Transformers Animated

[Dragon Turtle]

Info on the new Transformers series:

From IGN:

http://tv.ign.com/articles/799/799046p1.html

From Toonzone:

http://news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=17708


Sounds like Legion of Superheroes meets Transformers.:ohwell:

[JetsAndHeels]

Ughh..this animation looks horrible. Are they trying to ruin the franchise that I so loved as a child growing up in the 80's?

And what is the deal with this plot? Ok the Transformers are in Detroit? What are they doing, working for Ford making car parts??

Seriously, is anyone else put off by this? It seems like someone is trying to put a big blemish on the cartoon franchise. :-?

[Barkworm]

Optimus is a firetruck?

[Brodie]

He's been a firetruck before.

[Mecha Cow]

This looks beyond awful. Just offensively bad, and I'm not even a Transformers fan.

Everyone still complaining about the movie designs, please direct your attention here. This is where the real sh*t is.

[DrSpengler]

Meh. Its different, but after 4 years of bland, boring, textbook anime shows, I whole-heartedly welcome a change of pace.

I thought the Teen Titans designs looked terrible on promotional material, but after I saw them animated I discovered they worked entirely well. Same with Clone Wars and Samurai Jack. So I'm not down on this stylistic change at all. Also keep in mind that the animation is being done by Mook, a VERY good animation studio who have worked with American and Japanese productions for years. If you want to see how good they are, check out some of the season 2 Swat Kats episodes. Those are gorgeous and they're over 10 years old.

And on top of that, this show is being written in America. Is that a 100% guarantee of quality? No, but it sure as hell means it'll be better than anything the Japanese have been offering for the past few years. At the very least, there won't be a mandatory 10 minutes of stock footage per episode and every conflict being resolved with "BURNING HEART I MUST SUCCEED SUPER LINK CYBER KEY POWER UP KAMEHAMEHA JUSTICE LOVE!"

I am optimistic about this show. The simple fact that it's not Japanese ensures a level of quality greater than what we've been getting for the past 4 years, ie; "better than crap".

[Buslady]

superheros?!?!!? WTF!!?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!


:sick: :sick: :sick: :sick:

[SassyGal]

Wow. Does anyone else think Optimus looks a little skinny?? Maybe it's the angle of the pic?

Anyway, I can't wait to actually see it animated and agree with DrSpengler. I also thought Teen Titans looked a little crap until I saw the finished animation.

[JetsAndHeels]

I'm going to give it a chance...still like I said in my previous post I don't like what I have seen so far.

I will reserve judgement until it actually airs. :)

[Brodie]

I am optimistic about this show.

Or should you say...Optim-US-tic!



See what I did there?
Optimus?




26 hours, NO SLEEP.

[Peanut]

^^ ROALZ!

Anyways, I love Transformers, so I'll give it a shot. Nothing could be worse than the anime bullsh*t they've been producing for years.

[Time Mistress]

My first reaction is "Hey look, it's Knock-Off Prime!" But I'll wait and judge the thing once I've actually seen the the first few episodes. Not to mention no Prowl = Michael Bell anymore. :(

[ZariusTwo]

I don't see how Spengler can remain optimistic, the show does'nt have the same concepts that make the premise so appealing (fighting other threats beyond their sworn enemies in a cival war, comedy characters? Please) the animation is by a guy who emulates anime, something I want to see LESS of, Sam Register is a c*ck who has served to undermine great shows like Titans, cancel shows like Samurai Jack, and responsible for enforcing more anime styles. Isenberg's a good writer, but not as good as other TMNT vets like Yost or Ryan, and he has this pesky habit of being a "safe" writer more times than a risky one.

The ironic thing is that Marty wrote the best scripts of Beast Machines, the premieres of seasons one and two, which at least had plenty of BW nods

[Spike Spiegel]

That looks really dumb. The designs are terrible....and now the Autobots are supposed to be "superheroes"?!


Cartoon Network and that idiot Sam Register lose more of my respect with each passing day.

[DrSpengler]

Cast news!

Say what you will about the animation, but the show looks to have a very talented cast with lots of familiar faces and new talent.

Optimus Prime, Grimlock, Lugnut - David Kaye
Bumblebee - Bumper Robinson (apparently in a Chris Rock-esque performance)
Bulkhead - Bill Fagerbakke
Prowl, Ultra Magnus - Jeff Bennett
Arcee - Susan Blu (also the voice director)
Blackarachnia - Cree Summer
Jazz - Phil Lamarr
Megatron, Shockwave, Ratchet - Corey Burton
Starscream, a Constructicon - Tom Kenny
A garbage truck Transformer - "Weird Al" Yankovic
Sari (human friend) - Tara Strong
Blurr - John Moschitta Jr.

Got a few reprisals in there. Corey Burton voiced Shockwave in the G1 cartoon, as well as Spike and Sunstreaker. David Kaye, as I'm sure you know, was Megatron in Beast Wars and the Unicron Trilogy, so hearing him as Prime should be wacky. Weird Al being a Transformers is a nice touch, considering he provided "Dare to be Stupid" for the 86 movie's soundtrack. Joh Moschitta voiced Blurr back in the G1 series and makes a return here. And Susan Blu voiced Arcee in G1 and did the direction for Beast Wars and Beast Machines (she's a FANTASTIC voice director, as I'm sure all us TMNT fans are well aware ;) ).

And even the actors that are new to Transformers are fantastic in their own right. Fagerbakke is better known as Patrick on Spongebob and Broadway on Gargoyles. Jeff Bennet is one of my favorites, having been Brooklyn and Owen on Gargoyles and Dexter's dad on Dexter's Laboratory. Phil Lamarr is another great one, having been Green Lantern on JLU and Static on Static Shock. And I'm sure we all recognize Tom Kenny; he's in EVERYTHING these days. I bet he'll make a great Starscream.

Really looking forward to this show. If anything, it should be FUN. And we haven't had a FUN Transformers cartoon since Beast Wars.

[Brodie]

Why is Blackarachnia in there?

[Cure]

Why is Blackarachnia in there?

Same reason Scorponok is in the movie.......

[DrSpengler]

Why is Blackarachnia in there?

They're just recycling names, as is standard Transformer franchise protocol.

Supposedly Waspinator is going to be in the show, too. Word is that Kaye mentioned at Botcon that Blu tried desperately to get Scott McNeil back for the character, but since he doesn't have some kind of union permit to work in America, they couldn't get him.

[DrSpengler]

Tons of tidbits from the Botcon Hasbro Q&A panel:

http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=32619

In regards to Animated:

Next up: Transformers: Animated.
"The last time we had a really good time slot was Armada." Time for a fresh approach, to get into a better time-slot, to bring in more kids. (And us too).
Eric has pretty much run the show. They've been working on it a long time. There'll be lots of surprises, and we'll like them. Yessir!

What's it all about?
3 episode mini-movie in January. Relateable stories and characters. New possibilities with the toys. Produced in the US, partnered with Cartoon Network. "Don't Lose Tradition, But Move With The Times." Trying to do something new, not just make a better G1.
More everyday stories, simpler story, not just a massive space opera.
"We are not dumbing down the Transformers franchise at all." Kid-relateable means more humor, more focus on the characters, but great action too. More interaction with people in cities, not just battling out in deserts somewhere.
"A bit less Robots In Disguise," but "more fish-out-of-water."

From a bullet-point slide:
Episodic, but ties into an overall seasonal arc.
Smaller cast of bots, with more character develpment. Return to Beast Wars in that sense!
Action driven, with a dose of humor.
Major focus on personality and abilities. Super-powered Autobots, like Hound and Mirage from G1.
Rich action sequences.
Familiar and new characters. G1 reappearances, and of course new characters.
Human super-villains and Decepticon villains. Hasbro and Cartoon Network wanted the Decepticons to be more of a menace - "OMG A DECEPTICON." Decepticons are a much bigger threat than the humans. "When Megatron's gonna show up, it's gonna be a big deal." Not a Con/Bot battle every day. But, there's often a Con influence on what the human villains do.

Artistic Style
Highly styized and fluid animation.
More energetic and expressive Bots. Almost humanistic expressions--you'll see what they're feeling.
Major focus on personality and abilities.
Grow from mechanical to emotive designs.
Familiar and New Characters
Realistic and stylized Transformations. "While there is one 'Tasmanian Devil' transformation, it's not going to be constant." Not just stock-animation transformations, not just whirlwinds--they'll transform in different interesting ways in the scenes.

Model Sheets
Cybertronian Mode Optimus - recognizeable, but different. He's got a visor that comes down like a surgical mask.
Earth Mode Prime - sometimes he'll have a trailer, sometimes not--like G1.
Bumblebee - alt-mode looks a lot like Classics Bee. Yellow and stubby with a stripe.
Bulkhead - OMG BIG FAT GUY. ig and strong. "Kinda like the Thing from Fantastic 4." Big wrecking ball flail from his fist. Big tanky trucky alt-mode.
Prowl - "The resident ninja." Motorcycle.
Ratchet - "he's been packing away too many doughnuts." The most seasoned one, the only one who's been in many wars. "Like R. Lee Ermey in Full Metal Jacket."
OMG GRIMLOCK. Very like Classics. "You thought there'd really only be 5 Autobots?" There will be 2 more Dinobots too. "They're three crazy dudes."

