Chris McFeely

This weekend, The Basics once again journeys into Cybertron's ancient past, with another return to the Age of the Primes, and a look at secrets of the sacred wellspring from which Primus births all Transformer life - the WELL OF ALL SPARKS! As always, channel members and Patreon supporters can watch it early and ad-free right now! www.patreon.com/chrismcfeely/posts/transformers-on…

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 4,042

Chris McFeely

With yesterday's sad news still hanging over us all, I had to have a think about whether to roll out this week's scheduled video or not - but I don't think Mr. Cullen would want us to be stuck in a mire of sadness, and one of the best ways I can think to honour him and the love of Transformers that he inspired in us all is by sharing *my* love of one of my favourite parts of the franchise with all of you. With that in mind, please join me tomorrow night at 9pm BST for the live premiere of a special hour-long video that I call "A Different Animal" - a recording of my presentation from TFNation 2026 earlier this month, looking at the unique and frustrating history of "Beast Wars" in the United Kingdom, my personal experience with the series, and the journey it took me on into Transformers fandom in my teens.

1 month ago | [YT] | 655

Chris McFeely

On a week when we've already lost some true icons, the sad news has been announced that Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime across the Generation 1 cartoon, the live-action movies, and more, has passed away at the age of 85. I'm honestly not sure I have the words to sum up the significance of the man and his legacy; the outpouring of grief across the fandom will say more about what he meant to us than I ever could. All I can ask of you is to remember the great lessons he taught us with his performance: "be strong enough to be gentle" ...and "hang onto your dreams," because they are what the future is buit on.

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 12,329

Chris McFeely

Here's something I think a lot of you guys will really enjoy! Transformers fan and indie comic artist Emily "Raax" Stewart has launched the Kickstarter for her new self-published comic, END OF THE GALACTIC CONQUERORS - a satire of 1980s toy-toons, in which the protgaonist of just such a show suffers an existential crisis when he discovers he's a fictional character whose entire world is shaped by the demands of merchandising. What does a man do when he realises that he's been locked in eternal war, unable to advance or change, because a toy company deemed it marketable? I've been lucky enough to have a read, and it's very well-observed stuff, a witty unpacking all the tropes and rhythms of those old shows, but done with a great love for them, and delivered with fantastic authenticity. Please consider showing Emily your support! www.kickstarter.com/projects/5773769/the-end-of-th…

1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 1,384

Chris McFeely

If you weren't at TFNation this year, now's your chance to get your dopamine hit from the 2026 opening ceremony video, edited by ‪@Drivaaar‬ , featuring remixed classic TF tunes by ‪@jasoncardy4178‬ !

1 month ago | [YT] | 226

Chris McFeely

With a new "Age of the Primes" toy on shelves now, this weekend, The Basics will be taking a look at the attention-deficit Mini-Bot who spent most of his life being little more than a generic name used for random, red Autobot toys... until comic books turned him into a fan favourite! Watch The Basics on SWERVE early and ad-free now by becoming a channel member or signing up on Patreon: www.patreon.com/chrismcfeely/posts/transformers-on…

1 month ago | [YT] | 2,866

Chris McFeely

Apologies folks, I hoped and planned I'd have a new Basics for you today, but I came down with a belated dose of con crud after TFNation that kept me from recording anything! All better now though, so new vid next weekend for sure - but in the meantime, here's an old episode for you to revisit that may or may not contain clues as to who or what is getting the Basics treatment next! 😉

1 month ago | [YT] | 402