Transformers News on Seibertron.com

Top 5 Best Starscream Transformers Toys So Far

Date: Wednesday, January 6th 2021 4:30am CST
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials, Top Lists
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 119,114

Every month now, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.

Top 5 Best Starscream Transformers Toys so Far

While anticipating the next Masterpiece Starscream, I just wanted to cover all the great toys that we got of him so far. This is one of the few characters that has been a mainstay through different eras, almost as much as Optimus Prime and Megatron (even more so than Bumblebee who was absent for the Unicron Trilogy). And since Takara's best designer is a fan of the character, he was always given some extra love in the design department, and as we're about to see, it shows.


5. Studio Series Starscream

Upscaling a toy might be an easy way to put "new" products on the shelves but it can also result in great toys, like Beast Hunters Voyager Predaking. And the result for this voyager Starscream is awesome! Even being familiar with the deluxe mold from Dark of the Moon, the bigger pieces made for a very fresh transforming experience. And it being an upscale did not feel in any way like it had less parts than it should. It felt complex enough for a voyager. I really appreciate the attention to detail like covering parts that used to show hollowness adding parts to beef out the sides, add detail to the sculpt and, best of all, use that now famed Takara MP Beast Wars technology for adding a digital textured deco layer all across the alt mode. Really cool. The tatooed redeco for the Revenge of the Fallen version is just as good.










4. Transformers Prime: First Edition Starscream

This is one of the best seeker molds of all time. The design choice to have the robot mode be so slim and sleek makes him look creepier than any version of Starscream before. I am so impressed with how they were able to pull off a robot mode as skeletal as the one depicted onscreen and yet still have him perfectly transform into a tight and smooth jet mode where no robot limb protrudes, as is often the case with jets.






3. Transformers Cybertron Starscream

It is really too bad that the voyager Starscream toy in his show colours was never released by Hasbro, but at least fans got to experience this excellent mold in other colours, such as a very Thrust like burgundy and in blue with Dirge. And yes, even with the Siege mold out there, this is the better looking Cybertronian mode we've ever gotten for Starscream.










2. Transformers Hunt For The Decepticons Leader Starscream and MPM-10 Starsceam

These two toys are both great and achieve the same purpose so what I saw for one is almost the same as I'd say for the other. They are relentlessly detailed and screen accurate (obviously, the MPM more so). There are many separate pieces which shift in perspective by being moving from the background to foreground while transforming him to the point where it really feels like there is a robot inside the jet made up of all the jet parts and you uncover him through the transformation. Both of these toys show us what perfection is in a different way. With the Leader class one, we have a much cleaner jet mode and a satisfying while intuitive transformation but the robot mode is not as detailed. With the MPM one we have the most perfect robot mode we will ever get for the movie Starscream design. However, it is far more fiddly and the jet mode, while still looking sharp, does have an undercarriage which looks more out of place. So these toys tell us that while you can't have absolute perfection, you can still have two incredible toys.










1. Transformers War for Cybertron: Earthrise Starscream

I have made lists for seekers and jets in the past and while I always included the classics mold, I did always wish it was bigger. I loved the look of it though, as well as the simple yet smart transformation. It seems Hasbro was thinking the same thing, and now I realize there is a trend in good Starscream toys being the result of upscaling a good deluxe toy. With this toy, we have what I would call our definitive Starscream for a classics scale. Plus with this being the same scale and overall aesthetic as the Siege tetra jet, you can form a really awesome armada of seekers varying in designs and colour with Starscream in the lead.

First Look At Upcoming Netflix Sparkless Barricade and Spoiler Box Clear Paleotrex

Date: Wednesday, January 6th 2021 12:52am CST
Category: Toy News
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 31,511

Well, it seems like we are getting some images to go with the rumours going around at the moment. Wave 3 of the Netflix Transformers toys is said to include some toys used as Sparkless figures. The Barricade and voyager seeker toy would be part of those. Now we have images of that Barricade figure. it uses the cybertronian mold, which is in line with what is used on the show models for Barricade. We also have a clear purple Paleotrex which is said to go with the 3rd Spoiler Pack. this pack would have a clear deluxe Paletorex go with a voyager Megatron. It would provide him a mace accessory.

These were posted on Cybertron Philippines, enjoy!

Transformers Buzzworthy Bumblebee SS 15 Might be the Best version of the 76 Camaro Mold Yet

Date: Tuesday, January 5th 2021 10:34pm CST
Category: Toy News
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 23,261

Thanks to fellow Seibertronian TF-fan kev777, we have our first in hand images of Transformers Buzzworthy Bumblebee Studio Series SS 15 and SS 74. The SS 15 Bumblebee uses the Studio Series 76 Camaro mold while the SS 74 is a retool of the modern Camaro mold and the first release of Bumblebee in his Revenge of the Fallen look. The Buzzworthy SS 15 toy turns out to not be an actual rerelease of anything past but something slightly new. While we initially thought it was a rerelease of the "Rebekah's Garage" Bumblebee, which is the original Studio Series 15 toy but this one actually has painted striped AND the pin missing from the earlier versions of the mold which kept making the roof detach. So, all in all, this might be the best version of that original Studio Series 01 Bumblebee toy.

You can see the images taken by kev below for these two toys.

IDW Transformers Comic Book Solicitations for March 2021

Date: Monday, January 4th 2021 10:47pm CST
Category: Comic Book News
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 26,130

Greetings Seibertronians! It's that time of the month again where IDW reveals what comics they'll have to offer for March 2021!

Check out all the solicits below!

