As DreamWorks and Paramount get set to release their CG-laden live-action Transformers movie next week, Toymaker Hasbro and Cartoon Network announced that they have joined forces to develop a new animated series that will continue the epic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. The entities will produce 26 half hours and a 90-minute movie, and plan to launch the 2D series in the U.S. in early 2008.

Co-produced by Cartoon Network Studios, Transformers Animated will introduce new characters while bringing back such fan favorites as Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Prowl, Bulkhead, Ratchet and Megatron. Set in Detroit, Michigan in the near future, the show finds the alien robots in disguise thrust into a world populated by humans and automatons. The Autobots learn to adjust to their new home as they work with the human population to battle the evil Decepticons and save planet Earth from destruction.

Each episode will present a standalone storyline, with Marty Isenberg (Danny Phantom, X-Men, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) acting as head writer. Matt Youngberg (Teen Titans, The Batman) will serve as supervising director, Derrick Wyatt (Teen Titans) will provide the character designs and Sam Register (Ben 10, Teen Titans) will be an exec producer. The show will be accompanied by new toys, games, licensed merchandise and promotions from Hasbro and its licensing division, HPG.