Here is a summary of the Hasbro SDCC panel from yesterday

Generations:
40 toys in the new line.
Fans are saying they want a Metroplex toy, and the response is "stay tuned..."
G2 Bruticus is a joint Amazon and Big Bad Toy Store exclusive
Bruticus comes in G2 packaging, complete with a retro 90s Hasbro logo!
GDO line is coming to the US! TRU exclusives later this year
Impactor, Twin Twist, Top Spin, Roadbuster, Whirl!! Remoulds of the Combaticons, they combine to form Ruination!
Voyager Blaster with Rewind, Eject, Steeljaw AND Rampage - retool of Soundwave/Soundblaster
18 Generations toys in Spring 2013
GRIMLOCK CONFIRMED! Voyager-class. 2013 Wave 2.

Prime:
First Edition toys will get a mass release in the US later this year:
* Entertainment pack (Deluxe Megs and Prime, humans, DVD)
* Voyager Prime & Bulkhead
* Arcee, Starscream, Terrorcon Cliffjumper(?) and Vehicon
TF Prime Season 3 will start later in the year.
Voyager Thundertron & Ultra Magnus
Skyblade (Wave 5)
Dark Energon:
New series, translucent decos with new faction symbols: Bumblebee, Knockout, Starscream, Wheeljack, Voyager Prime & Megs - at BBS

DOTM:
Hasbro are still trying to get those last waves on the market.
Presentation showing the Universal Hollywood/Singapore-exclusive toys (already on display at Hasbro's booth)
Amazon Jetwings Prime, November 2012 release
Year of the Dragon Ultimate Optimus Prime is an Amazon exclusive (pre-orders already up)

Rescue Bots:
"Bots and Robbers" Police HQ set.

KRE-O:
Microchangers: Blast Off, Rampage, Hook, Dirge (on display at their booth)
Devastator, Bruticus, Predaking and Superion Combiners (as we saw)

Bot Shots:
24 singles to be released through 2012
2013: Jump Shots, Spin Shots, Flip Shots, Blitz Shots. Lots of shots!
Singles: Sunstorm, Shockwave

Masterpiece:
Thundercracker will be out at October, TRU exclusive, with a light blue deco

Chrome Exclusives:
Linkin Park Gold Chrome Soundwave - images at TFW2005.com

Here's a roundup from the SDCC IDW Panel from yesterday

* GI Joe: Current story will conclude in issue #16.
* "Target: Snake Eyes" begins in October for six issues. Oktober is coming...
* Dille wants to return Hector Ramirez. Would do it on GI Joe if he gets the chance.
* Larry Hama: he would make the stories up as he went along for years. He never plotted anything out. He's never seen the cartoon or read any of the comics he wasn't involved in. They would just create stories just from a cover. Covers were based on what toys he was looking to promote
* No influence from MASH working on Joe -- Hama.
* Baroness created to show a reaction to Cobra Commander. No mask, so you can see facial expression.


* Transformers starts now.
* August is Dinobot Month.
* Grimlock in MTMTE.
* Nothing new really...
* In RG1, Grimmy will return to Nebulos to try and regain transformation abilities.
* 2012 Annual is called "Primus". Written by Barber, art by Guido Guidi. Will tie into the ongoings.
* FOC Art Book by Mark Bellomo.
* FOC digital prequel coming in August.
* "Transformers: Prime - Rage of the Dinobots" will tie into season 3 of the show. Mike Johnson & Mairghread Scott to write that.
* Still robots on Cybertron. Dinobots amongst them.
* Question is will Dinobots be in season 3 of Transformers Prime? Not necessarily, you'll need to check out the comic for details.
* No info on Tranformers/GI Joe crossover.
* Will do hardcover GI Joe Collection a la Transformers.
* Talking about more female Transformers.
* Flint Dille did Autocracy on the back of his work on Diablo. Happy to be doing Transformers again.
* UK reprints will continue.

TFW2005 boards member Sai brings some bad news this morning, from Hasbro UK:

Subject: Transformers Masterpiece Thundercracker

Thank you for your email. Unfortunately we are no longer able to get this item for the UK and it will therefore not be available at Toys r Us. We hope this information has been useful to you.

Kind regards Sasha Consumer Affairs Advisor

Play.com, as they've made their Fall of Cybertron preorders live for both X-Box 360 and PS3. If you preorder from Play.com now, you will get an exclusive Dinobot unlock in the form of Swoop! No word just yet if the Dinobot will be available as a preorder bonus for a store such as Best Buy. Will the remaining Dinbots be revealed as playable characters?

