Kneon: The Transformers Live-Action Movie: Live-Action He-Man redux?

Thursday, August 24, 2006

The Transformers Live-Action Movie: Live-Action He-Man redux?

Good grief, Michael Bay! Couldn't you have at least borrowed a copy of the G1 Transformers DVDs before you started production on this... thing?!

For those of you out of the loop, photos have been leaked of the movie versions of Bumblebee, Optimus Prime, Starscream and Megatron. And, hoo boy... they couldn't be any further removed from the classic looks of the core Transformers characters. Bumblebee looks like a Bionicle, Prime looks like the Terminator with a flame tatoo, Starscream looks like an ape with bird feet and Megatron... well, Megatron is so abysmal that I just had to blog about this. He barely resembles a robot, let alone a Transformer, let alone such an iconic character as Megatron!

Look, I'm not such a G1 purist that I demand cartoon accurate designs -- but this is just too much! It's too far removed from the essence of Transformers, which has remained more or less intact throughout all incarnations of the series over the past 20 years. And from what has been leaked, the script is about as far off as the character designs are.

This is why Hasbro has been throwing fans a bone with their Classics toyline. This is why the secrecy over the appearance of the movie Transformers. This is why Peter Cullen was cast as Optimus Prime, despite Bay's reported initial disinterest -- to help win over fandom before these images hit. This is why producer Don Murphy and Hasbro's COO are on the defensive with fandom nearly every other day on message boards. This is why the fans are outraged. This is not shaping up to be the Transformers movie we've waited all these years to see.

In fact, it's looking to mirror another well known toy-to-film disaster: Masters of the Universe. And Hasbro, if you're reading this -- remember what happened to the He-Man toyline after the movie? Nuff said!

This isn't just about fanboys grumbling over something as relatively unimportant as organic webshooters. This is about a film being made that apparently has very little to do with the source material at all, aside from featuring giant robots.

And while I understand how much time, money and effort is being poured into the movie, please Mr. Murphy, don't talk down to the fans like we're being unreasonable with our complaints. This movie isn't being made because you're "on our side" -- it's being made because the studio thinks it'll make money. Let's at least drop the facade and stop patronizing the fanbase, okay?

Nothing against you personally, but it's just business. We're all old enough to understand that. So let's just be honest about it. That being said, how much business do you guys expect a film to make when you're alienating the very fans that have made it endure this long? Honestly?

Personally, I'd rather see no Transformers live-action movie than one that could potentially harm the franchise. But that's just me.

I so would not want to be attached to this film and attending BotCon this year...

2010 comments:

«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 2010 Newer› Newest»

Seibertron said...: Amen my friend! I completely 100% agree with EVERYTHING you stated above. MOTU: Transformers here we come!!! Too bad they couldn't get Dolph Lundren for the sequel.; August 24, 2006 2:24 PM
Alex Kingdom said...: Hey you got the Masters of the Universe reference in there! I've been using that to describe this movie for ages.

Seriously I really, really, hope there is enough left of the Transformers for it to make it worth the fans while going to see. Right now that doesn't seem likely. Any faith I gained from the Writers webchat earlier this week where they told of how G1-like the characters would be and how much they loved and respected the source material has now gone.

To me it seems like all this lip service about Peter Cullen and faitlhful characters was just a smoke screen to keep the fans of thier backs while they did the dirty on us.

I really do hope I am wrong but right now this movie, a movie about quite possibly my favorite thing ever, is 2007's big musn't see.; August 24, 2006 4:04 PM
Lord Galvatron said...: Here here. It looks more and more like this is going south in a major way.; August 24, 2006 4:27 PM
Emmanuel Madayag said...: I completely agree. When I first heard of the TF movie I was more excited than when Elias from Clerks II heard of the movie. I nearly pissed in my pants. But from day one I was thinking this was going to be a "money train" rather than a satisfaction to all the new and old TF fans. I would've been satisfied even if they used the Armada, Cybertron, More than Meets the Eye or Headmasters line as a reference.

We all know they were aliens, but do they have to look like pretty junk put together by a tattoo artist? I mean, I'll give it up, Megatron looks sic. He looks like a creature that'll stir up some s**t. BUT DONT' CALL HIM MEGATRON!!! Starscream looks like a Macross reject. Bumblebee looks sic also, but can we, just for the sake of keeping some kind of purity, call him Sunstreaker? I know Lambo won't give up the rights to use their cars and its all good. This piece of crap movie is going to only generate the revinue as the price of maybe 2 Lambo Murcielagos. Optimus is the only one that has the Classic look, but looks like a bionicle. All in all, HORRIBLE!!!; August 24, 2006 4:27 PM
Thunder_breaker said...: Yes. Y-E-S. Every Transformers fan alive should read this. You are obviously a genius, why aren't you making this movie?; August 24, 2006 4:30 PM
Terrorscream said...: I coulden't agree anymore with what you have said.The moment I saw the bumblebee images I knew this film was down the pan, let alone Starscream and Megatron...dreadfull.

As you have stated, casting Cullen as Prime was blatantly just a cover up for us to THINK this film was going in the right direction..doesn't seem that way to me anymore.

Blah, if this film is released in this dismal way, I will NOT be attending and will not even class it was The Transformers Live Action Movie.; August 24, 2006 4:33 PM
Jon said...: Actually, Alex, I disagree with you. I really really hope that there is NOTHING left for the fans to see at this point. I would rather everyone realize that this movie is not worth watching. The movie makes no money, flops, and Michael Bay and studio realize that hey, maybe we should've been true to the original Transformers.

What if they made Gandalf a talking bear on LTR? What if Harry Potter was played by Will Smith? What if they made Batman in a white cat costume? See, that kinda stuff goes without saying. Agreeably, it's not hardcore fan pleasing, it's just being true to the original that made it popular in the first place.

I say boycott the movie. Hell, even picket in front of it when it comes out. I really want to see this thing flop...and everyone, to piss off the movie makers even more, post torrents of the movie and wave it in their faces, saying, we're watching your damn movie but not paying a cent for it. That'll get them nice and flamed. Maybe even hopefully teach them a lesson about messing with the original.; August 24, 2006 4:36 PM
Thunder_breaker said...: Here's why this movie will flop. Transformers is not mainstream enough for the general public to support such as Superman or Spiderman. Therefore, this movie heavily depends on the current Transformers fan base, which they have successfully alienated. The general public will remember Transformers only as some show that used to be on in the 80's, so they won't care enough to go to the movie. Parents with kids that currently watch Transformers Cybertron won't let their kids see it because of the horror look.; August 24, 2006 4:39 PM
Orion_Pax said...: Finally. Your article is well put and hits all the areas I can't quite articulate sensibly (as my deep disdain for how this film has developed is all consuming).

I will not be seeing this movie; no matter the cost.; August 24, 2006 4:50 PM
Starscream said...: I cant agree more with these comments. A live action Transformer movie has been the dream of TFs fans all these years and now heres our shot and its put in the hands of people who dont know an Autobot from a Decepticon from a Go-bot.....

I strongly agree that no movie is better then what we will get next year. WE, the fans need to start putting out screaming voices together and do something about it. Something can be done if we get ourselves heard everywhere!; August 24, 2006 4:54 PM
Spoffy2 said...: Exactly....perfectly said.; August 24, 2006 5:01 PM
Trailfollower said...: Now I am, like most, a child of the 80s. I am greatly disheartened at what I have bore witness to these past days. While I do understand things and times change. I didnt expect the film makers to be this far off. I was willing to give a little. Megs as a Starship made sence with no size shifting. I mean its still very menacing, but I at least hoped he would keep a face that I would recognize. Hell Starscream looks more like Waspinator then his meglomenaical self. The Prime model is way off and what the Hell is with all these panels going everywhich direction. The bots look like poorly put together toothpick models.
I wont harp that the movie should just be a G 1 revamp, that would be asking too much. But I think WE the fanbase have put up with a lot of crap over the years and havnt really asked for much in return. I mean Hasbro seems to be doing better now adays, with giving us a good Unicron figure and posability in just about every figure. The age of the Brick is over. Now it took Hasbro and Tecnology a little time to get together and make sweet toys. But we have a Speilberg budget and this is the best they can do. I gotta agree with Kneon, if you (the film makers) arent going to listen then stop now or sell the Damn movie to a company that will and leave in the capable hands of people who give a Damn about our glorious hobby.; August 24, 2006 5:10 PM
NeoGalvatron01 said...: Ok guys, seriously. First off, first thing I said when I saw Blackout, and then Megatron was "Oh S**t! That's Badass!" I think you are all over reacting to this whole thing, concitering you haven't seen frame 1 of film yet. There is much more to the Transformers then what they look like. I mean, for crap's sake, it still says "More then meets the eye..." on the marquee, yet every drooling fanboy on the net is judgeing these books by their cover. The fact that Cullen is in IS a testiment to the film makers dedication to the source material. I mean how many "remake/re-imagineings" have we seen where the original stars were no more then a sight-gag in the background, or some corney cameo. Here he reprises the role that he gave life to. Quite frankly, it would be an even worse movie if the designs hadn't changed in the QUARTER CENTURY since they were conceived. The essence of the Transformers is what has kept it going this long. The characters, the concept, the basic story. I mean, just in that splash page on Seibertron (so much for being unbiased) I see 6 COMPLETELY different designs for Megatron under the heading "This is Megatron", none that would translate to anything realistic, and I'm sure he'll have 6 more before the franchise dries up completely. Yet THIS Megatron is suddenly not good enough? You know what? Get over it and go bitch about Star Wars some more. At least we've SEEN those movies.; August 24, 2006 5:14 PM
Novelty Crosses said...: You hit the nail on the head for sure. i was pissed when I found out prime wasnt a flat nosed semi, I guess Im one of those G1 purists. I saw primes chacter design the other da and it didnt look bad, but still to me its not prime. Starscream should be called waspinator or something. Seeing that Megatron reminds me of what Bay said, that the bad guys were going to look more "alien like" but cmon. Megatron can be jet thats fine, although a tank would suit his character much better, or maybe the RiD version of a dragon, but not this. the transformations look like the chactrers have gone through a paper shreder. Murphy telling us to calm down and "wait and see" is total crap. Bay's vison makes me wish someone else would direct this. Anyone but him at this point if hes gonna ok these designs. Im so worried this will turn out horrible. any Idea if welker is talking the role of Megs? id like to hear the reaction from him on this. Anyways kudos to you for making so many valid points, im sure if we all make our voices heard there will be a change. Heres hoping anyway.; August 24, 2006 5:14 PM
Gatkowski said...: Very good summary of thoughts and concerns. As high my hopes were for this movie when it was first announced, as hard my face slammed on the floor when I first saw these images.

As Megatron would put it: "I belong to nobody!" Certainly not to the people who are making this movie.; August 24, 2006 5:16 PM
EAM said...: I agree and think that if the studio decides to follow executive and marketing survey based decisions, the movie might flop.
Even though I do not like TMNTurtles, the movies did good money and became a franchise of at least 2 movies. WHy? They remained somewhat true to the cartoon.
Money makers that follow the cartoon series accuracy:
(People tend to associate the movie to its previous incarnation)
The Flintstones, Inspector Gadget, Richie Rich, Scooby Doo
I personally did not like any of them, but they did make money (wink, wink Hollywood dudes); August 24, 2006 5:17 PM
Runan said...: Weel, lot of bad comments. I agree, this thing looks cool, for a crossbreed blade/xenomorph or something. It's far from Megs, nobody can argue with that.

I'm just affraid that afther the major flop. (I don't think all the stuff so far is just a big marketing stunt and that we actually WIL get a G1'ish movie). That no director or movie making company will dare to make a TF movie ever again.
So even if the movie isn't 50% TF, we can't just boycott the movie. Then we'll be stuck to G1 dvd's and animation series. The computeranimation is now @ a level that a Transformers Live Action movie is possible, so they eventually HAVE to make one!; August 24, 2006 5:19 PM
James (Puppet Disaster) Wojtal Jr said...: Spot on , thank you for writing what i have been feeling ,

did i expect Gi looks, no of course not, but i did not expect them to diverge so far from esablished looks , to bad they hada director with no real vision on this,

i do not understand why they feel the need to re-invent what works,
US-Godzilla-disapointed everyone,
Master of the Universe-disapointed everyone,

as far as im concerned this is on the same level as those two above, i am now dreading this film; August 24, 2006 5:35 PM
Armando said...: Amen brother. Couldn't agree more with what you said. This is NOT Megatron.; August 24, 2006 5:52 PM
cinco de Mayo said...: Essence of Transformers: robots that transform into cars, airplanes, and tape decks that beat the crap out of each other over glowing cubes.; August 24, 2006 5:53 PM
Izech said...: First: It is my belief that NeoGalvatron01 is a F**king Mole.

Second: I have no problem with Prime or Bumblebee's designs. Sure they're different, but you can at least tell who they're supposed to be and that they are supposed to be Transformers. But this... this tragedy cannot even be recognized as a transformer. The essence of Transformers is no where in the same galaxy as this thing. It looks cool, and if it were in a movie about giant robot bug monsters I'd be excited, but it's not. It's Megatron. It's Transformers. You (the filmakers) were handed a 20 year old gold mine on a silver platter and were told to make a movie. How do you f**k that up? What is this crap? I heard people lost their jobs over these photos being leaked? My only hope is that these are very early designs and that the people who lost thier jobs were the ones who created them.; August 24, 2006 5:53 PM
Air Commander Starscream said...: You have also summed up what I have been thinking as well. I was really open minded about this movie, but the more and more I see of this movie....the more and more close minded I am getting. I really don't see this as an Transformers movie anymore. This is so radically different then anything we have seen before, it doesnt have the essence of what we know to be Transformers.... I will still go to see this movie, but I am really disapointed.; August 24, 2006 6:10 PM
shortround said...: I have to say that there first and bigest mistake was giving michael bay the right to direct this film. Considering this is the man that was resposible for such classic films as the island & bad boys II. So I wasn't suprised when I saw the transformers. I know they would look nothing like what people imagened they would or even should look like. It is sad that hasbro takes such little care of such a beloved property as this.; August 24, 2006 6:23 PM
Endboss said...: Yeah, you guys talking about boycotting this thing, you've really got to think about this for a minute. This movie isn't just catering towards the hardcore Transformers fan, it's catering to everyone with money. Bay knows what he's doing, and that's creating bad*ss looking robots, that turn into other things. I mean, the guy said that he was trying to reimagine the line, or something like that didn't you? I just automatically replace the word "reimagine" whenever I hear it with the word "overhaul". Either way, give that robot a damn helmet, that's what Megs has ALWAYS had since the very beginning.; August 24, 2006 6:26 PM
Alex Kingdom said...: The reason this Megatron is unacceptable to the fans is he does not in any way resemble a Transformer. We Transformers fans have seen Megatron change a good 14+ times over the last quarter of a centry, we are very used to change and hove come to enjoy it. Some designs have been good, some have been not so good, but ALL have had on thing this design does not, they all looked like they Transformed into something.

Transformers are giant Transforming robots, the vehicles, mahines, beasts etc.. they transform into have always been part of and visible in thier robot modes. This guy could conceivably turn into anything, or nothing. He doent look like a Transformer. The plates/parts on his body are so small and numerous the transformation sequesnce is more likley to look like a T1000-like morphing than the actual robotic Transforming of machinery.