Transformers #29—Cover A: Anna Malkova
Brian Ruckley (w) • Anna Malkova (a & c)
“War World: Titans”! Sentinel Prime has a secret—something that could change the fate of Cybertron—something that Megatron wants. It’s a battle for control of the Forge as the Autobots and the Decepticons come face-to-face in battle for the first time!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99




Transformers #29—Cover B: E.J. Su
Brian Ruckley (w) • Anna Malkova (a) • E.J. Su (c)

*Retailer incentives:
Order 10 copies and get one free variant cover by Marcelo Matere!




Transformers: Beast Wars #2—Cover A: Josh Burcham—SPOTLIGHT
Erik Burnham (w) • Josh Burcham (a & c)
Celebrating 25 years of Beast Wars! The Maximals, led by Optimus Primal, and the Predacons, led by Megatron, have crashed on a strange new world and they are not alone. To survive the planet, much less each other, they’ll have to explore their surroundings and their new bestial alt-modes in search of an advantage. The Beast Wars begin here!

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: Beast Wars #2—Cover B: Dan Schoening
Erik Burnham (w) • Josh Burcham (a) • Dan Schoneing (c)

*Retailer incentives:
Order 10 copies and get one free variant cover by Winston Chan!




Transformers: Escape #4 (of 5)—Cover A: Beth McGuire-Smith
Brian Ruckley (w) • Beth McGuire-Smith (a & c)
As Wheeljack, Hound, and the others lead the evacuation efforts, they learn that one of their allies has secrets of their own that could ruin the whole escape plan. Meanwhile, the Decepticons search for the renegade Insecticons, but who’s really hunting who?

FC • 32 pages • $3.99

Transformers: Escape #4 (of 5)—Cover B: Aline “Herzplatter” Baumgarnder
Brian Ruckley (w) • Beth McGuire-Smith (a) • Aline “Herzplatter” Baumgardner (c)

*Retailer incentives:
Order 10 copies and get one free variant cover by Red Powell!

TFSource News - MP-51 Masterpiece Arcee, Threezero Power Rangers, Moon Studio, Newage & More!

Date: Monday, January 4th 2021 1:40pm CST
Category: Sponsor News
Posted by: ZeroWolf | Credit(s): TFsource

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Views: 18,550

TFSource News - MP-51 Masterpiece Arcee, Threezero Power Rangers, Moon Studio, Newage & More!



New Instock Items!
- Transformers Masterpiece MP-51 Arcee
- Transformers Generations War for Cybertron Earthrise Chapter WFC-E36 Sunstreaker Deluxe Class
- Sentinel Dancouga Metamor-Force Final Dancouga
- Transformers ReAction Blaster
- Mastermind Creations Reformatted R-45 Mnemo and Motif Set of 2
- Iron Factory IF-EX46 Honekumoki
- Transformers Generations War for Cybertron Trilogy WFC-16 Nemesis Prime Spoiler Pack Netflix Edition
- Transformers Generations Selects War for Cybertron Earthrise WFC-GS16 Bug Bite Deluxe Class
- MakeToys Re: Master Series MTRM-09R Downbeat Premium Version Limited Edtiion
- Transformers Generations Selects War for Cybertron Earthrise WFC-GS14 G2 Megatron Voyager Class
- Mastermind Creations Reformatted D-Squad R-44 Tortor D Squad

New Preorders!
- Newage Legendary Heroes
- Threezero Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
- Moon Studio Combiner Figures
- IF-EX45M Kagami Shishimaru | Iron Factory Iron Samurai
- Transformers Revenge of the Fallen DLX Scale Collectible Series Optimus Prime
- TFC Toys Satan Combiner S-04 Lucifer
- X-Transbots MasterX MX-3+ Eligos Metallic Version
- X-Transbots MasterX Monolith Combiner Berserkars MX-12B Gravestone Trailer
- X-Transbots MasterX MX-11 Locke
- Transformers Furai Model Kit Rodimus IDW Version
- Transformers: Bumblebee Cyberverse Adventures Deluxe Soundwave, Prowl and Starscream
- Zeta Toys ZC-01 Downthrust and ZC-02 Skystrike
- Transformers War for Cybertron Kingdom

ARRIVING SOON!
- Transformers Generations Selects TT-GS10 God Neptune Set of 5 Takara Tomy Mall Exclusive
- Transformers Masterpiece Movie Series MPM-11 Ratchet

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Source Points - TF Source

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The Chosen Prime Sponsor News - 4th January

Date: Monday, January 4th 2021 1:37pm CST
Category: Sponsor News
Posted by: ZeroWolf | Credit(s): The Chosen Prime

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Views: 16,700

The Chosen Prime Newsletter for January 4, 2021



Greetings from The Chosen Prime!

We have new arrivals and pre-orders available this week including those presented below.

Let us know if there's a particular figure you're looking for that isn't listed here or on the website. Happy shopping!


