Transformers Digital Media News on Seibertron.com

Transformers 40th Anniversary Includes Collaboration with Funko, Ghostbusters and the Masked Singer

Date: Thursday, February 8th 2024 1:31pm CST
Categories: Toy News, Event News, Press Releases, Digital Media News, Collectables
Posted by: william-james88

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Views: 82,350

Below is a press release from Hasbro regarding all activities and products that tie into the 40th Anniversary of the Transformers brand. There is another confirmation that the Transformers 1 movie comes out September 13 and it is revealed that there will be a Transformers themed episode of the Masked Singer. In terms of collectibles, they confirm that we are getting more Transformers Funko Pops and they reveal a non transforming Optimus Prime in Ecto 1 colours from Jada.

HASBRO CELEBRATES TRANSFORMERS 40th ANNIVERSARY WITH MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE PRODUCTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND MORE

For 40 years, the TRANSFORMERS franchise has continuously adapted and redefined itself, culminating in one legacy across generations through innovative products, captivating entertainment, inspiring licensed partnerships, and engaging publishing projects

PAWTUCKET, R.I. – FEB. 6, 2024 – Hasbro, a leading toy and game company, today announced its plans to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the beloved TRANSFORMERS franchise.

TRANSFORMERS made its worldwide debut in 1984 with its revolutionary robot-to-vehicle action figures, bolstered by a comic book series and an action-packed animated series, The Transformers. The launch was a massive hit, and it introduced characters like Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Megatron, Starscream, and others who became fan favorites and the ultimate heroes and villains of Cybertron. Today, hundreds of robots continue to join the franchise and illustrate the brand’s core ability to change and adapt to new environments while offering a variety of ways to play for a new generation of fans.

“Beloved since its inception in 1984, TRANSFORMERS has evolved from an innovative toy line into a powerhouse franchise embraced by millions of fans around the world,” said Alyse D’Antuono, Vice President, Global Franchise Strategy & Management, Action Brands, Hasbro. “The past four decades continuously delivered a … More Than Meets The Eye experience for fans by introducing new toys and games, as well as thrilling storytelling in animated shows, comics, blockbuster films and much more. As we build the next chapter in the TRANSFORMERS universe, we look forward to celebrating one legacy for another 40 years.”

“When you have a franchise that goes 40 years in this business, it’s pretty remarkable,” said TRANSFORMERS voice-over talent and original voice of Megatron, Frank Welker, “to watch the franchise just build and build and build it is amazing to watch.” Added fellow voice cast member and original voice of Optimus Prime, Peter Cullen, “I’ve always had the feeling this was going to go a long time.”

Drawing inspiration from the brand’s origins in 1984, Hasbro will launch an exciting array of products, promotions, experiences and action-packed content throughout 2024, allowing new generations to discover where it all began.

Products:

Hasbro Pulse recently revealed the next HasLab of powerful proportions. Fans can back this TRANSFORMERS HasLab project, Transformers: Legacy Robots in Disguise 2001 Omega Prime, until March 14, 2024, at 11:59 PM EST. If fully funded, the project will begin shipping in Fall 2025. More information can be found on HasbroPulse.com.
Over 40 distinct Hasbro TRANSFORMERS anniversary figures will be available across the year-long celebration. Each product packaging will be branded with the TRANSFORMERS 40th anniversary logo, including the recently revealed TRANSFORMERS Generations Comic Edition Shockwave and Grimlock figures. In March, Hasbro Pulse will kick off the 40th anniversary with a Hasbro Pulse Fanstream and weekly fan-focused content.
With the first robot figures “capable of disguising themselves as vehicles, planes, weapons, and communication devices” landing on shelves in April 1984, Hasbro set out to strengthen the TRANSFORMERS brand with multiple partner licensees. Early licensed products included sticker books, TV trays, dinnerware, school folders, notebooks, records and tape sets, gumball banks, kites, and Halloween costumes. Decades later, the brand continues to expand with new licensing, publishing, promotions and entertainment that will be available throughout the year-long celebration.

Music

Fans can jam out with the TRANSFORMERS 40th anniversary vinyl album, ‘Hasbro presents Transformers: Music from the Original Animated Series,’ featuring music from 1984’s The TRANSFORMERS classic animated series (seasons 1-3). Originally released in 2019 with over 45 minutes of music, this reissue album includes bonus tracks and a mixture of remastered orchestral and ‘80s inspired synth tracks from the original tapes by composer Rob Walsh. The album will also be available digitally for the first time across all digital music platforms. Pre-orders open July 26.
JLab – The TRANSFORMERS 40th anniversary collection includes headphones from top audio maker JLab. The collection includes the newly released JLab JBuds Lux ANC Headphones, providing immersive sound and incredible comfort to TRANSFORMERS fans. It also includes a more compact listening experience with new 2024 active noise canceling true wireless earbuds, the JLab JBuds ANC 3 model. For more information visit http://www.jlab.com.
Fashion