It's not change we are resisting, many of us transfans actualy wanted change from this movie, what we are resisting is someting we hold dear being turned into some bland giant robot movie full of robots that bare little or no resemblance to the Transformers whatsoever.

If they want to make this movie fine but do us all a favour and take Transformers out of the title becuse so far I've seem very little evidence to suggest this movie is about Transformers.; August 24, 2006 6:27 PM
Night Scream said...: I have something to admit... I actually like him! And I'm proud of it! He looks eviller than the original Megatron, plus a head in the B.M. Floating fortress. I like him and think, we could have got stuck with another animated movie, so all you critics, RETHINK YOUR BLOGS!; August 24, 2006 6:31 PM
jgilkinson said...: Thank you for putting into words exactly what I hope every transfan feels. This movie is doing no justice to a franchise that has survived over 20 years. For many this will be the first look at the series and from what I've seen thus far, it will be the last time they will want to see it.; August 24, 2006 6:35 PM
Optimus Floss said...: I agree with everything you have said. I'm actully getting depressed at how untransformer like these "THINGS" look. I mean when I first heard of that they were make Transformers into a movie, I'd thought it be cool, and I knew that somethings might look a little different, and that things might a little off... but for God-sake these "thing" look like crap. Well, it too late to turn back now I guess--- lets just hope in about 10 years time someone who is a real transformer fan will come along and make movie that pays the orignal Tansformers homage. As right now I dont know if Im going to see the movie, but I'd love to beat some sense into everyone that is envoled with the film for ruinning something that I have loved almost my whole life.

And you know what the funny things is, everyone envoled with the film knows they fucked up!!; August 24, 2006 6:35 PM
Skiggity said...: If Michael Bay wanted to make money, he need not tarnish the transformer name and line. I think the fact that he just -wants to make money- destroys the whole beauty of what Transformers has come to be known. Money has a way of doing that to things...Sure it makes money for him and the studios, but it does nothing for the original history which made it popular in the first place. Why do you think people criticize movies for not following the original novel at all. It is more often than not that movies are harshly criticized for not being true to the content that bore it.; August 24, 2006 6:35 PM
Oryan Onizuka said...: I agree. I would also like to state that if you worked on the designs for this "movie" so loosely based on such a historical toy franchise, you should never go to the San Diego Comic-Con, I will beat the living sh*t out of you. Michael Bay, I don't ever want to see you, I'll just end up punching you in the face. Steven Spielberg, you have become an old man who has zero talent, you're nothing but a hasbeen. Don Murphy and Hasbro's COO, you're a couple of unfunny jokes. People who are no talent hacks, like everyone working on the Transformers movie, got lucky and shouldn't even be on board. The designers of these characters should probably get reference on them before putting their two cents in, hell, don't even put in your two cents. This is just like the American Godzilla movie, hack American Japanabe's trying to remake what's already perfect. The saying goes, "If it isn't broke, don't fix it." Learn it. Live by it. Don't try to pass off your designs as "cool" cos it's garbage. Oh, and stop biting off of Neon Genesis Evangelion, you hacks.; August 24, 2006 6:38 PM
Oryan Onizuka said...: By the way, Spiderman 3 will sooooo kick Transformers ass in the box office, losers (directed towards Michael Bay AND Steven Spielberg); August 24, 2006 6:44 PM
Furious Rodimus said...: Alright. I could deal with the Autobots getting new alt-modes b/c certain manufacturers weren't going to allow their cars to be used. Ok. fine. No biggee. However, when I saw Starscream and Megatron, I went, oh no. Just no. And unless this is Megatrons Cybertonian form then, well...i guess I'll jsut have to suck it up since I don't have the money, or personnel to do this thing on my own.

But still. just ugh.; August 24, 2006 6:45 PM
Family Guy Rules said...: Rename the movie to Converters then I would watch it with entusiasm! Right now I say BOYCOTT!!!; August 24, 2006 6:50 PM
Night Scream said...: Now, I have to admit that Starscream sucks. But hey, would you rather have them or no movie at all? And who the heck said it was G1? I used to think it was Altanators but... What I'm saying is that it may be a different beginning to TransFormers on Earth. Give a few minutes of thought before you post a blog.; August 24, 2006 6:55 PM
El-7 said...: This is reminding me on how the Godzilla movie turned out....; August 24, 2006 7:00 PM
Night Scream said...: This is my last blog and I'll leave you guys alone. I not a guru, but isn't Megatron supposed to look like his name should be EVIL?! And this is the best design they could go with. Michael Bay could have stuck G1 animated robots in in their place and called it a blockbuster. My final words in this, thank the Lord for what you get.; August 24, 2006 7:13 PM
CF said...: Sheet metal and barbed wire. You know theyll avoid it and wont care about anythign we say.....sadly.; August 24, 2006 7:21 PM
ARTIMUS ONE said...: These new robots that are supposed to be featured in the up and coming Transformers Move are not worthy of being called Transformers.

They look like something from the movie Predator rather than the Transformers that we have all come to know. We know that they are giant alien robots but whoever designed these grotesque bots did not have to go as far to make them look like aliens.

So far I am not very impressed with your robot designs. They are in dire need of an extreme makeover. We are not all saying for you to make them look like the G1 Transformers of old but at least give them some faces and some robot bodies that we can all recognize. They are not supposed to look like Zoids, Lego's Bionicle, and most importantly, they are not supposed to look like the Predator.; August 24, 2006 7:22 PM
Simfelemy said...: I agree wholeheartedly with everything said in this piece. Unless Megs turns out to be in Cybertronian mode, I will weeping into my hands at the prospect of such a bizarre alien thing being the fearsome leader of the Decepticons. These things looks like really really bad toy lines from when Hasbro was running out of ideas in the early 90's (remember the non-transforming Action Masters?!) especially Starscream! He ain't gonna pick up no Energon cubes with those hands!; August 24, 2006 7:26 PM
Juan Abrego said...: Conngratulations Mr.Bay, Congratulations Mr. Murphy!!! you are already part of the selected group of highest geniuos of the silver screen with "big shit on it", the actually honorably memebers are:
Ronald Emerich with GODZILLA
Joel Shumacher with BATMAN III and IV
George Lucas with Episode I
Brett Ratner with XMEN III

Please keep going with this job, bring to us this kind of job, and HASBRO, you can say goodbye to your "HIGH SALES", I think your really proud of that...; August 24, 2006 7:44 PM
Grimlock86 said...: They made Bumblebee a Camarro. OK.
They made Prime a Flat-camion. OK, We have seen it in G2, looks good.

BUT:
They make an invasion with 7 decepticons, when tech can do more then fifty.
They make a Starscream design that looks like a gorilla.
They make half of the decepticons their own mind-nightmares.
They want to separate transformers from their groups.
They make Scorponok a simple soldier! He should be one of the BOSSES!
They make a LEGO Technic Megatron, with fangs from Aliens.

They have 10 months to correct their mistakes. I pray they succed.; August 24, 2006 7:46 PM
Mikamaru said...: ...................... Hahahah they look cool they dont look any thing like transformers but im happy i love megatrons new look and every one elses finaly bumblebee had a step up camaros look much better but we dont know if megatron and most of the decepticons pics are true. But im still agreeing with the good looks they have this move will be great i wonder how many more there will be?; August 24, 2006 7:54 PM
CJMErl.EXE said...: I can understand people complaining about Starcream and Megatron (I personally think that Meg's "battle mode" head looks *kind of* like his G1 helmet), but why Prime and Bumblebee? Bumblebee isn't NEARLY as terrible as you might think--you can at least see the front of the car and stuff, just add some yellow horns on his head and you're good to go. Prime looks just like any Prime, only 100x more complex. He's red, blue, and has his classic helmet/faceplate. What's to complain about? Even Blackout looks alright, you can see the rotors on his back and stuff.

...but yeah, Megatron's design could be LOADS better.; August 24, 2006 7:55 PM
TransFan 25 said...: as a huge transformers fan, I'm always disapointed when I read updates about this movie. Peter Cullen is the only good news I've heard.

When I first heard about this movie being made, I remember reading that either Michael Bay or Don Murphy (or both) said they wanted to stay true to the simple idea of Transformers... which is what made it special. I agreed, and was excited.

This is not simple, this is overly complicated jargon. It's not special... it's a typical example of Hollywood ruining something special. (Godzilla anyone?)

As a fan, after all this... I'm embarassed.

Prime looks like an American trailer trash joke of a robot... I won't be surprised if he waves an American flag on top of a building after defeating Megatron. There is nothing Shakespearean like about that design. Nobody would take that thing seriously.

when I saw the pics of Megatron, I pointed at the screen and said

"what the fuck is that!?"

An alien jet!? Why!? What the fuck is so hard about making him a simple tank or something!? How are we supposed to identify with something like that!?

I am sooooo downloading this movie and sharing it... and every other Michael Bay movie. He doesn't deserve to get even more rich off this.... this.... SHIT.

this movie will flop... I think I'll see Spiderman that day instead.

one more thing... don't get your hopes up, the designs won't change... maybe they'll get more detail so they look even more terrible... but these transformers will in fact look that bad in the movie. I'm sorry, but thats the way these things work. Only good images (like amateur transformers on youtube) don't make it to the movies.

Funny... some joe-shmoe in his parent's basement can make a better Transformer than Michael Bay can.; August 24, 2006 8:04 PM
SIDESHOW SIDESWIPE said...: Bumblebee looks like a terminator robot with little scraps of car all over him.

Prime looks like a terminator robot with little scraps of truck all over him.

Starscream looks like an upside down jet with chicken legs and gorilla arms/guns for hands.

Megatron looks like draxhall jump was allowed to rip off predator and guyver.

They all look like cool giant robots, but THEY ARE NOT TRRANSFORMERS!; August 24, 2006 8:07 PM
Lude'Chris said...: Yeah guys, the only thing I can do is do agree with your opinions! I mean, the desigh looks fantastic, for an alien bot but this isn't MEGATRON! Megatrons orginally Design is so great that I was exited how they would take it into the film, but now I see they have failed!

I mean, he has blue eyes???? MEGATRON has red eyes, red like EVIL!
Damn, the Starscream design was allready hard but I thought: "Megatron is comming, Megatron is comming!" and now.. nothing left.. :(; August 24, 2006 8:07 PM
Automator said...: 46 posts in reply and only 5 disagree....wow awesome. I agree with you totally on this.; August 24, 2006 8:14 PM
Big Grim said...: Yer blog hits all the right notes for me. Megatron and Starscream, while excellent robot designs, are not Transformers. We are used to change. It'd be ironic in the extreme if we were not! But every Transformer in history has had a defined look. You can see parts of the alt mode in the robot form. These things? Screamer has a cockpit and fins. Airplane of some kind. Damned if I know what plane has cannons like that though. Megatron? Looks like nothing! To transform it looks like he'll have to magically form metal plates outta thin air much like the much reviled (by Bay anyway0 Mass Shifting. But Mass Shifting was taken out to make these designs more realistic. Do they look real? No. There would have to be millions of tiny plates over the machines body to form the outer shell of these designs. There'd be seams all over the place.

So yeah. These designs are a slap in the face to most Transformer fans. Damned shame. I was looking forward to this. I sill am but as a giant robot flick. Ain't Transformers though.; August 24, 2006 8:18 PM
Unicrons herald of Transfans. said...: Don't like it?
Don't watch it, Simple as that isn't it.
Go play with mr trigger crotch, go worship at your shrine to your G-D.
I'm not old enough to remember G1 first hand, but I inherited enough of my brothers toys and videos to know one thing.
It sucked.
Most of the toys sucked.
The characters - For the most- sucked.
Starscream for example, heralded as one of the best of them all.
I'm sorry, we talking about the same starscream?
Mr "Megatron is sleightly inconvenienced! Now, While we have the upperhand, RETREAT!"
The comic was a vast improvement over the cartoon, but it has had it's day.

Beast wars was a major improvement, but ofcourse that gets hate.
Beast machines was Revolutionary, but that gets hate.
Armada had amazing development. But the hate.
Get over it, your childhood is over, G1 Megatron is gone, and I hope to Unicron, Primus and whatever else may be listening that they never return.
I have my DVD's, I have whatever VHS' may have survived the years.
I don't have the toys anymore, not even the ones I did love, for lamentably they have not survived the last two decades.
But the memories and the homages in recent lines are enough for me.
But not you.
As somone said.
I'm suprised that people obsessed with Transformers are so opposed to change; August 24, 2006 8:24 PM
unicron's blues said...: First of all, G1 did not suck, your an idiot if you think BW was so much better, what was the main diffrence? Maybe a bit more attention to continuity, but they didn't really do anything diffrent, hell they even had to rip off the names of the original. Sorry not ever transfan worships every change ever made. Armada Sucked, Energon Sucked, Cybertron sucked. There were some decent toys but the shows were terrible. Sorry that some of us want transformers to look like TRANSFORMERS. You talk about us being obsessed, but yet you feel the need to force your beliefs on us assuming that your in the right. If you want to watch whatever piece of crap Bay throws out, good for you, some of us care a bit about what we spend our money on. These designs have been nothing short of horrible but what do you expect from the man who made Bad Boys, Pearl Harbor, Armageddon, all those "classics"?; August 24, 2006 8:32 PM
Unicrons herald of Transfans. said...: Don't like it.
Don't watch it.
Done and done.; August 24, 2006 8:36 PM
unicron's blues said...: Thanks for the tip. Don't bitch at us for expressing our opinions. If you love any and everything they slap the name transformers on, good for you.; August 24, 2006 8:39 PM
Trailbreaker said...: Kneon I enjoyed reading your article and I agree 100%.

The Megatron pictures look like some kinds of reject from the ALIEN films. While the design is somewhat cool, it isn't cool for Megatron our favorite villian. We'll have to wait and see.....; August 24, 2006 8:49 PM
Godfather Bluto said...: totally 100% right man.; August 24, 2006 8:54 PM
Unicrons herald of Transfans. said...: I'll bitch all I want, my voice has as much right to be heard as any other.
I like where they are going because it is differant, a retelling of a classic story.
Boo-hoo for you if you cant accept that.; August 24, 2006 8:57 PM
D-340 said...: Okay, I've been pretty accepting of the new designs so far. Starscream was bad, but Megatron? WTF!!!!!! Seriously, this isn't Megatron. This is an alien reject at best. The fact that Hasbro allowded Bay and Murphy to belch forth this design is intolerable! It's like they burned up old Megs and pissed on the ashes while laughing at the fanbase. BOOOOOOO!!!!!!!; August 24, 2006 9:08 PM
Pimpimus Prime said...: A retelling of a classic story? What part are they retelling? Aside from the names, they've essentially tossed out all continuities, coming up with their own history and storyline.; August 24, 2006 9:13 PM
Chris F said...: Can this somehow be sent to Michael Bay's people or to him? He really needs to read this! There's still time left to change these abominations!; August 24, 2006 9:13 PM
Pimpimus Prime said...: Bay and Murphy don't seem to care. After the first set of pictures leaked and fans went nuts, Murphy essentially told everyone to suck it if they didn't like it.; August 24, 2006 9:15 PM
Kneon Transitt said...: HOLY SMOKES!! I most certainly did *not* expect to be frontpaged on seibertron.com or even this kind of reaction. It's nice to know I'm not in the minority! The comments are certainly appreciated -- even from those who disagree! Thanks, Seiberton! :)

Again, I'm not trying to "Bay bash." I actually *liked* Armageddon and was excited to hear he was chosen to direct Transformers. And I'm not calling for a carbon copy of the G1 cartoon either. The designs aren't horrible -- they're just not what I would consider Transformers. "Megatron" would make a fine villian in an R-rated alien horror flick -- but he's as far removed from any incarnation of Megatron as I've ever seen.

