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When Hasbro first introduced America to Transformers, it felt monumental and completely new. A simultaneous release of cartoons and toyline each featuring robots that changed into vehicles was unprecedented for Western audiences. Yet here it was, intricate lore, immersive world and all. Little did the children consuming Transformers' animated series and play with their toys know they were indulging in well-established concepts.

As early as a decade before Optimus Prime bellowed his "Autobots, roll out!", Japanese animation studios had already had several successful iterations of nearly every concept that made Transformers what it was. From warring factions to intricate robotic engineering, an abundance of anime bore the torch for Transformers. The Hasbro franchise undoubtedly took said torch and ran with it, achieving unparalleled success, but its predecessors, from Voltron to Brave Raideen, are more than deserving of a deep dive.

Machine Robo Was Kickstarted the Form-Changing Machine Trend Not Currently...

First revealed in 2024, the newest Transformersline from Takara Tomy is finally on its way. This includes not only an experimental new toy line, but also a 14-episode anime that's the first of its kind in years.

Transformers Wild King combines the familiar Optimus Prime and Megatron with bestial new partners as their epic battle takes on an animalistic new form. So far, six toys in total have been revealed, with the anime being released in under a week. This comes amid several other Transformers animated shows being released in a similar format.

Official New Transformers 'Wild King' Toy Line Gets Full First-Look Reveal

Takara Tomy has finally shown the full images of the Transformers Wild King toy line, which is quite different from previous entries in the franchise. As hinted at by the Japanese pronunciation of the name ("Wildoking"), the central premise is the "wild docking" gimmick, which allows Optimus...

Transformers collaborations have involved various crossovers with other brands, including the Be@rbrick franchise by MediCom Toys. The latest of these gives Optimus Prime his latest ursine design through an unbearably cute toy, namely one that fits a bit more for Prime's Beast Wars counterpart.

Be@Rbrick × Transformers Optimus Prime Baby Milo(R) 400％ and Be@Rbrick × Transformers Optimus Prime Bape(R) Camo Shark 400％ are the latest Be@rbrickTransformers toys, with these being something of a three-way branding crossover. Uniting cute designs from MediCom Toys with the robot mode of Optimus Prime, these are only one of several such crossovers between the brands. Set to be released soon, fans can put their money where their honey is and pre-order these figures now.

RelatedTransformers' Megatron Rolls Out in Massive New Action Figure Inspired by Nearly 20-Year-Old Release

An upcoming third-party Megatron toy beefs up the Decepticon commander with a design that homages a nearly 20-year-old Transformers release.

Since 1997, Toonami has been one of the few television blocks solely dedicated to animated action series. While it's featured Western series new and old, like Justice League and Invincible Fight Girl, it's most famous for its contributions to the meteoric rise in popularity of anime in the West in the late 90s and early 2000s. Hosted by Tom, whose own adventures contributed to the charm of the block, Toonami introduced millions to Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, Naruto, and so much more.

For nearly two decades, Toonami has been dwindling in popularity and relevance, largely for reasons outside its control. Fewer people are watching television, and watching anime legally has never been easier. As a result, Toonami feels like it's living on borrowed time. With licensing the most popular and relevant anime getting more expensive, and disasters like the airing of Uzumaki occurring, it's doubtful that the block will be...

For the past few years, the Transformers franchise has utilized a somewhat generalized aesthetic. Now, one artist is releasing images that they worked on to bring this part of the brand's look to life.

Artist Josh McLaughlin has shared a series of evergreen Transformers promotional images that have been used to define the franchise in the past decade. Largely reminiscent of Generation 1, these designs also include two bestial Transformers, while one Autobot in particular represents a developmental move away from his cinematic incarnation.

RelatedOptimus Prime & Megatron Put a Stop to the Suck in New Transformers 40th-Anniversary Release

A new stop-motion Transformers video has several Studio Series Autobots and Decepticons facing a common foe in the form of a household appliance.

Artstation Images Reveal New Look at Evergreen Transformers Artwork

The evergreen Transformers art in question was shared on Josh McLaughlin's account on ArtStation, with the artist also namedropping others who...

Quick LinksSky-Byte Was a Standout Character in This Transformers AnimeSky-Byte Had One Other IncarnationSky-Byte Toys Over the Years

Some characters in the Transformers franchise are somewhat known for switching factions, starting off on one side of the conflict before ending up on another. Likewise, other characters' allegiances change depending on the continuity. Such is the case with one poetic Predacon, who's now returning via the franchise's latest toyline.

Sky-Byte was debuted in a forgotten Transformers anime, and since then, he's been a somewhat recurring character in the franchise. Though his characterizations have differed over the years, his design has remained consistent, namely among other Transformers. Now, the character is back in the franchise's latest toyline, putting the anime character back into the spotlight after over two decades.

Sky-Byte Was a Standout Character in This Transformers Anime Robots in Disguise Introduced the Most Poetic Predacon Image via Studio Gallop

Released in...

