Transformer World 2005

2005 Board member, D-Drive, has once again been kind enough to share with us next week's Diamond Comic Shipping list. On tap for June 26th, 2013 is:

TRANSFORMERS CLASSICS UK TP VOL 04

(W) Simon Furman, Ian Rimmer (A) Geoff Senior & Various (CA) Andrew Wildman
Classic Transformers tales from the UK continuity begins here! Re-mastered and re-colored, these vintage TF stories are presented in order, many published for the first time in the United States! Writer and life-long TF fan James Roberts provides in-depth historical perspective front matter in each volume, and TF UK artist Andrew Wildman provides new covers!

TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS ENERGIZE DVD

From Shout! Factory! Transformers Rescue Bots is created specifically for the younger generation of Transformers fans and features a group of Autobots charged with a mission to protect and learn about humans. Stationed by Optimus Prime on a technologically advanced island, the Rescue Bots - Heatwave, Boulder, Blades and Chase - team with a human family of first-responders, including a police chief, firefighter, rescue pilot and engineer, to keep peace and safety in their new found home. Alongside their new human friends, the Rescue Bots learn teamwork and heroism.

Mastermind Creations have also released some images via online store PlanetSteelExpress of their female car robot Not-Arcee, Azalea, in color this time. It looks like yes, we are getting this unofficial Arcee toy released after all. The images show two different versions, Azalea in pink and also a "Paradron Medic" version named Parapax Zinnia in mint green. Check out the images attached to this post.

New images of Mastermind Creations Feralcons have been released. Newly shown today is our first look at Tigris (not-Rampage) in color, along with a new color image of Leo Dux. These new images show off both these unlicensed figures in all their glory - check them out attached to this post.

Here’s a tiny bit of news from the International Licensing Expo 2013.

Paramount has revealed their Transformers 4 Teaser Poster and it’s basically the TF4 Logo which we've seen before, followed by the release date.

However, we are yet to see what is over there at the Hasbro Booth. They too may have a Teaser Poster of their own and related Licensed Merchandise for the upcoming movie.

If you are at the International Licensing Expo 2013, make sure to take some pics of the upcoming products related to Transformers and share with us.

Next up, a gallery of the recently released in Japan Transformers Generations Skywarp! Generations Skywarp is presently a Japan exclusive redeco of the Fall of Cybertron Starscream toy. He represents a Cybertron mode version of Skywarp and along with the upcoming Generations 2.0 Thundercracker in Hasbro's Wave 6 he rounds out the Seeker trio. Compared to his normal black with purple accents depiction, this Skywarp is a departure, instead going for a purple and dark grey look. At first glance you might say to yourself "it's a nice deco, but it's not Skywarp", but give it time. It grows on you and before long I found myself accepting this like any of my other Skywarps. The paint is gorgeous, as with a lot of Takara-Tomy releases, with a nice glossy finish which makes the toy feel a bit more substantial than the flat gray on my Hasbro Starscream.

All in all, a pretty solid little toy, and a welcome addition to my Fall of Cybertron shelf. Open the link below to check out our gallery:

Generations Skywarp - Japan Exclusive - Gallery

CenoKibble has dropped by our 2005 Boards to share with us some in-hand images of the Auto Assembly 2013 and TFcon 2013 shared exclusives, Robot Manuel X / Prototype X and Project Z / Robot Basil Z. The duo, recolored versions of Mech Ideas popular unofficial Wreckers Apex and Geminus, are inspired by Argentinian Generation 2 toys Robot Man X and Robot Man Z / Salt Man Z. These images also show that these toys come with the added bonus of chromed weapons (and chromed drills on Z).

Both toys will be available at TFcon and Auto Assembly 2013 this summer, and each is limited to 500 pieces worldwide.

TFcon 2013 is taking place over the weekend of July 26th to 28th, 2013 at the Delta Meadowvale Hotel and Conference Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. Special guests include Dick Gautier (Rodimus Prime), Jack Angel (Ultra Magnus) and Venus Terzo (Blackarachnia). Find out more and pre-register at the TFcon homepage!

