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Life Expectancy: the Future and Mortality

Monday, July 7th, 1997 12:01AM CDT

Written by Michael Jenkins

In the history of all the entertainment mediums of fiction, the issue of mortality has always questioned the level of credibility - the reflection of reality - that any work of fiction produces.

In some works, such as satire, the issue of credibility is completely thrown out the window; the only reflection of reality is the subject which satire ridicules in its colorful and often humorous formats. So in the case of satire, the characters that we indulge in every morning in the newspaper comics are not bound by the issue of mortality; Charlie Brown will forever be known as the little boy, as he and his crew were created decades ago. As a contrast, many fictional entertainment mediums strive on continuum, in which mortality pays a crucial part. In countless numbers of novels and television shows, we are exposed to "alternate realities" that must be as believable as the creators can make them so that the audience comes back wanting more of the unexpected - a loose and distant derivative of the primal demand to stay alive. In these alternate realities, people and things are born, grow and die; relationships begin and end; people get along or fight; and decisions are made and carried out, for better or worse. Though these worlds are truly fictional, we enjoy them because they are strangely realistic - and we can somehow relate to and admire the characters in these worlds.

As for the Transformers, there is no strong continuum beyond the premise of them being sentient robots that can change their form as a tactical in battle. There are four or more alternate realities through which fans around the globe experience the "Robots In Disguise." It started in America in the early eighties in a morning cartoon series. But it soon spread to another medium; the comic book. Marvel Comics produced the TRANSFORMERS comic book series that reflected on events that occurred on TV, but the stories in no way paralleled. In the comics, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, and Ravage (Soundwave's cassettes) could talk unlike they could in the cartoon series. Ratbat talked as well, and even led his own barrage of Decepticons. Shockwave was a sworn enemy to Megatron and wrestled the Decepticon leader for power on occasion; that was in the comics. On the TV show, Shockwave was one of Megatron's most devoted followers. The TRANSFORMERS comic ran rampant with flesh-slug humans that got the upper hand or some such. The Cybertronians met G.I.Joe and Spider-Man. None of these events would dare happen on the TV show (except for that one episode that featured an elusive Cobra Commander). How could anyone say what actually happened or not with two different story lines going at the same time?

Apparently, this question was not an issue, because the UK released its own comic books series, which remained true to the TV show even after the movie and the television show's demise. The Japanese TV show continued to thrive long after the US stopped, deciding to change events and characters, and ignoring what occurred in the Transformers: Movie.

Unfortunately for the Transformers, there is no George Lucas to patrol what happens to the Autobots and Decepticons and their home planet of Cybertron; thus the numerous story lines. Freelance writers and fans (like myself) have even written stories that continue events, but no one monitors what happens and what shouldn't happen. Timothy Zahn could not make a move with his Thrawn Trilogy unless Lucas approved. Can this be a part of STAR WARS world success? So many people have so many ideas as to what direction the Transformers should take, and the Transformers have yet to reach fans on all mediums, as STAR TREK and STAR WARS have. There is no question the graphic novels, video games, role playing games, sin-off TV shows and even movies would sell and play as excellent PR for Transformers, if done correctly. But substance must be brought to them, a sense of reality. Mortality and continuum seem to be two of the crucial fibers in securing and substantiating an alternate reality.

MORTALITY

Though the mortality rule would help make the Transformers' universe a little more realistic and dramatic, not many fans argue with the numerous reincarnations of Optimus Prime and Megatron, two of the most recognized Transformers worldwide. Prime himself may be the most recognized Transformer in close to the almost two decades of the world's exposure to the Robots In Disguise.

Optimus Prime is extremely popular; he has up to seven different action figures in America to date claiming his name and fans were passionately displayed with his demise in the 1986 release of "Transformers: The Movie". As a result of the fan uproar, the creative staff of the TRANSFORMERS television show decided to coo the crying fans by returning Optimus to life, thus making the movie production team's major theme in the feature-length film "Cybertronians are mortal also" almost obsolete.

Megatron, on the other hand, possesses a different track record. Though he too is fairly popular, and has an equal number of action figure reincarnations (I include Galvatron), he did not cause any uproar with any death. Throughout the television series, the Imperial Decepticon Leader was notorious and uncanny for escaping death (much like Captain Kirk in STAR TREK). He pulled an ultimate bout of uncanny luck eluding ultimate oblivion when Unicron "slave-named" him Galvatron. The only reason why Megatron seemed so different was because of the damage caused to his mental circuits in the molten pit in which he was hurled into by Rodimus Prime. Overall, Megatron once again escaped death, and to this day suffices as leader of the "Decepticons (at least by American standards).

The credibility of mortality in these cases is fairly acceptable, due to excellent storytelling. A lot of story lines kill off characters, only to anti-climatically bring them back to life (thus being a major cop-out). Marvel Comics is notorious for killing off characters and then bringing them back with the typical "alternate universe", "time travelling", "oh I got out in time" mumbo-jumbo. It has happened so much (G.I.Joe screamed it) in the Marvel Universe that when you see a character killed off these days, you don't mourn because the character will pop up again in due time. But most fans seemed to have swallowed the bullet when Spock, Scotty and even Captain James Kirk escaped death to pop up in the 24th Century with Picard and crew. Fans did the same when Emperor Palpatine came back in the present accumulative of three times after his death in Return of the Jedi (due to a convenient plethora of Dark Side clones). All in all, the mortality rule can be bent a little with good storytelling. Megatron is not immortal, he just seems that way because of his tactical genius and sheer luck, and "relentless resilience". Prime is not immortal either, though I would personally like to see a better story that explains his return.