KRE-O TRANSFORMERS KREON MICRO CHANGERS
(Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $2.99/Available: Late Summer 2012)

For the first time ever, the KRE-O line launches TRANSFORMERS KREON MICROCHANGERS! Each TRANSFORMERS KREON MICROCHANGERS character features a popular TRANSFORMERS KREON figure robot that can be built and then rebuilt into their alternate mode. For a completely new and never-been-done before building experience, these KREON MICROCHANGERS have 2-in-1 capabilities! KRE-O TRANSFORMERS KREON MICRO CHANGERS launches this fall with a Preview Wave of 6 figures and will introduce additional unique figures next year.

KRE-O TRANSFORMERS KREON MICRO CHANGER COMBINERS Assortment
(Ages 6 years & up/Approx. Retail Price: $10.99/Available: Spring 2013)

Taking cues from classic TRANSFORMERS lore, the KREON MICROCHANGERS COMBINERS sets are being introduced for the first time into the world of KRE-O products! Taking the KREON figure multiple builds to the next level, each set contains 4 TRANSFORMERS KREONS robot figures that can be built and then rebuilt into their alternative mode, or combined to form 1 larger super robot! There will be 4 sets available at launch and each will come with approximately 75 pieces. Collect them all, with fan favorite Generation 1 styling and look for more next fall!

The San Diego Comic Con schedule for Hasbro has been annouced.

IDW & Hasbro; Thursday, July 12 at 10:00-11:00am (6:00-7:00pm UK time)
Join IDW Senior Editor John Barber (Transformers: Robots in Disguise), editor Carlos Guzman, and Hasbro's Director of Global Publishing Michael Kelly as they reveal secrets and upcoming plans for Transformers, G.I. Joe, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, and more! A new Transformers series will be announced—as will a new license! All this and special guests Larry Hama (G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero), Chris Metzen (Transformers: Autocracy), Flint Dille (Transformers: Autocracy), Livio Ramondelli (Transformers: Autocracy), Andrew Griffith (Transformers: Robots in Disguise), Brendan Cahill (Transformers: Robots in Disguise), Mike Costa (G.I. Joe: Cobra) and surprise guests!

Hasbro: TRANSFORMERS Brand; Thursday, July 12 at 1:30-2:30pm (9:30-10:30pm UK time)
Aaron Archer (Vice President, Hasbro Design) and Jerry Jivoin (Director, Global TRANSFORMERS Brand) discuss the hottest TRANSFORMERS topics including the TRANSFORMERS PRIME and TRANSFORMERS RESCUE BOTS TV series, action figures, videogames, comics, theme park rides and more. Attendees will also get sneak peeks of upcoming action figures and brand news. Jerry and Aaron will also host some Q+A for your burning TRANSFORMERS questions.

Hasbro Studios & The Hub: "OPTIMUS PRIME: Up Close and Personal"; Friday, July 13 at 6:00-7:00pm (2:00-3:00am UK time)
The incomparable Larry King, one of the most recognized broadcast interviewers in the world, goes one-on-one with voice actor Peter Cullen (OPTIMUS PRIME), a talent who is practically synonymous with Comic-Con itself. In this panel, "The King of Interviews" salutes the beloved Cullen and takes attendees through the actor's early days on the original 1984 animated TRANSFORMERS TV series, the three box office smash TRANSFORMERS movies, and his current work on The Hub TV network's Daytime Emmy® Award-winning animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME from Hasbro Studios. Audience Q&A to follow.

Activision: TRANSFORMERS: Fall of Cybertron Voice Talent; Saturday, July 14 at 10:00-11:00am (6:00-7:00pm UK time)
Legendary TRANSFORMERS voice talent and game experts at developer High Moon Studios will come together in one epic panel to discuss their roles in the upcoming Activision video game, TRANSFORMERS: Fall of Cybertron. The panel will feature Peter Cullen, voice of OPTIMUS PRIME, Gregg Berger, voice of GRIMLOCK, Nolan North, voice of CLIFFJUMPER and BRUTICUS, Matt Tieger, High Moon Studios Game Director and David Cravens, High Moon Studios Senior Creative Director. The panel will give everyone an inside look into bringing favorite characters to life in the making of the game, as well as answers to the questions fans want to know.

