Fresh from the official Transformers Facebook page is the eagerly awaited Transformers Prime: Beast Hunters Legion class Air Vehicon coming to a store near you this summer.

Check out more images of the Beast Hunters Air Vehicon after the jump.

Frequent visitors to our 2005 Boards Transformers Toy Discussion forum will perhaps have stumbled upon the Masterpiece Speculation Thread - where rumors and speculation on upcoming Masterpiece Transformers releases are shared and notes are compared. 2005 Boards member iGrimlock has come up with a very interesting theory that we thought we might share with you - it might be a coincidence, or it might be the first hint that a Masterpiece Mirage is coming our way in the future.

Takara-Tomy have been uploading Generation 1 episodes on to their Youtube channel. They are not always in order, not always uploaded on a strict schedule or anything. Generally, the episodes are going up roughly in sequence and roughly monthly, but once in a while, a random episode gets thrown in. They started on September 30 2012, not with the first episode but with A Plague of Insecticons. This was the episode where Sideswipe used his piledrivers that the Masterpiece toy came with - and it was uploaded the month before the release of Masterpiese Sideswipe.

After this episodes were uploaded in order until December 2, 2012. The episodes uploaded at that time were Auto-Bop, an episode where Soundwave got a lot of focus fighting Blaster, and Auto Berserk, the Red Alert focus episode. December was the month when Masterpiece Soundwave was originally planned for a release and the month of Masterpiece Red Alert's release.

The next batch of episodes to be uploaded came earlier than might be expected from the previous trend and included Roll For It, which is an episode where both Prowl and Bluestreak were prominently featured. This time, the upload preceded the announcement of the Masterpieces by about a month.

Coincidence, or a deliberate move on Takara-Tomy's part, these episode uploads all corresponded to toys which were either about to be released or shortly afterwards announced for the Masterpiece line.

Which brings us to the point of this whole speculation - Takara-Tomy just uploaded another out-of-sequence episode, the episode Traitor. Traitor focuses on a few characters including Bombshell and Cliffjumper, but it is the episode that is most strongly identified as the characterization of the Autobot Mirage.

Given the established trend, is this a coincidence, or is this a subtle hint that a Masterpiece Mirage lies ahead, in our future? Bear in mind there are also whispers of Takara-Tomy having licensed the alternate mode for Generation 1 Mirage...

Join in the speculation and be sure to keep it TFW for more news and rumors as they surface!

By way of ACToys member 11-11 we can now share with you some out of package in-hand images of Generations Trailcutter, or as he was known in Generation 1, Trailbreaker. The Autobot force-field specialist is a part of the IDW comics themed Generations Deluxe Wave 5 - one of the most anticipated assortments of Deluxe class toys in recent memory! Check out the images at the link above or mirrored attached to this post.

With the US release of the Beast Hunters Ultimate Class - which will feature Beast Hunter Optimus Prime and Beast Fire Predaking - drawing ever nearer, Target have begun to put out the shelf tags for both of these releases. By way of 2005 Boards member JamesBenjamin who passes this information to us we can confirm that the price for both toys will be $59.99. The Target DCPIs are also as follows:

Beast Fire Predaking: 087-06-1976
Beast Hunter Optimus Prime: 087-06-1967

No word as yet on when these can be expected - but with them out in Australia and now the shelf tags appearing in Target, a first sighting at US retail is potentially days rather than weeks away.

Vangelus and Seth Buzzard hook up with one Icha-B-zero-D to chat about old-timey Transformers fandom and the power of a simple napkin.

You can download and comment on it here: WTF @ TFW - Episode 251

If you use iTunes and regularly subscribe to podcasts, you can add us to your player and have the software download each episode automatically each time we update. To do that, and give us a reviews on iTunes, click here: Transformers Podcast on iTunes.

The Official Transformers Facebook page has posted official images of the new Beast Hunters Cyberverse vehicle set, the Autobot Driller. It's a redeco of last year's Decepticon Driller and it comes with a redeco of Beast Hunters Cyberverse Bumblebee. Check out the images at the link above or attached to this post.

With the release of Beast Hunters Ultimate Class Optimus Prime and Predaking at Australian retail, lots of pictures have been coming our way from Australian fans who have been lucky enough to add these two to their collections. We have mirrored a selection of the best images here, but open the links below to check out lots more photos:

Beast Hunter Optimus Prime by griffin-of-oz and Kal El of Krypton
Beast Fire Predaking by griffin-of-oz, LMiura, and Ozformers' member Colin78


Also, check out Kal El of Krypton's video review of Beast Hunter Optimus Prime:

A brief promo for the next episode of Transformers Prime aired at the end of Project Predacon. Chain of Command sees Ultra Magnus, Wheeljack and Bulkhead journey to the Scottish Hebrides to stop the Decepticons' latest plot. Will the former Wreckers and Ultra Magnus be able to put aside their differences and fight together against the Decepticons, or will Wheeljack's recklessness and Ultra Magnus' by the book approach cause a scism in the Autobot ranks? Tune in to Hub Network next Friday at 7:30 ET to find out - and check out the preview below:

2005 Boards member Cobra Zartan has shared with us more images of the test shot of Generations Trailcutter. These new images show both modes of Trailcutter, and of interest to many of you will be the size comparison images, showing how Trailcutter scales up against Prime mainline Bumblebee and Generations Fall of Cybertron Soundwave. Read on to check out the images.

