AIR RAID
Autobot
Class: Scout
Chassis: Jet
Primary Weapon: EMP Shotgun
Abilities: Guided Missile, Dash
Description: Fearless and rash, Air Raid is always ready for a fight.  He prefers diving head first into a pack of Decepticons rather than shooting them from afar because it’s more fun.  That is his only real goal in life; to have fun.  This attitude always seems to place him and his fellows in danger, but he always manages to get himself and his friends out of it. 

BREAKDOWN
Decepticon
Class: Scout
Chassis: Car
Primary Weapon: EMP Shotgun
Abilities: Shockwave, Dash
Description: Breakdown is a very capable Decepticon warrior, but has one main underlying problem.  He is extremely paranoid that everyone and everything is out to get him.  Being in crowded places is nerve wracking for Breakdown, as he feels like everyone is staring at him, judging him.  He just wants to blend in and do the duty that the Decepticons require of him in anonymity.

Hasbro Inc have issued the following press release regarding the appointment of Finn Arnesen

Hasbro Studios Taps Prominent International Programming and Distribution Executive Finn Arnesen to Lead Global Expansion

Hasbro Studios has tapped prominent international programming and distribution executive Finn Arnesen, who comes to the studio from managing European operations at Cartoon Network, to lead its international expansion, Hasbro Studios President Stephen J. Davis announced today.

In his newly created role as senior VP of international distribution and development, Arnesen will be responsible for managing Hasbro Studios’ global content sales, distribution, channel and program development activities outside of North America, extending across television, online and other emerging media.

“Finn is one of the most creative, innovative and well-regarded television executives I know, and I am excited to have him lead the Hasbro Studios television brand extension worldwide,” Davis said. “He has a superb track record of success internationally, having earned a reputation as a first-rate manager with excellent programming instincts, channel and brand-building skills. Finn created pioneering new kids formats that fit perfectly with the programming model we are creating and will play a key role in our future success.”

Arnesen served as senior vice president of original series and international development at TBS International, where his duties included leading multi-platform programming, production and development; joint venture strategic acquisitions; distribution; and deal-making partnerships.

During his 17-year tenure at TBS, Arnesen generated higher ratings and revenues while overseeing programming and development for the Turner-owned networks, the start up and management of Cartoon Network Studios London, and program management of Cartoon Network Europe as part of his broad portfolio.

At Cartoon Network Europe, Arnesen commissioned and executive produced its first wholly owned U.K.-produced series Skatoony, an unprecedented animated game show with real-life kid contestants. The show reflected his global efforts to expand the kids’ genre and audience with new live-action formats produced through Turner alone and European co-production partners.

Prior to Turner, Arnesen held posts at ScreenSport, the European Sports Network and Sky Sports. He has a Bachelor of Arts honors degree in French and drama from the University of Warwick.

About Hasbro Studios:

Hasbro Studios is the Los Angeles-based production division of Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS - News). The “virtual” 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, the new television network starting 10.10.10 that was created by the joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA - News, DISCB - News, DISCK - News), as well as on multiple channels in international markets.

About Hasbro:

Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS - News) is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. (C) 2010 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

1. TRANSFORMERS PRIME

Kapow toys are reporting that they have received their allocation of Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Brawn, Lockdown, Deluxe Ratchet, Strike Mission Sideswipe and NEST Bumblebee.  This means that that these items are likely to start appearing within Toys R Us, Argos and The Entertainer soon, though you can also order them direct from Kapow Toys for £12.95.

Credit Kapow Toys and TFW2005.com

The NTFA is organizing its second convention, NordCon 2010 (earlier known as Mini-Con 2010) this year. The event will take place in Aalborg, Denmark on the weekend of June 19-20, and registration has just started.

Just like the German convention, C.O.N.S., we can offer our attendees HeadRobots.com's prototype Cobra head robot. 60 units will be available, with numbered packaging custom-made especially for NordCon.

Note: A 'pre-vis' scene refers 'previsualization' filming. The advantage of previsualization is that it allows directors to experiment with different staging and art direction options  such as lighting, camera placement and movement, stage direction and editing - without having to incur the costs of actual full-blown production filming."

The website goes on to report that

"The Transformers 3 is now in production and auditions for principal actors are taking place. Director Michael Bay has signed on to direct his third Transformers picture. Pre-shoots start April, 2010. The filming locations are set for Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Florida, Texas, Africa, Moscow and China. Principal photography will run from May 17, 2010 through July 1, 2010. Release Date: July 1st, 2011.

See the post titled Headshot and Resume Information regarding how to submit for acting roles."

Though un-official the same site also lists the following under story:

"Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox return as Sam Witwicky and Mikaela Banes in "The Transformers 3". A darker more introspective journey into the Transformers universe and their origins on Cybertron. Peter Cullen also returns as the voice of Optimus Prime. This 3rd installment in the series "won’t be as robot-heavy and there will be fewer explosions, as the film gets more into the robot character. The last time (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen) you kind of met a few of the robots. In 'The Transformers 3' you’re gonna get a much cooler landscape" according to director Michael Bay. There is also preview footage of the possibility of Unicron, the planet eater, in this sequel.­"

Now we have for you all, own pictures to the C.O.N.S. 2010 Exclusive figure. Prototype of the Cobra by Headrobots is to be seen. We sell this prototype only on the Convention in the exclusive packaging with certificate. A limited number of 50 pieces will be available on the C.O.N.S. on the 25th of July, 2010.

Source: NTF-CONS.DE

Gamespot has added more trailers for the upcoming Transformers War for Cybertron game. The first is a Multiplayer Character Demo­

­

This video shows off 4 Character Classes: Soldier, Scout, Scientist and Leader. Also, we are treated with a brief look at the Character Customization Screen, sh­owing-off the Cybertronian Weapon Systems, which the player must equip. To top it all up, a sneak peek of the Character Special Abilities and Repaints.

The bit of news is that

Starting today, Transformers fans can pre-order the game on Amazon.com to receive an exclusive code used to unlock DEMOLISHOR.

Additionally, fans can pre-order the game at GameStop to receive an exclusive code used to unlock SHOCKWAVE.