Decepticons
Cybertronian Megatron - wowowow. Big fusion cannon. Grey. Dunno alt-mode.
Starscream - Character is the same as always. Latta-style voice from Tom Kenny. Dark colors. Jet wings point forward like Cyclonus.
Blitzwing! Jet/tank/robot! "Eric finally found a way to get him into a line." He'll have different faces, spin to switch.
Lugnut - OMG BIG FAT GUY. Purple huge cargo jet. Loyal, unquestioning servant. Over the top and funny. "If Bulkhead is the Thing, he's the Hulk."
Black Arachnia - Pointy! Purple, black, and yellow spider. Very spindly in spider mode. Different origin story than BW. She starts off as a different character, then you learn more about her through flashbacks. A villain you'll really care for.

Human characters
Cpt. Fanzone - olice chief in Detroit
Sari and her father Isaac Sumdac - the most interactive human characters. They can't tell us how, but NOT the "annoying human sidekick telling the big robot from outer space what to do." Sari's an outcast, she looks to them for friendship. They look to her to fit in.
Human villains - "The Angry Archer" *snerk!* Looks like a dopey evil Robin Hood. "Super-powered dudes. Some can run fast, some are super strong, some spew acid, some look good in a pimp suit."

The Ark! Looks like G1, with more colors - gold, with red and grey accents. Inside, CR chambers, BW style. Will there be a playset? "Next slide."
Nemesis is massive. Purple and pointy and huge. The Ark is the size of one of its spikes.
Detroit - Designers flew out there to draw some familiar buildings, but it looks really futury. Centerpiece is the Sumdac Tower, owned by Sari's dad-the Bill Gates of the city. It looks like a sparkplug. Detroit now builds robots instead of cars.

What will the toys look like?
Toys developed at the sme time as animaion designs. All the designers got together to work the toys and animated designs out all at once.
Animation style allows us to show more personality with each character.
90% animation/toy accuracy.
New sculpting style.
NO MORE FULL LINE GIMMICKS.
Transformation IS the feature!
Signature weapons and poses - Attitude and stance. Weapons may transform as well.
Range of motion is great!

Toy photos!
Prime - Deluxe=Cybertronian
Voyager=Earth mode. Look perfect!
BB and Bulkhead - it's amazing how much these look like the animated designs. Amazing stylization. BB has rockets on the sides of his car. They have a look almost like vinyl toys. It's unbelievable they can transform - but they do, and they look just like the cartoons in both modes.
Prowl and Ratchet - Ratchet doesn't look too fat. Prowl is scrawny, seems to come with a stoplight.
Grimlock (Voyager) - no toy photo, but an AutoCad model. Man, that looks like Classics.
Voyager Megtron - alien vehicle. Still has the big fusion cannon. Legs look like Movie Prime's, actually.
Voyager Lugnut and Voyager Blitzwing.
Deluxe Black Arachnia - spider definitely bulkier than the animation bodel, but robot mode looks lithe and agile.
These are going by very, very fast. Suffice it to say, they look GOOD.

Toys will have a matte finish, not glossy. More like Batman toy paints.
Working on season 2 of another 13 episodes. Possibility of season 3 and 4.
More familiar and new characters in S2. Desire to create new characters, with cameos by G1 favorites.

"Roll the sizzle!"
Animation clips. 22nd century Detroit. Into this land, crashed a small group of Autobots, stumbled upon the Allspark artifact.
Prime and Megatron show with axe and swords.
Lots of shots of Prime with mouth. Transformations simple and stylized. Clearly some stock animations. Autobots fighting giant monster, like Thrakkorzogg from the Tick. "I'm Bumblebee!" "I'm Sari." "Don't be!" Silly, fast, fun. Prime's face looks VERY human.


Sounds good so far.

So they'll be fighting human villains, but not ALL the time and many of the human villains will be influenced by the Decepticons, who will be much more menacing and special than before. And a smaller cast of characters means more personality and developement for each, though others will be recurring characters who'll show up every now and again.

I'm especially looking forward to this so called "Boba Fett" character they're talking about.

[Brodie]

I hope they make some weird neat Beast Wars bots too, like itd be neat to see an animated Cheetor or Primal that wasn't CGI, yanno?

[Dr. Doom]

Sounding pretty interesting now. Good cast, too.

[Dragon Turtle]

An interview with Executive Producer Sam Register is up at IGN:

http://tv.ign.com/articles/801/801348p1.html



According to Sam Register:

"But these Transformers are for seven year olds, for kids. My feeling is that if you're old enough to write a post on a Transformers message board, you're too old for this show."

[DrSpengler]

Yes, but he ALSO says:

The whole show is an homage, to everything we all love about the Transformers, but it's focused for the six- and seven-year-old fans that are being introduced to the Transformers for the first time. We hope that the more seasoned fan will enjoy it also, and I think they will. Even if they're a little angry right now. We got the same reaction on Teen Titans and that was a huge hit for Cartoon Network. If this is any harbinger of things, then I'm psyched.

and:

Right, you want passion. When you put out new stuff and everyone is sort of like "That's kind of cool…" it's not the same as people saying "Wow, that's really new!" and "I hate this!" That's when we're doing the right thing, and now it's up to us to deliver on that.

Transformers is a kid's franchise, so aiming toward your MARKET DEMOGRAPHIC is nothing that warrants crucifixion. Register's probably just a tad irked at all the over-the-top end-of-the-world fanboy bitching ONE PROMOTIONAL IMAGE sparked on the internet.

[Dragon Turtle]

The whole show is an homage, to everything we all love about the Transformers, but it's focused for the six- and seven-year-old fans that are being introduced to the Transformers for the first time. We hope that the more seasoned fan will enjoy it also, and I think they will. Even if they're a little angry right now. We got the same reaction on Teen Titans and that was a huge hit for Cartoon Network. If this is any harbinger of things, then I'm psyched.




Nothing wrong with focusing on six and seven year olds, it's just irritating
that all shows aiming at that demographic must come from the same
generic superhero quasi-anime mold, shows like LoSH, Fantastic Four, and Loonatics.
Less of a "homage" to Transformers and more likely a corporate driven
Teen Titan retread.

[ZariusTwo]

I really ought to point out Titans only honestly had two superb seasons and three fair but mediocre ones that had the occasional superb episode (and it usually focused on Robin or Raven's arcs), it was too grounded in it's insepid anime-style as a comedy series and an action/adventure series second.

[kerfootw]

Sounding pretty interesting now. Good cast, too.

I hope so.

Cast news!

Say what you will about the animation, but the show looks to have a very talented cast with lots of familiar faces and new talent.

Optimus Prime, Grimlock, Lugnut - David Kaye
Bumblebee - Bumper Robinson (apparently in a Chris Rock-esque performance)
Bulkhead - Bill Fagerbakke
Prowl, Ultra Magnus - Jeff Bennett
Arcee - Susan Blu (also the voice director)
Blackarachnia - Cree Summer
Jazz - Phil Lamarr
Megatron, Shockwave, Ratchet - Corey Burton
Starscream, a Constructicon - Tom Kenny
A garbage truck Transformer - "Weird Al" Yankovic
Sari (human friend) - Tara Strong
Blurr - John Moschitta Jr.

Got a few reprisals in there. Corey Burton voiced Shockwave in the G1 cartoon, as well as Spike and Sunstreaker. David Kaye, as I'm sure you know, was Megatron in Beast Wars and the Unicron Trilogy, so hearing him as Prime should be wacky. Weird Al being a Transformers is a nice touch, considering he provided "Dare to be Stupid" for the 86 movie's soundtrack. Joh Moschitta voiced Blurr back in the G1 series and makes a return here. And Susan Blu voiced Arcee in G1 and did the direction for Beast Wars and Beast Machines (she's a FANTASTIC voice director, as I'm sure all us TMNT fans are well aware ;) ).

And even the actors that are new to Transformers are fantastic in their own right. Fagerbakke is better known as Patrick on Spongebob and Broadway on Gargoyles. Jeff Bennet is one of my favorites, having been Brooklyn and Owen on Gargoyles and Dexter's dad on Dexter's Laboratory. Phil Lamarr is another great one, having been Green Lantern on JLU and Static on Static Shock. And I'm sure we all recognize Tom Kenny; he's in EVERYTHING these days. I bet he'll make a great Starscream.

Really looking forward to this show. If anything, it should be FUN. And we haven't had a FUN Transformers cartoon since Beast Wars.

A decent cast I must say. Can't picture Kaye doing Prime though. I am looking forward to seeing Bill Fagerbakke voice a hero again though after his great performance as Broadway back in Gargoyles.

[ZariusTwo]

First look at The Decepticons (Megatron retains his movie look, whilst Starscream looks a lot more sleeker)


http://tformers.com/article.php?sid=8189

[Vicky82]

As soon as I saw that picture I could see which one Bill Fagerbakke (Bulkhead) is playing. it's look like Broadway (from Gargoyles) as a Transformer.

