Transformers Linkfest

Another catch-up news, reviews, and galleries on Transformers that doesn't involve the soon to be released movie. The info includes more hints on Transformers: The Ride, a new novel series, a comics related interview, amusing videos and reviews of most of the Botcon exclusive toys.

Transformers: The Ride Concept Art
Beyond the plans, there has been very little revealed about the attraction that is being built at Universal Studios Hollywood and Singapore. Some new artwork, four images total, have been released that hints at a tiny bit of what the attraction may contain including a look at an Autobot cavern, the line area for customers, control room and All Spark containment area.

New Transformers: Classified Novel Series
A leak on Amazon Japan indicates that a new young adult novel series is in the works called Transformers: Classified. The first novel, called "Switching Gears", written by Ryder Windham is scheduled to be released on October 21, 2011. The description provides few details, "An original Transformers novel series! Secrets are uncovered in the Nevada desert when a boy witnesses two Transformers arrive on Earth." There is no indication which TF universe this takes place in by considering Hasbro is at least trying to create a single one, I assume it is the War for Cybertron one. Read More »

Dark of the Moon Linkfest

It has been a while since a link fest due to a lot of Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie specific news. This is a catch up of the toy and video game information with more coming from Botcon. Of note is a look at Leadfoot with maybe alt mode of Brains, a video review of Optimus Prime with trailer, Warpath concept art, galleries and more.

First Look at Wrecker Leadfoot
At this point I can't keep track of all the toys but I do believe this is the first time we have seen a toy for the red Wrecker Leadfoot. Of note is this is a Human Alliance figure with an interesting "human" which apparently is a Transformer dog. Could this be the alt mode of Brains, new BFF for Wheelie?Read More »

DOTM Toys Post Release Links

To my limited knowledge, the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys are now released worldwide (press release). Reports indicate your mileage will vary at the local level as many stores are doing a less then spectacular job of getting the toys up on shelves despite having many months advance noticed to be prepared. Related to this is yet more toy news, reviews, and galleries along with a few DOTM odds and ends in the links below.

Mechtech Optimus Prime with Trailer (10x)
Another version of Optimus Orune that is currently Japan only. This one is a look of voyager class Optimus Prime that comes with his trailer. We have seen leaks of this toy before but still cool to see. No news if this will get a stateside release anytime soon but I would be really surprised if it didn't as an exclusive at some point in time.

Toys R Us Hong Kong Midnight Launch Gallery
Hit the link to view pictures from the launch of the line last Friday night in Hong Kong that to HK-TF.com.Read More »

Asian DOTM Toy Site Launch and Other Toy Links

The official release of the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line is just days away, at least in the United States. Depending on where you live it may have already arrived. Here is more links to galleries and reviews of upcoming DOTM products including the first look at the full body of the reformatted Megatron. But first the links start a website that is perfect for putting together your toy wish list.

Dark of the Moon Toys R Us WebsiteThe Asian side of Toys R Us has launched their website to support the upcoming worldwide launch of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line. The Toys R Us website covers China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan but they are using the Hasbro packaging so the information applies to North America and Europe. The region is getting the toys a few days earlier than the US with China starting today and the other countries tomorrow.

The main value of the website is in the Product section that provides a breakdown of the Wave 1 toys by class with in and out of package images for each toy along the toy bio. Very useful for creating that wish list. The site also has a Character section with the CGI headshots, bio and tech specs for each character that will be available in the toy line at launch. Thanks to Feris Othman for the link.Read More »

Many DOTM Toys Galleries and Reviews

T-minus five six days and counting for the official release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line on May 15th 16th. At least in the United States. I am unclear if this date is worldwide but assuming so. I got way behind on the various DOTM galleries but consider this a quick way to catch up and more importantly check out some of the various size molds and exclusives that are in the pipeline. At this point the issue is more of which version or versions to get as it seems most of the key characters have around 3 or more sizes, repaints, or exclusives coming. In addition, below are more video reviews because that also helps in working on that DOTM wish list. Oops got the date confused.

DOTM Galleries Part 1
Kre-0 | Human Alliance Roadbuster & Tailpipe | Deluxe Prime | HA Bee and Skids (repaints) | Exclusive Figures | Deluxe Arcee and Air Raid (repaints) | Scan Series I | Scan Series II
This first set provides another look at the Kre-O (Lego knockoff) line, more Human Alliance figures, and a summary of many of the exclusive figures that may hit toy shelves soon. Of this group probably the one most worth checking out is the Scan Series images which are Toys R Us exclusives and give the deluxe class of DOTM toys a pretty unique look. TRU tends to charge more for their exclusives but just might be worth it for some of the figures.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

While it has been a pretty busy week in Transformers: Dark of the Moon news (yeah bit of an understatement), the non-movie related links have been stacking up. The latest round news of a fan wish to continue Marvel's Transformers comics, Transformers: Prime score, Starscreams, TF lego creations, a custom Pretender, G1 related DVD news, and bunch of Peaugh reviews.