Auto Assembly 2013 is taking place over the weekend of 9th - 11th August 2013 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel in Birmingham, England. Special guests include Steve Blum (Transformers Prime Starscream), Neil Kaplan (Robots in Disguise Optimus Prime) and Dan Gilvezan (Bumblebee). Find out more and pre-register at the Auto Assembly homepage!

We have another look at an unreleased Transformers toy for you tonight. This time out, by way of an ebay auction, we can share with you some pictures of the unreleased redeco of Revenge of the Fallen Voyager Megatron, which was planned for the Hunt for the Decepticons line. Had this been released it would have been included in a store-exclusive multipack with several of the Legends Class Constructicons, the set being named "Megatron Rising" and the character choices intended to represent the Decepticons who dove into the depths of the ocean to resurrect the Decepticon leader. Alas, this was not to be - check out these images, to date some of the only in-hand images of this piece - to see what could have been.

A panel at the Tokyo Toy how showed an extensive preview of the Transformers Go! animation. The preview clip is heavy on the three Samurai Team Autobots Kenzan, Jinbu and Ganoh, showing off their transformations and also their combinations. From what can be seen "detailed" and "dynamic" are two words that can be used to sum up what is on show so far. If you look hard at the early part of the video, you can also spot the red version of Grimwing, Budora, engaged in battle with the Samurai team.

The vieo can be viewed on Nico Nico Doga - check it out!

We posted the iBooks preview for Transformers More Than Meets The Eye #18 earlier this month, and now we have the full preview from IDW!

Transformers More Than Meets The Eye #18
'DON'T LET THEM TAKE SKIDS!' The crew of the Lost Light left CYBERTRON before they could hear those words-part of a message from the future warning of terror and catastrophe and a threat to the entire Cybertronian race. Can the AUTOBOTS do anything to stop the beginning of the end?

Read on to preview this issue!

There has been a lot of talk and speculation that Paramount would partner with a Chinese firm and film part of Transformers 4 in China to tap into the lucrative Chinese movie market - today by way of Hollywood Reporter we can confirm that the first Chinese commercial partner is on board and Transformers 4 will feature scenes shot in China! Beijing Pangu Investment have officially signed on with the production, which will see them providing financial resources to the production, in exchange for the company’s flagship building in Beijing, the Pangu Plaza Hotel, being shown in Transformers 4, as well as the Beijing National Stadium and Beijing National Aquatics Center, which are nearby.

Open this link to read the full report.

Voting has now opened for the coveted fans choice spots for the Transformers Hall of Fame 2013! Two spots are up for grabs for the robots who you, the fans, want to see inducted! The five choices are:

Arcee, the best-known female Transformer of them all!
Beast Wars Megatron, the Megatron who came closer than any other to accomplishing his goals!
Prowl, Autobot chief of security and master of "processor over matter"
Rodimus, the chosen one who defeated Unicron!
Ultra Magnus, straight-laced, by-the-book, can't-deal-with-that-right-now!

Click here to visit Transformers.com and cast your vote! You can vote daily - so be sure to back your favorite character!

Takara-Tomy have updated their Transformers website with a subsite for the 30th anniversary of Transformers and the 30th anniversary Masterpiece fan vote. The Masterpiece vote is cleverly done - a form needs to be downloaded and posted in to vote, and the reason for this is the vote is "paid" for by using robot points from the Takara-Tomy Transformers packaging. In other words, only those who buy Transformers from Takara-Tomy are eligable to vote in this fans choice poll. The site also includes a bit of information - and a sweet group shot - of all the characters who can be voted for.

Official images of the Transformers Go! Shinobi team have been posted on E-Hobby. These images show off Gekisomaru, Hisashimaru and Sensuimaru in both modes in all their glory. They are coming out in July, August and September respectively, with a giftset of the three due in October.

