New Transformers Series Announced

Thursday, Hasbro and Discovery's The Hub network held its upfront presentation which lays out the network plans for the 2011-2012 television season. The network introduced nine new series including "Rescue Bots" which like their toy counterparts is for very young children. Other new shows that will take advantage of Hasbro's properties include Clue, The Game of Life, Scrabble Showdown and more. They also officially announced their renewal of Transformers: Prime but that has been confirmed for months now. Not indicated is the future of G.I. Joe Renegades. Concept art for the toys and some of the toys themselves can be found at TFW2005.

“Rescue Bots” (Hub Original Series, working title)

Inspired by the iconic “Transformers” brand, a group of Autobots, too young to protect humanity alongside Optimus Prime and his team, are partnered with a close-knit human family of first responders. Together, they learn teamwork and heroism alongside their new human friends in this animated series produced by Hasbro Studios.

G1 Transformers on The Hub Schedule

Behind the Voice Actors was able to get hold of the first two days of the schedule for Hasbro's The Hub network that is launching on October 10th. Transformers: Prime isn't listed on those two days but G1 Transformers is represented with a Monday slot of 11:00p CST. Other shows of note on the 1st two days are G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, Wonder Years, Batman, Batman Beyond, and G.I. Joe Renegades. (via AllSpark)

Transformers Prime Cast, Story

After a rather thick and mostly unnecessary veil of secrecy regarding Transformers: Prime, it seems Hasbro is finally ready to reveal some details about the new cartoon that will premiere on the new The Hub channel. Exactly when remains unknown. The information found by TFormers.com reveals most of the cast and provides a story synopsis. The Bumblebee and Soundwave voice actors remain unknown but Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has joined the cast as Cliffjumper. The story itself is a return to G1 basics with Autobots on Earth to stop the Decepticons from conquering it.

Autobots
- Optimus Prime: Peter Cullen
- Arcee: Sumalee Montanp
- Bulkhead: Kevin Michael Richardson
- Ratchet: Jeffrey Combs
- Bumblebee: Josh Keaton (unconfirmed rumor)
- Cliffjumper: Dwayne "The Rock" JohnsonRead More »

Botcon 2010 Panel News

Botcon 2010, the official Transformers convention, was held this weekend at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Hasbro, Activision, IDW, Peter Cullen and more held panels that provided updates on the toys, new cartoon, and more. One of these years I will get to attend but thankfully the other Transformers websites did and reported back. This post is for the panel news and the other for the toy galleries.

Transformers Hall of Fame - Trophy | Display | Dinobot Case
This year's Botcon is also the first year for the Transformers Hall of Fame the inaugural class including is Bob Budiansky (more or less father of much of the Generation One mythology and character personalities), Peter Cullen (needs no introduction), Hideaki Yoke (engineered the transformation concept in toys, TF designer), Kojin Ohno (designer of many Transformers), Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starcream and Beast Wars' Dinobot (chosen by the fans). If you are not sure why Dinobot won, you should watch the last two seasons of Beast Wars.

Botcon 2011 Location
Botcon 2011 will be held at the California Pasadena Convention Center on June 2nd to 5th, perfect for taking advantage of any promotional efforts from Paramount and Hasbro for the release of Transformers 3 later that month.

Transformers Toy Panel
Attended by a few Hasbro employees, this covered Hasbro's toy release plans for the remainder of the year, including a list of all the toys and classes they plan to release (at the link). No new Robot Heroes are planned. Hasbro aware of quality control issues and working with manufacturers to fix it (not sure what this was exactly in reference too).Read More »

Transformers: Prime Bumblebee Revealed

The Licensing International Expo continues and with it is a full body reveal of the CGI/cartoon version of Bumblebee for Transformers: Prime. The picture removes any doubt that Prime is at least based on the movie design for Transformers. It remains unclear if the cartoon has any relationship to the movies beyond a source of design inspiration. I just wonder when the toy leaks will start. From Hisstank.

Transformers: Prime Basic Plot

Amazon has updated its posting of the Transformers: Prime comic book that will be released around October 1st with a description that finally gives a clue on what the new cartoon series will be about when it debuts on The Hub network. The 88 page book will serve as a prequel to the cartoon, written by Transformers screenwriters and Prime consultants Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman.

