Transformers University - a TFU.INFO Podcast

Ant takes a look back on the crazy month of November – the preorder deluge, Cyber Weekend, and the drop of the Transformers: Rise of the Beasts trailer! Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on social media: Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/TFU_INFO Facebook … Continue reading News and Views 057 – November Kills →

Celebrating our 5th Anniversary, we take a look at 3 books from UK Publisher Young Corgi. All from 1987, we'll find our fates with “Swamp of the Scorpion,” and, “Desert of Danger,” and we'll “Battle Beneath the Ice,” in a young adult illustrator tale! Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please … Continue reading Episode 120 – Young Corgi Books →

Time to hit the books once again as we study 3 more episodes of the Headmasters cartoon. We'll find out the fate of Cybertron in a very important episode, we'll learn a little bit more about a secret Decepticon plan, and we'll watch the Autobots hang out with… a donkey? Our coverage of this Japanese … Continue reading Episode 119 – Headmasters episodes 10-12 →

Ant takes a look at the recent clearance sales from Pulse, Target, and more and dissects what this means for the near future for toy collectors. Check out the Freightwaves article mentioned in the show: https://www.freightwaves.com/news/why-everyone-is-freaking-out-about-targets-inventory

In this episode of TFU News & Views Ant takes a look at your favorite superhero brand: Transformers. Yes, superhero brand. Plus he'll talk about Wreckers: Tread & Circuits from IDW comics and the one change that may set the IDW books on a downward spiral towards losing the licesnse at the end of 2022. … Continue reading News and Views – Episode 55 – Transformers: Your Favorite Superhero Brand →

Get your headphones on and get ready to rock out as we explore a unique piece of Transformers history – Headmasters: the Hit Song Collection. 10 tracks inspired by the cartoon series, released while the show was still on the air in Japan. Plus, you can download the entire record at this location for free: … Continue reading Episode 118 – Headmasters: The Hit Song Collection →

We'll tackle another 3 episodes from this Japanese series; we'll unveil a 4 million year old mystery, find out about a shadowy robot, and begin the first part of a battle for Cybertron! Catch us on social media: Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/TFU_INFO Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/tfuinfo Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/tfuinfo Help support the show by joining our Patreon: … Continue reading Episode 117 – Headmasters episodes 7-9 →

Once again we got to join the Transformers design team at Hasbro for a fun and friendly Q&A session! Listen to Ant's thoughts about the experience chatting with the design and marketing teams and the big takeaways from the event! Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on … Continue reading TFU News & Views – Episode 54 – Legacy Wave 2 Hasbro Fan Panel →

We're jumping back to the US comics one more time in 1987 to chase some Throttlebots around a mall, meet the Headmasters on Earth, and elect a familiar face as the leader of the Autobots! Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo   Catch … Continue reading Episode 116 – Marvel US #37-39 →

We return to the world of vintage video games to talk a little bit about The Headmasters game for Famicom in Japan. Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on social media: Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/TFU_INFO Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/tfuinfo Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/tfuinfo Help … Continue reading Episode 115 – Headmasters for Famicom →

Wood! Fire! Water! Explore with Ant as he takes us back to a Transformers-related line from Hasbro, Battle Beasts! From its connections to the Autobots and Decepticons in Japan We'll talk the line's interesting connection to Transformers as well as break down how the built-in game was played with the figures and run down some … Continue reading Episode 114 – Battle Beasts & Beastformers →

We meet a New Soundwave, blow up a meteorite, and head to a planet of beasts as we rejoin the adventures of the first Transformers cartoon exclusive to the nation of Japan, The Headmasters. Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on … Continue reading Episode 113 – Headmasters Cartoon Episodes 4-6 →

Hasbro releases official images of Core Class Iguanus & Skywarp and Ant gives his thoughts on transforming pretender shells as well as Skywarp's lack of arm cannons. Plus, Ant reviews a host of recently opened Transformers toys, plus maybe a G.I. Joe or Power Ranger figure for good measure. Please like and subscribe wherever you … Continue reading News and Views 53 – Legacy Iguanus & Skywarp →

