SDCC - Hasbro Transformers Panel Report

Classics

The original idea behind the Classics line was to find a way back to the roots of the Transformers. Hasbro wanted to offer a new updated version of Generation 1. Looking back to 1984 and focusing on reinvention of the brand - what Transformers are all about. The new line revives classic characters that everyone knows and loves and gives us an updated version if they were to do They wanted to give the toys an animated classic look. Transformers for the first time today utilizing all the technologies that are available. As well as using vehicle styles of today, much like the original ideas behind the G1 line. First wave is showing at SDCC. The second wave will be at BotCon. They will be doing all the characters like Hot Shot and Starscream.

Titanium

The newest thing the team is working on are the new 6-inch and 3-inch Titanium toys. A die-cast line intended for collectors. They are doing odd characters such as Thundercrakcer and Predaking as well as the War Within Seekers. Don Figuroa was credited with working closely with the Hasbro designers on the figures and how they transform saying they were happy he is part of their team.

Alternators

Nemeis Prime was said to be the capper (last release) for the year. Referencing it being for sale at SDCC in very limited quantities.

It was asked what happened with the Bumblebee / VW bug Alternator? Hasbro said that they originally wanted to do Bumblebee as one the initial toys but were not able to secure licenses with the European car companies and get them interested in the idea of seeing their cars as toys. Stating that some of the companies don't like the fact that they turn into robots that fight. It was also said that most of their deals were with American and Japanese companies but they have had a couple of recent successes getting other manufactures on board. It is there hope that once the movie comes out, it will be more widely recognized and will open attract with other car companies.

It was stated that the Alternators for the rest of the year are being show at SDCC and BotCon. There are a few more releases that that will released spring of 2007.

Hasbro was asked about working with Aircraft makers for new figures. They've responded saying they have thrown ideas around putting other vehicles into the line, but the scale is prohibitive at 1:24 as it will not fit in the package. It was stated that “one offs” are still an option they are looking at. They mentioned that this was how the Starscream fig came about.

When asked, Hasbro stated there will be no military vehicles in the line.

Heroes of Cybertron

They will be reproducing several of the Heroes of Cybertron figures for sale at Hot Topic stores. They wanted to offer Transformers toys along with retro t-shirts and apparel. Instead of starting from scratch, they are offering five characters this fall starting with 1st Prime, 1st Megatron, Rodimus, Soundwave and Ultra Magnus. Some other retailers may sign on to carry them as well.

Movie Toys

A question was asked why the movie characters in the movie wont be like the originals. Hasbro responded saying they intend to do new interpretations of the characters to bring them up to date. They will all have elements that we all can recognize in the original characters.

When asked if they toys would be coming out before the movie. Hasbro said it would follow the same pattern as other movie line releases that the product is released 1-2 months before the movie. No date has been set yet for the release.


Come spring of 2007, Hasbro will be "sort of stopping some stuff" to work on the movie line. However a lot of the past lines will come back after they finish work on the movie line.

The movie line will give them the opportunity to work on some new directions, transforming wise.

Hasbro said the movie will be its own time line. After all these issues over continuity, they would like to start over again with a fresh take.

Activisiton will be developing the Transformers Movie game.

When asked about what they hear from the fans about the Movie, Hasbro said that were very impressed with how the fan community come together in a unified way to voice their opinion Peter Cullen be considered for the voice of Optimus Prime. Hasbro stated that this is something the that fans helped them see that as important and are looking at it as something to seriously consider. They asked us to stand by and see what happens next.

Misc Stuff

The commemorative series is complete for now. There are no other plans for new ones right now. Astrotrain was done because it was available and they wanted to offer it a home on HTS.

It was stated they are still open to producing Universe figures if there is a retailer who will carry them. The Seacons and other items are still in the queue to do when they find the right retailer program for it.

There is no Target exclusive Optimus and Megatron 2-pack that was reported as being listed in the store computers. Hasbro said they have something related to that, but they are not ready to show until BotCon.

Greg Lombardo said he would like to see a General Lee that turns into a robot because he was a redneck from Kentucky when asked what the Hasbro team would personally like to make – He was joking.

Hasbro stated that when working with Takara on the master-piece line, Takara takes the lead on what new products are developed.

Hasbro is well aware that Takara is making the MP-04 Optimus Pirme and Trailer and are evaluating it for for a US release. They have not decided if it will be just the trailer or both.

When asked about a Beast Wars mini-con being made. Hasbro said there will be new Mini-cons. They could not say who they end will up being or what they will look like, but there will definitely be new molds.

The Star Wars Transformers line will continue citing they are popular with Star Wars fans and TF collectors. There will be more higher priced sets coming out in the future.
Masterpiece

When asked about if we would get Masterpiece Starscream they said they could not comment on it now.