Get ready to return to Cybertron. After defining the transforming robot genre, “Transformers” is back on screen, grittier and darker than ever. No, we’re not talking about more nonsensical Bayverse films–though “Bumblebee” was a very good reboot–we are talking back-to-basics animated robot badassery.
On Juy 30, Netflix drops “Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy–Siege.” This 3D-animated six-episode series–from Hasbro’s Allspark Animation, Polygon and Rooster Teeth studios–is a new cartoon continuity tied in to the best toyline since the legendary Generation 1 line from 1985. The Hasbro toyline–the appropriate G1-inspired Transformers: War for Cybertron–Siege line (yes, it has the same name) features the originals from the show’s first season but this time in their Cybertronian (non-Earth) modes, all done up with the most recent toy technology. The show is like that as well.
On Cybertron, the civil war between the Autobots and the Decepticons rage towards a desperate crescendo as the Autobot resistance led by Optimus Prime make a last stand against decimation by Megatron, who seeks the all-powerful Allspark.
The show may not feature the definitive voice actors (no Peter Cullen or Frank Welker) but that’s in keeping with this violent new beginning (or is it the end?). There’s torture and death plus a giant Omega Sentinel claw rising from the ground.
Netflix just dropped the official trailer:
The show is written by Brandon Easton, Gavin Hignight and George Kristic. Optimus Prime is voiced by Jake Foushee and Megatron by Jason Marnocha. Watch out for Ultra Magnus, Bumblebee, Soundwave, Shockwave, Wheeljack, Sideswipe, Starscream, Jetfire, Hound, Arcee, Elita-1, Impactor, Mirage, Skywarp, Ironhide, Ratchet and Cliffjumper, among others.
“The final hours are here,” Megatron cries, but “Transformers: War for Cybertron Trilogy–Siege” is just getting started.