[Raph's Girl]

Optimus Prime, Grimlock, Lugnut - David Kaye
Bumblebee - Bumper Robinson (apparently in a Chris Rock-esque performance)
Bulkhead - Bill Fagerbakke
Prowl, Ultra Magnus - Jeff Bennett
Arcee - Susan Blu (also the voice director)
Blackarachnia - Cree Summer
Jazz - Phil Lamarr
Megatron, Shockwave, Ratchet - Corey Burton
Starscream, a Constructicon - Tom Kenny
A garbage truck Transformer - "Weird Al" Yankovic
Sari (human friend) - Tara Strong
Blurr - John Moschitta Jr.

Grimlock!!!!! YAY!!!!! Grimlock's in it!!!! *JUAD* Ok...Im gonna watch it!! Grimlock rox!!! WOOT!!! :evilgrin: As he says in the original animated Transformers film "Grimlock kick butt!"

Good cast....except for Weird Al... This is the first thing since Gargoyles that Jeff Bennet and Bill Faggerbake have been in together. Nice to know Bill's doing something other than Spongebob Squarepants (he's that Starfish guy)

Also nice that there's strong female characters but isn't Black Arachnia from Beast Machines??

[Spike Spiegel]

That looks really dumb. The designs are terrible....and now the Autobots are supposed to be "superheroes"?!


Cartoon Network and that idiot Sam Register lose more of my respect with each passing day.

I hereby retcon my previous post after seeing more information about this show...:P :P

[DrSpengler]

Also nice that there's strong female characters but isn't Black Arachnia from Beast Machines??

Beast Wars and Beast Machines, yes.

But this is a different continuity and, though similar, isn't the same Blackarachnia. Just like it isn't the same Starscream, Prime, Megatron etc.


The Decepticons look pretty good. I especially like the Colonal Klink motif that Blitzwing has going. Supposedly, Blitzwing is going to have a "Man-E-Faces" like gimmick where he changes heads and personalities along with his modes. Could be fun.

[DrSpengler]

Check it out, SDCC clip from Transformers Animated:

http://enewsi.com/

Mook's animation looks gorgeous as usual. Sari looks crazy weird, but that's fine. I'll take her look over GENERICA TEE HEE ANIME GIRL #457-B any day.

Looking forward to the show more now than before.

[Cure]

You know...that looked good to me. Still not drooling over it, but it looks better than I thought.

[Raph's Girl]

Mook's animation looks gorgeous as usual. Sari looks crazy weird, but that's fine. I'll take her look over GENERICA TEE HEE ANIME GIRL #457-B any day.
.

OMG! That is SOOO G1!! Well except for that little freaky girl.... WTF?

Either way me likey!! All the Dinobots too!!! :D The crowd went wild only in 2 instances: Dinobots and Starscream. :lol: I don't blame em... Starscream rox! But SW33T!! ALL the Dinobots!! :evilgrin:

When Bulkhead talked I got a total Broadway vibe from him. Wikipedia lists him as a Thing type character. Well perhaps a combo of Thing and Broadway. He seems as innocent about things as Broadway did (particularly since he exlaims he's never seen a Decepticon before).

They updated the theme song a bit...but I don't mind. Totally can't wait to see this series!! WOOT! Dinobots are back!! :evilgrin:

[ZariusTwo]

Sari is exactly the kind of pint-sized, unreallistic deformed little s*it-brick that Register loves seeing on his shows, whilst every other human is a little more beleivable. Get ready for tons of Trans-fans ignoring her the same way they have virtually every other human character. The best ones have always been Spike from G1, Alexis from Armada just for the Starscream relationship, and Coby and Lori from Cybertron.

Bumblebee needs to keep his visor on. Grimlock and the Dinobots looked great, and the crowd was cheering because Kenny more than nailed Latta's Starscream. Hearing Burton again, in whatever form, Megatron or Shockwave, is gonig to be sweet. he's the vet of the series.

The animation does'nt know what to be, Titans or Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi.

...But that score was awesome. That should have been in the film, the best version of the theme since the Armada credits, and the one closest to the older tone throughout

[GK Punk]

Looks awesome. I hope they finally make a decent Arcee toy. I'm still wanting a G1 version. (Cassics line don't let me down!) I'll miss the seekers something fierce.

I was a little afraid of what this show would be like, like that clip is now making me look forward to it. I may even collect the toys to this version too.

[AquaParade]

That show looks a little better then I thought it would too, but I still have some doubts. Definitley gonna check it out though. This is just another reminder that I need to check out some of the old G1 episodes. I still have yet to watch that show since I was younger. I hope the quality somewhat holds up to my nostalgic memories.:ohwell:

[ZariusTwo]

Amimation was never G1's strong point, watch it for the substance

[Raph's Girl]

David Willis of Shortpacked and Walky fame took some pics of the action figures we'll be getting from this series.

http://pics.livejournal.com/shortpacked/gallery/0004acda?page=2

[DrSpengler]

I prefer the fiction over the toys, so I probably won't be buying any. But I *can* say that as stylized as they are they look pretty good.

Prime and Bumblebee look especially purdy and the articulation looks very nice.

[GK Punk]

Sweet, Blitzwing is still a triple changer. I'll be picking up Bumblebee definetley. not sure about the rest. In fact I need to go hit TRU this week to look for the Concept Camaro version of Bumblebee...

[DrSpengler]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2vjFbm025E&eurl=

Here's the same Comicon video but from a better angle and with better sound. You can actually tell what all the characters are saying now and get a good idea of what their voices *should* sound like.

I'm digging Corey Burton's Megatron, for sure. I was afraid he was gonna do something too similar to his G1 Shockwave or Brainiac from Superman, but its actually rather unique.

[ZariusTwo]

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/imagehosting/3959046c7c1f55f896.jpg

[DrSpengler]

Apparantly that's going to be his design at the end of the season after he reformats into a new alt mode. The majority of the season will have him in his Cybertronian form with a head which more closely resembles Movie Megatron's.

Still, I totally dig the design. The sword could use some "oomph", though.

Also, for some reason the art team behind Animated have a SERIOUS hard-on for Transformers Battlestars, an obscure Japan-only series which came at the tail end of G1.

Animated Prime's chest looks almost identical to Star Convoy's (Optimus Prime's upgraded form for Battlestars) and Megatron right there is a *serious* homage to Super Megatron (Megatron's upgrade from Battlestars).

As some who actually liked what little there was of Battlestars, I wholeheartedly approve.

[GK Punk]

The link is broken. I can't see a thing and when I throw the URL in to the adress bar it says file not found.

[DrSpengler]

Works just fine for me.

Here's a pic of him next to Super Megatron, though:

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f385/supernate83/MegCompare.jpg

[GK Punk]

Yeah it's working for me now :\

I kinda like the design. Needs more arm cannon though :o

[Aelia]

So, they traded in his arm cannon for a sword? Hmm, okay then. Well, aside from that, Megatron looks awesome. I can't wait to see the show next year.

[ZariusTwo]

http://www.transformersclub.com/

[Dragon Turtle]

Here is a clip of the upcoming toon.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kITwzo7Oa38


Dear lord! What happened to Prime's voice?

[DrSpengler]

Here is a clip of the upcoming toon.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kITwzo7Oa38


Dear lord! What happened to Prime's voice?

That's David Kaye, who voiced Megatron in Beast Wars and the Unicron Trilogy.

The startling "non-Primeness" is intentional, as he's supposed to be very young and inexperienced and not even in full command of the Autobots at the beginning of the series. He's going to develope into a leader as the series progresses.

[Dragon Turtle]

That's David Kaye, who voiced Megatron in Beast Wars and the Unicron Trilogy.

The startling "non-Primeness" is intentional, as he's supposed to be very young and inexperienced and not even in full command of the Autobots at the beginning of the series. He's going to develope into a leader as the series progresses.

Ah.. that old chestnut... so basically he's Lion-O?:)

[Peanut]

Not digging the animation at all. I could deal with the mediocre character designs, but the animation gets me down. That one shot of Starscream was awesome, though.

[Raph's Girl]

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0711/15/index.htm

Cartoon Network has announced the Transformers Animated Movie: Transform and Roll Out! will premiere on Wednesday, Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).

The movie kicks off a new animated series based on the Transformers characters.

Here's how the network describes the film:

"Optimus Prime and his small crew of Autobots come into possession of the AllSpark, a powerful Cybertronian artifact that attracts the attention of their long-forgotten enemies the Decepticons and sends them crashing to a strange and distant planet known as Earth.

"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 Rathcet-- work in the human world, interacting with the natives¹ in exciting and humorous ways. Transformers Animaed 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."


Good lord this series is gonna suck. A kiddiefied Transformers show?! Ugh... fraking Cartoon Network! This sounds worse than TMNT Fast Forward! :ohwell:

After seeing the 1 min clip...eh...still the only thing going for this film for me is Bill Thagerbake voicing Bulkhead...and the fact that the Dinobots are in it.