Full Metal Hero have been sent a few pages of Transformers Regeneration 81 in preperation of tomorrows big release.  This will be one of only a few IDW Comics that we'll actually be looking to buy, as we ran out of space for comics years ago, but we're certainly looking forward to getting back into the Transformers comic lore.

NOTE: The pages include spoilers

Transformers Movie Presentation and Q&A With Paul Eiding at Auto Assembly 2012
 
At Auto Assembly, for the last few years we've traditionally had a showing of the 1986 animated Transformers movie as part of the weekend programme at the convention. Fans have found that there has been nothing better than watching this classic film amongst a group of other fans but this year we're doing something very special...
 
On the Friday evening we will be holding a special presentation of the animated Transformers movie which will be preceeded by a short introduction by G1 voice actor Paul Eiding. Paul will then be joining us to watch the movie and he will then take to the stage for a short Q&A session afterwards to answer any questions that our attendees may have about the film and his work on it! This is a fantastic opportunity for our attendees to watch what is arguably the best of all of the Transformers movies alongside one of its cast members in the friendly relaxed atmosphere that only Auto Assembly can offer.
 
Remember that the Friday night programme is ONLY for those of you who have a weekend ticket for the convention so if you haven't already registered, book now to see this bonus Q&A Panel! If you have already booked but only have a one day pass, get in touch to find out how you can upgrade your tickets to be able to see all our Q&A Panels taking place over the weekend.
 
Auto Assembly 2012 is Europe's largest Transformers convention and is taking place over the weekend of 3rd - 5th August 2012 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. To book your tickets or find out information about booking dealers tables, to sponsor the event or to enquire about advertising with us, visit the website at www.autoassembly.org.uk
 
Hope to see you there!
 
The Auto Assembly Team
 
Web: www.autoassembly.org.uk / www.transformersvideogames.co.uk / www.ct-alpha.com
Auto Assembly Europe: www.autoassemblyeurope.eu
Youtube: www.youtube.com/autoassembly
Twitter: www.twitter.com/auto_assembly
Forum: http://www.autoassembly.org.uk/forum
Email: contact@autoassembly.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)7860 948296
 
Auto Assembly is sponsored by
 
Calloway Custom Designs - www.shapeways.com/shops/callowaycustomdesigns
Big Ds Toy Chest - www.bigdstoychest.co.uk
Toyz And Gamez - www.toyzandgamez.co.uk
Kapow Toys - www.kapowtoys.co.uk
TF Source - www.tfsource.com
Robot Kingdom - www.robotkingdom.com
Transformers @ The Moon - www.transformertoys.co.uk
TransformersAnimated.com - www.transformersanimated.com
TheTransformers.net - www.thetransformers.net
Titan Books - www.titanbooks.com
3 Darths Comics - www.3darthscomics.co.uk
Science Fiction Collectables - www.sf-collectables.co.uk
Big Bad Toy Store - www.bbts.com
Xyber Toys - www.xybertoys.com

TFW2005.com have been sent a free copy of the San Diego Comic Con Exlusive GI-Joe/Transformers Cross Over Destro with Shockwave Hiss Tank toy buy Hasbro's PR companh Hunter PR.

Included on the back of the box is one page of comic art that explains the SHOCKWAVE HISS TANK!

Two villains make a dark deal to further their own evil plans....

Destro: Here's the energon you want, Shockwave. Now give me the cash you owe me.

Shockwave scans the H.I.S.S. Tank blueprints as Destro looks on.

Shockwave: Together we will rebuild power station Alpha and take control of the world.

Soundwave in Alt-Mode: Unknown to the two villains, Soundwave is recording this meeting.

Hobby Base has posted images on facebook of the upcoming Hasbro Asia Exclusive Deluxe Generations figures Springer, Swerve, Wheelie, and Transformers Prime Cliffjumper

Auto Assembly 2012 Exclusive Postcards Unveiled
 
Every year we produce a series of exclusive postcards for Auto Assembly and this year is no exception. We have now released previews of all of the artwork for this year's cards and you can find all of this as well as details of the artists involved over on the Auto Assembly website here:-
 
http://www.autoassembly.org.uk/2012/07/07/auto-assembly-2012-postcard-set-previews/
 
Auto Assembly 2012 is Europe's largest Transformers convention and is taking place over the weekend of 3rd - 5th August 2012 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. To book your tickets or find out information about booking dealers tables, to sponsor the event or to enquire about advertising with us, visit the website at www.autoassembly.org.uk
 
Hope to see you there!
 
