1. To start out today's news---- three new TV spots!
"Mystery"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCgxVnR5epw&feature=player_embedded
"Wanted"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvMCiaHoP-4&feature=player_embedded
And "Fate"
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/transformers-2/tv-spot-fate
2. The ROTF comic issue #3 synopsis from the blog of Simon Furman:
"Okay, by now you probably know the score: another week another serving of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (the comic book adaptation). This week (3rd June in the US, 4th in the UK) it’s the turn of issue #3, and events crank up to fever pitch as the human contingent and crotchety old duffer Jetfire go in search (well, he’s a Seeker after all!) of the Tomb of the Primes! Meanwhile, the Decepticons are doing some searching too, and number one on their seek and eviscerate schedule is Sam Witwicky! Secrets from the Transformers dim, distant past are revealed and The Fallen… well, wait and see! Art this issue is by Alex Milne, pinch-hitting for regular artist Jon Davis-Hunt (who returns for #4… 22-pages weekly, it’s a killer schedule!)."
3. The Transformers comic release schedule for June and the beginning of July:
June 3
TF: Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Alliance TPB
TF: Revenge of the Fallen Movie Prequel: Defiance TPB
TF: Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaptation TPB
TF: Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaptation #3
TF: Best of UK: City of Fear #5
TF Animated Vol. 9
June 10
TF: Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaptation #4
TF Robot Heroes: I Am Optimus Prime HC
June 17
TF: Premiere Edition Vol. 2 HC
TF Spotlight: Cliffjumper
June 24
TF: All Hail Megatron #12
July 1
Classic Transformers Vol. 4 TPB
TF Spotlight: Metroplex
(And after that, as previously stated by IDW writers and artists, AHM Coda will begin, as well as Spotlights for the movie characters.)
4. Cheap Trick's new version of the Transformers theme can be found here:
http://www.imeem.com/people/7XUeXfY/music/HTU9quXy/cheap-trick-transformers-the-fallen-remix-radio-edit12396/
5. For those of you who couldn't make it to Botcon, never fear! The Razorclaw and Elita figures will be available in the Club store, says Pete Sinclair, so don't go trolling eBay just yet! (Speaking of eBay, I am doing some major trolling to get figures on my wish list, namely Armada Starscream, ROTF Sideswipe, G1 Deszaras and Leozack. Big thanks to Tori for getting me into Transformers Victory. The rest of you should watch it, too-- it's all Japanese, but subbed. Very good show.)
6. Target now has an offer-- buy 5 bags of M&Ms and you can get a 'free' Optimus Prime dispenser.
7. Also, some news that IDW is going to be putting previews of their comics online via iPublishCentral-- which is good news for a lot of us, since sometimes the 5-page leaked previews just aren't quite enough for us.
That's all for now-- I keep getting more and more excited for ROTF, can't wait!! 21 days left!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Shia Labeouf's new interview
(Written by Bob Strauss)
Shia LaBeouf has survived another one.
Another Transformers movie, anyway. One that promises, in the delicate language of a studio promotional campaign, “even bigger giant f---ing robots” from outer space. (Seriously. That’s what it said on promotional T-shirts given out at Comic-Con.)
LaBeouf’s back in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen as Sam Witwicky, misunderstood kid turned friend of the good alien Autobots and target of their enemies the Decepticons, mechanical beings that can turn themselves into cars, helicopters and, in a film that climaxes at the ancient pyramids of Giza, probably the most high-tech chariots you’ve ever seen.
Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
LaBeouf is also back in the hands of volatile director Michael Bay, who made quite an impact with the first Transformers by, among other skills, yelling a lot. Of course, standing between the director’s temper and the young, sometimes trouble-prone actor is the formidable figure of producer Steven Spielberg, who’s been a mentor to LaBeouf through such star-making hits as Disturbia, Eagle Eye and, most conspicuously, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which Spielberg directed while giving Shia the plum role of Indy’s son.