[Cure]

Transformers has ALWAYS been for kids. It just so happens that adults like it, too, like most other cartoons.

[DrSpengler]

[url]
Good lord this series is gonna suck. A kiddiefied Transformers show?!

I'd recommend you go back and rewatch a good number of the episodes of the Generation 1 cartoon. It is very much "for kids", at least until the 3rd season.

Even Beast Wars had lots of slapstick and sightgag elements geared toward kids, but that didn't stop it from appealing to adults.

Animated will likely be as "kiddified" as Teen Titans, Ben 10 or The Batman, and I can live with that.

Transformers is a kid's franchise. Always has been and always will be.

[Mecha Cow]

A kiddiefied Transformers show?!
:lol:

You cannot possibly be serious.

[Wildcat]

I am very much looking forward to this...I'll admit when I first saw the first pic that was released months ago...I was a bit turned off my the new look...but after seeing it more and seeing the new clip a few days ago...I think the new designs are pretty awesome.

Thier more slick looking now,which is a nice change for Transformers...not since Beast Wars(not counting the movie,those were great) have I liked the look of all the characters,I even like Bumblebee and usually I dont pay much attention to him.

Its wierd to see Blackaracnia re-invented....she looks a bit simialar to her TransMetal version in the last season of Beast Wars....either way thats cool...I loved Beast Wars.

[ZariusTwo]

http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0711/15/index.htm



Good lord this series is gonna suck. A kiddiefied Transformers show?! Ugh... fraking Cartoon Network! This sounds worse than TMNT Fast Forward! :ohwell:

What would you call the past three seasons of audience-insulting Japanese garbage?

TF Animated, as stated, isnt any less a childrens TF series than every other version was, but we have Isenberg working on this, old school VAs, and an attempt to tell a new story not tied down to established mythos and building a new continuity.

[Brodie]

I still think its neat that Beast Wars was the most adult oriented version....

[Fang Wolf]

I think I Love Transformers G1 to Transformers Cybertron more...:D

[ZariusTwo]

So you like every series up until now but you'll hate one you havent seen yet?

[AquaParade]

This show seems like it has something going for it...I just can't tell if it's the right thing for the Transformers...

[ZariusTwo]

http://www.cartoonnetwork.com/tv_shows/transformersa/index.html

Full episode guide and another small preview

[Raph's Girl]

*watches the 3 min preview*

Hmm...interesting....gonna take some getting used to them having mouths...

After reading the episode guide I don't like it one fraking bit that the Dinobots are bad guys!!! ARGH!!!!! :cry: :dead:

[Jon]

Looks pretty good. See how the show is when CN airs it.


As for the mouth thing, RG, I take it you mean the way the mouths are. Since even back in the '80s series many Transformers had mouths.

[ZariusTwo]

After reading the episode guide I don't like it one fraking bit that the Dinobots are bad guys!!! ARGH!!!!! :cry: :dead:

You must not have read the comics then, when Grimlock became leader and went power-mad.

[Cascadia]

I am going to keep an open mind about this one. There are some bits and pieces from G1 with this one. For instance, two of the voice actors from G1 are in this one...the one that did Acree and the one that did Shockwave. Right now, there are 29 episodes with summaries.

[Aelia]

The voice acting was really good, and the animation wasn't bad either. However, Starscream's HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE chin still urks me.

As for the Dinobots? I'm actually kinda glad they're going to be portrayed as bad guys. It's really nothing particularly new, but it will probably represent Grimlock's unsavory disposition at it's best (worst.)

[Cascadia]

Characters as of right now

Autobots:

* Optimus Prime
* Bumblebee
* Ultra Magnus
* Ratchet
* Bulkhead
* Prowl
* Jazz
* Grimlock
* Slag
* Swoop
* Sentinel Prime
* Blurr
* Arcee
* Wreck-Gar

Decepticons

* Megatron
* Starscream
* Blitzwing
* Lugnut
* Blackarachnia
* Soundwave
* Lockdown
* Shockwave
* Constructicons

[Raph's Girl]

Pics are up of the characters in Transformers Animated. The human characters look bad....

http://www.comics2film.com/g/thumbnails.php?album=32&page=1&sort=dd

This is my fave tho. Black Arachnia:
http://www.comics2film.com/g/albums/ok/transtoon/normal_DECEPTICON_BLACKARACHNIA.jpg

[DrSpengler]

The goth look for Blackarachnia isn't unintentional. According to her bio, she's gonna be super duper emo. Hoping that doesn't get too annoying. Ah well, at least Cree Summer's voicing her. Hopefully she'll choose one of her better voices (some of her voices can really grate on my nerves, but I don't think any of those woulf fit for Blackarachnia so I doubt she'll use em).

Sari is...mutanty looking. On the brightside, this should be the first Loli-free Transformers cartoon in 4 seasons (I highly doubt there'll be any Sari pantyshots, thank you god).

[Cascadia]

not all of the characters' images are up...I can name a few.

[The Terror of Death]

Awful. :sick: I had high hopes for this show but I couldnt find a single redeeming quality. Anyone actually enjoyed it?

[Raph's Girl]

I thought it was ok. Had some elements of the movie (IE using Megatron as a tool to develop better tech). The little girl, Sari, is just a plot device. She wasn't in the show for 5 min when all of the sudden Bumblebee is the best friend she's ever had.... *blinks*

Funny parts:
A bird pooping on Prowl's head
Sari explaining the birds and the bees to Optimus and the expression on his face. :lol:

[Cascadia]

I can't comment about it yet...I have not seen it because I never got a chance to. When I get to see it, I will express my thoughts about it.

[ZariusTwo]

Awful. :sick: I had high hopes for this show but I couldnt find a single redeeming quality. Anyone actually enjoyed it?

Pretty much the majority enjoyed it. Most criticisms came from moronic little gripes like not getting over the animation, Sari, or the designs

This was better than ANY of the Japanese crap that "The Unicron Trilogy" provided. A story that reestablished The Decepticons as threats, Starscream as a strategist, Megatron as an omnious prescense, and the Autobots as vulnerable. The homage to the original series and the animated movie were also great. The comedy was also close to the tone of the s*it movie's humour, but since it's animation, it works better. Cartoon Network have been relaxed significantly with letting their shows get away with virtually anything lately.

The only con is that Sari is a mary-sue, but otherwise not even she was that bad. Transformers is back, much like Teen Titans, the animation doesnt matter when the substance proves to be it's strength

[Cascadia]

I got a chance to watch it finally...It was not terrible. It will probably grow on me. The aspects about the series has some homage on the movie, G1, and some of the current comics, particularly the Infiltration/Devastation series.

Another funny part was Bumblebee when Seri was in the seat and the others were trying to figure what was going on with him.

[Brodie]

This guy made me want to watch it...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=CMJjq068eJo


He sold me.


(How the eff to I embed a youtube vid?)

[DrSpengler]

Finally got a chance to watch it (it's available on a certain tube in 9 parts).

I enjoyed it. Can't say I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I had a fun time and I'm really looking forward to seeing where it goes. Unlike the Unicron Trilogy, it didn't lose my interest before the first episode ended and, ZOMG, the robots can actually EMOTE!! It's a miracle!

Mook's animation didn't quite live up to my expectations, but that's really more my fault, as I think I overhyped myself a bit. The animation was still pretty good and seemed to become gradually more dynamic with each passing episode. The fight scene with Starscream in the third episode was exceptionally well done, with lots going on at once and some very slick choreography.

I whole-heartedly welcome the return of Western writing. Though the first three episodes (packaged as a "special") felt a little light, they didn't come across even remotely as needlessly decompressed as anything Japan's slung out in the past 4 seasons. Still doesn't feel like too much has happened in the course of 3 episodes, but I have a feeling the pace will pick up very quickly. This was just the establishing point, after all.

The voice acting is something I was *really* looking forward to, as I've grown sick and tired of Voicebox phoning in their performances for the whole of the Unicron Trilogy. The return of American voice actors was a blessing. A lot of fun hearing some of my favorites, particularly Jeff Bennett and Bill Faggerbake. David Kaye's Optimus worked far better than people give it credit.

Although they were hardly in the special, I thought Blitzwing and Megatron were great (Blitzwing was especially funny with his split personality). Much to my surprise, Corey Burton didn't recycle his Shockwave voice for Megatron, as so many whiney fanboys keep claiming he did. Cree Summer's Blackarachnia was essentially everything I expected of her, nothing really all that special. I think particular kudos should be given to Tom Kenny for his performance as Starscream. He sounds familiar but doesn't go all-out trying to immitate Chris Latta. Instead, he sounds genuinely threatening when he needs to be and very humorous as well. Good show.

As for Sari, I didn't find her as annoying as others. She's very cute in an "awwww" sort of way and Tara Strong's wonderful voice over accentuates that aspect. I found her more endurable than any of the Armada brats, that's for certain. My only qualm is her Allspark key essentially being the deus ex machina for every problem. I'm hoping they don't solve all their conflicts with that thing ("Mary Sue" is right, Zarius).

