Hasbro Q & A Round 5 October 2009 Now Accepting Questions

Hello everyone, it's time for the latest round of the Hasbro Transformers Questions and Answers!

As always, please submit your questions for Hasbro in this thread, and we'll pick the best questions to submit to Hasbro. This thread will close next Saturday, so be sure to get your questions in before then!

Please remember, Hasbro are unable to answer questions about specific character toys (such as, can you make a RotF Highwire based on Sam's Mom's pink bike; or, Is there going to be a Leader Class Blackout / Bonecrusher). They also cannot confirm or deny any upcoming products. Rather, this is your chance to find out about the behind the scenes creative process, the thoughts, decisions and the people involved.

With that in mind, post up your questions and we'll pick the best to send in for answers.

1: The Acivator toys were a huge success in the Animated toyline. Has there been any decision to continue the "Activators" style toys into another line?

2: In the Transformers Animated toyline, there have been repaints of Voyager Starscream to represent his clones (The Seekers). After the upcoming Voyager Thuhndercracker, will there be anymore repaints of this mold?

3: With the upcoming "Legend Class Devastator Combiner", is there any plans to make more Legends combiner sets?

1.Who Idea to repaint Movie 1 Starscream into Skywarp and Ramjet?

2.Are there any more Seekers into Any lines?

3.Are you reissued Rumble,Frenzy,Overkill,Slugfest,Rewind,Eject,Steeljaw, & Ramhorn as a vs. 2 pack or a 8 pack?

1. Since we do already know that the Fugitive Waspinator figure is coming out sometime by the end of this year or so, then why is Waspinator's headlights are purple just like his eyes were on the action figure itself rather than the ones shown in the cartoon?

2. While it's true that the Animated Ironhide, which will be indeed getting an action figure, is heavily based on his G1 self, then why is he way younger, faster, stronger, and bigger than his original G1 counterpart? And why was the Animated Ironhide orange instead of red?


3. Will we ever see a brand-new animated Transformers TV series after when Animated is officially over?

1) Has it been decided for how long, if ever, the company is going to release figures from Animated before ending the line for good?

2) How soon do you guys start production on toys based on the characters from the newest, upcoming Transformers show and/or movie?

Will there be more reissues than preceptor and the insecticons (Ex sunstreaker, dinobots, etc.)

Will the Animated toy line last well into 2010?

How long until we get the next full installment of the Universe line?

1. Is there any chance of seeing more unused designs, concepts, or ideas (e.g., Alternators Megatron) in some format such as an art book or much like we got with the Cyber Keys? If so, what media is the best for this?
2. While certain ideas (such as TransTech) have been scrapped, does the success of the new films allow the budget/market for some of these great ideas to see some sort of avenue for eventual release?
3. As evidenced from such things like this Q & A, it is well known that Hasbro keeps touch with its fandom and the happenings regarding TFs. We also know that certain artists and companies have been encroaching more and more upon your IPs. What things would Hasbro like to pass on to artists (such as kitbashers) regarding proper and improper usage of your property? Kitbashers and artists would like to know the proper "dos" and "don't" regarding respect for another's property.

NOTE TO MODS: This is not strictly a "toy based on this character plz?" question. It also brings up points about how characters are decided.

A few months ago we found that ROTF toys based on Bludgeon and Mindwipe were being made. Was this decision in any way related to the Triumvirate known as the Chaos Trinity, followers of the Fallen from the Dreamwave comic series? Two of the three (three of the four if you count the Fallen himself) have been given voyager figures in the ROTF line. Was this intentional or unintentional? If so, is/was there any consideration/talk given to making a toy for the third member of the group, Bugly?

How much longer will the movie line run and can we expect a different look for the Transformers toys once the movie line is over?

Will we get any new figures in the Classics/Universe style or is that style retired for good?

1. With the huge success in Transformer toy sales. Does that affect or change the way they will be marketed and produced in the future? Will there be an increase in production or marketing for Transformers?

2. Will we see Transformers Animated Series Season Three out on DVD anytime soon?

1. For a line that is soon to be over, what made you decide to do repaints of the Activators Optimus Prime and Bumblebee (Armor Up/Battlefield)?

2. Why did you make mention of the Bludgeon figure from the TRU 2-pack with Whirl in the upcoming voyager Bludgeon's BIO, but seemed to have ignored that with the two Dead End figures?

