Lianne Marie Dobbs to Voice Slipstream in Upcoming Transformers: Cyberverse
Monday, April 9th, 2018 4:28PM CDT
Categories: Cartoon News, People NewsPosted by: Va'al Views: 24,668
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The actress and singer Lianne Marie Dobbs announced on Instagram that she has been recording her episodes already, which also suggests the cast will not be doing ensemble direction but separate recording sessions then mixed in production and post-production. Check out the image and comment below, and let us know what you think in the Energon Pub!
Recorded episodes for Transformers: Cyberverse, as Slipstream, the female Decepticon in charge of the Seekers. Thank you @heigaav for an awesomely smooth recording session. Recorded live in Miami with the director 'plugged in' from NYC and the writer in LA!
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Posted by Flashwave on April 9th, 2018 @ 4:55pm CDT
Posted by Emerje on April 9th, 2018 @ 6:30pm CDT
Emerje
Posted by Sunburnninja on April 9th, 2018 @ 7:17pm CDT
Posted by Emerje on April 9th, 2018 @ 8:36pm CDT
Sunburnninja wrote:So, can I afford a Slipstream figure now?
You say that like they've never been affordable. You could have gotten the Legends figure for $25~ shipped on AmiAmi when she came out. The club version shows up on Mandarake every now and then for only $28 (and around $10 shipping) if you're fast enough to catch one and at one time $40 on TFSource. All exceptional prices.
Emerje
Posted by Flashwave on April 9th, 2018 @ 8:41pm CDT
Sunburnninja wrote:So, can I afford a Slipstream figure now?
Its gonna take a LOT to get me to replace my TFSS Slipstream, especially witht the design pathetic asthetic of the Cyberverse toys.
But Legends EX Scourge did, so maybe...
Posted by Emerje on April 9th, 2018 @ 8:43pm CDT
Looks female and the head is vaguely the same shape as Starscream's.
Emerje
Posted by Flashwave on April 9th, 2018 @ 8:45pm CDT
Emerje wrote:Just occurred to me that this is probably Slipstream from the side of the Cyberverse package.
Looks female and the head is vaguely the same shape as Starscream's.
Emerje
Could be, the arms look like the Prime Starscream, but the abdomen looks like a car windshield. I figures that was Shadow Striker.
Correction: thats not hwr abs, thsts a window hanging from her arm. Car door arms
Posted by Emerje on April 9th, 2018 @ 8:55pm CDT
Flashwave wrote:Emerje wrote:Just occurred to me that this is probably Slipstream from the side of the Cyberverse package.
Looks female and the head is vaguely the same shape as Starscream's.
Emerje
Could be, the arms look like the Prime Starscream, but the abdomen looks like a car windshield. I figures that was Shadow Striker.
Correction: thats not hwr abs, thsts a window hanging from her arm. Car door arms
Ah, maybe they are car door arms, I thought they were little blue wings like we see on some jet-formers' arms. So that's two female Decepticons on this show right off the bat, interesting.
Emerje
Posted by Flashwave on April 9th, 2018 @ 9:00pm CDT
Emerje wrote:Flashwave wrote:Emerje wrote:Just occurred to me that this is probably Slipstream from the side of the Cyberverse package.
Looks female and the head is vaguely the same shape as Starscream's.
Emerje
Could be, the arms look like the Prime Starscream, but the abdomen looks like a car windshield. I figures that was Shadow Striker.
Correction: thats not hwr abs, thsts a window hanging from her arm. Car door arms
Ah, maybe they are car door arms, I thought they were little blue wings like we see on some jet-formers' arms. So that's two female Decepticons on this show right off the bat, interesting.
Emerje
I could be wrong, but the way its shaded makes me think of drawn window glass. But I could see those being wings.
Posted by Skritz on April 9th, 2018 @ 9:31pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on April 9th, 2018 @ 10:18pm CDT
Emerje wrote:Just occurred to me that this is probably Slipstream from the side of the Cyberverse package.
Looks female and the head is vaguely the same shape as Starscream's.
