Transformers-themed pub could be Britain’s Best Home Bar

A Transformers-themed pub is in the running to be crowned Britain’s Best Home Bar, in a competition being run by Liberty Games. The winning bar, chosen… [more]

Transformers-themed pub could be Britain’s Best Home Bar Transformers-themed pub could be Britain’s Best Home Bar

TFNation 2019 Transformers Convention Review

This last weekend saw yet another Transformers convention take over the Metropole Hilton, in Birmingham. These weekends have become a staple of my summer… [more]

TFNation 2019 Transformers Convention Review TFNation 2019 Transformers Convention Review

Annual Transformers Forum Meet Tour

Every year, since 2011, the nerds from TheTF.Net forum (now a Facebook group, because running a forum proved too much like hard work) have met for a weekend… [more]

Annual Transformers Forum Meet Tour Annual Transformers Forum Meet Tour

Our 2019 Forum Meet took place this weekend, in Cardiff

This weekend saw our annual forum meet being held in the Welsh capital of Cardiff. Each year we meet in a different town or city in the UK, alternating… [more]

Our 2019 Forum Meet took place this weekend, in Cardiff Our 2019 Forum Meet took place this weekend, in Cardiff

Video Footage from Transforce in 2001

Almost 18 years ago (crikey, has it been that long?) we wrote a review of our visit to Transforce in August 2001. It was a seriously hot day, but a great… [more]

Video Footage from Transforce in 2001 Video Footage from Transforce in 2001
 

Optimus Prime is alive well in IDW latest

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on December 24, 2011 | IDW Publishing |

Released recently in the US was the latest Transformers instalment from IDW. We get the wrap up of the events in ‘CHAOS’, as well as the beginning of two new stories in “More than Meets the Eye” and “Robots in Disguise”.

The storyline features no humans and there are no indications that there will be any human involvement in the near future. This is quite a change of pace considering, to many fans, there has been far too much of a human element in Transformers lately.

Even though it is a one-shot story, there is something to be gotten from it whether you are an old or new reader as it incorporates elements from previous stories and segways into the two series to come.

The story leaps forward a few weeks after the events of CHAOS have been wrapped up and shifts its focus on Cybertron. This is after Optimus Prime rushed the matrix in order to stop Dvoid sacking the galaxy, beginning with Cybertron’s dead husk. This worked, and Cyberton was granted a rebirth with no dead husk for Dvoid.

The good news is that Optimus Prime has survived (who’d have guessed that?). We find out more about his history, which is one of the strengths of this story. But it achieves this whilst also progressing towards the new series. The final choice that he makes may be a logical one but certainly not predictable and, although it feels like we have seen it before, there is a different feel associated with it. He somehow manages to appear more like Optimus Prime than we have ever seen him before. And that can only be a good thing for OP fans.

Hasbro workers toil in terrible conditions?

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on December 22, 2011 | Hasbro |

When you’re opening and playing with your Transformers on Christmas morning perhaps you should spare a thought for the people who put them together, if a new report on the working conditions in one of Hasbro’s factories in China is anything to go by.

Hasbro-workersAccording to the report, published by GlobalLabourRights.org, the conditions in Hasbro’s factory leave a lot to be desired. The report is entitled ‘Holidays by Hasbro, Transformers from Hell’ and is 40 pages of condemning documentation and photographs about the conditions. The report states that workers are fed on food that is described as ‘pretty much like swine food’, they sleep in rat infested dorms, work 12 hour shifts at peak times and all for the equivalent of 92 Cents per hour.

The report also states that emergency exits are kept locked, and there are no fire drills.

Perhaps the worst of the highlights is that workers need to ask permission to use the bathroom, are not allowed to even look up and are searched three times a day (presumably in case they try to pinch Transformers).

Possibly the most worrying thing to come out of this news is that a lot of Transformers fan sites have refused to publish this story and, according to one source, IDW has refused to allow discussion of the news on its website. It seems that Hasbro has a lot of power, and to many this news is just too disturbing to mention.

The executive summary is below, and you can read the full report here.