Mad Engine – A new line of t-shirts has been created for the TRANSFORMERS 40th anniversary, which features artwork based on the original TRANSFORMERS comics as well as new designs to commemorate the milestone. Fans can find the full assortment now on Amazon.com.
RSVLTS – A collection inspired by TRANSFORMERS 40th anniversary is coming soon from apparel brand RSVLTS.
Toys & Collectibles

Robosen – Robosen is thrilled to not only kick off a huge year in 2024 with Hasbro but, more importantly, utilize the excitement and anticipation of the 40th anniversary of TRANSFORMERS with the launch of its most anticipated robot sequel since the Flagship Optimus Prime.
Jada Toys – Two new 1:24 scale die-cast vehicle mash-ups inspired by TRANSFORMERS and Ghostbusters brands will arrive this Fall: HWR Ghostbusters Ecto-1 with Optimus Prime G1 graphics (Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99) and HWR G1 Optimus Prime with Ghostbusters Ecto-1 graphics (Ages 8 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99). Vehicles feature premium sculpt and paint finishes, as well as highly detailed interiors, exteriors and more.
Super7 – New characters in Blind Box, ReAction, and Super Cyborg formats will be available for purchase starting this Fall on Super7.com, HasbroPulse.com, as well as other major retailers, including Amazon, Target, BigBadToy Store, Entertainment Earth, Macy’s and more. Follow Super7’s social media channels for product announcements and launch timing.
Funko – Fans can look forward to additional TRANSFORMERS x Pop! figures this Summer.
FiGPiN – FiGPiN is re-launching their XL collectible enamel pins featuring Optimus Prime and Megatron in a 6″ format. Each pin comes with an exclusive FiGPiN Logo as well as updated packaging to enhance your display. These will be available on FiGPiN.com late spring.
New Zealand Mint: In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the beloved TRANSFORMERS series, Hasbro and New Zealand Mint are excited to unveil a limited edition, pure silver collectible of the first Transformers comic cover. This exclusive piece is not only a nod to the enduring legacy of the TRANSFORMERS universe but also a testament to the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail that New Zealand Mint is renowned for. The release of this collectible marks the beginning of an exciting series of TRANSFORMERS-themed coins, designed to captivate both long-time enthusiasts and new fans alike.
threezero – The limited-edition Transformers MDLX Optimus Prime (Vintage Animation Edition), Transformers MDLX Bumblebee (Vintage Animation Edition), and Transformers MDLX Megatron (Vintage Animation Edition) are threezero’s redesigned versions of the classic TRANSFORMERS characters in celebration of TRANSFORMERS 40th anniversary. They feature incredible detailing and a new vintage animation-inspired color scheme with new decals. The Transformers MDLX Vintage Animation Edition line of figures is based on the original 1980s The TRANSFORMERS cartoon and toy line, as redesigned by threezero Art Director Kelvin Sau.
These figures will be available at selected distribution partners worldwide, threezero Store, and threezero Tmall. A limited first batch of 100 units will be available for on-site purchase at the threezero booth on the opening day of TF Con LA on March 8th.

Publishing

Skybound Entertainment – New comic books and graphic novel collections based on the TRANSFORMERS series will be released this year. As part of the new shared Energon Universe from visionary creator Robert Kirkman, TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and Void Rivals characters come together for a truly special comic book experience that has broken industry sales records. A new graphic novel compendium series collecting the landmark TRANSFORMERS series from Marvel Comics will also launch Fall 2024.


Dynamite Entertainment – Collect a new set of nearly 200 premium trading cards featuring fan-favorite characters from the TRANSFORMERS brand’s “Generation 1” era, showcasing classic art styles from an international array of top artists and Hasbro’s design archives. More information and product previews will be shared in the future.
Promotions

Monro – One of the United States’ leading automotive service and tire providers will offer TRANSFORMERS-themed auto service packages now through March 31. The program will include special offers, giveaways and more at participating Monro locations. For more information, visit https://corporate.monro.com/overview/default.aspx.


Entertainment

The 40th anniversary celebration shifts into high gear with Paramount’s highly-anticipated animated projects released this year with the second season of the original kids series TRANSFORMERS: EARTHSPARK and TRANSFORMERS ONE, the first-ever fully CG-animated theatrical movie, debuting in theaters on September 13.
Fans can tune in to a special TRANSFORMERS-themed episode during Season 11 of The Masked Singer, premiering this Spring on Fox.


Updates on these projects and other special entertainment content planned during TRANSFORMERS 40th anniversary year will be coming soon.