Emerje
I am pretty sure that is Shadow Striker
https://www.seibertron.com/transformers ... ker/40733/
Posted by Deadput on April 9th, 2018 @ 10:36pm CDT
Starscream having a predecessor in the Seekers is an idea I've thought about in fan stories which tell of his rise to power in the Decepticons and why he craves it so much.
Posted by Ig89ninja on April 10th, 2018 @ 8:14pm CDT
Skritz wrote:I can imagine that they went with Slipstream because they wanted more female Decepticons and there aren't really any noteworthy ones. That said, I'm quite surprised she's in there because it goes against the whole 'evergreen' idea of using only popular and brand-recognition characters so it come as a shock to use a more recent and less famous character in a major role. I just hope we see variety in seeker design if they're going to be major villains, as plain recolor would look a bit silly (if accurate).
THIS, if we could have seekers in different bodies, I would personally wish that we get a Thundercracker redeco of RID Starscream so I can have a complete trio.
Posted by Sabrblade on April 11th, 2018 @ 5:40pm CDT
Posted by Rated X on April 12th, 2018 @ 2:17pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on April 12th, 2018 @ 2:29pm CDT
It could be a new storyline that shows how this Starscream becomes leader of the Seekers, with Slipstream happening to be his predecessor.Rated X wrote:I suppose the me too movement exists in cartoons too. Megatron got a lawsuit filed against him for not promoting female seekers to leadership positions. Im all for woman being empowered in the real world. Hell, I voted for Hillary. But this just seems kind of forced. I could accept it if starscream gets killed off. But to just change starscreams role after 30 years to satisy society is a bit too extreme in my opinion. Its a cartoon...
And it's not like other new shows aren't trying out different things like this too. For instance, the next Ninja Turtles cartoon is gonna have Raph as the leader for the first time instead of Leo.
Posted by o.supreme on April 12th, 2018 @ 3:10pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote: And it's not like other new shows aren't trying out different things like this too. For instance, the next Ninja Turtles cartoon is gonna have Raph as the leader for the first time instead of Leo.
Trying new things to keep brands fresh is one thing, but doing something completely jarring and unexpected is what, often times, isolates (and loses) older fans while trying to gain new ones. The new TMNT looks awful btw...besides, anyone here remember Wolverine and the X-Men? The idea was atrociously stupid. Wolverine, by character, has no business ever being leader. The show despite its awful premise somehow managed to be good, especially in its final few episodes. Of course none of this had to do with Wolverine actually being the leader, rather it was compelling storytelling and world building that won me over to it. Still, all of this could not prevent the series from being cancelled (midway thought production of the 2nd season btw...).
I know its over simplistic to say many shows/ comic book characters/toy brands I grew up with have been *ruined*, but anymore that's honestly I how I feel more often than not. I'm glad IDW is coming to an end, because apart from 2 or 3 characters, I don't know who anyone is. Yeah I know the names, but they don't act like they are *supposed* to.
All this being said, am I going to give Cyberverse a glance. Of course. But honestly I'm not expecting much. Sad to say after 34 years of watching transformers, my pre-judgment has always been right. I keep waiting/hoping for the day I'll be pleasantly surprised to be wrong, but it hasn't happened yet.
Posted by Rated X on April 12th, 2018 @ 3:51pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:It could be a new storyline that shows how this Starscream becomes leader of the Seekers, with Slipstream happening to be his predecessor.Rated X wrote:I suppose the me too movement exists in cartoons too. Megatron got a lawsuit filed against him for not promoting female seekers to leadership positions. Im all for woman being empowered in the real world. Hell, I voted for Hillary. But this just seems kind of forced. I could accept it if starscream gets killed off. But to just change starscreams role after 30 years to satisy society is a bit too extreme in my opinion. Its a cartoon...
And it's not like other new shows aren't trying out different things like this too. For instance, the next Ninja Turtles cartoon is gonna have Raph as the leader for the first time instead of Leo.
Well i definitely dont agree with making Rafael the leader instead of Leonardo. Rafael is a hothead and a loner which is everything a good guy leader cant be. So if they are gonna change that those characteristics then why bother? Just make Leonardos head band red and call it a day.