The Auto Assembly Team
 
Web: www.autoassembly.org.uk / www.transformersvideogames.co.uk / www.ct-alpha.com
Auto Assembly Europe: www.autoassemblyeurope.eu
Youtube: www.youtube.com/autoassembly
Twitter: www.twitter.com/auto_assembly
Forum: http://www.autoassembly.org.uk/forum
Email: contact@autoassembly.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)7860 948296
 
Auto Assembly is sponsored by
 
Calloway Custom Designs - www.shapeways.com/shops/callowaycustomdesigns
Big Ds Toy Chest - www.bigdstoychest.co.uk
Toyz And Gamez - www.toyzandgamez.co.uk
Kapow Toys - www.kapowtoys.co.uk
TF Source - www.tfsource.com
Robot Kingdom - www.robotkingdom.com
Transformers @ The Moon - www.transformertoys.co.uk
TransformersAnimated.com - www.transformersanimated.com
TheTransformers.net - www.thetransformers.net
Titan Books - www.titanbooks.com
3 Darths Comics - www.3darthscomics.co.uk
Science Fiction Collectables - www.sf-collectables.co.uk
Big Bad Toy Store - www.bbts.com
Xyber Toys - www.xybertoys.com

Following up on the KRE-O theme from our last news story, Hasbro Inc have issued the following press release regarding the Kre-o brands presence at SDCC

The KRE-O Brand from Hasbro “Builds” a Major Presence at Comic-Con International and Unveils New STAR TREKTM and TRANSFORMERS Building Sets

Teaser Trailer for KRE-O STAR TREK Digital Short Produced by Bad Robot Also Unveiled in Anticipation of Premier Pop Culture Event in San Diego

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) is set to arrive at the 2012 International Licensing Expo in Las Vegas on June 12 to showcase its global mega brands, including TRANSFORMERS, NERF, MY LITTLE PONY, LITTLEST PET SHOP, MONOPOLY, PLAYSKOOL and G.I. JOE. Ranked as a top 10 global licensor based on annual retail sales, Hasbro is continuing to expand its worldwide licensing programs, invest in resources and talent and generate incremental revenues from merchandise, digital gaming, box office and television programming.

“Hasbro continues to accelerate its retail footprint based on highly innovative and on-trend licensed merchandise and supporting programs that resonate with today’s global consumer,” said Simon Waters, Senior Vice President, Global Brand Licensing and Publishing at Hasbro. “Our track record and relationships with retailers and licensees worldwide has positioned the company to become the preeminent provider of immersive lifestyle brand experiences for the entire family.”

This year’s show lineup underscores Hasbro’s global momentum at retail through key licensing categories including apparel, publishing, consumer electronics, digital gaming, home, food, and toys. Brands such as BATTLESHIP, TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY and LITTLEST PET SHOP are also anchored by major motion picture releases as well as hit television programming created by Hasbro Studios and broadcast on more than 30 networks in more than 160 countries.

TRANSFORMERS
Hasbro's iconic TRANSFORMERS brand has become one of the most successful entertainment franchises of the 21st century and features the heroic AUTOBOTS and the villainous DECEPTICONS engaged in an epic battle on multiple story telling platforms including film, television, digital gaming, publishing and theme parks. Hasbro provides its broad TRANSFORMERS fan base with high value, age-appropriate merchandise including digital gaming, toys, apparel, sporting goods and more.

MY LITTLE PONY
The MY LITTLE PONY franchise continues to be a worldwide favorite with fans of all ages, largely fueled by the global popularity of the MY LITTLE PONY: FRIENDSHIP IS MAGIC animated series which airs in more than 160 countries and is also available on iTunes as well as Netflix. The extensive merchandising program reaches across all major categories including apparel, publishing, toys and accessories.

LITTLEST PET SHOP
Ranked as one of the toy industry’s top brands for girls as well as one of the hottest lifestyle properties, the demand for LITTLEST PET SHOP remains strong in 2012 with licensed products in more than 20 categories, including apparel, accessories, publishing and domestics. The momentum will continue to roll throughout the year as tween girls eagerly await the launch of the new Hasbro Studio animated comedy series that centers on the life of a fun-loving, human character, Blythe and the adventures of the pets that she cares for at the LITTLEST PET SHOP. The series is slated to premiere later this year in the U.S., with expected international expansion to follow.

