Transformers Linkfest

Time for another linkfest with info on the lastest from the Alternity toy line, Masterpiece toy line, a real life Pentagon sponsored Transformer, and some humor with soon to be retired news legend Larry King.

Official Alternity Thundercracker Image
The third Seeker in the Alternity line gets some official pictures. Based on the Starscream mold, this one has a metallic blue color scheme that looks pretty good. Not sure if "Seeker" applies though when the alt mode is a Okamora Orochi. The figure will be released in the fall as a Japan exclusive and probably in the $50 range.

Real Life "Transformer"
Pentagon scientists have created a tiny robot, about the size and shape of a piece of paper, which can "transform" itself into various shapes such as a boat, toy, or paper glider. The "transformer" is from collaboration with Darpa, Harvard and MIT. The demo version at link above) shows off the robot as it converts through four distinct shapes. The applications include ability for a soldier or whoever "carry a can...filled with the shape shifting particles of varying size" that can be programmed to form a particular tool, used on clothing to keep someone cool during the day, warm at night or even change the aerodynamics of a plane's wings in flight.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Scourge (aka Nemesis Prime) Custom Figure
Click above to view more images of fan creation Scourge created by Toyphilia. The base figure is Leader class Optimus Prime but with a new darker paint job, lightning decals, and a tanker trailer. The result is a very sweet looking figure. I especially dig the lightning decals that a real improvement over the flames that Prime normally has.

Hyper Hobby July Scans
Click the link to Japan's Hyper Hobby Magazine for July. The issue covers many of the upcoming Transformers being released in Japan including many of their exclusives like MP-04S Masterpiece Prime Sleep Mode, Transformers: Animated, Unicron, and more.

Transformers Scout Class Gallery
Click the link to view the next wave of Transformers (movie style) Scout class toys that will be hitting stores soon. It includes Warpath, Storm Surge and Crosshairs. I was less than impressed but maybe you will like what is coming.Read More »

Alternity Starscream and Skywarp Video Review

Peaugh is back with more Transformers reviews. This time he covers the Japan exclusive Alternity Starscream and Skywarp with Okamora Orochi alt mode. About the only thing they have in common with their classic G1 counterparts is color scheme but these are still sweet looking Transformers, especially the vehicle mode. As Peaugh pointed out, the toy doesn't seem as solid as his other Alternity counterparts but my completist brain demands they are just good enough to get.

Alternity molds have been getting about three releases each and the pattern holds with news that Thundercracker is coming this October. It will probably be the exact same toy as Alternity Starscream and Skywarp with new paint job and maybe a modified head but no details yet on specifics. Thanks to Sideswipe88 for the links.

Transformers Linkfest

Autobot City Concept Designs
Click the link for three images that show off an artist concept of Autobot City that seems to be the basis of the design used in animated Transformers: The Movie. The artwork was created by Floro Dery who was the visual creator for The Transformers cartoon and the movie back in the 80s. As the art shows, the transformation of the city into battle mode played a part into the design.

Sears, KMart W4C Comic as Pre-Order Bonus
Sears and KMart are offering a Transformers: War for Cybertron comic as a pre-order bonus for the game. It is assumed it is the same comic as being offered by Austrilian retailer JB Hi-Fi which is written by Alex Irvine and art by Don Figureroa. Personally I would recommend just sticking with a free character as offered by Gamestop, Amazon and Best Buy.Read More »

Alternity Starscream and Disney Label Buzz Lightyear

New images of the next Alternity and Disney Label toys have hit the web. Alternity A-04 Okamora Orochi is Starscream and Skywarp with car modes while the Disney Label gives Buzz Lightyear a transformation mode into a shuttle. The two Alternity's are identical except for head sculpt and color scheme.

For Disney Label, unlike previous editions (with Mickey and Donald), Buzz's alt mode isn't intended to invoke a Generation One counterpart. Before now the images didn't have the detail needed to determine if the purchase of these Japanese exclusives is worth the $50 or so asking price. Click the links below for the full gallery of each. No idea on release date but probably early summer.