But my whole issue is the forced feminism factor. Its like what we got in the latest star wars trilogy. I have no problem with a woman being a jedi (we saw them in earlier films) But in the current political atmosphere it seems Rey and Captain Phasma were not just random choices to change things up. My opinion is the radical element of the me too movement is behind it. Im not anti women by any means. But im not a milenial either. If I was a script writer, I'm not going to let society determine the genders of specific characters through intimidation.
Posted by Ig89ninja on April 12th, 2018 @ 5:50pm CDT
Rated X wrote:I suppose the me too movement exists in cartoons too. Megatron got a lawsuit filed against him for not promoting female seekers to leadership positions. Im all for woman being empowered in the real world. Hell, I voted for Hillary. But this just seems kind of forced. I could accept it if starscream gets killed off. But to just change starscreams role after 30 years to satisy society is a bit too extreme in my opinion. Its a cartoon...
I for one am actually kind of interested in this change, since starscream has most of the time been a coward and a traitor, maybe this megatron got wise to him and never promoted him out of fear of what would happen if he did
Posted by WreckerJack on April 13th, 2018 @ 4:19pm CDT
I see no issue with changing some roles. I actually think it's good we get some more female villains. We have gotten a lot more female characters and most of them have been autobots or at least on the good side. I don't see why that has to be political at all really. More interesting and different characters keeps things fresh.
Posted by Sabrblade on April 13th, 2018 @ 4:58pm CDT
Megaempress might be the closest we've ever come having such, but only through her association with Megatron rather than by her own status, and said status of hers (being the "wife" of Megatron) only seems to be self-proclaimed anyway rather than officially recognized by all 'Cons.
Posted by Deadput on April 14th, 2018 @ 2:43am CDT
Slipstream is a more obscure character, let them take a role instead of recycling the same old boring second in command traitor Starscream.
All these darn years the biggest plot hole that I think about when I think of Transformers in general is why Starscream is the second command? Especially in series like G1 or Prime when he's just a pathetic schemer with nothing much to show off that is required for the position he holds. (Not so much in series like Armada or the Live Action films where Starscream is shown to be a competent fighter at times and having the role make sense for them)
Having Starscream start at the bottom and making his way up in power (Hey perhaps he becomes the Seeker leader by "backstabing" Slipstream at some point, now that would be interesting) is actually something interesting which is absolutely the thing the next show needs considering the last two shows had pathetic Starscreams and plenty of weak villains in general.
Rated X wrote: But my whole issue is the forced feminism factor. Its like what we got in the latest star wars trilogy. I have no problem with a woman being a jedi (we saw them in earlier films) But in the current political atmosphere it seems Rey and Captain Phasma were not just random choices to change things up. My opinion is the radical element of the me too movement is behind it. Im not anti women by any means. But im not a milenial either. If I was a script writer, I'm not going to let society determine the genders of specific characters through intimidation.
This is the problem with today's mindset, so many people have become paranoid and think that every single woman character is some sort of forced feminism junk. (I admit there is a reason for that but it's still overreaction when the mention "female character" is brought up and people lose their minds.)
I think it's forced feminism to have only one or two female Transformers in a show. (Prime is probably the worst in this regard only having the default female Autobot Arcee, and the dreadful non-character that is Arachnid, compared to it's successor Rid which had plenty of female characters both bad and good...some weren't really that much characters but it was still good diversity)
We haven't even seen a trailer and we already know of three female characters in this show, Windblade, Slipstream and Shadow Striker. Like that's great! What problems even realistically exist with that?
Posted by Skritz on April 15th, 2018 @ 10:55pm CDT
Strika is many things different people want and she's already a pre-existing character who appeared in TV shows even if her appearances were limited. She's a serious villain, a good strategist and yet can fullfill the role of any 'bruiser'-type villain while being intelligent nonetheless. She's also a female Transformers who doesn't look anything like a robotic pinup (to the point she doesn't even look female...or even human-like, as a matter, just a humanoid hulk) which offend some people, has a unique altmode AND as previously mentioned has the equally interesting and cool-looking Obsidian as her buddy, assuming that Strika isn't tied to a Lugnut like she was (very briefly and in background material) in Animated.
