Botcon 2011 Day 1 & 2 Linkfest

The official Transformers Convention, called Botcon, is going on this weekend at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California from June 2nd to June 5th. The convention is similar to a comic book one only it is about all things Transformers with dealer rooms, panels and more. Expected panels include most of the voice cast from Transformers: Prime, Hasbro introducing their TF: Prime toys and upcoming plans and Michael Bay accepting his entry into the Transformers Hall of Fame. I wouldn't even be surprised if he shows up with exclusive clips that sadly the rest of may not get to see.

Sadly I could not afford to go but luckily other Transformers sites could and they have posted lots of pictures and videos from the first two days. Below are those that grabbed my attention especially Kre-O which is bigger and better than expected. In addition get a first look at the Transformers: Prime toys, info on the upcoming TF MMORPG, lots of galleries, look at the Hall of Fame displays, and lot more. If you see a link, probably worth clicking it.

Kre-O Transformers Gallery
Hasbro's new answer to Lego. If the large gallery at the link is any indication, the result could be pretty awesome. My favorite aspect is the TF version of the Lego mini-figs, especially the Botcon exclusive Optimus Prime. Taking a page from Lego, human size creations have also been built for display purposes. Based on the images the release date for the line is July-August 2011 and will not just be based on DOTM but also Generation One.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Decepticon Base Diarama (10x)
From Transformers customizer frenzy_rumble is a gallery of images of his latest custom which is a diarama of G1 Decepticons. The base is a modified version of iGear Ark playset and I believe the figures are custom paint jobs of various G1, Masterpiece toys and others.

Starscream and the Seekers Cover "Bad"
A few months ago there was a music video to Michael Jackson's Thriller mostly featuring Autobots and now here is one covering Bad with all the Decepticon jets.
Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Nope, still no trailer news for Transformers: Dark of the Moon. In the meantime enjoy these galleries, videos and news related to Transformers including a ROTF auction, scrap metal art, a not really tragic death, and more.

Scrap Metal Movie Transformers (7x)
Hit the link to view a gallery of Transformers apparently created from scrap metal. I am not sure on scale the structures include Prime, Bumblebee, Jetfire, The Fallen, Starscream and Ironhide. The level of detail and just the overall look is pretty darn cool. Thanks to Tom for the link.

GI Joe/Transformer Line Plans? (3x)
A WonderCon panel called "Treasures of Hasbro Archives" revealed a bit of interesting Transformers history. It turns out that back in the 80s Hasbro considered a crossover line between Transformers and G.I. Joe. Ideas considered included a repaint of Omega Supreme and releasing Joe characters paired with accessories based on the look of Transformer characters like Arctic Baronness with Ravage.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Transtopia Masterclass - Soundwave
From Seibertron, a look at another Transformer custom. This one is a combo piece of Reveal the Shield Perceptor with Generations Soundwave (like the guns) and a fantastic paintjob. The figure already sold on eBay for $281.87 but be sure to hit the link to view the gallery.

Transformers: Beast Wars Re-release
Shout! Factory has tweeted plans to re-release Transformers: Beast Wars on DVD with new extras material. They also have indicated that the Generation One set will also get re-issued and they are looking at giving the Japanese cartoons a possible stateside release. I still have the Rhino editions of both cartoons and probably need to upgrade but the cost of those sets at the time was not cheap. Takara continued the Generation One cartoons for another 3 or so season after it had ended stateside.Read More »

DOTM Ironhide, Masterpiece Rodimus Video Reviews

Two new reviews from Peaugh. The first is a look at voyager Ironhide from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line. The toy has been tweaked in design as he is a touch smaller then previous movie Ironhide releases and has a different transformation sequence.

The second video is for Masterpiece Rodimus Prime that I have been posting about on and off (and costs $210). The Masterpiece line remains an engineering marvel while creating some of the most challenging (and sometimes nerve-racking) transformations in the history of the franchise with this one continuing the tradition. Based on the very tight tolerances of the figure and potential breakage points, it would be wise to watch this video before trying to transform your figure (assuming you dropped the $210 for one). I can see why Hasbro decided that importing the trailer may not be worth the cost it would add to the figure whenever it gets released stateside.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

It has been a while since the last linkfest and the links have piled up. This edition brings a nice detailed look at the recently released Masterpiece Optimus Prime and more pics of upcoming Reveal the Shield/Classic toys, a G1 graphic, and some videos. The highlights of that is a Generation One Autobots dancing to Thriller and the entire Generation One cast, CGI style, fighting it while Stan Bush sings his latest single.