Those of you watching Transformers Prime Beast Hunters last night might have been pleasantly surprised to see that the opening has been updated with some new footage! The new opening follows the same three-stage format of the original but with tweaks and changes throughout:

• The theme music now features a deeper rhythm behind the main theme.
• Bumblebee now appears in his new black "Stealth Bumblebee" deco
• Optimus Prime now appears in his new beefed up "Optimus Prime 2.0" form
• The Predacon makes a couple of appearances, breathing fire on the road at the beginning and then again on the battlefield at the end of the intro
• The Autobot's team pose at the beginning is now a battle-ready one, with weapons drawn.
• Shockwave now appears alongside Megatron and Starscream in the final battlefield sequence.
• The intro now ends with Optimus Prime delivering a "dragon punch" to the Predacon.
• In spite of all this, several ongoing characters are absent from the intro, including Knock Out, Smokescreen and Soundwave.

Check out the new intro below:

Site sponsors Captured Prey and our own Internet Personality Vangelus have joined forces to help further the fight against Juvenile Diabetes. They are having a charity raffle with the prize being the very pre-production model of the FansToys Quake Wave reviewed by Vangelus.

To enter, here is what you need to do:

1. Visit JDRF.ORG.
2. Click on the "Donate" button.
3. Select "General Donation", and donate at least $5.00.
4. Take a screenshot and send it, or forward your confirmation to:jdrfdonation@capturedprey.com by 11:59PM Eastern time on May 27th, 2013
   
   That's it! You'll receive a ticket number back in a few days, and we'll draw for the winner soon after the entry period closes.

Now, here's the technical stuff:

• You may enter as many times as you like, HOWEVER, to do so, your donations MUST be above the minimum amount. IE, you can't enter twenty times with twenty $5.00 donations. But you CAN enter twenty times with, say, twenty $10.00 donations. Multiple $5.00 donations are awesome, but they will be combined in pairs if submitted.
• Entries close at midnight on the morning of May 28th. Any entries received after this time will not be eligible.
• Captured Prey will provide shipping, at our discretion, to the winner. The shipping method and speed will vary depending on where you are located.
• Your prize is a production sample. It is identical to the retail figure, but does not include packaging. We will include the solid-color hand and gun arm parts, and the winner will receive the alternate forearm parts when those are released, too.

Just recently, the Transformers: Legends game by Mobage just wrapped up a game event, "Unleash the Beasts". Hopefully, gamers are ready for more, as an new event titled "Cold Delivery" is now live! The event features Cosmos, Jetfire, Sky Lynx, and Omega Supreme as the bosses. For this event the special Spacebridge characters are two of the most feared Decepticons to be spawned by Unicron, Scourge and Cyclonus! TFW2005.COM member puma was not only kind enough to let everyone know about the event, but also took a screen shot of the start page.

If you have an iPhone or an Android, this is a free downloadable app that you can download by clicking here (data transfer charges apply, of course). This game is a multi-player card-based battle game that features much of the Classics-Generations characters, featuring new character artwork on each of the battle cards. This game allows the player to go through stages as well as teaming up with allies to beat bosses during events like the one reported here!

TFW2005.COM features an ongoing discussion for the game itself going on here, as well as a the Transformers: Legends Mobage Social Group. If you're jumping in on the fun of this game, then jump into the discussions here as well!

Takara-Tomy has added a promo to their Youtube channel for their iteration of the Bot Shots line, BeCool. The video features some cute stop-motion of the toys and an irritatingly catchy song to go with it all. Check it out below:

The guys of Charticon announce another update on their upcoming, inaugural convention with yet another guest - Ken Christiansen, an illustrator who has been working on Transformers in a variety of capacities over the last few years. The Charticon organizers had this to share with us:

We are very happy to announce another guest! Ken Christiansen will be joining us for the show as well!

Ken Christiansen has been working as an illustrator and concept designer for over fifteen years. Starting as a video game concept artist, at Nintendo of America (Ridge Racer 64, Pokemon Puzzle League), then moving to Los Angeles to work in games for the Walt Disney Company (Kingdom Hearts, Finding Nemo). In 2004, Ken started his own company, Bad Flip Productions, working for video game clients like Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, and Activision. After working with Activision on Transformers the Game, and the Revenge of the Fallen game, he began working freelance in media development for Hasbro Inc. (Transformers), doing concept art for their film, tv, book, games, and toy initiatives. That expanded into media development beyond the Transformers brand, including Star Wars, Spider-Man, and more.

Ken’s current work includes the cover runs on the Transformers Prime series (IDW), Star Wars Fighter Pods, and Ultimate Spider-Man Spider Pods. Along with other random bits and pieces, hanging off pegs in the toy aisles, book shelves, and video game departments…

Bad Flip Productions' Facebook Page

Bad Flip Productions' Blog

You can find out more information about attending Charticon by going to their website as well as their Facebook page. Join in on the discussion about this convention here on our forum as well!

We have been getting reports that the next assortment of Beast hunters Cyberverse Commanders have been released in the US. Reports of sightings have come to us of Cyberverse Commander Shockwaves in both Washington State and also in California. Shockwave is not the only new toy in the assortment, as the remolded Commander Starscream is also in this assortment - so both should now be at retail if you are searching for these new releases.

The sightings were made at the South Center Target in Kent, Washington and also at the Fox Hills mall Target in Culver City, California - so if you're on the West Coast, check your Targets - they seem to be getting these in first. Happy hunting everyone!

