Longtime site member Starscreams Ghost was in attendance at Farthest From, The UK Star Wars Retro Toy Show in Fordinghambridge today where it was announced that Roll Out Roll Call 2013 will take place in the Autumn and will run October 12th - 13th back at the Jurys Inn, Southampton, UK.  The show, which is a combination of G.I-Joe / Action Force and Transformers held it's first two day event last year with guests including Simon Furman, Larry Hama, Bill Forster, Jim Sorenson, Andrew Wildman and many more.

You can find out more by visiting www.rolloutrollcall.com

Some major news is on the horizon for Europe's largest Transformers convention Auto Assembly and to tease us all as to what the announcement will be the crew have posted the following message onto their Facebook page.

MAJOR Auto Assembly 2013 News coming very soon... details of our first ever Exclusive Toy plus full reveal of the 2013 Kitbash Workshop Toy Add-On Kit. If you haven't already booked for the convention, hurry so you don't miss your chance of getting this!

Limited supplies of both will be available for Non-Attendees as well when packs go on sale! Book NOW at www.autoassembly.org.uk

Fun Publications have now announced that registration for this years Botcon is now available.  To register for this event simply visit http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2013/registernow.cfm.

Fun Publications US release of the e-Hobby Shattered Glass G1 Blaster and Soundwave set, which also comes with Slugfest, Ratbat, Ramhorn, Eject and Solarbot is now starting to arrive at doors in the US.  There is no word on when the international orders will be released, but given surface mail times we should get them by May.

The E-Hobby sets have been arriving since late January / early February.

The official Botcon Twitter account brings us some more Botcon 2013 news - they have posted an image of the Botcon 2013 baseball cap. The Botcon 2013 Baseball cap features the Megaplex version of the Decepticon symbol with Fun Publication's take on Machine Wars Thundercracker in front of it. Like in the original line, their illustration of Machine Wars Thundercracker is a redeco of Skywarp - in other words, it is based upon the Revenge of the Fallen Dirge mold.

An illustration does not a toy make, however you might be interested in an exchange of tweets between one Twitter user and Botcon:


- From Twitter user Emerald Beacon - so you're basically confirming MW Thundercracker with this hat, right?

-Response from Botcon - Basically...

TFCC have revealed the bio for their 2013 Subscription figure Depth Charge. The profile, which can be viewed below, reads as:

Strength: 9
Intelligence: 10
Speed: 8
Endurance: 9
Rank: 7
Courage: 10
Fireblast: 6
Skill: 9

"It's not revenge I'm looking for. It's justice."

Magnificently sweeping through the darkness with regal silence, a hunter trails his prey.  Defender, pursuer, and if need be, judge; DEPTH CHARGE acts swiftly and with unquestioning resolve. He holds tightly to a desire for justice, even if he despenses that justice himself.

After tracking down and incarcerating the murderous Protofom X, DEPTH CHARGE returned to a CYBERTRON torn apart by war. Aging masters forced the next generation of soldiers into battle, in the name of "The Cause".  Death haunted every street. Injustice was abound. Depth Charge was tasked with a mission to hunt down two deserters from the MAXIMAL ranks who had dispatched their commanding officer, and consorted with the enemy in an attempt to use experimental transwarp drive technology to flee the planet. Retracing their steps with his own transwarp device, the MAXIMAL soon found their escape route. It was not to another planet, but to another Universe: one which the Transtech call home

Botcon.com was updated yesterday with the first image of Machine Wars Megaplex. The toy is a straight recolour of Transformers Prime Dreadwing in the colour scheme of the original Megaplex figure.  This means that a Megatron recolour is likey to also be a straight recolour without a new head which will be a shame and if that toy does have a new head then it will destroy the purpose of Megaplex in the first place.  You can view the image below with all of the Botcon 2013 images being available after the jump.

Fun Publications have updated the BotCon website with not only the vehicle mode of Obsidian but also the annoucement of two guests, James Horan (Transformers: Prime WHEELJACK) and David Sobolov (Transformers: Prime SHOCKWAVE and Transformers: Beast Wars DEPTHCHARGE), as well as the official BotCon Brouchure.