Though he's usually associated with a more bestial iteration of Transformers, the villainous Waspinator also showed up in another fan-favorite cartoon. Now, this version of the character is rolling out for a buzzworthy new toy, with a Hasbro employee giving fans a bug-eyed look behind the scenes.

Hasbro designer Mark Maher posted a behind-the-scenes look at Transformers: Age of the Primes Deluxe Animated Fugitive Waspinator on Instagram. Recreating his initial appearance in the series Transformers: Animated, the toy is a redeco from a previous release in 2024. Scheduled for release later this year, the figure is certain to "terrorize" fans' collections by the end of 2025.

RelatedNew Transformers: Age of the Primes Series Reveals First Autobot vs. Decepticon Release for Old-School Fans

Coming to the Transformers: Age of the Primes is a set featuring two obscure characters in color schemes homaging the early days of Transformers.

A Beast Wars Classic Is Reimagined...

When it comes to the leader of the good guys in most Transformers works, many will immediately think of Autobot leader Optimus Prime. Because of the character's popularity, he's had many incarnations across various cartoons, anime, video games, comic books and movies. He's not the only leader, however, with the many anime presenting characters who are just as big as heroes.

Generation 1 Optimus Prime is just one version of the character, and he might not even be the best Autobot leader. Likewise, there's also the heroic Maximal faction, which includes and is led by descendants of Optimus Prime's Autobots. When these characters are factored together, it makes the issue of the best leader a much more tough question to answer.

Related10 Anime Transformers Perfect for New Age of the Primes Toys

With Transformers: Age of the Primes already bringing back obscure anime Autobots, the line has several other unknown Transformers to include.

Starscream has been a constant part of the Transformersfranchise, with the scheming Decepticon being a constant thorn in the side of Megatron. Now, third-party developer Dr. Wu is releasing a much more shadowy shade of the villainous Seeker.

Via Tformers, Dw-E09T Star Fear is a new version of the company's previous tiny take on the character. Cast in a transparent plastic color scheme, this ghastly toy evokes the unexpected resilience of Starscream in the later days of Generation 1. Set to become available soon, the collectible will have Transformers fans acting as if they've seen a ghost.

RelatedTwo of the Rarest G1 Transformers Villains Get Unique Redesigns for Modern Collectors

Two upcoming third-party figures reimagine a pair of obscure anime-exclusive villains from the Transformers franchise in adorably deviant sizes.

Starscream's Ghost Spooks His Way Into Third-Party Transformers Series

Dw-E09T Star Fear is a transparent version of Dr. Wu's Dw-E09 figure,...

Ever since he debuted in 1984, Megatron has been one of the chief villains in the Transformers franchise. Usually portrayed as the leader of the evil Decepticons, other variants are also tied to other villainous factions of Cybertronians. This longevity has given the character many interpretations and just as many notable designs.

The iconic Generation 1 Megatron design continues to inspire new takes on the villain, but he's had many other impressive looks over the years. These include bestial redesigns and Unicron Trilogy upgrades, some of which homage his other forms. Thankfully, the various toylines in the Transformers franchise have captured all of these designs, with fans having over 40 years of Megatron action figures.

Beast Wars Megatron Terrorized the Maximals In Style Alternate Mode: Organic T.rex

Debuting in the toyline for Beast Wars: Transformers, this "new" Megatron was initially suggested to simply be a new form for the original. The cartoon...

The high-end Transformers collector's series, Transformers: Mpg, is finally expanding beyond Generation 1 characters. Much like Transformers: Masterpiece before it, it's now mousing about with an iconic Maximal from Beast Wars: Transformers.

Via TFW2005, the first images of Mpg-15 Rattrap have been revealed, showcasing the first look at the epic new toy. Perfectly bringing the character's animation model to life, it's already guaranteed to be his best action figure yet. While details are still somewhat scarce on the toy, fans can look forward to hopefully pre-ordering him soon.

Related Two of the Rarest G1 Transformers Villains Get Unique Redesigns for Modern Collectors

Two upcoming third-party figures reimagine a pair of obscure anime-exclusive villains from the Transformers franchise in adorably deviant sizes.

Rattrap Maximizes the Transformers: Mpg Toy Line In First Images

Shown through images on the website Baidu, Mpg-15 Masterpiece Rattle (the Japanese name for Rattrap) is a breath of fresh air for the toy line.

Japanese website E-Hobby has had several collaborations with the Transformers franchise, be it action figures or other collectibles. This includes cards, with the latest wave of this series now being revealed and up for grabs.

The exclusive E-Hobby Transformers cards are now on their 13th wave, with the new cards reaching across the franchise's history. Two of them are based on one of the most iconic Transformers anime ever, while the other characters involved are far more obscure. Now available to order in Japan, these cards are expected to roll out in the second month of the new year.

Related Transformers Farewells Its Masterpiece Line With Optimus Prime's Best Look-Alike

Takara Tomy has revealed a deeper look at two newly-released high-end Transformers toys, with one of these being one of the final Masterpiece figures.

E-Hobby Deals Out Latest Wave of Collectible Transformers Cards

Now on Wave 13, the Transformers collectible cards...