Artist Ken Christiansen has posted up a new piece of preliminary design work that he did for Hasbro during the development of Transformers Prime and the Aligned Continuity. The latest post on The Bad Flip blog shows off an unused tank alternate mode for Megatron - a sleek combination of realistic and futuristic design sensibilities which pays homage to tank form Megatrons from across the Transformers series.

Do you prefer this to the alien spacecraft that Hasbro ran with in the final version, or do you feel that a sleek tank form would have lent some nice variation to the Decepticons of the Aligned Continuity? Hit the discuss button below to share your views.

Make of this what you will! IDW will be crossing over Transformers with the breakout hit of the Hub Network, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic, in a convention exclusive cover which will be offered at Botcon 2013 in San Diego.

Check out the original report at Comic Book Resources. You might note that the cover is listed as "convention exclusive" rather than "Botcon exclusive" so it might well be offered at other events, such as San Diego Comic Con.

Shogo Hasui of the Takara-Tomy design team is tweeting some new images of upcoming releases now! Hasui-san has tweeted a pair of images showing off the Masterpiece versions of Prowl and Bluestreak / Silverstreak / Streak. These new images show just how awesome and dynamic these designs are, with the robots even capable of kneeling realistically. Check out the new images of the next additions to the growing Masterpiece series of classic Transformers characters!

Are you excited for an all-new Transformers Prime tonight? Project Predacon airs tonight at 7:30pm ET on Hub Network. If you thought one Predacon was almost too much for the Autobots to handle, well, who ever said the Predaking was the only successful cloning attempt?

Check out the latest chapter of the Beast Hunters saga tonight, and in the mean time, check out these stills via Buzzfocus!

Our friends and sponsors Robot Kingdom has dropped us a line about new preorders and arrivals at their site. Check out a summary of the hot items below, and read on to check out the entire newsletter.


Takara Transformers Asia Premium Series APS-02 Brawl.
Pre-order. Start Shipping on 31st May 2013. US$129.9/pcs

Hasbro Transformers Generations 2013 Voyager Wave 4 Sealed case of 4
Pre-order, available in June/July 2013. US$119.9/sealed case of 4

Hasbro Transformers Generations 2013 Voyager Wave 4 Set of 3.
Pre-order, available in June/July 2013. US$84.9/set of 3

Hasbro Transformers Generations 2013 Voyager Sandstorm.
Pre-order, available in June/July 2013. US$32.9/pcs

Hasbro Transformers PRIME Platinum Edition Ultra Magnus.
Pre-order, available on 27th May 2013. US$59.9/pcs

Hasbro Transformers Fall of Cybertron Metroplex.
Pre-order, available in August 2013. US$129.9/pcs

Takara Transformers Fall of Cybertron TG-23 Metroplex.
Pre-order, available on 28th September 2013. US$169.9/pcs

Excellent Toys CR-M01.
Pre-order, available in July 2013. US$79.9/pcs

Hasbro Transformers Generations Deluxe 2013 W3 set of 4.
Pre-order, available in Jun/July 2013. US$59.9/set of 4

KFC CST-01E Energon Rhinohorn.
Pre-order, available in May 2013. US$19.9/pcs

Hot on the previous teasers of the highly-anticipated Metroplex for the Generations line, Hasbro reveals an official image of Scamper, the Legends/Cyberverse-sized figure that will be packaged with Metroplex. With an official image release, it is an indicator that the actual release is getting closer and closer! Also, this image gives us an "official" close look at this figure, allowing us to see both modes!

A careful eye will notice that the Autobot faction symbol in the image is a label. There is a good chance that the actual release will have this symbol tampographed onto the toy. While things may certainly change for the actual release, this image shows Scamper with a red face. The change to black like the Generation One figure may or may not be likely, but this image is consistent with the previous images we have seen, so it looks like Scamper will have a red mug.

For those wanting a little more G1 flavor to their Scamper, repainting the head from red to black will be a relatively easy chore. If your customization skills need some work, you have plenty to time to jump over to Radicons Customs and check out our robust Tutorials and How Tos (I'd recommend starting with the "Introductory" articles")!

We here at TFW2005.com are hoping that you are making the necessary arrangements to obtain this figure as we certainly are!

With all-new episodes of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters resuming at 7:30pm ET on Hub Network tomorrow, now seemed like a great time to share with you a new gallery of one of the newest releases in the Beast Hunters line. Grimwing is your classic noble villain archetype - a bad guy who believes in an honorable fight with a worthy foe, rather than trickery or elaborate schemes. He's partnered with Blackbeak, a drone beast like Laserbeak who is distinctly less honorable or chivalrous. They make an interesting pairing as characters - and all this is just from the bio!

As a toy, Grimwing is an imposing character in both modes. In beast mode, Grimwing is an Ursagrpyh, a change from the generic "dragon" types of the other Predacons. In beast mode, Grimwing clips together fairly tightly and can mount Blackbeak in two different locations, for two different two-headed looks. Grimwing's robot mode is a bit of a let down, though. While the main torso locks in relatively firmly, the shoulders do not lock into position - they hold in position almost entirely by friction, which I thought was a little disappointing. That being said, the robot mode does have an impressive silhouette and a nice, heroic stature. Blackbeak as an accessory is fun and versatile, though as a missile launcher he can't really shoot much further than an inch or two. He also cannot be firmly held in Grimwing's hand, but the missile fits in the hand quite nicely, and doubles up as an axe. Add into this that the capture claw also makes for a nice flail, and you have a weapon that does triple duty.

