Tuesday, December 29, 2009

W4C: Starscream And Optimus Primed

Game Informer has updated its Transformers: War for Cybertron hub with two new articles.

Starscream Profile
The last character profile focuses on Megatron's second in command. The game, for the first time ever, will show the first meeting between Starscream and Megatron during a mission onboard a space station in orbit around Cybertron. It will also attempt to explain why Starscream wants to rule the Decepticons and why Megatron keeps him around despite knowing his dangerous ambitions. As the image shows, Starscream's alt mode is once again a jet while his game special powers are Hover in robot mode and Shockwave which is useful for attacking groups of enemies.

Optimus Primed
Click the link for a time lapse look at the W4C version of Optimus Prime as he is drawn by Senior Concept Artist Billy King. Overall, the inspiration in the game character designs seems to be from the Generation One cartoons with a mix of the Classic toy line and The War Within comic series.

Four New ROTF Toy Reviews

After a slight detour to review Power Rangers and Beast Wars toys, Peaugh is back with four new reviews of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toys. This time he reviews Deluxe class Ratchet, Lockdown and Brawn and also Scout Class Skystalker. All four are part of the new NEST Human Alliance toys coming out in the next few months. That sub-line has lots of repaints so it’s good to see some of the new molds.







NEST Shorts In 2010?

It appears that Tomy Takara plans to support the NEST sub line for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen toys with style. According to TFormers, there will be a series of short videos released to the web called "Transformers Cyber Mission" along with Toys R Us Japan exclusive NEST badge to first 4000 people that spend 2000 yen or more on ROTF products at their stores. The details on the videos (number, cgi, cartoon, voice, story, etc) have not been released.

Here is the translated text:

N.E.S.T. Enrollment Campaign
Get a Toys R Us exclusive N.E.S.T. tin badge by purchasing more than 2,000 yen worth ROTF products at TRU stores within Japan (except the online store) after Jan 23th 2010. For first 4000 customers only.

Transformers: Nafarious #1 Preview

Comic Book Resources has posted a first look at the first three pages of the next Transformers mini-series from IDW. Transformers: Nefarious starts were Transformers: Tales of the Fallen #5 (in comic books stores now) left off which tells the story of how Ravage was somehow revived by The Initiative.

The sequel to TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN starts here!

What is The Initiative? More to the point, why doesn’t the all-seeing SOUNDWAVE know anything about it? How did they come to reanimate/control RAVAGE? SOUNDWAVE must find the answers, and he’ll destroy anything in his path to get them!

The issue will hit comic stores in March. Story by Simon Furman who has written most American TF books over the years including almost all of the movie related material. The preview pages can be found here.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Things Learned From ROTF

It turns out that Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen provided plenty of life lessons that can carry you through life. At least according to 100 Things I Learned. For ROTF, the list is currently at 63 things, most rather amusing. Some used it to vent about the movie but most got into the spirit of pretending to take the movie's "lessons" literally. The full list is here. (via Roger Ebert, nope not a typo)

Some favorites:
- Don't let your mom eat environmentally friendly brownies served by white kids in dreadlocks.
- The army will automatically fire a conveniently placed rail gun if you tell them you used to work with them.
- Mothers love hearing their children losing their virginity.
- If a hot girl is interested in a geek, she is probably trying to kill him.
- You can throw a high US government official appointed by the president, from a C17 with a parachute and get away with it.
- When someone you love is in peril, screaming their name apparently helps a lot.

Botcon 2010 Location Announced

In time for Christmas, the location and date of Botcon 2010 has been announced. The yearly Official Transformers Convention will be held at Walt Disney World's Dolphin Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida from June 24th-27th, 2010.

I have never been to Botcon so can't vouch if the convention is worth the $134USD per night hotel cost plus $5USD for parking. So far details on guests and panels have not been announced but as the name implies it is all about Transformers so typically guests are voice actors, Hasbro representatives, and lots of dealers with TF loot. Panels are usually about future TF plans with likely a look at Hasbro's next toy lines, cartoon plans and IDW's comic book plans.

Click here for more details.

W4C: Megatron, High Moon Studios, And Game Art

Game Informer has added additional articles to their Transformers: War for Cybertron article hub. Below are links to the latest updates about the game that is coming this next summer.