This is the official story for the show

Auto Assembly's head, Simon Plumbe, has updated the website of Europe's largest Transformers Convention with the "Attendee Information Pack" which contains some extremely useful information for attendees of the show.  Here's Simon to tell you more:

"Regular attendees of Auto Assembly know that we produce an Information Pack every year to help everyone make the most out of the convention and to give all of you who are attending or planning on attending all of the essential information that you need before you set out on your journey to Birmingham in August. Not only does the pack contain essential travel information, but also includes details on some of the things you can expect at the convention, as well as all of our convention rules and regulations, other important information you will need, as well as plenty of tips and advice to help you make the most out of Europe’s largest Transformers convention.

Well, we have now finished producing the first edition of this year’s guide and it is now available for all of you to download as a PDF file, so whether you have already registered, or are considering booking for the event, feel free to download your copy of the Auto Assembly 2013 Attendee Information Pack right now."

Botcon.com have updated their website with the fourth figure from this years Machine Wars themed set.  Continuing on from the Beast Machines character inclusions of Strika's, this week the reveal is of her partner Obsidian with the figure being based on the original Beast Machines Obsidian toy.  You can view the images of all of the announced figures by following the jump.

BotCon.com have updated the page for their 2013 Machine Wars Skywarp figure with an image of his jet mode. The toy plays homage to the Generation One Skywarp by transitioning to translucent purple plastic wings tips to mimic his teleportation abilities.

We promised you more guests for Auto Assembly 2013, and we can now confirm that Regeneration One colourist John-Paul Bove is making a welcome return to Auto Assembly. As with all of our comic guests, he will be on hand all weekend in our guest area and no doubt will be on stage at some point during a Q&A Panel with some of our other guests… For more details of who else will be at the convention with him, check out the Auto Assembly 2013 Guest List.

Hasbro Inc have issued the following press release regarding the US 2013 Toy Fair.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS), home to many of the world's favorite entertainment and playtime brands, will celebrate new initiatives and product launches at the largest toy industry expo in the western hemisphere.

"Hasbro continues to deliver the best in branded play to consumers around the world with our unparalleled portfolio of multi-platform properties including TRANSFORMERS, MY LITTLE PONY and MONOPOLY," said John Frascotti, chief marketing officer, Hasbro. "In 2013 Hasbro will offer a wide variety of new ways to experience our brands across multiple formats, making them available anytime and anywhere consumers want."

Featured in Hasbro's Toy Fair showcase is the highly anticipated launch of BEAST HUNTERS, the touchstone for the TRANSFORMERS brand entertainment in 2013 driven by the award winning "Transformers Prime" animated series. Produced by Hasbro Studios and seen by kids and fans in 182 countries around the world, the third season of the series finds the AUTOBOTS facing off against both the DECEPTICONS and unprecedented new foes: the dragon-like PREDACONS. The BEAST HUNTERS multi-platform IP and new PREDACON characters come to life across programming, digital games, publishing, new toys and more. At Toy Fair, Hasbro introduces a new, highly innovative way to experience TRANSFORMERS action figures with CONSTRUCT-BOTS, the first ever line of TRANSFORMERS figures that kids can customize and convert.

For fans of the MY LITTLE PONY brand, a pop-culture phenomenon, more magical journeys of friendship and fun kick off at Toy Fair. Kids around the world will enjoy discovering the whimsical world of pony friends, watching their adventures unfold in the "My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic" animated series created by Hasbro Studios. Fans can immerse themselves in imaginative stories of their own with delightful MY LITTLE PONY toys inspired by the series seen in 180 countries, including a variety of ponies and playsets based on the introduction of the CRYSTAL EMPIRE and the upcoming coronation of PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE. With over 200 licensees for the brand globally, fans can also experience the MY LITTLE PONY fun across a wide variety of platforms including the MY LITTLE PONY app from Gameloft available on iTunes and Google Play as well as the new, wildly popular comic book series from IDW Publishing.

