Convention - SDCC 2026 : Symbiote Studios Reveals Exclusive Transformers Experiences, Celebrity Signings and First-Look Plush

By Mulder, 08 july 2026

As the countdown to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 enters its final weeks, Symbiote Studios is significantly expanding its presence on the convention floor with what promises to be one of the most appealing destinations for Transformers enthusiasts. The Arizona-based company, which has steadily built a reputation for producing premium licensed plush toys and collectibles, has unveiled a packed schedule for Booth #5629, combining convention-exclusive merchandise, celebrity appearances, interactive fan activities and first-look reveals. The latest announcement reinforces how Symbiote Studios has evolved beyond simply selling collectibles, transforming its Comic-Con booth into a genuine gathering place for fandom. A newly released promotional trailer also offers fans an early glimpse of everything awaiting attendees during the July 22–26 convention.

The centerpiece of this year's display is the company's largest Transformers plush lineup ever assembled, highlighted by the exclusive Grimlock G2 plush, available only during the show. As an official Hasbro licensee, Symbiote Studios has spent years translating iconic animated and video game characters into highly detailed plush creations that appeal equally to collectors and casual fans. While familiar faces from the Transformers universe will naturally dominate the booth, visitors will also receive the very first look at several completely unrevealed plush designs scheduled for release later in 2026, including additional Transformers characters and new additions to the beloved My Little Pony range. Rather than announcing these products online beforehand, the company is once again using Comic-Con as the stage for exclusive previews, rewarding attendees with the opportunity to discover upcoming releases before anyone else.

Perhaps the biggest attraction outside the merchandise itself will be the special in-booth signing event featuring two generations of Transformers voice talent. On Friday, July 24, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., fans will have the opportunity to meet Frank Todaro, currently known for voicing characters including Starscream, Sludge and Ravage, alongside Gregg Berger, whose performance as Grimlock in The Transformers: The Movie (1986) helped cement the Dinobot leader as one of the franchise's most enduring personalities. Their joint appearance carries particular significance this year as Hasbro continues its playful year-long "Apology Tour," celebrating the 40th anniversary of the animated feature film that famously shocked an entire generation by killing Optimus Prime. Four decades later, the emotional impact of that moment remains one of the defining memories of the franchise, and the anniversary campaign has cleverly embraced that shared nostalgia through events, concerts and fan celebrations that encourage audiences to "laugh, grieve, heal and reminisce." Visitors attending the signing session will also receive, while supplies last, a special illustrated art card pairing the featured characters with their corresponding Symbiote Studios plush counterparts, creating an exclusive keepsake unavailable elsewhere.

Beyond celebrity appearances, Symbiote Studios continues to cultivate one of Comic-Con's most recognizable traditions with the return of mascot Catnip Bravo and the annual Rock-Paper-Scissors challenge. What began as a playful promotional activity has gradually become one of the convention's recurring rituals, drawing returning attendees eager to test their luck. Scheduled twice daily on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with one final session on Sunday morning, the competition rewards anyone capable of defeating Catnip Bravo with an exclusive collectible pin. While deceptively simple, these sessions perfectly capture the welcoming atmosphere the company has cultivated over several Comic-Con appearances, encouraging visitors to linger, interact and become part of the booth's lively community rather than simply making a purchase. That emphasis on fan engagement has become one of Symbiote Studios' defining characteristics and helps explain why its booth consistently attracts repeat visitors each year.

The timing of this expanded Transformers showcase also aligns perfectly with Hasbro's broader anniversary strategy. Throughout 2026, the company has celebrated the 40th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie with theatrical re-releases, exclusive collectibles, special events and a live "Celebration of Life" concert scheduled during Comic-Con week featuring Knights of Unicron, Stan Bush, Vince DiCola and other performers closely associated with the film's enduring legacy. By welcoming Gregg Berger into its booth during this milestone celebration, Symbiote Studios becomes another important stop on what has evolved into one of the franchise's most nostalgic anniversary campaigns, bridging classic animation with today's expanding collector community.

Founded in Tucson, Arizona, in 2007, Symbiote Studios has steadily grown into one of the industry's leading creators of licensed plush toys, apparel and collectibles, producing products spanning Transformers, My Little Pony, Shovel Knight, Rivals of Aether and its own original mascot Catnip Bravo. Its continued collaboration with Hasbro, combined with a strong focus on premium materials, faithful character designs and direct fan interaction, has positioned the company as one of the increasingly anticipated exhibitors on the Comic-Con show floor. With convention exclusives, never-before-seen product reveals, beloved voice actors and interactive events all gathered in a single booth, Symbiote Studios appears ready to deliver one of the most engaging Transformers experiences available during San Diego Comic-Con 2026, offering longtime collectors and newcomers alike plenty of reasons to make Booth #5629 a priority destination.

(Source : press release)