We have received an update from our sponsors Toy Arena! There's some great new and hot items in stock, including:

Fansproject Causality CA-11 Down Force
Transformers Generations Thrilling 30 Anniversary Legend Class Starscream & Waspinator
Transformers Generations Thrilling 30 Anniversary Legend Class Megatron & Chop Shop
Transformers Generations Thrilling 30 Anniversary Voyager Class Sandstorm
Transformers Generations Fall of Cybertron Ruination Deluxe Set of 5 Impactor, Topspin, Whirl, Roadbuster, Twintwist
Make Toys Yellow Giant Full Set of 6 Figures (Set A, B, C)
Fansproject Crossfire 02 SP Explorer & Munitioner & Quake Appendage Add-on Kit Combo Set

Reprolabels has sent out its June update, this time with some labels for the recent Generations incarnations of Blitzwing and Springer. Also, rounding out some third party figures are some label sets adding a new level of detail for the Causality Car Crash/Not-Breakdown and Phantom/Not-Fireflight. Reprolabels sent this message out:

We're back with some highly requested sets, and we didn't waste any time making them!

Mike designed a brilliant set for the new Blitzwing:
http://reprolabels.com/Classics/Cblitzwing.php

And a spectacular set for the 30th anniversary Springer:
http://reprolabels.com/Classics/C30springer.php

Justin begins work on the first Causality Stunticon:
http://reprolabels.com/Classics/Cbreakdown.php

And made this set for the first of the Project Uranos bots:
http://reprolabels.com/Classics/Cfireflight.php

And I personally pulled out all the stops for our most ambitious MMPR set ever - an upgrade set for the new Legacy Morpher!
http://reprolabels.com/MMPR/legacymorpher.php

We're also still offering a free set of "Cybertron Glow" symbols with every $20 spent:
http://reprolabels.com/main.php

You can check out the photos illustrating the labels mirrored here after the jump.

Lena81822 gives us a look at another as yet unreleased Transformers toy. This time out it is a different version of Fall of Cybertron Grimlock - at first glance you'd be forgiven for thinking this is the TG-19 Japanese Generations Grimlock, but the lack of paint on the midriff suggests that this is a third version of Grimlock. He also is sporting some nice and very shiny paint on his gold bits - particularly evident on the T-Rex mode neck - which suggests that this one might be the Platinum Series version of Grimlock, who was mentioned at Toy Fair 2013 back in February and is slated to come in a giftset with Fall of Cybertron Bruticus.

Check out the images attached to this story, and click here to view the auction where these images originated from.

Did you know that during the Transformers Generation 1 Commemorative Series of the mid 2000s, Hasbro tried to get the original Generation 1 Megatron back on to Toys R Us shelves? It's true! However, such a reissue carried with it a huge cost - namely a shockingly bright, un-Megatron deco that none the less somehow manages to be strangely appealing.

By way of The Spacebridge on Facebook, we can share a look at this aborted Megatron reissue. What you see here is the only way Hasbro could have even attempted to get Megatron back on store shelves at Toys R Us, with an orange and metallic blue deco (It is worth saying that in spite of this, the toy still got rejected for a release because it looked too much like a gun).

Check out these images and see what might have been. Also be sure to check out The Spacebridge's Facebook album of unreleased Transformers toys for more rare looks at unreleased stuff, including Takara's original Generation 1 Metroplex prototype, a mockup of what would eventually become Diaclone Tracks, early Trypticon and Predaking prototypes and lots more!

Ebay seller Lena81822, who in the past has proven reliable with posting images of unreleased Transformers items, has posted an auction with images of a possible new release of Classics Jetfire. The auction, which can be viewed here, shows a Jetfire with the same deco as the Henkei release - the paint is laid out in the same fashion as the Henkei. However there are a few differences to the Henkei version - the booster rockets are silver painted, rather than chromed, and Jetfire sports a very rich, metallic red paint. Additionally Jetfire has solid white plastic missiles rather than the clear ones previous releases of the mold used, but this may be due to this being a prototype. Interestingly, the wings also feature Decepticon symbols on them, with an Autobot symbol on the chest - another prototype issue, or a play on how Jetfire had conflicting loyalties in the original cartoon?

We suspect this one might be an upcoming Asia exclusive release, since this follows on well from the trend set by the United Ultra Magnus that was released previously. When we find out more, we will be sure to share that news with you too.