Robot zombies? It could happen, and often did in "Transformers: Prime."

Since "Transformers" has been remade so many times over the past 40 years, new cartoons will sometimes use a central gimmick to set themselves apart from the crowd. "Beast Wars" had robots that transformed into animals instead of vehicles. The 2003 anime series "Transformers: Armada" cashed in on the "Pokémon" craze and had the Autobots and Decepticons fighting over "Mini-Cons," human-sized Transformers that could unlock great powers in the larger ones. The currently airing "Transformers: Earthspark" has introduced a new batch of characters called the "Terrans," who are Transformers created on Earth instead of the metal planet Cybertron.

For the 2010-2013 cartoon "Transformers: Prime," the gimmick was Dark Energon. "Energon" is the Transformers' primary fuel source, and the literal lifeblood of their creator, Primus. Dark Energon (which glows a sickly purple instead of crystal blue) is the blood of Primus' shadow self,...

25 years ago, a now-obscure Transformers anime took the concept of the Beast Wars subseries in a much different direction. Now, social media is showcasing a closer look at an early design for the main Maximal hero in the 1999 series.

Hisashi Yuki, aka Roboyuki, has once again taken to X (formerly Twitter) to display concept art for a forgotten Transformers anime. The artwork in question involves Big Convoy, the Maximal leader in Beast Wars II: Super-Lifeform Transformers. Over two decades later, the design for this character and his corresponding toy remain a fan favorite and a holy grail to fans and collectors.

Related Transformers Debuts a New Female Autobot Based on a Real-World Train

A newly-released Transformers: Mpg figure introduces a new female Autobot Combiner component based on an iconic Japanese bullet train series.

Beast Wars: Transformers Reveals Concept Art for the Most Obscure Maximal Leader BWãƒã‚ªé…信スã...

During The Game Awards this evening, Wargaming - developers of World of Tanks, World of Warships, and World of Warplanes - made a surprise announcement by unveiling Steel Hunters an all-new IP built on Unreal Engine 5 and a game unlike anything they've made before.

We met with the devs from the Guilford team virtually ahead of the TGAs for an in-depth look at Steel Hunters and to see some gameplay. The Beast Wars vibes were strong at first glance, but Steel Hunters is nothing like Transformers. It's a third-person mech hero shooter that plays on an open-world map and blends elements of battle royales and extraction shooters.

Steel Hunters is free-to-play and focuses on and rewards skill and team tactics. Players participate in teams of two and will succeed based on smart plays and positioning more than perfect aiming, including timing of using powerful abilities that are on cooldowns and synchronizing with your partner.

With as frequently changing as Transformers continuity can be, its been incredibly difficult to pin down exactly how their biology works. However, one series published by Idw presented a serious, and uncomfortable, fact: Cybertronians can get pregnant. Although this process is not at all what one would expect, the techno-organic concept is relegated to one very specific situation that the franchise has since to readdress.

Cybertronian reproduction has long since been a cloudy gray area that the franchises creators rarely address. The most commonly accepted form of reproduction begins with a protoform that is either created by other Transformers or by Cybertron.

From there, a spark, the Cybertronian soul, is transplanted into the body to create new life. However, in IDWs Transformers: Lost Light #15 by James Roberts and Brendan Cahill, a new process of reproduction introduces an organic component into the equation. This method is disturbingly haunting, and not for...

While the Transformers franchise has several fans, not even the most hardcore aficionados can remember all of the brand's iconic characters. This is even the case for Generation 1, which started the property and is the most well-known incarnation. On the other hand, it also introduced several obscure Cybertronians who aren't quite as remembered today.

Obscure Transformers were seen in several anime, from G1 to the Beast Wars era. Some of these were barely represented in the fiction and only showed up in the form of toys. While a few of them have gone on to be referenced in some way, they're far from being as recognizable as Optimus Prime or Megatron.

Dinoking Was a Dim-Witted Combiner Alternate Mode: N/A

Debuting in Transformers: Victory, Dinoking was the combined form of the Dinoforce. These characters had toys which were repaints of the Decepticon Pretender Monsters, with the addition of armored dinosaur Pretender shells.

For 40 years, the Transformers brand has rolled out onto toy aisle shelves and into the hearts of numerous fans. Now, this popularity has finally seen the franchise recognized in the most official capacity possible for a toy line.

The Transformers series by Hasbro and Takara has finally been inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. This lets it rub shoulders with some other major toy lines, including another one handled by Hasbro. It's the perfect end to a celebratory year, proving once and for all that the series is truly more than meets the eye.

Related Transformers Rolls Out Optimus Prime & Megatron 40th-Anniversary Collectors Coins

New Zealand Mint is releasing a series of silver Transformers coins in honor of the Hasbro/Takara franchise's first incarnation and newest movie.

The Transformers Assemble in the National Toy Hall of Fame in 2024

Transformers has been voted to join the National Toy Hall of Fame several times before,...