Overall, I feel my experience of Grimwing might have been biased slightly since right before him I got Springer and Blitzwing who honestly feel like a lot more toy for the same relative price point. Grimwing for his flaws is fun, and looks fantastic in both modes, so no faulting him there. But honestly this is a definite one to seek out at retail price rather than paying over the odds on the secondary market.

Open the link to check out our gallery:

Transformers Prime Beast Hunters Grimwing Gallery

By way of Comic Book Movie we can share a short clip from this Friday's all-new episode of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters, Project Predacon. In this clip, spoilers await, as Megatron explains the background behind the Transformers' latest scavenger hunt - a fact which is pointed out and mocked by Starscream!

Check out the clip below - and be sure to tune in at 7:30pm ET tomorrow, Friday 17 May 2013, for the whole episode!

For our Featured Ebay Auctions, we're taking a break from individual characters. Today we're bringing you some really great odds n ends from throughout the Transformers history. We have a bit of everything from Radios, Transformers Store Displays, G1 Roller Skates, G1 Tents, Watches, Trains, Battlin' Robots (aka Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots) and more. Check them out below.

• RARE Kre O Transformer Kreons Minifig Lego Complete Set Store Display | eBay
• Vintage 1984 Transformers Autobot Freedon Fighter Am Radio by Nasta Original Box | eBay
• RARE Toys R US Transformers Movie Tru Display Blackout Prime Free s H | eBay
• Transformers Matrix of Leadership Diamond Select Statue Replica NVR Display | eBay
• Optimus Prime Roller Skates Vintage Hasbro 1985 G1 Transformers | eBay
• Slumber Tent 1985 G1 Transformers Hasbro Vinage Free SHIP | eBay
• Decepticon Am Radio Headset 1984 Vintage Hasbro G1 Transformers | eBay
• Transformers Battlin Robots Mint in Box and Box Still SEALED 1980s | eBay
• 1998 Beast Wars Transformers My Little Pony McDonalds Counter Display w Toys | eBay
• Gen 1 Tyco Transformers Electric Train and Battle Set | eBay
• Optimus Prime Stamp Fun 1984 Hasbro Vintage G1 Transformers | eBay
• Time Warrior Watch 100 Complete Vintage 1985 G1 Transformers Mail Away | eBay
• McDonalds 2013 Transformers Prime Store Display 12x18 Toys Included | eBay
• Vintage G1 1984 Transformers Party Favor Blow Outs Thundercracker Blowouts | eBay
• Optimus Prime Toothbrush 1984 Vintage Hasbro G1 Transformers | eBay
• Hasbro G1 Transformers Hide N Sleep Tent for Twin Size Bed | eBay
• Tyco HO Slot Car Transformer White Mustang RARE NOC Aurora AFX Tomy | eBay

Bleeding Cool News has posted the solicits for IDW's comics being published in August 2013 including a healthy dose of Transformers comics. There's plenty of awesome things to come, including after July's reveal that Star Saber would be joining the IDW Transformers comics universe, August will see Rattrap (of Beast Wars fame) join IDW's cast of Transformers in Robots in Disguise #20!

In August 2013 we will see the next installments of the ongoing series from IDW with the release of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters #4, Regeneration One #94, More than Meets the Eye #20 and Robots in Disguise #20. The month's releases are rounded out with two compilation issues, Transformers Monstrosity #3 of 4, collecting in print the digital-first sequel to Autocracy, and Transformers Prelude, collecting the six new spotlight one-shots Orion Pax, Thundercracker, Megatron, Bumblebee, Trailcutter, and Hoist.

Now updated with images of the cover art by way of Servo Slag!

What a blast from the past! Lmb3.net has obtained a 1986 Transformers The Movie Ziploc Promotion Salesman's Sample Kit. As kids, most of us probably never saw this back in the day. So it's interesting to see just what exactly was in this kit.

The kit itself came in a backpack. These kits came with promo sheets, copies of coupons to be used, a thermos, Powerdasher, iron-ons and amongst other items, sheets containing some revealing information. Just how well was the Transformers brand doing back in the 1980's? Here's the answer to that question:

The third sheet in the packet actually has some really interesting information on it (or at least, interesting to me. It talks about the Transformers brand expecting to make $300 million in 1986. It also states that Transformers made $100 million in 1984, the most for any first year series ever at that time. I’m sure that record has probably been broken, but I’d love to know how that stacks up all time.

It says that there would be $20 million spent on advertising, and an additional $3 million spent promoting the movie. Maybe I’m thinking about it by today’s standards, but $3 million to promote a movie doesn’t seem like a lot, even in 1986.

As we near the 30th anniversary of the Transformers brand, it's quite a revelation to know just how successful it was almost 30 years ago!

The author at lmb3.net was missing the Powerdasher figure and thermos from the kit. However his article has scans of several articles contained within the kit, including the iron-ons, promo sheets, and much more! Head on over to it to get a glimpse into the glory days of Transformers Generation 1!

TFcon is honored to welcome Transformers voice actor Jack Angel to TFcon 2013 for his first ever Canadian convention appearance.

The voice of Astrotrain, Breakdown, Cyclonus, Omega Supreme, Ramjet, Smokescreen and Ultra Magnus in the Generation 1 cartoon; he is also known to GIJOE fans as the voice of Wet Suit and Superfriends fans as the voices of Flash, Hawkman and Samurai. Mr. Angel will be taking part in Q&A panels and autograph sessions with the attendees of the world’s largest fan-run Transformers convention.

