Seibertron.com Transformers Twincast/podcast

On Episode #341 of the Seibertron.com Twincast Podcast, ScottyP, Kuhlio, Aarnhide19 and Megatronus look back for a 2023 Year in Review. Categories include: the Objective Best Toy of 2023, Subjective Favorite Toy of 2023, Best Media of 2023, Worst Toy of 2023, Worst Transformers Thing of 2023, and Biggest Collecting Achievement. These superlatives are followed by predictions, both our annual 2024 easy definitely-going-to-happen prediction, as well as bold spicy-hot-take for the year. Next is our new favorite regular segment: 40 for 40, where we each pick our favorite release from a given year, from the last 40 years of the Transformers brand. This time, we will discuss the year: 1998, with Beast Wars and Beast Wars II representing forming the core of our selections. Finally, we end as we always do, with a round of bragging rights for all the new things we bought since the last episode.

On episode 340 of the Seibertron.com Twincast Podcast, the conversation kicks off with the reveal of Transformers Legacy: United Titan Class Tidal Wave at Cybertron Fest 2023 in Singapore. Contrary to the predictions Tidal Wave is not, in fact, a retool of the Kingdom Titan Class Ark. The conversation segues into another reveal from the same show, Origins Wheeljack, which features the 1984 debut character in his original Cybertronian vehicle mode. Speaking of cartoon depictions, the cast also briefly discusses the yet-to-be-revealed Studio Series 86 Commander Class Optimus Prime, and speculates on what the fandom can expect from this anticipated release. The show moves to in-hand thoughts on the recently shipped Transformers Legacy HasLab Deathsaurus, which has reached the entire casts' hands as of the show's recording. Moving on from new and upcoming toys, the crew reviews the third issue of Skybound Entertainment's Transformers comic book run, which are mostly positive with one notable holdout. Our regular

Episode 339 of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast starts out with a chat about the newly revealed, upcoming Earthspark toys such as One-Step Skullcruncher, Tacticon Twitch and Warrior Class Bumblebee. After that, the talk moves on to recent assembly issues for Movie Masterpiece Bonecrusher and how to avoid them, while general impressions of this new release are also shared. Holiday wishlist suggestions from the cast give way for the 40 for 40 limited segment which reaches 1996 and the Beast Wars. The cast talks about their favorite Maximals, Predacons and fast-food premiums from this first year of the "Beast Era" of Transformers. The episode concludes with the recurring "Bragging Rights" segment where the cast shares their most recent Transformers toy acquisitions.

The Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast starts episode 338 with a quick round of speculation about an upcoming dragon themed toy set to be revealed next month. After that, the talk moves on to the lone newly-revealed toy from Hasbro's latest "Transformers Tuesday" event, that toy being a Soundwave which uses the design from the upcoming Reactivate videogame. Additional thoughts on the Haslab Deathsaurus figure that's about to ship out follow, prompted by the unboxing video that Hasbro sent out to project backers during this past week. Skybound's second issue of their flagship Transformers comic book has hit the shelves, so the cast reflects on it next in a spoiler-filled discussion. The 40 for 40 limited segment then brings up memories of the Generation 2 toys from 1995, before the episode concludes with the recurring "Bragging Rights" segment where the cast shares their most recent and notable Transformers toy and product acquisitions.

Episode 337 of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast begins with the cast sharing their thoughts about the recently revealed Generations Legacy United Commander Class Magmatron figure. The reveal talk continues with a discussion on more Rise of the Beasts Studio Series products, a new Starscream for the gamers out there and, as suspected, an introduction to concept art designs making their way onto store shelves with Bumblebee movie Megatron. A surprisingly good showing for Optimus Prime from the Reactivate game pays homage to previous iterations with the new figure drawing design elements from many of those prior designs. The 40 for 40 segment takes us to the the 1994 G2 assortment of rehashed G1 combiners, laser rods, and the rotor force before the recurring Bragging Rights segment brings the show to a close.