This all-new graphic novel adventure leads directly into the all new Transformers: Prime animated series! In this epic first adventure, battles across Cybertron have left Bumblebee and his fellow Autobots in need of a new leader. But is there anyone who can step forward against the threat of Megatron and the evil Decepticons?

It seems that unlike cartoons series in the past, Optimus Prime may be taking a back seat to Bumblebee as the lead Transformer in the series.

The Hub's Transformers Schedule?

It’s possible the real version of the schedule for Hasbro's new kids television network has leaked by "nemalki" on Here is Everywhere forums. The schedule currently only lists the programs for Monday through Friday that includes Transformers: Prime, G1 Transformers, and Beast Wars.

Click here to view the entire schedule that may include many 80's classics such as Jem, My Little Pony, Strawberry Shortcake, GI Joe, and Fraggle Rock. Note this schedule is not officially verified and even if real the network doesn't launch until October 10th so this is likely not a final version. I can't decide if all this potential nostalgia is going to lead to fun or many "I liked that?!?" moments. Thanks to Christopher for the link.

Weekdays (All Times Eastern)
Kids Afternoon/Kids Prime (ages 6-12; 1-6 PM)
3:30 PM - Transformers: Beast Wars
6:00 PM - Thursday - Transformers: Prime

Family Prime (7-11 PM)
8:00 PM - Tuesdays - Transformers: Prime
8:30 PM - Tuesdays - Beast Wars

Late Night Hub
11:30 PM - Transformers: Generation One

Frank Welker Joins Transformers: Prime

In a Don Murphy forums thread where Transformers fans are mourning (or celebrating) the loss of Megan Fox from Transformers 3, Transformers: Prime consultant (? not clear on his role) Roberto Orci stopped by with a few hints about Transformers: Prime, the next TF cartoon series that is premiering this fall on the new The Hub network.

Probably most important to fans, he confirmed that the legendary Frank Welker has joined Peter Cullen as a cast member on the show, "Seeing Cullen and Welker together in the recording studio was mind blowing." He did not elaborate on what voices Welker will be performing but I would not be surprised if it turns out to be Megatron and Soundwave.

For Starscream fans, Orci also verified that he "will be his former back stabbing treacherous sarcastic egocentrical whiny glorius never learning foolish good looking self" (good description) with a simply "Yup."

Peter Cullen Voices Optimus in TF Prime

A new article from Advertising Age about Hasbro's new The Hub network that is launching on October 10th is news on the voice of Optimus Prime for the cartoon, return of a beloved cartoon series and an interesting ad limitation the new network will have to deal with. The article also gets into details about other plans the network has such as GI Joe: Renegades, My Little Pony and more. Below are quotes directly related to Transformers.

..."Transformers Prime" will feature the voice of Peter Cullen, the original voice of Optimus Prime from the animated series as well as the Michael Bay-directed feature films. Additionally, "Transformers" feature screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Robert Orci will act as showrunners.

The Hub will exclusively re-air old episodes of the Jim Henson Company's "Fraggle Rock," and is also planning a late-night block of old "G.I. Joe" and "Transformers" episodes to attract parents and young adult males nostalgic for the '80s-era cartoons.

Ads for Transformers toys, for example, can't air within or adjacent to the "Transformers" show due to government restrictions. The same goes for other Hasbro-branded programs that also have products to advertise at retail.

Transformers: Prime Official Title and Logo

The current issue of Advertising Age has revealed the official logo for the next cartoon series for Transformers. For a while now it’s been known that the title of the CGI series was Transformers: Prime but this is the first official verification. This also confirms that the Bumblebee image from Brand Magazine is the design of the character for the series which clearly is inspired from the movies.

Official Description:

Transformers: Prime – Show-runners Jeff Kline (“Ghostbusters,” “Dragon Tales”), Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (“Transformers”, “Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen”, “Star Trek”) continue the saga as “Optimus Prime” and the “Autobots” battle the evil “Decepticons” led by “Megatron”. This fall, viewers will experience the world of “Transformers” like never before.

The assumption is that the show will premiere on October 10, 2010 when "The Hub" network officially launches (right image) but that has not been confirmed. Another question is whether this series takes place in any current Transformers universe (the movies, War for Cybertron, G1, etc) or starts its own.