For the latest information on the TRANSFORMERS , including toys and entertainment, follow @TRANSFORMERSOfficial on Instagram, @TransformersOfficial on Threads, @TRANSFORMERS on Facebook and @TRANSFORMERSOfficial on TikTok.

Fans can now watch the 1984 The TRANSFORMERS animated series HERE on the Hasbro Pulse YouTube Channel. Additionally, TRANSFORMERS photos and video content are available HERE.













About Hasbro

Hasbro is a leading toy and game company whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers engaging brand experiences for global audiences through toys, consumer products, gaming and entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, HasbroGaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands.

Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com.

About Hasbro Entertainment

Hasbro Entertainment leverages Hasbro’s leading collection of iconic brands to develop, produce, and finance premium film, television, animation, and digital content for audiences of all ages. Unifying Hasbro’s robust production expertise under one umbrella, Hasbro Entertainment is focused on creating multi-platform adaptations of the company’s brands, including such beloved worlds as DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, NERF, PLAY-DOH, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, PEPPA PIG, and MY LITTLE PONY. Hasbro Entertainment has over 30 active projects, with upcoming titles including TRANSFORMERS ONE, a live-action Dungeons & Dragons series for Paramount+, and a broad slate of ongoing animated series, including Peppa Pig, Transformers: EarthSpark, Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes, and My Little Pony: Tell Your Tale. For more information on how Hasbro Entertainment is connecting and captivating generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling, visit: http://www.Hasbro.com



About TRANSFORMERS

The TRANSFORMERS brand is a global powerhouse franchise with millions of fans around the world. Since 1984, the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons has come to life in movies, TV shows, comic books, innovative toys, and digital media, bringing incredible “MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE” experiences to fans of all ages. The brand’s enduring connection is made possible by its rich storytelling and characters: the heroic Autobots who seek to protect all life, and the evil Decepticons who seek to conquer the universe. The TRANSFORMERS

Twincast / Podcast Episode #331 "Missing Link"

Date: Sunday, August 13th 2023 5:06pm CDT
Categories: Site News, Digital Media News, Podcast
Posted by: megatronus

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Views: 73,076

The Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast is back to attack the Transformers news of the day... or the last 2 weeks. Join Mini-con Leader ScottyP and miscreants Mr. Starscream, Aarnhide19 and Megatronus as we discuss how our worlds are in danger! However, there's no Cyber Planet Key to be found, so it seems we're up the creek.

Episode #331 “Missing Link” is available directly and in our RSS Feed, and should appear on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio and many other Podcatcher sites within 24 to 48 hours of when you see this news post.

Here's what we discuss in this episode:

• The launch of Takara's Optimus Prime has the Twincast crew in a tizzy. Is this innovation the revolution we've been looking for? Is it all hype? Who will get the Missing Link treatment next?
  
  
  
• We take a slight detour to Studio Series TFTM's first Commander Class figure: Ultra Magnus. After we get through the mechanics and features exciting us about Magnus, we move on to a few of the Optimus Primes giving us life.
  
  
  
• Word on the street is that Transformers Rise of the Beasts bottoms out with the lowest performing box office in the franchise. We sharpen our pencils and take out our calculators to investigate.
  
• Part 5 of our '40 by 40' segment is upon us: we travel in the way back machine to discuss our favorite Transformers release in a given year. The year is: 1988.
  
  
  
• We wrap up with a round of bragging rights that are warped right into space.
  

Twincast / Podcast Episode #210 "Super Cars"

Date: Sunday, October 21st 2018 10:40am CDT
Categories: Site News, Digital Media News, Podcast
Posted by: ScottyP

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Views: 31,532

The Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast picks up with the revised and expanded edition of what you heard about in episode 208, as Scotty P and Megatronus dive head first into the "Super Car" era of Transformers Masterpiece toys. This is the first chapter of this focused retrospective, covering the first two molds of the era and their various repaints and retoolings.

Episode #210 "Super Cars" is available directly and in our RSS Feed, and should appear on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher Radio within 24 to 48 hours of when you see this news post.

Here's what we talk about during this episode:

• We start things out with none other than MP-10 Convoy, and immediately jump in to comparisons with Hasbro's Masterpiece Optimus Prime. A full comparison of the various "standard" decos is available at this link.
  
• Black Convoy starts out the repaint talk, which features us just nearly forgetting about Platinum Edition Year of the Horse Optimus Prime!
• Even the odder repaints get talked about, along with the appeal of such non-standard pieces and where they fit in collections. BAPE, the Evangelion Crossover, and the recent 7-11 Convoy all get a look. And what's all this about a trailer?
• After an hour on the least car-like Autobot of the "Super Car" era, we finally move on to the toy that launched a revolution, MP-12 Lambor, more commonly known as Sideswipe.
  
