The crew of History on the Fives works through five weeks of Transformers history spanning January 1st through February 7th, covering anniversaries from 1923 all the way to 2023. Along the way: the death of G1 composer Ichiro Mizuki, and the passing of voice actor Milt Jamin. The panel digs into the G2 Dreadwing and Smokejumper Japan exclusive, the UK Marvel Legacy of Unicron storyline, the Headmasters finale two-parter and the consultant who killed Ultra Magnus, and the first recorded fandom use of the term “G1.” On the comics side, the IDW license expiration gets its first airing and the Target: 2006 trade paperback sparks a discussion of how the UK Marvel comic kept the story moving between US issues. Toy releases covered include the Downtown comedy duo Cerebros set, the Encore Devastator anime color version, and a full slate of Takara Tomy January 2013 releases. The episode closes on Beast Wars and the February Headmasters entries.
Radio Free Cybertron 659 – Top Quality Dontent
Variety reports two new Transformers movies in development, with Beast Wars rumored for one. Earthrise Leader Optimus Prime surfaces in Idaho, and Hasbro Pulse delays the Seacons. Plus a Patreon Q&A and Jason Kirk’s return.
Radio Free Cybertron 607 – Toy Fair Prediction With a Side of Botbots
Movie Masterpiece Jazz and Megatron are revealed, and Bumblebee earns an extension in China. Encore Big Convoy shines, and Siege Galaxy Convoy’s truck mode leaks. Plus the crew’s Toy Fair 2019 predictions.
Radio Free Cybertron 602 – HasCons, Counterfeits, and Bumblebee Spoilers
HasCon 2019 is postponed until further notice, and Bumblebee opens third at the box office. A Chinese court sides with Hasbro on counterfeits, and MP-36+ Megatron’s toy deco splits the crew. Plus a full spoiler review of Bumblebee.
Radio Free Cybertron 585 – By Your Mini-cons Combined, I am Captain Planet
The Target-exclusive Studio Series Bumblebee and Charlie set gets clip-on parts and a sticker sheet. Siege adds Decepticons, including Leader Shockwave. Plus Encore Unicron of Light and Mastermind’s half a Sky Lynx.
Radio Free Cybertron 583 – I Think I Just Show-Titled Myself
With Brian away, Jason Kirk hosts and nearly everyone has Repugnus. The Encore Big Convoy reissue lands in Beast Wars Neo colors, and MP-20+ Wheeljack goes animation-accurate. Plus an Empire Bumblebee movie image and the SDCC Throne of the Primes in hand.
Radio Free Cybertron 579 – There Goes My Number
Power of the Primes Nemesis Prime and Predaking land, and the crew is split. SDCC teases point to a War for Cybertron “Siege” subline and a new axe-wielding Optimus Prime. Plus Walmart G1 reissues, Unicron of Light and a cheaper Masterpiece Beast Wars Megatron.
Radio Free Cybertron 574 – Bumblebee better than The Last Knight
The Bumblebee movie teaser trailer wins over even skeptical hosts with tighter, G1-inspired designs. Abominus is complete, and the crew ranks the Terrorcons. Plus Toys R Us Australia’s Shadow Panther mess, a $200 Encore Air Attack Optimus Primal and Ocular Max’s Cliffjumper.
Radio Free Cybertron 563 – We’re going to save the toy industry, maybe
Toys R Us starts liquidating, and a company plans to bring back KB Toys. Don, a former KB employee, weighs in. Flame Toys’ licensed Tarn and the Encore God Fire Convoy round out the news.
Radio Free Cybertron #539: TFcon USA 2017 in the rearview
TFCon USA 2017 was nearly perfect, except for a third-party panel that ended in boos. Is unlicensed third party in a death spiral? Plus a 30,000 yen Encore God Fire Convoy, Peter Cullen joining the Bumblebee movie, and Diecast setting Kronos on fire.