CONTINUUM

Where did the Cybertronians originate? Were they created by the sophisticated technology of the Quintessons; are they the children of the god-like Primus; are they the spawn of the super-computer Vector Sigma; did Unicron play a role in their creation; did the Liege Maximo play a part; or does the ultimate truth of Creation lie in all of these previous theories? How do the Cybertronians reproduce? Do they asexually do so in some form of soma-mitosis; do they extract key parts of their circuitry and build a unique personality matrix with the help of another Cybertronian; do they use the Matrix of Light to bring life to a lifeless machine; do they present the lifeless machine to Vector Sigma who grants life to that machine; or are all of the previous just the many examples of how Cybertronians reproduce? The two main questions of origination and reproduction have been major questions in Transformers continuum. Perhaps the origination of the Transformers does not have to be known, since we are not too sure of our own. Some fans may have adopted one of the "belief systems" and do not want there to be a definite, which could rule out the one they selected. But it can be argued that the creators of the Transformers universe are the ultimate gods and have say in what is true and what is not. The reality of the Transformers universe, and it depth is still fairly undeveloped and shallow. There are no definites, no true answers. So the next time someone asks you "How does Megatron shrink when he transforms into his gun mode?" you can't really boast the true answer because there is no true, official answer.

In one story line, Primus reigns supreme as the entity that created the phenomenon of the Cybertronians. In another, it is sequentially the Quintessons, Vector Sigma, and the Matrix of Light. So which one is right?

The phenomenon of enjoying a concept or group of characters is dependent on the world in which they exist, and how real that world is. One cannot enjoy something they cannot take seriously. Without realism, the concept or group of characters are naked and won't survive long in the cold. Many would argue that it is not enjoyable to watch others make that world in front of them, that perhaps the Transformers are better off without continuum. Who knows how the Transformers universe will substantiate, if it ever does. Perhaps it will evolve into a role playing experience where there is a book of rules and the audience makes their own adventures. Or will it become as tightly chronological as STAR WARS, or a little looser like STAR TREK. In my humble opinion, continuum will help secure a sense of reality in the Transformers universe, a reality which fans will most likely appreciate. Spanning out into different entertainment mediums will then be accomplished more successfully, bringing more attention to the Transformers.

Originally published in TRANS-FORUM #7 (July 1997) by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

The Transformers Homepages

Tuesday, July 1st, 1997 3:14PM CDT

The Internet has become the fastest, most innovative way of transferring information from one place to another. It has also become a vast resource of almost any known hobby or trivial fact.

Within the Internet lie what are termed as "web pages", which are locations in Cyberspace where documents exist. These documents are found one of two ways, either by an Internet address or through various search engines provided by the Internet browser, such as America Online or Yahoo!.

Web pages pool together information regarding certain topics and are placed in a document-like format for viewing purposes. The web pages  consist of text, pictures and sound documents which pertain to many topics. With a click of a button, you could be viewing a short clip from one of your favorite episodes of the Transformers, courtesy of the web page's owner.

These web pages have collectively united the fans of STAR WARS, BATMAN, and the Transformers by providing a space for fans to "hang out" in Cyberspace without having to travel to yearly conventions at a pricey cost.

The Transformers themselves are involved in the web pages of many individuals. One such owner of two Transformers web pages, Benson Yee, created what is now known as the Beast Wars HomePage due to its extreme popularity amongst Transformers fans.

The Beast Wars Transformers HomePage (http://acweb.com/ben/bw/) is a vast hub of Beast Wars information. Included in the web page are sites with information about the cartoon (which contains downloadable images and sounds from the cartoon series), pending information on the Beast Wars comic book series, the most recent information regarding the Beast Wars toys and release dates, and a discussion area where one can discuss his or her opinion about various Beast Wars interests.

Benson has expanded his Transformers web pages to a new web site dedicated to the newest phase in the Autobot and Decepticon history titled the Machine Wars (http://www.acweb.com/ben/mw/)! While this page remains limited in size because of the Machine Wars recent debut, it has all the information one could need. One can download images from the box art as well as facts about the toys themselves. Among the sections to visit on the web page is a discussion page as well, where you can discuss with other Machine Wars fans about your opinions.

Trans-Forum International has become the "physical" form of what exists in Cyberspace for the Transformers. Most of the images and many of the topics begin their life on the Internet before ever seeing the light of day in Trans-Forum International.

If you get a chance to "surf the net," make sure you stop by and view the Transformers home pages maintained by Benson Yee. If you would like to find out more about Benson Yee, please read the autobiography on his web site or e-mail ben at yeebe@is2.nyu.edu.

Ben, thank you very much for providing the excellent pool of information on your Beast Wars and Machine Wars homepages. Without people like yourself, Trans-Forum would be a weak form of Transformers media. With your help, it has become one of the largest Transformers newsletters in the world.

Technology aids in production of Trans-Forum

Tuesday, July 1st, 1997 2:21PM CDT

Trans-Forum International has done what no other Transformers newsletter has done before. It brings the readers full color images and graphics of the Transformers in each and every issue. Images of everything from the cartoon series, the comic books, Japanese cartoons, the catalogs and many other sources are displayed proudly on every page. However, none of this would be possible without the aid of the Internet and several other computer aids.

Through the Internet, images can be downloaded to a personal computer with a click of a button. These images and much, much more are available and readily accessible thanks to the Internet.

One may ask, "How are the images duplicated from the original sources to computerized images displayed in CyberSpace?"

The answer is rather simple. A computer tool called a "scanner" is able to convert real images to computer images in a matter of minutes. A scanner works in a similar fashion to a photocopy machine. Within seconds, images are scanned from the original document into the computer where one can do just about anything with that image.

With the continued support of Trans-Forum's subscribers, I plan to purchase a scanner (as well as my own personal computer versus using my parents' PC this fall. Utilizing a scanner, I can contribute my own artwork or my own Transformers nostalgia to the pages of Trans-Forum.

Some of the things I would like to share with Trans-Forum's subscribers are images from the Transformers record album, the movie CD soundtrack, a Japanese Transformers catalog made by Fumihiko Akiyama, a comic on which I am currently working, artwork from the comic book series, the Arcee mini-comic from the model kit, and many more items (just to name a few).

