Transformers Prime - News & Speculation Thread

[NewcomerDC]

This is the talkback thread for Transformers Prime Teaser Online.

Not much to see but so far, the show is looking good. Bumblebee's transformation wasn't bad but it looked a bit slow. I think that while we're able to see a bit of animation, I wished that we were given a full trailer to really pull us in the show. I, myself, might check it out in the Fall but I'm not sure about everyone else.

[lukecage]

this is the talkback thread for transformers prime teaser online.

Not much to see but so far, the show is looking good. Bumblebee's transformation wasn't bad but it looked a bit slow. I think that while we're able to see a bit of animation, i wished that we were given a full trailer to really pull us in the show. I, myself, might check it out in the fall but i'm not sure about everyone else.

whats the hub.

[MaxJ1800]

Basically Hasbro+Discovery Kids=The Hub.

[Checkerboard]

Hm, a new series again? I guess that is only logical. But what I can't understand is the animation. I won't judge smoothness, because it's perfectly clear from the short video it's not final and will change. And eventhough the clip looked unfinished, that's not my main problem. It did leave a good impression on me, but just partially. For one I can't understand why everyone these days sticks to CGI and second - visually it reminds me of what we've had before (Cybertron, Armada, Beast Wars). Why can't they just remake G1 properly? Animated was a tragedy.

[Takao]

Why can't they just remake G1 properly?

Armada is basically just a re-imagining of G1. It's actually the better written of the two (although rushed animation, and rushed scripts keep the English production down). Animated's a pretty strong show if you can get past the off putting designs.

As for that teaser, I agree that Bee's transformation is a bit lacking in speed, and smoothness. However, even in this early state it looks pretty good. For those who want to see the character design sheets, TFW2005.com has them.

The series isn't related to the Movie universe, but rather acts as a sequel to the recently released Transformers: War For Cybertron mini-media franchise (it's a game and a comic). However, there are some events that both universes will share.

The new GI Joe toon looks nice too, like a mix between Sigma 6 and Resolute.

[Checkerboard]

Well, Peter Cullen and Frank Welker being in main cast in Prime is definately a very good thing. For that sole reason I will watch the series when it debuts. On the other hand - character designs in my opinion, by looking at those pictures, are getting with each new series more and more simple. I won't take on the Animated character designs, because those were literally rude. Soundwave was laughable at best. Therefore I am very skeptical in this sense with the upcoming series. As for the animation style, as I've said - G1 still looks best with many details CGI can't achieve and never will. I guess I will wrap it up with that. Let's wait and see, but honestly I don't expect much. Everything in the TF universe is going downhill lately - just look at the second movie, which for me personally was the biggest letdown that year.

[Ed Liu]

Converting this into the talkback thread for Transformers Prime in general, since we just published TheVileOne's coverage of the panel at San Diego Comic Con 2010. Check out the photos of the characters and some extras of Peter Cullen on the panel and receiving a hug from an emotional fan.

[Matt Hazuda]

the staff proclaimed the human characters will be compelling and good in the show.

If that's not a giant red flag, I don't know what is. Of course it's a concession to Hasbro to have obnoxious kid character/Mary Sue that will just drag down the show.

[M.O.D.O.K.]

Why can't they just remake G1 properly? Animated was a tragedy.

Really? I thought it was superior to G1.

Reguardless, the new trailer looked decent. Not too bad, but not too exciting either.

[ShadowBlinky]

Hm, a new series again? I guess that is only logical. But what I can't understand is the animation. I won't judge smoothness, because it's perfectly clear from the short video it's not final and will change. And eventhough the clip looked unfinished, that's not my main problem. It did leave a good impression on me, but just partially. For one I can't understand why everyone these days sticks to CGI and second - visually it reminds me of what we've had before (Cybertron, Armada, Beast Wars). Why can't they just remake G1 properly? Animated was a tragedy.

Animated is the best TF series of all time, bar none.

[Takao]

Animated is the best TF series of all time, bar none.

The problem with Animated is that none of the characters really have any depth to them, the series tried too hard to give fanservice to an older audience rather than building their own characters. Everyone was very much a one set character. That's where something like Beast Wars completely obliterates it.

[Rick Jones]

It looks like this will be the animated series that's kind of based on the movies that I originally thought Animated would end up being.

[Pooky]

I've always found the movie designs garish, indistinct and unappealing, and these designs look only a little better. The animation looks nice enough and Welker and Cullen is a big plus, but from what I saw the previous series had a decent thing going and what I know of this make me suspect it will be a step down.

[Razor]

The problem with Animated is that none of the characters really have any depth to them, the series tried too hard to give fanservice to an older audience rather than building their own characters. Everyone was very much a one set character. That's where something like Beast Wars completely obliterates it.

Please. Optimus, Ratchet, Sari, and even Sentinel Prime have oodles of depth.

