Not long ago, I read a video feed from one of my news feeds from another mecha blogger.
It’s about an upcoming new video game by Hasbro (produced by Activision) called Transformers: War on Cybertron.
It’s a game that’s filled with high-octane serious action of combat and war that certainly get a lot of Transformers fans out there wanting to get the taste of this. I thought it would be nice to share with everybody else in this forum, in case anybody else out there missed out!^^
Was casually browsing online the other day after returning from work.
And I encountered this very awesome video clip and had to post it on my Facebook page!!
You couldn’t believe what I’m seeing here! It’s Taiwan’s very own Transformers 1/1 scale model of Optimus Prime!
Well sort of.
News said that a Taiwan local gardener built this giant (somewhat) replica of Optimus Prime model, using all the spare parts of the brake discs and other auto parts as a special present for his 10 year old son. Awww… How incredibly sweet of him! ^^
And to show he meant it with all his heart and soul, he’s spent two weeks to construct a 430 cm tall and about 500 kgs of weight as prove of his dedication for making a wonderful gift for his soul.
Man. What a swell kind of guy! That clearly shows his passion and love for this little big ‘project’ of his. ^^
Was watching this video clip last night, which I received as a group email from one of the mecha-related forums.
It’s a great thrill to know this interview was conducted almost a week ago and I bet there’s a lot exciting developments Shoji Kawamori (Macross founder) has in store for long-time Macross fan lovers!!
Here you’ll find many outstanding facts about his contribution, not only to his epic masterpiece, but also to several globally well-known cartoon series like Transformers G1. Especially on how he came up with the design of the transforming 18-wheeler truck, aka Optimus Prime.
One of my favourites (or everybody favourites, if you lived through the 80s) of all time. It was one of my first favourite mecha shows to watch other than Macross.
Who would have thought this long-line of Japanese toys made by Takara (aka Takara Tomy as of 2006) were reused or rehashed in this cartoon version that everybody get so much craving for? Having to learned that Takara’s toylines range Diaclone and Microman series were scooped up by Americans when American toy maker Hasbro came to see Takara at the Tokyo Toy Show in 1983. They were keen to have their toylines range because they were impressed how their scale models were designed to include humanoid figures to sit/drive in them and they’re able to transform into humanoid forms. Since Hasbro bought the rights to their product lines, the company and its key people began their marketing heavily on these as one major toy line range, hence the name “Transformers†was born. So what this evolution possible?
What started was that Takara made Microman toylines that were based on one of Japanese cyborg anime series called Henshin-Cyborg 1. The series’ popularity spawned many of these 3-inch cyborg models are that tiny many kids grew to like them so Takara made one of many great commercials on these such as below.
After its success, Takara made another spin-off of Microman series (using the same toy design development) which you have miniature size vehicles that are transformable into humanoid figures. Since then, Takara had made a number of Diaclone TV commercials in the early 80s such as this (featuring Optimus Prime in its formative days).
There are a number of countless Diaclone commercials featuring other familiar Transformers characters such as Ironhide, Ratchet, Bumble Bee just to name a few. And that’s probably the reason why Hasbro made a wise decision to have them and reinvented them into a branch so people in my generations would never forget how and why it was considered as one of the great childhood cartoon stories that’s ever produced of all time.
Henceforth, Hasbro decided to give us two distinctive factions.
Autobots Logo
Decepticon Logo
The story sets in a far away distant planet called Cybertron, and the two forces are battling out for the greater control of the planet. Autobots were fighting for peace and justice whilst Decepticons sought for power, domination and control. The battle was fought for many millennia. Several millennia later, the Autobots wanted to come up with an ultimate strategy that will end the war with Decepticons. They want to start the space exploration to find raw source of energy that will help them accomplish that goal. However, little did they aware, the plans were eavesdropped by Decepticons and so Decepticons decided to ‘join’ the exploration in their own space ship as well. Soon, once both of them caught up with each other, the intense fight took up in the Autobot spaceship. Next few brief moments, their spaceships made a collision course into the Earth’s stratosphere and Autobots crash-landed onto a volcano. All of them remained lifeless.
Four million years later, they were revived again as new technologies were invented. And Autobots and Decepticons learned to adapt the Earth’s environment and began to transforming into all sort of vehicles. Later in the series, the battle between the two forces ensues and once again the war of the Transformers resumes…
They are two great leaders of the two factions.
We have Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, seen as very honourable, compassionate, strong, pragmatic, possess strong leadership qualities and a very wise leader.
