Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art

Wednesday, May 15th, 2013 8:18AM CDT

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Our friend Ken Christiansen dropped by to let us know Hasbro has given him permission to share and discuss some of his concept work for the Aligned Continuity. First up, we have his design for Optimus Prime's alt mode, which was featured in Transformers Vault: The Complete Transformers Universe. His main goal for this piece was to maintain the conventional cab style truck mode as seen in the live action movies.

Click here to visit Ken's blog, Bad Flip Productions, to read more. Ken can also be found on facebook at: Bad Flip Productions

Last but not least, don't forget to visit Ken at this year's BotCon Artist Alley!

Ken Christiansen wrote:The request was to keep him a long nose, as he now appears in the film series, and if I remember right, that was just about it. Of course I ventured the question. "I don't have to put those flames on him, do I?" But I did keep in line with the movie logic of the long nose, giving him more mass to work with in robot mode, and we added in a roof fairing over the extended cab to build it out even more.

Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art

Credit(s): Ken Christiansen

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Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487491)
Posted by Mindmaster on May 15th, 2013 @ 8:28am CDT

They should have kept that G1 stripe. Dunno why, just looks more attractive to me. >:oP

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487493)
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on May 15th, 2013 @ 8:32am CDT

Mindmaster wrote:They should have kept that G1 stripe. Dunno why, just looks more attractive to me.

the white/silver stripe that goes from the nose of the truck to the rear? That's on there. Silver/grey colours, blue, red, yellow details, looks all good to me! I liked the long-nosed trucks more than the flat ones anyhow.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487494)
Posted by Mindmaster on May 15th, 2013 @ 8:39am CDT

Fires_Of_Inferno wrote:
Mindmaster wrote:They should have kept that G1 stripe. Dunno why, just looks more attractive to me.

the white/silver stripe that goes from the nose of the truck to the rear? That's on there.

Like I said, the stripe makes it look much more attractive.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487509)
Posted by robotmel on May 15th, 2013 @ 10:12am CDT

Came down folks, they are quite clearly two very different versions of our beloved Autobot Leader!

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487517)
Posted by Hero Alpha on May 15th, 2013 @ 10:56am CDT

That may be the best Optimus earth truck mode I have seen. Although I am partial to the cab-over design from my childhood, this is sweet. Very glad the guy didn't have to use the flames I really dislike those. Is this going to be a new show, game, toy? I'm happy with all three =P~

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487522)
Posted by Eagleblaster on May 15th, 2013 @ 11:40am CDT

Nice. I see the direction Hasbro is going in with paying attention to making figures like the live action movie. Very good.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487531)
Posted by xyl360 on May 15th, 2013 @ 12:36pm CDT

Hey look, it's Staksimus Prime

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487665)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 15th, 2013 @ 10:38pm CDT

Yet another reveal in a line of Aligned Continuity character concept art reveals from the Binder of Revelation.

And it looks more reveals are on the way:

And stay tuned to the blog for the next couple of weeks, I got the green light to post a few more 'Aligned Continuity' Transformers concepts. But be prepared for the watermarks. It's the only way I can get these fully rendered images out on the internet...

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487724)
Posted by No One on May 16th, 2013 @ 10:12am CDT

The whole we need to use the long nose semi for more mass is mute. You can use a larger sleeper cab COE design to get more mass.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487727)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 16th, 2013 @ 10:17am CDT

MR Optimus Prime wrote:The whole we need to use the long nose semi for more mass is mute. You can use a larger sleeper cab COE design to get more mass.

Maybe they wanted to keep his truck mode at a reasonable size (rather than being ungodly huge) while still getting more mass for robot mode?

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487757)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 16th, 2013 @ 12:53pm CDT

It also looks like it could have been somewhat inspired by Movie 1 Voyager First Strike Optimus Prime.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487760)
Posted by Mindmaster on May 16th, 2013 @ 12:56pm CDT

Sabrblade wrote:It also looks to be the direct inspiration for Movie 1 Voyager First Strike Optimus Prime.

Yep, that's why the design looked vaguely familiar to me.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487762)
Posted by No One on May 16th, 2013 @ 1:01pm CDT

Mindmaster wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:It also looks to be the direct inspiration for Movie 1 Voyager First Strike Optimus Prime.