Masterpiece Rodimus Prime Gallery
Hit the link for a large gallery that shows off the latest Masterpiece toy. The figure was just released this week in Japan and will likely start arriving in people's hands in the next week or so if pre-ordered. This figure is starting to shape up to be one of the best yet.

NASA's Optimus Prime Contest
NASA has opened public voting on a video contest aimed at elementary students designed to get them interested in science by encouraging people to vote on the videos they created. NASA is using their recent relationship with the Transformers: Dark of the Moon production to promote the contest with the chosen winner will win an "NASA Optimus Prime" trophy. Voting ends on Feb. 6th. Thanks to Richard for the link.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Transformers: Prime Art
From Jose Lopez, a look at the character art created for Transformers: Prime during the character design phase. I can't remember enough to know if these represent the final character designs or is concept art that led to the final designs. If a fan of the cartoon, worth a look. (via TFW2005)

MP Rodimus Designer Interview
TFW2005 has posted a translation of an interview from Figure OH Magazine with Hironori Kobayashi who designed Masterpiece Rodimus Prime that should be coming out any time now. The interview covers his thoughts that went into designing the Transformer such as trying to incorporate his transformation process from the movie.Read More »

Masterpiece Rodimus Prime Preview

Normally I would save something like this for a linkfest but it’s too cool to wait and might kill some time until the teaser trailer debut. Thanks to Amazon Japan we finally have a really good look at the next new entry in Takara-Tomy's Masterpiece line. MP-9 Rodimus Convoy is Rodimus Prime/Hot Rod from Transformers: The Movie that can support both robot and vehicles modes of this character. In the movie, Hot Rod is the "younger", impulsive character (that indirectly caused Optimus Prime's death) who was transformed by the Matrix of Leadership into a wiser but still inexperienced leader of the Autobots. This figure is a bit of a wallet buster with an average import price of around $200 US. (via AllSpark)Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Optimus Prime on Ice
Click the link for a gallery of images of the movie version Optimus Prime ice sculpture. Created by Antti Pedrozo and Michel de Kok, the structure stands around 26 feet tall.

Masterpiece Rodimus Prime Transformation
As the image shows, a look at how the transformation from robot to Hot Rod vehicle to Rodimus Prime truck works. The MP toy is currently scheduled to come out in January 2011 and currently the import cost is around $200.

Custom Transformers Guzzle Gallery
Hit the link for a gallery of images of master Transformer customizer frenzy_rumble. Guzzle is based on the G1 toy from 1988. Not entirely sure what the base Transformer toy is for his custom job, keep thinking it is Titanium series Grimlock but not 100% sure about that.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Sorry for the long delay, between linkfests so this one is extra long with more toy reviews and galleries. The highlight is probably a new auction of G1 Transformers scripts and cels. Also have video reviews for new Prime, 'Bee, Jazz, and more.

G1 Transformers and G.I. Joe Cartoons Document Auction
A new auction that seems to have started might be of huge interest to those that have a deep love for the original 80's cartoons as it will contain original shooting scripts, art work, bios, and more from Transformers, Transformers: The Movie, and G.I. Joe. The auction comes from Ron Friedman who developed and wrote for the various properties. Hit link above for the press release details, and click here for the Heritage Auction Transformers results. I wasn't able to find a way to see all that Friedman was selling in one search but doing a simple search on terms like "Transformers" and "GI Joe" brought up interesting results like scripts, audition dialogue, the movie script, paints cells and more cool stuff.
Update:: All Spark is organizing a donation drive to try and buy up these historical Transformers items so that it be be available for the public online instead of lost in some private collection. Any money left over will be donated to charity. If interested, click here for details. Thanks to General Tekno for the heads-up.