The Spacebridge has shared some incredibly awesome stuff on his Facebook. At the end of Transformers Generation 2, there was a whole bunch of toys that were never released, famously among those were the Generation 2 redecos of the Protectobots. It's not every day we get a look at them, so check out The Spacebridge's Facebook gallery which shows some nice, clear pictures of all four Protectobots and their bios.

Also showcased is a rare look at the bio for the Laser Cycle Jazz toy. A motorcycle version of Autobot Jazz, this toy like the Protectobots was never released outside of a very limited run to a test market, making it one of the rarest Transformers collectibles. Be sure to check it out!

We just received a Press Release from Hasbro regarding their presence at the International Licensing Expo 2013 (June 18th to June 20th). Of course, they will most surely be giving a sneak peek at what they have in store for us for the upcoming year.

On the 2010 Licensing Expo, Hasbro revealed the Teaser Poster for Transformers: Dark of the Moon which was to be released in the following year of 2011. So, will we see the Teaser Poster for Transformers 4 this time? If you are heading over there to the expo, make sure to take some pics and share with us.

According to the PR, the following Hasbro Brands will "take center stage" at the International Licensing Expo 2013:

• Transformers
• My Little Pony
• Littlest Pet Shop
• Nerf
• Play-Doh
• Magic: The Gathering
• Monopoly
• Furby

And now for the Press Release. Here is the Transformers related info:

TRANSFORMERS

Hasbro's iconic TRANSFORMERS brand has become one of the most successful brand franchises of the 21st century and features the heroic AUTOBOTS and the villainous DECEPTICONS engaged in an epic battle on multiple storytelling platforms, including film, television, digital gaming, publishing and theme parks. Hasbro and its licensees provide the avid TRANSFORMERS fan base with high value, age-appropriate merchandise including digital gaming, toys, apparel, sporting goods and more. DeNA and Hasbro recently announced the launch of TRANSFORMERS: LEGENDS, an action card battle game based on the TRANSFORMERS franchise, which is now available on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and on Google Play for Android devices. TRANSFORMERS: The Ride - 3D, currently open in Singapore and Hollywood, will officially open on Thursday, June 20, 2013 at Universal Studios Orlando. The thrill ride is a mind-blowing, action-packed experience that pushes the limits of technology to place guests in the middle of a larger-than-life battle between the AUTOBOTS and the DECEPTICONS.

In 2014 Paramount Pictures will release the fourth installment of the hit "TRANSFORMERS" movie series on June 27th. Based on the Hasbro property, "TRANSFORMERS 4" is directed by Michael Bay and re-unites the filmmaking team from the hit franchise featuring new AUTOBOTS, DECEPTICONS and cast members including actors Mark Wahlberg, Stanley Tucci, Kelsey Grammer, Jack Reynor, Nicola Peltz, Li Bingbing and Sophia Myles.

For the complete Press Release, take a look after the jump.

We have received our weekly updated from our friends at TFSource!

Great News SourceFans!
A second run of MP-13 Soundwave has been confirmed and preorders are now up! We've also received updated photos of MP-19 Smokescreen! Big news - CA-11 Last Chance is now en route for delivery overseas and is due instock this week. We have have a bunch of new preorders for Transformers Generations Japan, Transformers Go! and Dr. Wu custom add ons! We've also put up preorders for TFCC Subscription figures, which you can find here. Check out the Source Blog for our latest Source Article, Source Review and Source Interview! All this and more... in this week's SourceNews!

In this issue of SourceNews:
1. Masterpiece Update!
2. Fansproject Restock!
3. TFCC Subscription Figures Now Up for Preorder!
4. Now instock - Encore #23 Fortress Maximus - regular release!
5. Transformers Generations Update!
6. Now instock: Super-GTR 2 - Saber and GTR-01 Optimus Prime!
7. 3rd Party Customs Update!
8. Now up for preorder - Make Toys Paladin/Chaos!
9. The TFsource Spring Cleaning Sale Continues!
10. Mastermind Creations Update
11. TFC Toys Uranos Update!
12. Now Up for Preorder - Unique Toys - UT-W04 War Panther!
13. Source Blog Updates!
14. Newest Instock items at TFsource
15. Newest Preorder items at TFsource

Site sponsor Bigbadtoystore.com has updated their preorder listings for the latest Transformers Go! products. Included among their new images are larger pictures revealed at the Tokyo Toy Show. Most notable are the larger images showing the Ninja Team which shows the all three combinations of the figures' combined modes. Also shown is a larger image of EZ Groove. You can view these images, by clicking the title bar or lock in your preorders at the link below!