Megatron Character Profile
As the image shows, this isn't the Megatron of old but he shares a lot of features with his G1 incarnation such as the head shape, color scheme and large cannon. Ever since Generation Two, Megs' traditional alt mode has been a tank (due to US toy safety rules) and that hasn't changed here. Megatron's motivation remains the same, rule Cybertron, but for the game he is trying to find "Dark Energon" to achieve that goal. Meg's arm cannon is powerful enough to destroy city blocks, has Mark Targets (like Prime) and Drain abilities.

High Moon Studios Profile
Activision is the publisher, but High Moon is the one actually making W4C. Owned by Activision, located in Carlsbad, California, the company got its start in as part of Sega when called Sammy Studios. Their other games include Darkwatch and The Bourne Conspiracy.

Behind the Art of War for Cybertron
A behind the scenes look at the art that was created for the game as this is probably the first extensive look at Cybertron for a video game. The planet was previously explored in season three of G1 Transformers and Beast Machines but not much sense. Click the link above for a video that shows off some of the art and sources of inspiration.

Transmission Recovery Codes
TransformersGame.com has new content relating to War for Cybertron but it requires you to choose the right Coordinate (yellow) and Transmission (blue) combinations. Thanks to TFormers, here are the codes.

Coordinate: 40, Transmission: 120 (art also in art profile video)
Coordinate: 21, Transmission: 284 (art also at Megs profile link)
Coordinate: 30, Transmission: 007 (video of seeker flying)
Coordinate: 298, Transmission: 85 (video of Decepticon symbol)
Coordinate: 11, Transmission: 265 (art of Optimus Prime)

After using all five codes get "100% total recovered" and "3rd batch will be available in 6 hrs" (or around midnight EST).

War For Cybertron Interview, Details

TFW2005 has posted up a quick summary about Transformers: War for Cybertron and a quick interview with Game Director Matt Tieger. Below are highlights, the full article can be found here.

Also, TransformersGame.com has updated with the trailer. After the trailer plays a pretty click 3D view of Cybertron from space appears with what appears to be a blast coming from its surface (or engine?) with game to "locate a transmission". Click the "?" for instructions. The one I found was coordinate 011 and transmission 263 which switched and showed a still of Optimus Prime.

Highlights:
- Game not based on any generation or iteration of Transformers but uses elements, references, etc to create new cannon that Hasbro is considering using as the basis of new ongoing cannon for the franchise.
- Takes place on Cybertron, long before Transformers ever reached Earth.
- Familiar faces will be in game (Prime, Megatron, Soundwave, etc) with plans to use characters not seen for a long time (Omega Supreme) etc. Which will be playable, boss fights, etc was not indicated.
- "Character development is key", Cybertron will be expanded upon using past references from comics, cartoons, etc such as use of the city Iacon as Prime's home.
- Toys based on the game are under consideration but no firm plans yet.
- "I think there is a law against making a TF game without Peter Cullen."
- There will be online campaigns with co-op modes
- Confirmed game uses the Unreal Engine and will be 3rd person shooter. Not cover-based shooter but teamwork is involved, can transform anywhere, and each character has special abilities.
- There likely will be DLC packs but nothing specific planned yet.

Transformers: Tales Of The Fallen #5 Preview

Bzzurkk.com has posted the cover and first five pages to Transformers: Tales of the Fallen #5 that I believe hits comic stores next Wednesday. The issue focuses on Ravage, somehow rebuilt despite being rather effectively shredded by Bumblebee in the movie. The preview can be found here.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Transformers: War For Cybertron Dated, Cover Art

Amazon has posted their pre-order page for Transformers: War for Cybertron that reveals a release date of June 22, 2010 and a mock up of the cover art for the game. In addition is news that the game is also going to be coming to the Nintendo DS (oddly PSP isn't listed) in an Autobots or Decepticons version as the previous movie games were done for the system. The prices are the expected $60USD (PS3, 360), $50USD (Wii), and $30USD (DS). There will probably pre-order specials coming so I would wait on ordering (but if do use the link above so blog gets credit).

In addition, Activision issued its press release about the game but it did not include the info from the Amazon listing.

“For the first time, Hasbro is working with Activision to drive the TRANSFORMERS fiction forward into new story arcs, demonstrating pivotal moments in Transformers history that defined who they are,” said Aaron Archer, Senior Design Director, Hasbro. “This remarkable video game helps us to tell a critical event in TRANSFORMERS lore that will be used as canon for future storylines in a way we could have only dreamed of a few years ago. It is a testament to the success of the TRANSFORMERS brand and a key element to the story we look forward to telling in 2010 and beyond.”