Pokmon has grown from being a singular franchise to inspiring an entire genre of role-playing and this early-access indie game is the latest title to put a unique spin on the formula. When it comes to monster-catching games that exist outside of the Nintendo environment, players have some decent options, even if none of them have managed to capture hearts and minds like Pokmon. Whether it be the musical notes of Cassette Beasts or the Mmo stylings of TemTem, the one thing most of them lack is the competitive spirit of sport.

Over on Steam, developer Wishes Ultd. just released Beastieball into early access and it's already shaping up to be an exciting addition to the monster-taming canon.

The general structure will be familiar to Pokmon fans as players explore the world and collect and train unique beasts to compete with opponents. The core difference is that battle is a...

Hasbro is rolling out several new Transformers figures, including those based on previous movies in the franchise. Three of these are based on the most recent live-action films, including an obscure Maximal who was added to the cast of Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.

The Transformers Studio Series line is dedicated to providing accurate new plastic takes on cinematic iterations of classic Cybertronians. Via TFW2005, the latest additions to the line include versions of Bumblebee and Optimus Prime based on their depiction in the best live-action Transformers movie of all time. Also present is Apelinq, whose inclusion in Rise of the Beasts surprised many fans due to his deep-cut nature.

Related Transformers: Wild King Set to Evoke G1 and Beast Wars in New Anime & Toy Series

The upcoming Transformers: Wild King series sees Optimus Prime and Megatron with an original cast of bestial Transformers, complete with a new anime.

Among the Combiners in the Transformers franchise, there's no one more iconic than Devastator. The united form of the Constructicons, the legendary Decepticon is now being represented in a new retro action figure.

Part of Super7's ReAction toy line, "Wrecking Crew" Devastator is a bit different from how fans might remember him. Based on a comparatively obscure color scheme for the Combiner, the figure is a mighty toy that perfectly captures the feel of the classic 1984 Transformers animated series. It's also the latest of multiple Transformers releases from the company, showing that the brand is the king of nostalgia.

Related Transformers: Wild King Set to Evoke G1 and Beast Wars in New Anime & Toy Series

The upcoming Transformers: Wild King series sees Optimus Prime and Megatron with an original cast of bestial Transformers, complete with a new anime.

Super7's Newest ReAction Figure Gives Transformers' Devastator a New Paint...

Some cliche somewhere said that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words.’ This has proven to be the case for me and especially when it comes to fan art. I have always sought out great fan art and have wanted to share it with as many people as possible. “Awesome Art We’ve Found Around The Net” is the outlet for that passion. In this column, I will showcase the kick-ass artwork of some great artists, with the hopes that these artists get the attention they deserve. That’s the aim. If you have any questions or comments, or even suggestions of art or other great artists, feel free to contact me at any time at theodorebond@joblo.com.

Alien by Grégory Féron

Beast Wars by Emilio Lopez

Calvin and Hobbs by Mark Chilcott

Friday The 13th by Nerd Designer

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing by Alex Reid

The Muppet Show...

The latest Transformers toy line by Takara has been revealed, and it's set to be a wild one. Featuring two iconic Cybertronians and several robotic animals, the new iteration is a veritable mix of Generation 1, Beast Wars and other incarnations.

Via TFW2005, Transformers: Wild King literally unites vehicular Transformers with their bestial counterparts, allowing for exciting combinations involving classic characters and completely new ones. Details are still somewhat scarce, including about whether the series will be localized outside Japan. However, it will be accompanied by a new anime series, which is the first in years for the franchise.

Related Transformers' Deadliest Decepticons & More Roll Out in New Studio Series Toy Release

An upcoming batch of Transformers Studio Series figures brings some of the deadliest Decepticons (and Predacon) from the big screen to the toy aisles.

Transformers: Wild King Unleashes the Beasts With First-Look Reveal of New Toys

The name...

Warning: this article contains spoilers for Transformers OneAs the latest film in the long-running franchise, Transformers One is a reintroduction to the world and characters in the Transformers universe, telling a story that so far has not been seen on the big screen. Transformers One received rave reviews from both critics and audiences, owing in part to the compelling story it told for Megatron and Optimus Prime. The movie takes the series back to its roots, showing the origin of the Transformers One cast's two lead characters, Optimus Prime and Megatron, and how their initial friendship gives way to their bitter rivalry.

Transformers One introduces many classic Autobots and Decepticons, some of whom haven't been seen on the silver screen until now. One of these characters is Alpha Trion, the Transformer who was responsible for the creation of Optimus Prime in the original cartoon, who now serves as the catalyst...

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts 2 (Photo Credit – Instagram)

The Transformers universe’s about to crank things up—again. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts 2 is in the pipeline, with Paramount eyeing a trilogy that promises to bring even more Beast Wars action. Before you transform and roll out, another movie is thrown into the mix, one that’s not even part of this storyline. We’re talking about Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto’s upcoming Transformers film, which has fans scratching their heads and asking, “Wait, how many Transformers movies are we getting?!”

Producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura recently gave a cryptic update on Soto’s untitled project. Spoiler alert: the script is still cooking. Meanwhile, we’ve got the animated prequel Transformers One dropping next year, telling the backstory of how Cybertron fell to the Decepticons. But, back to the sequel at hand—Rise of the Beasts 2. Let’s get...