LATEST PRE-ORDERS



Moon Studio MS-01 DARK NIGHT (Radiatron Combiner Team)
Estimated Release July 2021
Moon Studio MS-02 ICE LAND (Radiatron Combiner Team)
Estimated Release July 2021
Moon Studio MS-03 IRON ARM (Radiatron Combiner Team)
Estimated Release October 2021
Moon Studio MS-04 MOON SHINE (Radiatron Combiner Team)
Estimated Release October 2021


Moon Studio MS-05 GREEN ZONE (Radiatron Combiner Team)
Estimated Release December 2021
Moon Studio MS-06 COOL PEAK (Radiatron Combiner Team)
Estimated Release December 2021
Takara Diaclone Reboot Extra Pod Grander Expansion Unit Set
Estimated Release July 2021
X-Transbots MX-XV DEATHWISH (2021 Reissue)
Estimated Release Q2 2021


NewAge H23B HARALDR
Estimated Release February 2021
NewAge H23M DARIUS (Toy Version)
Estimated Release February 2021
NewAge H23EX DARIUS
Estimated Release February 2021
ThreeZero Avengers Infinity Saga 1/12 Scale DLX IRON MAN MK43
Estimated Release Q3 2021


X-Transbots MX-3+ ELIGOS and TRUNCHEON (Metallic Version)
Estimated Release Q3 2021
S.H. Figuarts WONDER WOMAN '84 GOLDEN ARMOR
Estimated Release June 2021
Cang-Toys CT-Chiyou-03 FIRMAMENT
Estimated Release Q1 2021
DX9Toys D16 HENRY (G2 Colors)
Estimated Release March 2021


Toyworld TW-F01 KNIGHT ORION (Deluxe Version)
Estimated Release January 2021
X-Transbots MX-12B GRAVESTONE'S TRAILER
Estimated Release January 2021
X-Transbots MX-12C MONOLITH / BERSERKARS Accessory Kit
Estimated Release January 2021
Toyworld TW-F01 KNIGHT ORION (Standard Version)
Estimated Release January 2021


S.H. Figuarts Avengers Assemble CAPTAIN AMERICA
Estimated Release May 2021
Transformers: Kingdom Leader Class ULTRA MAGNUS (Earth Mode)
Estimated Release May 2021
Transformers: Kingdom Voyager Class INFERNO
Estimated Release May 2021
S.H. Figuarts Avengers Assemble HULK
Estimated Release June 2021


Takara Diaclone Reboot DA-69 Tri-Vers TRIDASHER SKY-BURST
Estimated Release April 2021
Flame Toys Furai Action OPTIMUS PRIMAL (Beast Wars)
Estimated Release April 2021
MakeToys MTRM-11EX METEOR
Estimated Release January 2021
S.H. Figuarts Dragon Ball Z FRIEZA FIRST FORM
Estimated Release May 2021


G.I. Joe Classified Series LADY JAYE
Estimated Release June 2021
G.I. Joe Classified Series FLINT
Estimated Release June 2021
DNA Design DK-19 WFC-E25 Upgrade Kits
Estimated Release January 2021
Marvel Legends Spider-Man Retro J. JONAH JAMESON
Estimated Release January 2021


Transformers STUDIO SERIES 86 Dinobot GRIMLOCK
Estimated Release Q2 2021
Transformers STUDIO SERIES 86 Voyager Class Decepticon SCOURGE
Estimated Release Q2 2021
Transformers STUDIO SERIES 86 Voyager Class Autobot HOT ROD
Estimated Release Q2 2021
Transformers STUDIO SERIES 86 Deluxe Class Autobot KUP
Estimated Release Q2 2021


Neca TMNT 1/4 Scale LEONARDO (1990 Movie)
Estimated Release Q2 2021
Neca TMNT 1/4 Scale MICHAELANGELO (1990 Movie)
Estimated Release Q2 2021
Neca TMNT 1/4 Scale RAPHAEL (1990 Movie)
Estimated Release Q2 2021
Neca TMNT 1/4 Scale DONATELLO (1990 Movie)
Estimated Release Q2 2021



ARRIVING SOON



Wei Jiang M-09 FIRE SCORPION
Arriving Soon!!!
Takara Tomy - Masterpiece MP-51 ARCEE
Arriving Soon!!!
Iron Factory EX42Z ABSOLUTE ZERO
Arriving Soon!!!
Planet X PX-22 COEUS
Arriving Soon!!!



NEW ARRIVALS



Toyworld TW-F01 KNIGHT ORION (Deluxe Version)
In Stock Now!!!
Blitzway Robo Carbotix Tri-Attack! Mechander Robo
In Stock Now!!!
S.H. Figuarts Dragon Ball Z PICCOLO Prideful Namekian
In Stock Now!!!
SEN-TI-NEL Fighting Armor IRON MAN
In Stock Now!!!


Takara Netflix X Transformers: Siege WFC-05 Scrapface
In Stock Now!!!
Marvel Legends Deluxe Retro BLACK CAT
In Stock Now!!!
Scifigure Industry Craft Series CS-01 LUMITENT J20
In Stock Now!!!
Bandai Imagination Works DBZ 1/9 Scale SON GOKU
In Stock Now!!!


Flame Toys Transformers STAR SABER
In Stock Now!!!
TransFormMission M01 HAVOC Auto Samurai Combiner Set (Metallic Version)
In Stock Now!!!
Iron Factory EX46 HONESKUMOKI
In Stock Now!!!
Mastermind Creations R-45 MNEMO and MOTIF
In Stock Now!!!


MakeToys MTRM-09R DOWNBEAT Premium Version
In Stock Now!!!
Takara Tomy - Masterpiece MP-50 TIGATRON (BEAST WARS)
In Stock Now!!!
X-Transbots MX-18E DR EGG
In Stock Now!!!
Fans Toys FT-31C SPOILER (2020 Reissue)
In Stock Now!!!


Magic Square Toys B18X+ LIGHT OF JUSTICE (Metallic+)
In Stock Now!!!
Master Made SDT-01 TITAN w/ST-03 Statue Add-On
In Stock Now!!!
Mastermind Creations R-44 TORTOR
In Stock Now!!!
Takara Tomy - Masterpiece MP-39+ Spinout
In Stock Now!!!