The Real Heroes Of The Story

Friday, June 13th, 1997 12:01AM CDT

Written by Raksha, the plumed serpent

You hear a great deal about "heroic Autobots." That label is pushed on the toy boxes, in the comics, and in numerous voice-overs in the cartoon. In other words, someone wants to make absolutely sure you buy into this notion and accept the labeling, without even examining the situation for yourself. Makes it much easier for them to tell their story, if they present half the characters as simpleminded "designated good guys," and the other half as simpleminded "designated bad guys." Never mind that nothing is ever that clear-cut. Let's strip all the labels and the prejudices for a moment, and take a look at what's really going on.

Consider Cybertron, in the so-called "Golden Age" that was shown in "War Dawn." I'll remind you that it was the *Autobots* who labeled the era the Golden Age; something tells me the Decepticons had a very different perception. After having fought off the Quintessons a few million years earlier, in a struggle where the major advancement could only have come from the Decepticon side (being designed as war machines, after all, in contrast to the "domestic" Autobots), the two groups must have settled down to an initial peace, perhaps on originally equal footing. But by the time "War Dawn" rolled around, probably after several cycles of war and peace, the Autobots were clearly in control of the planet, and the Decepticons were in the minority. Probably their talents and warriors' natures were considered something out of Cybertron's barbaric past by the ruling class, and so they were more and more crowded out into being second-class citizens on their own homeworld. Finally a leader arose who wouldn't stand for it anymore, and struck back.

Megatron himself is one of the most heroic individuals I have ever encountered in life or fiction. He stood up against almost insurmountable odds and inspired his followers to rise up against a powerful opposition that felt the Decepticons were somehow morally inferior, and had done their best to keep them suppressed and restrained all these years. He has the ability to make his vision a reality. He cares enough about the future of his species and his planet to go against the status-quo, no matter *how* much his enemies malign him for it, and no matter how much propaganda is spread against him. He never accepts defeat, no matter how many times he faces devastating setbacks -- because he believes in his dream, and he has the strength of character and the dedication to his homeworld and to his Decepticons to bring his goals into existence, no matter the odds.

Much of the Transformer story that we know, is pure propaganda -- all told from the Autobot and human perspective. There's the insidious notion that this perspective is, in some universal sense, the "right" one, forgetting entirely that there are other ways of interpreting the world, that are just as "right." To that end the Autobots among themselves are usually shown when they're being chummy and friendly with each other, and the Decepticons are usually focused on when there's some kind of internal squabble, giving a totally skewed picture of them. It's all designed to suck the viewer's sympathies in with the so-called "good guys" - leaving out entirely that the Autobots are just as much responsible, maybe more so, for the Cybertronian civil wars, and far less "heroic" as individuals or as a group. These guys are cowards and isolationists, happy to cling to their little planet and watch it slowly deplete itself of energy, and perhaps become easy prey for any strong alien fleet that happens to wander by - while the Decepticons were wanting to gather resources and strengthen the defenses, and then go out and spread the empire outward. But the Autobots thought this was "wrong," and as a result painted the Decepticons as these wantonly vicious and greedy beings who were bent on destruction for its own sake. That's the viewpoint that's always shoved across in the "official" work.

But even those biases can't obscure the fact that much of the propaganda simply isn't true. If you watch the Decepticons on the cartoon, see their interactions with one another, see Megatron's leadership and his relationship to his followers, and if you haven't entirely closed your mind with pre-set biases, or at least have ever stopped to consider the opposite perspective, you'll see that the Decepticons are a closely-interacting team, dedicated to a cause that will forge a better future for them and their descendants, loyal to one another and to their leader, and standing together against anyone who labels them "evil" and then feels justified in trying to wipe them out, simply because their outlook on the world differs from some arbitrary, currently-accepted social standard.

It's much easier to stay stagnating in place, than to reach for the stars. It's much easier to bow your head and act as you're "supposed to," according to others, than to stand up and follow your dreams in the face of all opposition. It's much easier to present yourself to the rest of the universe as a "designated good guy" in order to mooch fuel from the gratitude of other species, than to refuse to debase yourself like that and have the courage to be true to your own nature. *That* takes true heroism. (And, I will also say - it's much easier to accept a label without question, than to examine the situation critically and check out the facts for yourself.) And that's what the Decepticons are all about. Courage, loyalty to one another, and *honesty*. They make no pretences about who they are, regardless of who disapproves. They're willing to forge their own path. And they refuse to conform themselves to someone else's demands. Even with all the designated biases in place, if one looks at the situation objectively, their true nature comes through. And it's a far more admirable nature than that of their hypocritical and pretentious opponents. The *real* heroes of the story - are the Decepticons.

The End

Originally published in TRANS-FORUM #6 (May 1997) by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

The Convention Battles: Botcon '97 vs TransCon2

Friday, June 13th, 1997 12:01AM CDT

The Hartman's BOTCON '97 Sponsored by: Jon and Karl Hartman with help from Gene Hallit and Pet Sinclair Location: Rochestor, New York Building: Riverside Convention Center Dates: July 18th - 20th, 1997 Convention Experience: The creators and sponsors of the original BotCon '94 What to look for: Voice actors from the original cartoon series and from the Beast Wars, Stan Bush in concert, comic writer Simon Furman, comic artist Andrew Wildman, Hasbro, Mainframe Entertainment, art contest and auction of fan create material, a charity auction to benefit the Shriner's Hospital, dealer tables, and guest panels. The Pros: Botcon 1997 appears to be the preferred convention of the two. Many guests scheduled for Botcon '97. The Hartmans are true fans of the Transformers themselves and are dedicated to bringing the convention "back to the fans." The great, professional, full color advertisements (one drawn by Andy Wildman just for the convention) have developed a good deal of excitement themselves. Great location for poeple out east. Best convention if interested in the workings of the Transformers. The Cons: Botcon '97 may be bringing it back to teh fans, but at what cost? The convention may be shock full of exciting guests, concerts and other features but is it worth the pretty penny you'll spend here? Besides the fancy costs, New York City might not be worth the drive (or the time) for anyone out west. Not a great location for a majority of the country. Are the guests for real? The Costs: $40.00 for regular attendance. $120.00 for regular attendance plus the fan appreciation banquet, concert with Stan Bush, and the theatrical showings of the Transformers: The Movie.

