I saw this image posted today at AnimationNation.com, and the first immediate thought that jumped into my head was “boy that sure is ugly”. I think I was in shock.

There’s a lot of the character design that seems to be at odds with itself. The truck grille that makes up Prime’s torso has that strange curve to it where the rest of its form is boxy, geometric and flat. The chest is bent awkwardly giving him an odd stoop or rather a hump back appearance. His head sits strangely between his gooey shoulders. Overall, I am disappointed so far. Its an unappealing drawing.

However, I’ll say this. It’s the first ever image to come from a new series in the works that is apparently more in line with the original animated series from the early 80’s. Who knows how far the concept has moved along since this poster was done considering the new series is still seven months away.

“Transformers Animated” is limping out of the start gate for me, but I’m looking forward to it to see there they take it.