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Transformers Armada

Archive for Transformers Armada news. Includes information for Micron Legend exclusive Minicons, Micron Lucky Draws, Green Unicron, Armada DVD releases, Micron Booster packs, and the Transformers Armada PS2 game!

under Armada

Aaron Archer is a name recognized and respected immensely in the Transformers and toy community. After stepping away from Hasbro in 2013, Archer has been involved with the fan community through convention appearances and social media, providing fans with the most interesting tidbits of behind the scenes Transformers information from toy design, story concepts, and more.

Archer recently took to his Instragram to share some of his favorite designs from the Transformers Armada continuity that he himself designed or assisted with. Archer’s ideas were the blueprint for the Unicron Trilogy, shaping the series design and story.

While sharing some amazing pieces of art, Archer is interacting with the community by answering questions, sharing stories, and other interesting facts. Some highlights so far:

  • Red Alert was designed with influences from both Robocob and Power Rangers.
  • Demolisher was originally thought of as a pirate.
  • Archer wishes Thrust had hands in his final toy version.
  • Smokescreen was the last figure designed in wave 1 and Archer considers him the “bottom of the barrel,” although I’m certain there is at least one fan who still loves this toy ~raises hand~.
  • Sideswipe’s color scheme is based on a Takara employee’s racing bike.
  • Cyclonus was one of the earliest concepts for how the Mini-con play feature would work.

Check out the mirrored images after the jump and be sure to follow Aaron Archer on Instragram. Leave a comment with your favorite Armada design and let Aaron Archer know you want to see more!

under Armada

Courtesy of Hobbybase on Facebook and 1999.co.jp we have our first images of the packaging of the Takara Tomy Encore Armada Unicron Micron Color Version.

This Encore edition is a green redeco of the Armada Unicron mold, based on an energy Unicron formed by the Mini-Cons who grappled with the real Unicron over Cybertron in the final episodes of Transformers Armada. We had also seen a Lucky Draw Green Unicron before but this new release sure gives us a more impressive deco.

The packaging is a very nice (and big) black box showcasing a great picture of the robot mode in the front together with the planet mode in the lower part. A very elegant presentation.

This redeco should start shipping any time soon. You still have time to pre-order it via our sponsors below. Check out the images after the jump and sound off on the 2005 Boards!

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under Armada, Japanese Transformers

Takara Tomy web site has shared some clear pictures of Encore Unicron Micron Color Version including a 360 view of the figure.

While some of the pictures were previously seen, some of them are new, including clear shots of his Micron/Minicon partner Bug. The 360 view gives us a great look at the robot and planet mode from different angles.

This re-release of the original Armada Unicron mold comes as a Green Unicron (or “Unicron of Light”) based on an energy Unicron formed by the Mini-Cons who grappled with the real Unicron over Cybertron in the final episodes of Transformers Armada. We had also seen a Lucky Draw Green Unicron before but this new release sure gives us a more impressing deco.

You can see Wheeljack’s 360 views here after you scroll down a bit. We have also mirrored all the images of the views for your convenience after the jump. Don’t forget to let us know your impressions on the 2005 Boards!

under Armada, Japanese Transformers

Thanks to a new listing on Amazon.jp and TFND on Facebook , we have new information and stock images of the Transformers Encore Unicron Micron Combine Color Version.

This is a very nice surprise for the Encore line.  Early in July we had information on the Encore Unicron release in December, 2018. The title “Micron Combine Color” gave us  a hint of the possible deco of this release. Rather than using the original G1 colors (or the Energon black deco), fans pointed out that this title may refer to the Green Unicron (or “Unicron of Light”) based on an energy Unicron formed by the Mini-Cons who grappled with the real Unicron over Cybertron in the final episodes of Transformers Armada. A Unicron toy with a green deco was released as a rare and limited Lucky Draw in Japan back in the day, with only 10 pieces in existence.

The Takara Encore line surprises us with this release, since the deco and colors of this Unicron are fairly different from the Lucky Draw Green Unicron toy. Encore Unicron features a more cartoon-accurate shade of green. and several parts of the body, arms and legs have been replaced with clear green plastic.

Does this new Unicron please your optics? Will you be adding him into your collection? You can click on the bar to check out the mirrored images after the jump and then join to the ongoing discussion on the 2005 Boards!