Men-In-Black's TRANSCON 2 Sponsored by: the Men-In-Black, Dennis Barger (president) Location: Rosemont, Illinois Building: Clarion Resort Dates: July 4th - 6th, 1997 Convention Experience: the sponsors of the successful Botcon '96 What to look for: Transformers dealers from around the world, a 24 hour video room, fan art showcase, custom figure, art, and diorama contests, panels and discussion groups, special surprise guests, two exclusive Beast Wars toys, charity auction to benefit the US Marine Corps. The Pros: Transcon 2 may not have received all the fan hype of publicity that Botcon '97 has but it sure "plans" to pack a punch. Many surprise guests are advertised to come forth. The central and familiar location should be convenient for most Transformers fans. The fans may be attracted to TransCon2 over BotCon '97 just because of the simplicity behind the show. Best convention if interested in working on your Transformers collection. The Cons: TransCon2 has done just that: made "plans" for many surprise guests. A lot of uncertainties just three weeks away from the convention's debut. We want specifics, not possibilities. As long as the dealers show, this will be a nice convention still. Many fans were displeased with the Men-In-Black's lack of organizational skills last year. Will this scare fans away this year? The black-and-white ads for TransCon2 are "cheap" looking and unprofessional compared to the BotCon ads. The Cost: $35.00 for regular attendance.

This article originally published in TRANS-FORUM #7 (July 1997) by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

Men-In-Black's TransCon2

Monday, May 5th, 1997 12:01AM CDT

Written by Dennis Barger

Do you remember the first time you saw a commercial for this really cool toy? Robots who changed into vehicles and back. There were the good guys, the Autobots, and the bad guys, the Decepticons, with the fate of the Earth rested in the outcome of their struggle. At least that's what you thought you said, but it was probably closer to "Omigosh that's so cool!"

Do you remember the joy you felt the first time you bought a Transformer? You just sat their, transforming it over and over, figuring out all the tricks, reading the tech spec over and over, until you knew it by heart.

Megatron? Thundercracker? Optimus Prime? And even Gears? It doesn't matter. You taped the show, collected the comic books, went and saw the movie the day it opened, and sat at the edge of your seat the whole way through!

It doesn't matter whether you managed to collect everything with the name Transformers on it or only had one special toy. Regardless, you are a Transformers fan and we have something for you.

The Men in Black, the people who brought you BOTCON '96, are inviting you to Chicago, IL this July 4th, 5th, and 6th for TransCon2, the Transcontinental Transformers Convention and "the best 'bot for your buck!"

For one pre-registration price of $35, you will receive an all access pass for the whole weekend, an exclusive convention toy, a convention T-shirt, and other exclusive convention merchandise. This includes the dealer room, 24 hour video room, fan art showcase and contests, panels and discussion groups by including special surprise guests. The Men-in-Black have secured two exclusive toys for this years show, one will only be available at TransCon2. Catch a special sneak preview of the convention toys on the Men-In-Black web site at http://www.htonline.com/Men_in_Black.

TransCon2 will be held in the Clarion Resort Rosemont, providing easy access to the City of Chicago during the July 4th weekend. The Rosemont Resort Clarion is offering a special rate of $69 per night for convention attendees. Only 200 rooms are available, so register early by calling 800-221-2222 or (847)297-1234 and tell them that you are registering for the Men-in-Black's TransCon2. The Clarion Resort Rosemont is just a free shuttle ride from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

This is just minutes from the Chicago Comicon, one of the country's biggest comic book conventions, featuring every comic book imaginable, and then Men in Black are attempting to arrange free shuttle service between the two conventions. Always wanted that hard to find Transformers title? If you can't find it at the Chicago Comicon, you'll never find it.

Also, the 4th, 5th, and 6th is the world renowned Taste of Chicago weekend, a city wide food festival featuring food from Chicago's diverse cultural make up.

TransCon2 will also see the return of the Toys 4 Tots Charity Auction. Exclusive exclusive convention items, rare Transformers toys, and other Transformers items will be auctioned off at the end of the weekend, with proceeds going to the United Marine Corps Toys 4 Tots Charity, to purchase toys for the needy children of the Chicagoland area, "Because every kid deserves a little Christmas." The generosity of Transformers fans is already well known, as last years auction raised nearly $6,000.

TransCon2 will be the first major show of the year devoted to the Transformers, bringing together collectors and fans from around the world. All the hottest Transformers, and all the best trades will be taking place at TransCon2 first. Don't miss out on that last piece to your collection, or a favorite old memory from the past. Why wait for another convention when you can get it at TransCon2 first?

For more information, you can reach Men-In-Black via e-mail at MIB141@aol.com.

And remember, TransCon2: "better 'bot for your buck!"

This article originally published in TRANS-FORUM #6 (May 1997) by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

Beast Wars Season 2 Is In Works

Monday, April 7th, 1997 12:00AM CDT

Beast Wars will return for a tentative thirteen new episodes for a fall 1997 second season. It is unknwon at this time which characters will be in the show.

What did everyone think of episode #21 titled "Possession" starring the Decepticon Starscream? I felt it was very well done and stayed true to Stascream's original character. I was a little disappointed that his old form wasn't featured (other than for a brief moment), but hey, Galvatron and Unicron were mentioned which further cemented the ties between the original Transformers and the Beast Wars.

How about the season finale two parter titled "Other Voices"? This is what the whole season has been boiling down to and I thought it was worth the wait!

The Unicron form which the Alien entity portrayed was awesome! The voice was even similiar to Orson Welles' Unicron voice from the Transformers: The Movie. I thought it was kind of cool that the Aliens found this "file" of Unicron is Optimus Primal's memory banks from the episode "Chain of Command". Unicron truly did make an everlasting presence upon the Transformers. I wonder what ever happened to Unicron's head after the Technobots were created by Grimlock prior to the Rebirth trilogy.