Transformers: War for Cybertron features two distinct storylines: the AUTOBOT campaign tells a story of heroism to save their home planet against overwhelming odds, and the DECEPTICON campaign tells a story of an unquenchable thirst for power to control the universe. For the first time in a TRANSFORMERS title, fans will be able to play the game with their friends through team-based online co-op, or go head to head in a variety of intense, online multiplayer game modes. The game features a sci-fi art style that introduces to fans the entire living, metallic world of CYBERTRON, as well as all-new visualizations of the iconic TRANSFORMERS characters in their original Cybertronian forms.

Transformers: Animated Coming To Japan

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has finally been released in Japan. As part of the inserts is news that Transformers: Animated is coming to the country as their next toy line starting March 2010 and I assume translated cartoons will start airing at some point. Their name for the toy line has not been revealed. I expect they will get all versions of the toys that were released stateside with Tomy Takara adding their own additions as they see fit. For Transfans in North American this mostly means that you will get a second chance to fill out collection gaps and grow it with Japan exclusive releases. (via TFormers)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Transformers 3 "Stimulus Package"

Michael Bay and company want you to join the Transformers 3 team. Well specifically experienced Maya users to help with pre-viz work according to a post on MB.com called "Our Stimulus Package".

Nelson here...

We are looking for the best Pre-viz animators to help build the team for Transformers 3. Maya expertise is a must.

Please email your resume in Word or PDF format along with the URL of you reel to the
web master.

If you don't know what pre-vis and Maya is, you probably shouldn't apply. As to what they are, pre-viz is a 3D animation of movie scenes (nowadays practically the entire movie) that uses a virtual camera to mimic how a director would prefer to film a scene practically. It’s become critical for most productions as it saves on costs as gives directors and crew a chance to simulate scenes, camera angles and more all before having to do it practically. Its saves on filming unnecessary sequences, improve the story both visually and conceptually and helps the crew plan what their needs are especially for stunt work, special effects, and CGI effects.

Maya, it is the scripting language and program that is used to create 3D computer graphics. It can be used to create ILM level VFX but it is most often used for pre-vis, CGI animation productions like Monsters vs. Aliens, and more or less the default program for amateur creators due to its relatively inexpensive cost compared to other special effects programs. In this case "inexpensive" is defined as around $3500 plus cost of a high end computer to handle the rendering.

We know from many of the videos found online, a fine crew of animators can be assembled from Transfandom. Good luck!

More War For Cybertron Coverage And Details

TFormers has posted a little more insight in what the game play will be like from talking with Transformers: War For Cybertron Game Director Matt Tieger.

Gameplay will feature shooting, in a third person style reminiscent of the Gears of War series. Expect the dynamic elements of Transformation, including into air craft, to weigh in on that tried formula though. Most weapons will be standardized, be changeable and use ammo. Health will regenerate when fire is avoided.

A co-op feature is planned, and while it is unknown what the final number of simultaneous players will be, the levels available for play all had 2 AI controlled players fighting alongside the player character. Online multiplayer has been a part of design from day one, High Moon hasn’t given any of those features away just yet.

The campaigns are set one after the other, the first is from the Decepticon perspective, as Megatron pursues something called “Dark Energon”, once he is victorious, the Autobot campaign begins. Apparently this story is so compelling that Hasbro is accepting it as canon for the franchise.

Game Informer has started a rather long series of articles that will be posted periodically here throughout the month for W4C video game. Here is a summary of what they have so far.

Sterner Stuff
A good History 101 summary of the Transformers franchise from the Generation One cartoons to today including summaries on the toy lines, comics and more. A nice primer for anyone wanting to play catch-up on some of the terms you might have read about here and there (including on this blog).

Optimus Prime Character Profile
The first of a series of profiles on the major characters of the game including a look at some concept art (example above). For the game, this is Optimus before he rises to leader of the Autobots that joins the war after his home city of Iacon is attacked by Decepticons.

Teaser Trailer
In case you didn't already see it, another look at the teaser trailer for the game.

Transformers Trivia
An amusing video as Game Informer editors and W4C Cinematics Director Dave Cravens quiz each other on aspects of Transformers history.