Transformers Linkfest

Del Ray Official Announces Transformers: Exodus
The publisher has officially announced the release of Transformers: Exodus, subtitled "The Official History of the War for Cybertron" which is a tie in book to the video game. Both the hardcover book and game are being released on June 22, 2010. The novel, which like W4C, is being treated as canon by Hasbro, will tell the origin of the Transformers civil war and the rise of Megatron and Optimus in their leadership roles. Click the link above if interested in the full press release.

Alex Kurtzman Comments on Transformers: Prime
In an article from Broadcasting & Cable, Hasbro Studios president Stephen Davis spoke about their approach to building The Hub channel. As part of that Kurtzman commented on his and Roberto Orci's involvement with the Transformers: Prime cartoon, '"There is a stigma about things being done by committee creatively, but there is so much to be done, so much of a well to draw from.” Everyone feels protected to do their best work because the message from the top down is that you’re supported in your vision.” Kurtzman adds that he and Orci would “like to work with [Davis] forever.”' So the complete lack of any meaningful information is why stuck this here instead of a separate post. Click the link above if interested in the whole article.

Official War for Cybertron Covers
In case you missed it when the official website first posted them early this month, Activision has officially released the covers to each of the versions of War for Cybertron including officially confirming that the Wii version is being called Transformers: Cybertron Adventures.

Mark Ryan Appearing at TFcon 2010
Mark Ryan will be at the TFcon 2010 which will be held in Toronto, Canada from July 17th-18th. Ryan is the voice of Bumblebee and Jetfire in the movies. He is highly likely to reprise the role for Transformers 3. I wonder if he will be doing the on-set Transformers voices like he did in the first two films and will he drop a few spoilers.

Recon Ravage Shipping
For those that participated in the NEST Global Alliance mail away offer for Recon Ravage, you will be happy to know that the toy started shipping. Click the link to view the NEST specific packaging and letter (from Optimus Prime) that arrives with the toy.

Disney Label Monocolor Buzz Lightyear
Click the link for a gallery of images of the black and white version of Buzz Lightyear that transforms in to shuttle. This B&W scheme is a continuation of what was done for Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse Transformers. I think this and the color version of this Japan exclusive is coming out in June.

Transformers Linkfest

Time for another installment of Transformers related stuff from the last week.

Transformers: Cyber Missions Trailer
TG Studios released a trailer that shows off their online version of the 13 episode CGI series for Hasbro. This isn't related to TF: Prime (to our knowledge) but more or less a continuation of the Transformers movie-verse to help promote the NEST Global Alliance toy line. The episodes look very much like Beast Wars Season One with overall lack of environment details but to be fair to TG Studios, the more details means the more work in design and rendering which means the higher the costs to Hasbro. You get a budget; you usually have to stick with it. If interested in watching the episodes, you can find them at Transformers.com under the "Play" section. Thanks to Kaly and Katie for the links.


Transformers: Prime Trademarked
Click the link for details but basically this seems to all but confirm that the next cartoon and toy line from Hasbro will be named TF: Prime. I suspect that Hasbro will officially announce the name and line at Botcon this summer.

Airachinid Joins Transformers: Prime
Speaking of the new cartoon, S250 (who leaks lots of toy images), tweeted "just heard some rumor about Giant character of coming transformers series...something like giant arachnida and dinosaur" The name "Airachinid" may just be a mistranslation. Almost sounds like Blackarachnia may once again return to TF lore.

Digitalscape Working TF: Prime
Yep, another piece of TF: Prime news. The company is a Japanese consulting company that is seeking 40 people to help create graphics for the cartoon. Since the company specializes in digital, not animated creations, this might be the first real proof that the next cartoon will not in the anime style from the last decade or so.

Optimus Prime, Balloon Animal
Someone with a lot of love or way too much time created the G1 Optimus Prime from balloons over the course of 28 hours. The final result stands seven feet tall with points of articulation and his weapon. Seems silly but it is pretty impressive once you get a look at the video. (via Gizmodo)


Megatron, Balloon Animal
Yep, same idea, same creator, but this time the G1 version out of balloon animals. Final result is six feet tall, made up of 300 balloons. Megs was entered into a balloon contest, sadly he lost to a rabbit.