The Blackarchnia/Tarantulas situation is certainly original. I'm assuming that Tarantulas must have the more powerful mind of the two (reference to "Other Voices" Part 2). I can't wait to see how this is resolved next season.

And speaking of next season, how about that awesome cliffhanger at the end of "Other Voices" Part 2? I thought Megatron was going soft in the last few episodes, but he pulled off one of the coldest, most evil moves I've ever seen by trapping Optimus Primal in the stasis pod. Worse yet, he was mocking Optimus Primal during his final (?) moments. Let me hear your feedback on Optimus Primal's situation.

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

Machine Wars are HOT!!!

Monday, April 7th, 1997 12:00AM CDT

Have you picked up all twelve of this year's Machine Wars Transformers assortment exclusively available at KayBee toy stores? All twelve are out including the delayed Optimus Prime.

Included with all four of the large Machine Wars Transformers (Optimus Prime, Starscream, Soundwave, and Sandstorm) have label sheets which have the original Autobot and Decepticon symbols.

Sandstorm is my favorite representation of the four large Machine Wars Transformers. He's the only one that seems "right". Starscream and Soundwave are injustly done in these new forms. By right, Soundwave should be a tape deck. Optimus Prime is awesome in truck mode and even sports the blue and white stripes with the Autobot symbol on both sides of the trailer. His robot mode, however, is a sad representation of an Optimus Prime, let alone any Transformer for that matter! His body is short and stocky and he has a face, mind you! Argh!

The small Machine Wars have very original molds, despite the fact that each mold is shared by two recolored characters.

Megatron was surely made to be a Megatron. The figure's head closely resembles the head of the cartoon Megatron from Generation One. I'm not sure how I feel about Megaplex. I guess his character reminds me of Faker from the He-Man toy line. In the case of Megatron and Megaplex, the clone is on the same side as the original. Skywarp and Thundercracker are very nice molds. Other than the color choices, I feel these are good representations since they were recolors in the original molds from 1984 (not to mention Thurst, Ramjet, and Dirge from 1985).

The Machine Wars appear to be selling very well. My local KayBee store has stated that the Machine Wars are one of the most popular lines at their location. Other local KayBee stores seem to be experiencing this as well.

Rumor has it that if sales continue to do well, the Machine Wars Transformers line may possibly expand to other stores with future assortments.

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

Two new garage kits to be released in 1997

Monday, April 7th, 1997 12:00AM CDT

Two new garage model kits will be released by M.C. Axis in 1997 available exclusively in Japan.

Hot Rod, the Autobot Cavalier, is the neweset addition to these stunningly beautiful model kits.

At BotCon '96, the Arcee model kit, which was in low supply and in high demand (I can't image why), was priced anywhere from $75.00 to $100.00 depending on the dealer.

The molds are exquisitely designed and are highly detailed. Each model kit comes complete in a very nice packaged box, similar in design to the packaging year from which each character was originally created. Also included with the model kits is a one page mini-comic with directions on how to put the model kit together.

If you can possibly get your hands on one of these kits, do it!!! It will definitely be worth your money.

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

Transformers Entertainment News

Monday, April 7th, 1997 12:00AM CDT

At last! The moment all Transformers have been waiting for!!! The re-release of the Transformers: The Movie on home video!!! The Candian-exclusive movie was re-releasedon February 25th, 1997 and can be ordered through a company called Video Flicks out of Canada. It runs around $18.00 US after all costs have been figured. Again, this movie is available only through Canada at press time.

In addition to the movie's re-release, a Beast Wars Transformers CD-ROM video game is being developed by Hasbro Interactive, a division of Hasbro, Inc. It is being made for personal computers (IBM, Packard Bell, etc).

The Beast Wars Transformers game includes a one-on-one fighting sequence and has over 30 levels of play. This game utilizes the same graphics from the number one cartoon which is fully computer animated. The packaging is pictured below, and features the Beast Wars slogans: "Maximize! Terrorize! Destroy!"

The tentative release date for the Beast Wars Transformers game fall 1997. It will retail for approximately $30.00 US and will be available at all fine stores which carry computer games.

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

Starscream?!?

Monday, December 9th, 1996 12:00AM CST

In a recent phone conversation we conducted, Beast Wars' producer John Goodwill shined some light on upcoming episodes. One of the episodes he discussed was "Possession" which features Starscream, which contributing writer Ben Yee referred to last issue. For those of you with severe lack of memory, Stascream was one of the original Decepticon Transformers, an ancestor or the Predacon Transformers. Yes, Starscream had charm and perhaps he "whined" a little but he was one of the most curel and vicious Decepticons that ever functioned!

And the best part? He's back!!

Do you remember the last time we saw Starscream in the cartoons? It was almost 10 years ago in an episode titled "Starscream's Ghost". In that episode, Starscream tries to regain his physical body by performing threee tasks for Unicron. Starscream's ghost receives a new body, but is destroyed moments later by Galvatron and the Decepticons as a blast hurls Starscream through Decepticon firepower. Starscream was last seen screaming endlessly through the black void of space.

This is where "Possession" begins, only it's three centurires in the future. 300 years later, Starscream's ghost is still floating through space until he reaches the mysterious planet the Beast Wars Transformers inhabit. Starscream soon finds a new host body (as he did with both Cyclonus and Scourge in the original episodes ten years ago). His victim this time? Waspinator!

"Possession", the third part of Starscream's Ghost, is scheduled to air on February 3rd, 1997.

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

Japanese Variations

Tuesday, October 1st, 1996 12:00AM CDT

While most people are aware that the Trasnformers were not only produced in the US, but throughout the world, there were some pretty drastic takes on our favorite robots in disguise in Japan!

In Japan, the history of the Transformers started in 1985, a year after it did here in the US. Not all of the Transformers were made in both the US and Japan. The 1986 series was titled "Transformers: 2010". Storyline variations continued after the "Rebirth" pilot premiered in 1987, debuting the Headmasters and Targetmasters. The japanese cartoons continued from where the American cartoons left off.