• The retooled follow-up MP-14 Red Alert comes next in the discussion, and even includes some inaccurate speculation on the face designs from yours truly - see if you can find where I'm wrong and post the evidence of why by replying to this post. The truth is out there.
• 8 versions of the Lamborghini Countach Masterpiece mold have been released in total, and we look at all of them, from TF Expo Lambor, to Diaclone-like Clampdown and Tigertrack, on to G2 Sideswipe, then wrapping up with a quick look at the recent "+" versions of Sideswipe and Red Alert.
  
  
  Transformers Masterpiece G2 Sideswipe (G-2 Lambor) Gallery
• We finish up with short bragging rights and leave the recording going into some tired rambling about not much at all.

Stay tuned to future episodes for more Masterpiece retrospectives, as well as focused talk on the IDW comics as they wrap up their continuity.

Twincast / Podcast Episode #182 "Great Expectations"

Date: Saturday, August 19th 2017 1:36pm CDT
Categories: Site News, Digital Media News, Podcast
Posted by: ScottyP

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Views: 54,157

Welcome to the latest episode of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast. Intrepid host ScottyP is joined by RodimusConvoy13 and, in what is like the sighting of a rare, albino elk, Razorclaw0000! What wise Transformers insights will they drop on you in this episode? More than you can imagine, Optimus Prime.

Episode #182 "Great Expectations" is available directly and in our RSS Feed, and should appear on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher Radio within 24 to 48 hours of when you see this news post.

Once the usual pleasantries are out of the way, the team dives into the San Diego Comic Con 2017 exclusives. Ordering seemed to go pretty smoothly for the cast this year, what was your experience? We also take time to reminisce on past experiences with obtaining exclusives.



Moving onto more exclusives, the latest exclusive set from site sponsor Big Bad Toy Store has been released in the form of the Titans Return "Siege on Cybertron" box set, with preorders starting to be fulfilled. We discuss our thoughts on the set and how poor ScottyP waited too long and doesn't have a preorder. These are beginning to arrive at collectors' homes now, so if you got a chance to get in on this set let us know what you think of it by replying to this post!



Next up, RodimusConvoy13 fills us in on the recently announced MP-40 Targetmaster Hot Rodimus. Is a new deco and a Targetmaster enough to warrant a purchase of this fine Masterpiece? The various differences between MP-28 and MP-40 are discussed along with variances between Firebolts and MP Targetmasters in general. Plus: an idea for a repaint that has Razorclaw0000 getting, well, let's just say "excited".



Keeping the topic on upcoming Takara releases, our stalwart crew discusses the reveals of the upcoming Legends Overlord, Blitzwing, and Autobot Clones. What is difference between these and their Hasbro releases? What do we like better? Can the Shuffler repaint be the beginning of a robotic pachyderm army you never knew you wanted? What about the Clones? There's a little grumbling about them, but hey, it's not like Cloudraker is getting replaced by Ben Reilly...



Staying with toys, Scotty gives us his thoughts on Masterpiece Movie Optimus Prime and they are not good thoughts. He explains the difficulty in the transformation and poor instructions that come with the figure. It's more of an action figure than a Transformer to him, and the comparisons are damning. Listen in for the full rundown and find out why this one might have needed a little bit more time in Beta before being sent out to store shelves, and save money by just checking out the awesome Seibertron.com Gallery of MPM-4 Movie Masterpiece Optimus Prime. Seriously, it seems viewing the gallery is more fun than trying to transform the toy!



Masterpiece Movie Prime's lackluster in-hand presentation, from the perspective of the box, packaging, included paperwork, and range of accessories leads into a discussion on what some of our favorite packaging/presentations of Transformers figures have been. What makes a great experience just opening the box? Has there ever been a figure that was greatly enhanced for you by the experience of opening the package? Let us know some of your favorites!



Moving on from toys to Media, it's been announced that the Japanese version of the G1 Cartoon is being released on Blu-Ray. Apparently this is getting released with no remastering. So it will be DVD(or less) quality on three blu-ray discs. We ask, "What is the point?" Also, it's really expensive.



IDW's next big crossover event has started. We discuss First Strike and what we thought of it. Check out the Seibertron.com review here. It's a fun, action packed book that seems like a good jumping on point for the wider Hasbro/IDW Universe, but is the release schedule killing excitement for all the books it's spoiling?



Next we discuss Revolutionaries #7 and how the big reveal in that book ties into First Strike. ScottyP lets us know that we're missing out on some fun stuff in the Revolutionaries book and listeners should check it out. It's the book Kup is hanging out in, so it can't be all bad.



We finish our comic talk with the last issue of a fantastic series, Til All Are One #12. We talk about what we loved about this particular issue and the series in general. It was a great book that showed the general day to day life on Cybertron. There's still the annual coming, so tell us what you want to see wrapped up in that story due later this year.