1. In a previous Q&A session, it was stated that there were plans for a Bludgeon in Universe 2.0 but it was set aside. Were any of the concepts planned for this figure carried onto the ROTF Buldgeon that will be coming out? If so, what was carried over?
2.What goes into the process of deciding which characters from past series/lines you chose to homage in current/future lines, such as the upcoming ROTF Bludgeon, Lockdown or Dirge?
3.For a while now DC and Marvel has been relasing direct to DVD one shot animated movies. Has Hasbro taken into consideration doing something similar for the Transformers brand based on the success of these movies?

Someone will correct me if i'm wrong, but IIRC, Hasbro previously said they're one and the same toy, and the design was carried over from Universe because of the 'Too many tanks in Universe' thing. (See also: Shrinking Galvatron)

1. What would you say to any long-standing "GeeWunners?"

2. Are there any plans for an Animated Cyclonus figure? Or is it that the Deluxe Universe figure is so similar you aren't going to bother, as I've heard?

3. You've said countless times its "a little too early to talk about" a new series. Obviously, you're cooking up something right now... so anyway, my real question is: will you continue the Animated franchise, with a sequel series, more redecos, repaints, whatever, anything???

Do you have any idea(s) for the next transformers series, and if so can you give details about it? Thank you.

Was the relationship between the group known as the Chaos Trinity from Dreamwave's The Dark Ages intentional, due to the releases of a Bludgeon and Mindwipe in a toyline with The Fallen in it?

1.) The fans are demanding Transtech, espcecially a full-on cartoon of the axed series. I personally think that is a ridiculous claim, but since there are comics created in 2008 of the series and a few prototype designs, how realisitc is it that we might see some Transtech recognition in a future Universe/Classics line?

2.) Due to the fan recognition of Animated, and its success with the fandom, it seems like a sure thing that they will appear as more than just Legends classes in the fan targetted lines like Universe and Classics. Will certain characters who didn't gain recognition in the initial Animated toyline get recognition in the next "Classics" line?

3.) Classics and Universe are missing one major thing: Decepticons. Sure, Predacons might be fine (especially a new mold Waspinator), but Universe 2.0 was a little swamped with Autobots. Will the next Universe line have a bit more balance, and perhaps Blizwing?

1. Is the "Rollbar" RPM character going to get any sort of transformable toy, or will there be some "new-mold" Transformers characters that are featured only in the RPM subline?

2. Why does the Mixmaster in the "Back Road Brawl" Toys "R" Us exclusive 2-pack have a different head than the original?

-With more obscure characters making their way into the Revenge of the Fallen toy-line, like Bludgeon and Mindwipe, are there any plans to work in some non-G1 homages too?

-With the N.E.S.T. Global Alliance sub-line to the main Revenge of the Fallen line, and it's story worked into the bios of the toys, are there any plans to release any premium-like repaints figures in the line? Like a more movie-accurate repaint of Voyager Megatron in a more silvery gray color for an example.

-With the Optimus Prime and Bumblebee voice-changer helmets released, are there any plans to make any other helmets based on any of the other characters? Specifically, is it possibly we might see some Decepticon characters get this treatment in the future? Like Megatron and Soundwave for examples?

-With more and more repaints concentrating on the Optimus Prime and Bumblebee characters, I'm wandering if there will be any new molds for these two characters in the future? With so many uses the Voyager Optimus Prime mold probably won't stand up to too many uses. Just wandering if mold degeneration could be a problem for these two in the future.

-There have been a couple of instances where Hasbro has hinted at a Wheeljack figure being made in the near future. Outside of these very vague hints, there has been no real sign of that happening. Is there actually any intention at all to every possibly release a new Wheeljack figure? or does Hasbro just like pulling the fandome's leg every once in a while?

1. when is leader rotf starscream and flare-up comming out?

2. is the rumor about human alliance ratchet and and ironhide and prime true????

are there gonna be more constructicons from both rotf and animated comming out

1.Will There Be Any Revenge Of The Fallen Human Alliance Figure With Leo Spitz?

2.Is There Going To Be A Leader Long Haul,Because In The Movie He Looks Huge.

3.Is There Going To Be A Revenge Of The Fallen Rampage That Is Red,And Has A Different Cockpit?

Thanks Hasbro
You Guys Are The Best

1. How much of a role is Hasbro having in the production of IDW's comics? We have seen a few design changes that bring characters more in line with recent toys. Will this trend continue?

2.

-Similar to starscream1701's question, as it relies on how active you are with IDW's process, but are there any talks with IDW about continuing the Transformers: Evolutions comics with other alternate universe stories? I loved Hearts of Steel and I'd be curious to see other new inventions for the Transformers we all love.