But Strika won't be used because she's too obscure, in spite of her being far more unique and bringing a lot more to the table than a gender-flipped Starscream. Combine with with being from the Beast Era (and the worst show of said era) and you've got a character who will never be given the chance to shine ever again.
Posted by william-james88 on April 15th, 2018 @ 11:04pm CDT
Skritz wrote:Something I posted on the Discord: If you ask me, I wish they'd bring Strika and Obsidian into a mainline 'pseudo G1' continuity, especially since Beast Machine had established them as ancient cybertronians (albeit unclear if they were Bot, Cons or something else/predating the factions) generals who were already a team if not a couple. A duo of villains who are a couple and/or equal partners would make for a more unique dynamic than a megalomanic tyrant and his backstabbing right hand.
Well good news for you, Strika is already well established within the mainline pseudo G1 continuity.
In every way possible.
She is in the current G1 comics:
She was in the animated universe, which was another take on G1
And she is retroactively part of the G1 cartoon as well.
Posted by Deadput on April 16th, 2018 @ 4:28am CDT
And honestly having Slipstream be Seeker commander makes more sense then any other established seeker besides maybe Acid storm since non of the others really seem to have leadership qualitues.
Unless we went with a new version of Tfp Dreadwing.
Or Nitro Zeus /s (I hope he shows up honestly)
Posted by o.supreme on April 16th, 2018 @ 9:07am CDT
william-james88 wrote:Skritz wrote:Something I posted on the Discord: If you ask me, I wish they'd bring Strika and Obsidian into a mainline 'pseudo G1' continuity
Eaxactly. I was going to mention that she has been established in the IDW series, which is coming to an end but...
Posted by Sabrblade on April 16th, 2018 @ 10:38am CDT
In that pic above, she looks like a head retool of Prime Breakdown.o.supreme wrote:william-james88 wrote:Skritz wrote:Something I posted on the Discord: If you ask me, I wish they'd bring Strika and Obsidian into a mainline 'pseudo G1' continuity
Eaxactly. I was going to mention that she has been established in the IDW series, which is coming to an end but...
Posted by william-james88 on April 16th, 2018 @ 10:40am CDT
Sabrblade wrote:In that pic above, she looks like a head retool of Prime Breakdown.o.supreme wrote:william-james88 wrote:Skritz wrote:Something I posted on the Discord: If you ask me, I wish they'd bring Strika and Obsidian into a mainline 'pseudo G1' continuity
Eaxactly. I was going to mention that she has been established in the IDW series, which is coming to an end but...
Well that could be one way Hasbro could finally release that mold at retail
Posted by Deadput on April 16th, 2018 @ 10:20pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:Well that could be one way Hasbro could finally release that mold at retail
Wasn't the reason they did not release it due to the mold being too "heavy" or something?
Posted by william-james88 on April 16th, 2018 @ 10:29pm CDT
Deadput wrote:william-james88 wrote:Well that could be one way Hasbro could finally release that mold at retail
Wasn't the reason they did not release it due to the mold being too "heavy" or something?
Its because he was in between classes (deluxe and voyager). Takara clearly has no problem releasing a smaller toy as a voyager and rebranded HFTD Bumblebee as a voyager, same with Animated lockdown in the recent adventures line. But Hasbro used to like things being more clear cut and unified classes.
But that was the old team. The new team clearly does not give a fuck and will label Studio Series Optimus as a full blown voyager regardless of his small stature.
Posted by Deadput on April 16th, 2018 @ 10:37pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:Its because he was in between classes (deluxe and voyager). Takara clearly has no problem releasing a smaller toy as a voyager and rebranded HFTD Bumblebee as a voyager, same with Animated lockdown in the recent adventures line. But Hasbro used to like things being more clear cut and unified classes.
But that was the old team. The new team clearly does not give a **** and will label Studio Series Optimus as a full blown voyager regardless of his small stature.
Wow I had no idea Breakdown wasn't a proper Voyager, all those pics on the net sure fooled me even when he was standing next to other figures.