Overall, it wasn't ZOMG SPECTACULAR but it was a refreshing break from 4 seasons of generic anime and showed a whole lot of potential.

[AquaParade]

I havent been following this show very hard...but I had no idea there was more then one episode out.

I watched a three minute preview the other day...I like it. Made me wanna see more.

[DrSpengler]

I havent been following this show very hard...but I had no idea there was more then one episode out.

I watched a three minute preview the other day...I like it. Made me wanna see more.

The "Special" they aired the other day was actually the first three episodes of the series run back-to-back. Cartoon Network did the same thing when they premiered He-Man (2002) and Transformers Armada.

[Blade Raider]

I've been talking about it on my normal TF board, so all I'll say is it's the first since Beast Wars that I can't wait for the next episode.

Anyways, thought you guys as TMNT fans would get a kick out of who one of voices is. Sentinel Prime (being his first speaking appearance) is played by Townsend Coleman. I want him to yell "Cowabunga!" just for the fun of it. :lol:

[Raph's Girl]

Just so ya'll know this saturday, Jan 5th is a new ep of Transformers Animated. The episode (which airs at 10:30am) will be repeated Sunday at 11am. This seems to be the official schedule for the series. New eps on Saturday with repeats of the same ep on Sunday.

[GK Punk]

I just saw today's episode, it's the first one I've caught. I like some of it, a little "meh" about some of it. I'm going to keep watching until I feel one way or the other. Over all, it was pretty good though. I just get the feeling I need to see the first 3 eps.

[DrSpengler]

"Home is Where the Spark is" was pretty fun.

Answer Studio did a great job on the animation for this episode. I thought it looked considerably more detailed and dynamic than "Transform and Roll Out".

Happy to hear more of Corey Burton's Megatron; I definately dig it. I shudder to think of what the Japanese will do with their dub of the show. Turn him into a bumbling oaf that screams like a girl? Well, there's already a precedent.

I'm finally warming up to Prowl with this episode. I thought he came off the least interesting in "Roll Out".

I just noticed for the first time that they draw Bumblebee with a black "kitty nose", with his horns looking like "kitty ears". I dunno whether I should loathe that or not.

[GK Punk]

I didn't notice that about Bumble Bee. That's kind of a downer though.

I over all loved the voice casting for the show. Megatron and Starscream are PERFECT.

I just fserve'd myself a copy of the Mini-Movie to watch. I think I liked this show better than I initially thought, 'cause I'm totally buzzing about it.

[Wildcat]

I watched both 'Transform and Roll Out' and 'Home is where the Allspark is'...and I loved them.

Iv been looking forward to the series and Im happy its finally here because imo its great,like mentioned above,I too have not enjoyed a TF toon this much since Beast Wars.

Armada/Energon/Cybertron were awful,which Im sure all of us will agree on.I even like Sari,she's kinda cool...nothing like the stupid anime kids in the past series.

Maybe Im one of the few,and I dont care,but I really like the new designs.Also Iv never been a Bumblebee fan,but I really like him in "Animated"...I like his hatchback vehicle mode as well as his robot mode.His personality is more fun.

My least favorite characters in this,so far,are Bulkhead(just plain ugly) and Rachet(looks like a pregnant ambulance in robot mode and wtf! why does he have stubble in his face? Yes he's the oldest but HE'S A ROBOT!)

As for everything else,its kinda dark and serious and has humor in the right places.Reminds me of TMNT 2k3,and we all know thats a very good thing.

[Cure]

I watched both 'Transform and Roll Out' and 'Home is where the Allspark is'...and I loved them.

Iv been looking forward to the series and Im happy its finally here because imo its great,like mentioned above,I too have not enjoyed a TF toon this much since Beast Wars.

Armada/Energon/Cybertron were awful,which Im sure all of us will agree on.I even like Sari,she's kinda cool...nothing like the stupid anime kids in the past series.

Maybe Im one of the few,and I dont care,but I really like the new designs.Also Iv never been a Bumblebee fan,but I really like him in "Animated"...I like his hatchback vehicle mode as well as his robot mode.His personality is more fun.

My least favorite characters in this,so far,are Bulkhead(just plain ugly) and Rachet(looks like a pregnant ambulance in robot mode and wtf! why does he have stubble in his face? Yes he's the oldest but HE'S A ROBOT!)

As for everything else,its kinda dark and serious and has humor in the right places.Reminds me of TMNT 2k3,and we all know thats a very good thing.

I agree and disagree. I agree that it's very good and fun and I like the designs as well. However, I feel that it's actually pretty light hearted and not all too dark, not that that's a bad thing. It's old fashioned good guys vs. bad guys without the angsty and inner turmoil ridden characters that seem to be in style these days.

[DrSpengler]

wtf! why does he have stubble in his face? Yes he's the oldest but HE'S A ROBOT!

Well, to be fair, there *is* a precendent for robotic facial hair in Transformers.

Scourge (http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Scourge_%28G1%29)
Alpha Trion (http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Alpha_Trion)

[Wildcat]

Well, to be fair, there *is* a precendent for robotic facial hair in Transformers.

Scourge (http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Scourge_%28G1%29)
Alpha Trion (http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Alpha_Trion)

Yeah those are good examples but with those the robotic facial hair looks like its metal....like its part of the robot face,not naturally grown like it looks on the new Rachet.

Also I didnt mean "Animated" was exactly the same dark/mature style of TMNT 2k3....I meant it was similar in where it takes the plots and story serious instead of drifting off into rediculous humor or dumbing down quality for the child audience.

[Raph's Girl]

Maybe that facial hair is really rust that resembles Facial hair??

Watching this ep I've come to the realization that Bumblebee is the Michelangelo (annoying to no end) of the show while Prowl is the zen like Leonardo. Optimus is just....there....doesn't have much to do except catch a couple bad guys per ep then be all confused about life the rest of the ep.

Now per G1 Bumblebee was one of my faves (next to Grimlock and Starscream)...but now he's just really annoying.... Prowl is the only one who truly seems to "get it"....Im waiting for Bulkhead to start eating alot. Bill Faggerbakke is one of my fave actors but Bulkhead for now just seems to be a Broadway wannabe.

Like Optimus, Ratchet seems to be just a background character for the Trio (Bumblebee, Bulkhead, and Prowl). He reminds me a bit of Hudson from Gargoyles.

[Raph's Girl]

http://www.timewarner.com/corp/newsroom/pr/0,20812,1701434,00.html

Cartoon Network launched into 2008 with the half-hour original series premiere of Transformers Animated (Saturday, Jan. 5, 10:30 a.m.), charting impressive double-digit delivery and ratings gains among key kid demos and ranking #1 in its time period versus all broadcast and cable competition with boys 6-11 and boys 2-11, according to preliminary data from Nielsen Media Research. Coupled with a new episode of Pokémon: Diamond & Pearl (Saturday, 9:30 a.m.) the new animated series propelled the network's three-hour Saturday morning franchise Dynamite Action Squad (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) to across-the-board double-digit growth. Transformers Animated is jointly developed by Cartoon Network and Hasbro, Inc. and is co-produced by Cartoon Network Studios.

Highlights of Transformers Animated's premiere performance, as well as Dynamite Action Squad's overall presentation vs. the same time period last year include the following:

[Swany]

I watched it today and I really enjoyed it. But then I'm an immature person who enjoys kids cartoons and finds the work "muff" hilarious. Its how I stay single.

Anyhoo, I pretty much accepted it as something new and didn't bother attempting to compare it to G1. Besides I think theres more important things to worry about.

Anyhoo, I shall leave you with this. Starscream walks into a bar and the barman says "Why the long face?"

[Jack Skellington]

it was OK but i was expecting something better:ohwell:

[DrSpengler]

Dinobots!

"Blast from the Past" was a pretty good episode. David Kaye does an absolutely spot-on impression of Greg Berger's G1 Grimlock.

[Raph's Girl]

Dinobots!

"Blast from the Past" was a pretty good episode. David Kaye does an absolutely spot-on impression of Greg Berger's G1 Grimlock.

I actually loved this episode! Ok so the Dinobots aren't bad guys after all...they're just um...miss-understood.

But BOY Dr. Sinak is like MAJORLY gullable for believing Megatron that quickly. WTF?!

"Me forget...Oh yea... Car Robots bad!!!" :lol: Oh that Grimlock.... :D

[DrSpengler]

It had a great twist at the end. You think the Dinobots are going to turn into Nature-loving hippies, then...

"Cars and trucks, bad. Nature, good. ...Stupid nature! Come back and fight like Dinobot!"

[Raph's Girl]

"Cars and trucks, bad. Nature, good. ...Stupid nature! Come back and fight like Dinobot!"

Well you'd be pissed at nature too if nature pooped on you (which appears to be becoming a running gag in this series)

[Swany]

Well you'd be pissed at nature too if nature pooped on you (which appears to be becoming a running gag in this series)

Yeah, I noticed that too, how many more bird poo jokes should we expect. I dont even find it funny 'casue of two reasons
-I've had bird poo in my hair, and on my coat sleeve on two seperate occaisions.
-I've always been told its good luck.