Transformers New Line Image?

TFormers.com posted the image to the left that indicates a mock-up of the next line of Transformers products called Power Core Combiners. Based on the mock-up it really reminds me of a slightly more elaborate version of the Targetmasters from the Generation One line. The power core line was suggested a few months ago with a trademark filing from Hasbro but this is the first time there has been a real indication of what the company was planning with that name. Unless this is a fan fake which you never know until something official comes out.

Human Alliance Barricade Video Review

Below is a video review of Human Alliance Barricade with Frenzy set that is popping up in stores now. The review is by Baltmatrix and does a good job showing off the figure that while part of the Revenge of the Fallen toy line is really based on the first movie. This includes having Frenzy tucked under Barricade's hood similar to the movie, a feature not obvious from previous images of the toy.

Bumblebee #1 Preview

Tomorrow Transformers: Bumblebee #1 will be out at your local comic book shop. Click here for a six page preview of the issue that follows Bumblebee after his recent (spoilers) ascension as leader of the Autobots after Optimus Prime quit (in Transformers #1 and #2).

Monday, December 14, 2009

Hasbro's Legends Devastator In Package

The Arker has posted the first images indicating that Legends class Devastator is getting a stateside visit. The images below show the toy in its package with the Hasbro logo in the bottom right corner. No indication of release date and price. To me the curved packaging and the silver naming along the top looks very similar to previous Target Transformers exclusives. (via TFW2005)

Click here for a large gallery that shows off the new Transformers in more detail with in package, out of package, robot mode, and vehicle mode images for the whole and the individual Constructicons.

Transformers: ROTF On Oscar VFX Short List

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has been selected as one of fifteen semi-finalists for Achievement in Visual Effects for the upcoming Academy Awards. In early January, the list will be cut to fifteen. Next on January 21st, Academy members will screen 15-minute excerpts to choose the final three for official nomination announcement on February 2nd. The Oscar will be rewarded during the live telecast on March 7th. Sadly the excerpts are rarely released to the public, which is a shame as the audience the awards are for should at least be able to join the debate even if don't have an influence on the results. Besides it never hurts to show off a movie.

The full list of semi-finalists:Angels & Demons, Avatar, Coraline, Disney's A Christmas Carol, District 9, G-Force, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Sherlock Holmes, Star Trek, Terminator Salvation, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, 2012, Watchmen and Where the Wild Things Are (via Dark Horizons)

Leaked Transformers 3 Movie Script? (Updated)

The Allspark has received a copy of what is labeled as a draft script for Transformers 3 by Ehren Kruger, finished on November 24th, 2009. Considering that last leaked script for Transformers 2 was fake, I am not holding my breath this is the real thing. Actually the script itself indicates it is fake with way to many fan boy references, reformatting of most of the characters (which would make creating brand new CGI models for everyone, not a cheap task), and more. Feel free to read and determine for yourself the validity of it.

Leaked Transformers 3 Draft l mirror

Update 2: Nelson, Michael Bay's site admin, posted "Their is a script out there being reported on TF sites as being legit. It's fake. Amazing that someone would take so much time to write so much for nothing."

Update 1: Here is a more detailed description and analysis now that I have had time to do more than just skim the script.

The script is essentially a love letter to the history of Transformers. There is a jump to the past so some characters both new and old can get a makeover in their more famous alt modes. In some cases there are literal re-creations of moments from the generation one cartoon series (especially "More Than Meets the Eyes") and Transformers: The Movie. Most of the new characters are classic G1 with Percepter, Laserbeak, Mirage, Hound, Thundercracker and many more. The script has some rather clever ideas and plot twists such as given Prime a trailer using Mirage's holographic technology, the introduction of a new plot McGuffin with the Key to Vector Sigma and retroactively correcting many of the plot wholes from the first movie. The final act has a moment to up the Devastator ante with Superion vs. Bruticus while having Prime and Megatron once again go at it, with Soundwave joining the battle with his mini-friends (Ravage, Rumble, and co). The final scenes make for an excellent cliffhanger moment. It was an enjoyable read that gave me some warm and fuzzies as I recognized many of the moments from my childhood love of Transformers.