Yep, that's why the design looked vaguely familiar to me.

Sorry, I myself don't find one line of them resembling each other. Not even for inspiration.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487764)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 16th, 2013 @ 1:07pm CDT

MR Optimus Prime wrote:Sorry, I myself don't find one line of them resembling each other. Not even for inspiration.

Not even deco-wise (which is what I was getting at)?

Note that the blue paint on the toy's roof was added to give more blue to the Robot Mode's lower legs, since they would have ended up being all red.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1487793)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 16th, 2013 @ 3:03pm CDT

Just noticed the 2009 date on the image.

I'll correct my previous post about its similar deco to the Movie FS toy.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488024)
Posted by El Duque on May 17th, 2013 @ 11:34am CDT

Our friend Ken Christiansen continues to reveal his Aligned Continuity concept art. Earlier this week we got a look at his Optimus Prime truck mode, today we get Megatron in tank form. Click here to visit Ken's blog, Bad Flip Productions, to read more. Ken can also be found on facebook at: Bad Flip Productions

Last but not least, don't forget to visit Ken at this year's BotCon Artist Alley!

Ken Christiansen wrote:The assignment was to envision a near-future tank, so I did a few quick sketches, got feedback from Siebenaler, and actually only did a colored line art pass, because of a time crunch. After the presentation and following feedback, I was asked to render it fully, with no changes, along with the Prime truck, that was also initially done as colored line art, for the same pitch.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488027)
Posted by Eagleblaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 11:45am CDT

Are you kidding me. That's the best Megatron alt mode I ever saw.
I hope that these are going to be the movie figures. Hasbro pull out all the tricks for that figure. Make sure it has everything good.

I'm waiting for these live action movie toys. I'm going to open a savings account just for those figures, lml.

AND PLEASE, I NEED A LEADER MEGATRON.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488028)
Posted by 1984forever on May 17th, 2013 @ 11:52am CDT

Hasbro seems to like the idea of Megatron being an earth tank with a G1 color scheme, so why isn't this tank on TV or store shelves? A retooled, recolored and enlarged universe G2 Megatron is a quick and easy step towards turning this concept into reality.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488047)
Posted by Mindmaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 1:29pm CDT

84forever wrote:Hasbro seems to like the idea of Megatron being an earth tank with a G1 color scheme, so why isn't this tank on TV or store shelves? A retooled, recolored and enlarged universe G2 Megatron is a quick and easy step towards turning this concept into reality.

The Legends figure?

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488054)
Posted by Hotrodimust on May 17th, 2013 @ 2:36pm CDT

I like the prime as much as I like IDW prime but megatron I do not like as an earth tank I just don't sorry

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488056)
Posted by Sodan-1 on May 17th, 2013 @ 2:47pm CDT

That'd make a a good Blitzwing.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488157)
Posted by 1984forever on May 17th, 2013 @ 9:37pm CDT

Mindmaster wrote:
84forever wrote:Hasbro seems to like the idea of Megatron being an earth tank with a G1 color scheme, so why isn't this tank on TV or store shelves? A retooled, recolored and enlarged universe G2 Megatron is a quick and easy step towards turning this concept into reality.

The Legends figure?

I was talking about retooling and enlarging the deluxe mold to give it two hands and a proper fusion cannon. Upsizing the legends figure is too cheap a move, even for Hasbro.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488162)
Posted by Mindmaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 9:48pm CDT

84forever wrote:
Mindmaster wrote:
84forever wrote:Hasbro seems to like the idea of Megatron being an earth tank with a G1 color scheme, so why isn't this tank on TV or store shelves? A retooled, recolored and enlarged universe G2 Megatron is a quick and easy step towards turning this concept into reality.

The Legends figure?

I was talking about retooling and enlarging the deluxe mold to give it two hands and a proper fusion cannon. Upsizing the legends figure is too cheap a move, even for Hasbro.

Hmm...

...Maybe. I have this one. It's not exactly the best in the world (the Classics Voyager is much more fun), but it makes a decent Classics Megatron if anyone missed out on the Voyager. Neuter the Beast Wars Dinobot gimmick, give him an elbow joint and a hand. It might work, but I'm a little skeptic about it.