My main concern is for the longevity of the franchise as a whole. I honestly think this movie could seriously hurt it if handled improperly. And that saddens me. Deeply.

Here's the dilemma -- we can boycott the movie, but that may actually send the wrong message. Hasbro and the studio may take that to mean that there's not much interest in Transformers in general. If we support it, however, the message sent is that we agree with this incarnation and the movie may establish itself as the primary canon for future generations -- much like the Spider-Man and X-Men movies have had a strong influence on the comics and animation after them.

I honestly have no "right" answer -- I just know I disagree with what I've seen so far.

And, Don Murphy -- if this makes me a "negative ninny" so be it. You want us to judge the movie after we've SEEN it? Then, for crying out loud, SHOW US SOMETHING WORTH GETTING BEHIND! Please! I want to be proven wrong! I want to like this movie! But don't tell us to "STFU" unless you have something up your sleeve that will shut us all up.

Until that happens, the grumbling will only grow louder and louder, and this "smokescreen" will only stir up more discontent and mistrust. it's a little like politics, eh?

Come to BotCon. Bring a reel. Show us. I dare ya! ;); August 24, 2006 9:17 PM
victor_sick said...: well said!
DECEPTICONS!!! RETREAT!!!; August 24, 2006 9:21 PM
Bombshock said...: They might as well throw Predator in the mix and call it AVP2. It seems that megatron is the alien that was planted inside a predator at the end of the first one. Memo to Bay and Co. :Whatever happened to the phrase "The customer is always right!"? Especially when us Transfans will probably be the main source of revenue. They will find that out in about 10 months from now. I hope that COO from hasbro gets shit-canned because of this in August of '07. So much for thinking sequels, eh!; August 24, 2006 9:26 PM
sunstreaker said...: THANK GOD FOR IDW, FURMAN and FIGUEROA!!; August 24, 2006 9:38 PM
unicron's blues said...: Agreed. Theres not one fan that wants this to be a steaming pile of crap but so far, we're not given much hope to the contrary. Change is fine if its for a reason, not just for the sake of change itself. And this change is drastic, not minor, these are charachters we all love and respected because they were interesting both as toys and to watch in the show and movie. But theres a limit to how much fans should have to say okay sure, go ahead and do whatever you want and we'll just say thank you may I have another.; August 24, 2006 9:39 PM
Brokebackmoutaincon said...: please retitle this move to KILLER ROBOTS FROM OUTER SPACE; August 24, 2006 9:43 PM
Milkatan Legendz said...: You guys had to ruin the franchise by giving us a cross between short circuit and aliens. This is a disgrace please stop making the movie right now and hand the script over to the dreamwave animation studio and let them draw the real transformers from G1 that we know. I would rather have another animated movie if you guys cant do a live action movie.; August 24, 2006 10:03 PM
Majewski79 said...: Something, somewhere, went terribly, terribly wrong. The "announcement" trailer rolls along and got me so god damn excited. I went nuts when I seen it, even though it didn't show much. The trailer looked and felt...so...Transformer-y. Then the leaked pictures came along. One by one, I sat in utter disbelief. WTF are they thinking? I kept saying to myself. Although I'm not big on the Prime design, when you first see it, instantly you say, oh shit, it's Prime! Bumblebee is okay, I actually like it a smudgen more than the G1 version. And instead of giving us the constructicons and Devastaor, we get the LAZY & CHEAP route in Bone crusher. Then the other guy, Blackout was it? Whatever the hell Bay's made up helicoptors name is, he looked good. Scorponok looks goods but, I'm still on the fence since his robot mode will probably look like shit. Then the ball dropped even firther into oblivion. Starscream. Well...We're told it's Starscream. Absolute, utter, disgusting, shitty GARBAGE design. Not even with SS's G1 color scheme would he be recognizable. Bad, BAD move.

Like another poster said, I said to myself okay well, sooner or later a Megatron pic will leak and everything will be fine. Little did I know, what was to come. Megatron pics leak. I seen it and was like, W.T.F.????? What is it??? "Megatron", or, rather Bay/Murphy's new IMPOSTER-CON....This so-called "Megatron" looks like shattered glass that was glued together by kids at my daughter's day camp. And Don Murphy and Co. can bullshit us all they want...Peter Cullen was ONLY brought on board to win fandom back after the TRASH that leaked. Shit, It doesn't even matter if Frank Welker gets brought on board, because to be honest, this ship is going to sink whether him and Cullen are in or out. As for Bay's and Murhpy's forum, they're filled to the brim with ass-kissing nonsense. I'm guessing they kiss ass because they thinkn it might win them over a "sneak peak" at something. It's absurd. Michael Bay, Don Murphy and everyone else involved, they should all be ashamed of themselves.

We understand that changes needed to be made, in fact we want it. But when you change something to the point of a fan not being able to recognize his/her fave character, than WTF is the point of doing it at all?
I can tell you exactly why us fans are getting what we're getting.
Take Peter Jackson for example. Like it or not, he took LOTR and made it into an unbelievable movie experience. Why? Because he cares and has respect for the source material.

FACT: Michael Bay, Don Murphy and Co....they DO NOT CARE about the source material, and they certainly don't care to us fans. Not to mention the TOTAL LACK OF RESPECT on top of it all. I'm so fucking disgusted.; August 24, 2006 10:56 PM
Beachcomber said...: I totally agree with you. Lately I've noticed a lot of fans giving G1 fans flack. Too many people scream at us and call us "geewunners" or "purists." This is not the case. We love all 22 years of Transformers. And like you said, there is a design aesthetic and style that has remained stable throughout the decades. We love this style. It's part of what makes Transformers well, Transformers. These new designs are NOT Transformers. They're just random-looking abstract hollywood robot exoskeletons, bionicles, and matrix-bots. Do the film makes just not care at all about the source material? I agree that we as a fandom have been insulted by the makers.; August 24, 2006 11:08 PM
Vulpis said...: Hmmm. I'm glad someone besides me noticed the similarity between the Autobot designs and Terminator. But has anyone else noticed how 'Spikatron' there looks like the Guyver? *sigh* The bad thing is, the designs in and of themselves aren't bad--they're just not *Transfomers*.; August 24, 2006 11:30 PM
Prizm said...: I have to say that I agree with this all of this. I don't mind change but this is rediclous. I want to take my son to this movie and he'll be four but I can't take him if they look like that it will scare him and I would not buy the toy either, I wouldn't want that scary thing in my house. If we wanted a Alien or preditor movie we'd go watch it. If I was an animator for this movie I'd be like what the heck is that thing. Well on a more postive note it did say that it was a work in progress so just hopfully it will change.; August 24, 2006 11:31 PM
tentagil said...: I'm going to be one of those rare people who disagree. I don't know if this is going to be a good movie or a bad movie, but I personally love the direction the designs are going in.

Megatron looks badass. And honestly I see several similiarities between this head and those of RID and Armada. Its a bit more organic looking in places but I still can see Megatron in it. On the other hand I can understand the complaints about not being able to tell what he turns into, but personally I prefer that. I like the more streamlined look without the kibble in bot mode.

Blackout I'm getting the moment he comes out. And Prime and Bumblebee both look pretty cool.

As for the He-Man comparison, the cartoon ended in 1985 as did the spinoff She-ra series. The toy line ended within a year or so of that, and by the time the movie came out in 1987 it didn't matter if it did well or not, the toys were already on the way out. It may be one of the worst movies of all time, but it can't really be blamed on the end of the toy line.; August 24, 2006 11:32 PM
Staldo said...: The designs of the transformers are far too overwrought, and seem to have very little to offer either new viewers or others . As far as Hollywood is concerned, this movie isnt a transformers movie, it's "the first major giant robot movie in 20 years" so they have made the designs some kind of unneccessary cross between anime robots,terminators and those alien things from the movie Returner(was that movie one of the main inspirations for the designers?). The only character that, to me, is remotely tolerable is Optimus Prime, just because it appears they made some remote attempt to preserve his signature looks (red and blue colors, the faceplate and helmet) Once again, if they did this with all the characters, the looks would be tolerable and enjoyable. I also certainly hope that the rumours of the script I have heard aren't true. Then the movie versions of our favorite robots aren't redeemed by characterization either. This would definitely parallel the situation with the Masters of the Universe movie, where the movie was brought in line with the sci-fi conventions of the day to supposedly make it "marketable" but instead became a near-unrecognizable mess. The other hope is, of course, that the movie would do well, and a sequel could be created where the transformers were redesigned to look like the characters we love, and the bizarreness of their appearance in this movie was explained as "the lack of material to rebuild their bodies" or something; August 24, 2006 11:50 PM
Jono said...: Well what can I say... I was lucky enough to be BANNED from Don Murphy forums.... lucky I was.... Migod I guess I should feel lucky Prime at least mildly resembles old G1 Oppy.... this is appalling.

What the hell is this?

It sure as hell ain't Megatron!; August 25, 2006 12:04 AM
anemis said...: well actually something must have happened....since the transformers thread on don,s murphy,s boards are GONE !! hum... maybe they,re rethinking the entire project.... god i hope they do.... why do they feel like they have to screw everything.... they should have done like they did with the x-men franchise and make fantastic movie while remaining true to it,s origins and RESPECT THE FANS; August 25, 2006 12:21 AM
trence5 said...: I know there's few people here who say that this drastic change is a good thing, but its not just this but the fact these designs aren't all that good. You mean to tell that Bay and Co. couldn't have combined their "vision" with some of Figueroa's awe-inspiring art to come up wit something that would make both camps happy? C'mon tentagil, and I don't care what anyone sez, Starscream is just.............. atrocious!; August 25, 2006 12:44 AM
Gatewave said...: Boo-yah, man.

you nailed it, this is all terrible.

I HOPE TO GOD everyone involved with the movie read things like this and realize that what they are about to do could bastardize a truely beloved franchise when this movie could've had so much to offer.

They could've been BIG. I mean beyond big. Beyond Pirates of the Caribbean big. Beyond Titanic and Jurassic Park big.

but there is sadly not much hope left now. not after this.

the only people working behind the scenes of the movie i think i have any respect for as human beings are Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, the writers. So far they have been doing a good job. All the artists working on this, however, should be fired and should NEVER have been allowed to work on this.

this movie once had me more excited than possibly anything in my life, and i think that also goes for a lot of people who are now simply dissappointed.

Great job guys. Great job alienating the fan base and (god willing) ruining your careers.

hopefully the NEXT transformers movie they make will get it RIGHT.; August 25, 2006 12:51 AM
Wonky said...: You really want to raise a stink? Write a letter to Access Hollywood about how you feel about the movie's direction.

Now's the time--the fan input for Snakes on a Plane is a hot topic right now. Make the comparison. Who knows, if they get enough letters, they might just do a story about this.

http://www.accesshollywood.com/insideaccess/contactus/; August 25, 2006 1:07 AM
Oerwinde said...: At least Masters of the Universe had a reason to suck. They had such a low budget that they had to set it on earth to save money on sets and effects. TF has a 150 million dollar budget. Theres not excuse for it to stray so far away.; August 25, 2006 1:08 AM
zxmagus said...: I've been constantly dissapointed how they have misstreated the source materal but this is just going too far how can you even claim that this is megatron in any way it dose look cool but it dosn't look a thing like megatron this is one bastardization too much.

Bay and co you have been constantly been cutting back on the decpticons completly not realizeing that they are a main component to our love of the transformer series with out compelling villians transformers looses all it's falvor.

can both camps just agree to just call this gobots.; August 25, 2006 1:50 AM
Tom said...: I agree 100%. We need an official boycott the Transformers movie website.; August 25, 2006 1:58 AM
swarlock said...: I cannot tell you how dissapointed I am in Michael Bay and Don Murphy for what this movie will become. I cannot tell you what
I know in my heart may happen when it comes out in theaters next year.

But the fandom can do better than these guys and we know we can. I've seen it in talented people who write fanfics, make tribute movies and parodies of The TFs, even do fan dubs from the show that haven't officially been released here yet. To you all,
keep up the good work. Because it's better to do it yourself than expect someone else to do the thing justice.; August 25, 2006 2:03 AM
Jive said...: The reason he doesn't look *right* is because he's still in his cybertronian form.

He hasn't adapted to a earth-based disquise yet, as I'm sure he will do by the end of the movie after Prime kicks his ass and he has to go off and hide like usual.

Hasn't he been frozen in the arctic for 1000 years or something in the movie? I've heard rumours to that effect and the pictures of him covered in ice kinda go along with that. There wasn't any technology to copy back then.; August 25, 2006 2:20 AM
Mike K. said...: Megatron...just horrible...nothing resembles Megs in any way. My faith was back up with the releases of Prime...but Megs...holy crap...how could you f' up one of the most iconic bots of all time?

Jeezus...the designers should watch a few movies, and take some inspiration from TF...not freakin' Guyver.; August 25, 2006 2:27 AM
Viper2391 said...: Well written piece, passionate and straightforward -- I like it. Like everyone else in the whole, I too was among you guys who was elated when I first heard that the Transformers will be made into a movie. I think the timing was right since technology can now allow us to do this -- AWESOME. But not a day passess and this movie generates more hate than love. I mean if this movie is'nt made for the fans, then whom are they trying to please? Fans made the Transformers what it is today and fans are the reason why those producers, executives filty rich so fans deserve a little pat on the back. It's like saying hey, fans thank you for all of the support now as an act of gratitude I give you the Transformers that you deserved. This movie can easily topple StarWars and other blockbuster films coz most of the fans who grew up with TFs are now parents and would want to introduce their children to Transformers. It's too early to tell but the way things are shapping out, its starting to look like a DISASTER.
The Transformers characters like Optimus Prime, Megatron, Bumblebee, Starscream, Soundware are iconic and that alone should be given respect. The film should be renamed to Transformers the Movie: No not the Transformers but a different Transformers. Thanks!; August 25, 2006 2:52 AM
Kusanagi said...: I am going with Jive on his take. Probably we will see a more similar Megs after he has adapted to the earth disguise. But that could just be me, because knowing Michael Bay, he would probably give crap justifications like "Megatron feels he has no need to adapt to the Earth form as the current form will strike fear into the humans...yadda..yadaa..yadaa.."

I mean I do enjoy his movies and I am an avid Transformer fan, I will still watch it, but I will think it can never measure up to the original charm of Transformers. To me if things are not done right, it would be another "Giant Robot Movie No. 34"

Somehow, the Ultraman Movie looks more cooler and faithful to the original.; August 25, 2006 3:30 AM
G. French said...: I am, sadly, forced to agree with most of the complaints regarding the transformer designs. I was keeping an open mind, and with regards to story, directorial flare etc.. I still am, but the design department has quite simply made something that is not recogniseable as Transformers. Yes, the TF look has changed a lot over the years, and yes, generally become increasingly complex, but these designs are so far removed from the source material as to be completely unrecogniseable as Transformers. Think about it: Megatron has gone from gun to tank to dinosaur to dragon, and been all sorts of things inbetween. He has had several totally different face/head designs (compare G1 to Armada or Cybertron). Yet still, fans have accepted these new interpentations as Megatron, because they have been appropriate to the character. They accepted all sorts of changes, but not this. Because this quite simply doesn't look like Megatron. In fact, it in no way looks like a Transformer design. If they cannot even make the titular robots look like Transformers, one has to begin wondering why they didn't simply create their own seperate story. Seperate from Transformers. This really is... not good. And Starscream...; August 25, 2006 3:47 AM
Genocyde said...: If a movie about Snakes on a Plane can be made because of the fans screaming about it, surely the TF fans can combine to have their collective voices heard.; August 25, 2006 4:17 AM
Glyph said...: Honestly, I like the robots, for the most part. When I first saw the Megatron pics, the first thought that went through my mind was "wow, that thing's scary". I spent a little while examining the plates, trying to figure out what moved where. However, at no point in all that time did the thought enter my mind that it looked anything like Megatron. What I did think was that it looked like the hybrid child of the Guyver and the Predator, but nothing like a Transformer.