TFcon, the world's largest fan-run Transformers convention will take place July 26th to 28th, 2013 in Toronto, Ontario at the Delta Meadowvale Resort and Conference Centre. You can pre-register online for TFcon 2013 via this link for the exclusives VAN GUARDIAN and ROSWELL.
TFcon 2013 features Canada's largest dealer room for Transformers merchandise, question and answer panels and autograph sessions with many special guests including Transformers voice actor DICK GAUTIER the voice of RODIMUS PRIME with more to be announced. The TFcon 2013 hotel block is now available.

TFYuki has posted an in-package image of the next two releases in the Takara-Tomy Transformers Generations line. Next up are the Voyager class Autobot Blaster to go with the Autobot Data Disks set recently released and the so far Japan-only Fall of Cybertron Skywarp - which right now looks like it will be the only way to get the third Seeker and complete the trio in their War / Fall of Cybertron guises.

Griffin-of-oz, from our fellow fans at the Ozformers, stopped by our 2005 Boards to pass on a report that the Beast Hunters Ultimate Class has been sighted in Australian K-Mart stores. The Ultimate Class Beast Hunters consist of Beast Fire Predaking and Beast Hunter Optimus Prime (quite the redundant name Optimus has going on). They are expected to retailer for approximately $60 and $70 respectively in the US once they are released.

Check out the original report at the Ozformers here.

The Folks at StylinOnline.com let us know they are have a new Transformers Hats, T-Shirts & Hoodies in-stock. This Transformers Hoodie will "transform" you into Bumblebee, one of the most beloved Autobots from the Transformers universe. The bright yellow Transformers Bumblebee Mesh Mask Juvenile Hoodie has an all-over print that mimics the armor of Bumblebee, the little yellow Autobot. This Bumblebee hoodie goes the extra mile, with a drop down mesh mask with eye holes and a mouth hole. This lightweight, warm and comfortable hooded sweatshirt also features a red version of the Autobots logo on the front. As Bumblebee said, "Let's get to it!"

They also have a huge array of T-Shirts and other licensed products available. Check out some of their popular sections:

• Transformers
• G.I. Joe
• Thundercats
• Marvel
• DC

To view the complete update click the Title Bar.

The Hub Network Official Facebook Page has revealed a new Promo Image from Transformers: Prime Season 3; Beast Hunters Episode #5 - "Project Predacon".

The image features Optimus Prime 2.0 (as Miko calls him) and Ultra Magnus, apparently discussing about - now powerless - Forge Of Solus Prime. On a promo image we’ve seen before, Transformers Prime Ultra Magnus was seen wielding the Hammer leading many fans to speculate whether Ultra Magnus would use it as his primary weapon.

But we’ll know the answer soon. Transformers: Prime returns this Friday on Hub Network.

2005 Boards member D-Drive has sent us the Diamond Distributors shipping list for next week, 22 May. Next week brings us Robots in Disguise #17, and a story titled "Shockwaves" starring our favorite, one-eyed Decepticon scientist. Check out the full text of the solicit below:

TRANSFORMERS ROBOTS IN DISGUISE #17 (also shipping 1-in-10 variant cover)

(W) John Barber (A) Livio Ramondelli (CA) Casey Coller, Livio Ramondelli
SHOCKWAVES! The fate of Cybertron is sealed-but what is the DECEPTICON scientist called SHOCKWAVE planning? After the stunning revelations in MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE, learn the origin of the one-eyed, gun-handed master of machinations... and the countdown begins for the biggest TRANSFORMERS event in comic book history.

Ships with 2 covers in a 1-to-1 ratio, 1 by Casey Coller and 1 by Livio Ramondelli.

Ken Christiansen, who did a series of art pieces for Hasbro when Hasbro were concepting the look of Transformers Prime and the Aligned Continuity, has posted up concepts of an Optimus Prime design he worked on. As he explains in his post on The Bad Flip Blog, sometimes he was only commissioned to design one mode for the characters, in this case, he was only asked to do concepts for the Optimus Prime truck mode. As you can see, there are a lot of similarities with the design that was ultimately used for Transformers Prime - although this version looks a little beefier with a slightly deeper cab and elongated roof as a result.

Check out the concept at the link above. Ken Christiansen will be attending Botcon 2013 as a guest in their Artist's Alley - if you are attending Botcon be sure to say hello to him and thank him for sharing all this cool concept work with us.

Acidfree Gallery have updated their Facebook revealing two of the exclusive Transformers prints they will be offering at Wizard World Philadelphia. The first of the two prints is a piece featuring the five Dinobots by Kevin Tong. The other is a nice one featuring Starscream by Jesse Philips.

Acidfree will be at booth 555 of the Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con 2013 on May 30 - June 2, 2013 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA! If you're attending be sure to stop by their booth and check out all of their prints - from Transformers to other classics such as Voltron, Defender of the Universe!

Apple's iBooks has updated with a three page preview of IDW's More than Meets the Eye issue #17. Remain in Light kicks off following last issue's shocking last pages with some explanations, while other mysteries only grow deeper. Check out the preview to whet your appetite for the beginning of the end of the first More than Meets the Eye mega-arc!

Reprolabels have sent out their May update, with a selection of new sticker sets for adding extra details to your Generations and third party toys along with a set to restore the classic Generation 1 Micromaster Anti-Aircraft Tank set.

Even more great sets have been created over the last couple months:

Continuing the awesome selection of Fall of Cybertron set, Mike has made sets for Blast Off, Onslaught (including stickers for Bruticus) and two differently colored sets for Ultra Magnus. One is a "Blue Spark" set, and the other a "Red Spark" set. He's also made a couple of very extensive sets for the iGear Medical Specialist and Weapons Specialist.

