First Look @ 'Animated' Optimus Prime; New Info On Show

A first look of "Transformers Animated" Optimus Prime have surfaced up on the internet. According to the gallery owner's naming conventions, these scanned articles are from the "Licensing International Expo 2007" that started today and runs until the 21st of this month. The two scans, other than showing off the look of the new 2-D Optimus Prime, also reveal some new, albiet contradicting information on the new Hasbro and Cartoon Network-partnered show.

According to article scan, the show will start in January 2008 airing as a Saturday morning series on Cartoon Network and will expand to "five times a week later in the year." However, the scanned flyer seems to contradict the article. The flyer reads that the series and toyline will begin in "Spring 2008" with the full licensed roll out that summer. Which one is actually accurate is unknown at this time.

The show will contain 26, 30 minute episodes as well as a 90 minute special.

The article quotes Transformers Director of Marketing Michael Verracchia as saying that the show will be supported on TV and "through Web-based initiatives, product partnerships, and promotional partnerships."

No new characters have been revealed in the article or the flyer and only lists "Optimus Prime, Megatron, and a host of new characters."

Take a read of the original scans and a look at Optimus Prime's new design in the image gallery.

"Transformers Animated" will be developed by Executive Producer Sam Register (Teen Titans); Line Producer Vincent Aniceto (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends); Head Writer Marty Isenberg (X-Men, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles); and Lead Character Designer Derrick Wyatt (Teen Titans).

Previously announced voice actors include Tom Kenny (Starscream), and Tara Strong (Suri).

Previous rumors include Frank Welker-confirmed Corey Burton (Megatron) and David Kaye self-proclaiming he will portray Optimus Prime.

Source: Ray's Galleries