For my part, I think the biggest mistake the design team have made (in terms of the iconic look of the TF brand, at least) is to forget that these are robots with their own iconic look which turn into appreciable imitations of Earthen vehicles for the purpose of disguise. They're not regular Earthen vehicles, right down to every facet of engineering, that can somehow morph into any robot design you care to give them. It's the robots who have the iconic look - which, as has been mentioned, generally includes armour and the visible presence of alt-mode pieces - not the altmode. We constantly hear that these designs had to be altered for the sake of 'realism', but that smacks of sophistry to me: if the writers have to come up with some kind of 'nanotech' explanation for how the plates join seamlessly and break up for the transformation - not to mention the fact that we're talking *giant sentient robots from outer space* here - realism is already out of the equation. The designs look like this because, in Hollywood, scary aliens are insectoid. Scary robots are shiny, insectoid and spiky. That's all. This is not an 'update' of the TF brand; this is generic Hollywood design with a few TF ideas pasted on.

I really, really hope the designers haven't misjudged this. OK, they've clearly alienated the fanbase already, but I'm really hoping that they haven't made it too generic to appeal to the mass audience. Every recent blockbuster based on a comic or cartoon franchise - I hesitate to say 'nostalgia cash-in', even though I know full well that's what it's about - has successfully merged progress with continuity in updating the franchise's iconic look: Wolverine's hair and claws, Spider-man's red and blue suit, Batman's mask and ears, Superman's blue tights and red cape, and so on. The flops have all tried to hard to change things according to their own vision and have lost sight of what made the original so much fun, whether by introducing change for change's sake or simply by trying to slap character names and a few 'personality lines' into a stock action-movie script without regard for the existing material. Witness Catwoman, Daredevil, Hulk...

To all those claiming that the look isn't important as long as the characters are right: sorry, but you're wrong. Character only matters to the fanbase. The look is what will draw in the casual fans, the ones who used to enjoy TF 20 years ago but haven't given it a thought since then.

I want this movie to be a success. I really do. I want it to top the ratings, spawn sequels and introduce thousands of new fans to the brand. But I'm concerned that everything I've seen so far puts it into the latter category of nostalgia movies I described above, not the former. The only hope I have left for this movie's mass appeal is that enough people will want to see it simply because it has big, cool robots in it that it will outweigh the fact that it doesn't look like what they remember as Transformers at all. In short, I hope the movie is 'cool' enough in its own right to draw the crowds, because it certainly can't trade on being a Transformers movie from what I can see.; August 25, 2006 4:42 AM
Gojira Prime said...: I hafta admit the designs are good. I'm impressed...but at the same time very sad. It's way not the Transformers I've known and loved (G1)... not even close to the BeastWars designs.

But I was really expecting the hollywood designs to look like these since I've heard that there are plans to make TF in to a live movie.

We all know the basis of the TF designs we grew up with. It takes heavily from its strong Japanese Super Robot anime roots, ie.: smooth humanoid faces in helmets, blocky hands and body parts... which is way cool.
Bay and Co. simply cannot take the known, core TF designs as "realistic" or "logical"... same thing TRISTAR did with the westernization of Godzilla.

I was thinking the only way the accepted old TF look would work is to somewhat recreate the old 80's feel of the cartoon. With a little 80s camp in the story and an 80s rock and roll soundtrack. Focus more on adventure and fun rather than this "realism" and deep SCIFI stuff... More fans will be happy.

Screw realism. this is Transformers. Aliens don't call themselves "Jazz", "Bumblebee" or "HotRod" in another planet before learning the English language...then again I could be wrong.; August 25, 2006 4:43 AM
Skyfire/Caliburn said...: To be honest, I could not agree more with the sentiments in this article.
Though I am not a 100% purist on the design of the transformers, I cannot
say otherwise then that the designs for the movie are abyssmally horrendous.
Given that most live-action movies are bad enough on their own I had little hope to start with, but as more and more "features" of this movie were unveiled my heart sank and frankly has long since hit bottom,
this is just another power-rangers movie wherin the zords have been designed by a madman on drugs who's been watching alien, predator and powerranger movies for far too long.
Not even the reclaiming of the original voiceactors could soften the impact of this film which by now deserves to win all raspberry awards!

I hope that those who where involved with the original series (and the follow-up series) will read this article and join in the voice of protest coming from the fanbase (which is enormous even when quiet) and thus aid in pulling the plug on this disasterous venture...; August 25, 2006 4:51 AM
Gojira Prime said...: I hafta admit the designs are good. I'm impressed...but at the same time very sad. It's way not the Transformers I've known and loved (G1)... not even close to the BeastWars designs.

But I was really expecting the hollywood designs to look like these since I've heard that there are plans to make TF in to a live movie.

We all know the basis of the TF designs we grew up with. It takes heavily from its strong Japanese Super Robot anime roots, ie.: humanoid metalic faces in helmets, blocky hands and body parts... which is way cool.
Bay and Co. simply cannot take the known, core TF designs as "realistic" or "logical"... same thing TRISTAR did with the westernization of Godzilla.

I was thinking the only way the accepted old TF look would work is to somewhat recreate the old 80's feel of the cartoon. With a little 80s camp in the story and an 80s rock and roll soundtrack. Focus more on adventure and fun rather than this "realism" and deep SCIFI stuff... More fans will be happy.

Screw realism. this is Transformers. Aliens don't call themselves "Jazz", "Bumblebee" or "HotRod" in another planet before learning the English language...then again I could be wrong.; August 25, 2006 5:35 AM
Vector Sigma.. said...: in my memorie....and to this day , the future

the GEN 1 BOTS...o so cool !!!!

now i have seen the Megatron pics...and i think for myself..and a lot of other fans..

that we al can say...

I AM PROUD !!!!

THAT I HAVE GROWN UP WHIT THE GENERATION 1 !!!; August 25, 2006 5:49 AM
Sherman said...: Three word for ya Bay and company

"Jar-jar Binks"

But unlike George Lucas, you didn't originate this franchise
and you don't have 22 years of movie to match up to,
Because if you did, then the Transformers will have some semblance to the "blocky" G1 Transformers, rather than what this mish-mash is quickly devolving into.
You are going to sink an already foundering Paramount studios, remember "Enterprise" which the fans stayed away from in droves, even throwing them the origin of ridgeless Klingons was too little too late.

If you don't do a major redesign and get off this "Four Horsemen re-imagining kick, The fans are going to be and are up in arms, the hardcore ones, the ones who suffered emotional trauma when Optimus Prime died from mortal damage at the hands of Megatron, the ones who grumbled a bit but eventually accepted Garry Chalk as the new voice of Prime, because even though it was a gorilla, Optimus Primal showed the link in the evolution of a single lineage from Orion Pax to the captain of the Axilon.
In a market of diminishing returns from multi-million dollar big budget movies, this is a bad move. Even bringing Frank Welker on board as the Voice of Megatron isn't going to help.; August 25, 2006 6:17 AM
Spoon said...: Support Seibertron in the fight against the rotten spots in this movie (lots of rotten spots to cut out of this apple...); August 25, 2006 6:32 AM
Kym B said...: I realise the designs would need revising for the big screen. Thats cool, we all knew it had to happen.

But these designs are so far removed from everything I love in Transformers aesthetics, across all generations, its untrue.

What was the point of getting the license for this property if you're not actually gonna give us what we want?

To y'all who like 'em. Good for you. To all my fellow TF fans who think this is just one big step too far in the wrong direction: I hear ya.

AT least, as a girl, there will be "hot boys" (a la that recent webcast) in there for me to look at. Good job too, as the things that I'm giving up my hard earned money to see, the Transformers themselves are being shafted.

The Megatron and Starscream designs are so far off the mark I can't even bring myself to look at them anymore.

Regards,

One pissed off, and up til now open-minded fan; August 25, 2006 6:49 AM
Funk Knight said...: On no! I can understand a revamp - but - Look at superman returns, batman begins, Spiderman, X-men - All have been revamped a little, just enough to keep it modern and to work on film, but the core of the art design and presence of the characters stayed very true. I was really looking forward to Prime vs Megs and sometime getting the Dinobots involved. I am going to give the movie a chance and I am willing to see where they go with it - BUT - this isn't core transformers design or approach! These guys should not be called transformers but morphers. All their joints are so small that will look like they are morphing or changing organically. I suppose that is the aim, but I have shed all my hopes of a transformers film now - and will be sitting to watch a new sci fi film instead. I only hope that Prime and Megatron can be as iconic in the film as they are in the comic and cartoon. If they mess that up - there is no film, just a lot of people running scared from alien invaders - the 'War of the Worlds' approach seems to be taking over the Transformers story. Shame.; August 25, 2006 6:50 AM
PimpNOTmyPrime said...: "Hello", filmmakers....Whats going on......what you doin.........what you been smokin?

Megatron is looking grim.

Starscream is comical. (I wonder if they have standized door ways on cybertron because I was wondering if that version of SS had to walk sideways through like a crab); August 25, 2006 6:55 AM
Nac said...: After having time to think about why they might have designed these guys in the way they have I can understand the reasons. These are 3d models that will have to move in a manner that is more human than robotic and that needs a certain amount of give in the structure. So perhaps huge great metal panels arnt they way to go.

However, they should still look like who they are meant to look like. I can make my peace with most of the designs, Prime and Bumblebee still have an element of their basic design cues there. Megatron and Starscream. Starscream looks like a TF but is not Starscream but Megatrons design has no place in this movie.

I dont really see the need to mess with well established characters. They wouldnt have made Superman ginger.

Perhaps they should have used the design team behind those Citroen adverts. That was the look I ( and I imagine most others ) was hoping for from this movie.; August 25, 2006 7:06 AM
dacowie said...: Everything on the film was looking OK up until this point. Prime looked like Prime, Bumblebee looked similar to Bumblebee, Starscream looked a little like Starscream if you squinted a bit, and Blackout was looking utterly Badass.

Now this. I'm nota G1 purist, I'm not even a hardcore follower of Transformers. So this isn't purism, this is 'I know what I like, and this isn't it'. The design doesn't look like Megs. It would be a good design for another Character, it might even work for Skorpinok, but NOT for Megs. It doesn't look like an intellegent leader, it looks like a faceless background goon.

Hopefully this is going to be something crazy like his Cybertronian form, and once he gets defrosted he'll change into something a little more suitable.

Hopefully.; August 25, 2006 7:13 AM
Flowman said...: Can't wait for this... alien to come out as a toy for the children to play with. Imagening how many children's eyes will be poked out while playing with this, and the lawsuits Bay will have to deal with, makes me think it'll all be worthwhile. Bay and Spielberg will get what they deserve.; August 25, 2006 7:42 AM
desert_starr_57 said...: "As for the He-Man comparison, the cartoon ended in 1985 as did the spinoff She-ra series. The toy line ended within a year or so of that, and by the time the movie came out in 1987 it didn't matter if it did well or not, the toys were already on the way out. It may be one of the worst movies of all time, but it can't really be blamed on the end of the toy line."

I hate to break it to you, but She-ra started in 1985. It did not end in 1985. He-man ended in 1985, but they tried to overhaul it in 1989. By then, the massive changes and the movie killed it. I hope I don't see history repeating itself here.

I think most everyone agrees that the designs are good, they just aren't Transformers. Where the other characters still resemble the characters Megatron is nowhere even close. Starscream is almost as bad.

If the Megatron design was not a Transformer and from another movie then it would be an amazing design--he is super creepy! But, a Transformer, he is not!!!

If it were his Cybertronian form, then I could understand it. From what I have heard from leaked sources online, he probably doesn't change his appearance. If it was explaines as such, it would make sense. For the sake of the fans and the franchise they should have allowed him to change into something recongizable if this was the case.

Starscream...If his head was different..maybe it wouldn't be so bad. I know I kind of liked the other characters. My husband on the other hand flipped out about them ;) I feel bad because he was sooo excited about this movie and the new toys. I was kind of excited too because I grew up watching the series and playing G1 Transformers with my brother.

It isn't like we are trying to be spoiled brats and demand an only G1 story line and look. We just want to be able to see something that is at least partially recognizable. Good think they aren't hiring people to redo other icons.

Like The Statue of Liberty
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/KneonT/statue-of-liberty2.jpg
Santa Claus
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/KneonT/santa2.jpg
Or even...Mickey Mouse!
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y75/KneonT/mickeynewdesign.jpg

People would find these things obsurd. Yet, they took another Icon like Megatron and turned him into that thing.; August 25, 2006 8:27 AM
Kneon Transitt said...: Yes, that was "Mrs. Transitt" who has been putting up with my obscene Transformers collection for the past five years. Now you see why I married her? ;); August 25, 2006 8:32 AM
Majewski79 said...: Another thing I don't understand is that people keep saying, this is Megatron in his Cybertronion form. I hate to break the news to you guys but, you are sadly mistaken. When they find him frozen in ice, he's already on Earth! This is his only form we will see. People need to admit that Bay, Murphy and the rest of the two-bit-hacks raping this movie fucked up. Optimus Prime, Starscream & Megatron are the top three Transformers who NEED TO BE RECOGNIZABLE. With that, these goons are batting 1 for 3, with Prime only being recognizbale because of his color scheme. It's a disgrace. This movie will tank. I can hear the tranformers talk as I type this:

Starscream: "Megatron? Is that you???"
Megatron: "Here's a hint!"
(pulls out old photographs)
Starscream"Damn I thought these guys fucked me up!"
Ironhide: "You're days are numbered now Decpticreeps!"
Frenzy: "STFU..All our days are numbered..."
Prime: Where is the matrix when ya need it? It could destroy Bay and Co. forever!
Megatron: It will do you no good Autobot...like it or not, we are allies now, aginast a common foe in Bay and Co.
Prime: Guys, let's deactivate ourselves...Until the day, till all are one."
Unicron: You guys are overreacting! Just imagine what they'll do to me in future installments!"
Starscream: This whole thing is FUBAR.; August 25, 2006 8:39 AM
HellSpawn said...: First of all, I can't wait to see the Transformers live action movie.

Second: I think the designs are very good. I firmly believe that Megatron will kick ass in this form, if they give him some hefty firepower. I bet you he'll scare the crap out of all those little kids who are with their family watching the movie! And by the time they'll leave after the show, first thing they'll do is got to the local toystore and get themselves al those cool toys they saw in the movie.