Time to take a look at a Marvel UK run that plays as a greatest hits of Simon Furman's side stories; we'll check in with the Headmasters, go on a hunt with Death's Head, watch Swoop pine over his original name, and hang with the ladies. Plus, we'll get a sweet Kup one-shot! Please like … Continue reading Episode 112 – Marvel UK Issues #130-138 →

This time around Ant talks about nostalgia, fandom, and how one t-shirt really aggravated dozens of people. You can buy that shirt at the link below https://www.teepublic.com/user/tfuinfo Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on social media: Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/TFU_INFO Facebook – … Continue reading TFU News and Views 052 – Identity and Fandom →

Happy New Year! It's always a great time to be a Transformers fan and we'll kick off 2022 with some positivity, talking about all of the good things coming in 2022 for Transformers fans. Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on … Continue reading News and Views 51 – It's a Great Time to be a Transformers Fan 2022 →

We hang around Europe a little longer to discuss the Transformers toy line for 1987 and some, sometimes odd, Italian name translations. Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on social media: Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/TFU_INFO Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/tfuinfo Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/tfuinfo Help … Continue reading Episode 111 – European Toyline 1987. →

Another fun trip into the Ladybird universe as we listen talk about 1987's “Decepticons at the Pole,” and “Autobots Strike Oil.” Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on social media: Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/TFU_INFO Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/tfuinfo Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/tfuinfo Help support … Continue reading Episode 110 – Ladybird Books 1987 →

We head back to the UK to see our favorite Robots in Disguise team up with the European version of G. I. Joe… Action Force! This one features a special guest appearance from Christopher McLeod a.k.a. #Diagnostik80 of The Full Force podcast. Be sure to check it out! The Full Force Podcast – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs4PUlvRWXzaW8EAXDe-Jyg| https://thefullforce.podbean.com/ … Continue reading Episode 109 – Marvel UK #125 & Action Force #24-27 →

In this episode Ant talks a bit about the future of Transformers fandom, leaks, toxic fandom, HasLab Star Saber, and breaks some upcoming news about Hasbro's PulseCon 2021!

The Headmasters toy line in Japan was full of interesting differences to what fans in North America and Eurpoe experienced in 1987. We'll talk about the first few Japanese exclusive figures, listen to some commercials, and maybe even sing a new song or two. Intrigued? Come check it out! Please like and subscribe wherever you … Continue reading Episode 108 – Japanese Toy Line 1987 →

We tackle the first 3 episodes of the first Japanese exclusive cartoon head on –  Transformers: Headmasters. We'll compare the subtitled versions and the dubbed versions, laugh at weird translations and bad acting, visit a starship, chase the power pack, and find two Optimus Primes. Darn that Soundwave! Please like and subscribe wherever you listen … Continue reading Episode 107 – Headmasters Cartoon Episodes 1-3 →

Darn that Soundwave! Before we head on to the Headmasters animated series, Ant takes a detailed look at the folks that brought us one of the most beloved and maligned pieces of Transformers history, the Omni Productions dubs. We'll learn a bit about the company the people who founded it, plus we'll find out why … Continue reading Episode 106 – Omni Productions →

We are heading to the planet Nebulos in our continuing coverage of Marvel Comics Transformers series. This limited series offshoot will eventually fold into the main series, so join us as we meet Fortress Maximus and his crew as they venture off to a strange new world and new civilization! Please like and subscribe wherever … Continue reading Episode 105 – Headmasters Limited Series #1-4 →

Warning! Spoilers ahead! Join this All-Star fan panel as Ant gets a little help from his friends to dissect the final installment of Netflix's War for Cybertron Trilogy with Kingdom. Special guests on the show include “The Salty Seaman,” Gabriel Owens, Jen Ulm of Stasis Pod Podcast, Ben Yee of Ben's World of Transformers (BWTF), … Continue reading TFU News & Views 49 – Transformers: Kingdom SPOILER Review Panel →

It's time to preview Transformers War for Cybertron: Kingdom on Netflix. This time the series veers into the realm of Beast Wars characters with Maximals and Predacons joining the fray! We'll do our best not to spoil the big plot points, but there are some spoilers ahead as we get you ready for the final … Continue reading TFU News & Views – Episode 48 – War for Cybertron Trilogy: Kingdom Preview (SPOILERS) →