I would love to have a Megatron based off this design very much. Just... not with the movie aesthetic.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488164)
Posted by Eagleblaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 9:52pm CDT

84forever wrote:
Mindmaster wrote:
84forever wrote:Hasbro seems to like the idea of Megatron being an earth tank with a G1 color scheme, so why isn't this tank on TV or store shelves? A retooled, recolored and enlarged universe G2 Megatron is a quick and easy step towards turning this concept into reality.

The Legends figure?

I was talking about retooling and enlarging the deluxe mold to give it two hands and a proper fusion cannon. Upsizing the legends figure is too cheap a move, even for Hasbro.

I see that you do not like this gorgeous Megatron concept. Its sounds like you want your Megatron figure to be like that not good flying leader Megatron from the 2007 live action movie and you probably want it colored like that rainbow cybertron leader Megatron.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488169)
Posted by Mindmaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 9:59pm CDT

Eagleblaster wrote:I see that you do not like this gorgeous Megatron concept. Its sounds like you want your Megatron figure to be like that not good flying leader Megatron from the 2007 live action movie and you probably want it colored like that rainbow cybertron leader Megatron.

We're saying that we want a tank Megatron. I'm not understanding the logic of this statement. :HEADHURTS:

...and you probably want it colored like that rainbow cybertron leader Megatron.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488170)
Posted by No One on May 17th, 2013 @ 10:03pm CDT

We want Megatron in SOME kind of REAL earth mode, and not a flying scrap heap.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488172)
Posted by Mindmaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 10:08pm CDT

MR Optimus Prime wrote:We want Megatron in SOME kind of REAL earth mode, and not a flying scrap heap.

Eh, I wouldn't say that. Prime Megatron's jet mode looks cool, it certainly pulls it off much more effectively than the 2007 movie did. >:oP

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488173)
Posted by Eagleblaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 10:09pm CDT

MR Optimus Prime wrote:We want Megatron in SOME kind of REAL earth mode, and not a flying scrap heap.

Exactly, you couldn't have said it any better :APPLAUSE:

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488181)
Posted by Trikeboy on May 17th, 2013 @ 10:19pm CDT

So far, we have had two designs from the Aligned Continuity and both are clear winners. Why are they able to produce these awesome concept art but can't get the three main forms of products to look like them (toy, comic, show)? The point of the Aligned Continuity was to bring everything together wasn't it?

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488185)
Posted by Eagleblaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 10:31pm CDT

Mindmaster wrote:
Eagleblaster wrote:I see that you do not like this gorgeous Megatron concept. Its sounds like you want your Megatron figure to be like that not good flying leader Megatron from the 2007 live action movie and you probably want it colored like that rainbow cybertron leader Megatron.

We're saying that we want a tank Megatron. I'm not understanding the logic of this statement.

...and you probably want it colored like that rainbow cybertron leader Megatron.

No not intended for you Mindmaster even though you don't like those great movie figurs. And I know why cyberton Megatron was colored like Unicron but I just didn't like it. I was talking to 84forever cause he said something about it being the G1 color ang being a earth mode.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488187)
Posted by Mindmaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 10:37pm CDT

Eagleblaster wrote:
Mindmaster wrote:
Eagleblaster wrote:I see that you do not like this gorgeous Megatron concept. Its sounds like you want your Megatron figure to be like that not good flying leader Megatron from the 2007 live action movie and you probably want it colored like that rainbow cybertron leader Megatron.

We're saying that we want a tank Megatron. I'm not understanding the logic of this statement.

...and you probably want it colored like that rainbow cybertron leader Megatron.

No not intended for you Mindmaster even though you don't like those great movie figurs. And I know why cyberton Megatron was colored like Unicron but I just didn't like it. I was talking to 84forever cause he said something about it being the G1 color ang being a earth mode.

Revenge of the Fallen Bludgeon, among others, were good. I just don't like the fiction because the robots come as unemotional and obnoxious in my opinion. And the Dark of the Moon toyline just wasn't good.

A Generation One Megatron in a tank form has been done before, using the aforementioned Classics Deluxe.