Third: I'm an eighties man, grown up with the original toys and cartoons that I'm still collecting. So I'm going to the movie with an open mind, like with every new series they made after the G1 era.; August 25, 2006 8:59 AM
Mikamaru said...: think about how hard it will be to transform these if they are going to look anything like the movie but still ill get mgatron first. i can predict the ending of the movie optimus defeats megatron the megatron gets thrown in this black hole thing then they have a scene where they say we won and saved earth yay then at the very end and megatron will be a white color with a kind of different look then he will be galvatron. tThat leaves it open for the second movie. Ive always been a good fane of Megatron hes my fave. character. so this prediction is probably true hahahhaha.; August 25, 2006 9:13 AM
Bubba-Smith said...: Who are all these sad people who are posting more than once trying to make it look like more people disagree with this Blog than actually do.

Awesome blog....well said.; August 25, 2006 9:20 AM
Ju.Ke said...: Before I saw the trailer... I thought it would only last 1 week in the cinemas. After viewing the trailer.... I thought, this movie might be decent after all. Now after seeing Prime, Megatron, Starscream and bubblebee.... Im not sure it will even last 2 days.

I think this movie should try to draw back those fans who still remember transformers from their childhood. They should see a red robot and say... "hey that's Optimus Prime... I had him as a kid" and not see something that transforms but looks like rubbish.

*biggest disappointment for me since the first Final Fantasy movie came out*; August 25, 2006 10:28 AM
Silent_Death said...: I agree with all, but all this complaining won't do much, they won't change shit, but we can hope.

Dame you Bay!; August 25, 2006 10:29 AM
EAM said...: Just wondering how HASBRO is going to make these into toys. If the alternators are a little tough for grown-ups, imagine kids transforming pin cushions.; August 25, 2006 10:54 AM
cruizerdave said...: I agree totally. Why make them so unrecognizable? I know that Bay and company want to have their own vision, but these designs go so far that the TFs wind up looking like a who lot of nothing. All detail, no substance. Part of what made TFs so great was the personality of each character, which was created with the original toys and carried through the cartoon and comics. Inspite of being giant, transforming robots, the TFs were human in their emotions, personalities and conflicts. These designs have no personality.; August 25, 2006 10:54 AM
Bill said...: I mean I have read most of what is being said, and no one seems to actually realize that this is a re-imagining if you will of the initial G1 offering, and while they are trying to stay pretty true to form, they are changing some aspects of it. You sit here and bad mouth it without seeing a finished product, nor without understand the context. Megatron is an alien warlord. That is G1 Canon, he thinks humans are inferior and weak. He is not going to change to a human based form like Prime and the Autobots because that makes him weak as well. So he is not a tank like War Within, big deal. I think it is an inventive concept for such a character, and if you really want to worry about someone treading all over your precious 1980's memories, go after WB for their supposed re-issue of the Thundercats (as seen on AICN):

WB animation is remaking the Thundercats as an animated TV series. The animation style is whimsical, Americanized-anime, along the lines of Teen Titans.

The setting is modern-day Earth, in a major city (possibly LA)
The Thundercats are all teenagers. Their leader is Snarf (!) who is now a mystic with a "third" eye. Each of the Thundercats has a weapon with an "Eye of Thunderra" and transformative powers (not just Lion-O)

When they aren't fighting evil, the Thundercats play together as a rock band. That's not a typo, or a joke. They are rockin' cats in their present form.
Mum-Ra now has wings.; August 25, 2006 10:57 AM
R.Nav said...: I think you're reading too much conspiracy in the whole matter.

While I agree that the Megatron design looks boring, it needs something to distinguish it.. I don't think it's part of some sort of conspiracy to crap on all things Transformers as many seem to believe.

Frankly, the robots look alien. I like that. I DO wish the designs were a bit more "Solid" to them, yes but until there's some way better high-res pictures I'm not fully sold or turned off one way or another.

And really.. if I've been told to STFU!! for the past decade or so regarding a dinosaur head on megatron's arm, I think I can live with Starscream having chicken feet :); August 25, 2006 10:58 AM
desert_starr_57 said...: "While I agree that the Megatron design looks boring, it needs something to distinguish it.. I don't think it's part of some sort of conspiracy to crap on all things Transformers as many seem to believe."

I don't think that is what people are saying at all. I think that people are just upset because this version of Megatron looks NOTHING at all like Megatron. I think saying that people think it is a big conspiracy against fans is a bit much.

Most people expected change. Most people kind of looked forward to it. Megatron isn't just changed, it is a completely different entity entirely. There is nothing connecting it to Megatron. I think people agree that the design is great, for a sci-fi robot movie, it is NOT a Transformers inspired creation. If something is based on or inspired by there is usually some connection to the original. This is a complete departure with only the name staying the same.

If people do feel that it is a "conspiracy" what are they basing it on? Perhaps the condescending and egocentric attitudes of the "powers that be." Granted, they are in charge of the production, but ultimately the money talks. No fan support= a huge drop in financial support.

If you are going to do an homage to something you DO NOT ignore the source material. You read it, you watch it, you talk to the fans and creators. You don't just reinvent it because you feel like it and you like the power trip. That is an insult to everything that came before it. In art we have a saying " Know the rules before you break them." I think that would definetely apply here.; August 25, 2006 11:27 AM
desert_starr_57 said...: "While I agree that the Megatron design looks boring, it needs something to distinguish it.. I don't think it's part of some sort of conspiracy to crap on all things Transformers as many seem to believe."

I don't think that is what people are saying at all. I think that people are just upset because this version of Megatron looks NOTHING at all like Megatron. I think saying that people think it is a big conspiracy against fans is a bit much.

Most people expected change. Most people kind of looked forward to it. Megatron isn't just changed, it is a completely different entity entirely. There is nothing connecting it to Megatron. I think people agree that the design is great, for a sci-fi robot movie, it is NOT a Transformers inspired creation. If something is based on or inspired by there is usually some connection to the original. This is a complete departure with only the name staying the same.

If people do feel that it is a "conspiracy" what are they basing it on? Perhaps the condescending and egocentric attitudes of the "powers that be." Granted, they are in charge of the production, but ultimately the money talks. No fan support= a huge drop in financial support.

If you are going to do an homage to something you DO NOT ignore the source material. You read it, you watch it, you talk to the fans and creators. You don't just reinvent it because you feel like it and you like the power trip. That is an insult to everything that came before it. In art we have a saying " Know the rules before you break them." I think that would definetely apply here.; August 25, 2006 11:27 AM
Tony said...: I like the designs, sure they're not G1, but as far as I'm concerned that's just fine. This is the year 2006 after all, not 1984. G1 died well over a decade ago, why does it have to keep coming back from the dead like Kirk in the William Shatner books?
Yes, I do agree that this new Megatron looks very odd, but it makes sense since the intention of the movie is to show the Transformers as a purely alien race and Megatron fits that idea perfectly. I do admit that I wouldn't have minded seeing this Megatron have a tank mode or something even more deadly like a large battle platform, but we can't get our own way in life just because we say so.
At least the Transformers haven't been turned into Power Rangers or something even worse than that, they're still Transformers, they're just done to fit the demands of those who will make a profit from the movie, not the fans. Bear in mind that it's those who know nothing about Transformers who are making the demands on the appearance of the movie bots, if they say they must look alien and nothing like the fans are used to, then that's the way it's going to be.
It's like that in everything where huge profits are made, it never matters what the costumers want, it's what the people who run the company want and that's showing with the designs for this movie. I like the designs because they're new, yet I would have liked a little more listening to the fans, especially the long term fans who have liked Transfomers since the 80s.
But this is the real world, we as the costumers don't have a say. The movie will either be good, alright or terrible, why complain about it when it's not even been released yet? A lot of thought has gone into these designs, it shows. I don't mind change for the Transformers francise, it stops it from being bogged down and becoming stale. It's better to wait and see how it turns out than to moan and complain over something we don't have any say in.
We're only the fans, we're not the creators of the Transformers francise. We buy, we don't say what we want since we're not heard. Most likely a lot of the movie's creators know nothing about Transformers or know a little and don't want to say anything. It's like that for a lot of movies made out of francises, like the Mario movie from the 90s. Fans don't make the choices, only the big companies make the choices.; August 25, 2006 12:20 PM
Mikamaru said...: LOL its going to be so funny little kids watching the movie then megatron pops up ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! little kids will say momy i have to go to the bathroom and never come back.; August 25, 2006 12:35 PM
Autobus Prime said...: Folks:

'Classics' was more than a fan-pacifier, I think. No company is going to produce several elaborate products solely to make 15% of their customers happy, unless they can sell them to the other 85% as well. What does strike me as odd is this big attempt to reintroduce most of the movie cast as toys with designs that strongly evoke the G1 models. There goes any chance that kids who never saw G1 will see movie Bumblebee and say 'Yup, that's Bumblebee', or that non-fans with vague memories will see movie Prime and say 'Um, yeah, that looks like I remember him, I think.'. It's almost as if they're trying to protect their designs from their own marketing, isn't it?; August 25, 2006 12:38 PM
Kneon Transitt said...: An attempt at doing something positive with this fiasco:
http://kneontransitt.blogspot.com/2006/08/don-murphy-calls-disgruntled-fans.html; August 25, 2006 12:49 PM
Psykes said...: All of this chat is fine and dandy but lets be realistic this "Transformers"
( in inverted commas the size of Unicrons gonads *) movie is what we all expected if we are honest with ourselves. Hollywood has lost the plot, in this case figuratively and literally, and our friends at Hasbro just want the cash (all legal disclamers apply).
No-one involved is likely to read anything we write. If they do, what do they care?
Let it go. As a veteran fan I say screw 'em ! Indifferance hurts a film more than controversy..........
( * Yes before you say it Im well aware that He does'nt actualy have nadgers....... which explains it all really.....); August 25, 2006 12:51 PM
Kneon Transitt said...: So, Autobus Prime: Are you saying that you think Hasbro fears this movie isn't going to sit well, and are trying to keep a foot firmly grounded in G1 "just in case" the movie toys fail?; August 25, 2006 12:51 PM
Staldo said...: In defense of the designers, they seem to have worked very hard to give us something we have never seen before. If they were lazier, they could have just taken the original characters' looks, added some shadows and dirt and chrome to make them realistic, and the fans would be having orgasms of happiness. In practice, this movie Megatron IS something I have never seen before, but unfortunately, that is the T-X from Terminator 3's butch lesbian cousin.; August 25, 2006 1:01 PM
BC said...: I was planning to take my 6 year old nephew and 8 year old niece to see the movie on 7/4/7. My nephew is just crazy over the toys and rarely even seen the Cybertron series.

But I look at the images of the robots ( prime and megatron ) and I can't just imagine the way they look will make them say they want either as a toy let alone I'd really let them see these mechanical monsters.; August 25, 2006 1:28 PM
Covenant said...: Kneon Transitt, you have my respect. As you can see with the majority of comments/replies below your typings, you are far from alone in your entirely accurate assumptions. Always nice to know sentiment is shared among TF fans from different websites.; August 25, 2006 2:06 PM
Osiris said...: Oh, Unicron my lord
I really don't like "The Michael Bay's Transformers". Why dont they do like Peter Jackson that called the designers most consagred from the Lord of the Rings to do "The Lord of the Rings Design"???; August 25, 2006 2:17 PM
Major Rudolph said...: Anyone who thinks we should be "greatful we are getting a transformers movie" is just plain dumb. The transformers is such a visually intensive mythology it was going to be made at some point BOTTOM LINE. The only question ever was....."Will they be smart enough to respect the franchise for what it is".; August 25, 2006 2:37 PM
Scott the fan said...: Can anything else be said? Lets be honest this film is being made because we all went mad for the Dreamwave G1 comic when it was released. The comic that featured the original g1 cast........is it really that hard to see how teh film shoul have gone? G1 CAST = LOTS OF MONEY AND SPIN OFF VALUE, UNKNOWN RIP-OFFS = GOOD FIRST FILM WITH A DROP IN INTEREST SHORTLY AFTERWARDS.

Change the designs, fine but keep them in line. STOP SHOOTING THIS FILM NOW and rethink what you are doing. We know this film will be targeted at people who are new to TF, but a lot of us are old hands, think about it......; August 25, 2006 2:43 PM
Kneon's a Douche said...: owned your ass

http://www.d13satellite.com/donmurphy/showthread.php?s=&postid=699156#post699156; August 25, 2006 2:48 PM
Marcelo - Brazil said...: This is a terror movie ??? Fred Krueger is Autobot or Decepticon ????; August 25, 2006 3:03 PM
Tigertracks 24 said...: I just, I am pretty much speechless at this point.

Something which was meant to be the ultimate for our fan base, a unifier, a fantastic event that would celebrate Transformers, etc., is really turning into something else entirely.

Justifiably there are many bitter folks on both sides. I fully understand both people's sides, and cannot seem to choose one or the other, although I fall more toward the side that feels "change is good, but this is going too far."

I cannot see myself not supporting a Transformers effort though. I was never a big fan of the new cartoon, and comics for Armada and Energon, or even Cybertron, but foolishly, I bought them, bought toys in them, and tried to accept them as similar to what I enjoyed as a child, but it was different for me to experience them as an adult, in the way that I enjoyed G1 as a child.

I, for some reason, love Transformers, and have since I was 10, and would feel very odd NOT supporting an effort in the Transformers field based on some designs that I do not fully like or understand.

I do understand that this could be a big turning point for the fandom, similar to (but possibly much worse than) when Dreamwave folded and we were left going...huh, what happened. I hope that Bay, Murphy, and company do take a step back and consider what they are doing to not only a franchise and its fanbase, but what they are doing to their own reps in the process. I cannot fathom to understand where they are going with the designs, and plot that I have seen so far. It would be nice if they could show us something that will make us feel good about what is happening rather than bad.

Nicely written blog. I know we are all passionate folks, but I wish people could debate their points in the responses without the name calling, the talking down, and the bullying that happens.

I wish I could be one of my brother's right now. They have no idea what is going on, heck they probably don't even remember that I have told them that there will be a live action Transformers movie next summer, but I bet they will go see it, and fortunately for them, they will not have all this prior knowledge to deal with. They can simply try to enjoy a movie based on the franchise from their childhoods, and discuss how weak, or strong it was in comparison to what they remember.

I have no advice for either side of the argument. I do hope the designs get a little more recognizable. I also hope, no matter what happens with the movie next summer, that the Transformers toys, comics, cartoons, and mythos do more than survive, but become stronger.

This is supposed to be a great time to be a Transfan, let's hope DM, SS, MB, and everyone else, including us fans, allow it to be and make it into the spectacular event it is supposed to be, and not a point for contention, and disappointment.

(Removes 'rose-colored glasses' now, and steps down from the pedestal, back into the shadows.); August 25, 2006 3:25 PM
Tigertracks 24 said...: I just, I am pretty much speechless at this point.

Something which was meant to be the ultimate for our fan base, a unifier, a fantastic event that would celebrate Transformers, etc., is really turning into something else entirely.

Justifiably there are many bitter folks on both sides. I fully understand both people's sides, and cannot seem to choose one or the other, although I fall more toward the side that feels "change is good, but this is going too far."

I cannot see myself not supporting a Transformers effort though. I was never a big fan of the new cartoon, and comics for Armada and Energon, or even Cybertron, but foolishly, I bought them, bought toys in them, and tried to accept them as similar to what I enjoyed as a child, but it was different for me to experience them as an adult, in the way that I enjoyed G1 as a child.

I, for some reason, love Transformers, and have since I was 10, and would feel very odd NOT supporting an effort in the Transformers field based on some designs that I do not fully like or understand.

