Transformers Action Figures

The Fourth of July is highly anticipated and will not be long forgotten by Transformers fans old and new. The film, and all the hype surrounding it, is sure not to disappoint as well as the Transformers action figures and toys that have fans in a frenzy!

The classic war between the Autobots and Decepticons has crossed over galaxies and more than ten million years. The Transformers continue to wage a galactic war for control with the evil Decepticons, led by Megatron, who seek to dominate and rule, and the courageous Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, who fight to protect and conserve.

The feature film is directed by Michael Bay from a screenplay written by Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci. It's a new story line, set apart from the previous generations of the cartoons and comics. Steven Spielberg is the executive producer of this film introducing the new origin and characters.

The lead human role in the movie "Sam Witwicky" will be played by Shia LaBeouf with supporting roles played by Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and Megan Fox. Originally, Bernie Mac and Dane Cook were to play cameos in the movie. However, Dane Cook announced due to an argument that his role in the film was scrubbed. It is expected that Peter Cullen, the original voice actor who played Optimus Prime, will voice the hero character once again. Megatron is being voiced by Hugo Weaving.

This film wouldn't be complete without a complete accompanying Transformers action figures and toy line!

Kyle B is a freelance writer who writes about the latest consumer trends.
Transformers Action Figures

Transformers Action Figures - The Plaything Which Never Gets Old

The popularity of Micheal Bay's Transformers and Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen films, that opened in 2007 and 2009, have spawned a completely modern line of Hasbro kid's toys and collectibles. In addition to the wide variety of Transformers action figures, children are now able to spend playtime with their favorite personalities from each of those movies and some newbies to the saga too.

The New Guys -

Naturally, traditional replicas of Optimus Prime, the commander of the Autobot Transformers, will continually be amid Hasbro's top selling Transformers toys. His enemy Megatron, nevertheless, possesses an equal popularity amongst children who want to play the "bad guy" on occasion. In addition, Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen released several brand new robots into the Transformers universe, the Voyagers.

The bad Decepticons now contain figures like Grindor, an attack helicopter similar to the U.S. Army's Apache, just with a major bad mind-set. Demolisher and Scavenger smash every thing in their paths on the silver screen, and the action figure's two big wheels do the same to Autobot toys for children with a destructive, yet safe imagination.

Probably, the most identifiable villain from Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen is the Fallen himself. Along side the six-piece super-robot, Devastator, both of these toys can offer several hours of play for little boys who want to reenact their preferred action scenes from the Michael Bay films.

The Old Dogs With New Tricks -

While the brand new figures could be the coolest looking transformers, you cannot whip the old dogs like Optimus Prime and Megatron. Lovers of the nineteen-eighties Transformers TV show will speculate what happened to Megatron's arm cannon. The modern edition of the super villain has a retractable sword as a substitute as does the new Optimus Prime, which comes with 2 flip-out swords rather than one.

Bumblebee was always a popular figure from the animated series, though the live-action motion picture places a brand new spin of this fun, lovable Transformer. Not only does Bumblebee protect Sam, the movie's teenage hero, the Transformer can transform into a streamlined, fast reproduction of Chevy's latest Camaro design. In Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, Bumblebee's design and overall appeal reflect the heart and soul of the Camaro, and the vivid yellow Bumblebee action figure holds the same appeal for kids who would like to play the good guy.

Transformers Action Figures are very popular with kids from around the world. Of course, they are also highly collectible because of their popularity throughout the years. To find out more information about Transformers Action Figures, you can do some searching on the site OptimusPrimeStore.com.

Transformers Movie Toys - Blackout Action Figure

The first Transformers movie took a lot of fans by surprise with its re-imagining of established Tranformers characters that many fans had grown up with for many years. The choice of Transformers characters that showed up in the movie was a bit erratic, especially on the part of the Decepticons.

While the Autobots were immediately recognizable, the Decepticons featured some lesser known characters, such as Blackout. Blackout was the first Transformer audiences got a look at during the start of the movie, and the character looked immense on screen. The Transformers Blackout toy was released along with the film, and here's a look at that toy.

Transformers toys have long since been known for the ingenuity of their design, but due to the level of complexity shown in each robot in the movie, Hasbro had to simplify the design of the toys a little.

The main difference between the onscreen Blackout and the toy version is that the toy is missing the arm mounted guns, but this is made up for with shoulder mounted missiles. The figure looks immense when you check out the Voyager Class figure. This one comes boxed in a window display package and has a great level of detail despite the limitations of the design.

The helicopter mode of this Transformers Blackout toy is pretty much what you se on the screen in the movie itself, and the makers have done what they could to ensure the robot looked as close to the CG model as it could.

The outcome is about as good as it gets with action figures. Blackout is easy to transform and features a small Scorponok figure that can be stored in Blackout when in vehicle mode. A small version of the Blackout figure was also released alongside this one, but this 3 inch version features only limited detail and a very simple transformation cycle.

