The Allspark have posted a translation of the comic that came with Masterpiece Movie Starscream in Japan.  Here's what they had to say about it

"Thanks to Powered Convoy, lonegamer8, NightViper, and the one and only Simon Furman we now have a translated version of Transfomers:  Revenge of the Fallen - Unite for the UniverseYou can view it Untranslated and Translated. online!  This comic was included with Masterpiece Movie Starscream released last year.  The comic picks up shortly after the movie, with script by Simon Furman, illustrations by Guido Guidi, and colors by Tommaso Renieri.".

ACToys.net member Stryker has posted some comments that TFW2005 have roughly translated as

"Like Transformers: Prime series? Start saving (Images not shown)
[Transformers: Prime Toys] To come earlier than expected.
No images. Details only. Reliable source. In development. Five small new Autobots."

This follows on from some rumours of deluxe Transformers Prime figures being spotted.

A new auction has appeared on Yahoo Japan Auctions for what appears to be another Transformers Dark of the Moon prototpe figures.

The toy is a Green Impala Wrecker (#88 Dale Earnhardt Jr. Slot Car) , you can see the actual version here.

The official website and trailer for the Japanese release of Transformers Dark of the Moon, the third live action Transformers film, has now been launched by Paramount Pictures and can be found here.

Credit to Snakas for the link

You may remember that on the 22nd December we reported that Jim Sorenson had posted extended G1 profiles for Swerve, Hupcap, Roadbuster and the Deluxe Insecticons­ over on his blog Disciples of Boltax.­  In that post Jim made mention to the fact that he had lost the profile for Roadbuster's partner Whirl, well I got in touch with Jim as I though I might well have it with some other behind-the-scenes papers I have around. Well since then I have sorted through my notes and I do indeed have the extended profile along with the smaller tech-spec version, both from documents dated 3rd December 1984.  So without further-a-do, I would like to present to you Whirl's full profile

5993 Deluxe Helicopter - 1985 - 12/03/84

Autobot Helicopter
Code Name: Whirl
Function: Aerial Assault

Profile:
Whirl is one Autobot who really loves his job.  As a helicopter, he doesn't just fly, he careens across the sky in what appears to be a wild, joyful dance.  But the crazy patterns he spins and weaves in flight only disguise the method to his madness.  He calculates that an enemy would be far more terrified by someone who appears to be insane than by a purely rational opponent.  Indeed, he is right.  One single, lunatic dive of Whirl's will often send Decepticons scurrying for cover even before he starts firing at them.  "An attack of insanity can be just as effective as an attack by a proton bomb," says Whirl.

Abilities:
As a helicopter, Whirl can fly at a speed of 400 mph.  He has a range of 16000 miles.  His manoeuvrability is amazing -- he can fly at virtually any angle except upside down, and even that he can achieve while doing loops.  He packs four incendiary-shell cannons and a high-energy photon beam rifle.  He has enormous strength in robot mode and carries a hand-mounted null-ray module that shields him from any energy beam directed at him, and a leg-mounted paralyzo-box that injects a powerful, disabling fluid when bought into contact with other robotic life.

Weaknesses:
Being reckless, Whirl is prone to disabling himself by damaging his rotor blades.

Here is the tech spec profile that I also have, which is the same as the one used on the box.

Tech Spec:
AUTOBOT WHIRL
AERIAL ASSAULT
Loves his job ... careens across sky spinning and weaving wild, crazy patterns.  Believes enemies are more terrified of him if he acts insane during an attack.  Flies at 400 mph, range 1600 miles.  Amazing manoeuvrability ... can fly at almost any angle.  Carries 4 incendiary-shell cannons, hi-energy photo beam rifle.  Great strength as robot... has null-ray module on hand, paralyzo-box on leg.  Reckless... prone to rotor blade damage,

If used logically, madness makes a great weapon.

Str: 8 Int: 8 Spd: 8 End: 8 Rnk: 6 Crg: 9 Frp: 8 Skl: 8

HK-TF.com board member Mike has posted some images of the upcoming Transformers Reveal The Shield W­reck-Gar figure.  You can view the original post here, and the mirrored images below.