One fundamental difference between Japanese and American Transformers: the Autobots are called "Cybertrons" and the Decepticons are referred to as "Destrons". According to an article by Thomas Wheeler in Attic's Collectible Toys and Values Monthly, each warring faction originally resided on planets of the same names. According to the article, Hasbro did not follow this element of the story because of the similarity between the term "Destron" and G.I.Joe's "Destro".

Some of the Transformers toys were not original toys in Japan. A variety of the characters came from other popular toy lines produced by Takara. One of the lines was the Diaclone toy series. The Trainbots were the last Transformers to be released in Japan that originated from the Diaclone series. Ultra Magnus was the last in America.

Were you aware that the Battle Beasts by Hasbro were a part of Takara's Transformers line in Japan called "Beast Masters"? In the US, the little critters had rubsigns that displayed wood, fire, and water. In Japan, they had the traditional Autobot and Decepticon rubsigns instead. These Japanese Battle Beasts run about twenty dollars or so MIB. The American ones are difficult to find but aren't worth quite so much.

In 1988, a atruly fascinating version of Fortress Maximus was released in Japan. This version of Fort Max was recolored in dark blues and reds, comes with a sword, and has a Pretender shell for Cerebros. I am despereately trying to get my hands on one.

The Headmaster Nightbeat (1988) was the only gender variation form the US to Japan for Generation One. In Japn, Nightbeat was a female Transformers named Minerva. She is colored like an ambulance with a white body, red highlights, and an orange face.

The Autobot Targetmasters Kup Hot Rod and Blurr were never released in Japan. However, some other Autobots did become Targetmasters in Japan. Jazz and Inferno came with the Targetmaster guns of Scourge and Cyclonus.

According to Hasbro's PR spokesperson Holly Ingram, the Beast Wars are indeed being produced for not only America but for Japan and Europe.

Editor's Note (2003): Obviously some of the information in this article is inaccurate. I was just learning about the Japanese Transformers and had a few of my facts mixed up (as did Mr. Thomas Wheeler). The Battle Beasts were called Beast Formers and DID NOT have Autobot or Decepticon symbols. They were exactly the same as the American figures except they came packaged in Autobot or Decepticon styled packaging. Nightbeat was available as a mail order item in Japan. The "fascinating Fortress Maximus" repainted from 1988 is Grand Maximus, a separate character. It is also worthy of mentioning that Cyclonus and Scourge were NOT released in Japan either.

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

Arcee Mania!

Tuesday, October 1st, 1996 12:00AM CDT

Arcee appears to be one of the hottest Transformers characters there is! Devoted fans, keep an eye out for Arcee items. An Arcee model is available in Japan and made its first appearance at the Super Festival, one of Japan's largest toy conventions. Arcee sold out the first day of the convention and the next day, other dealers were selling it at a 65% markup.

The model is made by M.C.Axis. Under 1,000 models were actually made, and some have made their way into the US. Arcee is running for $75.00 - $100.00, depending on the condition of the box.

Several Hybrid Models (Rodimus Prime, Galvatron, and Arcee) have been seen throughout Japan and pictured on the Trnasformers 2010 laser disc set. They are basically articulated toys that can't transform (extremely large Action Masters). An Arcee was seen at Japan's Super Festival on June 16th, 1996 for $650.

Men-In-Black is considering to produce an Arcee Action Master figure for Transcon '97!

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

The Beast Wars UNFOLD!

Tuesday, October 1st, 1996 12:00AM CDT

Sales of Transformers toys had been lagging over the past few years. Beast Wars is intended to be a relaunch of the Transformers line geared at the current creature/animal trend that has been so popular since Jurassic Park and the Power Rangers.

If one were to follow the continuity written up in the tech specs of the Beast Wars toys and the mini comic book included with the Optimus Primal/Megatron Beast Wars 2 pack, the Transformers have simply changed their bodies by adding on organics to enhance battle prowess. It seems that Optimus Primal and Megatron are the same characters from Generation 1 and 2 with new bodies. Their battles continue on Earth with this new, enhanced technology.

The cartoon series is a bit different. The series is set roughly 200 years after the original American series. The Maximals and Predacons are the descendants of the Autobost and Decepticons respectively.

The cartoon begins with the Predacons searching for Earth in space. Optimus Primal and his crew intercept the Predacons in space and try to stop them. In the process, both ships damage each other and crash on to a strange, alien world, rich in Energon. The Energon is so rich that the Energon fields on the planet can destory robotic forms in minutes.

To prevent their destruction, the Maximals and Predacons change their forms to adapt to local life forms by taking creature/animal alternate forms while integrating organic DNA into their make up. This becomes an integral part of the show because the Transformers can only remain in robot mode for short periods of time before they begin to short out from high Energon field build up.

What is interesting to note is that in this series, Optimus Primal and Megatron are not the original leadesr in new forms (according to Bob Forward, writer of the pilot series). They are separate Trnasformers altogether who have taken on the names of the old leaders in honor of them.

The first two episodes of the series were shown as a "sneak preview" in April and May of 1996. The show is completely CGI animated (computer animated) and is done by the same folks who brought the cartoon Reboot to life. The ten basic characters in the pilot episodes were: (The Maximals) Optimus Primal, Cheetor, Dinobot, Rhinox, Cheetor, Rattrap, (The Predacons) Megatron, Scorponok, Tarantuals, Waspinator, and Terrorsaur.

In the first episode, prior to the carash of the Maximal ship "The Axalon", several life pods were ejected. The pods carry semi-programmed Transformers in them. As these pods touch down onto the world the Beast Warriors are on, they will be given forms to adapt them to their environment. In addtion, it will depend on who finds these life pods to fully program these Transformers. If Maximals find them, then the robots will become Maximals. If Predacons find them, they will be Predacons.

Future plans for the television show include the introduction of at least three new characters including Polar Claw, Tigatron, and Blackarachnia. An episode tentatively titled "Possession" will include a cameo by Starscream from the first Transformers series, "Generation One". The season finale for Beast Wars is being written at the time this article is being typed up and series editor Larry DiTillio has stated that he intends for it to be a nail biter!