Transformers: Prime Launch Date Announced

Hasbro and Discovery Communications have announced their plans for the launch of The Hub that is basically their version of Nickelodeon. The official launch date is 10/10/10, pretty easy to remember. As expected the next Transformers cartoon is part of launch plans. While the name of "Transformers: Prime" has still not been officially confirmed but two programming blocks called Kids Prime and Family Prime pretty much does. The full rollout is explain at Broadcasting Cable, the TF related aspects below.

The Hub, intended to connote "the center of things," will mount at least two shows from Hasbro's production studio. The company will serve up the studio's series My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, based on the popular toy, and Transformers, already a successful toy-tomovie franchise. Many shows, however, will be acquired until The Hub establishes its footing.

A block called Kids Prime will follow in the afternoon, while shows like Transformers will greet kids after school. Family Prime is aimed at enticing adults to watch with their children.

Sneak Peek at Transformers: Prime's Bumblebee

Starting this fall, Discovery and Hasbro will be launching a new kid's network called "The Hub". While not officially confirmed, it is assumed that the flagship series will be Transformers: Prime, whose title has not even been officially, verified much less what the series may be about, designs and more. Thanks to the AllSpark's Monocle, we now have an image of Bumblebee from the recent issue of Brand Magazine.

As the image above shows, the new cartoon seems to be based on the live-action Transformers films. This leads to lot of questions the least of which is the cartoon set in the movie's continuity or simply be inspired by it but tell its own unrelated stories? The character does seem to have more detail then has been typical of Transformers cartoons of late which recent rumors indicate might be CG based. Hopefully Hasbro will release official details soon.

Orci, Kurtzman Working on CG Transformers: Prime

When the next Transformers cartoon debuts on Discovery Kids this fall, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Transformers movie writers Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, "are working on ...the "Transformers" CG-animated series for upcoming Hasbro/Discovery channel the Hub. The CG cartoon is going to be called "Transformers: Prime" according to actor Jeffery Combs website.

It is unknown what style of CG that will be used. Hasbro (and really most cartoons) has used an Anime influenced style for the last decade or so likely to continue that as it’s believed kids prefer it. However, Orci and Kurtzman are clearly fans of the Beast Wars era of cartoons (see use of Sparks as example) which might give hope that Hasbro will move away from this and maybe attempt something that actually takes advantage of advancements in CG since Beast Machines left the air.

Next Cartoon Called Transformers: Prime?

Long time character actor extraordinaire Jeffrey Combs may have accidently revealed prematurely the name of Hasbro's next cartoon for Transformers that will likely make its debut on the new Discovery Kids channel that is launching this fall. On his official blog:

TRANSFORMERS: PRIME

Debuting later this fall Hasbro in conjunction with Discovery Communications Inc will release a new Transformers cartoon on a new TV channel currently called Discovery Kids called Transformers: Prime.

Jeffrey will be the voice of Ratchet, a very well known character in the Transformers world. There are 26 episodes scheduled for the first season. Exact details of the show are currently unavailable but will be posted here as soon as they are made available.

Jeffrey is quite thrilled with the opportunity to be cast in the role of Ratchet. He's not able to talk too much about the show this early in the production but did have this quote: "What I can say is that it is an honor and a privilege to be a part of such a prestigious project."

The cartoon has been rumored for a while now so really this posts seems to confirm two things, one the title and two the casting of Combs as the voice of Ratchet. For those that don't know, Jeffrey Combs is the man if a fan of 80s horror films, sci-fi TV and just goofy characters. He played the Dr. West in the Re-Animator films, multiple alien characters for the Star Trek television shows (Weyoun on DS9, Shran for Enterprise, and more), voiced the Scarecrow for Batman: The Animated Series, The Question for Justice League Unlimited, Dr. Burkhoff on The 4400 and much more. This is one of the few bits of TF related casting news over the years that has a real geek grin on my face.

Welcome Mr. Combs to the wild world of Transformers and Transfandom. (image source)

Botcon 2009 Day 2 Panels (Updated)

Day two at Botcon 2009 has ended and below are links to galleries and panel summaries that may interest you including costumes, custom TF toys, the Activision panel, IDW panel and Weird Al appearance.