Fans Petition for Transformers Comic
Hit the link for the full details but the summary is Simon Furman, writer of many things Transformers, expressed interested continuing the stories of Transformers from the Marvel comics continuity, fans listened. The idea is the same as what IDW is already doing with G.I. Joe A Real American Hero title so in theory a new issue would start with Transformers #81. According to Simon, "There was a lot we never got to do, that I’d like to revisit or just to take the next big steps with all that we’d set up in the previous 20 or so issues." Currently the petition has 1705 names but could always have more.

Transformers: Prime Score for Free
TF: Prime composer Brian Tyler has posted 10 tracks of music from the first season of the series. Not available for download just yet but still a great listen. Really except for Batman: The Animated Series I don't recall last time a cartoon series has such a solid score.

Lego Optimus Prime (27x)
While Hasbro has its response with the Kre-Q line, the gallery of images at the link shows that there still isn't nothing like a well-built Lego model. The Lego Prime figure is built from 10k pieces and stands 55cm tall. (via TFormers)Read More »

More DOTM Toy Galleries and Reviews

Another "linkfest" for Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys and related merchandise. This edition is heavy on toy images and bios which sadly reveal little about the movie but do have two new video reviews including one for leader class Ironhide. Most of the toys are expected to hit shevles on May 16th.

2000 Pound Bumblebee Cake
Carlo's Bake Shop in Hoboken, New Jersey created a massive cake for a General Motors display at the Javits Center. The cake will be featured on TLC's "Cake Boss" program on June 20th. The cake has the Bumblebee astride his Camaro alt mode. The 2000 pound creation is made of vanilla pound cake with butter-cream frosting and Rice Krispies treats to "bind the cake at critical flex points." (via AllSpark)

DOTM Mobile Game Coming (5x)
Electronic Arts is working on a mobile game around Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The leaked screenshots (at link) show a game that seems to be part side scroller with a bit of overhead "Spyhunter" type play style. On description says "“While Megatron is hiding after the disgraceful defeat, Decepticons Shockwave, the ruler of Cybertron, is preparing to visit the planet with absolutely no good intentions. The game takes place not only on Earth, but the dynamics Moon, a dark side which holds no less dark secrets." There is no indication on price or release date. Thanks to Sahara for the link.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 »

Four New DOTM Toy Reviews

I thought about doing an April Fool's thing but considering the passion of fandom, it just seemed like it would backfire badly. So instead, here are the latest reviews of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys. Peaugh continues getting everything early with reviews of deluxes Laserbeak, Nitro Bumblebee, and Mudflap. Kapow Toys also has their own review of voyager Optimus Prime.

Laserbeak's alt mode is apparently is a jet but it just looks like a bird with little more creepy bird being the other mode. Except for the brief amusement of having him perch on Megatron's arm like did in Transformers: The Movie, there is little to the toy. Much like Ravage was for the ROTF line, he will be a future peg warmer. With Nitro Bumblebee, it seems that if you really want a DOTM Bumblebee toy, it’s a case of getting one or the other with no point in getting both. It does have a new and fairly creative transformation sequence but I see little reason to get this one over the regular deluxe 'Bee. Mudflap has same vehicle mode but different transformation sequence than his twin. Sadly he continues to suffer from the issue of simply being an ugly robot. The characters hitting the cutting room floor indicates another year of peg warming. Prime is about same as all voyager Primes. OK but not special.

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DOTM Bumblebee Review and More Toy Galleries

Still no new news on the movie front nor definitive confirmation of a new trailer with Sucker Punch. In the meantime, here is a bunch of new Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy galleries and a new Peaugh review with deluxe Bumblebee. Below are links to a look at Takara's voyager Prime, a Starscream exclusive, info on trading cards, and more images of Top Spin, Roadmaster, and Laserbeak.

Takara Voyager Optimus Prime (5x)
While the States and elsewhere are going to get the regular voyager Optimus Prime, it seems Japan will enjoy a modified version that will come with a trailer and a different MechTech weapon that can turn to a battle blade. I suspect this figure will get a release later as an exclusive for one of the major retail chains.

Target Exclusive Voyager Starscream
The toys are not even out and already Starscream has repaints for two of his classes. This time his voyager version is getting a modified paint job for Target that seems to include a darker gray paint job, gold highlights for the Cybertronian tattoos, black head and other touches.Read More »

Transformers Linkfest

ROTF Accurate Custom Jolt
Hit the link for a gallery of images of a custom job that create a more movie accurate version of Jolt from Revenge of the Fallen complete with battle damage and arm tips that were used to provide Optimus with the "jolt" he need to merge if Jetfire's parts. Thanks to Bryan for the link.

NASA Announces Winner of Transformers Video Contest
A month or so ago, NASA held a contest for elementary school students to create videos about "their favorite technology." The contest was collaboration between Hasbro, Paramount and NASA "to help students understand how NASA technology 'transforms' into things used daily." The winners receive the NASA Optimus Prime trophy during the awards ceremony on April 12th with Peter Cullen (voice of Prime) at the National Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. Congrats to the winners. (via Seibertron)Read More »

DOTM Voyager Ironhide Video Review

Kapow Toys brings us a new Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy review for Voyager Ironhide. Like all of the DOTM toys, it is a new mold that is a touch smaller then the voyager toys from the past. Like Ratchet, he doesn't really do much for me as a toy but sure Ironhide fans will find him a fine addition to their collection.