“Mike has been better this time, he’s more comfortable and he’s doing different stuff,” says LaBeouf, looking buff but for the cast on his broken hand, during an interview in Los Angeles last autumn. “It’s wild to watch Mike grow up and to acknowledge it. Every filmmaker, every movie out, something changes. You either gain something or you lose something, and I think this time Mike has gained a lot. I also think working with Steven is really transforming Mike. His preparation is very different on this one than it was on the first one.”
Maybe. But one still can’t imagine the soft-spoken Spielberg ordering Transformers co-star Megan Fox, when she arrived on the set of Revenge of the Fallen too skinny for the director’s taste, to go eat some cheeseburgers.
“Megan Fox is gorgeous, still,” LaBeouf gallantly affirms. “And no, I didn’t think she was too skinny when she came back to do this. Megan has never looked bad. There’s always something that Michael says, but he’s been good.”
LaBeouf has been on his best behaviour for a while, too. Over a nine-month period in 2007 and 2008, the just-turned-legal actor had some run-ins with the law, culminating in the late-night summer car crash that damaged his hand and led to the loss of his license when he refused to take a Breathalyzer test (as with the earlier arrest and bench warrant for unlawful smoking, no charges were ever filed against LaBeouf). Many were ready to chalk the incidents up to a child actor losing control when unimaginable success coincided with becoming an adult (he turns 23 this month).
But LaBeouf appeared earnest and sober when we spoke. If he was high on anything, it was enthusiasm for his latest movie, where the injury was written into Sam’s part of the story.
“It’s bigger, faster and stronger than what we did the first time,” he says. “We’re blowing everything up. I was just at Holloman Air Force Base, where we blew up an entire town! There are new characters that are interesting. Our banter is fast and it’s fun, it’s table tennis.”
And what of average-teen-turned-world-saviour Sam Witwicky?
“There’s cool stuff that happens to Sam. Sam starts to lose his mind. He starts having visions of his grandfather, Archibald Witwicky, and that’s fun to play around with. And recess time with John Turturro [who plays the addled fed constantly at odds with Sam] is always fun…. It’s like Groundlings Theater,” LaBeouf says, referencing the L.A. comedy troupe whose alumni include Will Ferrell and Lisa Kudrow. “You’re ad libbing all day long. One of the beautiful things about Mike is that he’ll allow it. You can do free-form thought the whole day.”
Despite his hard-earned success — born into a cash-strapped family of L.A. hippie artists, Shia invented a career as a foul-mouthed child stand-up comic before taking the Disney TV kid route — there’s not a hint of arrogance in LaBeouf. Indeed, he still seems more surprised than anyone that he’s become the highest-profile action hero of his generation.
“Something’s obviously off; nobody expects Garry Shandling to save the world,” he half-jokes, convinced he’s no more attractive nor masculine than the prune-faced comedian.
That noted, LaBeouf otherwise feels at home in the world of high-stakes filmmaking. Working with many of the same people over and over again has brought a sense of belonging that was hard to come by in the rough neighbourhoods and broken homes of his childhood. Of course, he realizes that finding a nurturing work “family” on the sets of nine-figure megaproductions is about as rarefied as it gets, and LaBeouf certainly appreciates it.
“I, personally, don’t think there is a better job on the planet,” he says. “And there is no better way to do it than to make movies with friends. You can bounce ideas and be able to collaborate and not feel threatened for having an idea. And it’s great to be around people who have full existences…. They still have time to make movies, but show me that there’s a cut-off point when life starts.”
After going at TV and movies non-stop for 10 years, LaBeouf is enjoying a little cut-off time himself. He hasn’t worked since Revenge of the Fallen wrapped, and for the first time has shifted the drive that got him to the top (but may also have been steering him toward destruction) into neutral.
“I’ll just play it by ear for a while,” he says. “I could use a little break. I don’t feel any pressure to do anything, really. I mean, we’ve just been goin’. If anything, I feel pressure to slow down.”
Shia LaBeouf has survived another one.
Another Transformers movie, anyway. One that promises, in the delicate language of a studio promotional campaign, “even bigger giant f---ing robots” from outer space. (Seriously. That’s what it said on promotional T-shirts given out at Comic-Con.)