We're taking a quick break from Transformers to talk about a franchise near and dear to many Transformers fans… Masters of the Universe. In this episode Ant breaks down some of the best things about Kevin Smith's Masters of the Universe; Revelation  series on Netflix! While we try our best to avoid major plot points, … Continue reading TFU News & Views – Episode 47 – Masters of the Universe: Revelation Preview (SPOILERS) →

Once again we return to Japan where we'll take another dive into some of the wackiness that is the Transformers Manga. We'll see fictional appearances by the Omnibots, see the Scramble City leaders in base mode, and we'll meet Gilthor, a Decepticon who is part Optimus and part Megatron! Get your copy and read along … Continue reading Episode 104 – Manga 1987 pt. 1 →

We wrap up the original Sunbow cartoon with the 4th season and final 3 episodes! The Rebirth tells a tale of Cybertron's fate while introducing dozens of new Autobots and Decepticons. We'll discuss the mini-series and its legacy with special guests Gabriel Owens a.k.a. – The Salty Seaman, and “Headmaster” Don Ferguson of Radio Free … Continue reading Episode 103 – The Rebirth (G1 Cartoon | Season 4) →

In this episode we meet the cast behind the 50 new characters in the 4th and final season of the original Transformers cartoon. Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on social media: Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/TFU_INFO Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/tfuinfo Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/tfuinfo … Continue reading Episode 102 – Season 4: Meet the Cast →

Ant dives into how streamers are looking to keep your eyes on them and just how that may impact the Transformers brand in the future. Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on social media: Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/TFU_INFO Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/tfuinfo Instagram … Continue reading News and Views – Episode 46 – IP and the Battle for Your Attention →

Come along for the ride as we dissect the stories within the 1987 Marvel UK Annual. We'll check out some different takes on the Headmasters origin, join Hot Rod and Kup for an adventure, and find out just what happened to Ultra Magnus atop Mt. Verona! Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this … Continue reading Episode 101 – Marvel UK Annual 1987 →

To celebrate our 100th episode, we’re exploring one of the greatest stories ever told in Transformers lore: The Return of Optimus Prime. The finale for season 3 of the G1 cartoon, The Return of Optimus Prime resets the events of Transformers: the Movie in an exciting and epic way. Penned by a comics legend, this … Continue reading Episode 100 – The Return of Optimus Prime →

We take a quick look at the rest of North America for 1987 and the Transformers toy line before diving head first into the mailaway catalogs and the S.T.A.R.S. program and the micro-continuity around the stories in these little fliers! Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on … Continue reading Episode 99 – Canada, Mexico, & S.T.A.R.S. 1987 →

In the wake of the incredible announcements from Hasbro Pulse Fan Fest 2021, we sat down with the Transformers Brand Team to discuss some of the recent reveals. Find out what inspires them on a daily basis, where Dracodon got his color scheme, some secret details behind the coloring of the Titan Class Ark figure, … Continue reading TFU News & Views – Episode 45 – Transformers Brand Team Interview →

We’re heading back to the UK for some more comic tales featuring our favorite characters from Transformers: the Movie. Plus, we’ll learn Goldbug’s UK origin and how it differs from his Marvel US one and we’ll meet Death’s Head for the first time! Read along on Comixology: https://amzn.to/3dXcS6c Or buy the 2003 Fallen Angel trade … Continue reading Episode 98 – Marvel UK #113-120 →

Today’s hot take is a simple one as Ant reflects on moving, rescuing his collection from storage, and a tale of bachelor party debauchery. Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on social media: Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/TFU_INFO Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/tfuinfo Instagram – … Continue reading News & Views – Episode 044 – They’re Just Toys →

We delve into the tech spec functions and numbers in 1987. We’ll explore some great tidbits, such as a Decepticon with a mistake on his packaging, changes to the Targetmasters, the dumbest Transformer of all-time, and a surprisingly high-ranking Decepticon! Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on … Continue reading Episode 97 – 1987 By the Numbers →