In the Transformers franchise, Starscream usually rules the skies as the leader of the Seekers. Now, one collectible company is releasing highly detailed and articulated figures based on other members of the elite Decepticon jet squad.

Acid Storm and Sunstorm are two notable "repaints" of Starscream, and that's also the case with the Transformers Mdlx figures from Threezero. Recoloring the company's previous Starscream figure, the new color schemes showcase the incredible amount of precision in the mold. While the two robot figures only have their robot modes, they're still ready to take to the skies on fans' shelves.

Related Transformers' Megatron Brings Out the Beast With New Predacon Action Figure

A new Transformers Furai Model kit figure by Flame Toys reimagines the robot mode of the tyrannical Predacon leader Megatron from Beast Wars.

Threezero Is Set to Release Starscream's Most Underrated Fellow Seekers

Boasting 50 points of articulation and standing at nearly 8" in height,...

Andrew Lee can’t stop releasing music. Whether it’s a new full length album Sanshi with his band Ripped to Shreds, or another new album, Koncertos Of Kawaiiness: Stealing Jon Chang’s Ideas, A Book by Andrew Lee from his anime-themed grindcore solo project Houkago Grind Time, the new tunes keep on coming. As you can probably tell by at least one of the bands, Lee is a massive anime fan and allows it to guide his artistic endeavors. I had the chance to chat with him to hear more about his anime origins, taking inspiration from multiple genres, and the type of series in which he could imagine his own music. Can you tell me a little about your anime journey? How it started and where you are now? Are there genres you gravitate toward? Andrew Lee : The earliest anime memories I have are of a copy...

Reflecting on Jurassic Parks canceled animated spinoff, fans continue to imagine the chaos it would have unleashed if it ever happened. Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous and Jurassic World: Chaos Theory continue to take viewers on thrilling adventures beyond the gates of John Hammond's horrifically beautiful legacy, but they werent the first attempts to bring the franchise to the small screen. As wild as the journey has been since the "Nublar Six" embarked on their odyssey, things couldve been stranger. Although the show never aired, Jurassic Parks lost chapters found their way to dinosaur enthusiasts in other forms, offering a glimpse of what might have been. While little of the TV show exists for pop culture paleontologists to examine, the story of Jurassic Park: Chaos Effect is still out there, waiting to be pieced together from what remains.

Based on the Michael Crichton story of the same name, Steven Spielbergs...

Flame Toys has released numerous model kits based on several popular icons from the East and West, including the Transformers franchise. Featuring Cybertronians derived from Generation 1 and the Idw comic books, a new reveal from the company is now terrorizing fans with an iconic Predacon from the Beast Wars subline.

Via TFW2005, the Furai Model line by Flame Toys has now revealed a new toy based on the Predacon leader Megatron from Beast Wars: Transformers. Recreating the tyrant's robot mode, the figure marks a special new milestone for the action figure series. Although it won't be released in time for the franchise's 40th anniversary, it does further expand the brand's sense of nostalgia beyond G1.

Related New Transformers x Naruto Collaboration Figure Brings the Beast Wars to Konoha

Hasbro's newest official Transformers crossover turns Kurama and Gamakichi from the Naruto franchise into transforming robots in disguise.

Megatron Terrorizes Like...

Godzilla is one of the mightiest monsters in all fiction, with the massive kaiju having appeared in several movies. In his films, Godzilla has faced numerous rival monsters, from the three-headed King Ghidorah to the fire-breathing Rodan. These and other giant monsters have immense strength and incredible powers, making them more than a match for a certain set of robots in disguise.

The Transformers franchise is also known for its own stable of powerful characters, namely Autobots and Decepticons such as Optimus Prime and Megatron. These characters could, in some cases, take the fight to Godzilla and his fellow kaiju. In other cases, however, the monsters would reign supreme, defeating even the most valiant Cybertronians. Both brands are also celebrating birthdays, with the 70th anniversary of Godzilla bringing up the question of how he would fare against the 40-year-old Transformers.

Godzilla Could Take On the Autobots and the Decepticons First...

Transformers One features Starscream as one of the story's main villains, reflecting the character's legacy in the franchise. By the time of Transformers One's ending, the film somewhat reinvents the origins of the titular alien robots, delving into the earliest days of the conflict that erupts between the Autobots and Decepticons. While much of the film will be rooted in the emotional conflict that emerges between Orion Pax/Optimus Prime and D-16/Megatron - played by Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry respectively in Transformers One's voice cast - the film will also include other important characters in the franchise.

The trailers for the film teased as much, with Transformers One's new Optimus Prime origin story also including iconic titular robots like Bumblebee, Elita-1, Sentinel Prime, Soundwave, and Shockwave. As Transformers One's Autobots and Decepticons become what is known of them from the franchise at large,...

Transformers has crossed over with numerous brands throughout the years for official collaborations, with 2024 being the peak of this concept. Now, the robots in disguise are using "energon no jutsu" with the latest mashup, which unites the series' concept with one of the most popular anime and manga properties in the world.