­

Zobovor has posted an update on alt.toys.transformers regarding some new Walmart listings that include Warpath and Arcee.  You can view the original post here and a summarise version below,

TRA GEN THUNDERWING 65356955827
TRA GEN SKULLGRIN 65356955828
TRA GEN CLIFFJUMPER 65356955831
TRA GENERATN SCOURG 65356956584
TRA GEN SERGEANT KU 65356956585
TRA GEN OPTIMS PRIM 6535695644
TRA GENRTN BUMBLEBE 65356956645
TRA GEN STARSCREAM
TRA GEN THUNDRCRACK 65356958291
TRA GENRTN WHEELJAC 65356958290
TRA GENERATN WARPAT 65356959009
TRA GENERATION ARCE 65356956651

Infamous Chinese based DotMToys has been posting more images of leaked testshots and prototypes over on his website www.dotmtoys.com, which is currently offline for exceeding its bandwidth.  The latest batch of images include Dreadbot and the toy for the green Wrecker car.  You can view mirrors below.

­ ­

­Our thanks go to Mr Neurie for letting us know that the Power Core Combiner Wave 3 figures Stakeout + Protectobots and Crankcase + Destrons are out now within Tesco stores across the UK prices at £19.97.  You can find two images of the figures on shelves below.

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Hasbro, in association with Mediaset have issued the following joint press release regarding the Italian distribution of Transformers Prime, G.I Joe Renegades and other "made for The Hub" programming.

Hasbro Studios and Mediaset, Italy’s Leading Media Group, Reach Deal Covering Animated Series Based on Popular Brands

Mediaset also Designated as Hasbro Exclusive Licensing Agent for Series-Related Merchandise in Italian Market

Hasbro Studios, the Los Angeles-based production and distribution division of Hasbro, Inc.HAS - News), has concluded an overall programming agreement with Mediaset, Italy’s leading media group, to broadcast (NASDAQ:Transformers Prime, My Little Pony Friendship is Magic, G.I. Joe Renegades,The Adventures of Chuck and FriendsandPound Puppieson its multiple channels, it was announced today.

A significant component of the deal, which launches in the fourth quarter of 2011, will have Mediaset also serving as Hasbro’s exclusive licensing agent for merchandise in the Italian market related to the five flagship programs successfully reinvented, re-imagined and reignited for television. Additionally, the licensing deal will cover Hasbro’s popular Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit and Littlest Pet Shop brands.

Licensing Mediaset has been successfully operating for more than ten years in the Italian market with the most successful and prestigious TV brands.

“Mediaset is Italy’s leading media group and the perfect strategic partner for us in this key territory,” Hasbro Studios President Stephen Davis said. “We look forward to a long and productive relationship.”

About Mediaset Group: The Mediaset Group is Italy’s leading television broadcaster and one of Europe’s biggest media companies. The Group's main company, Mediaset Spa, is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange since July 1996. Mediaset also owns a 50.1% controlling stake in the Telecinco Group, which is listed on the Madrid stock exchange. Along with Goldman Sachs and Cyrte Fund, the Mediaset Group has a controlling stake in Endemol, the Dutch production company and world format leader. Since 2004 Mediaset Group has begun broadcasting its programmes in a digital format. Through this signal broadcasting system, the Group can offer highly useful services to its viewers and it make possible to exploit 'premium' content through an innovative pay TV system.

About Hasbro Studios: Hasbro Studios is the Los Angeles-based production division of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS - News). The studio develops and produces shows based on Hasbro’s world class brands, including TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY and GI JOE; delivers new branded content; and produces programs from top third-party content creators. Many of these shows will run on The Hub, a television network for children and their families that was re-branded from Discovery Kids on October 10, 2010, as well as on multiple channels in international markets. The Hub is a joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ:DISCA - News).

Jim Sorenson has posted part 6 of his Ron Friedman auction - Hasbro Briefing Binder series of blog updates with the following update:

"As promised, the last part of the Hasbro Briefing Binder.  These pages were loose and in the front of the binder. 

DELUXE VEHICLES (No information as yet)
Tank
Helicopter
Jeep

BATTERY OPERATED VEHICLES
4 Wheel Drive
Remote Control Jeep

The Helicopter and Jeep became Roadbuster and Whirl, from the SPECIAL ARMORED BATALLION DORVACK line.  Presumably, then, that would make the tank the VT-61 LC Bonaparte Tulcas. It's a pretty funky looking vehicle, so it's not hard to imagine why they left it off.

As for the 4 Wheel Drive and the Remote Control Jeep, your guess is as good as mine.  Do we know more about the company behind this? I feel like I've heard this before.  Perhaps there's some extra information in here that can give us more insight into the Transformers toys that weren't. Surely they were developed by some other company and (nearly) licensed. 

Anyway, that concludes the Hasbro Briefing Binder.  I'll do my best to bring you more next week.  Until then, adieu.

"