Alternity A-04 | Buzz Lightyear

Transformers Linkfest

Alternity A-4 and Transforming Buzz Lightyear
The Disney Label is expanding to include a transforming Buzz Lightyear while the Alternity version of Starscream and Skywarp seems to be have been confirmed to be a Mitsuoka Orochi according to the images below from BigBadToyStore.com.


G1 Transformers Game Coming to iPhone
Glu Mobile's Transformers G1: Awakening is "coming soon" to the iPhone. The game is apparently a converted version of a mobile game that was released sometime in late 2008. The game appears to feature many G1 classic characters and looks almost like a version of Advance Wars. Below is a non-audio trailer of the mobile version.


VES Nominates Revenge of the Fallen
The Visual Effects Society has announced their nominees for the 8th Annual VES Awards and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen received one for Outstanding Visual Effects in a Visual Effects Driven Feature Motion Picture" (wow that is a mouth full). The competition includes 2012, Avatar, District 9, and Star Trek. Sadly this is the year of Avatar so Michael Bay and co is going to have to get use to saying "It is just an honor to be nominated."

Transformers: Animated CGI Style
Click the link to view three images of what appears to be a CGI version of Transformers: Animated toys for the Versus sets that will be released with the rest of the line for Japan. The images include Optimus vs. Megatron, Bumblebee vs. Starscream and Ratchet vs. Lockdown.

Transformers Linkfest

Next Alternity Toys Announced
According to BigBadToyStore.com, the next set of Japan exclusive Alternity Transformers will A-04 Okamora Orochi Skywarp and Starscream. Yep the two seekers will instead be vehicles. The preliminary release date is May 2010 for price of $49.99. According to TFormers, the image to the right is what the Mitsuoka Orochi sports car look like that could be the model for the toy's vehicle mode. Beautiful looking car so pretty sweet if this turns out to be true.

Transformers Star Wars Crossover Wave 8
Click the link to view the gallery of images for the next wave of TF/Star Wars toys based on the Clone Wars vehicles and characters. The wave includes Battle Droid (alt Trade Federation Tank), Obi-Wan (Jedi Starfighter), Xanadu Blood (Magna Guard), and Anakin Skywalker (Y-Wing Bomber). I have not kept up with this line enough to be sure but I do believe most of these are new molds.

War for Cybertron Gallery
At the link above is a gallery of game art. Some of the images are repeats but many are new including this shot of Ironhide.

Another Japan Transformers Animated Gallery
Based on new gallery of images, it appears the number of Transformers: Animated toys hitting Japan starting in April will now be 25 figures including five versus box sets. Click the link above to view the listing. I feel a need to point out how Takara continues to number their toys (and logically) making them very easy to collect. Not only is this good for collectors, but if you’re a kid trying to get a toy, which is easier , the name and description of a specific Transformers or simply provide its box number. I really don't see a downside to a number scheme. It is something I wish Hasbro would copy but I betting they have some idiotic reason on why not (someone should ask why at a Botcon panel).

The Hub Press Release
Hasbro and Discovery have officially named their new network "The Hub" which will launch this fall, replacing Discovery Kids Network. The release is heavy on corporate-babble, light on details but it did say "The Hub will incorporate cherished Hasbro properties, including Transformers..." I suspect the rumored new Transformers cartoon will probably be part of the launch line-up.

New Alternity Tease and Diamond Black Megatron

Takara's Alternity website has updated with a silhouette teasing the next car in the line. Megatron and Optimus Prime have already been released with Bumbleebee and Cliffjumper coming in the next month or so. This silhouette indicates a sports car whose shape reminds me of Generation 1 Sideswipe.

Speaking of Alternity Megatron, that toy is getting a third iteration with Diamond Black Megatron. It’s identical to the preview versions (blue and silver) only the primary colors are black and a dark red. Click here to view the gallery. Thanks to Ben1227 for the links.