On the Voyager Class Transformers Blackout figure, you are able to remove the helicopter blades and attach them to Blackout's arm as a weapon, as seen in the movie itself!

Much like the rest of the Transformers movie toys, the Blackout figure is a good quality approximation of the character it is based on, and does look fantastic even though it isn't 100 percent the likeness from the films.

Andrew is a widely read popular culture blogger and music journalist in print and online. A fan of Transformers since 1984, he's here to help you learn more about the Transformers toys and characters and their place in the overall Transformers story.

Transformers Movie Toys - Bumblebee Action Figure

In both the first Transformers movie and its sequel Transformers Revenge Of The Fallen, Bumblebee has secured his place in the hearts of movie fans everywhere as their favourite Transformer.

He has always been popular with Transformers fans, dating right back to the original cartoon in the 1980s and the 1986 animated movie, but now, with the leaps in special effects technology he has been brought to life in a manner that is frankly astonishing.

You may have issues with the Transformers live action films and their slapdash logic and multiple bloopers in continuity and plotting, but as pure spectacle they are brilliant.

The character of Bumblebee is prominent in both films, and as such the call for Bumblebee toys is huge with fans. Thankfully, there are several kinds available to choose from.

Both movies brought regular sized action figures of the character to the market, as well as larger and smaller versions that were suitable for collectors or younger children respectively.

With Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, a hugely popular Bumblebee voice changer was also added to the range of Bumblebee toys available, which proved to be a big hit with kids everywhere.

There are issues with the Bumblebee toys though, the main one being that the toys, for the most part, look very different to the character as he appears on the big screen. Hasbro have done their best with all of the figures to make the toys resemble the character, but the CG model used in the movies was so very complicated that it would be nigh on impossible to make an exact replica of it in toy form.

Mainly the difference is around the legs of each toy, which have had to be modified in order for the Transformers Bumblebee toy to transform into its vehicle mode. While they may not perfectly match the character, they do capture the essence.

In addition to figures and helmets, there have been replica Bumblebee costumes and even high quality models of his car form.

The most impressive one has been the 'Ultimate Bumblebee' toy, of which there is a version for both films. This large scale toy has all manner of interactive features, MP3 capabilities, sophisticated transformation technology and 45 different audio samples.

It's pricey, but more than worth the money. That one really is the best Transformers Bumblebee toy available, and it is easy to see why.

Bumblebee will surely remain the favourite Transformers character for many fans, and will continue to be with the third film and beyond!

Andrew is a widely read popular culture blogger and music journalist in print and online. A fan of Transformers since 1984, he's here to help you learn more about the Transformers movie toys and characters and their place in the overall Transformers story.

Your Money's Worth - Why Are Anime Figures Expensive?

Anime figures are often criticised for their price, ranging from £10.00 to £20.00 per piece. Anime figures are only toys that easily get dirty and broken once kids start to play with them, so why sell them at a high cost? They seem to be just like any other toy that expires after a week. The consumers seem to be shortchanged with such bargain.

But there is actually more to anime figures than what meets the eye. If you look closely into the figure, you will notice that every detail is well-thought out and beautifully crafted. Moreover, it can also be observed that the quality of the material used to build it is superb and flawless.

In truth, they are not mere toys, but art forms created not to satisfy the appetite of the masses, but to meet the highest standards of cultured men.

Behind Every Anime Figure is an Artist

Toys are usually made in batches. Normally, this is done in a factory. Industrial workers produce toys using machines.

In stark contrast, anime toys are created by individual artists who use their bare hands when they work. It is not machines that make them but men with mind and soul. This is why it is very noticeable that every feature, even the smallest of detail, in each one of them is done in perfection.

A manga book fanatic will know for a fact that each element-from the shoe, to the eyebrow colour, to the nail polish-found in every figure faithfully resembles its original form which can be found in the manga where it was based from. This is because the sculptors who make the figures collaborate closely to the manga's illustrator. This dialogue adds to the artistic creation of each masterpiece.

Anime Figures Expressing Man's Inner Thoughts and Feelings

Normally, when we think of anime, what immediately comes to mind are large eyes, big breasts and long legs. In Japanese culture, they explain that this kind of human portrayal reflects the Japan's frustrations as a race.

Most Japanese want to have large eyes, big breasts and long legs. For them, having those qualities make a person attractive. This view of beauty stands evident in how the Japanese represent man in anime.

However, nature gave the typical Japanese the exact opposite of what they want: two small eyes, two small breasts and two short legs. This is why the dream to have large eyes, big breasts and long legs is only made possible by the Japanese through the creation of action.

Toys As Japanese Sculptures

Japan believes that the anime figure is a form of Japanese sculpture. It is a product of modernity. The Japanese have high esteem to this new breed of sculpture as it appeals even to the kids. According to the Japanese, these new sculptures ought to be treated with utmost care and respect for they are not mere toys.