The Twincast goes off the rails for a moment and lands in Westeros. Yes, again. We have a spoiler laden discussion that could easily spiral out of control. Will anyone take the Black and go to the Wall? Winter is coming! Hurry, let's steer this back to Transformers before the White Walkers get us!



We finish off the show with some bragging rights. What new goodies have we gotten since the last time? How much is currently in transit?



Until next time, we're the Twincast!

Twincast / Podcast Episode #180 "SDCC 2017"

Date: Monday, July 24th 2017 5:34pm CDT
Categories: Site News, Digital Media News, Podcast
Posted by: Tigertrack

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Views: 44,985

Welcome to the latest episode of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast! Join host Scotty 'Winter is Coming' P as he hangs out with Twincast iron throne claimers Counterpunch 'When people ask you what happened here, tell them the fans remember. Tell them winter came for House Hasbro.'' & Tigertrack 'No need to seize the last word Lord Counterpunch, I’ll assume it was something clever.' Joining us as well is news mod from the North, william-james88 'It’s my luck I ended up with a bunch of fire worshippers.' And live from the airport terminal, the current Iron Throne King, Seibertron, shares his experience at this weekend's extravaganza. Listen in as we discuss the reveals from SDCC related to toys, comics, and the future of Transformers.

Episode #180 "SDCC 2017" is available directly and in our RSS Feed, and should appear on iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher Radio within 24 to 48 hours of when you see this news post.

This was it, a huge weekend for Transformers fans to finally get some new information about the brand. It's been a long time coming. What particularly tickled our fancy from the preview, breakfast, and panel? Listen in to find out as we discuss...and be sure to check out the Seibertron.com SDCC 2017 Events galleries to see even more awesome photos from the event!

Power of the Primes Rodimus Prime and the new 'evolution gimmick'. Is he the flame-decoed space winnebago of our dreams?




The first legit voyager Starscream! Is this figure truly more than meets the eye-- of course it is-- but the podcast discusses just how it might be better than you think.




Next up was the somewhat underwhelming deluxe class reveals: Jazz, Dreadwing and Blackwing.




The return of Pretenders, a perfect peaceful minibot, and the Power of the Primes 'theme' falls into our optical field next... What happened to the rest of our headmasters and targetmasters? Why is Sluglsinger the last new figure in Titans Return (wave 6)? What's going on with the Titans Return Arcee and Titanmaster Ultra Magnus? What? What. What!



We take a few minutes to chew over the con exclusives, GI JOE, and what might be in store for us at HASCON. Has Hasbro started a Revolution?




Our SDCC quest goes into its final evolution as we take the last bit of the podcast or so to discuss IDW at SDCC, Transformers fiction, and the massive reveal of... another entire book starring Thundercracker (playing Starscream). We all hope that Josh-boyfriend and Buster are prominent characters as well. There was some announcement about something called a 'UNICRON' so we talk about what that could be, and finish with a little TF VS. ROM #1 and a lot of Optimus Prime #9 gushing. I'm hoping for a Jon Snow moment for our beloved issue's hero, but am afraid the ending will stay more Ned Stark...This issue was a can't miss.



You did it! You made it to the end, and probably saw the second episode of the new season of Game of Thrones while I was focused on doing this news write-up. Please do not share any spoilers!

Twincast / Podcast Episode #173 "Crossing The Rubicon"

Date: Monday, April 24th 2017 5:52pm CDT
Categories: Site News, Digital Media News, Podcast
Posted by: Razorclaw0000

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Views: 38,508

It's been a while, but the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast sister show, Mainframes, has returned with another episode, this time delving into the recent Till All Are One arc of issues 5 through 8. Buckle up with ScottyP, Dr Va'al, and Razorclaw0000 as we get launched head first from a falling Titan straight into your homes.

Episode #173 "Crossing The Rubicon" is available directly and in our RSS Feed, and should appear on iTunes and Stitcher Radio within 24 to 48 hours of when you see this news post.

Be aware that this episode is entirely about IDW Transformers comics and will completely spoil many storylines from several books, including many books before Till All Are One Issues 5-8, so listening after catching up with the most recent material is recommended if you wish to avoid spoilers.

We start with issue 5, "PING", discussing where the issue fits in the larger timeline around Revolution. We discuss the council meeting and politics, character designs, and the build-up of tensions from Titans Return. We further dig into the desperation of Windblade's awakening and transformation of Metroplex.



We move onto issue 6, "Desperate Times", and the fast-paced action of the legion of undead Titans literally raining into Cybertron. We discuss the pace, obscure characters, and climax of the book and the foreshadowing it accomplishes despite the dialog-light splash pages.



Coming to the penultimate issue of the arc, we discuss issue 7, "Desperate Measures". This issue ramps up the action, and we're discussing all of it, from Devastator and Strika, to Windblade and company's daring mission into Carcer, highlighting some of the lush artwork and edgy layouts pushing the artistic style even further. We discuss the implications in the larger lore, especially the Covenant of Primus, dropped in the final panels.