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under Armada, Japanese Transformers

Thanks to Hong Kong based retailer Loopaza Mega Store’s Facebook page, we received information on the release of the next figure in the Transformers Encore Toyline from TakaraTomy. It is none other than the Planet Eater himself, Unicron! According the post, this release of Unicron seems to be the version from the Japanese Series Mircon Legend (Also known as Transformers Armada outside of Japan). Encore Unicron is scheduled for release in December 2018, with a retail price of 20,000 Yen (Approximately 180.00 USD per current conversion rate). Unicron has had several coloring and figure iteration throughout history, so it is uncertain what the exact mold and paint scheme used in the release. However, you can be sure that we will bring the news to you as soon as it becomes available. What are your thoughts on this re-release? Jump on the boards and let us know!

under Armada

Armada. Energon. Cybertron.

These three shows defined Transformers in the first half of the 2000s. Starting out innocently enough in Transformers Armada with a scavenger hunt for power-boosting miniature Transformers, these shows expanded in scope to become an epic saga chronicling a full-on war against Unicron, and following his demise, the struggle to save the universe from a grand black hole that opened in the wake of his destruction that led to the first ever on-screen debut of his ancient rival, Primus, creator of the Transformers. Care of our friends over at Ozformers, we have learned that Australian retailer JB Hi-Fi will be offering an exclusive boxed set which will include every episode of all three shows in this, the Unicron Trilogy. It is due to hit Australian retail on June 8th.

under Animated, Armada, Cybertron, Energon, Generation 1, Rescue Bots, Robots in Disguise 201x, Transformers Prime

Hasbro Studios issued their latest Sales Guide document for the press and interested parties today via their official website.

The Los Angeles production studio highlights new and old Transformers related shows available with them and are offering them to local/international markets.

It’s interesting to note that Hasbro Studios has revised the Episode Count of Transformers: Robots In Disguise, reducing it to 45 from last year’s guide (link below) which highlights it as 78. This official announcement reiterates the details revealed from the brochure at MIP2015 Conference and Asia TV Forum & Market Expo.

Total line up is as follows:

  • Transformers: Robots In Disguise – 45 X 22 minutes
  • Transformers: Rescue Bots – 104 X 22 minutes
  • Transformers: Prime – 65 X 22 minutes
  • Transformers: Prime Predacons Rising – 1 X 66 minutes
  • Transformers: Generation 1 (1984 – 1987)
  • Transformers: Armada (2002 – 2003)
  • Transformers: Energon (2004 – 2005)
  • Transformers: Cybertron (2005 – 2006)
  • Transformers: Animated (2007 – 2009)

Check out the links for both 2014 and 2015 Hasbro Studios Sales Guide documents and screenshots, after the jump.

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under Armada, Conventions, Generations / Classics

During NYCC this past week, Anthony Brucale of TFU.info had the opportunity to sit down with a handful of folks from the Hasbro Design and Marketing team to discuss some Transformers. Posted on TFU.info is the entire interview, one portion to highlight here is that of the recently discovered Combiner Wars Demolisher prototype. Here’s the information regarding that from John Warden – Product Design Manager:

Oh, Demolishor. I have mentioned this at other conventions and at other times when I spoke to you guys… not you specifically [laughs]. But when we work with Takara on these things we always design a redeco head into it. With the case of Onslaught, Demolishor was built into the mold with the thinking that if we were ever to reuse or repurpose that tool, we could put out a Demolishor in the future. Currently there are no plans for Demolishor in the line but we appreciate all of the Demolishor and Armada love online.

So, for now at least, there seems to be no plans for the Armada Demolishor. We know how quickly plans can change though!

You can read more about Demolishor and other items (such as potential villain toys, toy inspirations, etc.) with the full interview here.

 

under Armada, Comics

Thanks to Amazon.com, we have two new comic book preorders for a March 2016 release: Transformers: Armada Omnibus and Transformers Volume 8.

The Armada Omnibus is likely going to be a re-release of the Armada Omnibus IDW released in 2010, this time though they will likely not contain bonus material or extra covers given the page count decrease. Transformers volume 8 will likely be issues #42-45.

See the details of each book after the break.

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under Armada

Unfortunately we are here to report the sad news of the passing of Hidehito Ueda, most well known to our hobby as the Director of Transformers Armada, as well as a huge contributor for many anime series. The Anime News Network reported this news stating Hidehito Ueda had been battling cancer for well over a year, also mentioning Hidehito Ueda’s funeral services were held on July 2.

Transformers Armada marks a transition point for our franchise, one that brings many fans enjoyment and countless discussions. TFW2005 sends our thanks and warm wishes to the family of Hidehito Ueda.