Then we have Megatron, Leader of the Decepticons, leader of the Decepticons, seen as the tyrant, vile, cunning, evil, greed for power and seeks for interplanetary domination with the final quest of eradicating all the Autobots in all galaxies, starting from our solar system.
And then you have the Autobots and Decepticons teams who follow their respective leaders, all of them share one purposeful goal of winning the Transformers war. With an impressive cast of characters, we see a large array of Autobots and Decepticons, each has a unique characteristics when they transform from robot mode into humanoid mode and vice versa.
Autobots
Dinobots
Aerialbots
Decepticons
Insecticons
Constructicons
Combaticons
Since the series ran for 98-successful episodes between 1984 and 1987, numerous toy production lines came out from the series and many new Transformers series came out such as Headmasters, Beast Wars, Machine Wars, Robots in Disguise etc etc. Transformers franchise really became a serious hit for many kids around that time and they just flocked to their toy stores like crazy buzzy bees sucking out all the last boxes of Transformers toylines to bring them home. I was like that one of them. All of the Generation Mechs were, I’m sure.
Transformer’s popularity was its raw power of attraction that has kept people for talking about it for years and generations, even after the series ended. And now we have several websites that are dedicated to these such as Transformers.com (by Hasbro), IDW Publishing, TransformersClub.com, Botcon.com and several other unofficial fansites more to come.
We’ve seen the two latest Transformers movies that’s recently came out towards the end of first decade of 2000 since Transformers: The Movie back in 1986.
And to remind ourselves that have seen Transformers G1 and recall those four seasons of episodes, here are their intros. (If you haven’t, then sit back, relax and watch the intros and I would put a recommended suggestion you get its DVD/Blue ray release.
Season 1
Season 2
Season 3
Season 4
I remembered after the entire series ended at its fourth season, the continuity of Transformers saga went on but it was divided into a couple of streams, and one of them was produced in Japan, where they gave us The Headmasters, Super-god Masterforce, Victory and Zone. They were broadcast mostly in Japan/Asia in the later years. Looks like I have another Transformers subcategory to write into my list of mecha chronology. It’s going to be a long while.
In the meantime, let’s us rejoice the fact what is to one of the best childhood cartoon series that’s ever produced, throughout our lives. For the past, the present and the future. And it’s all thanks to this one little figurine that turn Takara’s and Hasbro’s imaginations into a reality. A reality that results in achieving incredible scale of critical success to its franchise.
It was one particular night last Tuesday.  And I was just tweaking my Twitter setup and there’s this twitter follower by the name of  ’The Obedient Robot’.  He’s got a blog of his own apparently.  Clearly, his blog theme is everything but robot inside and out, after I checked his link.
As I scrolled down, I stumbled upon a funny Youtube video about a decepticon that know how to breakdance so well, like any ordinary good breakdancer would normally do! Â Check his groovy moves!!
And when you’re done with that, check out this other funny Transformers dance video by the leader of the Autobots! Optimus Prime! A complete parody of the Evolution Dance video (viewed as the greatest Youtube viewing numbers of all time)!
I would just imagine if this one comes available in the Dance Evolution games series…. ^^
Ha! Like I wish! Given the fact I couldn’t afford it after looking at these many zeros in its price figure. Seriously, this would be a very nice collection to add, if you’re into hot cars of all sorts. Or in my case… Transformers cars. :)
And what better way to own one is to have this cool looking Transformer action figure that TakaraTomy has been busy working on since Tranformers: ROTF movie release not long ago.
Optimus Prime Alternity
After I read the link from DannyChoo.com and reading the amazing power on the actual car’s specs, I learnt how they did an amazing paint job of reconstructing Optimus Prime from cab-over fire truck into one of the hottest sports car on the planet (Bumble bee is not the only one that gets all the glitz and glamour being a Camero!). The aesthetics, the body parts, the arms, the legs. And especially his distinguishable face. How incredible is that!
Takara Tormy explains the reason for this design is to offer another dimension of the Transformers toyline ‘universe’, if that you may accurately call it. Cause after all, Transformers franchise has gotten several changes and (ironically enough) transformations over the past 2 decades with many versions of production toylines under different names since Transformers G1’s debut in USA and Japan such as the Pretenders and Micromasters. And now Alternity is one of the newer ones they have for a while now.
Apparently, you can purchase these online from HobbyLink.Japan for about 4500 Yen (USD $48.55). And it’s available in two colours, silver and black at the same size. They are other online stores you can get from as well, but of course prices do vary a lot depending on which supplier you’re going with and how good their services are.