I'm still enjoying the series though.

But at the end Grimlock had an autobot ensignia on his chest. I actually brought that up on youtube and the reply was that the prof probably put it on the dinobots seeing as he was "inspired" by the autobots. Still, whats that all about.

[Raph's Girl]

But at the end Grimlock had an autobot ensignia on his chest. I actually brought that up on youtube and the reply was that the prof probably put it on the dinobots seeing as he was "inspired" by the autobots. Still, whats that all about.

The reasoning for the autobot insignia is cuz of Sari's key when she braught them to life. I don't think even Megatron knew they could transform tho.

[ZariusTwo]

If anyone managed to see this week's episode, you'll noticed Prime officially has a relationship problem...namely his girlfriend Aleta One was revealed to be Blackarachnia

[The Terror of Death]

I was wrong about this show. It isnt as bad as I once thought and I am looking forward to future episodes.
And Prowl is pretty cool.

[Hero]

I am so loving this show right now. I've been a hardcore TF fan for over the last two decades and I have not enjoyed a Transformers series this much.

Along Came a Spider. This weeks episode was'nt so much a halloween episode but more or less used as a backdrop to use spiders. Not sure why Ratchet and Prowl were not there but Bulkhead, Prime and Bumblebee carried the ep well and Blackarachnia had a great introduction. Sari's G1 Prime halloween costume was a nice touch!

BTW. Has anyone seen the ToyFair 08 pics of the Animated Jazz figure? He's got nunchucks! They are very much the same Mikey's chucks from Fast Forward.

===HERO

[Raph's Girl]

I just have to say that "Along Came A Spider" is perhaps one of my fave eps of this series so far. The use of Black Arachnia, as well as her new origin, for this series is just plain cool.

She has been one of my fave characters since Beast Wars. She's not a bad guy, she's not really a good guy. She's just misguided and lonely. I hope she joins forces with the good guys again and learns to trust Optimus again.

It seems tho that the way they're using her is much like Rogue. Good guy, turned bad guy, turned good guy again,ect Plus there's the whole absorbing the abilities of other robots thing.

[DrSpengler]

Not sure why Ratchet and Prowl were not there

To hazard a guess, I'd say that Ratchet is too old and grumpy to care about Halloween and Prowl is too much of a serious-minded buzzkill to even consider dressing up in a wacky costume and go door to door begging for candy.

And "Along Came A Spider" was great. I'm very pleased that they didn't retread Blackarachnia's Beast Wars origin and turned this into an entirely new character (I was afriad she was going to be a bland retread).

Also, Townsend Coleman as Sentinal Prime. When he started going on about "Energony goodness" he *really* sounded like the Tick. Awesome.

[Dragon Turtle]

I was wrong about this show. It isnt as bad as I once thought and I am looking forward to future episodes.
And Prowl is pretty cool.


After watching nine episodes, I would have to say Transfomers Animated is an ok yet unremarkable show, kind of typical of what's being produce nowadays. Still, considering Sari is not as annoying as the kids in the previous series, it's a step up for Transformers animation.




BTW. Has anyone seen the ToyFair 08 pics of the Animated Jazz figure? He's got nunchucks! They are very much the same Mikey's chucks from Fast Forward.




After seeing all the little similarities between Transformers Animated and Fast Forward, I have to wonder if there isn't some Big Book of Animated Plots that all the writers are working from.:lol:

[ZariusTwo]

Unremarkable is the animes. Suffice to say, you're in a minority

And most of CN's stuff lately has been fairly strong.

[Dragon Turtle]

Unremarkable is the animes. Suffice to say, you're in a minority


Honestly, I find nothing unique or special about Transformers Animated, I don't hate it or love it, it's so-so, and being in the minority doesn't mean I wrong:)
(if I'm actually in the minority:D).



And most of CN's stuff lately has been fairly strong.

If you're happy with CN's stuff, than thats all that should matter to you.

[Hero]

http://figuredouthq.blogspot.com/2008/02/arrival.html

This came today :)

===HERO

[Brodie]

Are those out yet??

[Raph's Girl]

Just saw "Sound and Fury". This features the origin of Soundwave. It was an interesting origin for him to say the least. Once again Sari's key brings a normal robot created by Megatron to life. Interesting that Soundwave was initially created to be Megatron's new body. He starts out as a music toy for Sari (it's her birthday)....but he gains intelligence.

[Hero]

I liked Soundwave's new origin. Here's hoping Laserbeak will crop up soon.

The episode also stomps a hole in the 'Sari is a robot' theory.

===HERO

P.S - Animated Prime (Cybertron Mode) now reviewed HERE (http://figuredouthq.blogspot.com/2008/02/review-cybertron-mode-optimus-prime.html) with Bulkhead possibly next week.

[thebrownranger]

I'm hoping to see Bonecrusher, and Devastator. It seems like there are more Autobots than Decepticons right now.

[DrSpengler]

I'm hoping to see Bonecrusher, and Devastator. It seems like there are more Autobots than Decepticons right now.

Autobots:

Prime
Ratchet
Bumblebee
Prowl
Bulkhead

Decepticons:

Megatron
Starscream
Lugnut
Blackarachnia
Lockdown
Blitzwing
Soundwave

There's definately more Decepticons so far, we've just been seeing them one at a time.

[thebrownranger]

Oops must've slipped my mind. I was looking at the transformers animated fan site which shows the characters list :P http://transformersanimated.com/transformers-characters.php

[Raph's Girl]

There's definately more Decepticons so far, we've just been seeing them one at a time.

I don't really consider Blackarachnia a Decepticon. She really only joined cuz she was lonely and pissed off at Optimus and Sentinal for seemingly abandoning her, thinking she had died. She's alot like Rogue when Rogue left the X-men to join the Brotherhood. Plus there's the whole, absorbing powers thing.

The full list of Autobots:
Optimus
Prowl
Ratchet
Bumblebee
Bulkhead
Ultra Magnus
Sentinal Prime (he'll be showing up again)
Jazz
Arcee (A shame she won't ever remember what she and Ratchet went thru)
Ironhide
Blurr
The Junkions
Elita One (aka Blackarachnia)

Decepticons:
Megatron
Starscream (can't wait for his return)
Blitzwing (and all his personalities! *L*)
Lugnut
Blackarachnia/Elita One
Lockdown
Soundwave (Laserbeak is an electric Guitar)
Oil Slick
Shockwave (aka Tidal Wave, Shockfleet, Mirage, ect)


There's also the Constructicons and Dinobots...but they don't have an alliegence really. And yes the Dinobots will be returning.

[DrSpengler]

I don't really consider Blackarachnia a Decepticon. She really only joined cuz she was lonely and pissed off at Optimus and Sentinal for seemingly abandoning her, thinking she had died. She's alot like Rogue when Rogue left the X-men to join the Brotherhood. Plus there's the whole, absorbing powers thing.

Eh, if she joined the Decepticons then she's a Decepticon in my eyes, regardless of her previous faction affiliations or motivations. Besides, she lost all sympathy from me after she hurled an innocent child off the roof of a skyscraper. Kind of hard to feel sorry for a cold-blooded killer.

[ZariusTwo]

Rouge was considered part of The Brotherhood before she joined the X-Men, that's not even exclusive to Evo either.

There's no shades of grey about it, if you pick a side, you've picked a side. She's a Decepitcon until the direction of her character says otherwise. Fact.

[Hero]

I got the figure of Bulkhead. AMAZING!

I have Starscream due to arrive in the mail too.

===HERO

[Swany]

After the weekends episode Blitzwing is now my favorite decepticon next to Starscream.

Getting sick of that key though. Hopefully it will run out of juice and not recharge. Or explode.

And Hero, I am extremely jealous.

[Cure]

I don't really consider Blackarachnia a Decepticon. She really only joined cuz she was lonely and pissed off at Optimus and Sentinal for seemingly abandoning her, thinking she had died. She's alot like Rogue when Rogue left the X-men to join the Brotherhood. Plus there's the whole, absorbing powers thing.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v245/KevMan87/1197720236_DECEPTICONBLACKARACHNIA.jpg

Now be quiet.

[Hero]

Thank's Swany. Do I know you from any of the TF communities?

Aparentley Waspinator will be part of the TFA too. It would be pretty funny if he was the original Waspinator from Beast Wars/Machines that somehow got zapped into the TFA universe for all new comedy releif and new accidents.

===HERO

[Raph's Girl]

Aparentley Waspinator will be part of the TFA too.
===HERO

Rumoured characters for TFA:

Skywarp: His name was mentioned in a UPC code list on Seibertron.com along with some other characters.It isn't known if he'll be in in the series or not, but he could exist in the toyline as a voyager.

Waspinator: Despite the rumors, Waspinator might have a product, as discovered on seibertron.com, a UPC code was found with his name and the fact he is a deluxe size toy.

Swindle: A UPC code with his name next to it was found on Seibertron.com, indicating he might exist in the toyline as a deluxe, and possibly the show.