Finally, we wrap up with the bombshell of issue 8, "Rubicon", chewing on the title and its meaning, as well as the major reveal in this book. We discuss the narrative and artistic risks and payoff, future books and world building, art styles and heritage, and much more.



We digest a bit on the arc as a whole, including discussing upcoming issues and covers as well as the trade paper back release.

We hope you enjoyed this latest episode of Twincast / Podcast spin-off Mainframes, and stay tuned for future episodes as the ongoing IDW Transformers saga continues to unfold! We'll see you in the discussion thread for this episode which you can join in on by replying to this very news post.

Twincast / Podcast Episode #170 "NC Comicon 2017" featuring IDW's Barber, Hedgecock, and Ryall!

Date: Tuesday, March 21st 2017 8:34pm CDT
Categories: Site News, Comic Book News, People News, Digital Media News, Interviews, Podcast
Posted by: ScottyP

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Views: 51,239

Welcome to the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast Episode #170, featuring several very special guests from our friends at IDW Publishing! Join ScottyP and Razorclaw0000 as they get the opportunities to interview IDW writer John Barber, editor-in-chief David Hedgecock, and Chief Creative Officer Chris Ryall at the recent NC Comicon in Raleigh, North Carolina. You can view our panel coverage at Seibertron.com as well.

Episode #170 "NC Comicon 2017" is available directly and in our RSS Feed, and should appear on iTunes and Stitcher Radio within 24 to 48 hours of when you see this news post.

First up, the team gets the opportunity to interview Barber and Hedgecock about Revolution, Revolutionaries, Optimus Prime, and more. We start off discussing how the editors, writers, and artists stay coordinated across a myriad of titles, including scheduling, planning, and easter eggs. The interview jumps off into the transition from Action Man to Revolutionaries.



Next, we jump into discussion of scheduling and some of the post-holiday delays in several of the ongoing titles. If you've been at all frustrated or curious about the scheduled releases of books and what can happen along the way to delay these plans, you'll want to tune in to this interview!



Shifting towards Optimus Prime, we discuss Barber's transition from editor to writer and the implications to his process before moving onto some deep discussion on the Thirteen Primes, upcoming issues of Optimus Prime, and even the possibility Unicron in IDW.



We finish up with some "just for fun" questions. Answers to these shouldn't be taken too seriously, or as canonical material - or should they? Tune in to this part of the interview as our guests are great sports about some of the goofiest questions we could cook up.



Finally, we catch up with Chris Ryall on the show floor and talk some ROM. Our chat includes a look at why this character ended up in the shared Hasbro Universe after the long wait its author went through to bring it into reality. Also, we find out whether entities such as Lost Light's Galactic Council are aware of the Solstar Order and its influence.



We wrap up our time with Chrischarger with a couple questions related to both the More Than Meets the Eye Revolution one shot and the true nature of some Dire Wraiths. Plus, a teaser on the actual identity of the Masked Bear!



Our sincerest thanks to the entire team from IDW, the organizers of NC Comicon, and a special thanks to IDW's Steven Scott for his tremendous coordination assistance. We hope you enjoyed our coverage of NC Comicon and hope you stick around for more IDW and Transformers news. Thanks for listening!

Twincast / Podcast Episode #167 "Optimus Sub Prime"

Date: Sunday, March 5th 2017 10:21pm CST
Categories: Site News, Digital Media News, Podcast
Posted by: RodimusConvoy13

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Views: 62,747

Welcome to the latest episode of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast! This episode features your host ScottyP with xRotorstormx and RodimusConvoy13. Listen in as we discuss the latest toys and catch up on some of the latest Transformers comic releases from IDW Publishing.

Episode #167 "Optimus Sub Prime" is available directly and in our RSS Feed, and should appear on iTunes and Stitcher Radio within 24 to 48 hours of when you see this news post.

We start with toys, toys, and more toys. The Last Knight line is giving us more Movie Masterpiece releases, and it looks like we've seen a concept rendering of MP Movie Prime. Will he be a new figure or could it borrow heavily from the infamous Revenge of the Fallen Leader Optimus Prime?



Takara has released more of their Movie The Best figures, with a new wave featuring Ironhide, Ratchet, Soundwave, and Starscream. Along with the comparisons of these toys to their earlier releases from past Movie Universe toylines, we take some walks down memory lane. Find out if we're still more fond of Voyagers from 2007, or if we think these versions really are The Best.



Keeping with The Last Knight, we look at Leader Megatron and his 30 step Transformation. So many steps.. or is it? Maybe some context will help us work out whether or not we're going to cry or just have Transformers fun in several steps when this highly anticipated toy hits the shelves in April.