Naruto has been a major franchise for over two decades, with the original manga now turning 25 years old. Likewise, Transformers is commemorating the brand's 40th anniversary, with part of the celebration involving a new two-pack "Transformers Collaborative Naruto Shippuden x Transformers" action figure set by Hasbro. From beast to bots, these ninja Transformers will have fans of both franchises saying "dattebayo!"

Related New Transformers Masterpiece Scale Prototype Recreates a Stunningly Detailed Optimus Prime

A prototype for an upcoming third-party Transformers figure recreates a complex movie version of Optimus Prime in unexpected levels of detail.

Hasbro's Newest Transformers Figure...

Transformers are known for their ability to transform, but the process of transforming is quite complicated and not something that every Cybertronian can do. Throughout the course of Transformers media, the chance to see characters like Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, and others transform from their robot forms to their alt modes is always something to look forward to. Michael Bay's Transformers movies showed the detailed process of a Cybertronian transforming between robot and alternate modes, while other movies or TV shows take more simplistic approaches to the inherent abilities of the Autobots and Decepticons.

The transforming abilities of Cybertronians have been greatly explored throughout the years as a result. It is well-established that not every Transformer is equal when it comes to its altmodes and what they change into. There are opportunities for Transformers to change into trucks, cars, planes, motorcycles, and even animals, as evident with Transformers: Rise of...

There was an almost 40-year gap between "The Transformers: The Movie" and the new "Transformers One." It's astounding it took that long for another animated film about the Robots in Disguise because that's the medium where they're most at home. It's why in the 40 years this series has existed, there have been more than a dozen cartoons starring the Transformers.

The original 1984 cartoon — "The Transformers" — is an influential series, but frankly, it's not a very good one. The animation was low quality and no one working on that show thought they were making anything more than a toy commercial. But "The Transformers" struck a chord in kids' imaginations and inspired superior retellings, like "Transformers One." If you can't get past the commercialism or silliness of "Transformers," I get it, but there are gems in this franchise like "Beast Wars," "Transformers Animated," and the one of my childhood, "Transformers: Prime."

Aired...

Spoilers for "Transformers One" to follow.

Peter Cullen is Optimus Prime, the best cartoon hero performance next to Kevin Conroy as Batman. But while Cullen's many performances as the Autobot leader make him inseparable from the character, he's not the only one who's played the part. Some Prime voice actors, like Jon Bailey and Jake Fushee, do Cullen impressions. Others offer more distinctive takes, like Garry Chalk as Optimus Primal in "Beast Wars" or David Kaye in "Transformers Animated." Now, there's a new member of this pantheon: Chris Hemsworth, who voices a young Optimus Prime (then known as "Orion Pax") in the new animated film "Transformers One."

Reactions to the casting in "Transformers One" was mixed. Using celebrity performers instead of seasoned voice actors? Ugh. Does Hemsworth shake off the skepticism and fill these big shoes? He can obviously play a superhero; he's been acting as Thor for 13+ years now.

Quick Links The Far Side Was Not Just a Comic Tales From The Far Side Is Worth Watching Tales From The Far Side Had a Hidden Sequel Where To Watch Tales From The Far Side

Gary Larson's Tales from The Far Side marked a definitive moment for Larson's strip. Known for its art style, eerie settings, and often confusing jokes, the comic strip quickly grew to become a worldwide phenomenon. Nearly 2,000 newspapers published the strip at its height, and 4,000 panels were eventually released throughout its run. Larson is still publishing new releases to this day, though his output has decreased since the height of the comic's run.

With so much love and respect for his bizarre world, Larson did not just restrict his characters to the comic medium. In 1994, he agreed to create a made-for-tv special that would see his animated world brought to the small screen. Tales...

The Transformers franchise is rolling out nostalgia in various ways for the brand's 40th anniversary, including several new toys and collectibles. Celebrating the occasion is an animated collaboration with a legendary anime studio, and calling it "more than meets the eye" is more than an understatement.

The new Transformers 40th anniversary video represents every part of the illustrious history of the robots in disguise. From cartoons and anime to the live-action movies, fans will recognize countless iterations and generations in one video. Full of Easter eggs and excitement, it's a true illustration of a property's sense of legacy.

Related Transformers Gets a Fresh Take on G1's Snarl With Two New Color Variant Reveals

A new third-party Transformers toy based on Generation 1 Snarl is being based in two new color schemes that celebrate the Dinobot's history.

Kill la Kill's Studio Trigger Animates the Transformers' Latest Birthday

The above official video...

The Transformers brand has turned 40 years old, and parent company Takara Tomy is pulling out all the stops for a major celebration. Fans attending an upcoming expo will be able to score all manner of merchandise that further highlights just how far the robots in disguise have come since their earliest days.

From mini masks to shopping bags, these items are certain to become the height of Transformers collectibles. Said items even include a few exclusive toys and figures. While they aren't all transformable forms of merchandise, these fan-oriented items are still more than meets the eye.

