quadruplify | Another Transformers post, involving new rumors and LJ community ideas

Exactly what it says on the tin; as always, feel free to scroll right down if none of this interests you.

Firstly, I've recently found some new rumors regarding Transformers: Prime (yes, this is becoming a bit of a thing, sorry XD). First of all, a possible preview of Bumblebee's character design, as seen on a stand for The Hub (the new TV channel on which the show will be airing in the U.S.) at a licensing fair. I've included a link to the article, but I've included the photo below (he is, of course, the big one on the left):

It looks like he's a mix of the Bayverse and TFA designs -- which is totally unoriginal, but whatever, I still like it. XD

Second, there's word of a TF:P comic coming out on October 1 -- $10, 88 pages, put out by IDW, and more information in the link. Not much to go with in the synopsis, but it looks to be a departure from the typical formula, which is always good in my book. Let's just hope this Bumblebee isn't as annoying as the one in TFA. ^_^;

Finally, some WFC toys. Normally seeing toy pics do nothing for me -- I just can't get worked up over them for some reason, which is weird (and sad) since that's the whole goddamn point of the franchise -- but I have to say, these are pretty boss. I certainly wouldn't mind having these. :D

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Also, for the past couple of weeks I had thought up of some ideas for new TF-related LJ comms, and I wanted to throw them out to all the friends who are in fandom (as well as anyone who may be passing by) to see what they thought. I know the fandom already has a glut of them, and of those only a handful are updated with any regularity, but I think these might actually get somewhere, and at least some of us would really like having them. So here they are:

1. tf_prime -- A comm for the upcoming Transformers: Prime series, somewhat in the vein of

tf_animated, where people can post news and other discussion before, during, and after its run, and can also post fanworks. Still not sure about whether or not adult-themed stuff should be posted; either it can be allowed, like at

beast_wars, or not allow them like at

tf_animated and instead direct people to specific comms where adult fanworks can be allowed. Thoughts?

2. tf_meta -- A comm where people can share meta, essays, discussion, and the like, whether they or other people wrote them. I know there are plenty of such essays at

crimson_optics, but of course all of those are Decepticon-centric, and I was wondering if people wanted a place to show their essays and meta that wouldn't be appropriate there. I was thinking essays like the ones shared there, as well as perhaps academic or sociological articles that mention the franchise in some form (I know I've found a couple) -- for example, I know a lot of articles came out when ROTF was released last year about the racism and other such problems in the movie, and I think it would be appropriate to share them on a comm like that. Or something akin to whatever was in that Transformers and Philosophy book, except perhaps not as embarrassing. XD I know I'm interested in this sort of thing -- what about anyone else?

3. tf_rating -- Because let's face it, we all want to know what character we're most like. :3 Would sort of be styled off of

durararating, so check that out if you want to get an idea of what it'd be like.

Would anyone be interested in seeing these comms? Or perhaps becoming a mod for any one of them (since I don't have any experience in running one)? Any other thoughts? If you have any friends in the fandom who might not see this, could you please have them say what they have to think as well? Thanks a lot!! :D