New Transformers Go! at BigBadtoystore!

It's almost that time again, and as usual, Captured Prey is BotCon bound this year! We'll be leaving on June 23rd headed to the owner's hometown of San Diego in sunny Cal-ee-for-nee -almost a homecoming of sorts! As usual, we'll be unable to ship or fully process any orders while away. We've got all the detailed info on how things will work HERE for your convenience, and this is linked from the site's front page, too.

Make sure you join us during BotCon for the Captured Prey official Third Party, too! You can get all the great details at CP3P.com, and we've got tons of goodies that will be in stock! FT-03 Quake Wave, CA-09 Car Crash, CA-10 T-Bone, Mech Ideas' Demolition Crue, Mastermind Creations, Keith's Fantasy club, and more! We're even going to have exclusives this year, including the awesome SG Boxbomber set from KFC Toys. All the details on that set can also be found at the CP3P.com link above!

In addition, Internet Personality Vangelus will be joining us at the CP3P this year as a special guest! Vangelus will be hanging out in his usual miasma of awesomeness, and even doing some video previews of the pre-release figures being shown off! We'll also be adding a new twist, the Purple Ticket program! Purple tickets will be randomly inserted into a small number of items for sale at the Third Party every night. If you open your purchase and find one inside, bring it back to us to claim your prize!

NEW ITEMS IN STOCK/RESTOCKS:

Takara Generations TG-17 Blaster is now in stock! - $60.00
Mech Ideas Demolition Crue (Apex & Geminus) has been restocked! - $68.00
Fans Project Munitioner & Explorer 2-Pack w/Quake is now in stock! - $128.00
KFC Toys CST-01J Rhinohorn Justice Version is now in stock! - $20.00
KFC Toys CST-01SG Rhinohorn Evil Energy Version is now in stock! - $20.00
Dr. Wu TP-08 Skybreaker Sword (Green) is now in stock! - $17.00 with FREE SHIPPING!
Dr. Wu TP-08 Skybreaker Sword (Blue) has been restocked! - $17.00 with FREE SHIPPING!
Dr. Wu TP-08 Skybreaker Sword (Silver) has been restocked! - $17.00 with FREE SHIPPING!

NEW PRE-ORDERS NOW OPEN:

The Second run of MP-13 Soundwave with Laserbeak is now up for pre-order! - $150.00
Takara Generations TG-25 Orion Pax & Megatron 2-Pack is now up for pre-order! - $55.00
Takara Generations TG-26 Bumblebee is now up for pre-order! - $32.00
Takara Generations TG-27 Trailcutter & Hoist 2-Pack is now up for pre-order! - $60.00
Takara Generations TG-28 Megatron & Starscream Multi-Pack is now up for pre-order! - $37.00
Takara Generations TG-29 Sandstorm is now up for pre-order! - $55.00
The new Kabaya Series 7 Set of 3 Figures is now up for pre-order! - $16.00
The new Kabaya Gaia Scramble Set of Six Packs is now up for pre-order! - $20.00
Transformers GO! Goukenzan Set of 3 Figures is now up for pre-order! - $105.00
Transformers GO! Goukekisou Set of 3 Figures is now up for pre-order! - $105.00
The new Mach Five M5-01 Gauntlet figure is now up for pre-order! - $46.00
The new Mach Five M5-02 Piston figure is now up for pre-order! - $46.00
KFC Toys Steeljaw homage CST-02J Justice Version is now up for pre-order! - $24.00
KFC Toys Steeljaw homage CST-02NS Nightstalker is now up for pre-order! - $24.00
KFC Toys First Combining cassette release, CST-03 & CST-04 Boxbomber is now up for pre-order and will be arriving soon! - $34.00

A pair of Taobao auctions have posted up in-hand images of what is claimed to be a Botcon 2013 at show souvenir toy. The two auctions, here and here, show a redeco of the movie toy Dark of the Moon Skyhammer in a green tiger-stripe jungle camo deco, with blue rotors and gold accents. The deco is unmistakeably Machine Wars Sandstorm - which suggests that it will be one of the at-show souvenirs.