LaBeouf’s back in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen as Sam Witwicky, misunderstood kid turned friend of the good alien Autobots and target of their enemies the Decepticons, mechanical beings that can turn themselves into cars, helicopters and, in a film that climaxes at the ancient pyramids of Giza, probably the most high-tech chariots you’ve ever seen.
Megan Fox and Shia LaBeouf in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
LaBeouf is also back in the hands of volatile director Michael Bay, who made quite an impact with the first Transformers by, among other skills, yelling a lot. Of course, standing between the director’s temper and the young, sometimes trouble-prone actor is the formidable figure of producer Steven Spielberg, who’s been a mentor to LaBeouf through such star-making hits as Disturbia, Eagle Eye and, most conspicuously, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which Spielberg directed while giving Shia the plum role of Indy’s son.
“Mike has been better this time, he’s more comfortable and he’s doing different stuff,” says LaBeouf, looking buff but for the cast on his broken hand, during an interview in Los Angeles last autumn. “It’s wild to watch Mike grow up and to acknowledge it. Every filmmaker, every movie out, something changes. You either gain something or you lose something, and I think this time Mike has gained a lot. I also think working with Steven is really transforming Mike. His preparation is very different on this one than it was on the first one.”
Maybe. But one still can’t imagine the soft-spoken Spielberg ordering Transformers co-star Megan Fox, when she arrived on the set of Revenge of the Fallen too skinny for the director’s taste, to go eat some cheeseburgers.
“Megan Fox is gorgeous, still,” LaBeouf gallantly affirms. “And no, I didn’t think she was too skinny when she came back to do this. Megan has never looked bad. There’s always something that Michael says, but he’s been good.”
LaBeouf has been on his best behaviour for a while, too. Over a nine-month period in 2007 and 2008, the just-turned-legal actor had some run-ins with the law, culminating in the late-night summer car crash that damaged his hand and led to the loss of his license when he refused to take a Breathalyzer test (as with the earlier arrest and bench warrant for unlawful smoking, no charges were ever filed against LaBeouf). Many were ready to chalk the incidents up to a child actor losing control when unimaginable success coincided with becoming an adult (he turns 23 this month).
But LaBeouf appeared earnest and sober when we spoke. If he was high on anything, it was enthusiasm for his latest movie, where the injury was written into Sam’s part of the story.
“It’s bigger, faster and stronger than what we did the first time,” he says. “We’re blowing everything up. I was just at Holloman Air Force Base, where we blew up an entire town! There are new characters that are interesting. Our banter is fast and it’s fun, it’s table tennis.”
And what of average-teen-turned-world-saviour Sam Witwicky?
“There’s cool stuff that happens to Sam. Sam starts to lose his mind. He starts having visions of his grandfather, Archibald Witwicky, and that’s fun to play around with. And recess time with John Turturro [who plays the addled fed constantly at odds with Sam] is always fun…. It’s like Groundlings Theater,” LaBeouf says, referencing the L.A. comedy troupe whose alumni include Will Ferrell and Lisa Kudrow. “You’re ad libbing all day long. One of the beautiful things about Mike is that he’ll allow it. You can do free-form thought the whole day.”
Despite his hard-earned success — born into a cash-strapped family of L.A. hippie artists, Shia invented a career as a foul-mouthed child stand-up comic before taking the Disney TV kid route — there’s not a hint of arrogance in LaBeouf. Indeed, he still seems more surprised than anyone that he’s become the highest-profile action hero of his generation.
“Something’s obviously off; nobody expects Garry Shandling to save the world,” he half-jokes, convinced he’s no more attractive nor masculine than the prune-faced comedian.
That noted, LaBeouf otherwise feels at home in the world of high-stakes filmmaking. Working with many of the same people over and over again has brought a sense of belonging that was hard to come by in the rough neighbourhoods and broken homes of his childhood. Of course, he realizes that finding a nurturing work “family” on the sets of nine-figure megaproductions is about as rarefied as it gets, and LaBeouf certainly appreciates it.
“I, personally, don’t think there is a better job on the planet,” he says. “And there is no better way to do it than to make movies with friends. You can bounce ideas and be able to collaborate and not feel threatened for having an idea. And it’s great to be around people who have full existences…. They still have time to make movies, but show me that there’s a cut-off point when life starts.”