I do understand that this could be a big turning point for the fandom, similar to (but possibly much worse than) when Dreamwave folded and we were left going...huh, what happened. I hope that Bay, Murphy, and company do take a step back and consider what they are doing to not only a franchise and its fanbase, but what they are doing to their own reps in the process. I cannot fathom to understand where they are going with the designs, and plot that I have seen so far. It would be nice if they could show us something that will make us feel good about what is happening rather than bad.

Nicely written blog. I know we are all passionate folks, but I wish people could debate their points in the responses without the name calling, the talking down, and the bullying that happens.

I wish I could be one of my brother's right now. They have no idea what is going on, heck they probably don't even remember that I have told them that there will be a live action Transformers movie next summer, but I bet they will go see it, and fortunately for them, they will not have all this prior knowledge to deal with. They can simply try to enjoy a movie based on the franchise from their childhoods, and discuss how weak, or strong it was in comparison to what they remember.

I have no advice for either side of the argument. I do hope the designs get a little more recognizable. I also hope, no matter what happens with the movie next summer, that the Transformers toys, comics, cartoons, and mythos do more than survive, but become stronger.

This is supposed to be a great time to be a Transfan, let's hope DM, SS, MB, and everyone else, including us fans, allow it to be and make it into the spectacular event it is supposed to be, and not a point for contention, and disappointment.

(Removes 'rose-colored glasses' now, and steps down from the pedestal, back into the shadows.); August 25, 2006 3:27 PM
Juan Abrego said...: I have greats reasons to go watch Fantastic four and Spiderman, leaving behind the crap, Murphy do noy learn about the old mistakes, the league of extraordinere..blah blah blah, was a big mistake, and right now is doing the same thing, exactly the same thing...; August 25, 2006 3:47 PM
Barfolemew said...: Personally, Don talks as much smack as anyone else...and comes across as an egotistical child as much as this guy does. Megs looks like shiat. If Don can't get the fact that the majority of PEOPLE in general (not just the fanbois) think it looks like shiat...well...I guess this movie will do well. LOL; August 25, 2006 3:55 PM
Schleicher said...: I understand this is all "new" and "next generation" of fans must be brought into it......but come on now.

This isn't a Transformer. This is a dysfunction Lego design.

I can deal with the new Optimus, new Bumblebee......but at least get that classic gun/laser on his arm. ALL Megatrons have carried throughout TF history. And fix that Fig Newton of a face.

Simple..........hopefully they will take those 2 things and I can deal with the rest.

sigh....... I was getting very hopeful on this movie, but this is hurting a bit.; August 25, 2006 4:01 PM
El indiano said...: Bay, here is a simple fix to make everyone happy.

1. Change the name of the movie to "Shapeshifters From Outer Space" and rename all the characters.

Since there is no current reference to what we know as transformers from what we have seen and read so far, why even call it a transformers movie anyway? Just call it a giant robot film and be done with it.; August 25, 2006 4:03 PM
MR. MURPHY IS A LOSER!!! said...: #

Hmmm..how immature of Mr. Murphy. He is obviously a weak coward who has to make nasty comments about others on his board to feel better.

He is rude and extremely childish.

At least Mr. Transitt is an artist and gets paid to be one. Which is more than I can say for the extremely childish wannabe losers on the boards.

Mr Murphy grow up and stop acting like a child. There was no reason to make such a post on your board and call names. Obviously, you feel the need to do so because attention was taken away from you boohooo. YOu are so full of yourself and the idiots who just sit there and kiss your rear in hopes of being thrown a cookie.

"I mock them. Like I am doing with you."
Oh..I see you can dish it out but you can't take it. What a man.

"My post very clearly stated that SOME fans were being idiots by complaining about things when they didn’t have the full puzzle in place. Sure they CAN complain, just like you can change your name to Kneon, but that makes them idiots. I was asking them to hold the complaining till they saw the whole picture. THEN if they hate, complain away."

Oh..so basically if someone disagrees with you they are an idiot? Oh so I guess there are quite a few idiots out there? So if they are idiots does that make you an egocentric butthead? So does that make your followers ass kissers?
Oh and I know Kneon has gone by that name for quite a few years. Oh and he isnt' as obscure as you think. It wasn't to hide from a total self-important jerk like you. *LOL*

"The idiots, AND YOU, are indeed being unreasonable in your complaints. Because you don’t have enough information."
Information...let's see. These are the toy prototypes...so we know they are the way they will look. Megatron..well...I guarantee you that at this point they have been working on the CG and the designs would have had to be finalized. you are just afraid that your wittle friend will get mad at you if you don't support him. Lapdog!

"I never said I was on ANY side except for the side of the film. I want to make a great film. I am not on the side of the fans, of Hasbro, of Dreamworks, of Bay, or even of Don Murphy. I am on the side of a great Transformers film. Period. I am certainly not on the side of Kneon, who, by seeking such attention clearly has no one on his side at all."
Obviously you can't read. He has stressed several times that he wants a good film too. So do most of the fans. They are just concerned over the look of what has been given them. If they don't look like that..then they should prove it.

;Did anyone ever say that this film was being made for any reason other than to make a lot of money? Maybe the voices in your head in your lonely room, Kneon?"

Hmmm.the only person who obviously has any psychosis..namely a superiority complex is Mr. Murphy. Unlike someone like you who has to have flunkies hanging off your every work.

"But you can instantly see the arrogance and stupidity of this desperately unloved person within seconds/"
What is the matter Murphy. Afraid he is getting more posts than you? It looks like Mr. Transitt isn't as unloved as you like to think. Looks like quite a few people agree with his point of view.

Grow up and stop acting like a spoiled brat who got spanked. Oh and don't insult the position of teaching by equating yourself with it. Oh and your wannabe loser flunkies can go back to building virtual shrines to you. God knows that is the only way you get any attention. Hmmm..wonder what you are compensating for???

Oh and since I don't lower myself to post on his site..you flunkies can show him this. I want him to see it. But I might hurt the poor babies ego.

"I never insulted his mother
The fact that she doesn't love him at all seems to me to show very good judgement on her part"

Oh and we won't say anything about your mother. The poor dear has enough to deal with having to admit she is your mother. God bless her.

How is she doing in her new barn by the way?; August 25, 2006 4:03 PM
El indiano said...: so here is what i dont understand.

from looking at these "leaked" designs, the robot modes look nothing like the vehicles they have changed from. for example, is the metal from the car mode going to fold and fold into tiny little pieces until it gets to an unrecognizable form?

so when viewing bumblebee in car mode, are we going to see hundreds of seams all over the car where the pieces fold and come apart or are all the seams going to magicallly disappear? the coolest part of a transformer is seeing them in robot mode and being able to recognize what kind of vehicle they originated from.

if a since of realism is the goal, an according to many post from Bay's camp it is, them it seems to me that you should only work with the limited amount of panel and seems that are on the vehicles now. so when the robot transforms, you see the panels intack.

You see a full sized car door.
You see a cars hood not cut in half.
You see quarterpanel not cut into hundreds of little pieces.
You see the top of a car not folded into itself

these are pretty basic laws of physics people. but if the transformers are made of the same stuff from the Roswell crash, "memory metal" then thats just stupid.; August 25, 2006 4:21 PM
Fuubolt said...: I used to think Don Murphy was the only person on production who understood Transformers, AND why it's important to preserve the core of the source material when you're adapting a cartoon/comicbook into a movie.

But it's now obvious he's nothing but a clueless gibbering loony trying to convince everybody that the stinking box-office poison he's sitting on is gold. Pure gold, he tells ya!

I wonder if he was always spindoctoring? That'd explain why he's so angry now. Because he sees his previously airtight PR bullshit failing as more and more of the fanbase recognizes this turkey for what it is, despite his best efforts.

Oh man.

Like it matters now, anyway. Don't toss it in with the live action He-Man movie, though. THIS trainwreck makes that thing look like Lord of the Rings. A better comparison would be Jonathan Frakes' Thunderbirds. Then again, even that might be too generous.

Aside from that, everything you said is dead on right. A word of advice, though - it's best to just ignore what's left of Don. Ever since he snapped and tried to annihilate a totally innocent fansite(http://www.transformersthemovie.com/) for reasons he pulled out of his ass, he's taken one long and angry vacation from reality.

Most of the people left on his messageboard are best ignored, too. There used to be a running gag about how everybody there were asskissing psychophants, but thanks to the magic of social Darwinism and mass-insanity so deep I can't even begin to imagine it, dm.net's actually BECOME that parody of itself.

Come to think of it, Don's become a parody of himself, too. An extreme parody.

What I don't understand, though, is how people are surprised about this. Pay attention to recent history, kids, and you too will be able to recognize when a franchise is being skullfucked into the ground by clueless suits! From a mile away, in fog, during a halestorm. And blindfolded.

I'd like to gloat about how for almost two years I was warning the whole of dm.net that this movie would turn out exactly the way it's turning out, but that's kind of a hollow victory, considering it means the fanbase has an utterly shit movie on their hands with about as much to do with Transformers as Gobots ever had. Even less, actually, going by the movie designs I've seen.

Well, at least this movie's going to crash and burn at the box-office like nobody's business, so the studios, producers, writers, Michael Bay, and legions of spindoctors(which actually includes the studios, producers, writers, and Michael Bay) won't win in the end.

But neither will the fanbase, who Don Murphy once said couldn't make this movie a success if they all bought tickets and went to see it 10,000 times. Ironically, the remaining majority of this movie's supporters are now a tiny subset of that fanbase.

Yet Don thinks this movie still has a chance.

Amazing.; August 25, 2006 4:27 PM
Gibber Jabber said...: I have never read so much crap as I did from Mr.Murphy today. The very unfortunate part was reading all the follow up posts by his sad demented followers.; August 25, 2006 4:35 PM
Mr Del Riego said...: I was very, very optimistic about the movie, i really wanted a movie to be done for years, but not like this,it has jumped the sharkticon before it's made. This is the Super Mario Bros. movie or the Street Fighter movie all over again. And do you know where those movies are? they are not even in the 99c bin, they have been obliviated, and disowned by their very fanbase who by the way are the ones who buy the merchandise, the dvds and go watch it several times after the opening weekend, not the people who just go and pick a movie to see, which are the ones apparently the film is targeting.

I won't shut up and i will not agree with this, I DON'T WANT THE TRANSFORMERS MOVIE TO BE OBLIVIATED.; August 25, 2006 4:45 PM
Primus321 said...: The transformer designs in this movie have nothing to do whatsoever with the cartoon . When I first saw megatron I honestly did not think it had anything to do with transformers. Although Prime and blackout look ok at the very least, its still to much. Its a good thing that Unicron isnt in the movie, they would probably make him a gigantic dinosaur for all I know, then I would really be pissed!!; August 25, 2006 4:49 PM
PorQPine said...: I don't even have an opinion about all this.; August 25, 2006 5:03 PM
Da Black Goku said...: Personally, If I wanted to see an 80’s rehash of G1 then I would just rewatch the series on DVD. Michael Bay is doing something that I applaud him for… taking chances. Instead of cowing down to the fanboy craze of the 80’s, he’s updating a dated series for the new millennium. Honestly, that Transformers Energon garbage is a total waste of time and would definitely turn me off from watching this new flick. I’m excited that MB is taking a chance and bucking the original design and it’s many versions thereof. I though Beast Wars was genius and loved the new take on them, but that’s ANIMATION. We’re talking about trying to bring them into the real world. Thus, they have to chuck the cartoony and make some robots that could be more realistic [or as much as you can in a fantastical manner].

I also understand that he is not and cannot LIMIT his project to JUST the fanboy crowd. While WE are the reason why it’s being produced he still has to bring in the WIDER audience who could care less about what Megs & Co. look like. Like Warner Bro’s learned in making Superman Returns, trying to appeal to the fanboy crowd has drastic and negative consequences for a franchise.

Honestly, I’d be surprised if this was his final prototype for Megs. These are just CONCEPT designs, this DOES NOT mean that these are the FINAL versions. I wouldn’t be surprised if these weren’t just red herrings to throw people off and get the “buzz” going.

In the end, I think we’ll all be looked at as suckers in the end.; August 25, 2006 5:07 PM
El indiano said...: Flames on a Prime

We have mother fuckin flames on a mother fuckin prime.; August 25, 2006 5:15 PM
Schleicher said...: I just had the pleasure of reading Don Murphy's attack thread on Kneon. He sounded like a boy who just got dumped at the prom by his prom date and he wanted to take it out on Kneon.

The backlash must be huge for him to react like that, he was very cordial and understanding before. The pressure might be getting to him.; August 25, 2006 5:17 PM
Schleicher said...: Megatron, the more I look at the prototypes......the more I think this is just the tip of the iceberg.

I'm hoping for the best, and I will give these guys, including Murphy, all the time in the world to get it right.

I'm buying a ticket regardless. It's my childhood here.; August 25, 2006 5:19 PM
Anonymous said...: "Da Black Goku:
Personally, If I wanted to see an 80’s rehash of G1 then I would just rewatch the series on DVD. Michael Bay is doing something that I applaud him for… taking chances. Instead of cowing down to the fanboy craze of the 80’s, he’s updating a dated series for the new millennium."

Yeah, Michael Bay's a risk-taking visionary!

If any other man except for maybe Paul W.S. Anderson or Uwe Boll were making a live-action Transformers movie, they'd cow down to the fans and make it recognizable AS a Transformers movie.

Not Bay, though. He's gonna make a shit-poor scifi B-movie about shape-changing robot that bares even less resemblance to Transformers than Gobots does, and CALL it Transformers anyway! He is truly the greatest filmmaker of our time. What a genius. What a genius.

He's thinking so far outside the box it's crazy! How can so much awesomeness be contained in one man!?

"Da Black Goku:
We’re talking about trying to bring them into the real world. Thus, they have to chuck the cartoony and make some robots that could be more realistic [or as much as you can in a fantastical manner]."

But do they have to look like junk sculptures designed by some kid with Down's Syndrome?; August 25, 2006 5:23 PM
Fuubolt said...: "Da Black Goku:
Personally, If I wanted to see an 80’s rehash of G1 then I would just rewatch the series on DVD. Michael Bay is doing something that I applaud him for… taking chances. Instead of cowing down to the fanboy craze of the 80’s, he’s updating a dated series for the new millennium."

Yeah, Michael Bay's a risk-taking visionary!

If any other man except for maybe Paul W.S. Anderson or Uwe Boll were making a live-action Transformers movie, they'd cow down to the fans and make it recognizable AS a Transformers movie.

Not Bay, though. He's gonna make a shit-poor scifi B-movie about shape-changing robot that bares even less resemblance to Transformers than Gobots does, and CALL it Transformers anyway! He is truly the greatest filmmaker of our time. What a genius. What a genius.

He's thinking so far outside the box it's crazy! How can so much awesomeness be contained in one man!?

"Da Black Goku:
We’re talking about trying to bring them into the real world. Thus, they have to chuck the cartoony and make some robots that could be more realistic [or as much as you can in a fantastical manner]."