Check out the images and see what you think of this potential convention exclusive release.

With a lot of talk about Masterpieces - and Rodimus in the running for the Fan's choice award again this year - now seemed like a good time to share this one with you! Masterpiece Rodimus is the Hasbro release of Takara-Tomy's Masterpiece Rodimus Prime. He was a Toys R Us exclusive, trading up the trailer of the Japanese release for Offshoot, a Targetmaster partner figure who complements this release very well. All in all, the Hasbro release represented everything that was good about the Takara-Tomy Version 2 release of this toy, and made it available to US fans without the need of importing the more expensive Japanese version.

Open the link below to take a look at our gallery of Hasbro's Masterpiece Rodimus, brought to you by TFW2005 site owner Tony_Bacala!

TFW Masterpiece Rodimus (Hasbro Version) Gallery

Another Michigan Transformers 4 filming update for you - Paramount are in talks with the owner of the decommissioned US Coast Guard Cutter Bramble, with a view to filming some scenes at the ship. There is no agreement as yet, so don't take it as read that you'll see the Bramble on the big screen.

This news comes to you by way of the Lansing State Journal - open this link to view the full report.

By way of Lenawee County's Daily Telegram, we have learned that a scene or scenes from Transformers 4 will film in Fairfield Township, MI. A section of M-52 between Weston and Mulberry roads has apparently been picked as a possible filming location, a wide two lane stretch of road (Paramount was, evidently, initially searching for a four lane stretch of road, but settled on the wide stretch when no appropriate four lane roads were found).

Given Transformers 4's tagline as "a chase from hell" we'd assume that means a decent length of a car chase sequence may be shot here. Filming is due to take place later this month so as to not disturb the harvest, so we will doubtless find out more in due course.

We have some additional information about the next installment in the Transformers Masterpiece series for you now. 2005 Boards member MACRAPTRON was also present at the Tokyo Toy Show panel yesterday, and can report on what Shogo Hasui said during the presentation:

Hasui: "About the new Masterpiece, I believe many of you want to hear about MP20. We can't show it yet, but MP20 will finally be that character, that car model which the license was very difficult to obtain".

MC: "Why? (can't show now?)"

Hasui: "You'll have to wait/please wait some more"


This does not quite match what we heard yesterday, but this does fit with what we heard previously about the Takara-Tomy team relentlessly pursuing licenses for the car models of the other Generation 1 characters. From Hasui's wording, it sounds like MP-20 might be a character with a licensed car mode which has been very hard to obtain for the line - which narrows the field of candidates quite considerably.

We will share more news and information as it reaches us.

2005 Boards member uranusdd has shared with us some very nice high-res images of the next release from FansProject, Down Force. Down Force is an unlicensed version of Generation 1 Drag Strip and will be the next release in the Causality series. We have had word that this toy is going to be released very soon; in fact it should already be on its way to the warehouses of our sponsors.

While you wait in anticipation of your shipping notice, check out uranusdd's images attached to this news posts.

We are passing on this important news for all people who are subscribed to the Transformers Collectors Club Subscription Service.

If you were previously a member of the Transformers Collectors Club, have let your subscription lapse, and have moved house, the following is very important if you want to get your toys.

If your membership has lapsed, you will not be able to log in to the Transformers Collectors Club site to update your shipping information. It is a known error, but importantly it is not expected to be resolved before the first toys begin shipping out.

If your postal address has changed since you subscribed to the Transformers Collectors Club Subscription Service you need to email Fun Publications' Brian Savage without delay to make sure you get the toys that you have paid for. The email address to contact Brian on is brian@funpubinc.com.


Do not delay, send those emails today.