Episode 336 of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast begins with impressions of the recently leaked Transformers Reactivate figures which depict Bumblebee and Starscream in the forms they'll take in the upcoming videogame. Speculation continues due to the surfacing of an image of a possible Bumblebee movie version of Megatron for the Studio Series line. Newly revealed Earthspark deluxe class figures are talked about next. After that, the "40 for 40" segment reaches 1993 and the memorable, bright Transformers: Generation 2. Each cast member talks about their memories and favorite toy from the year. As usual, Bragging Rights then brings the show to a close.

Episode 335 begins with Japanese toy unveilings, featuring the eighth Beast Wars Again 2-pack, which includes Ghost Starscream and Decepticon Waspinator. Other highlights include MP-59 Rhinox and the unexpected Dramatic Capture Series Nemesis 3-Pack. From the North American perspective, the 40th Anniversary re-releases of Soundwave, Blaster, and their cassette companions are brought under scrutiny. Skybound kicks off a fresh take on the iconic G1 origin story with "Transformers" Issue 1, penned and illustrated by Darren Warren Johnson. The Twincast crew deliberates the significance of this comic and ponders whether it could be pivotal at all. The "40 for 40" segment then delves into 1992's array of Japanese Micromaster combiners and redecos, plus brand-new European releases. Each team member highlights their standout figure from that year, leading to a mix of anticipated and surprise choices. The episode wraps up with "bragging rights" and an intriguing chat about newly-emerged animation cels from The Transfo

Hasbro's Pulsecon 2023 has concluded and the Seibertron.com Twincast Podcast gathers to discuss its revealed product information for episode 334. Each class of figures gets some time in the spotlight, including the Core Class with Energon Megatron as its highlight. The upcoming Deluxe Class entries such as Rescue Bots Chase and Cyberverse Windblade give way to Voyagers Thundertron and Animated Optimus Prime. Tigerhawk takes up the sole Leader Class entry, leaving room for speculation about a presumed Commander Class Magmatron and Titan Class Tidal Wave based solely on the artwork from the Legacy United lineup teaser poster. The limited recurring "40 for 40" segment follows all the Pulsecon talk with the cast selecting their favorite Transformers from the year 1991. Bragging Rights brings the episode to a close in usual fashion, with each cast member reflecting on the most recent additions to their collection.

Episode 333 of the Seibertron.com Twincast Podcast begins with a discussion of the recent reveal of Japanese Earthspark toys. The crew investigates if this is a sign of the end of several years of Hasbro and Takara's products being in near-total alignment with one another. Next up is a brief chat about the new reveal of Frankentron, an upcoming Universal Monsters Collaborative figure. After that, specluation and reflection occur prompted by reports of moldy Transformers toys arriving in some collector's mailboxes. New topics lead into the recurring segment "40 for 40", this time focusing on 1990 - the year where Transformers decided to stop Transforming, or at least mostly. As usual, Bragging Rights brings this episode to an end as the cast share how their collections have grown since the last episode.

Episode 332 of the Seibertron.com Twincast Podcast begins with a comprehensive discussion of the Paramount+ Transformers series, Earthspark. As the crew looks back at the conclusion of season 1, they note the series' strengths, weaknesses, and how the show reflects on prior characterizations of the eponymous robots. Next, the discussion turns to toys, and the many leak lists that have populated the news of late, including a Walmart exclusive series of Star Seekers, Transformers Legacy reveals, and Studio Series. After reviewing the highlights, the Twincast crew focuses on our recurring segment, '40 for 40', where we review our favorite release in a given year. This time: 1989, the year of Micromasters and Mega Pretenders. The episode wraps up as it always does, with a round of bragging rights, where everyone talks about the new toys they've bought since the last episode.