After going at TV and movies non-stop for 10 years, LaBeouf is enjoying a little cut-off time himself. He hasn’t worked since Revenge of the Fallen wrapped, and for the first time has shifted the drive that got him to the top (but may also have been steering him toward destruction) into neutral.
“I’ll just play it by ear for a while,” he says. “I could use a little break. I don’t feel any pressure to do anything, really. I mean, we’ve just been goin’. If anything, I feel pressure to slow down.”
Lots and lots of news today, to start out with, and then, in a separate post later today, I'm going to be putting up my review of Universe Sunstreaker and Sideswipe, as well as (perhaps) Universe Bluestreak. My camera, at the moment, is dead, so you'll have to have them in a form similar to the 'interview' forms from Armada Starscream and ROTF Sideswipe.
2. The Exclusive Electro-Disrupter Ligier is due for release in August 2009, and I must say that, from the pre-order images, it looks like a fantastic figure. Very sturdy, very poseable. It's a very balanced figure as well, because though it could be top-heavy, they've balanced that with the lower legs and feet.
Now on to the news!
1. Two new bios have been put out of ROTF characters Swerve (who is a repaint of Sideswipe with a different helm mold) and Gears (repaint of the first live-action movie's Stockade).
Swerve: Swerve is highly intelligent, though you wouldn't know it to watch him drive. His duties as a metallurgist and fabricator for the Autobots expose him to a lot of toxic chemicals, which his circuits have been constantly exposed to for years. He has trouble holding a straight line as a result. The other Autobots prefer to keep him far away from battle, since he aims about as well as he drives.
Stockade: If there's a negative angle to be found in any situation, Gears will find it. It's not that he's a miserable guy or that he's unhappy on earth. He just really likes complaining. Nothing makes him happier than having something to gripe about. The other Autobots actually find his complaining funny, rather than annoying, which is part of the reason he keeps on doing it.
2. The Exclusive Electro-Disrupter Ligier is due for release in August 2009, and I must say that, from the pre-order images, it looks like a fantastic figure. Very sturdy, very poseable. It's a very balanced figure as well, because though it could be top-heavy, they've balanced that with the lower legs and feet.
3. The Fallen's concept art has been released, and it's a good way to see a lot of little details on the character:
4. IDW is going to be giving movie characters their own Spotlights! After the release of Cliffjumper and Metroplex's Spotlights, the IDW crew will be turning their attention to some of our favorite movie characters. Just who hasn't been released yet, I am hoping for Sideswipe, Barricade, the Fallen, Megatron... There will be 5-6 released.
5. The upcoming ComicCon edition of GEEK Monthly will feature a Botcon 2009 cover, so be sure to take a look.
---
6. Also, speaking of ComicCon, San Diego Comic Con's Exclusive Reissue Soundwave will be sold there. The images weren't very good, but I got the bio:
"'Cries and screams are music to my ears.' It is said that Soundwave can hear a fly sneeze. Uses anything he hears for blackmail to advance his status. Opportunist. Despised by all other Decepticons. Sensors can detect even lowest energy radio transmissions. Able to read minds by monitoring electrical brain impulses. Acts as radio link for others. Locates and identifies Autobots, then informs Decepticons. Carries a concussion blaster gun. Often target of retaliation from his comrades."
I... really like that bio, for some reason.
---
7. Also: the covers for AHM Coda have been released on Chris Ryall's blog:
Optimus and Ironhide, issue 13: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIc65YUDKuoU1LRmSqDRtFTPvzwegwBYgT9di2toHqVWhgrHSBawnjBt3cwhVCPUC4omt4PNOEBGkSrO1gptFE23FK6BfHbHr-dNXnOz4czwHAKNXrbJsmC9IcDnKXnZ1nlawVrzeIzM/s1600-h/TFCODA.cvr.jpg
I would have uploaded the pics directly, but they're being finicky.
---
8. Keep your eyes peeled for a new M&Ms commercial featuring Optimus.
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9. Check out BBTS for some new pre-order updates. (I personally want the movie scout set.)