NERF
Hasbro continues to expand its NERF franchise through targeted social media campaigns, cutting-edge technology and captivating competitive events. With more than 60 licensees signed on, the No. 1 blaster property will expand its presence in a host of licensing categories, including sporting goods, electronics, accessories and apparel. The NERF brand provides fans with the ultimate in exciting, high-action gear for competitive play with key collaborations such as the Nike and NBA All-Star Kevin Durant program, as well as the edgy fashion statements created by Second Chance and No Fear in Europe.

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (HAS) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and is ranked as one of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens.” Learn more at www.hasbro.com.

© 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved

HAS-LIC

Editors’ Note: Licensor ranking based on License Global! Top 125 Global Licensors, May 2012.

Thanks to seibertron.com member Autobot Genocide for reporting that Argos are currently having a sale on Kreos sets.  You can view a list of the reduced products, and their associated prices, below.

• Megatron - £8.75
• Starscream - £11.99
• Ratchet - £8.49
• Mirage - £6.99
• Jazz - £4.99
• Sentinal Prime - £19.99
• Optimus Prime Mini - £4.99
• Bumblebee Mini - £3.99
• Sideswipe - £12.49
• Prowl -£14.99
• Optimus Prime w/ Trailer - £39.99

You can click here to visit their website or shop in store.

Jagex To Support Auto Assembly 2012

Online MMO games developer Jagex are busy working frantically on their upcoming Transformers Universe MMO. Back in 2011, Jagex supported Auto Assembly by providing us with a great selection of freebies to give away to our attendees, some fantastic t-shirts which we gave away as competition prizes, and donated what is still our highest fundraising auction items ever.

We're proud to announce that Jagex will be supporting Auto Assembly again this year and, they’ll be bringing boxes of stuff exclusive to attendees of Auto Assembly 2012. They will be given away as prizes in various competitions during the convention and we will also be giving away some in a pre-registrant prize draw. To enter this, all you need to do is book your tickets for the convention IN ADVANCE and you'll be entered (as long as you don't have a Partner or Under 6 pass!).

Then just check your welcome pack on the day and if you have a lucky ticket in there, you've won!

Secondly Jagex will be donating something rather special for our charity auction... They will be providing us with a very special print of artwork from the Transformers Universe game signed by the development team! At Auto Assembly 2011, a similar print that was signed by SIXTY members of the team raised an astonishing £350 and we hope that this one will do the same and we want to thank Paul Mayer and Eddy Dew from Jagex for arranging this.

Finally, we will be giving away Transformers Universe art cards to our attendees as part of the goodie bags this year. Featuring one of two different designs, these have great CGI landscapes on them and are great collectibles from the game.

You can find out more about the game at http://www.transformersuniverse.com and about Jagex's other online MMOs including the highly-acclaimed RuneScape at their website at http://www.runescape.com

Auto Assembly 2012 is Europe's largest Transformers convention and is taking place over the weekend of 3rd - 5th August 2012 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel. To book your tickets or find out information about booking dealers tables, to sponsor the event or to enquire about advertising with us, visit the website at http://www.autoassembly.org.uk

Hope to see you there!

The Auto Assembly Team

Web: http://www.autoassembly.org.uk / http://www.transformersvideogames.co.uk / http://www.ct-alpha.com
Auto Assembly Europe: http://www.autoassemblyeurope.eu
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/autoassembly
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/auto_assembly
Forum: http://www.autoassembly.org.uk/forum
Email: contact@autoassembly.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)7860 948296

Auto Assembly is sponsored by

Calloway Custom Designs - http://www.shapeways.com/shops/callowaycustomdesigns
Big Ds Toy Chest - http://www.bigdstoychest.co.uk
Toyz And Gamez - http://www.toyzandgamez.co.uk
Kapow Toys - http://www.kapowtoys.co.uk
TF Source - http://www.tfsource.com
Robot Kingdom - http://www.robotkingdom.com
Transformers @ The Moon - http://www.transformertoys.co.uk
TransformersAnimated.com - http://www.transformersanimated.com
TheTransformers.net - http://www.thetransformers.net
Titan Books - http://www.titanbooks.com
3 Darths Comics - http://www.3darthscomics.co.uk
Science Fiction Collectables - http://www.sf-collectables.co.uk
Big Bad Toy Store - http://www.bbts.com
Xyber Toys - http://www.xybertoys.com

The official Transformers Game website has been updated with new images of Transformers Fall of Cybertron characters.

Click the link above to see more