S.H. Figuarts IRON MAN MK I (Birth of Iron Man)
In Stock Now!!!
EasternModel Toys A.T.K.Girl Scorpion
In Stock Now!!!
Mastermind Creations R-19 KULTUR (2020 Reissue)
In Stock Now!!!
S.H. Figuarts BATMAN 1989
In Stock Now!!!


Master Made SDT-07 RENJIE (Deluxe Version)
In Stock Now!!!
Flame Toys Transformers STAR SABER
In Stock Now!!!
Magic Square Toys G01 PEACH GIRL
In Stock Now!!!
NewAge H21W KARATE KID w/3 Minions
In Stock Now!!!


NewAge H21B DR. No w/3 Minions
In Stock Now!!!
Transform Element TE-03 SPEED STAR
In Stock Now!!!
Flame Toys Kuro Kara Kuri Transformers TARN (2020 Reissue)
In Stock Now!!!
GCreation GDW-02 REBEL (2020 Reissue)
In Stock Now!!!


Star Wars Black Series Credit Collection CARA DUNE
In Stock Now!!!
Star Wars Vintage Collection THE MANDALORIAN (Carbonized)
In Stock Now!!!
Star Wars Black Series Credit Collection THE MANDALORIAN
In Stock Now!!!
Star Wars Black Series THE ARMORER EX
In Stock Now!!!


Be sure to check out all the latest release dates on our Pre-orders Calendar

For all the latest Transformer Related news, subscribe to our pages below.

1995 McDonalds Toy Documents Reveal Early Development Concepts for Beast Wars

Date: Saturday, January 2nd 2021 1:54am CST
Category: Toy News
Posted by: Sabrblade

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Views: 38,739

Instagram user Nathan of RoboticPlanetToys has posted scans of several never-before-seen documents from 1995 for the McDonalds Happy Meal toys of Beast Wars. User Vexwing of The Allspark has written a detailed article providing much information about these scans, which reveal many early concepts from the Beast Wars toyline's initial development.

I will let Vexwing's words speak for themselves, since he has been planning this reveal with Nathan for quite some time:

Beast Wars! 1995 McDonald’s Toy Document Gives Us a Previously Unseen Look at Early Franchise Development and Several Unused Toy Concepts!

Warm up your transwarp drive and grab some drive-through, because we’re heading to the bygone era of 1995 to catch a glimpse at Transformers history! To a time before it was even called…BEAST WARS!

Thanks to Nathan at RoboticPlanetToys on Instagram who acquired a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy presentation binder at auction and has given us scans of the Transformers content within. I say “Transformers” because not only do these concept pages use the Generation 2 logo, the name “Beast Wars” was seemingly not decided upon yet, as it appears nowhere in the document. While we know Hasbro/Kenner initially intended Optimus Primal and Megatron to be the original G1 characters before the show opted to make them new individuals, this document reinforces that, as this predates the change from “Prime” to “Primal” in the toyline proper. Also noteworthy is this was apparently before the faction name “Maximal” was decided upon, as the document states Megatron leads the Predacons while Optimus Prime leads the “Cyberbeasts”.

In the earliest part of the document, several sketches of what would become mainline toys are featured, some with preliminary names, such as Snapper being referred to as “Buzzsaw”, and Scorponok being labeled as “Shockwave”. However, the most interesting thing in this section is the design that would become Cheetor being referred to as “Prowl” while utilizing the color scheme reminiscent of the McDonald’s toy that would ultimately see release as “Panther”. It’s often been suspected that the decision to deco the deluxe toy that became Cheetor as a cheetah may have been a decision that occurred after the sculpting phase was complete; it seems it may have originally been intended to be a panther version of G1 Prowl, which would explain Cheetor’s very Prowl-like head sculpt.

Also mentioned in the document is the pitch for “Auto-Rollers” as the potential auto-transformation gimmick (another carry-over from G2), including four vehicle mode ones, which unfortunately were not included in the document; though Nathan managed to grab an image of the moon buggy Prowl from another auction listing.

Check out the images mirrored below, which include concept sketches of toys that saw release, some that didn’t like sea turtle and dragonfly versions of Megatron, and some that were originally conceived as different characters—like the Predacon Manta Ray who was originally intended to be Optimus Prime! Oh, and a concept sketch for a lion Optimus Prime that pre-dates Lio Convoy, as well as the evolution of the Under-3 toy from a G1-themed Optimus to the lion head that ultimately saw release!

Here are the document scans, complete with Nathan's own comments for each:

It's nearly the 25 year anniversary for Transformers Beast Wars, the Kingdom line has brought the toys back to major retailer shelves, the Masterpiece line slowly brings fantastically accurate robot and animal modes to collectors, and the recent Japanese Beast Wars Generations book has provides wonderful background information about the development of the line. What better time to reveal previously unseen Beast Wars concepts courtesy of a McDonald's presentation binder! Did you know before they were Maximals lead by Optimus Primal, they were known as the Cyberbeasts, and Optimus Prime was their leader? Additionally, two other alternative McDonald's promotions were being considered, the Creature Autorollers and Vehicle Autorollers. Stay tuned for more posts showing off these unreleased concepts that will certainly contain surprises for even then biggest Beast Wars fans.
Also, don't worry Littlest Pet Shop fans, lots of reveals will be presented after this Beast Wars series.