Related New Transformers Health Supplements Let Fit Fans Transform and "Swole" Out

Transformers fans can now roll out to the gym in confidence with new pre-workout supplements that provide muscles with an extra dose of energon.

Takara's Transformers Expo Includes Several Exclusives, Including the Matrix of Leadership

As part of the celebration for the 40th anniversary of Transformers,...

When it comes to toys, the gimmick is everything. In the case of G.I. Joe, the king fu action grip has become iconic with the brand, while Barbie was best known for allowing children to put their character in many different jobs and scenarios. But for The Transformers, the gimmick was built in as the concept of robots becoming vehicles was something not seen before. In fact, this gimmick changed toy technology forever as it allowed engineers to manufacture new ways to make the franchise more than meets the eye.

As the series progressed, gimmicks still played a large role in the series, with combiners allowing multiple characters to join to form a super robot like Devastator or Headmasters and Targetmasters, which allowed humanoid companions to join with characters either as their head or their weapon. But while the latter marked the conclusion of the G1 series, the franchise...

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts introduced a future where the team would work with the G.I. Joes. While exciting, this has to happen with one of the Autobots most skilled warriors at their side: Springer. Springer is a beloved hero, and his personality could help show audiences how interesting the Autobots still are.

The Transformers have always been one of the most prominent franchises to capture the imagination of children since they appeared in the US in 1984. Comparable to other toy lines that grew further in television, like Masters of the Universe, The Transformers always had the impressive gimmick of being robots that transformed into vehicles. But as the series went on, the real draw among fans was how these robotic humanoids dealt with very real problems akin to humanity thanks to the too-familiar idea of war, and in that comparison, these cool characters grew into soldiers with roles...

The latest Transformers toy line has featured both iconic and more obscure characters from the franchise's history. Now, an anime-exclusive combiner roars back from the edge of extinction.

Revealed at San Diego Comic-Con 2024 and reported on via TFW2005, the new Transformers Legacy United: Dinobot Dinoking Multipack is a deepcut that will have fans reaching for their wallets. Combining six mighty Decepticon warriors, this underrated team finally gets a chance to shine on international toy aisles. The same is likewise the case for a similar Autobot rival, who's also a part of the Transformers: Legacy line.

Related Kodansha Reveals New Transformers Bumblebee Action Figure

A preview for an upcoming Japanese Transformers action figure promises a remix of an existing Bumblebee toy with a shiny new color scheme.

The Goofiest Combiner Joins the Transformers: Legacy Line

The new Dinobot Dinoking Multipack features six Decepticons -- Yokuryu, Rairyu, Goryu, Doryu, Gairyu and...

The Transformers franchise has had some strange collaborations over the years, including unexpected crossovers that were much more than meets the eye. Now, the Takara and Hasbro brand is teaming back up with an anime and trading card franchise that it united with last year.

Revealed on social media by Takara Tomy and detailed on TFW2005, the new Transformers x Duel Masters collaboration is actually the second of its kind. Featuring cards based on Generation 1 versions of two iconic Autobots, the cards tie into both franchises well. The collaboration is also happening as both properties are celebrating major milestones in 2024.

Related Transformers' Legacy United Metalhawk Gets First Official Image Reveal for New Recolor

A redeco of an obscure Autobot from the Transformers: Super-God Masterforce anime series is flying back onto shelves in the Transformers: Legacy line.

The Newest Duel Masters Cards Feature Optimus Prime and Bumblebee

The two new Transformers...

Takara Tomy handles the Transformers franchise in Japan, with that region seeing several exclusive releases and re-releases of Transformers toys. Now, that's set to happen again with new releases for some of the most beloved fan-favorites in a collector-oriented toy line.

Via Seibertron, Takara will be reissuing several Transformers: Masterpiece figures in 2025, including a "controversial" toy that's never seen mass retail release in the West. These figures are based specifically on the characters' designs from the classic 1984 Transformers cartoon. This is happening as the Masterpiece line as a whole is currently transforming into something else entirely.

Related Transformers Rolls Out Giveaway on Autobot & Maximal Leader Toy Card Collectibles

Transformers fans can now earn several collectible cards featuring past versions of various Autobot and Maximal leaders thanks to a new campaign.

Takara Is Reissuing Major Transformers Figures In 2025, Including the MP36

Many of these reissued figures are from the Transformers: Masterpiece series,...

The Transformers franchise has had numerous iconic Autobot leaders, most of which are versions of the classic character Optimus Prime. Now, Japanese fans can take a trip into the Matrix of Leadership and receive figures from the character's illustrious history.

Via Tfw 2005, the "Cybetron/Autobot Commander Toy Cards" campaign by Takara is set to reward fans by giving them toy cards of several Autobot or Maximal leaders from the past. Including even some of the more obscure heroes from the franchise, these collectible cards are given away with certain purchases. With the franchise now celebrating a major milestone, it's no surprise that the festivities involve a look back at the heroes that brought it this far.