DOTM Cyberverse Prime, Megatron and Roadbuster Review

Three new video reviews from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line for your entertainment. The first two are from Peaugh as he reviews Cyberverse Optimus Prime with Armored Weapons Platform and Cyberverse Megatron with Blastwave Weapons Base. The last review is from Kapow Toys of the green Wrecker deluxe Roadbuster. I dig the small Cyberverse toys that make use of both faction leader's trailers. If the price is right (around deluxe price) then I figure it will be an easy buy when they are released. Roadbuster is pretty cool too. If a NASCAR and TF fan, pretty much an insta buy and for the rest of us, its just good enough to consider the pruchase.

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DOTM Leader Sentinel Prime Video Review

The week has barely begun and Peaugh already has five reviews up. Now he has added another to the pile with his review of one of the most anticipated characters of the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line - leader Sentinel Prime. Over all a solid transformer despite the sizable backpack kibble.

Five New DOTM Toys Video Reviews

Peaugh has posted five more Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line video reviews. Below are his reviews of deluxes Jolt (probably not in the movie), Ratchet, Sideswipe and Barricade (still unknown if in movie). Also tossed in Cyberverse Preview Optimus Prime. All four deluxes are new molds, smaller in size to account for the MechTech weapons and keep prices the same. Sideswipe is a convertible complete with seats and to my eyes is one of the best Transformers revealed yet with fantastic looking robot and vehicle modes (no surprise as he was a great toy for ROTF too). If don't like the dull gray, it is almost a guarantee a repaint is coming later. Ratchet just has never interested me but if you like the character and his toys, this one will make a solid addition. Jolt is just ok and probably a future peg warmer. Barricade remains ugly.

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DOTM Leader Bumblebee Video Review

Peaugh is back with a new review for Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys. This time it is leader class Bumblebee. The TechMech weapon that comes with the figure is what house the battery, lights and sound that normally is built into the figure itself. That change seems to benefit the transformation sequence but the robot mode still seems oddly bulky in the chest area. Given a choice, probably just spend the few extra bucks and upgrade to Battle Ops 'Bee.

DOTM Deluxe Topspin Video Review

Peaugh is back with yet another video review of a Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy. Below is his video review of the NASCAR blue Wrecker Topspin. I think this is around his 10th or so review of the line including the eight he posted nearly all at once. To no surprise the vehicle mode is awesome but the robot mode is just ok with a lot of shoulder kibble.

DOTM Toys Linkfest with Wheelie

A bunch of galleries and news relating to the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line. New auctions have revealed a look at Shockwave, a test shot of Sentinel Prime, and Sideswipe. There are also galleries that show off the in package look at various characters and a close look at the Stealth Force line including possibly the first look at the new orange version of Wheelie. In the video department below is a review of the first figure released at retail from DOTM along with a look at part of Hasbro’s marketing campaign for the toy line.

Shockwave in Package
The images above of Shockwave comes from a Yahoo Japan auction who is the big bad of DOTM (besides Megatron). Still not sold on the tank mode but do like the robot mode.

Stealth Force Line Images
Hit the link to check out images of the new DOTM Stealth Force line. The line seems to be about a weapon mode for the TFs as panels and the like fold back to reveals a bunch of fire power. I don't think any of these have a robot mode. I have no idea if the orange buggy below is Wheelie but the orange color is very close to his Generation One counterpart.
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DOTM Toys: New Figures, Galleries, and Review

Over the last two days new images and the like have surfaced online regarding the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line. In the new toys department, an eBay auction (via TFormers) that reveals a repaint of deluxe Landmine. Two other new toys is the armored weapons platform that have legends (now called legion) and scout (aka commander) class Prime or Megatron cabs transform into robot mode while their trailers have a "assault vehicle mode" and "battle base mode". Click here for more in package images of the toys. Read More »

Eight Dark of the Moon Toy Reviews

It seems that Transformers reviewer Peaugh has scored the mother lode of leaked toys from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toy line as he has posted eight video reviews for the upcoming line. The reviews include a look at the Voyager Optimus Prime, Megatron and Shockwave along with reviews of the new Human Alliance "basic" class and three deluxe toys. It seems the H.A. basic class is a scout sized toy with tiny action figure that are sort of triple changers with a weapon mode that some voyager class figures can hold. For those wondering why Shockwave has a hose, it is likely a homage to the Generation One figure as he had a hose too but then it was for the practical purpose of getting power to the lights. Below are embeds or hit the links for all the reviews.

Deluxe Skids | Deluxe Crankcase/Dread | Deluxe Green Wrecker | H.A. Sandstorm | H.A. Whirl |
Voy. Optimus Prime | Voy. Shockwave | Voy. Megatron

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