Apperantly Seibertron.com is the place to go to....

[Peanut]

I finally got a chance to watch this show, after putting it off and putting it off for months. I started from episode 1, and watched up to 13, and then 14 this weekend. I really love it. The human designs are still kind of iffy to me, but the Transformers themselves have really grown on me. I'm not really into Sari, or the entire key thing she has going on, but I've gotten used to her to the point where I don't hate her anymore.

What I really like is how they're fitting a lot of other Transformers into the show without making them a permanent part of each side; at least right now. When I first saw characters like the Dinobots and Soundwave, I freaked. The same went for this weeks episode, which was obviously nodding to the fact that we'll have Devastator and the Constructicons later on, at least I hope.

One thing I don't really like, thus far, has been the whole "super hero" thing; where they're fighting super powered humans, instead of other Transformers. Not really into that, but it doesn't bother me a ton.

Overall, really really enjoying the show. I was worried about it, but I'm enjoying what they're doing with it.

[Swany]

Thank's Swany. Do I know you from any of the TF communities?
===HERO

I'm gonna go ahead with "probably" I'm not very imaginitive with usernames.

[The Terror of Death]

This show is a mixed bag for me when I watch it. One week I hate an episode and the next week I love an episode. One thing that remains constant however is my dislike for the battle sequences. None of them excite me and since this is an action show afterall thats a major problem. But despite that flaw I will continue to watch this show.

[Hero]

Not long now till Megatron Rising.

[Swany]

Pardon my fangirling but holy frick. on. a. stick.

Angry Prime is angry. (Character development makes me happy)

Is it next saturday yet? I wonder if they'll use the "fwoomp" fusion cannon sound effect again.

[DrSpengler]

Now ya see, THIS is what I'm talking about!

People were complaining all over the internet about the Decepticons being used sparingly throughout the series, but did it ever pay off.

Each individual Decepticon were more than enough to give ALL the Autobots a run for their money, so now that they're all together, attacking en masse...holy crap.

And Megatron, a disembodied head for 15 episodes, makes his triumphant return...HOLY CRAP.

Now this is a series that *really* knows how to build the tension toward a rocking season finale. Yes, next week is the end of the season, but do not dispair! Season 2 starts in late April.

[Raph's Girl]

Wowsers... just... wowsers.... now THIS is what Sat morning toons are supposed to be about!! Action, adventure, pissed off leaders....pure pure awesomness

[Hero]

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e198/Ken_Flatt2/Megatron_Rising.jpg

[Swany]

"I love the smell of fusion cannon in the morning" to quote someone form LJ.

Well, early afternoon.

[The Terror of Death]

Season 2 starts in late April.

Already! I was expecting a 2-3 month gap.

Edit: I just read the episode synopsis' for season 2 and I' am really excited. It seems like it going to be better than season one.

[Swany]

Minor spoilers for Megatron Rising Part 2.

Ratchet and Sari are on board the Ark at one of the control consoles and the dialog begins with her exclamation of, "You LOST my key!?" Ratchet corrects her, "Technically, I lost my hand. Your key just happened to be attached to it at the time." Sari responds that she can't believe that happened after all the trouble the Autobots gave her about keeping the key safe. Ratchet says that if it's any consolation, he wasn't looking forward to telling her and that if given the choice, he would have rather faced Megatron instead. Sari glances to a screen on the console and reminds him he may yet get the chance. ...the Decepticons are closing in with Megatron in the lead.

Back at Sumdac Tower, Professor Sumdac has just finished some repairs to Optimus Prime's right arm. Prime comments that while the job's not perfect, it's still enough to get him back up and back in action, again. Nearby Prowl makes the comment that their group simply is not Academy 'Bot material in a rather apologetic tone as if to say, "Sorry we weren't good enough." Bulkhead adds that maybe they're all only repair 'Bots and that's all they're good for. Across the way on one of the catwalks, Bumblebee shoots back with something along the lines of, "Well, what did you expect from a bunch of undisciplined, insubordinate malfunctions, anyway?" (or whatever insult it was that Prime threw at him in Part 1). Prime lowers his head and admits he shouldn't have said that, that it was wrong to do so. And maybe a few maintenance 'Bots could teach an Academy 'Bot how to repair a few friendships. The four circle and put their hands out over one another as they did in "Transform and Roll Out" before taking on Starscream.

Then Ratchet radios in, cut to a shot of the Ark in flight over Detroit. He reports three Decepticons tailing the ship and Prime tells him not to engage. Prime wants to lead the Decepticons off planet if possible to keep Earth out of the crossfire. It is then that Sumdac asks to go with them, but Prime tells him it's too dangerous. Sumdac tries to insist, saying that Megatron's return is his fault and that there must be something he can do. Prowl turns to Bulkhead, asking if Sumdac can even be trusted. Bulkhead responds that Sumdac is only a human, so what can he possibly do to fight Megatron, anyway? Bumblebee cuts in, "Well, what about Sari?" Overhead, there's an echoing boom of engines as the Ark arrives.

Sari drops down to the floor through the hole in the tower roof, "What about me? If you think I'm letting you gear heads out of my sight, you're nuts! And I don't mean the kind that come with bolts."

Source - http://community.livejournal.com/tf_animated/84602.html#cutid1

Roll on Saturday. :)

[Hero]

I can't wait! This is going to be awesome!

There might as well be a short gap between the seasons considering the long wait for the toyline release.

===HERO

[Raph's Girl]

Man!! What an exciting episode!! I have a feeling that there is more to Sari than meets the eye and the professor was trying to explain it to her (the all spark tried as well).

I love the Decepticons tagline "Transform and rise up!".....Megatron is one weird looking helicoptor.

[DrSpengler]

That was joygasmic.

What really impressed me was that they didn't resolve anything the way you were lead to expect. They crashland on Dinobot Island so naturally you assume the Dinobots are gonna show up to save the day, but they don't.

And the animation in this one was just freakin' phenominal. All eyecandy.

I hope we don't have to go through another season of Megatron repairing himself until the finale, if only because we've already done that and I want to see LOTS more of this Megatron.

God damn EPIC, this show.

[Peanut]

Just watched it now. It was really f*cking awesome. And I agree with Spengs, I hope we don't have another ton of episode with Megatron out of commission.

Looks like we're setup for a couple little secrets now, too. Whatever it is that Sumdac (sp?) had to tell Sari, not to mention the weird DNA-ish thing the All-Spark showed Sari. Is she some kind of insane cyborg!? All very interesting.

[Hero]

Origin-wise, we know nothing of Sari's mother. We don't know whether Sari's mother either divorced, died or ran off with the milkman. Perhaps, Sari's true origin did not need a mother. I have feeling Megatron is related in all this somehow.

Smashing super episode this weekend. The Autobots rely on that key too much if you ask me. Great to see some good fighting too, the episode felt longer than it ran for, which is a good thing.

The ending did'nt really feel like a season finale, more like a setup for the next episode.

===HERO

[DrSpengler]

When the Allspark shows her that DNA strand, you can see a spark glowing in the center of it. My guess is that she might somehow be partially Cybertronian in origin.

[thebrownranger]

I am very surprised of the way this show turned out and I mean that in a good way because its really cool and its like the G1 Transformers as well (not the look though, but I think it fits fine). Sari really is Indian right? If so, cool! :D

[ZariusTwo]

When the Allspark shows her that DNA strand, you can see a spark glowing in the center of it. My guess is that she might somehow be partially Cybertronian in origin.

Which itself, if true, is compelling drama. Sari may even be similar to Buffy's "sister" Dawn, created by the AllSpark, with her father having memories of her birth which arent real...

[Hero]

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e198/Ken_Flatt2/TMUK/16_5.jpg

[ZariusTwo]

Just watched the episode...Issac probably knows Sari isnt his daughter, that's what he wanted to tell her.

I think she's a cyborg Issac created and brought to life using a peice of Megatron's spark, making her essentially Megatron's "daughter"

[Raph's Girl]

Sari really is Indian right? If so, cool! :D

Prof. Sumdac is 100% Indian (accent and all) Sari however is Indian-American.

I think she's a cyborg Issac created and brought to life using a peice of Megatron's spark, making her essentially Megatron's "daughter"

Yeah... I was thinking the same thing....she's Megatron's daughter. Half Organic like Black Arachnia.

And incidentally the name Sari is Hebrew for Princess. It's a varient of Sarah. But it's also the name of the traditional clothes for women in India (and other various Asian countries).

[Hero]

Did'nt somebody here or on tfw2005 mention that Sumdac is Cadmus spelled backwards? ;)

===HERO

[Raph's Girl]

Did'nt somebody here or on tfw2005 mention that Sumdac is Cadmus spelled backwards? ;)

===HERO

OMG! It is!! *lmao* That's a bit scary

[Raph's Girl]

Well. Season 2 is off to a great start! I like Jazz!! Ninja bots! FTW!!

Sentinal Prime thinking ALL organics are like spiders was kinda funny.

Great reveal that Ultra Magnus is really Thor tho! *lmao*

But man...Poor Sari finding out that there's no proof of her birth....