Granted, it's not grey, but it looks good in white.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488196)
Posted by Eagleblaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 11:09pm CDT

Mindmaster wrote:
Eagleblaster wrote:
Mindmaster wrote:
Eagleblaster wrote:I see that you do not like this gorgeous Megatron concept. Its sounds like you want your Megatron figure to be like that not good flying leader Megatron from the 2007 live action movie and you probably want it colored like that rainbow cybertron leader Megatron.

We're saying that we want a tank Megatron. I'm not understanding the logic of this statement.

...and you probably want it colored like that rainbow cybertron leader Megatron.

[/quiet]

No not intended for you Mindmaster even though you don't like those great movie figurs. And I know why cyberton Megatron was colored like Unicron but I just didn't like it. I was talking to 84forever cause he said something about it being the G1 color ang being a earth mode.

Revenge of the Fallen Bludgeon, among others, were good. I just don't like the fiction because the robots come as unemotional and obnoxious in my opinion. And the Dark of the Moon toyline just wasn't good.

A Generation One Megatron in a tank form has been done before, using the aforementioned Classics Deluxe.

Granted, it's not grey, but it looks good in white.

That's good, at least you like one movie figure. And that black and white and red Megatron you just posted color scheme looks kind of alrit. I wouldn't mind if the concept Megatron had those colors but not rainbow colors. This is the 2014 live action movie not the 80s and 90s cartoons.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488197)
Posted by Eagleblaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 11:09pm CDT

Mindmaster wrote:
Eagleblaster wrote:
Mindmaster wrote:
Eagleblaster wrote:I see that you do not like this gorgeous Megatron concept. Its sounds like you want your Megatron figure to be like that not good flying leader Megatron from the 2007 live action movie and you probably want it colored like that rainbow cybertron leader Megatron.

We're saying that we want a tank Megatron. I'm not understanding the logic of this statement.

...and you probably want it colored like that rainbow cybertron leader Megatron.

[/quiet]

No not intended for you Mindmaster even though you don't like those great movie figurs. And I know why cyberton Megatron was colored like Unicron but I just didn't like it. I was talking to 84forever cause he said something about it being the G1 color ang being a earth mode.

Revenge of the Fallen Bludgeon, among others, were good. I just don't like the fiction because the robots come as unemotional and obnoxious in my opinion. And the Dark of the Moon toyline just wasn't good.

A Generation One Megatron in a tank form has been done before, using the aforementioned Classics Deluxe.

Granted, it's not grey, but it looks good in white.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488200)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 17th, 2013 @ 11:17pm CDT

This reminds me of the tank mode Megatron has in the Transformers Legends mobile game.

Eagleblaster wrote:Are you kidding me. That's the best Megatron alt mode I ever saw.
I hope that these are going to be the movie figures. Hasbro pull out all the tricks for that figure. Make sure it has everything good.

I'm waiting for these live action movie toys. I'm going to open a savings account just for those figures, lml.

AND PLEASE, I NEED A LEADER MEGATRON.

This is Aligned Continuity Megatron, not Movieverse Continuity Megatron.

Trikeboy wrote:So far, we have had two designs from the Aligned Continuity and both are clear winners.

Two? This and the Optimus truck are the seventh and eighth reveals in a long line of Aligned Continuity character concept art reveals from the Binder of Revelation.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488206)
Posted by Eagleblaster on May 17th, 2013 @ 11:31pm CDT

Sabrblade wrote:This reminds me of the tank mode Megatron has in the Transformers Legends mobile game.

Eagleblaster wrote:Are you kidding me. That's the best Megatron alt mode I ever saw.
I hope that these are going to be the movie figures. Hasbro pull out all the tricks for that figure. Make sure it has everything good.

I'm waiting for these live action movie toys. I'm going to open a savings account just for those figures, lml.

AND PLEASE, I NEED A LEADER MEGATRON.
This is Aligned Continuity Megatron, not Movieverse Continuity Megatron.

Trikeboy wrote:So far, we have had two designs from the Aligned Continuity and both are clear winners.
Two? This and the Optimus truck are the seventh and eighth reveals in a long line of Aligned Continuity character concept art reveals from the Binder of Revelation.