Posted by Va'al on May 8th, 2018 @ 7:15am CDT
Cullen talks about the studio in general and the recent acquisition by Hasbro and nothing specific about the shows, but if you're curious, you can look at the relevant passages below!
Boulder went from producing three projects at most to six IPs including season two of Danger Mouse and Hasbro’s Micronauts, The Littlest Pet Shop, My Little Pony: Equestria Girls and Rescue Bots Academy, all in Toon Boom Harmony. The studio is also storyboarding the latest Transformers series and its first CG animated feature film in Storyboard Pro.
With so many new productions, Boulder suddenly needed storyboard artists, concept designers and animators. The challenge became to scale up and find top talent without losing its quality and personality.
“We’ve always been quite selective about who we hire and it’s not just the talent I’m looking at; I want to know if they’re nice people and if they will fit in,” says Cullen.
Its team now includes people from around Ireland and the world, though growing from 160 to 360 seats in just over a year comes with certain concerns as well. Namely, keeping the boutique studio corporate culture it had established.
“Each project has a team with their own director and production manager — every piece feels like it’s a boutique production that people can take pride in,” says Cullen. “It doesn’t feel like we’re this vast company making random shows and we have to make sure it stays that way.”
Posted by TulioDude on May 8th, 2018 @ 9:39am CDT
Posted by WreckerJack on May 8th, 2018 @ 3:21pm CDT
TulioDude wrote:Bumblebee looks way to sleak,but I'm interested on how they animate his transformation.
Yeah he looks a lot better than the previous pics but the eyes still creep me out. Its like those dinner plate size anime eyes but with no pupils. *shivers*
Posted by Sabrblade on May 8th, 2018 @ 7:35pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on May 19th, 2018 @ 10:45am CDT
Bumblebee, of course, is at the center of it all. Even with the reboot of the live action film franchise (and the IDW narrative), the yellow bug scout is being banked on to promote the brand and franchise across multiple media, with mentions of Cyberverse, some confusion around the currently airing Power of the Primes (as the final part of the Prime Wars Trilogy), and the general intention of putting Bumblebee first as a wide appeal character, and what that means for the media approach of Hasbro's licensees. Read the full piece here, some extracts below, and take a look at a new image of the Bumblebee vehicle mode from the Cyberverse animated series!
“We decided on Bumblebee because we wanted to go in a bit of a different direction. We wanted a character-focused film versus an ensemble. He is loved by kids, multiple generations, girls and women. Everyone loves Bumblebee,” continues Warner.
Hasbro is capitalizing on the film’s surroundings with a slate of ‘80s-themed launches including a TV series, a vinyl album and a graphic novel, which the company hopes will “lead a wave of Millennial nostalgia.”
[...]
Hasbro is off to a running start with two new television programs, “Transformers Cyberverse (Chapter 1)” and “Transformers: Prime Wars Trilogy.” The first is an animated series from Hasbro Studios and Boulder Media that follows Bumblebee as he attempts to recover his memories on Earth. “Transformers: Prime Wars Trilogy” picks up on the “Transformers: Combiner Wars” story line and offers a more detailed look at the franchise’s characters and history.
Though the shows are not set in the 1980s, “Cyberverse” emphasizes the idea of keeping memories alive, while “Prime Wars,” which debuted on Verizon’s streaming service VerizonGo90, was conceived as a way to reach older, devoted fans who have grown up with the franchise.
[...]
The new film comes to life with the help of actress Hailee Steinfeld and action star John Cena. At a time when audiences are looking for more female representation on screen, Waters remarks that “the choice to cast Hailee in the leading role may open the traditionally male brand up to female fans.”
“We felt [Hailee] was right for the picture and we are looking to expand our audience and be as inclusive as possible with the franchise,” adds Warner. “This is a step worth noting for a brand that has traditionally been displayed in the boys’ aisle of toy stores.”
Posted by DeathReviews on May 19th, 2018 @ 11:03am CDT
/sarc
Posted by KVO Prime on May 19th, 2018 @ 11:19am CDT
in his movie with hailee steinfeld or i can't remember her name, something happens where he time travels, doesn't get his voice box ruined, and they all develop a different aesthetic, attitude, and atmosphere. I'm calling it now.