Meanwhile, Justin created this work of art for TFC's Photron toy as well as additions to his Kreon sticker sets (Bludgeon and Springer).

Lastly, an addition to our Generation 1 sets, this time for the Micromaster Anti-Aircraft Tank.

Ahead of this Friday's all new episode of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters, Hub Network has uploaded a new promo starring Predaking sharing some facts about the mighty Predacon dragon. Facts like - a wingspan as big as two football fields and fire breath hotter than the planet Mercury. Check it out below:

Not too long ago we got the brief iBooks preview for Transformers Regeneration One #91, and now we have the full preview!

Transformers Regeneration One #91
THINGS FALL APART! The very fabric of the TRANSFORMERS' universe begins to unravel, as huge and ancient cosmic forces take note of CYBERTRON's (and the CYBERTRONIANS') descent into chaos and anarchy. As HOT ROD struggles to hold things together, still reeling from his own game-changing wake-up call, competing destructive forces inch closer to a cataclysmic confrontation. The end begins here.

Read on to preview this issue!

New Jersey Collectors Con is proud to announce the addition of the GM Chevy Camaro Bumblebee to appear at the August 18th 2013 Toy Show. Kids and adults can enjoy free photo opportunities with these character favorites honoring the Transformers live action movie.

As of today we have just 15 dealer tables left that are not reserved in the dealer room. Do not wait to the last minute to grab your Dealer space at the next NJCC 2013 Summer Event.

Holiday Inn Cherry Hill – New Jersey
2175 West Marlton Pike (Rt. 70), Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Sunday, August 18th, 2013


NJCC 2013 “World At War”

More Updates Coming Soon…….

By way of Youtuber Shadowcat0161 we can now share with you the extended promo clip for this Friday's all new episode of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters! The extended cut of the preview reveals that yes Smokescreen is indeed sporting a new, Alternators Smokescreen style deco in this episode! Check out the preview clip below:

MTV Geek has posted a look at some future additions to the Transformers Constructabots line. They have robot and alternate mode images of seven further releases from this line of customizable Transformers, due for a release later this year. The new seven on show are from the Scout and Elite classes ($9.99 and $14.99 pricepoints respectively). The new sets are:

Scouts

• Breakdown
• Dead End
• Cliffjumper
• Silverbolt

Elites

• Shockwave
• Smokescreen
• Drag Strip

Check out the images attached to this post or on the far end of the link above.

The Official Transformers Facebook page has updated with more new images of upcoming Transformers toy releases. Shown off here are the IDW comic pack Deluxes from the Generations series. Along with the wave containing Orion Pax, Megatron, Bumblebee and Trailcutter, they have uploaded images of Thundercracker and Hoist from Generations Deluxe Wave 6. Thundercracker is a redeco of the Fall of Cybertron Starscream who along with the Takara-Tomy Skywarp rounds out this particular set of Seekers while Hoist is a fairly extensive remold of Trailcutter with a new head and new weapon that becomes his crane in vehicle mode. Check out the new images attached to this post or at the link above.

Riptapparel.com is now featuring a new Generation 1 t-shirt of the Soundwave Cassettes! Sounds of the 80's is currently up for sale with just a little over 12 hours left to purchase.

Check out the new G1 Cassettes Shirt after the jump.

Acidfree Gallery is proud to present SOUNDWAVE by Laurent Durieux. Officially licensed by Hasbro. This regular version along with a color variant will release at Wizard World Philadelphia on May 30th!

Check out the Soundwave images after the jump.

We have received an update from our friends and sponsors at TFSource. Check out a quick summary of the highlights below or read on for the full story!

Great News SourceFans!
The Long Wait is Over! The BIG Guy Fortress Maximus Now Instock! Standing around 2 feet tall and wielding his master sword, Fortress Maximus and the 25 year wait is now over! Order yours today at TFsource! We have other instock items like SXS F01A and SXS F01B MP Jetpack & Upgrade Kits for Roller, and Dreamworks Toy Factory - Bulkhead - Blast Cannon Weapon Accessory. Be sure to preorder hot figures like Make Toys Paladin/Chaos and Fansproject CA-11 Last Chance and CA-12 Downforce! Our Spring Cleaning Sale continues with over 150 items at up to 75% off along with a TF Prime RID Clearance Sale! 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. Now instock - Encore #23 Fortress Maximus - regular release!
2. Fansproject Update!
3. Now up for preorder - Make Toys Paladin/Chaos!
4. Masterpiece Update!
5. New Beast Hunters and Generations Preorders and Instock Items!
6. Hot New Takara/Tomy Preorders!
7. The TFsource Spring Cleaning Sale and TF Prime RID Clearance Sale!
8. Now up for preorder: Encline Designs 2nd DVD: Metal Mayhem!
9. New Transformers Go! - Preorders Up!
10. New Preorders from Impossible Toys! Tetra Jets and More! Plus Impossible Toys Clearance Sale!
11. 3rd Party Update! Dr. Wu Restock!
12. Mastermind Creations Update
13. TFC Toys Uranos Update!
14. Now Instock - Unique Toys - UT-W01 War Hawk!
15. Source Blog Updates!
16. Newest Instock items at TFsource
17. Newest Preorder items at TFsource

By way of the Allspark's Facebook page, we can bring you the first images confirming that a toy of a Generations Deluxe Class Dreadwing is in the works. A reuse of the IDW stealth bomber Megatron mold with a new head, this Dreadwing has been spotted in IDW's Robots in Disguise in scenes showing a crowd of the Decepticons, and he plays a role in the upcoming Robots in Disguise issue #17. The design is a homage to the Generation 2 Dreadwing ATB, who also transformed into a flying wing.

