Radio Free Cybertron: The Transformers Podcast

This week: The crew kicks off with some genuinely great news: Gary Chalk (the voice of Optimus Primal!) has beaten stage four Hodgkin's lymphoma and is in full remission. From there it's all Transformers chaos — the Generation Selects Monstrucker reveal has everyone hyped (Slog's alt mode is literally just a triceratops standing up, and somehow that's perfect), while 2026 product listings bring a BotCon-referencing Megazarak redeco, an Earthrise Autobot 3-pack with finally-opaque Datsun plastics, and a Walmart Energon capsule that the crew suspects will be drowning in clear plastic. In-hand photos of the Stranger Things crossover Frequency impress even the hosts wh...

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew breaks down Hasbro Pulse’s Toy Fair recap, spotlighting the 40th Anniversary Studio Series 86 reveals. The new Astrotrain sparks debate with its slimmed-down robot mode and lighter paint apps, though its triple-changer engineering earns respect. Deluxe Kranix impresses with animation accuracy, while Sunstreaker and Wheeljack reissues get mixed reactions. The team also reacts to the premium Matrix of Leadership roleplay prop, Brian discusses his participation in the “Transformers Movie Apology Tour,” and shares excitement (and hesitation) around Missing Link Grimlock and other upcoming releases. Anniversary year energy is in full swing.

Download this episode if you previously received pre-show for Episode 974. This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew reacts to Hasbro’s latest LinkedIn flex, revealing Transformers as the company’s most engaged global brand—beating out Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. We chat about Hasbro’s strong earnings report, what it means for the brand, and how it compares to Mattel’s rough quarter. On the toy front, we preview the upcoming T-Spark livestream featuring Missing Link Animation Grimlock, speculate on whatever US250 Star Eagle is, and examine new Yolopark reveals.

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew reacts to Hasbro’s latest LinkedIn flex, revealing Transformers as the company’s most engaged global brand—beating out Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. We chat about Hasbro’s strong earnings report, what it means for the brand, and how it compares to Mattel’s rough quarter. On the toy front, we preview the upcoming T-Spark livestream featuring Missing Link Animation Grimlock, speculate on whatever US250 Star Eagle is, and examine new Yolopark reveals.

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew breaks down Hasbro landing the Voltron movie toy license and what that could mean for both Hasbro and Voltron going forward. On the Transformers side, we dig into the new Nexus Prime, its plug-in combiner gimmick, and whether it's a weird half-step forward or a faceplant in the snow. There’s plenty more toy talk too, including Dramatic Capture Decepticons, Studio Series 86, Takara’s upcoming Overgear line, third-party upgrades, and, of course, what we got this week!

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew digs into the surprise return of McDonald’s McChangeables, which are bigger, sturdier, and more satisfying than anyone expected. We break down new Transformers reveals, including MPG-17 Style-Gen Optimus Prime, preview Blokees Wheels Series 2, and react to upcoming kits like AMK Pro Optimus Primal. Along the way, Brian catches up on recent pickups while literally snowed in, and the guys discuss the gloriousness that is One Shall Stand Optimus Prime, which is really just a stealth release of Optimus Prime from Dark Awakening. Fast food robots, big Primes, and collector catch-ups—just anot...

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the spotlight lands on Missing Link Grimlock and whether its size, features, and price make it the Dinobots fans have been waiting for. We also take a look at McDonald’s latest Changeables-style Transformers, revisiting a fast-food classic with modern flair. Along the way, Brian catches up on recent pickups, sharing impressions on what’s landed, what’s impressed, and what maybe should’ve stayed in the box.

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: Missing Link Grimlock stomps onto the scene with a premium price tag and big Dinobot energy, while MPG-20 Style Gen Hot Rod sparks debate over scale, retools, and value. We cover fast-selling Studio Series 86 pre-orders, Retro Wheelie and Outback, and finally, we share with the listeners our 2026 predictions.