Related New Transformers Release Sees a Gen 1 Autobot Go Dark in a Big Way

The newest entry in the Transformers Mpg toy line recolors a previous Masterpiece release to portray a dark take on the classic Autobot Jetfire.

The Transformers franchise has been rolling out for 40 years, with the brand debuting in 1984. Now, Japanese parent company Takara is celebrating with a trip down memory lane, courtesy of some of the most iconic toys in the franchise.

The 40th anniversary release of the "Our Origin" video briefly gives a look at some of the most legendary moments in Transformers history, including the original Generation 1 series. Many of the characters seen are now receiving updated toys in various lines, showcasing how far the legacy of the Transformers goes. In fact, one of these epic new figures is seen at the beginning of the video, advertising the tangible nostalgia that's 40 years in the making.

Related Kodansha Reveals New Transformers Bumblebee Action Figure

A preview for an upcoming Japanese Transformers action figure promises a remix of an existing Bumblebee toy with a shiny new color scheme.

A New Transformers Anniversary Video Looks...

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The various Transformers toy lines have featured several different takes on the iconic Autobot leader, Optimus Prime. Now, the newest iteration of the brand's collector-oriented line portrays a much darker take on the legendary Cybertronian.

Released under the new The Transformers: Mpg series, this toy portrays Optimus' darkest form yet: Shattered Glass Optimus Prime. Although based on an existing toy, this new release is a grim mirror of the Autobot that fans know and love. Hailing from a dark universe where expectations are cruelly inverted, the upcoming Prime figure proves that freedom might not be the right of all sentient beings after all.

Related Kodansha Reveals New Transformers Bumblebee Action Figure

A preview for an upcoming Japanese Transformers action figure promises a remix of an existing Bumblebee toy with a shiny new color scheme.

The Transformers: Mpg Unleashes the...

At the recent Annecy Animation Festival, veteran film producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura discussed the highly anticipated animated film Transformers One as well as the 1986 classic The Transformers: The Movie.

During a recent talk with Variety at the Annecy Animation Festival, Di Bonaventura revealed his confusion about the way that the original 80s Transformers animated film is perceived by many fans. He said, Whats so surprising about the 86 film is how dark it is. Honestly, I dont understand why people love it so much. For some, maybe it was their first cinematic experience, but its really a downer movie. The Transformers: The Movie was rated PG upon its initial theatrical release in North America on August 8, 1986.

Related Chris Hemsworth & Scarlett Johansson's Transformers One Gets Encouraging First Reactions

The Transformers franchise will switch to animation for its prequel and its first reactions are exciting.

The comparisons between Transformers One and the...

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts continues the franchise's success, landing #6 on Netflix's Top 10 movies. The movie brings in familiar action and popular characters while introducing new elements like Beast Wars. Strong voice acting from the likes of Pete Davidson and Peter Dinklage adds to the film's appeal and streaming success.

The $439 million worldwide box office hit Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is finding even more success on streaming, landing in the Netflix top 10 for the week. The toy-line-derived movie series became a box office juggernaut, beginning with the Michael Bay-directed 2007 entry, which grossed $709 million worldwide. Since that auspicious beginning, the Transformers franchise has become one of the highest-grossing of all-time, with total box office receipts reaching $5.286 billion.

2023s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts made its own healthy contribution to that overall total, and its now proving to be a hit on streaming as well, landing at #6 on Netflixs...

Quick Links Generation 1 Bumblebee Was the Autobot's First Incarnation Was Bumblebee In Beast Wars? Hot Shot vs. Bumblebee The Live-Action Transformers Movies Brought Bumblebee Back In a Big Way Transformers: Animated Featured an Amalgamated Bumblebee The Aligned Continuity Had Differing Versions of Bumblebee Idw and Dreamwave Used Bumblebee to Varying Degrees Later Transformers Cartoons Moved Bumblebee Away from the Bayverse The Energon Universe Dealt Bumblebee a Low Blow How Bumblebee Will Factor Into Transformers One What Does Bumblebee Transform Into?

Though Autobot leader Optimus Prime might be the most iconic character in the Transformers franchise, he has stiff competition in the form of one of his trustiest soldiers. Bumblebee has been a part of the brand's story ever since 1984, and he's gone on to become one of the most recognizable robots in fiction. Over the years, he's changed a lot, but his general function as the lovable yellow Autobot has remained the same.

When it comes to Autobots in the Transformers franchise, most fans are familiar with Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and other Cybertronians from the classic Generation 1 cartoon. They've since appeared in other Western works, along with the Maximals from spinoff series, Beast Wars: Transformers. While these might be the most recognizable robots in disguise, they are just as many heroic Transformers from the franchise's many anime iterations.

Be they Autobots or Maximals, these Transformers were important in various ways in their respective shows. Many have gone on to become fan-favorites, with some still receiving new action figures in modern toylines. This legacy reflects how Transformers has always been a joint collaboration between East and West, with Japan being the origin for some of the coolest 'bots in the franchise.

Your browser does not support the video tag. Hot Shot Was a Stand-In for Two G1 Autobots Hot Shot Was Rebellious & Got Into...