A quick follow up to our story last night revealing the new Generations Sandstorm toy! Last night, it appeared that the official Transformers Facebook page updated with new photos of Generations triple-changer Sandstorm, but before we could view all three modes, the images were pulled. Thankfully, the same Facebook page has updated with all three modes inclusive of the third VTOL mode! Take a look at this extensive remold of the new Generations Springer mold.

Did I mention that Sandstorm is a Wrecker? Wreck n' Rule TFW!

Some official images of the Target Exclusive Beast Hunters Abominus giftset have been released by Hasbro and have been brought to our attention by 2005 Boards member juise. The giftset collects the five Legion Class Cyberverse Predacons Hun-Gurr, Rippersnapper, Windrazor, Blight and Twinstrike in a single boxed set. The five Predacons, compared to their initial releases, feature some translucent plastic parts and translucent purple weapons.

You might also notice that the packaging for Predacon Abominus is a little different to the usual Beast Hunters packaging - it is mostly blue compared to the grey / silver of the majority of Beast Hunters packaging, and the line seems to have undergone another rebranding to add "Predacons Rising" as a subtitle to Beast Hunters. In a pleasing move though, packaging art is back! A large piece of art of the combined giant Abominus adorns the right hand side of the box.

Check out the images attached to this news post.

Check out a preview clip for next Friday's all-new episode of Transformers Prime Beast Hunters, captured from the end of Friday's rerun of Rebellion by 2005 Boards member Soundwave9.

The Hub is also airing a longer clip in their commercial breaks which we hope to bring to you soon, and spoiler alert, the Autobot Smokescreen is getting a new deco in-show. We hope to be able to bring you this extended preview clip soon.

For now, please check out the shorter preview clip embedded below:

Earlier this evening, the Transformers Facebook page updated with new official photos of the new upcoming Transformers Generations Sandstorm figure. This figure is a heavily retooled version of the Springer mold. A new head, grill and weapon are shown as well as two new larger rear tires for dune buddy mode that will double as VTOL engines in helicopter mode (originally shown at Toyfair on Metroplex's package).

2005 Board member Wheelwave140 was kind enough to grab these pictures before the Transformers Facebook page removed them. Unfortunately, it appears they grabbed them before a pic of the helicopter mode could be shown. For now, click the title bar and enjoy the robot and dune buggy mode!

3rd party group Mastermind Creations has sent us a new image showing off our first look at their upcoming R-05 Fortis figure. This homage to Generation 1 Headstrong will combine with the other Feral Cons to form the mighty Feral Rex. This new image not only reveals the color image of the figure but two additional things as well. One, the orange color on R-03 Bovis is now darker than previously seen. Two, Fortis shares a mold with Bovis, but we can see here that you can rotate the body around to give them two distinct looks in beast mode. The basic idea is something we've seen before in Universe Sideswipe and Sunstreaker.

Check out the new image by clicking the title bar!

Prowl has, ever the years, become one of the most used names in the various Transformers Toy Lines. From the original G1 figure, to an Action Master all the way through to the Beast Era and modern lines like Animated. Now, with a highly anticipated Masterpiece figure coming in September, let's take a look at some of the excellent figures we've gotten over the years.

• 1990 Prowl Action Masters MISB SEALED G1 Transformers | eBay
• Transformers G1 Classic Heroes Prowl MISB RARE See | eBay
• Transformers Japanese RID C 25 Prowl Mach Alert Blue | eBay
• Takara Transformer BT 15 Military Prowl Honda Type R | eBay
• Transformers Energon Prowl New in Box | eBay
• Prowl 2 Takara G1 Transformers Free SHIP | eBay
• Vintage Japanese Takara G1 Transformers 09 Prowl 100 Complete in USA | eBay
• Transformers G1 Autobot Car Bust Statue Set Smokescreen Prowl Bluestreak | eBay
• Takara Transformers RID Le of 2000 C 24 x Brawn C 25 Prowl C 26 Sideburn | eBay
• Transformer Mighty Muggs Prowl | eBay
• Transformers Autobot Prowl 1984 Brand New in Box Very RARE | eBay
• Octopus Prime Transformers Titanium War Within Tru Exclusive Prowl MISB New | eBay
• Transformers Takara Tokyo Toyshow Prowl Exclusive MISB | eBay
• Transformers Universe Prowl New RID RARE | eBay
• Transformers Beast Wars Prowl MOSC New White Version Transmetals Prowl | eBay
• Transformers RID Prowl 2001 Robots in Disguise | eBay
• Transformers G 1 Statue Porcelain Bust Prowl Hard Hero New Unopened Mint | eBay
• Transformers Alternators Prowl Acura RSX Ooooooo | eBay
• Transformers RID Classics Universe Generations Prowl Figure | eBay

TFC Toys Project Uranos is a project that was announced last year at Botcon 2012 at the Robot Kingdom booth. Over the course of the year reveals have been coming to us slowly but steadily starting with their version of Fireflight (aka F-4 Phantom) and leading up to today. TFC Toys has updated their Facebook page with the full color prototype image of the combined mode of Uranos. Take a look at this monster sized combiner. Are you ready to add this bruiser to your Autobot shelf? Sound off in the Project Uranos Megathread.