Having said that, all that is also the very reason this script is NOT the real deal. Michael Bay has made it clear he doesn't really like doing homages, limiting it as much as possible while this script is just thick with it. The ideas, while huge and interesting, have rather long sequences (including a space fight) being pure CGI and for most scenes the Transformers are almost constantly in robot mode. Part of the reason for the emphasis on human interactions, human technology and the vehicle alt modes is it saves on the budget. The final pages, with the cliffhanger, also breaks a Bay rule of keeping movies contained to itself.

Finally, this script doesn't have that "emotional hook" that Bay, the writers, etc loved harping on (in a silly attempt to elevate their work to more than it really is but whatever works I guess). For the first movie it was a boy and his first car, the second was boy becomes man as he accepts his responsibilities, and this one has a brief moment where Sam and Michaela become engaged but nothing else really.

Overall, I was entertained by the script and would not mind this being the real deal. Sadly that is not the case. Maybe IDW can do an "Elseworlds" type thing with in it comic book form. There was clearly a lot of thought put into this so thanks to the writer for putting together an enjoyable read.

Transformers Linkfest

Another installment with more galleries, toys and a custom 7 foot Prime for sale.

Custom Optimus Prime 7ft Statue (mirror)
From EBay Australia is this rather sweet looking fan made statue of Prime in movie form. The work is the result of around $10,000 in parts, 75 days of label, and a whole lot of scrap metal. The weight is estimated around 450-559kg (992-1213lbs). Click the link to read a lot more about the project. The "buy it now" price currently at AU $47k with no bids. Click here for the auction.

NEST Deluxe Figures Gallery
Click the link for a look at the nest wave of NEST toys for Revenge of the Fallen coming out early next year. The images include Brawn, Lockdown, Ratchet, and combined Skystalker and Mindwipe (vehicle mode only).

Shadow Command Megatron & Strike Mission Sideswipe in Packages
At this link are images of the two toys in their packaging. Both are repaints that actually appear to be a better color scheme then their original look. I believe both are part of the next wave of toys coming out early next year.

Buster Prime & Jetfire 2-Pack
Asian only release, this leader class two pack features the improved version of Optimus Prime with Jetfire who is also featuring a new paint job with a black, brown and dark gray scheme. Still no indications if Buster Prime will make a Stateside or European release.

Official Images of 2010 Legends and Deluxes
Click for sizeable gallery of the next wave of Legends, Deluxe and HA Barricade that is coming early next year. It’s basically two images per, one for package, one for alt mode. The images include Legends Wheelie, Soundwave, Bluesteel Sideswipe along with Deluxe Dirge, Alliance Bumblebee, Tuner Mudflap, and Armorhide.

Ultimate Optimus Collection Auction
If your a fan of Optimus Prime you might be interested in this auction which has almost 140 different Prime items for sale in one auction. Click the link for images and the full list. The auction expires on December 20th.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Transformers: War For Cybertron Teaser Trailer

GameTrailers.com has officially and exclusively released the teaser trailer for Transformers: War for Cybertron to go with the leaked art from the other day. The trailer shows lots of quick shots of a cinematic with teasers of various characters like Optimus Prime and Omega Supreme, all redesigned but clearly inspired by their original Generation One counterparts.

I assume this game is set at some point during "The Great War" that first pits the Autobots against the Decepticons in a long lasting civil war that eventually reaches Earth as indicated in the various cartoons, comics and movies. Also the official website, TransformersGames.com, has been updated to reflect the new game with a countdown clock in the Cybertronian language and a link to sign up for "future transmissions."

The game's release date is to be determined, the platforms are PS3, XBox 360, and PC. Below is the video or click here for the embiggened version.

Click here for nearly a frame by frame gallary of images from the trailer.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Transformers: The War For Cybertron Video Game First Look

Activision has released new art to Game Informers announcing a new video game from the company for the Transformers franchise. This game, which is being created by High Moon Studios (Darkwatch, Bourne Conspiracy), is called Transformers: The War for Cybertron, appears to take place in the Generation One sandbox. No further details have been released beyond the images and the studio, but judging from those this appears to be the first game that I can remember that appears to take place in the Generation One universe (rather than movies or other recent cartoons) and on Cybertron.

It appears that some of the designs might have been inspired by Don Figueroa's art for Transformers: The War Within comic books series from Dreamwave back in 2002 with a mix of other more recent concepts like the Classic line. Below are some images, click here for the full gallery.

Revenge Merchandise Tops $850 Million

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has brought good news to Hasbro's bottom line with a licensing and merchandise bringing in $830 million USD worldwide. By comparison, the worldwide gross of the movie is $833.2 million USD.

