Hasbro and Cartoon Network have sent out a press release for the new cartoon series, Transformers Animated. They have also sent out the first poster, featuring the Autobots.

ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The TRANSFORMERS saga has captivated kids for more than 20 years. Coming on the heels of the highly anticipated live-action theatrical film being released July 3rd, by DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, Cartoon Network and Hasbro, Inc. are announcing today that the next generation of the epic animated series is being jointly developed by the two entities for a 2008 debut on the network in the U.S. The eye-popping 2-D animated series is a new twist on the original high-octane, animated action-adventure series with new characters alongside legends such as OPTIMUS PRIME and MEGATRON. Each episode will present a standalone storyline featuring everyday heroes who do good deeds that triumph over evil. TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED series will be co-produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

Twenty-six, half-hour episodes will be produced as well as a 90-minute special of TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED which is scheduled for release in early 2008 on Cartoon Network in the U.S. Matt Youngberg (Teen Titans, The Batman) is the supervising director, Derrick Wyatt (Teen Titans) will provide the character designs and Sam Register (Ben 10, Teen Titans) will serve as executive producer of the series. Marty Isenberg (Danny Phantom., X-Men, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) acts as head writer.

“We are thrilled to be working with the highly creative team at Cartoon Network on bringing the next chapter in the TRANSFORMERS saga to kids and fans around the world,“ said Brian Goldner, Hasbro‘s Chief Operating Officer. “The animation style that Cartoon Network has developed really brings the lore and characters of the TRANSFORMERS franchise alive in a way that has never been seen through animation.“

“TRANSFORMERS is a tried and true draw for our core audience,“ said Bob Higgins, senior vice president programming and development, Cartoon Network. “Kids love the surprise of ‘More Than Meets the Eye,’ combined with dynamic, clearly defined characters and epic storylines. We are thrilled to be working with Hasbro to help re-imagine this amazing franchise for a new generation of fans.“

Set on Earth in the near future in Detroit, the alien TRANSFORMERS are thrust into a world populated by humans and automatons. As visitors to Earth, the TRANSFORMERS–OPTIMUS PRIME, BUMBLEBEE, PROWL, BULKHEAD and RATCHET–work in the human world, interacting with the ‘natives‘ in exciting and humorous ways. TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED has been created to showcase the heroic AUTOBOTS working together to battle the evil DECEPTICONS and save Earth with kid-relatable plot lines filled with humor, distinctive character personalities, and dynamic action.

Hasbro and HPG, its licensing division, will expand the action-packed TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED series through toys, games, licensed merchandise and promotions around the world.

Hasbro (NYSE HAS) is a worldwide leader in children�s and family leisure time entertainment products and services, including the design, manufacture and marketing of games and toys ranging from traditional to high tech. Both internationally and in the U.S., its PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, TIGER and WIZARDS OF THE COAST brands and products provide the highest quality and most recognizable play experiences in the world.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.�s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT) Sunday-Thursday, Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.