Beast Wars Transformers is slated to air twice a week as part of Claster Entertainment's "Power Block" animated shows. The other shows in this "Power Block" are Reboot, VR-Tech, and G.I.Joe Extreme. 26 episodes will be produced altogether for the first season of Beast Wars.

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

Arcee, Starscream Hot Rod and others to arrive in Toy Stores!

Tuesday, October 1st, 1996 12:00AM CDT

A Kenner VIP announced at Botcon that Beast Wars will definitely continue through 1997 in addition to a second Transformers toy line. This second toy line will be new molds of the original Transformers we all had grown to love. These new versions of the classics will be similar to the Laser Rods and Beast Wars technology, allowing the characters to be fully poseable.

Many characters were mentioned with plans through 1998! Mentioned were Optimus Prime, Hot Rod, Megatron, Shockwave, Starscream, and yes, in 1998 for the first time ever, an Arcee toy!!!

Along with a second toy line of Transformers, there will be a second cartoon to accompany this set. Long live the Transformers!

According to the Kenner spokesman, the Beast Wars will expand through next year and will not take and sharp turns like the original Transformers did with the Headmasters and company. Hasbro/Kenner has indeed learned from their mistakes. Next year's Besat Wars will include playsets, which will be essential to the toys.

By the time this newsletter reaches your hands, the newest assortment of Beast Wars will have arrived at your toy stores. If you haven't purchased your Gorilla Optimus Primal or T-Rex Megatron, roll out to your nearest toy store!

Editor's Note (2003): Obviously not all of the points mentioned in this article came true. However, all of these points were mentioned at Botcon 1996. What Kenner mentioned most likely became the 1997 Machine Wars Transformers line which consisted of repainted UK figures and unproduced Generation 2 figures. This would not be the last time Kenner/Hasbro stated something at the conventions that never saw fruition.

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

A Prime Mistake

Saturday, August 24th, 1996 12:00AM CDT

The Transformers were at their ulitmate peak during 1986. Popular enough to have had a full length animated motion picture produced which hit the big screen in August '86. The Transformers may have been riding the wave of stardom, but they were soon about to fall head first over the edge, plummeting to their demise in 1990.

Could this have been avoided? I believe it could have been changed by one thing. Hasbro should have never approved a script which offed the two biggest and most popular names associated with the Transformers. Optimus Prime should never had died and Megatron should never have been reformed into Galvatron by Unicron.

What was Hasbro thinking when they gave Sunbow and Marvel the right to axe the Autobot and Decepticon icons known to most children of the 80s? This thoughtless act did give way to someo of the coolest Transformers known to fans.

Could the Transformers popularity have continued much longer had Prime and Megatron lived on in the toys, comics, and cartoons? We will never know, but heed this thought. It appears Hasbro has learned from their mistake from my observations. Since the return of the Transformers in American in 1992 - 1993, there have been a total of six Optimus primes and five Megatrons, far outnumbering their totals from the original Transformers series.

What do you think? Could the Transformers have been saved by altering this act? Or were the Transformers a fad doomed to falter in popularity? Nevertheless, Hasbro/Kenner seems to have the right combination with the Beast Wars. Let's just hope they learned from all of their mistakes!

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

New Beasts begin shipping in November!

Saturday, August 24th, 1996 12:00AM CDT

According to Kenner, the Beast Wars line will expand to approximately 40 figures by the end of this year and the beginning of the next. Of all these new toys, four will be female characters. Proposed new forms for Beast Wars toys include a falcon, a crab, a praying mantis, and possibly more dinosaur forms. It was also mentioned that the Besat Wars Transformers are one of the three best selling Boys toys alongside Power Rangers and Star Wars!

Special thanks to Anthony Gaud of Kenner and Andrius Schmid for this information: there are plans for at least 2 Beast Wars combiner giant toys. The designs for these giants has been so successful that there are ideas being tossed around Kenner for a Super Combiner.

There are no plans at this time for any Beast Wars cities but the idea has crossed the minds of the Beast Wars toy team.

Multi-formers (such as Triplechangers and Sixchangers) are being considered but none have been created yet. Any such characters would be introduced in season two of Beast Wars (which has not been given a go ahead yet as of August 24th, 1996. One proposed form is a triple changing ant.

Basic Beasts: New additions enter the ferocious Beast Wars, fought between the Maximals and the Predacons, robot warriors disguised as wild animals! Each figure feature quick-attack conversion and hidden robot weapons as well as an "Energon Chip" decal that reveals a robot's allegiance when rubbed. (Editor's note: YES! We have symbols finally!!!) Scheduled for this release are up to four new figures - Falcon, Crab, Squid, and Elephant Bug - as well as the previously released Insecticon, Armordillo, Razorbeast, Iguanus, Rattrap, Snapper, and Terrorsaur.

Deluxe Beasts: These genetically-engineered Transformers begin a new breed of battles! Designed with eciting detail and secret working weapons, these figures feature hidden missile launchers that really shoot and an "Energon Chip" decal that reveals a robot's allegiance when rubbed! Scheduled for this release are up to five new figures - Shark, Dragonfly, Bison, Praying Mantis, and Velociraptor - as well as the previously released Wolfang, Tigatron, Cheetor, Dinobot, Tarantulas, Rhinox, Waspinator, Blackarachnia, and Buzzsaw!

Mega Beasts: These mega Beasts are truly horric, as you can tell by checking out the evil Inferno fire ant, which converts to a battle ready robot! Inferno features air attack and humanoid modes, with a hidden launcher that fires detachable leg missiles and a tail that splits into four sections with mechanized spinning action! With all the figures, rubbing the "Energon Chip" reveals the robot's allegiance - Maximal or evil Predacon. Scheduled for this release are three new figures - Fire Ant, Baboon, and Mosquito - as well as the previously released Polar Claw and Scorponok.