Oh, its not going to be a good ole bayformer. But in my opinion Sabrblade. They shouldn't use this awesome Megatron concept for anything other than a 2014 live action movie leader class Megatron. Unless they come up with an even better concept.All the current leader Megatrons have something holding them back from being good figures.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488212)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 17th, 2013 @ 11:52pm CDT

Eagleblaster wrote:Oh, its not going to be a good ole bayformer. But in my opinion Sabrblade. They shouldn't use this awesome Megatron concept for anything other than a 2014 live action movie leader class Megatron. Unless they come up with an even better concept.All the current leader Megatrons have something holding them back from being good figures.

Again, this design isn't for Movieverse Megatron at all. It's for the Megatron from WFC/Exodus/Prime/Exiles/FOC/etc.

Plus, Movie Megs is dead. Twice over. Bringing him back again for Movie 4 would just be repetitive, unimaginative, and boring. Let some other Con leader get his turn in the sun. Movie Megs was sick of the war by Movie 3 and died without putting up a fight. Let him rest in peace, finally free from the turmoil of his warmongering actions.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488217)
Posted by Eagleblaster on May 18th, 2013 @ 12:05am CDT

Sabrblade wrote:
Eagleblaster wrote:Oh, its not going to be a good ole bayformer. But in my opinion Sabrblade. They shouldn't use this awesome Megatron concept for anything other than a 2014 live action movie leader class Megatron. Unless they come up with an even better concept.All the current leader Megatrons have something holding them back from being good figures.
Again, this design isn't for Movieverse Megatron at all. It's for the Megatron from WFC/Exodus/Prime/Exiles/FOC/etc.

Plus, Movie Megs is dead. Twice over. Bringing him back again for Movie 4 would just be repetitive, unimaginative, and boring. Let some other Con leader get his turn in the sun. Movie Megs was sick of the war by Movie 3 and died without putting up a fight. Let him rest in peace, finally free from the turmoil of his warmongering actions.

You are rite. I totally forgot Movie Megs was dead. Where does that leave me to think of now :-?

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488221)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 18th, 2013 @ 12:17am CDT

Eagleblaster wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:
Eagleblaster wrote:Oh, its not going to be a good ole bayformer. But in my opinion Sabrblade. They shouldn't use this awesome Megatron concept for anything other than a 2014 live action movie leader class Megatron. Unless they come up with an even better concept.All the current leader Megatrons have something holding them back from being good figures.
Again, this design isn't for Movieverse Megatron at all. It's for the Megatron from WFC/Exodus/Prime/Exiles/FOC/etc.

Plus, Movie Megs is dead. Twice over. Bringing him back again for Movie 4 would just be repetitive, unimaginative, and boring. Let some other Con leader get his turn in the sun. Movie Megs was sick of the war by Movie 3 and died without putting up a fight. Let him rest in peace, finally free from the turmoil of his warmongering actions.

You are rite. I totally forgot Movie Megs was dead. Where does that leave me to think of now

Paint it blue and give it to Straxus?

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488255)
Posted by Eagleblaster on May 18th, 2013 @ 5:34am CDT

For a couple of hours he had me questioning everything I said about this concept cause he said it wasn't going to be in the upcoming 2014 transformers live action movie
But I was rite an all of my comments were justified cause if you look at the details of what the original poster (Ken Christiansen) had said about the topic which was that in him creating the concept he had to stick the the request of Hasbro by making this concept "In line with the movie logic" and some more stuff.
Now those words were for the Optimus concept but I'm sure the details was for the other concept he will be revealing as well, like this Megatron concept.
So this Megatron concept figure is supposed to be something like my loved my movie figures which I'm obligated to speak on cause I'm the movieverse man.

I might as well be called Mr. Bayformer or little Michael Bay.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1488316)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 18th, 2013 @ 11:14am CDT

Well, the reason these designs were made "In line with the movie logic" is because they were first made back when the movies were coming out and so that was the mindset they were in at the time. TF: Prime hadn't been conceived yet, nor had the recent video games. The development of the Aligned Continuity was in its infancy, and most of it was trying to blend G1 and Movie designs together for the most part.

This mindset is also why Hasbro was originally going to retire the Dinobots for good, since they were thinking in the reality of the Movies and didn't believe that t, which is what the Aligned Continuity was thought of at the time ("Movie-esque", that is).