-While you probably cannot speak to the specifics of a new toy line or series, can you speak to how far along in the process you are with whatever is coming up next?

-Other properties have worked on one-shot direct-to-DVD movies for popular characters or storylines. Are there any plans to do the same for Transformers?

1.) What is your approximate distribution pattern in the US lower 48?
As a personal note I'm a fellow New Englander, in New Hampshire, and seems as if this area sees new product dead last.

2.) Michael Bay isn't starting TF3 until 2011, so how does Hasbro plan on keeping Transformers the toy kids will want without aid of the silver or small screens?

3.) On the other end of the spectrum... How does Hasbro plan to keep it's faithful collectors, some of 25 years, still excited with the Transformers brand ( I realize that the Q&A will be factor in this ) .

Are there any plans for more female TransFormers either in the Revenge of the Fallen toyline or any other up-coming line? It would be good to have some more female Decepticons.

1. Are any of your answers going to deviate from the usual, "we don't have plans at this time"?

I've got a pretty simple one, one that no one has touched on for quite some time that's always just made me wonder.

-Why is it that RotF Voyager Stratosphere lost his Space Shuttle/Gun while on his way from the assembly line to America?

That's about it, I've always just been curious about it.

1. is there a chance for transformers to appear in toy story 3?
2. are more toys from tf1 going to be re-released in the rotf line?

With the soft, rubbery plastic tires of many of the old RID figures beginning to crack and disintegrate, I am concerned that so many of the ROTF figures are also very reliant on softer plastics.

For example, the treads of Voyager Demolishor, the treads of Deluxe Rampage and the parts of Leader Jetfire that hook up around Optimus Prime's chest.

Thankfully, in a recent Q&A session Hasbro said there would be no future issues with that other nemesis of old toys, Gold Plastic Syndrome.

In a similar vein, can Hasbro confirm that the rubbery plastic used in the ROTF line will not age and wear like the tires on my RID Omega Prime?

Thanks in advance!

1 any more triple changers planned?
2 what is the name of the next tv series?
3 will there be g1 reissues coming up soon?
4 any combiners?
5what are the coming up characters for human alliance

1. What was the point of making plans for Animated Devastator when you knew that Animated was getting cancelled? What procedures are you taking to release Animated Scrapper and Mixmaster since they were the only reccurring characters that didn't get their toys?

2. Many are anxious about the next cartoon series. Will have to wait til BotCon 2010 to hear about it?

3. When Classics/Universe returns, what are the chances of making the three Autobot triple-changers?

Is there a specific reason why most female Transformer Toys have tended to be very girly with pronounced chests and high heels as opposed to having the same body types as other Transformers but with female personalities? Beast Machines Strika was a well portrayed female character who didn't need stilletos and a robot bra to define her as female. It would be good to have more female toys like Strika.

-Are there plans for more female Transformers toys in the future?
-Can you give us any hints as to what the next Transformers cartoon will be like? Will it be a sequel to Animated? A sequel to a show we'd never expect? Or another continuity altogether?
-Are there any plans on bringing over Alternity to the U.S.?
-Will we see Transformers Animated Season 3 on DVD? And if so, when?
-Can we expect a Movie Soundwave voice-changer helmet?
-The Human Alliance subline has become quite popular, and even I'm starting to want some. Are there any chances of bringing this subline into other Transformers shows? Maybe G1 Bumblebee with Spike Witwicky?
-Will there ever be a Drift toy?
-There have been rumors of a Universe 3.0. If that happens, can we expect more Beast Wars characters to make the cut? And if so...new mold for BW Transmetals 2 Blackarachnia plz k thnx

1. Will there be a new cartoon series?
2. Will there be a new Classics/Universe toyline?
3. Will we get more Leader class figures in the ROTF line after the upcoming Starscream figure?
4. Will there be more Human Alliance figures after the Barricade and Mudflap?
5. Will there be more accurate repaints for ROTF line figures?

Thanks Hasbro for answering the fans' questions.

hey hasbro why dont you create new molds for the toys and not use the same molds and give the TF's different names, kind of lame using the same mold to create another character and cheap if you ask me and what was up by being a cheap skate and only making the games of decption set a TFCON exclusive jacking the price up that is some sorry marketing you made all of the other classics figures then you decide to make the last set and jack the price's up, so sad 500-600 for the games of decption what kind of bull is that now really

- Has Hasbro considered selling collector-oriented exclusive Transformers, beyond the yearly SDCC exclusives, through HasbroToyShop.com? To expand on that question, would it be possible or feasible for Hasbro to offer a collector-oriented line of reissues or repaints, which may not have enough appeal for a mass-market release, exclusively through HasbroToyShop.com?