Toy Galleries - Highbrow & Fallen | Grapple | Jazz | Wheeljack, Rumble, Frenzy, Scourge, Laser Prime
More galleries to upcoming releases for the Hunt of the Decepticons, Reveal the Shield, and Takara's Transformers United (aka Generations) lines, most of which are repaints. Reveal the Shield still has this odd tendency to re-release Classic 1.0 and 2.0 molds as repaints but not putting under the "Generations" moniker. Not really sure why they are choosing to go with this type of brand confusion as it seems up to this point they had spent years making a clear distinction between movie inspired toys and the rest. No idea if the Takara United molds will make a stateside visit but would be really surprised if they didn't. More Classic toys the merrier so bring on more Reveal the Shield, United, and GenerationsRead More »

Transformers Linkfest

More links to reviews and upcoming toys.

New Masterpiece Rodimus Prime Gallery
New images of the upcoming Masterpiece toy. Rodimus has the ability to transform between Rodimus, Hot Rod and their alt modes. Rumors still live that Hasbro will also release the toy but without the trailer. Too early to say but this one has the potential to be the best Masterpiece toy yet. Sadly the cost remains a wallet draining $200 for the import. Hit the link for scan of the Figure King issue that shows other upcoming Takara Transformers.

War for Cybertron Cliffjumper
Once you have a Bumblebee design, it is almost inevitable that Cliffjumper will follow. The upcoming addition to the Transformers: Generations line uses the same mold as 'Bee but in his trademark red along with a new head mold. Full gallery at the link.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Time for another linkfest. More galleries with emphasis on upcoming Transformers: Generations toys along with a few reviews.

Transformers United Kup and Perceptor
Hit link for few images of the G1 character re-imagined with new alt modes. "United" is Takara's name for the Generations line from Hasbro. A leak from Hasbro Malaysia indicates the figures will get a stateside release in February along with Wheeljack, Rumble, Frenzy, Wreck-Gar and few others (links to their galleries below).

Transformers On Sale
Not sure for how long but Wal-Mart has dropped the price on Deluxe and Power Core Combiner 5-packs. The Deluxe sizes, including Generations are selling for $9 instead of retail of $12. The Power Core figures are $15 instead of $20, a pretty good price point if on the fence about trying these toys out (or buying ahead for Christmas). In addition, Target is selling the Power Core 2-packs for $7. Personally I used the sale to snag Generations Soundwave, Bumblebee, and Drift. All are pretty solid figures that match the Generations line well and warm my fuzzy nostalgic heart.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Things seem quiet in Detroit so time for another linkfest. Links include a look at Masterpiece Rodimus, more Hunt for Decepticon toys and give new reviews from Peaugh.

Masterpiece Rodimus Prime Price, Dated
The next actual new Masterpiece Transformer from Takara/Tomy has been given a release month of January 2011 and a bit of a whopper of a price of around $200. Official images show a pretty sweet looking toy that kind of the first MP triple-changer as it converts between Hot Rod, Rodimus Prime and their respective alt modes so in a weird way like getting two Transformers toys in one (and apparently priced accordingly). Based on pics, it seems the only difference between the two robot molds is the head. I am guessing it does the head spin like the MP Seekers which had a regular face and smirk expression. I will wait until a video review but seriously tempted to pre-order this.

Highbrow, Fallen in Package
Hit the link for pics of the next wave of Voyager toys for the Hunt for the Decepticons line. The Fallen is a repaint but Highbrow is a new mold with an alt mode of the Lockheed p-38 Lightning.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

All is quiet on the Transformers 3 production front so seems like a good time for another linkfest. This week's edition covers more Masterpiece toy news, possible military application of TF concept, galleries and reviews.

Masterpiece Rodimus Prime Details
The first real Masterpiece toy in years is supposed to be released sometime by the end of the year and new details have shown this could be one of the coolest yet. It seems the toy has been designed to transform not only into Rodimus Prime with trailer/battle station but also into Hot Rod. Click the link above to view a few more pics of what just might be one of the best Transformers yet. Of note is the toy is rumored to possibly be released stateside sometime next year but oddly Hasbro will replace the trailer with a Targetmaster figure. I guess this is to keep the toy in the $50 or so price range.