Episode 331 of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast begins with a discussion of the recently revealed, upcoming Missing Link Convoy (or Optimus Prime), an articulated version of the vintage G1 figure. Both versions are talked about and speculation occurs regarding what other characters could receive the same treatment. Next up is quick talk about the forthcoming Studio Series 86 Commander Class Ultra Magnus in light of some additional information from its designer being posted, plus a brief additional mention and commentary on the Lunar Cruiser Optimus Prime. Rise of the Beasts' box office haul is up next, then the recurring limited "40 for 40" segment takes the cast on a trip back to 1988. The Bragging Rights segment closes out the show as usual with the cast sharing their recent Transformers toy hauls.

The Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast analyzes the Transformers news and product reveals from the 2023 San Diego Comic Con during episode 330. Thoughts about Powerlinx Armada Hot Shot and the surprise Mini-Con inclusion Jolt start things out. After that, a look at the several other various repainted figures occurs which includes Nova Prime, Kaskade, Javelin, a new Menasor boxed set, Shattered Glass Rodimus and Sideswipe and many more. Studio Series' first Commander Class figure, the '86 entry Ultra Magnus, is next up in the talk. After the SDCC chatter finishes up with the Stranger Things Collaborative release of Code Red, the "40 for 40" segment takes its turn with the cast picking their favorite Transformers toys from 1987. The recurring Bragging Rights segment concludes the episode as it usually does.

Episode 329 of the Seibertron.com Twincast Podcast starts of continuing the '40 for 40' segment as the cast explores the highlights of 1986 Transformer toy releases. From tapes like Ratbat to larger figures like Galvatron and Predaking, the Decepticons dominate the discussion of classic favorites from many, many years ago. Combiners and classics remain in the spotlight as the cast then completes the long-running "Classics Retrospective" feature as they discuss Generations Combiner Wars. The titular combiners themselves, extra additions from the Legends Class such as Blackjack and Powerglide, and the now mostly-irrelevant Leader Class are all under the microscope in this lengthy discussion. Even the comic tie-in, pack-in trading cards and the maligned CGI attempt at a cartoon come up as we look back at this significant toy line. Bragging Rights closes out the episode in typical fashion, with cast members sharing their most recent Transformers toy purchases.

On episode 328 of the Seibertron.com Twincast Podcast, the discussion kicks off with the prior Tuesday's Hasbro Pulse Transformers Tuesdays reveals. The team spends some time on the upcoming Antagony, Trashmaster, Bludgeon, Strongarm, and the core class Optimus Prime & Bumblebee pack with Trailer, with brief mentions for Dreadwing, Detritus, Bombshell, Snarl, and the Studio Series Ironhide & Prowl pack. Conversation moves to the Walmart-exclusive Toxitron line and G2 reveals of Laser Cycle and Sideswipe, before moving into a robust look at the newly unveiled GI Joe crossover Soundwave, which converts into a Dreadnok Thunder Machine and includes the much-coveted Masterpiece Howlback. The team uses our discussion of the Amazon exclusive Javelin & Cascade pack - both IDW characters - to segue into Skybound Entertainment's new Transformers comic series' inaugural issue Void Rivals #1, and thoughts about previews for the main series expected later this fall. The episode wraps up with a round of Braggin

Rise of the Beasts has hit movie theaters across the globe and the Seibertron.com Twincast Podcast takes most of episode 327 to talk about the film. Reflections on its characters occur throughout, including both the robot and human cast with standouts such as Mirage and Noah. The plot is discussed in-depth alongside speculation of what may have been left on the cutting room floor that could have helped the story along. Continuity comes up as well, leaving the ultimate decision on prequel vs reboot status to the listener. The G.I. Joe presence at the end of the film also leads to informal predictions of what may occur in the future. After some retrospective thought about its toyline, the cast quickly checks out the upcoming Buzzworthy Bumblebee troop-builder 4-pack before the episode concludes with a quick round of the recurring Bragging Rights segment.