Alternity Bumblebee, Cliffjumper Images

New images of Alternity Bumblebee and Cliffjumper have surfaced. Previously the toys were seen only in the non painted prototype stage. Of note is while Cliffjumper is a repaint of Bumblebee, he is getting a different head design that is based on his Generation One look.

The Alternity line uses a license from car companies to create a Transformer that is highly detailed and complex and based on real world vehicles. In this case the Suzuki Swift. The line is a Japan only release, about deluxe class size with die-cast part, and sold online for around $50. The stores I have used without a problem is BigBadToyStore, TFSource and Digital-Toys for those interested. The estimated release date is November 2009. (via TFW2005)

More Alternity Bumblebee and Disney Pics

While the toys are still a few months away from being released in Japan, new images of the prototype for Disney Label Donald Duck and Alternity Bumblebee have been released. Disney Label is Disney characters that transform, and Alternity line uses real car models (with die-cast parts) for the alt mode of Generation 1 characters. Below is the one for Donald and a few images for BB, the rest can be found here.

Tokyo Toy Show Gallery

From the recent Tokyo Toy Show (that technically was "no photography allowed") are a few images that show off Buster Optimus Prime, the Alternity Bumblebee mold, Human Alliance Bumblebee and Skids, and the Device Label line. Below are few pictures but the full gallery that includes images of the Supreme Devastator and other ROTF toys can be found here. (via TFW2005)

New Alternity, Encore Cassette Set and More

If you live in the land of the rising sun you already know that you get the best Transformers made on the planet. In non-movie related news, Takara has released a bunch of new toys it’s releasing for its various lines for Transformers that are exclusive to Japan.

A new Alternity vehicle to join Optimus Prime and Megatron. The new figure will be Bumblebee which will come in "champion yellow or "red pearl" (aka Cliffjumper). The Alternity line is 1/32 scale Transformers (so about Deluxe sized) with a license from Japanese companies for the alt mode that has die-cast parts. The tentative release date is November 2009 and costs around $50 each.

The Disney Label has two new additions with Donald Duck as Bumblebee with a white paint job and VW Bug alt mode and Mickey Mouse as Optimus Prime with Halloween paint job. The first release with Mickey Mouse is now hard to come by, costs $50 and seems big but is really about Scout sized.

Next up is Encore Re-issue #19, Cassette Big Mission 3 Set. This is a continuation of the re-release of the entire cassette Generation 1 Transformers. This set includes Frenzy, Rumble, Overkill and Laserbeak, costs about $50 and estimated release date is November 2009.

In movie related news, Generation One character Hoist gets homage with a repaint of Longarm from the first movie's toy line. Longarm was released as part of the Human Alliance set and later as a Deluxe figure. Full gallery here.

Finally, it appears the Transformers will get the bobble-head treatment based on the image provided by Brian and his sister (thanks!) that was found in Hawaii. I am not sure what others are involved but safe to assume it includes at least Megatron and Bumblebee.

If you are interested in getting most of these toys, especially the Japan only releases, you are going to have to order online. Most websites do have pre-orders and yes in most cases the cost is higher than your use to but that is the price of buying imports. The release date is just estimates, I have waited sometimes up to a year to get items I have pre-ordered (due to delays of the manufacturer) so patience is a requirement. Sites I have used in the past without problems and can recommend is tfsource.com, bigbadtoystore.com, and digital-toys.com.

Alternity Megatron and Prime Video Review

In an attempt to cover more about Transformers then just the movie here are two more reviews from Peaugh for two Alternity line toys. This line is essentially replaces the Binal-Tech (Alternators in US) from a few years ago. However, like Binal-Tech (but not Alternators) these have some die-cast parts that makes for a heavy toy despite its Deluxe class size, they also seem to cost around $50 and up from toy sites that I used in the past like BigBadToyStore.com, TFSource.com, and Digital Toys.

The first review is for the upcoming release of Alternity Megatron and the second is for Optimus Prime. I have the Optimus Prime toy and while expensive found it to very cool and looking forward to getting Megatron.