---
10. Tonight's episode of Entertainment Tonight may or may not feature an exclusive ROTF clip, as teased by last night's episode. I would tune in anyway, just to check it out.
---
That looks like it for now, guys! Another update tonight.
(Edit: Sorry the end is all squashed together, having some editing issues.)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Botcon present
Finally found out what my Botcon present is:
Binaltech's Electro-Disruptor Mirage!
He's being sent to my friend's house, but I should have him by the 24th of June. Many thanks to Bekka!! As soon as I get him in-hand, I'll have a review and pictures up.
DRIFT!!!
WE ARE GETTING A DELUXE DRIFT!!!!!!
And other news from Hasbro:
1. Hasbro showed us Human Alliance Skids and Arcee with Mikeala. Looks nice!
2. EMP generator will attach to TFA Cybertronian Ratchet, comes with paddles for a "jump start"
3. All pieces of Wingblade Optimus fit on Voyager figure as well
4. ROTF Scout Brakedown is colored in G1 Brakedown colors in concept art
5. Deluxe Drift!!!!! Showed us some design drawings ... in very early stages
6. Leader class Starscream ... complete with hands! Gatling guns on his forearms w/ speech and TF sound, plus mech alive.
And other news from Hasbro:
1. Hasbro showed us Human Alliance Skids and Arcee with Mikeala. Looks nice!
2. EMP generator will attach to TFA Cybertronian Ratchet, comes with paddles for a "jump start"
3. All pieces of Wingblade Optimus fit on Voyager figure as well
4. ROTF Scout Brakedown is colored in G1 Brakedown colors in concept art
5. Deluxe Drift!!!!! Showed us some design drawings ... in very early stages
6. Leader class Starscream ... complete with hands! Gatling guns on his forearms w/ speech and TF sound, plus mech alive.
Kmart promotion, ROTF website, TV spots, interview with Grimlock's voice actor, emailing Derrick J. Wyatt
To start off today's news, Kmart is starting a promotion for Revenge, which is kicking off on June 7th. It will focus on Father's Day, which will be ROTF themed. There will be several promotional clothing items, commercials, and a large Transformers-themed 'headquarters' at the front of each Kmart store.
2: The official ROTF website has been updated with fanart. http://www.transformersmovie.com/upgrade_flash.html Go check it out!
3: As of today (or Wednesday), according to Michael Bay, Revenge of the Fallen is officially theater-ready. Finally.
4. More and more TV spots are starting to appear, including "Destiny", featuring Linkin Park's "New Divide".
I keep thinking over the Revenge of the Fallen Lockdown figure that was mentioned in Hasbro's Q&A session, and it seems like he'll be a really awesome figure. He's been redesigned from Animated to fit the ROTF line, which I cannot wait to see.
And last but not least, I have seibertron.com's interview with Gregg Berger, better known as the voice of G1 Grimlock:
Delicon: What, generally speaking, has the Botcon experience been like for you so far? Are there any aspects of fandom that surprise you?
Berger: It's more than meets the eye! You have to be here to experience it and feel it. The energy is global, maybe galactic, and accessible to all. They have set the bar so high that the biggest surprise of all is that they have exceeded all expectations! It rocks so hard!
Delicon: The autograph lines have been insane, what is most unusual thing you have autographed both at this convention and overall?
Berger: Although I autographed the inside of several shoes at this con, my most unusual signing ever was an @$$ cheek, which I have been told went straight to a tattooer.
Delicon: What aspects of TransFormers, particularly G1, do you feel influence modern shows, or their creators as something that affected them?
Berger: I think it had, in its time, an enormous effect on people who have now grown into not only a devoted fanbase, but also show creators, and creatives in general. So many people in so many creative circles credit their rabid devotion to Transformers growing up as part of their wonder years, and consequently part of them.I was introduced last week by someone who said, "This is the man who made me late for school and made me rush home after school." That feels so good I can't tell you.
Delicon: You worked with so many voice actors on Transformers and other shows. Name one or two that stand out and why?