While 2020 may have been one of the hardest years for the world in a long time, it still had some bright spots when it came to Transformers fandom. As the calendar turns to 2021, we take a look ahead with optimism as we explore why it is always a great year to be a … Continue reading News and Views – Episode 43 – It’s a Great Time to Be a Transformers Fan 2021 Edition →

Class is back in session as we head back to the Marvel Universe to talk about Blaster and Grimlock’s relationship, Jim Shooter’s departure from Marvel, and teddy bears in space! Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on social media: Twitter – … Continue reading Episode 96 – Marvel Comics Issues #32-36 →

Hot off the heels of the non-spoiler episode, this time around Ant breaks down all of his thoughts about the entire 6-episode run of WFC: Earthrise. Spoilers abound inside this podcast, so be sure to watch the entire series before consuming. Enjoy! Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to … Continue reading News and Views 42 – Netflix War for Cybertron: Earthrise Review (SPOILERS!!!) →

The new season of this Transformers series from Netflix drops on December 30th, 2020! Get your inside look into the show and what to expect in this non-spoiler review.  You do not want to miss this episode!  Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show.   Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at … Continue reading News and Views 41 – Netflix Transformers War for Cybertron: Earthrise Non-Spoiler Review →

Continuing our look into the 1987 toy line, here’s the Decepticon half of the equation! We’ll talk more about Headmasters, Targetmasters, and Combiners as well as the Ducons, Horrorcons, and the fix Six-Changer! Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show.   Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo   Catch us … Continue reading Episode 095 – 1987 Toy Line: Decepticons →

A whole ton of assortment leaks dropped today for basically all of Kingdom plus a handful of Generations Select figures. Ant breaks down just who they are as well as what they may be in the this breaking edition of News & Views!

Before Optimus Prime & Megatron died in the Marvel UK run, they gave them both one great adventure to bridge the gaps between the Marvel US issues. Optimus will get stalked by the Predacons! Megatron will end up back on Cybertron! And Galvatron and Ultra Magnus will come back to Earth! How does this all … Continue reading Episode 94 – Marvel UK #96-104 →

Returning to the Marvel US comics for the first time in a while, we catch up with Blaster and Goldbug as they encounter The Mechanic, Decepticon Triple Changers, Scraplets, and more! Plus, The Salty Seaman takes us on a ride through the Car Wash of Doom! Be sure to catch The Salty Seaman on his … Continue reading Episode 93 – Marvel Comics Issues #28-31 →

The Transformers toy line saw a dramatic shift in 1987, with a number of gimmicks and play features brought on to breathe new life into the brand. We’ll break down 1987’s Autobots, their features and play patterns and listen in on the commercials that tried to sell them to the world. Please like and subscribe … Continue reading Episode 92 – 1987 Toy Line: Autobots →

It is the year 1987. Transformers transitioned into a new phase in its history as the TV show came to an end and the world began to move on from the brand. We’ll set the stage for what the world was like in 1987 by looking at moments in history, sports, and entertainment. Please like … Continue reading Episode 91 – 1987 →

Wrapping up our long tour through the year 1986, Ant reflects on the importance of the year that brought us many standout characters and of course, Transformers: the Movie. Please like and subscribe wherever you listen to this show. Please subscribe to TFU.INFO on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/tfuinfo Catch us on social media: Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/TFU_INFO … Continue reading Episode 90 – The Legacy of 1986 →

In this episode, we take a deep dive into a set of early drafts of the Transformers: the Movie script by Ron Friedman. What made it into the final film? And more importantly, what was cut out? Do you know about the Anibots, Dragon Beast, or Ingestor? You will after listening to this episode! Follow … Continue reading Episode 89 – Transformers: the Movie – Draft Scripts →

Wrapping up Season 3 for 1986, we take a look at 3 more episodes of the original Transformers cartoon. From the amazing animation of “Call of the Primitives,” to the sci-fi world building of “The Face of Nijika,” to Rodimus Prime’s spiritual journey in “The Burden Hardest to Bear.” Plus, we’ll take a dive into … Continue reading Episode 88 – G1 Season 3 Episodes 26-28 →