Starting off this series from the McDonalds concept binder, you'll be familiar with the alligator Megatron, but might be surprised that no only is the bat Optimus known as Optimus Prime, but there was a possible plan for a lion Optimus well before Lio Convoy from the Japanese Beast Wars II series existed. Also notice Scorponok was named Shockwave and Snapper was named Buzzsaw. Lastly the generically named "Panther' toy at one time had a familiar Transformers name: Prowl.
Only Prowl/Panther' made it to Happy Meals in 1996, Scorponok in 1998, and Optimus & Megatron made appearances on the happy Meal boxes. The other concepts though give a peek at alternative ideas Hasbro/Kenner was considering strongly enough to relay to their licensees. Would "Shockwave" been fitting for Scorponok? Trukk not Liun???

The Beast Wars Creature Auto Rollers was an entire concept line that never made it off paper. Check out these cool illustrations of potential toys that would have completely changed the McDonald's Beast Wars Happy Meal promotion.

The last proposed Happy Meal Transformers were not the familiar Beast Wars animals, and would have included Prowl, Starscream, Hound and Rumble as Vehicle Auto Rollers, functionally similar to the Creature Auto Rollers. Sadly when I acquired the McDonald's concept binder it only included this description page. The moon buggy Prowl picture was eventually found online, but I was unable to reach the owner to recover that page or find out if they have the others.

Here it is, the last two pages of the McDonald's Transformers Beast Wars Happy Meal concept binder. The proposed, but unreleased Under 3 toy was a very G1 looking Optimus Prime toy. Quite a bit different than the unnamed final product that better aligned with the Beast Wars theme.

... but wait, there is more to come! I will have another series of posts from a subsequent iteration of concepts for the same Beast Wars promotion, and it gets a lot more colorful too. Stay tuned!

In April 1996, one year after the previous Beast Wars Happy Meal concepts were presented Vehicle Auto Rollers were out, and character decisions and toy colors were being refined. Take a look at these pictures of Megatron as a Sea Turtle, and Optimus Prime as what would become Predacon Manta Ray. I have no information suggesting if these were original ideas by McDonald's or if Hasbro provided some input.
Who do you think would win in an aquatic robot battle?

Beast Wars Megatron concepts didn't stop with the Sea Turtle shown in my last post! A dragonfly Megatron was also being considered that had some interesting wasp-like coloring. Swipe to see the other pictures of a brilliantly colored Iguanus, as well as Panther/Prowl in nearly final colors.
Next up I'll be posting what all these characters would have looked like as Creature Auto Rollers.

Next in this series of McDonald's Beast Wars concepts is the familiar characters from my last post, but now as Creature Auto Rollers. Nothing too surprising except some color changes. Unfortunately this is the last that's seen of the Creature Auto Rollers, as the fold out toy concept moved on into product. One more post remains in this series and it may be quite a surprise. Stay tuned!

Here it is, the last post of the McDonald's Transformers Beast Wars concept series. If you remember way back to the second post of the series, I showed line art of Optimus Prime/Primal as a fold out lion toy. Later I showed an alternate Under 3 toy concept of a G1 Optimus Head. Of course that means Under 3 was indeed supposed to Optimus Prime, and here is the evidence of that. The robot head on the produced toy certainly resembles Optimus' masked face and crown, but the lack an actual name for the toy, and the early Optimus lion toy concept are two pieces of the production history that finally identity Under 3.

To add my own two cents to all of this, the Prowl/Panther concept brings new insight to this early Cheetor concept sketch:



This artwork was scanned from the Beast Wars Reborn Golden Disk CD-ROM, and when it recently appeared in the Beast Generations book the book's text accompanying it referred to its beast mode as a cougar.

Evidently, this Prowl concept is the origin of both the Cheetor toy and the McDonalds Panther toy, explaining why they both have a very Prowl-like robot head.


Transformers Beast Wars Cheetor Gallery

Transformers Beast Wars Panther Gallery


And now that we know that McDonalds Panther and Manta Ray were originally supposed to have been Prowl and Optimus Prime, respectively, it is likely that Beetle was supposed to have been Megatron and Rhino was Rhinox.


Transformers Beast Wars Manta Ray Gallery

Transformers Beast Wars Beetle Gallery

Transformers Beast Wars Rhino Gallery

Seibertron's 2020 Year End Review

Date: Saturday, January 2nd 2021 1:41am CST
Categories: Site Articles, Editorials
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 70,518

Seibertron's 2020 Year End Review

On this glorious 1st of January 2021, we said goodbye to 2020 and while there are no wishes of faring well to that year, it did give us quite a bit of Transformers product. Gone are the years of just one line on the shelves to support whatever show is on, we had several lines celebrating current and past Transformers eras. This year gave us an Arcee for every line as well as the best deluxe Bumblebee figures (plural), among a myriad of other toys, and now we look back on all of that. Please share us your thoughts with what your picks would be for each category.




Deluxe Thunderhowl. Unique transformation and weapon storage in wolf mode. - Bounti76

Ultra Rack'n'Ruin. I haven't had much experience with the Cyberverse figures, but I did get to play with a fellow collector's Rack'n'Ruin figure earlier this year. It's got some fun play gimmicks, but the obvious draw is that this is the first toy version of the character, though the Cybertron redesign does differ quite a bit from the original G1 character model. Here's hoping we get a repaint of Earthrise Doublecrosser as Rack'n'Ruin at some point!-Wolfman Jake

Deluxe Arcee. Arcee was a super fun character on the show, especially thanks to VA, Jaime Lamchick, and the toy conveys her lax and gunslinging personality well. With the other crappy Arcee toys this year, having one with a manageable (and actually accurate!) backpack, along with other pros, this one easily takes the cake. Greatly posable, real dynamic, and hey, she comes with an actually useful Maccadam part (hammer)! -notsoalex