The innovation doesn't stop with TRANSFORMERS and MY LITTLE PONY as Hasbro prepares an exciting new introduction for its classic PLAY-DOH compound. The iconic PLAY-DOH brand has been inspiring kids' creativity for generations and in 2013 Hasbro introduces a new compound to the line: PLAY-DOH PLUS, a soft and fluffy compound that allows for a new level of creative detail in PLAY-DOH play.

Highlights from Hasbro's innovative 2013 product showcase at the American International Toy Fair include:

ANGRY BIRDSTM STAR WARS® JENGA® RISE OF DARTH VADERTM GAME
May the Force be with you as you battle the dark side in the new ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS JENGA RISE OF DARTH VADER GAME. Slingshot your JEDI birds from the LIGHTSABER LAUNCHER to defeat DARTH VADER and the evil SITH LORDS and win the game! Players can also unlock ANGRY BIRDS STAR WARS in-app content with a special code in each pack. (Ages: 8 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Players: 1-2/Available: Fall 2013)

B-DAMAN BREAK BOMBER BATTLEFIELD Arena
Players must master power, speed and precision to keep up with the frenetic marble shooting play in the B-DAMAN BREAK BOMBER BATTLEFIELD arena, featured prominently in the B-DAMAN Season 1 TV series. Players start on opposite sides as they shoot at the rows of blocks in the center of the arena. Blasting away yellow blocks reveal red blocks. The player that blasts three out of five red blocks into the opponents' territory wins. Set includes one deluxe target play set with 25 blocks, completely enclosed arena walls, two B-DAMAN figures, two B-DAMAN Wide Magazine Accessory pieces and 16 marbles. (Ages 6 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 2013)

BABY ALIVE REAL SURPRISES BABY Doll
The adorable BABY ALIVE REAL SURPRISES BABY doll gives little kids the experience of taking care of their very own baby. Just like a real baby she can sometimes be a little picky about what she wants to eat. This baby shakes her head from side to side to let you know what she likes and what she doesn't! REAL SURPRISES BABY wets and soils and kids can use one of the included diapers for a quick change. (Ages: 3 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $56.99/Available: Fall 2013)

BEYBLADE SHOGUN STEEL BEYWARRIOR Battlers and OCTAGON SHOWDOWN SET
Hasbro's first ever figure-based battling system is inspired by the spirits in the new BEYBLADE: SHOGUN STEEL series. Insert the ripcord into the battler, rev it up, and send it spinning into action to bring the intensity of SHOGUN STEEL to life. Each BEYWARRIOR battler is made of five pieces to allow for ultimate customization, including interchangeable arms and feature different spirits from the BEYBLADE: SHOGUN STEEL show. The intricately designed OCTAGON SHOWDOWN set arena allows battlers to spin, crash, and ricochet for optimal BEYWARRIOR battling! (Ages 8 & up; BEYWARRIOR Battlers Approx. Retail Price: $9.99; OCTAGON SHOWDOWN SET: $39.99/Available: Fall 2013; Each Sold Separately)

EASY-BAKE Ultimate Oven
Chefs-in-training will love to gather with their friends to bake and decorate sweet and savory snacks in this oven which features a heating element similar to a conventional oven and that does not require a light bulb. Easy to use, the oven features a larger cooking chamber and big baking pans. This fall, to commemorate its 50th anniversary, the EASY-BAKE brand will release a new color scheme for the EASY-BAKE Ultimate Oven, a sleek silver, blue and black model. Adult participation and electricity required. (Ages: 8 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $54.99/Available: Spring 2013)

FURBY PARTY ROCKERS
Funky, wild and ready to shake things up, the PARTY ROCKERS friends are lively companions for any FURBY. Rock these colorful creatures back and forth to put the FURBY PARTY ROCKERS in party mode, but be careful — the more they rock, the wilder they get! With an already formed personality, the FURBY PARTY ROCKERS will react to how they are treated, pull their tails and the FURBY PARTY ROCKERS might let out a laugh. The FURBY PARTY ROCKERS creatures will react to other PARTY ROCKERS and FURBY, by having a ‘conversation' or singing a song together. The FURBY PARTY ROCKERS friends also respond to the free FURBY app, available for iOS and Android devices. Not all functions of the app. work with PARTY ROCKERS. Each sold separately. (Ages: 6 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99/Available: Spring 2013)