We round the corner to more Masterpiece discussion. MP-35 Grapple and MP-34 Cheetor are out now, and we don't own them yet because instantaneous shipping isn't available for everything and it's probably somehow your fault. In lieu of a useful discussion on toys after in-hand experience, which we couldn't provide here, listen in for some tips on ordering Masterpiece Transformers toys, with a look at the pros and cons of shopping through some of our various site sponsors.



We end our toy talk with some Titans Return talk. The discussion starts with the odd happenings surrounding Titans Return Chromdome showing up with the Takara Legends head. Is this a factory error or a very strange intentional running change? Plus, with Six Shot hitting US Retail, ScottyP gives us his in-hand impressions. Then, Rodimus lets us know what is up with the new Voyager Optimus Prime and how sometimes it's ok to embrace the weird.



This leads directly into a listener question from kuhlio. Would you want to see alternate takes on the heads that come with Titans Return figures? Would you get a Sentinel Prime or a Brainstorm head with no faceplate? We let you know our thoughts and how this scenario may play out.



It's then time for Comic talk. We've had a few issues come out since the last comic talk on the show.
We start with Revolutionaries #2. Check out the Seibertron review here from our podcaster friend Tigertrack. Could you almost call this a Kup ongoing series? More importantly, Kup Jet flies in to steal our hearts.



It's been out for a bit, but we haven't covered Til All Are One #7. We talk about the cliffhanger reveal and what it might mean, plus tell you why this comic is very worth your time and money each month.



What are those crazy Junkions up to? We see for ourselves in Optimus Prime #4. What's happening with Prime? He doesn't seem to be the bot we all know and love anymore. Also, it's the welcome return of Alex Milne!



We finish our comic talk with the fantastic Lost Light #3. All hail the Useless One! What is Rung's alt mode? Is it a big tease? This book made some of take a few laps around the room, and hopefully we can come back around for a more lengthy look at this issue during episodes to come.



After quickly pondering some decade old questions such as "What is Sector 7?" and "Project Iceman?", we end the show spotlighting some cool gems we've found out in the Transformers Fandom, including a part of Twitter we can't read but love.



We'll be back in two weeks with more, much more, than meets the eye!

Screenrant List - "Transformers - 15 Reasons Lost Light is the Greatest Story in the Franchise"

Date: Friday, January 27th 2017 2:43pm CST
Categories: Comic Book News, Digital Media News
Posted by: D-Maximal_Primal | Credit(s): Screenrant

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Views: 39,744

Screenrant has published a Transformers-related list in the form of a Top 15 reasons why Lost Light is the greatest story in the franchise! As many of us remember, More Than Meets The Eye was a very good book that was highly praised and awarded during its run, and the story continues on as Lost Light with issue 2 coming out next week.

You can read the whole list by going to the above link, and we have quoted part of the list below for you to read. Let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Transformers sometimes get a bad rap, but historically, the breeding ground for great storytelling in the world of Autobots and Decepticons has been in comic books. Bob Budiansky and Simon Furman conceived the lion’s share of what have become the basic cornerstones of the Transformers universe through Marvel’s Transformers comic in the ’80s and ’90s.

The current Transformers comics are produced by IDW, and while every series they’re currently producing is at the very least good, there’s one that stands head and shoulders above the rest: James Roberts’ Transformers: Lost Light.

Originally titled More Than Meets The Eye, the recently rebranded series tells the story of a ragtag group of post-war Cybertronians ostensibly on a mission to find the mythic Knights of Cybertron. That’s not what the book is really about though; it’s a story of freedom, redemption, romance, and family. It is equal parts hilarious and terrifying. It’s the best fiction ever associated with the franchise, and it’s not even a close race.

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13. DEVELOPMENT OF D-LIST CHARACTERS INTO FAN FAVORITES

Remember when you were a kid, desperately scouring Toys ‘R’ Us for the newest Grimlock or Starscream figures only to find shelves overflowing with the mediocre toy of some character you’d never heard of? The affectionate term coined for such toys is “pegwarmers.” The Lost Light is practically overflowing with pegwarmers.

Part of Roberts’ genius early on was making a conscious decision not to lean too heavily on the established icons of the Transformers mythos. A lot of those characters are compelling, but they have decades worth of storytelling baggage and expectations. Taking obscure, little-loved characters that had largely been ignored by the pre-existing fiction and grafting complex, surprising personalities onto them provided the crew of the Lost Light with a genuine breath of fresh air.