It’s been a little more than a week now since Transformers 2 was released in all cinema theatres around the globe. And I must say, coming from an avid fan of Transformers who’s purchased his Transformers G1 DVDs a while back (yes!!), I really enjoyed this film! It was great to watch. My friends and I went to our local cinema theatre one night, after two and half hours later we were absolutely thrilled the way how the sequel’s been delivered by Michael Bay.
Hands down, I reckon it delivered what’s expected of in reference to its title ‘Revenge of the Fallen’. And the fallen here means the evil alien robots, the Decepticons, who suffered plenty of defeat lately since in the last film, if you could recall, where Megatron was ‘disabled’ and shut down by the All Spark and USA Marine forces took and dumped him in the deepest part of Pacific Ocean. Without their leader, the rest of Decepticons where left in disarray, found no purpose of fighting for other than survival. As Optimus Prime and his loyal Autobots began to gradually defeat the remaining forces of Decepticons, a bigger threat is looming across the Earth that the Decepticons will once again rise again to invade the planet. But, more importantly, defeat the Autobots for they are always be arch-nemesis of Decepticons.
Megatron - Back for revenge
Ready for pay back?
In the nutshell, the plot delivered plenty of expectations for the fans of Hasbro toys, if not everything. The film promised people in the Tranformers-related forums there will be new alien robots to feature on both sides of the warring fence including (SPOILER WARNING!) the much talk about a combined Transformers called ‘Devastator’. Having said that, there’s plenty of action sequences these metallic behemoths sprung up against each other fighting and you get the sense of feeling that it’s a different Transformers battle sequence that we experienced in the predecessor. It’s bigger and louder. For sure. As do all sequels do, traditionally. But in Michael Bay’s world, this is his usual trademark. Explosions, weapons firing everywhere, battle scenes, US-army-forces-fighting-off-alien-invaders-from-creating-an-apocalyptic-end-to-the-Earth routine etc. No mistake about it. They got some of the amazing action sequences which were too cool to describe and you have to go and watch the film to believe it. It’s just unbelievable! The fans sure get what they’re asking for when they want plenty of robot action going on here.
Optimus Prime
Bumble Bee
Aside the action sequences, the story-telling side of things are, how should I say, adequate enough to make the point why the Fallen wanted to take revenge on the Autobots and pursued the invasion of the Earth, relentlessly, and how our main star-lets Shia Lebouff and Megan Fox are caught behind all of this in what appears to be an intergalactic warfare. I highlighted the word ‘adequate’ in italics because I do not suggest that the film was not good enough to tell us a great storyline. Rather, I’m saying it could have been better. If only they could ‘trim’ certain bits of the film that are not necessary to aid the storyline any less conceivable. As I know Michael Bay after seeing some of his movies like Pearl Harbor and Armagedon, I realised he’s managed to incorporate some elements from his previous movies in this one and I felt they serve no purpose other than weakening the plot along the way especially during the climax of the film and you’re starting to wonder if things are getting bit too predictable from one scene to another. I won’t go to specifics what they are, as I don’t want to risk spoiling it for everyone who’s yet to see the film. So I’ll stop here. However, if you know where I’m coming, you know pretty well what I mean.
Actors are good as they should be as we have Shia and Megan return to the big screen along with the original acting crew from Transformers set. They’ve played their individual role well so nothing short of expectations. My only other comment is that Megan Fox’s character was ‘downer’. To me, anyways. It would harsh for me to say this but having Megan appearing as a someone who’s got all the curvaceous grooves that certainly draw plenty appeal for, not just the teenage guys, but guys of all ages. As if we need that when this film is already considered as a big-boys-toys-psyched up film anyway. In other words, she’s all over the show and I felt it didn’t have any valid reason why a hot actress would bear that much importance to the whole story as much as our metallic gasoline-powered heroes who are supposed to be the stars of the night. A little overated with her screen time, I would say.
Overall, if you ask me what my overall rating for the entire film is, I would give a 4/5. Just!
I say ‘just’ because it’s totally a great film for guys (and girls as well) who have things for cars and vehicles of all sizes and check out their favourite Transformers morphed into new hot vehicles that General Motors were trying really hard to promote despite their pending bankruptcy proceedings as of late. So if you’re looking for exciting film that has plenty of action, good humor (which is nice I must say) and lots of thrills vehicle transformation, I recommend this one highly. It’s worth it!