FURREAL FRIENDS CUDDLES, MY GIGGLY MONKEY Pet
The FURREAL FRIENDS CUDDLES, MY GIGGLY MONKEY pet provides children the ultimate nurturing pet play experience with an animal they have always dreamed of owning! The CUDDLES, MY GIGGLY MONKEY pet will respond to many cherished play patterns, such as feeding, diaper changing, cuddling, tickling, swinging and rocking to sleep! The pet recognizes when she's being swung in the air, and will respond with lifelike laughter and silly monkey sounds. Tickle her tummy and this loveable monkey will burst into a fit of giggles. When it's bedtime for your baby monkey, rock her gently and the CUDDLES, MY GIGGLY MONKEY pet will start to snooze, and slowly close her eyes. (Ages: 4 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $74.99/Available: Fall 2013)

G.I. JOE MOVIE NINJA COMMANDOS Action Figures
Inspired by the G.I. JOE: RETALIATION movie hitting theaters on March 29th, 2013 in 3D, The G.I. JOE NINJA COMMANDO figures are 10-inch large-scale figures that feature quick-draw BATTLE-KATA and Ninja action. With the press of a button, figures magically "grab" weapons to arm themselves for battle. Figures also feature electronic sound effects and phrases. Choose from the iconic Ninja SNAKE EYES and BATTLE-KATA skilled ROADBLOCK. Figures sold separately. (Ages: 5 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: 2/11/13)

KRE-O STAR TREK U.S.S. ENTERPRISE
Explore the final frontier with the crew of the U.S.S. ENTERPRISE, the iconic ship from the upcoming STAR TREK movie from Paramount Pictures. Based on the ship featured in the film, the KRE-O U.S.S. ENTERPRISE is 18" long, includes a display stand, and is the first KRE-O set that actually lights up! Explore the lighted Bridge interior play area, glowing warp engines, and launch a projectile from a lighted photon torpedo. Kids and fans alike will be excited to find KREON figures representing KIRK, SPOCK, BONES and more in the ENTERPRISE set which includes five KREON figures and 540 brick pieces. (Ages 6 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $69.99/Available: 2013)

LITTLEST PET SHOP Playset
Kids will be delighted to act out favorite moments from the popular LITTLEST PET SHOP animated series with the actual LITTLEST PET SHOP playset! The two-story pet shop has a habitrail for the new ROLLEROOS pet friends to ride through and they can take a spin in the hamster wheel! For a double dose of fun, tweens can detach the front and back portions of the building to create two separate play spaces. (Ages 4 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $29.99/Available: Fall 2013)

MAGIC JINN Game
Think of an animal and leave the rest up to MAGIC JINN! Be amazed as MAGIC JINN guesses your thoughts in this new interactive guessing game. Listen to a series of questions from MAGIC JINN to which you answer yes, no, or I don't know. You may think you can stump MAGIC JINN, but he will magically try to guess the animal you are thinking of with his questions! MAGIC JINN is also available in an additional category of Food and Drink. Each sold separately. (Ages 6 & up/Players: 1+/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: August 2013)

MARVEL IRON MAN 3 ASSEMBLERS Action Figure Assortment
In 2013, kids and fans can recreate the excitement of the IRON MAN 3 film with the buildable ASSEMBLERS action figure line. Each figure features an Interchangeable Armor System, allowing one figure to create more than 25 armor combinations and allowing armor to be switched out between the 16 available figures in the line to create 100's more combinations. Each figure sold separately. (Ages: 4 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $9.99/Available: Spring 2013)

MY LITTLE PONY CRYSTAL PRINCESS PALACE Playset
A princess needs her palace, and the MY LITTLE PONY CRYSTAL PRINCESS PALACE playset lets PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE live like royalty. The first floor opens up into a regal suite, complete with vanity and a closet for the new princess to store her royal accessories. Take a trot up the golden staircase and get a magical view of EQUESTRIA through the pretty pink telescope. The playset comes with an exclusive 3-inch PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE figurine and a treasure chest that comes chock full of accessories, including barrettes, rings, and even a golden crown. (Ages: 3 & up/Approx. Retail Price $24.99/Available: Fall 2013)