There’s Tailgate, a diminutive, endlessly enthusiastic Autobot who accidentally slept through the entire war; Brainstorm, an absolute genius inventor who is just a bit too amoral to be wearing that Autobot insignia; and Skids, a highly skilled theoretician with some alarming holes in his memory. It’s a sprawling, eclectic cast, though a few characters definitely stand out from the rest…

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7. THE SCAVENGERS

Imagine you’re a soldier in a universe spanning war that’s been going on for millions of years. You’re not a good soldier; there’s a decent chance you’re among the very worst. You’re in such a remote part of the universe that when the war ends, nobody bothers to tell you. You eventually figure out you’re on your own, and you were on the losing side of the war. What do you do?

That’s the scenario that faces the Scavengers, a group of absolutely anonymous Decepticon grunts. They have exactly one thing in common with the nightmarish Overlord: they have no real loyalty to Megatron or the Decepticon cause. They’re just trying to survive by whatever means necessary, dodging the gaze of more serious Decepticon outfits, and taking on surprising allies, like the brain-damaged Autobot warrior Grimlock. The book only periodically visits these Decepticon counterparts to the main cast, but the characters are just as fully realized and compelling as the crew of the Lost Light.

.....

5. THE REVOLUTIONARY ARTWORK

While James Roberts rightly fields the majority of the praise for the book’s success, Lost Light wouldn’t be what it is without its stable of artists. The book was launched with the sublime Nick Roche on pencils, and Jack Lawrence has recently taken the reins to great effect, but Roberts’ true partner in this endeavor has been Alex Milne.

Milne got his start working on Transformers during the infamous period when Dreamwave held the license, ghosting for that company’s owner and self-proclaimed “superstar” artist, Pat Lee. If anything positive came out of the embarrassing, litigious Dreamwave debacle, it was Milne. His work brims with painstaking detail, and no one has ever had the ability to infuse life into robots the way he can. He has the uncanny ability to let his characters emote without ever veering into cartoonish excess. The book is as defined by his visual flair as it is Roberts’ meticulous plotting. His future on the title is, at the moment, a bit unclear, but it’s difficult to imagine reading these characters for an extended period of time without his influence.

Twincast / Podcast Episode #164 "Getaway Was Right"

Date: Sunday, January 22nd 2017 11:58am CST
Categories: Site News, Digital Media News, Podcast
Posted by: megatronus

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Views: 51,033

Welcome to the latest episode of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast! This episode features your host ScottyP and his merry marauders, Megatronus, RodimusConvoy13, Razorclaw, and Counterpunch - listen in as we discuss the latest news, toys, and more.

Episode #164 "Getaway Was Right" is available directly and in our RSS Feed, and should appear on iTunes and Stitcher Radio within 24 to 48 hours of when you see this news post.

We kick off the podcast with the latest images of upcoming Titans Return Krok & Quake. What does the crew think of Titans Return now that the inevitable onslaught of repaints has begun, and how does the previously utilized strategy of pre-tools color our hindsight view of Combiner Wars?



Time for some old fashioned Takara goodness with a discussion of the Legends line. We've got Soundwave + cassettes on the brain, along with Super Ginrai and anime-style Brainstorm. How do these figures compare to their Hasbro counterparts, and which are worth double dipping for?

You can check out more awesome comparison images like the one below by Seibertronian Logan. in this thread!



We jump right into a round of awesome listener questions. Optimuspete asks us about our collection sizes, william-james88 asks which we like to transform more, TR or RID deluxes, and SW's SilverHammer asks whether Evangelion would have been better if MP10 Eva mode was canon. Thanks for the questions, listeners.



We take a slight detour to discuss the recently revealed Movie Masterpiece Bumblebee, and then Combiner Force Crash Combiners. Do we view either of these with anticipation, or with a lurking sense of disappointment?



On a more serious note: Mastermind Creations Tarn and their many IDW styled releases like him, a missed opportunity for Hasbro? With the popularity of More Than Meets the Eye and other ongoing comics, is the continued reliance on obscure G1 (see Krok & Quake, above) sustainable? Does the MP-ification of Generations leave an opening for 3rd Parties that Hasbro will have difficulty wresting back?



Enough of comics characters - let's get on to some actual comics. Revolutionaries is hitting stands, and the Twincast has plenty opinions on this crossover. Most of them... unkind. We love hearing from you - let us know your thoughts in the forums below.



Was Getaway right? That's the burning question on our minds as we await for Lost Light #2, with the namesake topic of this episode arriving at last. With the expected eventual reappearance of the mutineers, we debate their controversial actions. Was their betrayal a well intended effort, a malicious revenge plot, or something else? Regardless of the motivation, was it the right move? Was Megatron sorry all along and truly misunderstood by a large portion of the ship's crew? You can even let us know where you stand on this using social media with the hashtags #GetawayWasRight or #MegatronWasSorry.



Bragging Rights is here. What has everyone gotten since their last recording?



We'll be back in approximately two weeks to wildly speculate on Toy Fair 2017, talk about next week's comics like Optimus Prime #3, and much more!