Berger: I would say, personally, Scatman Cruthers made me anxious for the times that we were not recording, because he would bring a ukulele or tell stories, and he had such a magical quality about him as a person that I just wanted to sit and listen to whatever he had to say. I still worked with Frank Welker nearly every week on new episodes of "Garfield," but when "Transformers" was working I was the new kid and was awed by his, and everyone's, incredible talent, and Frank's in particular, his sense of fun and play, keeping the sessions always fresh.
Delicon: You've done mostly voice acting, but have a regular acting background as well. Do you have a preference of the two? Is there more job security in voice acting?
Berger: I don't believe there is job security for anyone who feels that they are guaranteed job security. Every opportunity stands alone and must be earned. I love the voiceover community, but I love the on-camera, onstage, and personal appearance opportunities I have been afforded as well. I'm not trying to bail on the question,but the truth is I love whatever I'm doing at the moment.
Delicon: You're most well-known in Transformers for your portrayal of Grimlock, but you've done a host of characters on many shows. Are there any characters you identify with on a personal level?
Berger: To some degree, all of them, which is how actors should approach their work. But strictly on the optimism level, I would have to say, Spirit from "GI Joe."
Delicon: Final question. Thank you very much for you time today, we greatly appreciate it. This is your opportunity to pitch any upcoming projects, I'm sure fans would love to know.
Berger: I am happily so busy at the moment that I need an air traffic controller! I am Captain Cutter in "Halo Wars", Kingpin in "Spiderman: Web of Shadows", Fred Dukes aka the Blob in "X-men Origins: Wolverine: The Game," two major characters in "Guild Wars 2," and I narrate "Shadow Force" for the History Channel. New "Garfield"s are in production and began airing in May on Cartoon Network UK, so hopefully other markets in the near future. Boy did you pick the right time to ask me that question!
---
And, ah, as a last note, I am planning on emailing Derrick J. Wyatt with a few TFA questions, so does anyone have any pressing things they'd like answered?
2: The official ROTF website has been updated with fanart. http://www.transformersmovie.com/upgrade_flash.html Go check it out!
3: As of today (or Wednesday), according to Michael Bay, Revenge of the Fallen is officially theater-ready. Finally.
4. More and more TV spots are starting to appear, including "Destiny", featuring Linkin Park's "New Divide".
I keep thinking over the Revenge of the Fallen Lockdown figure that was mentioned in Hasbro's Q&A session, and it seems like he'll be a really awesome figure. He's been redesigned from Animated to fit the ROTF line, which I cannot wait to see.
And last but not least, I have seibertron.com's interview with Gregg Berger, better known as the voice of G1 Grimlock:
Delicon: What, generally speaking, has the Botcon experience been like for you so far? Are there any aspects of fandom that surprise you?
Berger: It's more than meets the eye! You have to be here to experience it and feel it. The energy is global, maybe galactic, and accessible to all. They have set the bar so high that the biggest surprise of all is that they have exceeded all expectations! It rocks so hard!
Delicon: The autograph lines have been insane, what is most unusual thing you have autographed both at this convention and overall?
Berger: Although I autographed the inside of several shoes at this con, my most unusual signing ever was an @$$ cheek, which I have been told went straight to a tattooer.
Delicon: What aspects of TransFormers, particularly G1, do you feel influence modern shows, or their creators as something that affected them?
Berger: I think it had, in its time, an enormous effect on people who have now grown into not only a devoted fanbase, but also show creators, and creatives in general. So many people in so many creative circles credit their rabid devotion to Transformers growing up as part of their wonder years, and consequently part of them.I was introduced last week by someone who said, "This is the man who made me late for school and made me rush home after school." That feels so good I can't tell you.
Delicon: You worked with so many voice actors on Transformers and other shows. Name one or two that stand out and why?
Berger: I would say, personally, Scatman Cruthers made me anxious for the times that we were not recording, because he would bring a ukulele or tell stories, and he had such a magical quality about him as a person that I just wanted to sit and listen to whatever he had to say. I still worked with Frank Welker nearly every week on new episodes of "Garfield," but when "Transformers" was working I was the new kid and was awed by his, and everyone's, incredible talent, and Frank's in particular, his sense of fun and play, keeping the sessions always fresh.