Figures As High Art

Overall, toys are priceless pieces of art. They were made by human beings through the creative use of their mind and soul in order to express ideas and emotions.

So, if you really think about it, when you buy an anime figure, you have the advantage in the bargain.

Do you want to know more about anime figures and why they considered as art? Please visit http://www.theanimetal.com

Transformer Toys and Action Figures

A durable Hasbro brand since 1984, Transformers action figures and toys have endured through both economic climate and the ever-changing tastes and consistently shifting trends in the toy manufacturing and design industry.

With trademarked items stemming from the original Saturday morning cartoon originally airing back in the 1980's; to the now famous block buster movies, the Transformer brand sits steady and strong. Popular toys inspire boys and girls alike to create and change their Transformer action figures from the ever-protective Bumblebee, to the determined but often thwarted Megatron and his band of invading Decepticon rebels into their more benign car, truck or plane counterparts.

With soaring ticket sales at the box office as the release of the movies, Transformers and Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen, takes the Transformers action figures into the popular eye again, the resurgence of the Transformer characters has taken full seasonal hold. The Bumblebee character, as transformed into his counterpart, a classic yellow with black pinstripe Camaro, is one of Hasbro's best selling Transformer action figures and one of the most popular characters in both movies. With fun Bumblebee action figures as well as a related line of toys based on the Bumblebee Transformer, this particular character will prove to hold a timeless appeal to children and collectors alike.

The Transformers Bumblebee Helmet which hits the markets just in time for Christmas this year comes with advanced voice changing technology. This fun and exciting addition to the usual helmet type role playing toy affords the child the opportunity to fully enjoy the look and feel of the Bumblebee character. With six different music modes, the Transformers Voice Changer Helmet and its voice mixing technology brings the Bumblebee character to a larger than life reality. Your child will enjoy the pre-set Bumblebee sayings like, "Your mission: Protect the world from evil" and "Bumblebee to the rescue!" along with many other phrases right from the famous movies.

Comfortably and snuggly sized with the use of a convenient and adjustable chin strap, the child sized Transformers Bumblebee Helmet will provide any child hours of character role playing fun. Made of a durable and light weight plastic, the Transformer Voice Changer helmet is light and easy to wear offering the child a fun alternative to other heavier and more cumbersome costume type role playing toys. Designed and decorated directly from the look of the movie character, the Bumblebee Voice Changer Helmet takes the child right into the fun and exciting pretend world of the Transformers.

The Transformer toys and action figures featuring popular characters from the Transformer movies and the long standing television cartoon series offer children endless hours of enjoyable pretend play. With Transformer action figure accessories such as the Transformers arm blasters, Bumblebee plasma cannon and for the even younger Transformer fan, the Mr. Potato Head Optimash Prime accessory kit, the Transformer brand of action figure toy is as popular as ever.

Jenny Talorman is an amateur writer with a special interest in education, young development and educating others on a range of topics which include; education, the role of children's toys ( action figures ) and outdoor toys in development, young peoples' issues and even baking. If you have any feedback on this article please feel free to get in touch.

The Resurging Interest in Transformers Figures and Vintage Reissues

It shouldn't come as a big surprise that one of the resurging toy lines of late has been Transformers, which saw a relatively profitable Christmas season, all things considered. The feature movie was a huge hit among adults and children alike, raking in $320 million in domestic theatre sales alone, not even considering international releases and DVD releases.

Transformers characters go way back too, being introduced in toy form in the early 1980's, but their genealogy traces back even further to a Japanese toy line that was acquired by Hasbro for inclusion in the then popular G.I. Joe toy line. After being repurposed for Transformers, the original cartoon series was commissioned solely as a vehicle to propel sells of the toy line.

Children then were fascinated with the innovative designs of Transformers, which led to more character developments, and more toy releases, some of which were impressive engineering feats, especially in the 80's. Now that those kids have grown into adults, the resurgent interest in Transformers is split among the classic figures, the reissues, and the new releases.

In 2008, McDonalds got into the foray and released some Happy Meal toys for kids that turned from vehicles into robots. While these entry-level toys were a far cry from full-fledge Transformers, it widened the audience even further, prompting children to follow in their parents footsteps by collecting the toys themselves.

Now that the second feature film, Transformers 2, is in production, demand for these toys should continue to increase in the coming years. While the Transformer toy line is powerful, it's not as exclusive as some other franchises (e.g. Lucas and Star Wars), so expect to see a large variety of spin-offs and crossover toys for the newer collectors.

For the older collectors, local department stores and online retailers will still hold some appeal by stocking some of the classic reissues. But for old school Transformers fans who live for the now vintage Transformers, secondary market sales will be the only option. Secondary market sales include estate sales, yard sales, online auction sales, and party-to-party sales.

Stay tuned for more to come out of the Transformers franchise - it should be an interesting year!

For more information about Transformer action figures, characters, plot lines, and history, visit Shaun's Transformers online enthusiast blog.