Well… Actually it’s on since yesterday, according to our New Zealand time (our current date is 25th June at the time of writing). And many people lining up to watch the film in cinema complexes over the country, and you would expect to see long and massive queues just pilling up at every corner of the cinema entrance, teenage kids screaming hard out at their parents, begging them to watch the must-see-film of the year. One long queue after the other. Rest assured, even late night session would be sold out by now. So think twice before you head down to the theatre and finding yourself dumbstruck to be left stranded in the cinema complex.
Sources indicated to me that the film went very well. I checked out on Facebook and I saw many avid fan’s profile status written with their excellent comments of the film. And reading this link on Hollywoodinsider.com, it sure is very promising to hear, considering the common notion of how sequels notoriously have the potential to be a greater flop than the original films. And (this is me) on a more personal level, sequels are worth to make if they can come up with something new and refreshing that the original do not have. I’m thinking if Transformers 2 were anything like how Terminator 2 pull off their massive results those 20 years ago, that would be definitely make my day!(or night) And I’m planning to watch tomorrow night with some friends. Can’t hardly wait! We’ll see it…
In meantime, here’s a couple of postive online reviews below by movie critiques that were submitted less than 24 hours since its debut in other parts of the world, I love to share. Very insightful comment, especially one of the critiques was saying something about GM’s concept Camero car (and others) put into its final promotional spin before the company’s going out with a big bang.
Now that Transformers 2 is edging closer and closer to reach our cinemas in New Zealand (and the rest of the world) I decided to take stroll into one of our busiest shopping centres in town, and wondering if there’s any good merchandising sales on Transformers. You would normally expect advertising companies will be promoting all of Hasbro’s Autobot/Decepticons characters in every shape or form such as video games, apparel clothing, toys, mugs, stationery etc some weeks prior to the official date release of the film. And sure enough there’s plenty to go around when shopping.
And today I got myself a couple of neat men’s Transformers-themed apparel, here!
Transformers T-Shirt in Red
Transformers Apparel with a hoodie
I was excited to have them after putting them on, making sure the sizes do fit well for me. Â And they sure do. Â It’s very refreshing to find that they bringing back the good old days of Transformers G1 when it was such a boon and everybody at the time were so hooked watching them and every kid would just go to the stores and buy all the Transformers toylines manufactured straight off by Takara they could get their hands on. Â And now, over 20 years later, the history somewhat repeats itself and we see the return of their major toylines in many toystores worldwide but this time it’s catching up well with 21st century modern trends and fashion very well, such as these. Â Check out their amazing embroidery of these clothes.
I’m so gonna enjoy wearing them on the night the film is released. :) Â Autobots, roll out!!
I went to one of those novelty fashion shops, minding my own business while browsing for any suitable clothing that fits my taste of fashion, which normally falls under the category of being out-of-ordinary or strikingly sophisticated. But I fear this shop doesn’t have anything like that so I knew I was going to turn my head around, looking for for the exit sign.
But before I even turned my head at a full 90 degree clockwise direction, something did capture my attention and my eyes could not stop staring the full 30 seconds. And there it was.
The Transformers Tees…
(Apologies for the picture quality. These photos were taken straight from my Samsung cameraphone. I was gonna try to adjust the contrast/brightness better to take a couple more shots. However, a salesgirl stopped me from taking them further… Apparently, taking photos in a public merchandise store is a straight violation to their store policy. I don’t know the precise details of the reason(I didn’t ask) but I believe they’re were thinking I’m planning to do something illegal trading with these, thus creating bad retail competition. Or to be put it more accurately, black market. Fair enough…)
They are incredibly cool. I just love the fitnesse and fabric designs of these t-shirts. Especially with this one, to start off with.
Optimus Prime T-shirt
It’s one of those casual trendy shirts where you have large emblem drawn in the background with an animal symbol sitting in the middle usually an eagle, bear, lion (Think Harley Davidson’s Logo). But in this case, we know have our brave fearless leader of the Autobots, Optimus Prime, taking centre stage, wielding his weapon upclose and standing very strong and bold. And it’s got the Autobots insignia below him and a great background that comes with flowery patterns as if they’re inspired from an Olympic flag. Totally awesome. I really wish I had the chance to buy these as well as the other two below.
Transformers T-shirts with Autobots andDecepticons emblems
Transformers T-shirt with Autobots emblem
I could have taken another shot for the other shirt with Decepticons insignia. But no. I was stopped short cause I was caught red-handed by the sales girl and she warned me to stop taking more photos with them. Bugger!!
Oh well. At least, I did get away with having these amazing shots. And with the upcoming Transformers 2 movie going to be released less than 8 days time, I think I might as well grab one. :)
They’re currently selling at a retail price around NZD $25.00 (that’s in USD $15.50).