But do they have to look like junk sculptures designed by some kid with Down's Syndrome?; August 25, 2006 5:25 PM
Daniel Margrave said...: I am reminded of my own words shortly before Beast Wars premiered. On a blog at that time, I reminisced, "I was there for the beginning of The Transformers. I happened to be snooping a few weeks before Christmas and came upon two boxes with identical jet plans, one was black, the other blue. ‘Transformers?!’ I thought, ‘I sure hope this isn’t for me!’ Well, sure enough, two weeks later I opened Skywarp and the rest was history. I remember the combiner teams, especially big, bad Predaking. I remember the four cities, Metroplex, Trypticon, Scorponok, and the biggest transformer ever, Fortress Maximus. I remember the original Headmasters and Targetmasters. Then came Sixshot. . We got Pretenders and Micromasters, truly cool! But somewhere along the way, something happened, and we got Action Masters. Those were awful at the time. And they heralded the end. There were years without Transformers at all. Then we had Generation 2. Now, Hasbro has introduced Beast Wars. At least we HAVE Transformers.” Well, I’m not going to sing that tune today. We had four years of awesome Beast Wars until Beast Machines came out. That was like someone took a huge crap all over our beloved characters. Then Robots in Disguise, great storyline, neat looking toys, and our first 10-changer. Toys so tough to transform that they stayed in one mode on my shelf. Others may disagree but while Armada, Energon, and Cybertron have given us some neat toys, the storylines have hardly been compelling. It took 36 episodes of Armada before anything significant happened. Energon was a little better and Cybertron a little better still. But do we have to have new Optimus, Megatron, and Starscream every year? Give us new Primes, -Trons, and –Screamers. I digress. One thing that I keep reading over and over is that this movie is a result of the fans and fandom keeping the line alive. I don’t think there are enough of us to do that. In point of fact, I only buy one of each but then there are pegs and shelves full of figures that don’t get sold. I don’t see how there are that many people worldwide to maintain a toyline. Even so, Hollywood is Hollywood. They don’t like to repeat what others have done. The designs that have been leaked, assuming they are the genuine article, may indicate that the producers want to go in a different direction. Something truly mindbendingly different. Old bucket head is not that scary when it gets down to it. That’s because he’s marketed towards children. The new design for Megatron is about as alien and different and, quite frankly, as scary as it can be – because it is different. What made Unicron so scary 20 years ago was that he was so big, powerful, and unstoppable. We could understand why any mention of his name made the Transformers tremble with fear. Think about if these things came to Earth for real. Would any of us be that intimidated by things like sheetmetal, bucket heads, and metal mouths with odd, denturized teeth? Those are things we can wrap our minds around. But this huge metal creature with sharp teeth that only vaguely resembles a humanoid? Sure Starscream looks more like Waspinator on some serious growth hormones, but so what. The one question that keeps coming up in my mind (even as the G1 purist in me recoils at the sight of “Megatron”), is why does every Optimus Prime and every Megatron and every Starscream have to look exactly the same? The answer is, of course, is that we are trying to recapture our original awe and fascination when, in the fall of 1984, Optimus, Megatron, and Starscream first appeared. But since there is only one first, all we have is nostalgia. That is, unless someone comes along and does something different. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t want another Beast Machines. But for me, it is worth waiting until 7.4.7 to see the finished product. Before you all go off and flame me think about this. Could it be that these aren’t official and they’re being used to a) throw us all off the track and b) generate interest in the film? For all of the people who’ve already made up their minds that they’re not going to go watch it, you’re probably going to miss one heck of a show. And one last thing . . . none of us wants a repeat of stinky MOTU . . . and neither does Hollywood or Michael Bay. Remember Pearl Harbor? Different isn’t necessarily bad or good. It’s different.; August 25, 2006 5:28 PM
El indiano said...: also, why would the most advanced robots in the universe elect to become a GM branded product.

so at some point in the film, you will see bumbleebee on the side of the road with a busted tranny and rachet outfitted with spinners in a 50 cent video.; August 25, 2006 5:30 PM
Kneon Transitt said...: Seriously! i can understand him getting upset, but man, I never made the attack personal. I'm also not really a member of the "haters" as I've never posted anything negative about the movie before. Ever. In fact, if you check my past blogs I've been genuinely excited about it!

Also, I'm not a regular member of the TransFans community. I'm a long time fan with over 300 figures in my personal collection, but I seldom post on the boards due to a lack of time. I've been sitting back quietly watching this and just felt I had to post.

That's all there is to it. There's no agenda. And I honestly never expected my post to get beyond my usual dozen or so readers. The comments were far, far more unforgiving than my initial post. i have no control over those.

The t-shirts were in jest. Again, it's not something I ever expected to get beyond this blog. And again, if you read the back, I clearly want Murphy and Bay to "PROVE US WRONG!"

I honestly can't tell if I'm genuinely upset by Murphy's callout, or feeling sorry for the guy. Honestly if he were here now I'd probably buy him a pint. I think he could use it.

Anyway, my response:
http://kneontransitt.blogspot.com/2006/08/unbelievable-don-murphy-pwned-me.html; August 25, 2006 5:34 PM
Transfan 25 said...: just another quick reply...

in regards to people liking what Megatron looks like... "he looks scary"

why does he have to look that scary? Why can't they just write his character well so our brains tell us he's scary? Keep him simple, and challenge everyone to use their brains.

when Galvatron blew up Starscream in the first movie... that was scary.

simplicity is the key. Being at least somewhat respectful to the original is the key. Modernize the 80's look, but don't bastardize it! They just don't look like Transformers.; August 25, 2006 5:34 PM
Schleicher said...: Ha ha. Nice bumblebee comment El indiano.; August 25, 2006 5:36 PM
SGC Gaiares said...: Is Bay a TF hater? he's doin everything wrong, dead wrong. The plotline is not following any cannon, Starscream looks like a Transtech reject, Prime looks like he's been on a south beach diet and now THIS. If at least we could have something that would help relate this comptraption to our Megs, but no.......

Congratulations Mr Bay, Transformers is about to become one of the worst 20 movies ever made in history. At least now we know who we can blame if the Tf line dissapears again.; August 25, 2006 5:40 PM
Schleicher said...: Kneon, you are definetly getting a raw deal on the Murphy message boards.

Everything you said is reasonable....

Something must have happened ( or not happened ) for Don to be such a hater like that toward you.

Maybe he SEES how terrible some of the designs are and the powers that be said TOUGH.

How can he fight that ? He can't.; August 25, 2006 5:43 PM
Grimlock86 said...: Yaaay, finally an Evangelion movie...oops, this is supposed to be Transformers?????????????????????????; August 25, 2006 5:43 PM
Brentanimous Prime said...: "If they were lazier, they could have just taken the original characters' looks, added some shadows and dirt and chrome to make them realistic, and the fans would be having orgasms of happiness."

Isn't that the point? (in response to why fans are upset); August 25, 2006 5:48 PM
Commander said...: All of you are beyond correct! Of course, considering the lack of respect Goldner gave Transformers a couple of years back,(when they were just starting to talk of Armada,) I'm suprised he hasn't be fired.I guys it just goes to show you he still wants to push G.I.Joe over Transformers;not that I have anything against GI Joe. I think we fans should get together and buy enough of Hasbro's stock to fire these imbeciles.; August 25, 2006 5:49 PM
Fuubolt said...: "Daniel Margrave:
Hollywood is Hollywood. They don’t like to repeat what others have done."

HUH!? WHAT!?

The biggest blockbusters in the last 6 years have been adaptations of stuff that other people have done before.

Spiderman, Lord of the Rings, etc...

And in general, it's getting hard to point out a movie that ISN'T a remake. No offence or anything, but what planet are you on? Seriously.

"Daniel Margrave:
the new design for Megatron is about as alien and different and, quite frankly, as scary as it can be – because it is different."

Speak for yourself, okay? I've seen scarrier kittens.

"Daniel Margrave:
why does every Optimus Prime and every Megatron and every Starscream have to look exactly the same? "

No Optimus Prime or Megatron or Starscream have EVER looked exactly the same. But they've all taken at least one or two design elements from the originals, because otherwise, they'd be totally unrecognizable as the characters they're intended to represent. As the movie design team has beautifully demonstrated.

"Daniel Margrave:
Could it be that these aren’t official and they’re being used to a) throw us all off the track and b) generate interest in the film? "

Could it be that you're actually a marketting plant, or are you that naive? It'd be less depressing if you were the former.

"none of us wants a repeat of stinky MOTU . . . and neither does Hollywood or Michael Bay."

And?

Hollywood NEVER sets out to make a failure. Ever. But they happen all the time. Infact, they happen most of the time these days. The fact that Hollywood and Michael Bay desire this second coming of Catwoman to be successful doesn't magically transform it into a movie that doesn't utterly suck.

See what I did with "transform", there?; August 25, 2006 5:57 PM
El indiano said...: what i dont understand is if Bay didnt like the style and the basic core elements of the original transformers, then why set out to make this film. If he is going to re-invent everything, what is the point?; August 25, 2006 6:05 PM
desert_starr_57 said...: The point the fans are making is that they don't like Megatron or Starscream. That seems to be the only thing that is causing the uproar. It isn't that big of a deal.

Mr. Murphy and his "friends" are making it out like Kneon is someone who has these elaborate conspiracy theories. He just said he didn't like Megatron, and if it was just a starting off point, Mr. Murphy should show the fans something at Botcon to reassure them. That is all.

Kneon wants this movie to be a success. He has stated that over and over. He also did not expect the toys to just be basic G1 designs. He just has a major problem with the lack of respect towards the fans, the lack of respect towards the histrory, and the obvious lack of respect from Mr. Murphy.

Not a big deal. Just make Megatron look more like a Transformer and give Starscream a decent head. If the CG isn't done yet, as they seem to be claiming, and these were just preliminaries or frames for the CG, it should not be that hard to fix.

It certainly did not warrant the pathetic tirade that Mr. Murphy started against Kneon. Mr. Murphy, Kneon is not lonely I can vouch for that. He doesn't hear voices either. If you ever talk about my husband like that again you will have to answer to me. I am not impressed by you nor do I fear you. I am sorry you are upset, Kneon did not set out to "gain fame." He already has some of that through his comic work. He just loves Transformers so much. As do I. That is all.

If you are ever in town stop by and Kneon will buy you a drink. If you can behave yourself. I will even cut the crusts off of your pb and j sandwich, I will even make you one.; August 25, 2006 6:06 PM
Schleicher said...: desert star 57, I sure hoped you posted that on Murphy's message board.

Well said.

Every good man has a good woman behind him.

And mine lets me continue my love of TF's too !; August 25, 2006 6:16 PM
El indiano said...: i did an equation to help all of us who cannot understand what is happening.

(x-y) a = ?

x. famous director
y. great product line
a. lack of good judgement

example

(shoemaker + batman)lack of good judgement = batman & robin; August 25, 2006 6:21 PM
Josh said...: Why are people complaining about the Optimus Prime design? That looks spot on, he may not be as boxy looking as the original design, but shit, he looks pretty accurate compared to the original.; August 25, 2006 6:24 PM
Schleicher said...: There really is no way to make a live action version of the cartoons with that "boxy" look to them.

And I'm fine with that. But the faces were always unique. And that is what most of us want. Something to relate to the originals. Megatron needs his armored mask look, and that freaking giant gun on his arm.

I don't think the fandom is asking for too much.

Optimus Prime is a good example of a reasonable update on a classic. You know he is Prime with one glance.

Megatron, all I know is that he looks like the back of my TV , a bunch of jumbled wires that are tied together with a Hefty tie band. :-); August 25, 2006 6:32 PM
Mikamaru said...: Megatron always looks different. If you remeber this megatron looks like the one from beast machines where he was that big head. Still i like the desgin becuase one thing transformers are to blocky this movie got rid of there blockyness.I dont wana see megs with a box head its just lame. I like megatron demonic look it suits him. Also every one elses designs are just as good. My prediction of how the end of the movie ends is still valid lol. well if all you that complain about it ide like to see you try but theres a catch dont make them look blocky so just forget it they still look good transformers are supoed to change, if they looked the same they would be boring; August 25, 2006 6:33 PM
MR. MURPHY IS PSYCHOTIC said...: Hmm...looks like the Loser is at it again.

"BINGO- i HAVE BETTER THINGS TO DO THAT RESPOND TO SOME NOBODY IS WHAT HE IS SAYING. HE IS ADMITTING HIS OWN SELF-ESTEEM ISSUES HERE AS BROUGHT ON BY THE FACT THAT NOBODY PAYS ATTENTION TO HIM. "

Grow up and stop being a jerk! Obviously you don't have better things to do or you would stop making yourself look like an arrogant ass and knock it off. How unprofessional. Are you in therapy? You should be.

"LOVE THIS LOSER SHIT. LIKE HE WAS JUST WALKING DOWN THE STREET AND I ATTACKED HIM. NOT, MIND YOU THAT HE POSTED MULTIPLE THREAD SCALLING ME OUT PERSONALLY. NO, NOTHING LIKE THAT FROM THE ATTENTION-STARVED KNEON. "

No he was posting on his own blog. Why would he think that someone who is so obviously important like you would read it? You keep reading it. He just told you to tell the truth and put your money where your mouth is. You are claiming alot but you show nothing. Big talk from a "big man."

You should thank him for giving you credit. He said you did Blockbusters. I saw Natural Born Killers...can I have my money back now. Blockbusters..lol..that is a good one.

"YOU CALLED ME BY NAME IN THE POSTS OVER AND OVER AGAIN. NOW YOU ARE GETTING THE RESPONSE THAT IDIOTS GET AND YOU DON'T LIKE IT. TOUGH TITTY. "
Do you have any clue how stupid you are making yourself look? You are acting like a two year old. You can dish it out but you are proving you can't take it. Do you need a tissue? Of course we are all idiots because Murphy says so. He is the only one among us who is not an "idiot" Because he is right and if we don't agree he is going to hold his breath until he turns blue. keep it up everyone..maybe if we are lucky he will hold his breath until he passes out.

"I NEVER INSULTED HIS MOTHER EITHER. THE FACT THAT SHE DOES NOT LIKE HER OWN SON SO THAT HE HAS TO GO CHANGE HIS NAME AND SEEK ATTENTION ON THE WEB IS HIS PROBLEM NOT HERS. AND CALLING ME PATRONISING AND CALLING ME OUT ON MULTIPLE THREADS IS NOT INSULTING, IS IT? CALL ME MISTER ANYTHING YOU WANT I STILL CALL YOU ASS."
LOL..no that title has already been reserved for you. You are just going to have to strain to think of a new title for Kneon. Oh and you are patronising by the way. Why are you so theatened by Kneon? If he is a nobody nothing...then why get so upset? Why call names? Why?

"THEY DON'T AT ALL- YOUR WHOLE ATTITUDE OF "THIS IS NOT MY TRANSFORMERS" IS SO IDIOTICALLY INFANTILE AND YOUR POSTS SO FUCKING SMUG AND WERE ATTRACTING ATTENTION SO I DECIDED TO MAKE THE POINT THAT EVERYTHING YOU WROTE WAS IDIOTSPEAK.
"
No his attitude is why are you being so condescending to the fans? Why would you ever make Megatron look like that. If they are so infantile why are you coming down off of your pedastool to respond? Actually he is much more eloquent than you are. He doesn't resort to your immaturity either. Idiotspeak? I thought he was an ass? Which one is it? Oh it is idiotspeak because he doesn't fall down and kiss your feet? You have enough people for that.

"YOU CAN DISAGREE WITH ANYTHING WHETHER YOU ARE A FAN OR NOT- YOU SEEM TO THINK BEING A FAN GIVES YOU EXTRA LICENSE. "
Hm...yet you think you have the right to insult anyone who does not agree with your "vision." ARe you haveing visions by the way? I really think you need therapy. Basically, you just said that all the fans think they have "extra license." Isn't that condescending to the fans? I thought you don't do that.