Executive Summary

Jet Fair sweatshop in China produces Hasbro’s Transformers

  • Workers housed in filthy, over-crowded dorms, infested with rats and bed bugs. Workers report they cannot sleep at night from the bed bug bites.
  • Workers describe factory food as “Pretty much like swine food.”
  • Workers allowed less than 9 minutes to assemble each Hasbro Transformer, for which they are paid 17 cents.
  • “We are drenched in sweat,” workers say. Factory temperatures soar to 104 degrees F in summer.
  • During peak season, workers toil 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, while earning a take-home wage of just 92 cents an hour.
  • Workers undergo three body-searches each day, are not permitted to talk or lift their heads to look around, and need permission to use the bathroom.
  • Hasbro is open to the hiring of 14 and 15-year-olds on a “case-by-case basis.”
  • Workers in the spray paint department fear they are being exposed to dangerous solvents.
  • There are no fire drills and some emergency exits are locked.
  • During the slow season, hundreds of workers are fired under false charges so management does not have to pay their legal severance.
  • Workers are cheated of paid sick leave and maternity leave.
  • Workers describe their work as mindless, miserable, constantly monotonous, yet furious and exhausting.

Bay in final stages in fourth movie negotiations

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on December 21, 2011 | Transformers 4 (2013) |

The rumour mill hasn’t paused for breath but there is more genuine cause for fans of the Transformers movie franchise to get excited. Michael Bay is now believed to be in the final stages of negotiations to direct a fourth Transformers movie.

Michael BayJust a couple of months ago, we knew that Paramount wished to render his services once again for not one, but two new movies. They obviously peaked the interest of the director as it is now close to being confirmed – despite Bay insisting that DOTM was to be his last foray into the Transformers world.

An insider, who has some familiarity with this situation, warned that although there is no closed deal in place between Paramount and Bay, the studio is close to closing one. We could expect an announcement as soon as next week. Details of the next instalment are being kept firmly under lock and key but we have already been told that it is definitely not a prequel. What we can expect is that it will show us some of the older characters and give us a more in-depth look at the history of the Transformers. Although average fans of the franchise may not be too concerned about some of these the characters that never really had a major role, they will offer a sentimental factor to fans of the original series.

Reports still suggest that Bay will be directing Pain & Gain before returning to his cash cow but should a contract be done and dusted, he will likely start working on the fourth movie at the end of 2012.

Transformers Prime: Darkness Rising released on DVD

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on December 19, 2011 | News |

Shout Factory has released the 5 part miniseries in widescreen and with a fantastic transfer. The CG is detailed and looks excellent on DVD. There is hardly any noticeable compression of the encode, making this the best looking animated Transformers DVD to date.

Writers Alex Kurtzman and Robert Orci wrote the first three Transformers live-action movies, as well as other movies such as Mission Impossible 3 and Star Trek, but they also helped to create the Transformers Prime: Darkness Rising series. The series takes some of the designs and elements from the movies, albeit without the humour.

transformers-prime

There is far more emphasis on developing the characters in this particular story with the Autobots again in the position of saving the Earth from the evil Megatron, who has discovered a way of controlling life. Of course, animation may seem a pale comparison to live-action but the action sequences are far easier on the eye which perhaps make it, on the whole, that much more engaging. As far as CG goes, it is far more impressive than in Transformers: Beast Wars.

There are two featurettes, with one on character design and the other on set design. One bonus is the full 22-minute pilot.

Overall, it is a great start to this new series and has some well-crafted characters, stunning action sequences, and engaging stories.

Hardcore fans may struggle to get to grips with this series but new fans will have a great series to get into and a new legacy of transformers fans will likely be built on the back of this.

Fan convention coming to in Kansas City in 2012

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on December 16, 2011 | Conventions |

There’s a new Transformers event coming to Midwest America. TFExop will take place next year in Wichita, Kansas, and will give fans Transfans the chance to meet fellow admirers of their heroes whilst enjoying the displays and activities at the event.

There will be fan panels, a video room, a dealer room and much more besides. There will also be some original artwork on display at Artist’s Alleys. All fans will have the opportunity to submit their work, whether 2D artwork or custom figures. Further, there will be a competition featuring some fantastic prizes.

If you’re comfortable enough, you can enter the Cosplay Contest where you get the chance to don your best Transformers costume.

Every hour, there will be door prizes meaning the longer you stay, the more chances you have to win.

For those who are experts in Transformers trivia, and you know who you are, there will be a quiz show where attendees will be randomly selected before the competition starts so everyone has the chance to win.