Delicon: You've done mostly voice acting, but have a regular acting background as well. Do you have a preference of the two? Is there more job security in voice acting?
Berger: I don't believe there is job security for anyone who feels that they are guaranteed job security. Every opportunity stands alone and must be earned. I love the voiceover community, but I love the on-camera, onstage, and personal appearance opportunities I have been afforded as well. I'm not trying to bail on the question,but the truth is I love whatever I'm doing at the moment.
Delicon: You're most well-known in Transformers for your portrayal of Grimlock, but you've done a host of characters on many shows. Are there any characters you identify with on a personal level?
Berger: To some degree, all of them, which is how actors should approach their work. But strictly on the optimism level, I would have to say, Spirit from "GI Joe."
Delicon: Final question. Thank you very much for you time today, we greatly appreciate it. This is your opportunity to pitch any upcoming projects, I'm sure fans would love to know.
Berger: I am happily so busy at the moment that I need an air traffic controller! I am Captain Cutter in "Halo Wars", Kingpin in "Spiderman: Web of Shadows", Fred Dukes aka the Blob in "X-men Origins: Wolverine: The Game," two major characters in "Guild Wars 2," and I narrate "Shadow Force" for the History Channel. New "Garfield"s are in production and began airing in May on Cartoon Network UK, so hopefully other markets in the near future. Boy did you pick the right time to ask me that question!
---
And, ah, as a last note, I am planning on emailing Derrick J. Wyatt with a few TFA questions, so does anyone have any pressing things they'd like answered?
Armada Starscream interview
Another figure I've wanted for quite some time is Armada Starscream, so I asked another of my friends to give an interview for him.
Miraging:: How tall is he compared to Universe Ratchet?
Shadow: Off the top of my head I'd say Universe ratchet comes up to like... midchestish area? He's rather big.
Miraging: Oh, he is big.
Miraging: How's the alt-mode fit together?
Shadow: It's not all that difficult a transformation. (If I can brainlessly figure it out--mostly--it's easy. I'm hopeless at figuring out how to transform them 8) I have a little difficulty getting his legs to fold properly under his wings but uh, that could be because I'm probably doing it wrong.
Miraging: But he holds together nicely, no gaps or anything?
Shadow: Yeah.
Miraging: Okay.
Miraging: How's poseability in mech mode?
Shadow: Oops, he's missing a cannon, it seems. Anyway, he's easy to get standing solidly as long as you remember to fold out the stabalizer things on his feet (unlike G1 Star who you have to put in weird positions to get to stand upright at all), but he's very topheavy so that makes posing difficult sometimes if you aren't careful balancing him.
Miraging: Okay.
Miraging: Where is he ball-jointed?
Shadow: Hm~ hips and shoulders it seems
Miraging: Okay. No waist?
Shadow: His waist kind of... how do you put this. Locks into place underneath in robot mode--when transforming him you pop it free to give his legs room to bend around underneath him in his alt-mode.
Shadow: If that makes sense.
Miraging: Oh, I see.
Miraging: Okay, so any complaints about him or anything you really like?
Shadow: My only real complaint is trying to transform him or just handle him in general and hitting the button on his cockpit that makes shooting noises. I never really was one for noisy toys.
Shadow: Other than that I really like him.
Miraging: What was the price on him?
Shadow: Uh... I honestly don't know. He was a Christmas gift from my brother, who bought him a long time ago when HE was into collecting the toys.
defectionpendin Ohhh, I see.
Miraging: So I suppose I can't ask you about the condition of the paint when it was new XD
Miraging: Is he loose anywhere in mech mode, or does he hold together?
Shadow: well his shoulder cannons tend to pop off, it seems. And his wing, but that's supposed to do that and become his sword.
Miraging: Ahh, right. So he has the working wingblade?
Shadow: Yeah.
Miraging: Awesome.
Shadow: It just pops off and unfolds.
Miraging: Sweet. I love that feature for him.
Alas, she had to go off to bed, but that figure is on my "once you get a job, must buy" list along with ROTF Sideswipe, Soundwave and Knockout and Binaltech Mirage, so hopefully I'll have it soon enough and can do a video review of my own.
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