The Allspark.com report that there are "three new auctions have appeared on Asian auction site TaoBao.com. Three auctions for repackaged Cybertron Scouts on Generations packaging (Like the Mini-Cons before them, the card backs do not actually say "Generations", however they are the same red as the Generations card backs, and not the yellow of Hunt for the Decepticons or Reveal the Shield). The auctions are for Undermine, Wreckloose, and Backstop.

For those of you that may not think this newsworthy, as these toys have had multiple card backs before, a closer look at Backstop may be in order. Instead of purple and mustard, the toy is now gray and blue!

­4chan member wuzhijie_1984 has posted some more images of leaked Transformers Dark of the Moon toys with the main focus being on Optimus Prime.  You can view the mirrored images below.

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In an interview with LA Times.com, Michael Bay talks up the upcoming Transformers Dark of the Moon film whilst at the same time admitting that Transformers Revenge of the Fallen was weak and that he has learnt a lot from the experience.

“Look, the movie had some good things in it and it was entertaining and it did very well, but it also failed in some key ways. I learned from it. And now with this third movie we’re going back to basics and I absolutely believe this is going to be a much better film than the second one."

You can read the full article at herocomplex.latimes.com

­On the 11th Jan, KOToys.com posted images of a new knock-off Transformer that is being made be by CHMS, Transformers Animated Arcee.  The toy will be released using the Japanese colour scheme on a reproduced card backing.  Later they will be recolouring the toy as the Paradon Medic and, most likely, other recolours.  You can view 6 images below a lot more over on the KOToys.com foums.

In the past KOToys had been known for stating that many Chinese factories that reverse toy moulds to produce knoco-offs were finding it hard to reverse the Animated figures and produce quality reproductions. That no longer seems to be the case.

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Product Description
Officially licensed by Hasbro, Transformers Vault: The Complete Transformers Universe reveals, for the first time ever, a comprehensive history of the transformers. Fans now have a hands-on guide to the epic battle between the Autobots and decepticons, including the toys, the original animated series, comics, collectibles, and merchandise, as well as animated and live-action feature films.

This heavily illustrated book features never-before-seen images from the Hasbro archives, seven interactive pieces of memorabilia, and an acetate slipcase with a unique "morphing" effect. Five visually driven chapters go behind the scenes of everyone's favorite robots in disguise, featuring early animation sketches, interviews with creators, patents, prototypes, action-figure designs that never made it to production, vintage packaging art, and development art from the films.

About the Author
Pablo Hidalgo is the author of G.I. Joe vs. Cobra: The Essential Guide. He is the managing editor for Starwars.com and lives in San Francisco. Hasbro is one of the largest and most successful makers of toys and board games in the world. Hasbro was involved in the development of all three live-action transformers ransformers films.

The figures are described as being a homage to the Transformers Victory character Land Cross (Multiforce) which does appear to be the case when you look at how they combine.  The listing suggests that, much like Multiforce, the toys will be able to combine in pairs as well as all 6 together.

The figure is set for release on the 6th April 2011 priced at 210yen per figure.  You can view a picture below

­Thanks to several auctions over on Yahoo Japan as well as ACToys.net, we can bring you some more images of upcoming Transformers Dark of the Moon figures which you can find below.

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The Transformers Prime prequel comic, by IDW, is available now at all good comic stores.­  THe cover art, see below, was draw by Transformers Prime art director Jose Lopez and hsi good friend Augusto.

I received my copy of the latest issue of Toy News Magazine today which focuses on the upcoming British Toy Fair which will have a strong Transformers presences.  The issues contains some information on some of the tie-in merchandise including more plush Transformers, costumes, bikes, stress balls, posters and electronic gadgets aimed for children that will be available this summer along with a Transformers themed cover, all of which you can view below.  The magazine also lists, under the details of one of the licenses, the Autobot cast as being Bumblebee, Ratchet, Ironhide, Sideswipe and Optimus Prime.

The magazines editorial notes Transformers as the number one movie license for 2011 and they also cover the Hasbro - Turner deal that will lead Transformers Prime to air in the UK calling it the a "hotly tipped" show.  In terms of the items/license listed within the magazines, they are:

• Sambro have a license for Transformers Dark of the Moon.  Sambro produce stationary, arts and crafts, bags, candy, homeware (so mugs, clocks etc) and scooters.  They may be showing some of their items along with the Marvel properties for Spider-Man, Captain America and Thor at the British Toy Fair.
  
• Rubies International, the childrens fancy dress manufacturer, have also purchased a license to make DotM tie-in costumes.  They will also be at the BTHF.
• MV Sports, who specialise in wheeled toys (so bikes, trikes etc) have also signed up for a license for DotM and will be producing items for "older boys".
• IMC Toys are another company who have signed on and whilst no specific details have been given, IMC focus on electronic toys such as walkie-talkies, driving games, interactive story figures and projectors.
• Underground Toys have signed up for a Transformers license with their series of stress balls, plush figures, mugs, cufflinks and more being offered exclusively through Gear 4 Games
• GB Eye will be producing posters, 3D and badges for Dark of the Moon focusing on the Autobots, Bumblebee, Ratchet, Ironhide, Sideswipe and Optimus Prime
  
• Hasbro - Will be showing off the Stars Wars Transformers Class III figure at the event which Toy News describes as being able to "turn into four modes - Darth Vader, Anakin Skywalker and two vehicles - the Republic Attack Cruiser and Star Destroyer"
  

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