This new information comes from a MSNBC article highlighting Hasbro's shift from toy company to multimedia with relationships in the movie industry (TF, GI Joe, Monopoly and more), TV (deal with Discovery Communications for new Hasbro channel), and video games (EA and Activision deals). The company’s profits rise 9% to $150.4 million USD thanks to cost cutting efforts and pay off from their multimedia deals increasing toy sales.

It could just be a matter of time before the company hits the number one spot with Transformers 3 in the planning stages, a probably sequel to GI Joe, and more in the works for the next few years. (via TFormers)

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Transformers Linkfest

More links to more Transformers related galleries and news of note.

Transformers USB Thumb Drive
From Paramount Digital Entertainment, a limited edition run of 20,000 4GB USB drives in the Autobot logo shape that comes with own unique ID number and a copy of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen on it. The price is about 20 pounds and appears to be a UK exclusive, released as part of the promotion for the November 30th home video release of the movie in the country. If in that area, click here to order.

Premium Ironhide Custom
Link to a gallery of a fantastic custom paint job of Ironhide using the 2007 toy as the base.

Bumblebee, Soundwave 2-pack Packaging
If you’re interested, a look at the packaging for Battlefield Bumblebee and Infiltration Soundwave. Both repaints of the deluxe toys, Bumblebee looks about the same as the cannon one while Soundwave has a red and blue color scheme of sorts.

Transformers 25th Anniversary Memorial Stamp Set
From Nikkon Broadcast is a stamp and trading card set. It includes 10 stamps, 50 JYP, five trading cards and special edition portfolio. It is for the Japan market only.

Transformers Encore #19
Tomy Takara has officially announced the release of Big Mission Cassettes Volume 3 for later this month for around $47USD. Japan only release, it will include Rumble, Frenzy, Laserbeak, and Overkill.

ROTF Gold Prime
Click the link for a look at a gold painted version of Optimus Prime.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Human Alliance Barricade And Mudflap

Two more toys are joining the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Human Alliance sub class. One is Barricade with Frenzy and another is Mudflap with Simmons & Chromia which essentially mirrors the Skids with Mikaela & Arcee set. I will wait on Peaugh's reviews before making any final decisions but the Human Alliance toys have turned out to be pretty good (if a touch overpriced).

Galleries: Barricade l Mudflap

Time Lapse Of Final Battle Set Consrtuction

EarthCam.net has posted a video of a time lapse of the construction of the Final Battle set for Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico which I think occurred around June 2008. It gets some of the early filming but not of any of the big explosions and resulting destruction of the set. A set constuction like this helps give you an idea of the sheer volume of hard work that can go into a movie.

Unused Track From Transformers

Here is a video of sorts that has an unused track from Transformers called "A Call To Arms" by Steve Jablonsky. I am not entirely clear if this is from the first or second but the use of Prime's theme and the sound suggests the first film. I wonder what spot it was originally intended for?

Alternity Bumblebee And Cliffjumper Video Review

Peaugh has posted new Transformers video reviews, this time for Alternity Bumblebee and Cliffjumper. Alternity is Japan exclusive Transformers line that is a successor to the Binal-Tech/Alternators toy line. The result is a detailed, complex transformation that gives your classic characters a real world alt mode from real car companies. The toys are now available for $50USD-$60USD (my store recommendations: BigBadToystore.com, TFSource.com and Digital-Toys). Overall the toys are looking sweet.



Transformers #2 Preview

The next issue of Transformers (Ongoing) is hitting stores shelves soon (next week I think) and Newsarama as a sneak peak at its covers and first five pages that starts were the last left off (Spoilers!) with Ironhide dead and Optimus Prime turning himself in to the humans after resigning as leader of the Autobots.

Click here to view.

Bendy-Bus Prime, The 1st UK Transformers

As part of the promotion of the release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen in the United Kingdom, Paramount UK commissioned the creation of Bendy-Bus Prime. It is being called the "first British inspired" Transformer that is valued at 50,000 pounds. The robot is made of 100 bus parts, stands 13 feet high and took 650 man hours in 25 days to build. More interesting is The Sun is holding a contest for UK residents for a chance to win the robot.

Click here for a full gallery of pictures. Click here for a brief making of video and to enter the contest. (via TFormers)