"HERE WE GO AGAIN...WELL GOLLY GEE WILLIKERS I DON'T KNOW WHAT HASBRO THINKS OF THAT KNEON. BECAUSE I DON'T WORK FOR HASBRO I GUESS IT DOESN'T MATTER. I WONDER WHAT THEY THINK OF YOU AND SEIBERTRON STEALING COPYRIGHTED IMAGES AND POSTING THEM ON THE INTERNET. MAKES YOU A CRIMINAL- YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE PROSECUTED TO BE A CRIMINAL YOU KNOW.
" So basically you don't care what Hasbro thinks since you don't work for them. You just said you don't know what they think, yet you are using their characters and you are the producer. Good to know the toy line is in such good and competant hands.

"ANYTHING I CHOOSE TO DO IS NOT A WASTE OF MY TIME. ROGER EBERT WOULD NOT CRY IF I STARTED SUCH A THREAD. YOU ARE."
Actually the only one crying and acting like a baby is you. LOL..you are making yourself look like such an idiot! LOLOL. Keep it up..you are doing all the damage to yourself. You don't need Kneon for that.

You are like a child in school not getting his way and crying "you're Mama"
Come on. I can't get my way so I am going to insult his mother. LOLOLOLOL Thanks for such a good laugh.

Now I am going to hit you where it hurts...you ready???

Your Mama!!! You crying yet?

What a joke.; August 25, 2006 6:36 PM
desert_starr_57 said...: Schleicher said:

desert star 57, I sure hoped you posted that on Murphy's message board.

No. I am not a member of his board. I don't think I can post there.

It most likely would not do any good. He is obviously beyond reason right now.

I am glad your wife is supportive too :); August 25, 2006 6:40 PM
sebastian said...: im angry, transformers always had (sorry if sounds gay) "handsome" faces, angular noses, angunlar faces, the "germanic" type of face. This robots look like aliens i hate them.
However it doesnt surprise me because the classical faces were only in the cartoon its nearly imposible to make Starscream face on a puppet (not optimus or grimlock for example)but what really shocked me are the bodies!! my God. they SUCK!!!! were are they alternate modes!??! Optimus look anorexic and then is a big powerfull truck??!! and Megatron a stupid jet? sorry for my english-; August 25, 2006 6:40 PM
Josh said...: i agree with Schleicher 100%. There are going to be SOME modifications to the designs to make them work properly. I think Optimus Prime looks THE SHIT~! For real, you can't ask for a more recognizable re-design.

HOWEVER, i DO agree with the discrepancy with the Megatron design. This is WAYYY off base, NO recognizable features of the Megatron we grew up with in regards to ALL of the animated designs.
The same goes for Starscream. Way too far removed as to be unrecognizable. I do, however, think that we should give this a chance. We still have a year to go before we can actually see the final product and until that day comes, i don't think it's fair to make presumptions about whether or not we will be happy with the movie. If ur basing ur decision to boycott the movie on the basis of a few EARLY character designs, then i seriously doubt that you would have been happy ANYWAY, even if they HAD kept the originals. I'm sure that ur nitpicking tendancies would have found something else to bitch about. Seems like you can NEVER please the fans.

PS-
I can say this: I would spit in George Lucas's face if i saw him on the street. That guy pissed a LOT of people off and made NO apologies for Eps 1 and 2. 3 was sick style tho!!; August 25, 2006 6:50 PM
Schleicher said...: Hey Mikmaru, what was your prediction on how the movie ends ?

One good thing.......many of us are forgetting. Is they can always "change" the characters to another form in the sequels. This could be an ugly Megatron now, but a much sleeker "true to form" one might come about in the sequels.; August 25, 2006 6:51 PM
wavelength said...: seriously if these things appreaed in one of those simpsons halloween specials i can see this happening
spotty teenage kid: sir giant robots are attacking
general: fire you dolt!
stk: [fires.machine gun is heard] sir its arm fell off

i wouldn't of minded even if the designs were based off gf nisemaize or sommat, because al least the design looks pheasible; August 25, 2006 6:59 PM
Sentinel Maximus said...: First off, if Megs is gonna look like this, than that sucks! He looks terrible. I'll get that right out there in the open. Starscream was another big disappointment! Optimus was hard to swallow and Bumblebee was by far the best one.

Before the flamers bash me over this. I know we weren't getting G1 and that this was going to be a new beginning. I'm ready for a fresh start on Transformers and I want it done right.

This whole 'but they're alien' doesn't site well with me. They should still have the old faces and some similarites from the old G1 look. Thats whats nostalgic about all this and why the idea of a Transformer movie is so cool. No disrespect to Beastie fans & RID etc., but G1 was the birth and got this whole thing started. You wouldn't change Batman's or Spiderman's costume would you? Look what happened when they tried to change Superman's costume after he died from fighting Doomsday. (The blue & white one with the lightning bolt.) Dumb.

Bay & Co. are missing the point to Transformers being one race of beings that fell into civil war through their differences. Having the Decepticons look insectoid monster like to show that they are the evil ones is a stupid idea. Now I could be wrong. The movie isn't out yet and they may explain why they look the way they do.

I hope its not to late guys. Please make some changes.; August 25, 2006 8:01 PM
desert_starr_57 said...: Sentinel Maximus said:

I know we weren't getting G1 and that this was going to be a new beginning. I'm ready for a fresh start on Transformers and I want it done right.

I think that is pretty much what everyone else is saying too. Most of the fans aren't opposed to change. The general concensus is that this was just over the top.; August 25, 2006 8:09 PM
AngelA said...: Hey, has Don shut down www.seiberton.com? The website is saying that it cannot connect to the database?; August 25, 2006 8:24 PM
alix777 said...: Oh come on now! First of all let's look back at the transformers series. Sure, I loved it as a kid...but really, the plot was...it was a half hour long commercial for the toys. If I had to sit through a live action episode...*shudder*...So of course they are going to take certain liberties so that the movie has a beginning, middle, and an end. As opposed to the recycled storyline that they used for EVERY SINGLE EPISODE.

And btw The Masters of the Universe movie is a freaking classic! There are people in diners as we speak spitting out their coffee in horror that you defamed it.; August 25, 2006 8:34 PM
Jas said...: Absoultely 100% agree with EVERY word that was said. Great summation of all the concerns I have.; August 25, 2006 8:42 PM
adrien said...: Like making Darth Vadar a short Chinese woman. Going a little bit too far with the whole "artistic expression" thing. . .; August 25, 2006 8:55 PM
Fuubolt said...: "AngelA on 8:24 PM

Hey, has Don shut down www.seiberton.com? The website is saying that it cannot connect to the database?"

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Don does alot of barking and woofing, but he couldn't shut down a hotdog cart, let alone a website.

seibertron.com's just fine, even if he does issue a jihad on it.; August 25, 2006 9:23 PM
Mikamaru said...: My prediction was posted earlier look for my other posts on here; August 25, 2006 9:24 PM
Fuubolt said...: Ooh.

Sorry, but your prediction's kinda wrong.

Megatron gets killed by a human in the end.

And believe me, I AM sorry.; August 25, 2006 9:30 PM
Mike said...: I've been a Transformers fan since it came out, I have almost every Transformer toy from 1984 to now, I have all the comics, countless articles of merchandise, I know ALL the mythology and every story arc.... by all material rights I am a hardcore transformers fan.......... and I completely disagree with your opinion. Hear me out before you flame me relentlessly and at least THINK about what I'm saying before you give me a snarky reply.......

First, I have noticed patterns with the Transformers that never end. It's becoming so repetitive I get bored watching the new serie(s). There are so many optimus prime designs that are so similar they are pretty much becoming completely uninteresting and boring. How many toys do we need representing G1 Prime? To me Transformers is becoming stagnant. It's repetitive and in my opinion needs a new drastic CHANGE. G1 was new and different, I loved it. Beastwars, was new and different, I loved it. Those are the two most loved series!!! (although I remember this same shit when BEASTWARS came out... and you all love it now...) A main part of BeastWars popularity was that it was original to the transformers mythos, these constant rehashes are going NO WHERE and lack any sort of interest to me. I don't understand how you can settle for the shit we've been getting on TV for the last 3 years but you can't open your mind to THIS.

I'm giving this new and drastic change a chance, because Transformers is at the point for me where it needs another drastic change to keep my interest, expecially in the media. I will not shoot them down until I see the all that they have to offer and I will not joining this bandwagon of hatred that is based on a few preliminary character designs and old script leaks.; August 25, 2006 10:27 PM
Commander said...: I guess I'll be buying Tranformers on DVD when it's 3 for $10...if I buy it at all.I never did get around to getting M.O.T.U even though a buddy offered it to me for free.I do,however, own 4 copies of the original G1 movine,(soon to be 4,)2 dvd's,1 VHS original and another taped off the Puppetmaster Prime series.Hasbro and Bay need to think about all the other fans like us.; August 25, 2006 10:32 PM
Commander said...: By the way Mike, your'e absolutely right about accepting the change, but I think the change would be alot easier if they'd just give us a side story with new characters instead of trying to pawn of another pairing of some "version" of Optimus and Megatron. The Japanese have always had different Convoys, similar but not the same.I wasn't happy with the English dubs on Armada through Cybertron, either. If Bay wants to be original he should do it;not stradle the fence, that's all.; August 25, 2006 10:37 PM
Autobotspunk said...: As a director, what I can't understand MB not getting is this...most of these characters look like such a mishmash of parts that there isn't much to distinguish one from the other aside from a few small colored panels. As far as Megs' face goes, it doesn't seem like the kind of character that would have a personality in a film. It looks like the kind of monster that staggers out of a cave roaring and smashing shit. It's too horrible looking to have a personality. The body is such a tangle of crap that it comes off as just an overly complex end boss in a bad video game. The first thing that I thought when I saw that...thing is that it's face looks like a cyborg's vagina. Please don't make Megatron look like a vagina!!; August 25, 2006 10:46 PM
Reiley said...: Sigh. Well, I guess the fans and creative force behind the new Mortal Kombat successfully forgot the second film.. I'm sure theaters will make more if they just show the original Transformers: the Movie on the big screen.. you know, the one with all the Transformers in it?; August 26, 2006 12:14 AM
JamesK said...: I'm guessing most of us G1'ers have or are starting families...care to bet how many of the us disgruntled fans are going to be buying any Transformers fans for our kids? How many of us are going to be steering it the family from the movie?; August 26, 2006 1:30 AM
Solidus said...: Well spoken! It's about time people stopped patting these people on the back in the hopes of getting special priviledges. I remember when the Internet was full of opinions, that gave way to collective neutrality. Great to see a return to people not afraid to say what they feel!

I could accept many of these things, even find a way to look forward to them. However, Starscream and Megatron have gone too far and the rest is out the window, IMO.; August 26, 2006 2:23 AM
danbo1138 said...: these designs must(hope)be the cybertron incarnations we see at the beginning or in a flashback.alien jet?its gotta be,they've done it to fuk with us.if im wrong,which i almost will be..THIS PIECE O CRAP IS GONNA SINK FASTER THAN WHALE SHIT!!!!!!!!!!; August 26, 2006 8:10 AM
FATDOG said...: I agree with evrything said here, well almost everything- there are a lot of replies here mostly saying the same thing.

I just wanted my voice to join the 188 replies alredy, and I'd suggest anyone else do the same.

Sure it's not going to be classic G1, things change, Megatron has changed over time BUT look at all his incarnations- in each version he wears an obvious helmet over a human-like face, sometimes with horns coming out, sometimes not, but the helmet remains. Did the movies designers even spot this? and if they did did they just throw it away?

The designs look good but they are NOT Transformers, the movie could be ok but it's not the movie WE want; August 26, 2006 9:56 AM
Mikamaru said...: But they will make him galvatron...............; August 26, 2006 11:56 AM
Kyle Voltti said...: I can live with the Optimus... I can live with the Bumblebee.... Starscream makes my head hurt and Megitron looks like a generic Anime Biomechanical monster from Guyver. I accept that there will be changes from the source material. I accept the Autobot designs but the Decepticon designs other then the helicopter (an that's only because it's a new character) have nothing that touches on the source material at all. A discussion of Icons and iconic images is important here. Let's face it, if you didn't have the lable on the Megatron picture would you ever looking at it go "Oh look, Megatron."; August 26, 2006 12:05 PM
Lord Necros said...: Damn, I could have siad it better Myself.

Megs Needs Serious Work the entire thing needs work the head reminds me of beat Machines megatron butt damn yoiu can't even tell the mouth from the eyes wtf.

Starscream Looks like a Zaku and Heavyarms Customm fucked and had offspring ugh what a peice of shit; August 26, 2006 5:21 PM
WhyGodWhy? said...: This Makes Me Sick!!!; August 26, 2006 7:32 PM
Cb said...: I just hope even though Megatron looks like a pile of nails at least they could consider putting a gun on his arm like the classic. All we can do is wait and see maybe just maybe it will take us all by suprise and be a outstanding movie. I praying; August 26, 2006 8:26 PM
Zombiepaste said...: Ouch.....the pain of it allllllll........
103 replies most of the bad ones are multiples of people trying to defend the movie like rabid dogs....guess what that means? Means you made a good article....I'm a G1 fan....21 years old....I can support any other transformers series but this is not transformers this is neo-anime BS on a stick....transformers is old school anime like thundercats and stuff.....this shit is inspired matrix evangelion gyver shit; August 26, 2006 8:52 PM
desert_starr_57 said...: maybe just maybe it will take us all by suprise and be a outstanding movie. I praying

I think we are all hoping for that :); August 26, 2006 9:01 PM
Robochrist said...: How dare you say bad things about the man who directed the Academy Award winner Bad Boys II.

Honestly, I'm fine with Transformers Cybertron/Galaxy Force and the current IDW comic series. This is pure hollywood drek, and should be treated like 99 percent of the movies coming out of Hollywood these days.; August 26, 2006 9:12 PM
Robochrist said...: "maybe just maybe it will take us all by suprise and be a outstanding movie. I praying"

And maybe there will be peace in the middle east, and maybe Kevin Federline's rap career will shadow Tupacs. The odds of a Michael Bay movie being outstanding...buy a lottery ticket, you'd have better luck.; August 26, 2006 9:13 PM
Powerone said...: I'm worried about these new characters big time. My oldest son is autistic and is a HUGE transformers fan. All he's learned about transformers he learned from me, my toys, my dvds and what he's seen in the last three series. I am scared to death to take him to this movie to be honest. These transformers are starting to look way to scary to take young children under 10 to. The powers that be need to fix this or you can shove this film in the same place you shoved Masters of the Universe.

Power on.; August 26, 2006 9:57 PM
Majewski79 said...: The sad part is, we can complain about this flick all we want and it isn't going to change anything. Bay and Co. don't care about us, and obviously proved they don't care about Transformers. The only thing we can do is not buy a ticket for the movie when the time comes.....and download it instead. Please, please, us fans are begging...PROVE US WRONG. That's all we want. Show us more shit that will impress us. Until then....I'm DONE with this movie. Ciao.; August 27, 2006 11:51 AM

«Oldest ‹Older 1 – 200 of 2010 Newer› Newest»

Thursday, August 24, 2006

The Transformers Live-Action Movie: Live-Action He-Man redux?

2010 comments:

Archives

Comic news & views

Comic Book Publishers

Podcasts I'm diggin'

Friends

Transformers

Retrogaming