starscream ordered, Rumble scrambled from under Starscream’s feet without hesitation and disappeared into the cave.
Arcee shrank back from the approaching Starscream. He towered over her.
“I have plans for you.” He lifted her battered, limp body off the floor.
“Get your filthy claws off me!”
“In due time Autobot. Now be quiet.” He raised a small device to her head that looked like a small needle.
“Hey!...” Arcee cried out as an electro-magnetic pulse shot through her body. She jolted violently and went limp. Starscream was pleased; it was all almost too easy.

****

Ratchet scanned the nearby area. “It looks like she went inside.” His voice was grim. Optimus frowned, irritated by Arcee’s insubordination.
“I’ll go in; you remain here guard the entrance.”
Ratchet answered with a nod, arming himself. Optimus headed forward, he had barely entered the cave a few feet when he was hit by a blast of rock and debris. He flew backward, landing awkwardly; he skidded across the dusty, harsh ground halting at Ratchet’s feet. Clambering to his feet he drew his weapons. In one sudden movement, three Decepticons exploded from the cave; one immediately transformed into a jet and soared into the air. Raining shots down from above, Thundercracker circled the outnumbered and surrounded Autobots.
“The great Optimus Prime! Shame you can’t avoid even the simplest of traps, sending in the weaker bots first. Some great leader you are!” He followed his outburst with a tirade of weapons fire. Ratchet stumbled as a missile blasted through his lower leg. Optimus caught his arm and using himself as a shield, dragged him to a rocky outcrop, where they managed to crouch to avoid the Decepticons barrage of missiles and plasma canons.
“I’m hit.” Ratchet grimaced. Optimus inspected his injury quickly. “It can be repaired. We have to find Arcee and the ship. I will deal with these three. Get in the cave, power up the ship. Take off if you can.”
“What about you?” Ratchet winced, as rock exploded above his head.
“If I don’t join you, come get me.” Ratchet allowed himself a grin as Optimus leapt over the rocks. Clutching the weapon on his back, Optimus took aim and shot Blast-off, landing a glancing blow onto his side that sent him spinning back toward the cave. Thundercracker swooped in from above, his chain guns unleashed in fury. Optimus ducked and rolled from his aim, spinning he managed to get a shot off, which blasted through Thundercracker’s rear wing. Leaking coolant he was forced to land and transform. Longhaul wasted no time; he bodily launched himself into Optimus. Optimus’s weapon skated along the ground as they fell heavily, a mass of limbs and metal. Landing several blows to Optimus’s head, Longhaul managed to gain the upper hand as Prime’s face plate cracked satisfyingly beneath his fists.
“I’ll keep Prime pinned.” He screamed, as he tried to rip Optimus’s face plate from his head. “Get the other one!” A punch landed squarely on his jaw, it splintered beneath the force of Prime’s blow. Longhaul cried out, Optimus managed to get a foothold onto his chest and heaved the large Decepticon over his head. Turning swiftly, he crouched, sizing the Decepticon up.
“Give it up Longhaul! Or do you think you can win with the rest of your face intact?!”
Longhaul spat in disgust, circling each other, he growled. “I don’t have to; I just have to hurt you, long enough!” He charged forward, Optimus was ready for him. He swung from his grasp, pivoting on his right foot, his super heated swords drawn, he plunged one of his blades into the back of Longhaul’s shoulder, catching him off balance. Longhaul screamed, the heated metal sending searing pain through his circuitry, he could feel his servos fusing. Without hesitation Optimus had come about and landed a solid punch to his face, sending him sprawling into the dirt. His left arm hung useless at his side, he fired his canon from his right wildly, but Optimus was too quick. He could not take him alone. Longhaul tried to keep his distance, firing as he did so, but Optimus had other plans in mind.
“Going so soon?” He growled as his fist upper cut into Longhaul’s jaw, shattering what was left of his facial armour and most of his jaw with it. Again Longhaul found himself in the dirt, only this time Optimus stood over him, his blade raised for the final blow. His optics widened in fear, he wasn’t ready to die here. Without warning, Optimus stumbled forward; taken by surprise he lost his balance. Rumble had launched himself onto the large Autobot’s back, and began pummeling Prime’s armour as hard as he could. Optimus growled in frustration, bodily throwing Rumble into a pile of rock. Longhaul had managed to get away and had now joined the others nearer to the cave. Optimus was surprised at how far away they had moved from the cave. ‘A distraction’ he seethed.
“Ratchet” He voiced his concern out loud as he ran back to the battle at the mouth of the cave, leaving Rumble dazed in the dust.