[Hero]

Sentinel Prime = The Tick :D

===HERO

[DrSpengler]

Jeff Bennett's Robert Stack impression is hilarious. I gotta hear more.

[Raph's Girl]

Sentinel Prime = The Tick :D

===HERO

*lol* Yeah... he does look a bit like The Tick with that huge chin.

[thebrownranger]

Prof. Sumdac is 100% Indian (accent and all) Sari however is Indian-American.

Works for me since I am too :D

It's kinda odd to see Ultra Magnus giving Optimus Prime orders. Sentinel Prime does look like The Tick (one of the best cartoon shows as well :P), but I think it looks good for him. Jazz looks pretty sweet as well!

[Warhorse]

I dont feel like starting back up the Transformers live action movie thread, so decided to put this funny piece I found on youtube here.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_qo77ZsAc3o

I thought the funniest part was when the guy is getting all excited about the arrival of Optimus Prime. He goes something like " then this big semi comes rolling up, and holy f*()_%^&*ck it's Optimus Prime!" Had me :lol:

You want a chuckle, check it out!

[Peanut]

Hmm. Yeah...

[Raph's Girl]

This week's ep was ok. Not the best but it was funny watching all the different ways Starscream failed at trying to assasinate Megatron. That boy is major stubborn! :lol: Course it doesn't help that he's practically immortal now. :ohwell:

[DrSpengler]

"Gargbage In, Garbage Out", the Weird Al/Wreck-Gar episode, airred in Canada this Saturday (and thus made its way to the internet).

Hilarious episode; I love this new Wreck-Gar (though we won't be seeing much of him since he's only a guest character). Expect more G1 fanwank than you can handle.

[Raph's Girl]

Hilarious episode; I love this new Wreck-Gar (though we won't be seeing much of him since he's only a guest character). Expect more G1 fanwank than you can handle.

Oh man... this was a hilarious ep!! I like Wreck Gar! Hopefully he'll show up again. Weird Al was perfect casting choice for this character.

[Raph's Girl]

http://tformers.com/transformers-transformers-animated-season-3-debuts-march-14-on-cartoon-network/11088/news.html

Mark yer calendars folks cuz Transformers Animated is back on March 14th at 8am on Cartoon Network with a 90 min "movie". There's some confusion tho as one website says it's 3 eps in one but another says it's just 1 ep called TransWarped.

Here's the plots of Transwarped and 2 other eps:


Saturday, March 14: "TransWarped" - As Sari and Sumdac deal with the fallout from her shocking discovery, the Autobots try to contact Cybertron to warn them of the traitor in their midst. Meanwhile, Megatron inadvertently stumbles upon a new plan to take over Cybertron, where an increasingly desperate Longarm attempts to cover his tracks.

Saturday, March 21: "Where is Thy Sting?" - A crazed Wasp finds his way to Earth to exact his revenge on Bumblebee... but he doesn't count on the Elite Guard following him.

Saturday, March 28 : "Five Servos of Doom" - Sentinel has incredible success capturing fugitive Decepticons, leading Prowl to suspect he's getting help.

[ZariusTwo]

"Transwarped" sounds like it's a three-parter given the scale of what they have to tie up after season two

[Hero]

Sounds like were going to see a decent fallout from Season 2.

Can't wait to see Dai Atlus, and most likely the Prowl backstory this show has been gagging for since the other Autobots have had one.

===HERO

[Blade Raider]

Transwraped promo!

kNslpFyD0Ag

EDIT: Because embedded Youtube here ain't working for me, here's the link if someone else is having problems too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNslpFyD0Ag&feature=channel_page

It's a movie as reported! Yay!

Blackout's HUGE!

[Blade Raider]

Transwarped aired!

THAT. WAS. AWESOME!

Where to begin...

Rodimus and his team get owned...wait, isn't that Headmaster's line?
Primus help me, but I think I like Hot Shot. Just more proof that Animated can make me like any character.
Wish we saw more of Rodimus' crew.
Stephen Hawking is Perceptor.
Who is that guy with Ratchet and Magnus? His design is so dorky that it's cool!
Do I spy Jetfire and Jetstorm working on Omega?
Sari's going through Cyber puberty SHE'S A ROBOT, CAN WE HAVE A TOY NOW, HASBRO?! PLEASE!
Freaking Metroplex is the Elite Guard's Hq.
Shockwave is still awesome...and is Blurr...dead?!
Cliffjumper's bio wasn't kidding about the desk job
BB gots new Stinger. Neat, but I'm more happy his jets now look fully equiped.
Ratchet's grumpy as ever. Wouldn't have it any on way :D
I think every other character is voiced by Jeff Bennett. Need a cast list that isn't squeezed.

...I want that Rock Lord Turtle thing...

[Raph's Girl]

Nearly forgot this was on! Good thing I checked the forum like a min before it started airing. *lol* At least we learned Sari's origins....sorta...kinda...sorta and Stephen Hawking as a Transformer is just too cool.

Those turtle things are awesome too....

[ZariusTwo]

Soundwave is awesome, I admired Rodimus and his team's struggle despite losing, it also looks like Sari/Bumblebee will be more of a compatible couple in the near future

[Cure]

Soundwave is awesome, I admired Rodimus and his team's struggle despite losing, it also looks like Sari/Bumblebee will be more of a compatible couple in the near future

You mean Shockwave?

[DrSpengler]

Commented on it so much at the Transformers boards I can't really repeat myself again here, but needless to say, I loved every minute of it.

Though I can't believe what they did to Blurr. He was so awesome in this incarnation...

[Cure]

I liked it, too, it just felt like there was too much going on. Some of the stuff felt unnecessary, like the fight with Headmaster.

[DrSpengler]

I liked it, too, it just felt like there was too much going on. Some of the stuff felt unnecessary, like the fight with Headmaster.

that part initially struck me as being superfluous, but necessary after some reflection. Masterson was living at Sumdac Systems and would have to be dealt with sooner or later. Sure, they could have just booted him out onto the streets and been done with it there, but such a resolution to his thread would have been a little anticlimactic.

I was the low point of the 3-parter, though. I can agree to that.

And despite the myriad of events going on in "Transwarped", they still didn't adress several loose plot threads from the end of season 2; such as Lugnut, Blitzwing, the remaining Starscream clones and the Constructicons. Granted, the latter might be dead since they aren't going to have any toys produced (according to Derrick Wyatt, anyway).

"Transwarped" covered so much ground, yet only touched on the number of plto threads still hanging. It barely even got to the matter of Wasp.

[Blade Raider]

And despite the myriad of events going on in "Transwarped", they still didn't adress several loose plot threads from the end of season 2; such as Lugnut, Blitzwing, the remaining Starscream clones and the Constructicons. Granted, the latter might be dead since they aren't going to have any toys produced (according to Derrick Wyatt, anyway).
It was a season premiere and it had to leave something for the season. Besides, if you've been watching, most of your questions have been answered.

[ZariusTwo]

The possible series finale, "Endgame", has aired.

Whilst it was really enjoyable, it was written initally as a SEASON finale, and sligthly rewritten to serve as a series finale...but in a way that also opened it up to a fourth season if the series is recommisioned. It succeed in tying up the series in a "casual way", but did not tie it up in the way anyone would have preferred it to. Many characters have non-endings, cliffhangers, and some of the "shocking" moments came off a footnotes of a typical Simon Furman hitlist.

Megs didnt really need to survive the implossion that wiped out the Clones...Prime arresting him was a very obvious excuse to set up Megs for the fourth season, possibly corrupting Sentinal Prime later. If they knew they werent going to be back, they ought to have cut out that scene. The series ending on the line "you don't deserve it" was a nice touch...either a coincidence or a middle finger to the morons who are going to let the series die.

The final scene irritated me. Yes, it's a happy ending, but the little things liek Sentinal's growing jealously, Megs stature as a prisoner, Sari on Cybertron at last etc...so many characters the series had focused on as a big deal didnt get a farewell nor movede to the next level...all of that is TEASED, and THAT is what makes cancelling good series like this so hard to bear when you have to watch finales that you have to settle for.

TF Animated was a great series...I worry greatly about the future of animated TF from here, not unless Hasbro throw out a movie Bay-friendly series.

[rayfillet101]

ive been a fan of wyatt since his teen titans days, I came onto this show without knowing anything of the previous incarnations and I really liked it. Sad to see it go

[Hordak]

My son & I both loved this show! Hated it to see it end so soon! Hope the next animated series is as good! Wonder when season 3 will hit DVD?

[ZariusTwo]

https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/attachments/screenshot_20261014_180629_x-png.31506949/

[neatoman]

https://www.tfw2005.com/boards/attachments/screenshot_20261014_180629_x-png.31506949/

You know, I'm a little sad that this happened after Wyatt died.

[ToTheNines]

Trans… ???

No thanks!

[ZariusTwo]

I'm reminded there was a Transformers Animated fancomic conclusion co-plotted by Chris Mcfeely of "The Basics" fame and the TF Fandom collectively **** on it