It's our massive annual year in review! We recap the major news stories for the year, our 2025 predictions, and run down the full list of the 2025 RFC Awards!

This week: Fans Choice voting is closing fast, and the Year in Review looms! We break down the Hasbro China Studio Series Devastator gift set, and the rapidly expanding Blokees lineup—now tackling Unicron, Insecticons, Metroplex. We wonder whether Blokees might quietly become the future of our collections.

This week: I guess we're re-buying Studio Series 86 Hot Rod. Also: The Beast Wars digital master tapes have been found--hopefully we'll see restorations soon! Plus: You've got one more week to participate in the 2025 RFC Fans’ Choice Awards!

This week: Big Convoy is surprisingly good. And so, apparently, is Studio Series 86 Soundwave. So, crisis averted. ...for now.

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: Swindle takes center stage as the crew debates Voyager pricing for what feels like a Deluxe-plus figure, complete with permanently attached forearm kibble and a trailer that moonlights as Bruticus’ rifle. Plus, Brian breaks a vintage toy, and his own heart.

This week: We dig into Commander Class Onslaught and the future of completing Bruticus—praising the ambition, questioning the frame system, and bracing for the price tag. Plus: pre-orders, reissues, surprising purchases, each one more surprising than the last, and a reminder to drop a toy in a donation drop box before it's too late!

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: Unreleased Dreamwave Transformers comics rise from the ashes, Battersea’s Transformers Store celebrates its first anniversary in style, and the Elf on a Shelf Warmer toy drive continues!

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: The crew checks out new Blokees sets, G2 Swoop and Sludge, and fresh in-hand pics of the Transformers NFL crossover. We cover Walmart Black Friday hauls, and early buzz for Robosen’s upcoming Soundwave. Plus, the Elf on a Shelf Warmer toy drive continues!

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: Walmart’s Black Friday two-packs are back, and the crew is buzzing about which Bumblebee they'll wind up with. We dig into the Hasbro Asia Superion box set—and check out the latest Blokees offerings shaking up tiny-scale collecting. From clever packaging to unexpected reissues, it’s a week full of surprises, bargains, and big opinions about small Leader Class toys

This week: We don't know a single thing about Stranger Things. We're sorry.

This week on Radio Free Cybertron, the crew talks TFCon Chicago, everyone's new favorite $4,000 comics-inspired statues, (not as) Big Convoy, Commander Onslaught, and more!

This week on RFC: Don is eyeing TFCon-exclusive Megalith while prepping for his estate sale--er--toy show. The guys gawk over Missing Link Delta Magnus, while crying over price hikes.

This week: We celebrate RFC’s 26th anniversary with pricing woes. We dig into Energon Universe Optimus Prime pre-orders, feudal-Japan “Timelines,” and new Blokees sets. We really love Blokees.

This week: Brian preps his new studio as the team gears up for New York Comic-Con, wondering if Hasbro will deliver surprises beyond Studio Series Thundercracker. In toy talk, the guys check out Missing Link Arcee, MPG Rattrap, Seaspray, Venom, the Target 4-pack, and the Retro Collection Wheelie and Outback. As always, the shelves are full, the wallets are not, and the hype for TFCon is real.

This week: The crew reacts to MPG Soundwave and speculates on possible Blaster and TwinCast releases. With Hasbro’s panel at MCM London Comic-Con coming up, they’re curious about potential surprises or exclusives. In toy talk, they cover Missing Link Arcee, MPG Rattrap, Sea Spray, Venom, and the Target 4-pack—praising the figures’ alt modes and build quality.

This week: Matt and John disagree on Superion. But we can all agree we love Dr. Wu. And, could third-party toys eventually be less expensive than official? Maybe?

This week: We unpack 2026 price hikes—Voyagers at $42.99!—and discuss Shockwave’s whale alt mode, and Studio Series 86 Soundwave’s fast sellout. Plus: Hot Wheels Nemesis Prime sells out, Takara’s T-Spark Evangelion crossover wows, Big Convoy inspires, and DNA Designs’ fiery Fallen upgrades impress. All that and Popsicles. Yes. Popsicles.