Having successfully lured Prime away from the cave, Longhaul rejoined the others who were brutally taking it in turns to attack the now severely injured Ratchet pummeling. Impressively the medic was holding his own, his buzz saw, sliced through Blast-off’s arm like butter as he reached in to grab his chest plate. Blast-off howled, clutching his partially severed hand. Ratchet kicked him in the chest, sending him hurtling into Thundercracker, who unleashed his chain guns on the Autobot. Taking numerous hits, he stumbled and fell once or twice, struggling to maintain his position.

Optimus could see Ratchet was in dire trouble, coolant poured from wounds on his chest plate and his arm sported a nasty gash, where his circuitry was visibly sparking and damaged. Optimus launched himself into the fray once more, his plasma canon blasting straight through Thundercracker’s arm, which fell to the ground with a sickening thud. The Decepticons, all turned to stare at the charging Autobot leader, knowing they couldn’t win without sustaining further injury, Blast-off transformed and took off, grabbing Longhaul with one claw and Thundercracker with the other, who held his detached limb with shock. Confused at the sudden retreat, Optimus skidded to a halt beside Ratchet.
“Ratchet can you move?” His voice was filled with concern and worry for his old friend. Ratchet grunted, as he hauled himself up, using Prime’s strong form for leverage.
“I’ve moved better.”
“If we can get to the ship, Teletraan 1 can start repairs. You’ll be moving like new in no time.”
“Promises, promises.” Ratchet snorted good humorously. “Why did they retreat? They could have finished us off.”
Optimus’s optics narrowed. “I don’t know. Longhaul was deliberately trying to distract me from the cave. They were acting under orders. Whoever it is, is probably still in the cave.” He glanced at Ratchet who looked a little worse for wear. “You should stay here; I will find Arcee and the ship and deal with who ever is left.”
Ratchet humorously shook his head stubbornly. “Saving all the fun for yourself huh?” He straightened, “We stick together. I’ll be alright.” Optimus knowing he could not persuade him otherwise, frowned, his voice was grim. “Very well, stay behind me.”