Tiny Turbo Changers Sharkticon/the Sharkticons from that one set with black one-step Rodimus. They are just too adorable for words. It's too bad Tiny Turbo Changers badically don't exist in America anymore, as this means troopbuilding opportunities are limited. -ScottyP

I really like deluxe Arcee. The alt mode is a really cute take and the robot mode is very show accurate, right down to how the backpack looks. - William-james88

Hard to call between Ultra Class Thunderhowl and...Actually, scratch that, I'm just calling it for Thunderhowl! -ZeroWolf






Tie between Devastator as a whole, and the Chromia, Elita-1, and Arcee 3 pack. Hasbro showed us that at the complete opposite ends of the scale, they can do well engineered toys. Plus we FINALLY get movie Elita-1 in her proper altmode. - Bounti76

Leadfoot. This guy has been a long time coming. The original Deluxe Leadfoot figure's release was cancelled in most markets, so there was no way to complete the Wrecker trio at that scale unless you imported the scarce Takara Tomy version. More importantly, the figure is well designed, fun to transform, armed to the teeth, and oozing with "Nascar" charm. Although pre-order quantities were limited for this Target exclusive in the U.S., Studio Series Leadfoot was a rare success story in brick-and-mortar availability, unlike many other Transformers retailer exclusives this year. -Wolfman Jake

Devastator. This one might be cheating, but Hasbro released it as one boxset so it's one toy in my book! Absolute behemoth comprised of multiple great toys on their own. He feels like an event or a spectacle. It's amazing we finally have an awesome toy of this big action set-piece from a crap movie. No mark against the toy, this set is amazing, with a giant combined robot mode! -notsoalex

Overload. Even if the combiner is ugly as sin, the Devastator journey is finally over and the individual robots we got out of it all rock. -ScottyP

Got to be Devastator, a true beast of a combiner. -ZeroWolf

Movie 1 Megatron for me. I remember loathing the original toy from 2007, and disliking the design in general, which I have adressed in my top 5 worst lists. Hasbro really went out of their way here to give us an involved transformation with distinctive looks for both modes and they didn't cheap out on the paint. -william-james88







Deluxe Cliffjumper. Even though the figure is small, he's got some amazing engineering and fantastic paint- almost all the Red seen on him is paint. Mini-Masterpiece indeed. - Bounti76

Scorponok. It's boring to pick the Titan, but Scorponok is outstanding and is maybe the most well-rounded, fully realized entry to the Titan Class ever. -ScottyP

Voyager Starscream. This figure has been an even longer time coming! We waited nearly 14 years for a new G1-styled "Seeker" figure. The original, and prolific, Classics 2006 mold was great, but too small. Many fans dreamed of an "upscale" of that figure. Now it's finally here, and I couldn't be happier. Starscream is easily one of the "Mini Masterpieces" that many, including myself, have been raving about since the beginning of the War for Cybertron Trilogy. -Wolfman Jake

Earthrise gave us a lot that I am thankful for but I think my favourite is Snap Dragon. Triple changers always have a weak mode out of the three but I find this one is solid all around. I was waiting quite a while for this toy (ever since Hasbro made all their voyagers triple changes in titans Return) so I am glad my patience paid off. -william-james88

Commander Class Sky Lynx. Such a fun toy, nothing complicated, satisfying joints and transformation, looks great in all its modes (along with a base mode that isn't terrible), and it's friggin' Sky Lynx! He is the best. -notsoalex

Has to be his magnificence, Sky Lynx. A fantastic update. -ZeroWolf






Night Club Dance-frenzy Rung. It even included a bonus Ultra Magnus accessory! -ScottyP

Netflix Soundwave. He is amazingly well done, and finally turns into his G1 altmode. And though I'm a sucker for toy accuracy, I love that he has his red visor. - Bounti76

Walmart Netflix War for Cybertron Trilogy Bumblebee. This little guy is a big deal. Many fans anticipated an eventual Bumblebee redeco of Earthrise Cliffjumper, himself a very satisfying figure, but no one could guess that Hasbro would get the license to use the classic G1 Volkswagen Beetle! This is the BEST iteration of G1 Bumblebee we've gotten in a mass-market modern Transformers line, and to think, this time Bumblebee is the redeco and retool! Again, this is a "Mini Masterpiece" of a figure, right down to the real world vehicle mode details. -Wolfman Jake

Hasbro finally released Prime Breakdown. FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh and he comes with jet vehicon, another toy they never released? Well, I won't say no. -william-james88

Pulse exclusive War for Cybertron Trilogy Deluxe Centurion Drone. The Brunt mold is easily the best Siege Weaponizers in my opinion and having the toy in nicer colors is, well, nice. It is good to see the robot mode in the ACTUAL colors it was made for, y'know? Not only is the toy great, but the accessory pack is also great fun. Some of it is a bit... useless to me, but others really help enhance their respective toy. -notsoalex

The Pulse Exclusive 10th Anniversary Prime Jet Vehicon and Breakdown Boxset, a very nice surprise for once! -Zerowolf






With Piranacon, we finally got the last of the Scramble City style combiners. The level of deco and paint on these figures is insane, Skalor/Gulf in particular. The figures are great on their own, but then combined into Piranacon, it's somehow cranked up a notch. Out of any of the CW style combiners, he just has PRESENCE that the others don't. And then they gave us Selects God Neptune out of that. The paint on that figure is stunning, and painstakingly accurate to the original Beast Wars II toys. Plus we got remakes of toys from a Japanese only cartoon. How's that for obscure toy lovers? Also, the fact that Scylla got some major retooling is pretty impressive. - Bounti76