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1489146)
Posted by El Duque on May 21st, 2013 @ 12:01pm CDT

Our friend Ken Christiansen continues to reveal his commissioned concept art for the Transformers Aligned Continuity with a look a fan favorite Soundwave! As you can see in the images mirrored below Soundwave has been given an SUV alt mode, but retains a recognizable robot mode with nods to G1. Click here to visit Ken's blog, Bad Flip Productions, to read more about the design.

Ken has also informed us that in addition to BotCon he will also be attending Charticon later this summer:

In our ever expanding line-up of guests we are very happy to welcome Ken Christiansen to Charticon 2013! Ken has been working as an illustrator and concept designer for over fifteen years. Starting as a video game concept artist, at Nintendo of America (Ridge Racer 64, Pokemon Puzzle League), then moving to Los Angeles to work in games for the Walt Disney Company (Kingdom Hearts, Finding Nemo). In 2004, Ken started his own company, Bad Flip Productions, working for video game clients like Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, and Activision. After working with Activision on Transformers the Game, and the Revenge of the Fallen game, he began working freelance in media development for Hasbro Inc. (Transformers), doing concept art for their film, tv, book, games, and toy initiatives. That expanded into media development beyond the Transformers brand, including Star Wars, Spider-Man, and more.

Ken’s current work includes the cover runs on the Transformers Prime series (IDW), Star Wars Fighter Pods, and Ultimate Spider-Man Spider Pods. Along with other random bits and pieces, hanging off pegs in the toy aisles, book shelves, and video game departments…

He is my all time favorite Transformer. I lucked out, and got to take a pass at him. I got the assignment, and he was to be explored as a secret government FBI/CIA type SUV, in the style of 24, or a Presidential Caravan. I knew this was coming from his previous incarnation from Animated.

Transformed! As always, I try to keep as many classic cues in as possible, but there were a few things being asked from Aaron and Eric at Hasbro to try to add, like a movie style head, and there was something with the legs, though in the notes I can't seem to find any reference, probably was in an email that was deleted long ago.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1489147)
Posted by MINDVVIPE on May 21st, 2013 @ 12:07pm CDT

Ugly. They really shouldn't have tried to incoporate what looks like TFPrime Soundwave's legs.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1489150)
Posted by Sabrblade on May 21st, 2013 @ 12:21pm CDT

That's one mean-looking Soundwave.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1489151)
Posted by Shelf Space on May 21st, 2013 @ 12:26pm CDT

You know him being a minivan and still having his cassettes makes him like the baddest "Soccer Mom" in the world right?

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1489154)
Posted by GuyIncognito on May 21st, 2013 @ 12:49pm CDT

I'm beginning to think the theme of this "Aligned Continuity" is boring alt modes.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1489155)
Posted by MINDVVIPE on May 21st, 2013 @ 12:55pm CDT

GuyIncognito wrote:I'm beginning to think the theme of this "Aligned Continuity" is boring alt modes.

Yeah, it should have been something like this... but you know, blue.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1489159)
Posted by Solrac333 on May 21st, 2013 @ 1:10pm CDT

That just looks bad. Terrible proportions.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1489161)
Posted by Mindmaster on May 21st, 2013 @ 1:26pm CDT

I would like it more if it weren't for the ungainly legs.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1489163)
Posted by Megatron Wolf on May 21st, 2013 @ 1:27pm CDT

thats a hell of a lot better than what we got, not a fan of the alt mode but the robot mode is great. Looks enough like soundwave so you can tell its him but different enough so that hes not just the same old thing we've had. Who ever turned this down and decided to go with the crap we have now should be shot. And who ever decided to not have soundwave talk should be thrown in a deep dark hole and left to die a slow and agonizing death, mute soundwave is a horrible idea especially when you have frank welker on the pay roll.

Re: Aligned Optimus Prime Truck Mode Concept Art (1489164)
Posted by GuyIncognito on May 21st, 2013 @ 1:28pm CDT

Soundwave looks really badass as the kind of SUV that suburban moms use to drive their kids to soccer practice. His weapon: poor gas mileage. His plan: deplete Earth's fuel supply over a course of centuries by not being very fuel-efficient. His special ability: better-than-average handling in slippery conditions.

8-}