Shanghai is set to transform into Cybertron again later this month, gathering the largest number of Autobots ever in China in a three-day revel with fans of the anime Transformers.

Cybertron Con, initiated by Hasbro, the international distributor of Transformers toys and the second-largest toy maker in the world, will come to ShanghaiMart starting July 29, after its first convention here six years ago.

Hasbro has created more than 15 Transformers toy lines to date since the 1980s. This year's convention will offer a comprehensive showcase of Transformers toys - both Autobots and Decepticons - covering the earliest renditions and classic models as well as the latest inventions.

It also will showcase a 5-meter-tall Optimus Prime and invite actors to cosplay other popular figures to bring the fictional world of Transformers closer to audiences.

There are 10 different sections to Cybertron Con 2016. A theme exhibition area showcases Hasbro's classic and latest renditions of Transformers toys, and 20 other authorized toy makers will also sell their products on-site.

Meanwhile, a section will be dedicated to artwork created by Transformers fans, who can apply to exhibit their creations before July 15 on cybertroncon.cn.

Moreover, audiences can also watch screenings of Transformers anime, participate in the interactive game Transformers Devastation, and join family-oriented activities, such as painting and coloring workshops for kids.

Cybertron Con will come to Shanghai starting July 29, after its first convention here six years ago. Photos: Courtesy of the event organizer

Influential artists

The main stage will be graced by a number of influential artists who have created Transformers comics, cartoons, films and toy design, who will share stories with fans and offer chances for autographs and photographs.

Among them is Peter Cullen, who over the past three decades has voiced Optimus Prime in films, games and TV series.

The event has a limit of 150 people per day to have the chance to get an autograph from and a photo with the most classic voice-over of Optimus Prime for an extra 600 yuan ($90.12).

Josh Feldman, head of the development of Hasbro's film and TV division, and Shogo Hasui and Hisashi Yuki, two designers from Japan's Takara Tomy, the earliest maker of Transformers toys, will also hold autograph and Q&A sessions.

Other special guests include Walter Gatus, concept artist of the series Transformers: Prime and three cartoonists working on The Transformers comics by IDW Publishing in the US, Sara Pitre-Durocher, James Raiz and Alex Milne.

The event will be co-organized with Reed Pop, organizer of Beijing and Shanghai Comic Cons, and FM Event, producer of exhibition Transformers Challenge.

After the Cybertron Con, Transformers Challenge will open at ShanghaiMart in August to offer a wide range of indoor sports competitions licensed by Hasbro.

Date: July 29 to 31, 9 am to 6 pm

Address: 2299 Yan'an Road West

延安西路2299号

Tickets: 70 yuan for early birds and 100 yuan at door

Tickets are available on Weipiao and Gewara