Netflix Optimus Prime. While Earthrise Prime looked good, I was not interested in another trailer, and I didn,t like the grey on the legs reminding us all that the lower half was using recycled bits from the Siege mold with vestigial parts. But along came the Netflix release which gave me pretty much what I wanted in the first place. I now got to experience this excellent mold. -william-james88

Earthrise Optimus Prime. Yes, this challenges what it means to be a "retool." Earthrise Optimus Prime shares much of the truck bed assembly with Siege Optimus Prime, while creating a brand new mold for the truck cab, resulting in a new transformation that is even more interesting than that of the Siege version, and even more accurate to the original cartoon's stylings. Like Starscream, we've been waiting since the Classics line back in 2006 to have a proper modern update of G1 Optimus Prime. As good as some of the "re-interpretations" have been in the Generations lines, no collection is truly complete without a "definitive" Optimus Prime, and this is it. Dare I say it once more, but Earthrise Optimus Prime is truly a "Mini Masterpiece." - Wolfman Jake

Netflix/War for Cybertron Trilogy Deluxe Class Bumblebee. I didn't really think the Earthrise Cliffjumper mold was worth the asking price, but I still got his other 3 reuses at full price, no respect for myself and all that. Do I regret it, not a chance, all of them are great toys and improve upon the original, especially Bumblebee. He gets the distinction of turning into the first licensed vehicle in years (or maybe the first in general?), at least for mainline-ish G1-update toys. Excellent 70's Volkswagen Beetle mode and an extremely fun robot mode. Sweet boy. -notsoalex

Super Megatron elevates the TR Galvatron mold to an amazing level and accomplishes some crazy feats along the way. Never thought we'd see this toy but I'm so glad we did -ScottyP

Netflix Transformers War for Cybertron Spoiler Pack 2# Nemesis Prime. The choice to use the Siege Prime mold with the trailer was inspired, meaning that Nemesis owns the mold for himself. -Zerowolf






Mp-50 Tigatron is the standout. I really love how massive that toy is and how we get a similar looking robot mode to Cheetor's (as it should be) but a totally different transformation. I am really happy Takara did not go the easy way out on this one. william-james88

MPM Ratchet. It only took 13 years to get a decent, screen accurate version of Ratchet, and kibble in altmode aside, it was worth the wait. - Bounti76

MP-50 Tigatron, almost by default! It was a slow year for Masterpiece with most of the releases being repaints. MPM's entries were both ok and Lio Convoy was fun, but Tigatron delivered in every way for me. A complex but not impossibly so transformation, excellent sculpting and a heavy dose of presence make this the real Tiger King. -ScottyP





Transformers: Galaxies comic. I wish this was an ongoing series, because I find it much more engaging and interesting than the main series. - Bounti76

War for Cybertron Trilogy - SIEGE. I liked it. Ditto with EARTHRISE. - Wolfman Jake

Cyberverse Chapter 3/Bumblebee Cyberverse Adventures. Woof, what an exciting journey from beginning to end. I forgot what it felt like to have good on-screen Transformers media! IDW2 narrowly made it, but I had to lend it to Cyberverse, especially season 3. This "Chapter" blew me away with a fun team dynamic, actual stakes with threatening villains, great dialogue and storytelling, and an all-around fun time. Looking forward to the Cyberverse TV movies! -notsoalex

Cyberverse Season 3 and nothing else even came to mind. This is possibly the only highlight in an extremely bad year for storytelling in the Transformers universe. Honorable mention to the Transformers manga volumes from Viz as the other bright spot in our darkest hour. -ScottyP

Has to be Transformers Cyberverse Season 3, it upped the ante significantly, and proved that Cyberverse was far from what first impressions made of it. -ZeroWolf

Cyberverse season 3 was a blast. That first half was excellent with a really great take on Hot Rod becoming the hero in the most organic way we have ever seen in Transformers media. I know a lot of fans have been asking for a reboot of G1 and this is it. Plus, since it's a kids show (just as G1 was), it's a great way to introduce your passion to your kids. -william-james88






Cyberverse Clobber. Her transformation is both interesting enough for adults, and easy enough for kids. Plus, I always enjoy fembots who don't look typically feminine. - Bounti76

Cyberverse 1-Step Whirl. This was a hard one as I don't own many easy-to-transform toys, so I chose the only one I own, but it is a really good one. Whirl then, it's a shame his last toy was just fine, not really scratching that MTMTE itch, and surprisingly, this 1-Step does! Cyberverse Whirl himself is a fun guy, thanks to the voice-work of Jeremy Levy, and the toy brings that light hearted-ness! Fun and addictive transformation, certainly a good pick-up. -notsoalex

Cyberverse Battle Call Optimus Prime. I would have loved this to pieces when I was 6. -ScottyP

Rescue Bots Dragster Chase, i will let this picture speak for itself. -william-james88




Worst Transformers Toy of the Year

Any Micromaster. They have extremely limited articulation, limited usability, and they took up peg space that could have been better utilized. The only exception is Blast Master and Fuzer, and only because of their very cool combined mode. - Bounti76

Earthrise Arcee. It's bad, folks. It's better as Netflix Elita One, despite the new shoulder clearance issues introduced with that remold, since it's at least painted adequately. Arcee doesn't even have her face painted to contrast with her white helmet. Even Lifeline, the Paradron Medic, got that much.
- Wolfman Jake

