According to various internet reports, the series will continue the battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons, with 26 half hours and a 90-minute movie. The 2D series is due to launch in the US in early 2008.

Co-produced by Cartoon Network Studios, Transformers Animated will introduce new characters as well as the old favourites. It will be accompanied by new toys, games and other licensed merchandise and promotions from Hasbro and its licensing division, HPG.

Bob Higgins, senior VP programing and development at Cartoon Network, said: "We've used the basic Transformers and characters as a springboard, but then we're pretty much reimagining the whole thing. What we're doing with it is basically turning it into a superheroes story.

"We're really excited that we're able to take this decades-old property and hopefully turn it into something that kids haven't seen or expected from a Transformers series before."

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