Microverse Beast Wars Playsets: The evil Predacons and the heroic Maximals do battle - in miniature! Scheduled for this release are: Predacon Arachnid, in which a spider converts to the evil Predacon Command Base; and Maximal Oranoch, in which a killer whale converts to a heroic Maximal Command Base!

The future of the Transformers will revolve around Beast Wars and an additional line called "Machine Wars". Both lines are planned to coincide with each other in 1997.

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

Dave's World

Friday, July 5th, 1996 12:00AM CDT

Until recently, I felt there was no where in Michigan that held any interest in the Transformers or their universe.

Last year, at Michigan's largest comic book convention (the Motor City Comicon), I found a dealer who sold Japanese Transformers cartoons. After purchasing a few of the tapes (which I recommend to anyone who can get their hands on some) my pursuit of a Michigan Transformers following began. Eventually, it brought me to a comic shop I had been visiting for the last eight years (Time Traveler's in Berkely, MI off 12 Mile). This store carries everything under the sun as far as action figures and comic books are concerned. Most importantly, this store had Transformers.

One of the employees I met, Dave Mamer, was very helpful with my Transformers purchases.

Laster, I discovered that he had a business out of his home. It is called "The Empire". He sells a variety of toys from his home. Some of the collectible toys he sells range from the X-Men toys to the Super Power to Mego to G.I.Joe. His second largest focus after Transformers are the Star Wars toys. I soon discovered that the majority of his sales and collections are (of course) the Transformers.

His basement is covered with Transformers. He has everything I could have imagined. From boxed Transformers to loose Transformers, the cards, to collector's cases - Dave's "Empire" has it all.

Dave originally started out by selling the Star Wars toys, with a little of everything on the side. As he began buying more and more collections, he became less picky, and soon started taking whatever was with the collections he looked over.

As for Star Wars, Dave has basically gone as far as he wants to currently. He has most of the figures, and feels there is little room for growth with his Star Wars collection.

"I found the Transformers more interesting that anything else," Dave stated candidly in an interview with Trans-Forum. "The Transformers are cooler!"

Dave can be found travelling around the country as both a dealer and a collector; visiting a variety of shows from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Illinois, all the way to Colorado. The next upcoming show Dave will be dealing at will be Botcon July 12th - 14th, 1996, in Chicago.

As for what Dave sells, he has a large variety of both loose and boxed. The majority of what he sells is loose, however he does have some highly desired boxed characters such as Fortress Maximus and Megatron. He occassionally sells Transformers accessories he may have, but only if they are extras.

Only Time Will Tell

Friday, July 5th, 1996 12:00AM CDT

I guess now is as good a time as any to spill my Beast Wars Transformers theories. I myself have two. One I heard through the grapevines. The other is my own that I prefer.

The theory I heard goes something like this: This is a different timeline, one where the Ark's computer system awoke long before the 4 million years it took in both the comics and cartoons. Instead of the Ark/Teletran1 discovering "mechanical" life, all it discovered was animals. Teletran then proceeded with a new Transformers technology, combining carbon-based life (animals) with that of Transformer life.

The second theory is as follows: remember in the comic how the Nebulans poisoned their atmosphere with a chemical that slowly killed Transformers in an effort to rid their planet of the Transformers? Well, the humans on Earth recently devised and released a similar poison forcing the Transformers back to their home planet of Cybertron. Megatron and his Decepticons needed Earth's vast resources so he created a way to combine carbon-based life with that of the Transformers. He then creates the Predacons led by another Megatron, which is really the cloned mind of the original Megatron.

Once the Autobots hear of the Predacons on Earth, Optimus Prime follows suit and sends his version of the Predacons to Earth - the heroic Maximals. The Maximals are lead by Optimus Primal, who has the cloned mind of Prime.

Megatron and Prime both run into a problem with their clones. The wild animal side of their clones beings altering the typical behaviors of an Optimus Prime or Megatron. Eventually, the Maximals and Predacons take on their own separate lives from the original Transformers.

Well, that's my [theory]! Anyone else like to take a shot at the Beast Wars / Generation One connection?

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com

Botcon '96 Takes Over The Windy City

Friday, July 5th, 1996 12:00AM CDT

The 3rd annual Transformers Convention has been set. Men In Black Collectibles have brought Botcon to Chicago, Illinois this year. So get ready to transform and roll out on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday July 12th - 14th, 1996.

Planned for the convention: Kenner will be present to talk about the current line. Kenner will bring along a few unique "one-of-a-kind" items for fans to be in awe over.

As usual, there will be a dealer room to buy all your Transformers merchandise. A free showing of Transformers: The Movie on Friday for pre-registrants only. A video room for screening of your favorite Transformers episodes. A panel room for discussions and panels on Transformers. A display room will hold a collection of Transformers items to be admired.

This year's convention will be held at the Clarion Resort in Rosemont, Illinois. Conveniently located near O'Hare Airport, the Clarion has shuttles from the airport every 15 minutes. Negotiated with the hotel, the rate per room will be the same as last year; $67.00 a night. So this year you get a great rate and the big city of Chicago to go out and have fun in.

The Clarion Hotel is lcoated off I-90 on the Mannheim Road North exit. Reservations can be made by calling (800)221-2222 or their local number is (847)297-8464. The 800 number does not have the $67.00 rate so you will have to call the local number to get the special BOTCON rate. Clarion may be reached by writing to Clarion Resort, 6810 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018. Make sure to mention you are registering for BOTCON.

Dealers can set up Friday afternoon from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and some attendees will be able to attend the Friday set-up to get the first chance on good toys. This "dealer day" first chance pass is available only through preregistration. The "Dealer Day" first chance pass will allows guests in the dealer room Friday between 7:00pm and 9:00pm and at 8:00am-9:00am on Saturday.

Non-registrants costs will be $7.00 for a one-day pass, and $10 for the weekend pass. No walk-ins are available for Friday's showing of Transformers: The Movie.

This article was originally published in TRANS-FORUM by the owner of SEIBERTRON.com