NERF N-SPORTS CYBERHOOP Set
Shoot. Score. Share! The NERF N-SPORTS CYBERHOOP set lets players turn any room into a virtual stadium and challenge themselves or friends to a basketball showdown. To begin play, kids simply download the free CYBERHOOP app on to their iDevice then select from one of five basketball challenges to start shooting hoops! The CYBERHOOP set transmits players' scores to the smart device and the app provides exciting commentary, tracks game stats and captures games on video. Players can share their coolest shots from each game in an epic highlight reel or even play virtually with friends online via the app. The CYBERHOOP app will be available for free download exclusively at the App Store? and is compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad (2nd, 3rd, 4th generation), iPad mini, and the iPod Touch (4th and 5th Generation). (Ages: 8 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall 2013)

PLAY-DOH PERFECT TWIST ICE CREAM PARLOR Playset
Swirl up some fun and create PLAY-DOH PLUS soft serve ice cream treats with the PERFECT TWIST ICE CREAM PARLOR playset! With a twist of two new vibrant PLAY-DOH PLUS colors, the magical SWIRLER enhances sweet shoppe play and creates the most realistic looking soft serve ice cream cones yet! Kids can then sprinkle on some colorful PLAY-DOH toppings to decorate their very own cone with the Rainbow Sprinkle Crank & Cone dispenser. (Ages: 3 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/Available: Fall 13)

STAR WARS® ANAKIN TO DARTH VADER™ ACTION FIGURE
Hasbro introduces a breakthrough action figure innovation to celebrate the DARTH VADER character with the STAR WARS ANAKIN TO DARTH VADER figure. Standing at 13-inches tall, this figure changes from ANAKIN SKYWALKER to DARTH VADER by attaching the helmet and armor, and includes iconic phrases, sound effects, and a LIGHTSABER that changes from blue to red. (Ages: 4 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $24.99; Available: Fall 2013)

TRANSFORMERS CONSTRUCT-BOTS ELITE Action Figure Assortment
Build YOUR Bot! Each TRANSFORMERS CONSTRUCT- BOTS ELITE action figure includes a robot frame and lots of armor, weapons and accessory parts (50-55 pieces) so kids can construct, customize and convert favorite TRANSFORMERS characters—each figure can convert from robot to vehicle and back without taking it apart! Plus, all the parts are interchangeable between all TRANSFORMERS CONSTRUCT-BOTS figures (each sold separately), so there's almost no limit to what kids can create. Kids can also store their figures in the included re-sealable case. Choose from 10 characters like WHEELJACK and SOUNDWAVE, each sold separately. (Ages: 6 & up/Approx. retail price: $14.99/Available: August 2013)

TRANSFORMERS PRIME BEAST HUNTERS VOYAGER CLASS Assortment
The leaders of the AUTOBOTS and PREDACONS face off in these large-scale action figures. Based on the third season of Hasbro Studios' hit animated series TRANSFORMERS PRIME, OPTIMUS PRIME and PREDAKING each feature a powerful weapon, and OPTIMUS PRIME boasts his new BEAST HUNTERS look. There are six figures in the assortment; each includes multiple weapons and accessories. Each sold separately. (Ages: 5 & up/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/ Available: February 2013)

TWISTER RAVE DANCE Game
The TWISTER RAVE DANCE game brings the fun with today's hottest music, great speakers and LED lights that shine to create your very own dance floor. Kids will love learning dances and showing off their moves to songs from popular artists, or they can plug their own mp3 players into the console, turning virtually any song into a dance song! The party never ends as players continue to learn new dances by following the lights and moving to the beat on the iconic TWISTER spots in head-to-head or freestyle play. (Ages: 8 & up/Players: 1-2/Approx. Retail Price: $34.99/Available: Fall 2013)

World Series of YAHTZEE Game
Rock the roll with the new World Series of YAHTZEE game. It's a fast-paced, casino-inspired face-to-face dice showdown where everyone rolls together and tries to match their dice to the YAHTZEE combination cards on the board. Roll fast to try and get the highest score and be the first to lock-in and start the electronic timer. When everyone has stopped rolling, grab your card for points. Highest score at the end of the game wins! Do you have what it takes to win World Series of YAHTZEE? (Ages: 8 & up; Players: 2-4/Approx. Retail Price: $19.99/ Available: March 2013)