KVO PRIME
Posted by Rated X on May 19th, 2018 @ 11:31am CDT
Posted by Stormshot_Prime on May 19th, 2018 @ 12:30pm CDT
This is my opinion but Hasbro could be cool and do what DC does, give mature fans a mature TF cartoon/movie once a year or so.
Posted by william-james88 on May 19th, 2018 @ 12:47pm CDT
Rated X wrote:Bumblebee is singlehandedly destroying the franchise.
Or saving it, depending on the point of view. That TLK wave 1 BB was the best selling toy from the line.
Posted by LevelRage on May 19th, 2018 @ 1:07pm CDT
Posted by Absolute Zero on May 19th, 2018 @ 2:02pm CDT
Posted by The Lonely Cracker on May 19th, 2018 @ 2:39pm CDT
Posted by thedistinctroom on May 19th, 2018 @ 3:16pm CDT
I wish I was a nostalgic millennial.
Posted by Evil Eye on May 19th, 2018 @ 3:39pm CDT
Funny, when I was a kid I often thought "Why don't we get Bumblebee back again?" as I always liked him in the G1 episodes I'd watched and was surprised about his non-inclusion in the contemporary toylines. Be careful what you wish for I suppose.
Posted by Octobotimus on May 19th, 2018 @ 3:43pm CDT
Posted by kurthy on May 19th, 2018 @ 4:14pm CDT
Black Hat wrote:Oh boy, more Bumblebee. Well, I suppose I can't be surprised, but it is a bit disappointing to get the same character over and over again. Now to be fair I like Bumblebee- G1 Bumblebee was actually a really likeable character (helped by Dan's wonderful voice talent), Animated Bumblebee was a refreshingly self-aware example of the "annoying rookie" trope, and honestly I didn't mind movieverse Bee. But the fact ol' Bumbles is getting put into literally every single TF media front and centre is getting predictable and stale, and the fact he's getting put alongside Windblade is not helping matters.
Yet jest gettin' old. Now get off my lawn!
My oldeat son has watched G1, some of BW, rescue, some of prime, and RID. His favorite. He knows almost every single character in my 400-500 piece cillection. And his 50 or so piece collection. Guess who his favorite character is? I'll give you a hint, it's not one of the wreckers.
Posted by WreckerJack on May 19th, 2018 @ 8:22pm CDT
In other words we like him when he is not shoved into the spotlight so much that other characters get ignored. One of the best things about Transformers is there are so many characters - please feature more than just Bee. I know that the fact that Bee, Optimus and Megatron are on most of the merch for branding and recognition but we want to keep fans instead of just draw their attention.
It's not that we don't like Bee. I like him a lot, he is a fun and awesome character but too much is too much. Similar to how wrestling fans are bored of Roman Reings, TF fans are tiring on Bee. Its not that people actually dislike Roman (or Bee) its that we want to see balance. We don't like the way the character is being overused when others deserve to be featured.
Bumblebee was the main character in RiD15, he's getting his own live action film and has always been one of the bots to be featured in pretty much every Transformers media ever. Let's give some of the other characters a chance please!
Posted by Sabrblade on May 19th, 2018 @ 8:49pm CDT
Except on Facebook, YouTube, and other social media outlets (which Hasbro probably does check), as the majority voice about the CW and TR was almost universally blind praise for how GEEWUN they were and how they were SO much better better than all the non-G1 shows and movies we get on TV and in theaters, along with people begging for Hasbro to make more shows like those and at full length and with more G1 voice actors back and with more G1 characters voiced by their G1 actors and G1 G1 G1 G1 G1...Stormshot_Prime wrote:After reading this I’m thouroughly convinced that Hasbro does not listen to fans. It’s absolutely hilarious how they try and push The Prime Wars cartoons as something fans are rejoicing over, when the criticism has been almost universally scathing.
That's cuz Starscream was emo in Armada. Girls dug the brooding bad boy loner who had issues and just wanted to be loved.Absolute Zero wrote:Funny, I remember Starscream being far more popular with women and girls back in the Armada time.