The Twincast team discusses upcoming Japanese Transformers Masterpiece reveals beginning with MP-58 Hoist and the last piece of the Raiden trainbot combiner, MPG-06 Kaen. Takara Tomy's exclusive version of Optimus Primal and the creative JAXA Sora-Q tie-in, Lunar Cruiser Prime, are discussed next. In addition, recent reveals of the Dilophocon & JP12 Jurassic Park Crossover set receive some side-eye remarks, and everyone unanimously agrees that Legacy Evolution Shadowstriker is a huge miss on a multitude of levels. The continuation of Transformers' upcoming 40th birthday celebration comes next with the cast sharing their favorites from 1985. As usual, the episode concludes with the recurring Bragging Rights segment where the cast talks about their latest toy and merchandise acquisitions.

The season for retailer exclusives is almost upon Transformers fans, and episode 325 of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast starts out with impressions of the recently revealed Amazon exclusive two-packs featuring Miner Megatron, Senators Shockwave and Ratbat, plus an Orion Pax using the Siege Hound Deluxe Class tooling. Quick thoughts on Earthspark Grimlock are also included. A pair of Japanese Studio Series exclusives tied in with Rise of the Beasts ticket purchases are pondered next, with said toys being Nemesis Prime and Beast Burning Convoy. The first entry of a new segment, "40 for 40" is found in this episode. With the Transformers franchise approaching its 40th birthday next year, the cast looks back at favorites from each year, starting in this episode with their favorites from 1984. The episode concludes with the recurring Bragging Rights segment, which this time includes discussion on little known packaging variants for some Starscream toys.

Transformers movie season is underway with the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast starting out episode 324 with a look at the latest trailer for the soon-to-be-released Rise of the Beasts featuring the surprise appearance of Unicron. Opinions and speculation on the live-action movie give way to further speculation for next year's animated installment, Transformers: One, in light of its cast announcement and plot teasers that have been shared by the studio. Toy discussion follows with reactions to the preorder drop of this year's Generations Titan Class entry Nemesis and her pricing reflecting yet another increase. Images of pre-production versions of the Legacy Evolution Voyager Junkion, an unknown "Miner" Megatron and upcoming R.E.D. series entries for Grimlock and the Prime version of Starscream spark further discussion. The cast reflects on the Transformers themed Ark restaurant in Hong Kong before the episode concludes with the recurring Bragging Rights segment.

Life's biggest mystery is, for some, what to collect or what doesn't belong on the shelf. Episode 323 of the Seibertron.com Twincast Podcast attempts to answer that question, but first, new reviews of Rise of the Beasts mainline Optimus Prime and Primal are discussed to warm things up. Studio Series War for Cybertron Barricade has finally appeared to us in figure form and takes the spotlight next in the conversation. Next, we discuss recently released Seibertron.com galleries of G1 Metroplex and Trypticon along with the Street Fighter collaboration figures. Changing gears, the crew checks in to discuss their Transformer collecting approaches at the moment and give some very late advice to our younger selves. This discussion leads into Bragging Rights which, as usual, closes out the episode.

Episode 322 of the Seibertron.com Twincast / Podcast begins with a discussion of Hasbro's fanstream which showcased upcoming Generations Legacy Evolution and Studio Series products. Thoughts about Commander Class Armada Optimus Prime and Megatron start things out before shifting over to Deluxe Class entries Beachcomber, Axelgrease and Devcon. The Decepticon battleship Nemesis will be the next to join the Titan Class lineup, so the cast provides their thoughts on her before quickly reflecting on "Space Bridge" reveals of Studio Series products. A brief overview of the dearth of products hitting store shelves in support of the upcoming Rise of the Beasts movie follows. After that, the penultimate entry of the long-running Classics Retrospective segment takes a look at late 2014 and early 2015 releases such as Generations Brainstorm, Chromia, Arcee and Windblade. The recurring Bragging Rights segment then closes out another episode.