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Transformers 4 Age of Extinction - Hasbro Design Team Q&A Part 2: "We Love Chrome!", Facade Parts, IDW, and More!

Part 2 of RAC's Q&A with Hasbro! Discussed inside are the return of chrome, the continuing partnership between Hasbro and IDW, what Thursdays are like for the Transformers design team -and how transforming toy robots can be kind of like having your homework checked on those days. This is part 2 of a Q&A session with Senior Designer John Warden Director of Global Brand Development Jerry Jivoin, Design Director Joshua Lamb, and Designer Lenny Panzica. Check out Part 1 by clicking here!

The team was asked about the return of vac-metal parts to the line, and if someone on the design team had a soft spot for chrome. Answer: "We all do! We all love chrome." Chrome is more expensive than it used to be, and Hasbro is employing techniques to make chrome that's less likely to chip- which also increases the price and difficulty of its use. The presence of chrome involves tradeoffs in other areas, and so it's generally to be reserved for larger figures, particularly the Leader class. The team is working to keep the Generations line's traditional size classes, articulation and deco levels as much as possible, and they view chrome as part of that, and as something they'll try to continue going forward.

When asked again about what it's like to work with Michael Bay, he was complimented for being personable and passionate about storytelling. The working relationship is very good and very warm, and Bay's not shy about asking opinions of the team about what he's working on for Transformers. Asked about "facade" parts- for example wheels and hood parts on a robot mode that don't become equivalent parts for the car -the team said there are no specific guidelines for use of those parts. Sometimes there's just no way for a part to move from one place to another, and they do what it takes to make the toy work.

RAC asked if the tighter joints he's noticed on his sample figures was intentional, and the answer was most definitely yes- in fact, the team was happy people were noticing that. Tighter joints make for better posing and easier transformation, and getting the best possible tolerances is something the team actively tries to do. Every Thursday at Hasbro, the design team hold a meeting where two hours are spent transforming sample figures and making notes on plastic tolerances and changes that need to be made. It sounds like fun, sitting around for two hours transforming toys, but they said it's kind of like having your homework checked. Every Transformer is vetted by at least ten designers, and often take up to 4-5 tries to get the best possible figure.

It was sadly a little too early to comment on this year's SDCC-exclusive Transformers. The team was asked if gimmick design came first and then a figure was designed around it, or if the figure came first and was followed by the gimmick. Both of those are true at times; AoE Hound and his combining weapons were given as an example of a gimmick that arose organically as part of the design process.

Finally, RAC asked about the partnership with IDW, and whether it would continue beyond what we've already seen. Again, a resounding yes. The current design team made it a priority to get IDW's comics into packages when they first came aboard. Jerry Jivoin worked on the Hasbro Marvel line for many years, and he's a big proponent of comics, and the collaboration has gone both ways. They cited Windblade as a great success story. They said that they meet with IDW several times a year to coordinate. IDW and the Classics Generations will be getting more and more in sync as time goes on, and IDW's story gives them a lot to work with. Lastly, the Hasbro team said that our feedback as fans is important, and that they do read what we say and draw inspiration from it as well, the tighter joints and return of chrome being two big examples. Of the various brands the team has worked on, Transformers fans are by far the most vocal and demonstrative.

May 12 is "Cybertron Monday," the day when Age of Extinction toys can be sold by online retailers, and the site can be seen here. TF4 toys will be available/purchaseable from traditional retail stores on Saturday, May 17th.

Thanks to the Hasbro design team for taking the time to sit down with us, and Joe Moscone from Hunter PR for making it happen!

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