They reached the Ark with relative ease. Optimus was uncomfortable. Creeping forward slowly, his weapon at the ready, he scanned the area of the ship. It was empty. Motioning to Ratchet they headed over to the main computer.
“Teletraan 1, scan the area for Autobot Arcee.” Optimus commanded.
“Initiating scan.” Came the monotone reply. “Location verified. Arcee present on the Ark.”
“What?! Where on the Ark is she located?”
“Main bridge.”
Ratchet spotted him first; he tensed, his fingers itching to grab his weapon. Optimus whirled to face the approaching Starscream. His eyes fell to the unconscious form of Arcee clutched tightly in front of his chest. Coolant dripped from her battered body onto the steel floor.
“That’s right. We don’t want to do anything stupid now do we?” Starscream drawled.
“You monster!” Seethed Ratchet through a clenched jaw. Starscream merely shrugged.
“This wasn’t my doing. In fact, I saved her life. You should thank me.” His optics flashed dangerously. Optimus felt helpless; there was nothing he could do to help Arcee without endangering her life further.
“If you care so much Starscream, why not just let her go?”
“And lose my only advantage? HA! Do you take me for a fool Prime?”
“On most days I would say that is an understatement.”
“Don’t push me Autobot! I will tear her head from her body!”
“What and lose your only advantage? I don’t think so.”
Starscream faltered, only slightly. An evil grin formed across his face. “No you’re right Prime, I have much bigger plans for this little one. Megatron will be so pleased.”
“What do you want Starscream? Are you pandering to Megatron again? Tell me, have you ever had an original thought?”
“Silence!” Starscream was infuriated, he increased his grip on the small Autobot in his capture, feeling her frame weaken and snap in his fearsome grip, he calmed somewhat. Optimus’s patience was fading fast. This was a no win scenario and Starscream was getting nervous. Ratchet moved suddenly. Starscream responded by shooting chunks from his already damaged leg. Ratchet cried out as he slumped to the floor. Optimus tried to edge toward him in the distraction.
“Ah, ah!” Starscream raised a needle like device to Arcee’s head. “This delivers a localized EMP charge, you move again and I’ll fry her circuits. You have a feeling of what that’s like, don’t you Prime? All that Matrix knowledge burning into your brain.” Optimus tensed, unnerved by Starscream’s knowledge of the Matrix. He raised his hands.
“Just tell me what you want.” He growled.
“We want the Matrix and all that it entails. If we don’t get it from you, we’ll get it from another who is connected with it in more ways than even you are aware of. Another you know well.”
“Sam…” Optimus whispered. “He has nothing to do with this.”
“Oh but he does. You and he are inextricably linked by the Matrix; he gave his life for yours in a most sickening Autobot display of heroism. He now sees what you see from the Matrix. Or didn’t you know? ” He leered in satisfaction. “We have eyes everywhere Prime. Our time is coming. My time is coming. Megatron and his asteroid plans, pah! I will show him how to get real results.”
“What does he want with asteroids?” Ratchet questioned.
“To destroy the Earth of course.” Starscream spat. “Can you save them all Prime and still stop me?”
He edged closer to the exit of the ship, still holding Arcee. “Megatron has fallen; he just doesn’t know it yet. I am your biggest concern now. I will get the Matrix and its power, one way or the other.” He snarled. “Right now I’m going to leave you with your thoughts, if you try to follow me, well; I’ll let you find out. I’d hate to ruin the surprise.” He cast one last victorious look at the crestfallen Prime before transforming and flying expertly through the narrow cave.

“He’s taken Arcee!” Ratchet localized was furious and tried to stand, falling undignified to the metal grill, he cried out in frustration. Optimus went to his aid and helped him to the repair table.
“We can’t just let him escape.”
“What would you have me do Ratchet?” Optimus snapped.
“Take the ship after him, follow him. You know what Megatron will do to her!”
“Ratchet!” Optimus lowered his tone. “I am well aware of Megatron’s murderous nature; I sense that he has much worse planned for Arcee than simply death.” Ratchet fell silent, he was troubled, he knew it was a trap; from Starscream he could expect nothing less. He was baiting them, he knew too much about the Matrix and he’d provided Optimus with an impossible choice; save Sam, rescue Arcee or try to save the Earth from the imminent asteroid threat, as he’d promised. He sighed sadly, watching his leader work at the helm as the repair bot carried out work on his injuries. He did not envy Optimus’s choices; stop Starscream or stop Megatron, either way they lose. ‘That’s why he’s the leader.’ He thought sadly to himself. It was not a decision that he could ever make himself and was at a loss. He hated feeling helpless and he knew Optimus probably hated the situation just as he did and was most likely blaming himself for recent events. He sighed again. “Optimus, there was nothing you could have done. He would have killed her if you’d tried…” His voice failed him.

Optimus heard his friend but could not respond. Guilt and responsibility tore through his mind. He should have known better. They had trusted him. He had failed them. Now was not the time to dwell on what he’d done wrong. He programmed the ship for take off. It shook violently. Rocks crumbled around it as it broke free from its temporary cell. Fitting snugly through the cave that had been made specifically for that purpose, the ship soared into the air.
“Teletraan 1 find Arcee’s signal, track her and Starscream and lay in a course.” Optimus ordered, his decision made. He would not fail again.
“Affirmative.” The ship’s engines powered fully into life as the ship sailed smoothly into the sky, the computer started to whine loudly. Without warning sparks shot from the console, electrical surges shot through Optimus’s arms and then the console exploded in a shower of sparks and smoke. The ship went black, all power was cut.

“Optimus!” Ratchet cried out, Optimus was unable to answer. The electrical shock had over loaded his circuitry and he had been blown half way across the bridge in the ensuing darkness and now lay unconscious as they plummeted, free fall to the surface below.

*******************

If you like that there's plenty more over in fan fiction. Go ahead take a look. You know you wanna.

Send your entries here.