- I've noticed, on virtually every trip to the toy aisles, at least one RotF Scout figure where the bubble has come detached from the cardback either partially or completely. The figures/packages do not appear to have been tampered with, this problem is not exclusive to any retail chain and only occurs with this size class. It seems like a problem with the glue used to attach the bubbles to the cardbacks on the Scout figures. Besides my own observations, I've seen a number of other people mention it as well. Is Hasbro aware of this problem and is this something that will be rectified for future waves of RotF Scout figures?

- Specific to this site, for the last several Q+A sessions, TFW2005 is usually one of the last (if not the last) fan site to receive answers to our questions, often with a significant delay compared to the other sites. Is there a reason why this occurs?

Holy shit, THIS.

Is the Human Alliance line selling well, and have there been any other concept designs for Human Alliance figures been created? Is the line doing well enough for a possibility of more figures being released someday?

1. Whatever happened to Animated Robot Heroes?

2. Is there a reason why you continue to avoid making (or revealing) a third Arcee sister figure?

3. Will there be any more ROTF G1 repaints like Mixmaster?

4. Will there ever be a leader class The Fallen action figure?

5. What is the fate of Mighty Muggs? Will they be Toys'R'Us exclusives, or will we be seeing the new waves in all retailers soon?

1: Can we get more female TF's? (i.e, ROTF ALice, Animated Elita one or ROTF ELita One/Flareup?

2: Any more Human Alliance after Mudflap and Barricade?

3: What is the name of the blue Human Alliance Sideswipe revealed in the Allspark awhile back?

4: Any more N.E.S.T Global Alliance figs after BB, Jungle IH, Bludgeon, Dirge, SW, Mudflap and Armorhide? Like HA Lennox and Jungle Ironhide?

5: Who came up with the vehicle designs for the Twins Ice Cream Truck and Animated Cybertron mode Prime?

1. will there be a universe wheeljack?
2. when will Animated Rodimus come out in the UK.
3. when is ROTF scattershot,bludgeon and wideload coming out?

1. any more ROTF human alliance figures planned after barricade and mudflap?
2. any more ROTF leader class toys planned?
3. any hints you can give us for your plans onf universe 3.0?

1. It was great to see Botcon make its way to California this year as opposed to yet another year back east, sadly I'm sure many people may have been unable to attend due to one reason or another (myself having some financial issues at the time could not go, despite it being a mere 30 minute drive or so away), what are the chances or plans as far as getting Botcon out this way again next year or sometime after that?

Actually yeah, that's about the only question I have for them that they can answer that, IMO, really matters to me. Still bummed I couldn't make it this year, and I see no reason they can't hold it here again if they wish to (I mean, they've held it oh so many times back East, give us some love).

1. Is any video game company thinking about making an independent Transformers game (not based on movie, comics, or shows) with its own storyline? Is there even speculation?

2. Do they have a specific release date on ROTF Flareup?

My Questions are:

#1.) Regarding Batteries since they can corrode due to time which is worrisome for those who keep them MISB and risk corrosion. Is there a way that future toys can have the batteries somewhere else in the box or a way to access them easily while in the box (Flap for example)?

#2.) Since I am a Megatron fan, I am wondering this question...which one(s) are favorite Megatron-based Toys of the Hasbro Team (from G1 to ROTF)?

#3.) I am wondering, What repaints are more fun to do, The Decepticon-based repaints (like ROTF Thrust) or The Autobot-Based Repaint(s) (like ROTF Swerve)?

#4.) Is it a lot of fun working there for the Hasbro Team in regards to Transformers?

-TF2

1. Was there an attention to have additional sound effects when headmaster was put on leader animated Megatron and animated leader Ultra Magnus if so why wern't they included in the finally design ?

Can you shed any details of the third bike sister?

1. It's clear that Animated has been a huge success, both commercially for Hasbro and in the fandom. Has Hasbro taken this into account and, if so, will this influence the style of the next cartoon-supported series?

2. Do you ever look towards the reaction of fansites to implement running changes in toys?

3. Automorphing was dropped in the ROTF toyline and replaced with MechAlive, and this results in more complicated transformation schemes but increases movie-accuracy massively. Is this improvement the result of advances in construction techniques or the result of moving away from the Automorphing gimmick and, if the latter, will this influence your decisions to include or not include line-wide gimmicks in exchange for show-accuracy and articulation?