Botcon 2011 Final Day Linkfest (Updated)

Today was the last day for Botcon 2011. As is often the case for conventions, not a whole lot of "new" left to report but below are links to reports from remaining panels, video and more galleries.

Update: Two new posts of interest. If interested in watching the IDW panel, Allspark has it posted here. If want to watch even more videos, Seibertron has posted 21 videos that cover all of Botcon from registration to all the toys displays and exclusives. Those can be found here.

Rage Over Cybertron 3-Pack
The new toy set was revealed that is three TFs from War for Cybertron line put sporting a new deco. If missed these Generations toys last year, this will be another chance to pick them up.

Hasbro Brand Panel
Hasbro panel that covers Transformers non-toy plans. Exiles, the sequel to novel Exodus, focuses on Optimus, involves rediscovery of lost TF colonies, more background on The 13, and introduce a new threat to the single continuity Hasbro is attempting to build. Mentioned Transformers: The Ride will be in 3D, based on the movies and one sequence will have riders go into Devastator's jaws. Hit the link for more. Read More »

Botcon 2011 Day 3 Linkfest

Day 3 of Botcon 2011 has concluded in Pasadena, California and it seems to have been a good day with panels from Hasbro and Activision among others. The Hall of Fame ceremony was held with Beast War's Waspinator revealed to be the fan choice for inductee. Also lots more Transformers toy pictures from all eras and upcoming exclusives. As was with Day 1 & 2 post, if you see a link, probably worth clicking.

Hall of Fame Goodie Bag
A look at the freebies given to those that attended the Hall of Fame ceremony. Nothing major, just advertisements and the like but worth a moment to click through.

Hasbro Panel
Lots of info on the next six months or so of toy releases that Hasbro has in the pipeline. Hit the link for specifics but a few highlights include Ironhide getting a G1 inspired red repaint, a Cyberverse Battle Pack with Bumblebee and Barricade that was inspired by the D.C. police accident with Bumblebee, and Generations line will continue. As for as Kre-0, will be 28 "Kreons" at launch which is sometime this Summer. Transformers: Prime will be released on 12/1/11 with Deluxe Cliffjumper, Voyager Optimus Prime, Voyager Bulkhead, and others. Read More »

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 »

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 »

Transformers: Dark of the Moon Toys Officially Released

Don't forget that the toy line for Transformers: Dark of the Moon is officially for sale at stores in North America. Be sure to post about your haul in the comments.

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 »

Dark of the Moon Toys Arriving Early

Reports have been showing up for the last couple days indicating that some stores have broken the May 15th embargo on Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys. Here and there read many reports from Target stores, a few from Wal-Mart and here and there for Toys R Us. Adding to the list is Meijer thanks to pics below from J1000 including another look at Crankcase (one of the Decepticons on the Moon's surface in the trailer). So far I have had no luck finding the DOTM toys but Target have put many of the existing toys on clearance in preparation for the release. Your mileage may vary but it seems a good time to hit your local stores to either find new Transformers or get good deals on some of the old.

Hasbro Reveals Soundwave's Alt Mode

Remember almost a month ago when Michael Bay debunked a rumor that the new alt mode of Soundwave was not a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, saying "Mercedes would never let us make their car into a bad Decepticon. Car company's really frown on that - I can't say what the game company and comics do that's their own thing. They don't have the same constraints movies do. It's Carly's car." It is a very reasonable explanation that is backed up by Hasbro and Takara's recent history not only with the movies but with their non-movie toy lines. Well, the new update Hasbro has performed for Transformers.com to promote their Dark of the Moon toy line throws a bit of a monkey wrench into that explanation.

As the image shows, the bio section of the "Vector Sigma Database" for Soundwave specifically lists his vehicle mode as...a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. So Bay says he isn't an SLS, Hasbro does. Set reports indicate that Carly does drive a silver one but it seems that Soundwave will be keeping his trademark blue look. So does this mean there is another unseen SLS that was used for his scenes? Is Hasbro's information wrong (find that hard to believe)?

The website update also revealed a few additional character details. For a while the two Decepticon SUV's have been nicknamed "The Dreads" because of Chicago set references but never confirmed official. We since learned one of them is called Crankcase. Based on the Vector Sigma bios, we know may name what that nickname was referencing. One "Dread" is named Hatchet with a jet alt mode while another is called Crowbar with police car alt mode. The site shows their toy modes but not a look at their movie version so this could turn out to be a toy specific thing and not movie related. Also the bios give us a look at a robot dog called Steeljaw that is based on the G1 cassette character. Could this be Wheelie's new friend?

The bio for Megatron explains that he has an earth based alt mode to avoid detection from NEST (Networked Elements: Supporters and Transformers unit). The database also includes a clue about Shockwave and where he has been.

Cruelly efficient and unfeelingly logical, Shockwave came to Earth in search of the AllSpark shortly after Megatron. His cold devotion to logic and his peerless intellect, combined with his raw physical strength, make him one of the few Decepticons that can truly be called Megatron's rival. After decades of imprisonment underneath Chernobyl, Shockwave has begun to stir, awaiting his chance to escape his prison and avenge himself on his captors, his rivals and his enemies alike.

As usual we will find out in a few months. In the meantime, be sure to check out Transformers.com as Hasbro has added more than just a database. They are working on a movie-verse timeline, glossary, lots of toy images and it seems plans for games, video and much 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 »

Name of the Transformers 3 Ferrari is...

Hasbro released a bunch of official images from the Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys. One of them accidently revealed one of the bigger secrets Transfans has been trying to work out. As the images below show, the red Ferrari 458 Italia is named Mirage. It is too early to tell if he sports any homage to the G1 character but the change from blue to red color scheme is clearly not one of them. Now all that is left is the names of the rest of the Decepticons and the Einstein character (my guess is Wheeljack).