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) is a branded play company dedicated to fulfilling the fundamental need for play for children and families through creative expression of the Company's world class brand portfolio, including TRANSFORMERS, MONOPOLY, PLAY-DOH, MY LITTLE PONY, MAGIC: THE GATHERING, NERF, LITTLEST PET SHOP and G.I. JOE. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with innovative play and entertainment experiences, in a variety of forms and formats, anytime and anywhere. The Company's Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for more than 170 markets around the world, and for the U.S. on The Hub TV Network, part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK). 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.

The official Transformers Facebook page has posted a preview of IDW's Spotlight: Megatron comic by Nick Roche who talks the reader through the pages both as the writer and the artist.

PAGE 1: This story starts off just after Megatron has received a new body during the TRANSFORMERS ONGOING series from a couple of years ago. Why set the tale in this time frame? And did you have to research all the old designs again?

NICK ROCHE (writer): Well, I just write the thing. It doesn’t bother me what the designs for the characters are like. I just sit back, lash any old nonsense out, and watch the accolades come cascading in.

As for the timeframe, IDW and Hasbro were looking for a Megatron SPOTLIGHT to feature the same body that the character currently sports in the TRANSFORMERS: ROBOTS IN DISGUISE ongoing series. Of course, he’s a little dinged-up over on that title, and has foregone more of his personal grooming routines. But it’s essentially the same character design. Now, almost every nano-second of that iteration of Ol’ Megs has been accounted for – from him coming online in TRANSFORMER ONGOING #13, to his climactic farewell in the “CHAOS” series. I had to pull a trick that Simon Furman has made his own, and find an empty story-corner to craft an idea; tell an off-panel tale, as it were. And it allowed me to address what must have been huge disappointment and frustration on Megatron’s part upon discovering the undignified and embarrassing mess Starscream had made as leader of the Decepticons.

NICK ROCHE (artist): The script was pretty loosely written, so I had to second-guess the writer’s intent a lot of the time. He’d just send a hand-scrawled note on greaseproof paper that said, “’bot 1 punches ’bot 2.” I had to do a lot of work to put any shape on the so-called story.

Piecing together the “script” did involve me having to do some research and capture the look that the ONGOING-Era Decepticons had on their Vacation Asteroid. But every comic – and every TRANSFORMERS comic especially – involves a lot of back-checking and cross-referencing on pre-existing designs. Because I had drawn Megatron and a few of the other cast members in these designs before, it wasn’t a complete slog, and didn’t slow me down too much.

PAGES 2 and 3: Did you find it difficult to write Megatron’s character at this point in time, bearing in mind everything he went through in All Hail Megatron and just after that?

NICK ROCHE (writer): Not prohibitively difficult, but it was an enjoyable challenge marrying up the Megatrons of two different writers (Shane McCarthy & Mike Costa) and have him pointing where the current writer (John Barber) has him positioned. It was interesting to read back over both eras of Megatron and reconcile the words and deeds of one with the other. I think I managed to not contradict anyone as I pulled my Megatron into place.

Barring weaving other versions of the character into this one version though, I tried to think about how Megatron would feel at having all that is sacred to him – his Decepticons; The “physical manifestation of his ideology” – absolutely driven into the ground. His star system-trouncing warriors are reduced to a whimpering mess, so let’s discover what affect this would have on him. If the Decepticons are defeated, he feels it, because to him, the Cause and The ’Bot are one and the same.

NICK ROCHE (artist): Is there a question for me? No? Oh, it’s all about the writer, yeah? That guy…

Well, let me tell you about stuff anyway. I drew these pages. Was it easy? Nothing is, working with that guy. He didn’t even specify which ones some of them were. “The Blue Cassette and a Broken Clone” was pretty much all the direction I got for this spread.