[Mandouga]

The series isn't related to the Movie universe, but rather acts as a sequel to the recently released Transformers: War For Cybertron mini-media franchise.

With all due respect, we don't know that. I would ask for a source, but there's conflicting information about whether it will be in the game's continuity or not.

Besides, if that is the case (which I'm hoping it isn't), that would mean that this show is just a glorified "commercial" for the game. I really don't want to watch a movie that just advertises a game released by a company who may or may not have treated a certain internal developer like dirt, which is now suing said company, but that's for another forum. The point is, I don't want to watch a Transformers show that was only created on a spur-of-the-moment (it's a long story). Really, if they wanted to continue the game's story, why not just make another game?

Anyway, so the designs are "officially" going to be a cross between the "G1" series and the movies, but what worries me is the overall production values. The Garfield Show (to use an example) uses the original Jim Davis designs, but the overall production values (including, but not limited to Garfield moving his lips) assume that people are only familiar with the movies. If this was the case with Transformers: Prime (that is, the production values assuming that viewers have only seen the movies), I probably might not watch this show. I guess the real question is, what's this show going to feel like more: the movies, or the G1 series? Or will it be it's own thing (maybe with G1 as a "base"; it's another long story)?

Look, I like Transformers and all, but while I don't know about anyone else, I'm only more likely to watch it if it will be it's own thing (or at the very least use G1 or anything non-live-action movie related as a "base" of some kind). However, with a third live-action movie in the planning stages (if not in full production), this new show seems more likely to incorporate the movies in some fashion (if not directly). From here, this actually goes into the issue with the live-action movies themselves, but that's another long story.

[kow626]

animated ended for a reason. although i'd prefer a continuation of g1, as long as this series isn't watered too far down, then it should be good. and the trailer...the classic transform sound is too slow...

[Sprocket]

If that's not a giant red flag, I don't know what is. Of course it's a concession to Hasbro to have obnoxious kid character/Mary Sue that will just drag down the show.

There are exceptions to the rule (Animated), but I can't see how three ordinary shmucks from Shmucktopia are going to do anything of any real import, short of becoming Head/Target/Power-Masters.

What can you do.

[Gokou Ruri]

The problem with Animated is that none of the characters really have any depth to them, the series tried too hard to give fanservice to an older audience rather than building their own characters. Everyone was very much a one set character. That's where something like Beast Wars completely obliterates it.

This, pretty much. It felt like they were more concerned with making references to past shows (Getting the same VA for a character, but forgetting to make that character actually interesting. Introducing a fan-favorite from Beast Wars, but forgetting all the things that made her an interesting and likable character and thinking her name-alone would sell people) rather than having good writing. Most of the series came off like an episodic 'moral of the day' storytelling, with the Autobots being really annoying and unlikable (mainly Bumblebee and Bulkhead, who seemed to get the most episodes). I actually rooted for the villains in that series for that reason; Blitzwing and Lugnut were far more interesting

And I got to agree with the distate for human side kicks. I guess they really think no kid's going to like it unless there's a human kid there somewhere. Beast Wars didn't have any, and it stands to be my favorite. Sari was annoying and her Key was just a magic plot device for whatever problem they needed to solve, so hopefully these new kids will be better. I think the only human characters I enjoyed somewhat was Kicker, since at least he could fight. Still, I wont write these kids off yet just to be fair; maybe they'll do something interesting. Maybe it being CG is a sign it'll be like Beast Wars?

[M.O.D.O.K.]

This, pretty much. It felt like they were more concerned with making references to past shows (Getting the same VA for a character, but forgetting to make that character actually interesting. Introducing a fan-favorite from Beast Wars, but forgetting all the things that made her an interesting and likable character and thinking her name-alone would sell people) rather than having good writing. Most of the series came off like an episodic 'moral of the day' storytelling, with the Autobots being really annoying and unlikable (mainly Bumblebee and Bulkhead, who seemed to get the most episodes). I actually rooted for the villains in that series for that reason; Blitzwing and Lugnut were far more interesting

And I got to agree with the distate for human side kicks. I guess they really think no kid's going to like it unless there's a human kid there somewhere. Beast Wars didn't have any, and it stands to be my favorite. Sari was annoying and her Key was just a magic plot device for whatever problem they needed to solve, so hopefully these new kids will be better. I think the only human characters I enjoyed somewhat was Kicker, since at least he could fight. Still, I wont wright these kids off yet just to be fair; maybe they'll do something interesting. Maybe it being CG is a sign it'll be like Beast Wars?

...and despite these flaws, it was still better than G1. Beast Wars remains the best, though.

Hopefully the new show avoids these flaws, and even rival BW.

[Gokou Ruri]

...and despite these flaws, it was still better than G1. Beast Wars remains the best, though.

Hopefully the new show avoids these flaws, and even rival BW.

Well, yeah, I'd rank Animated above G1, as I never liked G1. Perhaps that's why a show that focuses more on references to it wasn't all that interesting to me.