There is also an image of "Big Hoss" with Monster Truck alt mode. No idea if this is based on a movie character. If interested in more official Hasbro images of DOTM toys, hit the links - Speed Stars & Stealth Force, Cyberverse & Sets, Wal Mart & TRU Exclusives, and Ultimate Prime. Thanks to Sahara for the links.

Even More DOTM Toy Galleries

All remains basically dead on the Transformers: Dark of the Moon movie front. Sadly nothing either to verify if the trailer is coming next week either. In the meantime here is more toy stuff. Hit links below to view galleries of Optimus Prime with trailer, more Shockwave, Roadbuster and Jolt along with hints possible new additions to the DOTM toy line like Takara’s version of the combined Prime w/ trailer mode, human alliance Bumblebee and more.

Voyager Optimus Prime with Trailer (3x) A Japan Yahoo Auction provides a look at a version of Optimus Prime that currently has not been confirmed for American or European release. This version has voyager Optimus Prime with his trailer that currently is just a shell. Knowing Takara, it wouldn't surprise me if they have plans for that shell.

Voyager Sentinel Prime and Other Sets Speaking of the Japan market, while no pictures are provided Kapow Toys reports three new toys are joining the DOTM line there. Sentinel Prime is getting a voyager class release and two sets of around $100 each are planned - "#430254 T/F G1CONVOY & Movie OPTIMUS w/TRAILER" and "#430261 T/F G1MEGATRON & Movie MEGATRON". The details beyond that are unknown so no telling if looking at new molds, re-releases, DOTM molds are what that the sets will contain. 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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More DOTM Toys and Repaints

Yet more Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys are revealed with some probably new additions to the line, some repaints and possibly a few fakes thrown in for some confusion.

DOTM Legion 3 Pack (1x)
A Yahoo Auction shows of a legion class 3 pack that includes the first use of the name "Rodimus" (aka Hot Rod) in relation to the movie toys. The robot mode suggests a color scheme is designed to invoke his G1 as based on the Universe legends class toy. As a result trying to take a leap that this is confirmation of the red Ferrari's name would be premature. The pack includes Bumblebee and Soundwave with his satellite alt mode. (via TFW2005)

DOTM Silver Bumblebee (2x)
We already knew that deluxe Starscream as a repaint in the works and now it appears that Bumblebee does to. I guess it could be a custom figure but its size does match the smaller deluxe class being used for the DOTM line and the mold cracks don't seem to match the two deluxe class 'Bees that have already been revealed. (via Seibertron)Read More »

CGI Shockwave Images & Product Line Galleries

Another link fest to a bunch of Transformers: Dark of the Moon toys, accessories and books. The main highlight is a look at Shockwave in his ILM created CGI glory. I think this is the first time his look has been revealed as will appear in the movie. Previous looks were via the toy and the video game. Other items include leader Ironhide, plush toys, and more Sentinel Prime voice clips.

DOTM Junior Novelizations (4x)
Much like was done with Revenge of the Fallen; a wave of 4 children's books is being prepped around Dark of the Moon. Of note is the covers provide the first real look of Shockwave in his CGI glory. The books revealed on Amazon Japan are "Colour and Create", an Activity Book, junior novel based on the movie, and The Ultimate Guide which is info on all three movies. The planned release date is 6/9/11. Thanks to Sahara for the link.


Kre-O Figures
ACToys has revealed a little bit more details about the Kre-O Transformers line that was revealed a few months ago at the New York Toy Fair. The line is another attempt by Hasbro to enter the building blocks business that is ruled by Lego. The Lego like mini-figs alone just might make this line worthwhile. Hasbro might want to take a page from Lego and offer the mini-figs separately. (via AllSpark)Read More »

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 »

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.

New DOTM Toy Galleries

Things remain quiet on the Transformers: Dark of the Moon news front. The rumor of a trailer coming this Friday (3/25) remains unconfirmed but if true a sign will either come from ET advertising a sneak peek along with an uptick in behind the scene articles or interviews with cast. If neither occurs by Wednesday night then likely no new trailer. In the meantime hit the links below for more galleries of the toy line.

Official Takara DOTM Toy Images (x5)
Takara Tomy has updated their site to show off some of the upcoming Dark of the Moon toys. Most of it is nothing new but there is one of Prime with trailer that isn't the ultimate version that I don't recall seeing before. (via Seibertron)

DOTM Deluxe Thundercracker (x5)
Hit the think for gallery that compares Transformers: Dark of the Moon deluxe Starscream with his repainted counter-part Thundercracker. Identical except for weapon, it’s the same ugly robot with a prettier color scheme. No idea on release date but guessing the second or third wave in late summer.

Amazon Japan DOTM Listings with Images (x20)
Allspark has compiled a list of the various DOTM toys that are currently up on Amazon Japan. The release date there is May 14th, 2011. The images don't really show anything different that we haven't already seen.

Voyager Skyhammer (x18)
A nice look at voyager Skyhammer that shows the full potential of the toy. Peaugh already reviewed him but the images really do help you get an idea of what a solid addition he is to the DOTM line. (via Seibertron)

Nitro Bumblebee (x3)
Another deluxe Bumblebee. Hard to tell if this is a new mold with different transformation sequence as the main deluxe 'Bee figure or if they just changed to a different TechMech weapon with slight tweaks to the mold details.

Laserbeak (x4)
Four more images of Laserbeak, still no idea what the "transformer" aspect is of the toy.

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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