This was where some of the referring back to earlier issues paid off. Like, I tried to keep the wounds that Razorclaw suffered in his skirmish with Starscream back in ONGOING #13 consistent with the wear-and-tear shown here. And then I added little nods to the cannibalization that was rife during this period too. You can see that Sunstorm (on the left of the image) is sitting down, because someone else is probably using his lower legs…

PAGE 4- What would you say set this issue apart on terns of the challenge as apposed to the other issues that you have written and drawn yourself?

NICK ROCHE (writer): Oddly, this page represents the real departure from previous solo excursions, in that there is some Editorially-mandated content. The through-line between this current batch of Spotlights is a connection to Metroplex and the Space Bridge technology he possesses. We know that this new body Megatron inhabits has the ability to traverse vast interstellar distances. Where did his restoration crew gain that technology from? Well, now we know. And as a dutiful Megatron nerd, I couldn’t bypass the opportunity to refer to the character’s oft-cited ability to access a Black Hole in deep space. What potential side effects could those powers unleash with this new Space Bridge ability? It’s all touched on slightly here. In dinner terms, this page is the Science Starter, the rest of the issue is Red Raw Main Course. Things…get messy. Bring a bib.

Though you have no idea how giddy a writer can get when they realize, “Wow! I’m writing a conversation between MEGATRON and SHOCKWAVE!” Workdays don’t come any better than that.

NICK ROCHE (artist): “Make the One-Eyed One argue with the Bucket-Head One.” That’s literally all he wrote.

It was hugely enjoyable to realize that I was drawing two of the heaviest-hitters (maybe THE heaviest?) in the Decepticon army having a typically terse one-to-one. It was massive fun to draw a similar scene between Shockwave and Overlord in LAST STAND OF THE WRECKERS, but as popular as Overlord is now, he didn’t have the same weight of responsibility to draw then. Whereas this scene – which has a sulky, skulky Soundwave too, for flip’s sake! – made me regress to seven-year-old status. (I usually operate at full-on nine-year-old.)

PAGE 5- Megatron sets his sights on Starscream for the first time since he’s seen just what Starscream did as leader in his stead. This is one of Transformers classic relationships. Had you always in your mind wanted to do these scenes, and did you always know how you wanted them to be?

NICK ROCHE (writer): I didn’t think I had a burning desire to explore this relationship, but that’s sometimes the best way to be. A part of me worries I’ll choke or wobble (or both at once – a “chobble”) when the day comes to write some dialogue for Optimus Prime. But because of when this story was set, and because of the events that lead us here, this confrontation was unavoidable. I had no choice but to just write it, and I think that can often be for the best. Out of all the iterations of TRANSFORMERS lore over the decades, this relationship between Megatron and Starscream is by far the most constant and enduring. Prime has different lieutenants or right-hand-guys in different shows, but Starscream is eternally cursed to be the thorn in Megatron’s side.

For me, the question at the heart of this relationship is as fundamental as “Why DOESN’T Batman just kill the Joker?” Why does Megatron keep Starscream around? What possible thought-process could allow a liability like him to linger and lurk, constantly undermining and unraveling your progress? It became apparent very quickly that this was what the story had to be about. And I think I’ve managed, in the pages that follow, to explore – and even explain to some degree – what this relationship is really all about.

NICK ROCHE (artist): My thinking here (because ONE of us had to do a bit of that) was that upon discovering Megatron’s resurrection in ONGOING #14, Starscream fronted it out a little with the returning boss, and then retreated to his rinky-dink throne room, where he’d squandered three years piffling about with the Autobot Matrix. So, I wanted to show a Starscream that’s beaten before Megatron even makes a start. The heft of his own fear of Megatron has literally crushed him, and where better to reflect on his potentially final moments than at the foot of the seat of his power. Interesting though that he doesn’t flea; he stays to face the music. The rest of this issue gets down to the nitty-gritty of the odd and dark relationship that these two share. I think. I dunno, I just draw the pictures.

Yesterday TFCC tweeted that they would release the first image of Botcon 2013 Hoist in vehicle mode, you may have noticed us report this across various social network channels, well they did and the images, along with the original robot mode form, can be seen below.  You can compare them to the original toy by checking out our image gallery of Machine Wars Hoist.