Additionally, the last two figures, F-16 Falcon and AV88 Harrier II, were recently shown in color over on Weibo in their jet modes. We're still awaiting color pictures of their robot modes. But, we will update soon hopefully.

You can check out all three of the most recent images by clicking the title bar.

Autobot Springer is the subject of our next site gallery update. A strong, reliable Autobot warrior, Springer was the first full Autobot Triple Changer to be introduced in 1986 with Transformers the Movie. An extremely competent warrior not afraid to get his hands dirty, Springer is frequently depicted as leader of the Autobot's special team, The Wreckers, a role he filled during IDW's Last Stand of the Wreckers by Nick Roche and James Roberts, which is the version of the character which this toy is based on.

And wow - what a toy! Springer is the model of what all good Transformers toys should be like, in this writer's humble opinion. Full of personality in his robot mode design, with lots of poseability and clever engineering, this is one of those toys that really stands out as a showcase of what Hasbro and Takara-Tomy's Transformers design teams are capable of. Springer's three modes are all present and correct, and all nicely distinct from one another. The weapons can integrate and store in each mode, and even combine to form a much larger weapon.

Overall - this version of Springer is another definitive version of the character. Completely recommended to any and all; I fully expect this one will be on more than a few fans "top toy of 2013" lists next to Blitzwing and Masterpiece Soundwave.

Open the link below to check out our gallery and see for yourself:

Generations Springer Gallery

Wreck and Rule!

News reaches us that the release of the Generations Voyager Class Sandstorm has been confirmed for Wave 4 of the Generations Voyager series. Sandstorm is the lone new toy in the assortment, and will be shipping two per case along with one Blitzwing and one Springer, according to this listing on Big Bad Toy Store.

It is not yet known exactly what the Sandstorm toy will look like - Big Bad Toy Store's listing lacks photos at the time of writing - but we have previously seen an image of a VTOL vehicle on Metroplex's box art which is widely assumed to be Sandstorm. If that art is an accurate representation, then Sandstorm may well be a remolded version of Generations Springer, based on similarities in the overall shape of the vehicle.

NJCC Summer Show Date August 18th 2013 Dealer Registration Now Open!

Are you ready to join the Dark Side? the next New Jersey Collectors Con will be held on August 18th, 2013 – You herd it right, we are having a Summer Event. The theme of this show will be “World At War” featuring a very cool marketing campaign of unlikely Enemies & Allies with all of the Toy Brands we have come to love as collectors.




We will also be reaching out to more Star Wars and Marvel Collectors at the Next NJCC summer event, while keeping our already awesome Transformers and G.I.Joe focus. This will be reflected in both extra door prizes, above and beyond what we normally do, including THREE Mega Door Prizes. Over the next few weeks we will be announcing our special events and our guest list. We plan on making this the best NJCC to date, and hope this will make up for the lack of a Fall show that will be moving to Tampa Bay, Florida. We are not quite ready to reveal details of that event yet, but when we do we hope you will join is for the “Ride”.

When and Where Is The Next New Jersey Collectors Con?

Holiday Inn Cherry Hill – New Jersey
2175 West Marlton Pike (Rt. 70), Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Sunday, August 18th, 2013

NJCC 2013 Dealer Registration is now open. Dealers should contact fran@njcc.co for more information on the Summer NJCC Toy Show, that is already 50% sold out of tables.
Full Update on Show Events coming soon…….

Hasbro has updated Transformers.com with the second round of voting for their Thrilling 30 Fan Built Bot Poll. In round one, fans could vote on the appearance of the fan's choice character - their colorscheme, weapons, alternate mode and so on. Now with round two there are four more choices, focusing mainly on backstory - gender, Cybertronian city of origin, special abilities and most importantly, the name! Yes, by casting your vote in this poll, you can have a part in naming a new Transformer!

Click here to visit Transformers.com and cast your vote! You may vote daily, so visit often to vote for your pick of what you would like to see Hasbro make!

More news from the 3rd Party Unofficial Predaking figure camp! Mastermind Creations updated their Facebook page showing off the fifth member of their Feral Cons project, R-06 Tigris! We get to see this unofficial Rampage figure in an upainted prototype state. The photos display the figure in all three molds and shows off the poseability of the figure. But, that's not all! Immediately following that Facebook post, Mastermind added one more photo. A fully combined unpainted prototype of Feral Rex himself!

No preorder date for R-06 Tigris is listed, but we'll keep you updated when they become available. In the meantime, click the title bar to feast your eyes on the King!

A quick update - those of you who have been following the Transformers Legends Mobile game from Mobage will no doubt be aware by now that the Beast Hunters branded "Unleash the Beast" event has officially kicked off! If you are playing be sure to join in and face off against the might of the Terrorcons Twinstrike, Blight, Rippersnapper and Hun-Gurr! Also check out this cool banner depicting the four Terrorcons, courtesy of the official Transformers Facebook page!

By way of their Weibo Unique Toys has unveiled their next Beasticon, Violence the War Panther, a not-Rampage. These new images show Violence in all three of his modes, looking a little less like a modified Generation 1 toy than the earlier Beasticon releases.

And, as you might have gathered, the Beasticons have now acquired "real" names. While War Hawk is still just "War Hawk", War Bison is now known as Savage Bull and War Rhino is Ironhead.

With this Unique Toys has revealed prototype of all five of their Beasticons - sound off with your thoughts in the discussion thread linked below!