Hasbro Review Panel
A look at upcoming products and exclusives that include a ROTF Voyager Fallen on Fire exclusive for Target. Toys R Us exclusives will include ROTF Battle Pack (G1 Soundwave with 1st movie Megatron), G1 Insecticons and G1 Percepter (i.e. recreated mold from 25 years ago). Wal-Mart will get Masterpiece Skywarp, which will look more like its cartoon counterpart then the Japanese release. Additional ROTF toys are also in the works including Bludgeon, Jungle Attack Ironhide (with bumper that transformers into crossbow, knives, etc), and new Human Alliance Barricade with Frenzy (that sites in the vehicle).

Costume Showcase
What is a convention without people in costume? Click the link for a gallery of pictures of various costumes including Animated Arcee (above), movie Bumblebee, movie Jazz, G1 Grimlock, Frenzy puppet, and more.

Custom Transformers (also here)
A huge gallery of fans created Transformers, environments, repaints and more. An example is the picture here of Tetrajet Sunstorm whose alt mode is inspired by the Cybertronian mode of the Seekers in the very first G1 cartoon from 25 years ago.

IDW Publishing Panel
Preview of art from future comics such as Spotlight: Cliffhanger and Metroplex, upcoming issue of All Hail Megatron, and maybe a Transformers: Animated comic book.

Activision Video Game Panel
Q&A session about the video game. No new information was released. Discussion focused on features of the game, achievement system, confirmation that Devastator was not playable character, about 100 hours of music just for the game, and more.

Weird Al and David Kaye Panel
A Q&A session with Weird Al Yankovic (who should need no introduction also played Wreck Gar in TF Animated) and David Kaye (Prime in TF Animated, Megatron in Beast Wars and Beast Machines, and much more). They discussed doing work on Transformers: Animated, voice work, and various other topics.

Update: Three more galleries for you enjoyment. One is for the dealer room that shows off all kinds of Transformers goodies over the years and the other two are from the Paramount Party that sorta closed off Botcon (same one that aired the TF footage) with appearances by Tyrese (with Ratchet), Peter Cullen, Weird Al, Stan Bush, and more. One of these years I will actually get to go to one.

Dealer Room
Paramount Party I
Paramount Party II

Botcon Friday Panels

Botcon has started its full first day of Transformers festivities. For those that couldn't be there, here is a few links and summaries of the information learned at the panels.

G1 Matrix of Leadership Set
- Not really Botcon news, but the 16 DVD box set of the entire G1 television series is set for release on July 13, 2009 with a price of $140.00 USD.
- Set includes interviews, featurettes, concept art, toy commercials, scripts and a 60 page booklet. Click link above for more info.

Music of the Transformers Panel
- Panel with Vince DiCola and Stan Bush who provided music for animated Transformers: The Movie.
- Dicola was "hurt" he didn't get to contribute to the current films but has respect for Steve Jablonski. Also felt that a "marriage of the orchestral and the techno" would have been better fit musically.
- "Two new toys from Hasbro will feature a '07 re-record of the Touch" (not sure what that means)
- Both plan on working on new albums for release later this year.

Transformers: Animated Panel
- As suspected, the just finished third season of the show is its last and the series and line has been cancelled (so if holding out, better pick up the toys while can).
- Panel was mostly animated shorts and character profiles.
- Sadly no specifics on what info on the creation process or fan questions.

Transformers Collectors Club Toy Gallery
- As part of Botcon, there is was release of toys specific to the club (which costs $35 I think to join). Only members can order the toys.
- The toys are generally repaints of Animated toys, click the link to view.

Transformers Animated Online

If you are interested in Transformers Animated but have not got around to watching them when they are on the Cartoon Network, they are now available online for a limited time.

You can find the episodes on Toonami Jetstream. To access go to the website, click "search" and type in "Transformers". The first five episodes currently available will show up in the results. Thanks the Shaun P for the information and link.

Transformers Animated in 14 Countries

Transformers Animated should soon be available in 14 countries worldwide with more added as deals are closed. So if your interested to see if your country will have the new cartoon series, click here. The full press release is here. (source)