There will be more fun in store once the Expo has closed with the Green Mill Pizza Party. Tickets for the party, which will be held at the Holiday Inn, must be purchased before the show begins.

For information on registration, please visit www.tf-expo.com. The site will have updated information on the event, which you can also get by becoming a fan of TFExpo on Facebook or by following them on Twitter.

You will also be able to purchase an artist or dealer table through. Tables have already begun to sell.

If you have any ideas for a fan panel, you can let them know on their Facebook page.

Transformers #31 offers a retrospective look at Transformers

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on December 13, 2011 | IDW Publishing |

Transformers issue 31 is currently on the newsstands in the US and it is an issue with a difference as the pace was certainly different than what we have become accustomed to. It essentially serves as something of a retrospective, but manages to avoid compromising its own story.

TRANSFORMERS 31The issue was written by Mike Costa, who was clearly in a sentimental mood when he wrote this story. Its central theme is reflection, and is set in the future, some millions of years from now. And other than just a couple, we aren’t greeted with any Transformers that we would recognise. The story is heart-warming and tells the history of the Decepticons and Autobots, as well as the biggest battles they have faced.

The artwork was laid firmly in the hands of Casey Coller, who does a superb job here. He introduced some amazing designs for the future Transformers. They are not unrecognisable and he has managed to avoid going overboard. Each character looks appropriate to the Transformers series and also a perfect fit evolution-wise. Perhaps the most impressive element of the job is how the past battles are shown in splash pages. This is where Coller excels. They can be recognised instantly and are well detailed with each emotion displayed on a single page, which is quite some achievement.

The issue oozes charm and certainly offers some of that feel-good factor. There are some glimpses of the present story and future events in the title, but the emphasis is certainly on the retrospective of the history of Transformers.

Transformers Fall of Cybertron Cinematic Trailer

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on December 12, 2011 | Video Games |

We have just been sent the latest trailer for the Transformers Fall of Cybertron video game, featuring a rather terrifying looking Grimlock. Have a look and see what you think; we reckon this game looks like it’s gonna be awesome.

We have the Transformers: Fall of Cybertron cinematic trailer that was featured at this weekend’s Spike TV Video Game Awards show. The music track in the trailer is from the band Puscifer, with Maynard James Keenan and Milla Jovovich as the vocalists.

You need to a flashplayer enabled browser to view this YouTube video

View the Transformers Fall of Cybertron cinematic trailer on YouTube.

Latest Transformers adventure in Universal Studios Singapore

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on December 10, 2011 | News |

Universal Studios Singapore has introduced the very first Transformers attraction in any theme park anywhere.

Making a special guest appearance at the opening was franchise director Michael Bay, who didn’t refute the idea of a fourth movie. In a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, Bay made his entrance in the car featured in the movies.

Transformers The Ride finally opened, after close to spending four years in the making with the main attractions, unquestionably Bumblebee and Optimus Prime.

transformers-the-rideThe ride should enable the greatest 3-D battle yet between the Decepticons and the Autobots with stunning effects produced by Lucasfilm’s Industrial Light & Magic.

He feels that it wasn’t altogether different from directing a movie, just with the added element of a ride.

“I tried to help them sculpt the story and figure out what type of shots we’d like to do, what type of characters we can use. They also had some great ideas…..on how the simulators work, how it mixed with the photography and the shots that we need.”

The ride will see fans whizzing through cityscapes, tunnels, and across rooftops, all whilst seated in a brand-new Autobot by the name of EVAC.

Universal is expected to see its highest attendance this month thanks to the opening of the ride. It will open in Universal studios Hollywood in May 2012.

Bay didn’t rule out the possibility of standing behind the camera for a further movie in the franchise saying that if it was to go ahead, fans would see the very latest in cinema technology.

Transformers The Japanese Collection on DVD

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on December 9, 2011 | DVD |

We’ve just been sent this press release about the DVD release of Transformers The Japanese Collection:

The Wait is Over! Fans Can Pre-Order Now to Own This Entire Collection on DVD!

TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION FEATURING HEADMASTERS, SUPER-GOD MASTERFORCE, AND VICTORY IN A COLLECTIBLE 13-DVD BOX SET

TRANSFORMERS-THE-JAPANESE-COLLECTION-on-DVDSHIPS WEEK OF JANUARY 2, 2012
ONLY FROM SHOUT! FACTORY’S OFFICIAL ONLINE STORE SHOUTFACTORYSTORE.COM

Early happy New Year 2012! Fans and collectors can finally bring home TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION DVD box set from Shout! Factory, in collaboration with Hasbro. This is the rare Japanese trilogy that followed the popular “Generation 1” animated series. Available for the first time in North America, this 13-DVD box set is fully loaded with over 42 hours of entertainment, including all episodes that originally aired from the three Japanese series — Headmasters, Super-God Masterforce and Victory — each with their original Japanese audio tracks, English subtitles, and an art gallery. TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION DVD box set finally available exclusively at Shout! Factory’s official online store ShoutFactoryStore.com and shipping to customers beginning January 2, 2012. Pre-order begins now!

Pre-order Link: http://www.shoutfactorystore.com/prod.aspx?pfid=5257431

Synopsis
TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION – Headmasters
OPTIMUS PRIME lives again, the energy of the Matrix has been released and peace reigns on CYBERTRON . . . but all that is about to change with the startling arrival of the newest breed of TRANSFORMERS warriors

TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION – Super-God Masterforce
Following their victory over the DESTRONS (a/k/a DECEPTICONS) at the end of Headmasters, the CYBERTRONS (AUTOBOTS) depart Earth, leaving behind only a small group to protect the planet from any future menace. But when the powerful DESTRONS return to an unsuspecting planet, the CYBERTRONS must come out of hiding to defend their human friends once again — only this time they’ll be unable to do it on their own!

TRANSFORMERS: THE JAPANESE COLLECTION – Victory
Victory is the third and final installment of this Japanese trilogy— introduces four new factions to the TRANSFORMERS universe. Each group comes equipped with its own unique power and the ability to combine to form much larger, more powerful TRANSFORMERS, making each and every battle even more epic!

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company’s world-class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, video games and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its customers through the strategic leveraging of well-known and beloved brands such as THE TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Hub, Hasbro’s multiplatform joint venture with Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) launched on October 10, 2010. The online home of The Hub is www.hubworld.com. The Hub logo and name are trademarks of Hub Television Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.

Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2011 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Shout! Factory
Shout! Factory is a diversified entertainment company devoted to producing, uncovering and revitalizing the very best of pop culture. Founders Richard Foos, Bob Emmer and Garson Foos have spent their careers sharing their music, television and film faves with discerning consumers the world over. Shout! Factory’s DVD offerings serve up classic, contemporary and cult TV series, riveting sports programs, live music, animation and documentaries in lavish packages crammed with extras. The company’s audio catalogue boasts GRAMMY®-nominated boxed sets, new releases from storied artists, lovingly assembled album reissues and indispensable “best of” compilations. These riches are the result of a creative acquisitions mandate that has established the company as a hotbed of cultural preservation and commercial reinvention. Shout! Factory is based in Santa Monica, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com.

Michael Bay transforms his mind for a fourth movie

Written by Darren 'Starscream' Jamieson on | Transformers 4 (2013) |

Michael Bay may have talked about a need to walk away from the Transformers franchise but it seems that he just can’t get enough, with negotiations under way for a further sequel.

Before the release of Transformers: Dark of the Moon, both Bay and star Shia LaBeouf boldly stated that that would be that in terms of their contributions to the series.

Money speaks louder than words, however, and there is no denial from Bay’s camp that he will make a return. Reports suggest that he close to signing a deal with Paramount Pictures for him to direct the fourth instalment.

After the second movie, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Bay seemed hell bent on taking some time off to work on a project closer to his heart, Pain & Gain. However, Steven Spielberg, with help from the studio manager, twisted his arm and Bay hasn’t looked back six years later. This may be partly why he was so adamant that he wouldn’t be directing a fourth movie.

There is somewhat of a plan for the movie as producer Don Murphy has openly quashed any idea that a prequel is on the cards. It will instead focus its story on human characters in a bid to breathe some new life into the series. Due to what happened to the characters at the end of the third movie, it would be a challenge to continue the series in the way that it has played out so far. Therefore, new characters and major changes can be expected. We may even see stories we recognise from the animated series, all those years ago.

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