This week: It's the end of an era. Hasbro’s headquarters is heading to Boston. There's going to be a "Titan" reveal at the Transformers store in the UK on Transformers day, but it's not a titan. So what is it? All that and more!

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: Shockwave takes to the ocean as a sea creature to Activate Your Alt Mode for Transformers Day, while Hasbro prices keep climbing and import duties hit collectors hard. Plus we talk about Missing Link Ultra Magnus. I've never seen anything this beautiful in the entire galaxy.

This week: The crew dives into toys, tangents, and Transformers news. We have Walmart's new reset, the awesome new Wild King figure, “Dramatic Capture” set, and the much-anticipated Missing Link Ultra Magnus. All that and more on Radio Free Cybertron 950!

This week: The crew discusses the latest in Transformers collecting, including new Blockees figure sets featuring Unicron, Sludge, and Metroplex, and affordable Devastator combiner parts finally hitting the U.S. The team debates the Masters of the Universe x Transformers crossover potential, digs into the Liokaiser production timeline, and discusses the clever but divisive DNA Designs Animated Menasor kit. Plus: Paramount’s new leadership under David Ellison raises questions for the future of the Transformers movie franchise.

This week: Import duty changes loom for collectors, and Brian has been hit early. Also, most of us got Studio Series 86 Megatron, and all of us have thoughts.

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: The crew dives into Hasbro’s new Transformers fan vote, where listeners choose a fresh alt mode for one of four classic characters, with results due September 17th. We cover the newly announced $405 (!?!) Predaking, the Missing Link Nemesis Prime, and the latest Age of the Prime reveal. We review Dr. Wu’s Brutality and Slaughter cassettes (plus the winged Rathalus Prime), and share first impressions of the new Studio Series 86 Megatron.

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: The team discusses the new Secret Starscream mold, upcoming new figures, including Armada Jetfire, Leader Class Optimus Prime, and Wild King Energy Beast. We take a closer look at Studio Series Devastator, Scavenger, and Micronus Prime, and Brian loves that Stranglehold garage kit.

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: From Titans to Seekers to Beast Wars, the guys dive into the latest Transformers news for the week and San Diego Comic-Con. We spotlight Quick Strike and Sureshot, and speculating on potential multi-packs with Target Masters. Armada Nemesis Prime, the deluxe convention exclusive, gets mixed reviews due to its deco, lack of trailer, and price point. We discuss the likes of Blast Off, Brawl, Onslaught, and even Amalgamous Prime—with Mark teasing a possible “4-ish changer.” Plus, first impressions of Deluxe Quintus Prime, thoughts on Razorclaw, Big Convoy’s glowing potential, as well as Studio S...

This week: New Blokees assortments are coming, and DNA Design steps in with an upgrade kit for Godzilla Megatron—if you’re willing to pay the kaiju-sized price. Prefer something smaller and weirder? For a bit less, they’re also offering an unofficial Wheelie retooled as Jet Jaguar. It’s real. It’s wild. It’s RFC.

This week on Radio Free Cybertron: We get our first official look at LEGO Soundwave—yes, it’s real, and yes, we want one Hasbro is also reissuing Studio Series 86 Blaster, just in case you somehow didn’t get him the first time. All this and more on this week’s RFC!

This week: Did you ever want a Buzzsaw-themed hunk of metal the size of a full-sized cassette? Depending on your answer, we have good or bad news.

This week: Transformers Tuesday, plus in-hand thoughts on Commander Silverbolt and Titan Star Conv--Optimus Prime.

This week: ExVee gets rained on all preshow and fights Diecast for streaming rights. Oh, and Transformers news and stuff. Brian is out, it's an Exvee episode.

This week: Micronus Prime is the Greatest Prime, perhaps.

This week: JTPrime spills the beans on most of what's coming in 2026. It's a lot, folks.