Power Core Combiner Video Reviews
Peaugh is back with five new reviews of various Power Core combiners. I remain indifferent to this sub-line but for those that enjoy them be sure to hit the links below as may help in deciding which sets to buy and what to avoid.
Double Clutch w/ Rallybots 5-pk | Mudslinger w/ Destructicons 5-pk
Icepick w/ Chainclaw 2-pk | Leadfoot w/ Pinpoint 2-pk | Sledge w/ Throttle 2-pkRead More »

Transformers Linkfest

Transformers linkfest time. Hit the link to get caught up on latest toys news this time a sneak look at the next Masterpiece toy, next years Transformers waves with lots of G1 love, yet more Masterpiece stuff and new video review.

Masterpiece Rodimus Prime Prototype Pics
Hit the link for images of the next Masterpiece Transformers toy from Takara. This one is for Rodimus Prime and like the ones before is inspired by the G1 toy in both look and design but with a more complex Transformation sequence and details.

Transformers MMORPG Approved
A Transformers massively-multiplayer online game has been approved by Hasbro for non-US, European and "West" markets. For whatever reason, the game is currently planned only for "China, Asia, Russia, Middle East and North Africa". The game license has only been approved; there is no screenshots, artwork, script or really anything about the game in existence except the idea of creating it. Since MMORPG's can be very expensive to get off the ground (and so many often fail to ever launch), I wouldn't expect a real game, if ever, to exist for at least a year to two from now.Read More »

Toy Video Review Linkfest

I have been getting a bit behind on linking to toy news due to all the awesome news, images and videos coming out of Chicago so here is an attempt to do some catch-up. Most of them are from Peaugh as he reviews Hasbro, Takara, and 3rd party toys. Just in case wondering, I get nada for posting these reviews, just keeping you informed on the wonderful world of Transformers which has grown to more than just whatever Hasbro chooses to release thanks to the internet.

War for Cybertron Megatron
A look at the Transformers: Generations toy both in and out of packaging. The toy should be hitting still in the next few weeks. He mentions RobotKingdom; I have bought from them and do recommend them but be aware they are shipping from Hong Kong. The prices per toy are cheaper but the S&H is higher so the opportunity is there to save money, but a little research against the competition (other recommendations being TFSource, BigBadToyStore, and Digital-Toys) might be needed. As for the toy, it doesn't really impress me that much mostly because do not like the vehicle mode. His robot mode is absolutely solid with no kibble, something you rarely see in TF toys. Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

Another linkfest, this time with a brief look at a life size Optimus Prime statue, more toy galleries, confirmation that the Takara Movie Masterpiece Starscream is the Hasbro leader class toy, a Pawn Star's Transformers collection, and a new toy video review.

Life Size Optimus Prime
A few weeks ago China showed off its Transformers love with an impressive 33 foot tall statue of Optimus Prime that was constructed with junk car parts. For comparison, the movie version is 32 feet tall. The statue was placed at the Bird's Nest at the Beijing Olympic Park. Thanks to TheChief for the link.

Masterpiece Movie Starscream
Click the link for a gallery that shows off the Masterpiece Movie Starscream that Takara is releasing. The gallery has the Masterpiece version photographed with the Hasbro's Leader class Starscream that started hitting store shelves. Based on the images, it is conclusive that these are identical molds with the only difference being the paint job and weapon accessory.Read More »

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 »

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 Linkfest

Time for another "linkfest". More galleries of upcoming toys from Hasbro and Takara including Generations, Buzz Lightyear and Ghost Starscream. Also videos of the War for Cybertron credits and Hound fan art.

Official Transformers Generations Gallery
Click the link to view a gallery that shows off the 3rd wave of Transformers Generations toys. This wave, due on stores more or less now, is W4C Megatron, W4C Soundwave, Classic Red Alert and Darkmount (based on G1 Straxus).

Dreadwing and Smokescreen Gallery
A look at new additions to the Transformers (minus ROTF) line that is hitting stores soon. Dreadwing is voyager sized and based on the Generation 2 toy. Smokescreen is a shuttle that can attack to Dreadwing's ship mode. Mostly I just like the shade of blue but beyond that think will wait for a review before determine if worth buying.Read More »