Earthrise Arcee/Netflix Elita 1- these two can share the award, and I just can't square the circle that these were from the same designers as all the other Earthrise toys. Better Arcee toys exist in the Deluxe Class, and no doubt will in the future. -ZeroWolf

Earthrise Quintesson Judge. I don't own the exact toy, I own the superior colored and also pre-assembled WFC Pit of Judgement Judge, though flavoring in what others have said, the Earthrise Judge is not a good toy! I understand the toy isn't supposed to do much, it's a Quintesson Judge, some goofy design that isn't Really Anything after-all, but what they chose to do with it is... boggling. Too much partforming and balancing pieces onto other pieces, and it doesn't even look good! Just keep it in the Judge mode, yeah, at least, IF you can. The horror stories about those faces, yeesh. Feel bad for the folks that spent a ton of time into a toy that comes out as just ok-to-bad. Also, was it asking too much to have all of the faces have moving mouths? I guess so! -notsoalex

Earthrise Arcee for being an action figure strapped to the flimsy shell of a space car. Arcee is a wonderful character but this toy was terrible. -ScottyP

Netflix Elita 1. I know people say it has the better deco but it adds an extra annoyance of limited posing due to remolded shoulders, making a really bad toy become even worse. -william-james88

Rumours Abound with Tarantulus, Earth Mode Mirage + Lambos, BW II Skywarp, Dinobots and More

Date: Friday, January 1st 2021 10:34pm CST
Categories: Toy News, Rumors
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 78,928

Ok so a lot to unpack here and please remember, these are rumours, not facts. Also, since some rumours go into 2022, it could be that this is what is planned now and it could change between now and then. Like how Gnaw and Brawn were slated for T30 releases and how Titans Return Alpha Trion was gonna be released prior to the TR line without the extra ship mode.

With that preamble out of the way, here are the rumours currently floating around on the internet from various sources (which we will not name directly in case they wish to not be named) which we have compiled here for you.

There will be a lot of exclusives coming, as there have been in previous years. However, Hasbro will be changing it a bit to help Americans who may not have access to those retailers. Usually, all stock of exclusives are sent to the buyer (that being the retailer) but now Hasbro will keep 5% of the stock to sell via Hasbro pulse. So if you have no Walgreens near you, you could buy it on Pulse. But remember, 95% of that toy's stock is still going to Walgreens.

Walgreens exclusive for 2021 is Earth Mode Red Alert

Two Amazon multipacks coming in 2021, Earth Mode Sideswipe (retool) + Beast Wars Grimlock (voyager BW Dinobot redeco) and Earth Mode Mirage (same mold, new deco) + Beast Wars II Skywarp (the eagle figure that was part of Magnaboss but it doesn't combine)

A rerelease of MPM Barricade and MPM 77 Camaro Bumblebee will be part of the Target exclusive Buzzworthy toy line.

Speaking of that line, it will most probably include other iterations of Bumblebee, like his animated form.

Now the next rumour sounds the toughest to believe yet but here it is, there will supposedly be a whole Shatterred Glass line exclusive to Hasbro Pulse. The characters in that line are said to be Jetfire, Megatron, Starscream and Goldbug.

Beast Wars Megatron is rumoured to have 2 upcoming redecos: T-Wrecks and the T-rex from Jurassic park one (probably another of those Crossover toys). They are both exclusives.

There will be 3 additional exclusive seekers based on the Studio Series Bumblebee Movie Starscream mold and they will all be exclusive:

Thundercracker is Amazon exclusive
Skywarp is Walmart exclusive
Thrust is Target Exclusive

While many are hoping for a beast wars Inferno, Tarantulus and Terrorsaur (still the number 1 character Hasbro has yet to do justice to) 2022 will only give us Tarantulus. It will not be based on the Blackarachnia mold. The Crococilde Fossilizer may still happen.

There will be Sweeps (based on Scourge mold of course) and Junkions coming, the line they will be released in is not certain (since now there are 3 lines where a G1 character can be found).

All remaining G1 Dinobots will eventually see the light of day.

There will be an SS86 Coronation Starscream with remolded shoulders and wings in 2022 (this presumes that it will be the same mold at Earthrise Starscream).

Oh and ER 28 was supposed to be Earth Mode Sideswipe


Transformers Beast Wars Grimlock Gallery

Pictorial Review for Transformers Buzzworthy Bumblebee and Spike + Comparisons to Bumble Jumper

Date: Friday, January 1st 2021 9:25pm CST
Category: Toy News
Posted by: william-james88 | Credit(s): SegaGenesis and twichy

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Views: 28,010

The new Buzzworthy Bumblebee and Spike two pack was found at Target recently and in hand images are coming out now. What is fascinating about this brand new mold is that the alt mode is spot on with the G1 yellow minibot car, a toy we now call Bumper or Bumble Jumper. You can see the images below. We also see images showing that the "wings" can be either really pushed back so as not to mess with the silhouette as much or even completely removed.

The images come to us from SegaGenesis and twichy who posted on the TFW boards.

- I got it for 14.99 at target in la puente CA. Its decent. The tabs and plastic feel like they may break off easily. It rolls really well. It has G1 head, of it had cyberverse head, I would have passed.

- The exo suit sucks for not having wheels. That butt flap isn't really a transformation. The grey head dome is blah. Has no leg articulation. Head masters have more articulation than this. You can see the thighs have molded on pin holes for the cancelled leg articulation. They didn't even bother to eliminate that from the CAD before opening the molds.

- The wings can be detacted by pushing them (photo shows this below)

- Gun handle is 3mm.