Hasbro has long had one of action figures' greatest pantheon of characters thanks to Transformers. But even the greatest collection of characters deserves a new member now and then. That's why Hasbro wants you to help them create the latest Transformers character.

I've always created new Transformers characters in my head, and loved making custom bots in the latest video game Fall of Cybertron's multiplayer mode. It seems Hasbro has borrowed that idea to give fans the power to influence the actual toys that see production. If you want to help pick the next Transformer, you can read the details below, then head to Transformers.com/vote to participate in the "Fan Built Bot" event.

Hasbro Invites Kids and Fans to Create New Transformers Character Opening Globally Today, the “Fan Built Bot” Poll Kicks-Off Celebration of the Iconic Brand’s 30th Anniversary by Allowing Fans to Create New Transformers Character Pawtucket, R.I. (April 18, 2013) — For the first time in history, the Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) TRANSFORMERS brand is inviting fans of all ages around the globe to help create a new TRANSFORMERS character that will be forever added to the TRANSFORMERS world. In anticipation of the TRANSFORMERS’ brand 30th anniversary in 2014, the “Fan Built Bot” Poll kicks off today, and will run through May 5th on TRANSFORMERS.com/vote. Hasbro invites fans to vote daily to shape this new TRANSFORMERS character. The new character will be made into an action figure featured in the “Thrilling 30” line of toys to celebrate the anniversary. Hasbro is giving kids and fans the opportunity to make the “Fan Built Bot” character with votes determining everything from being an AUTOBOT or DECEPTICON—to its vehicle or other mode, color, personality and more. Kids and fans are encouraged to vote daily! Also, to keep with the theme of the fans being the ones who really shape and create this new TRANSFORMERS character, Hasbro will also give fans a say in the naming of the new character. More details on the naming will be announced soon. “Since 1984, the TRANSFORMERS brand has been bringing entertainment and excitement to kids and fans with our beloved characters like BUMBLEBEE and OPTIMUS PRIME. We invite all fans to help us kick off the 30th anniversary of TRANSFORMERS with a new character of their choice — for the first time in history,” said Jay Duke, vice president of the TRANSFORMERS brand at Hasbro. “This is the perfect way to kick off our anniversary celebration and the ‘Thrilling 30’ line of special edition figures. It will be tremendous fun for everyone to keep track of the entire process from the designing of the character; leading up to its introduction as a toy and watching it become a part of the TRANSFORMERS brand.” The results of the poll will be announced by Hasbro at this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego, as part of the official kick-off to Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS “Thrilling 30” anniversary celebration. Kids and fans will be able to purchase the “Fan Built Bot” character as a toy and will see the new character appear in official TRANSFORMERS comic books. For further information visit the official polling page at TRANSFORMERS.COM/vote as well as the TRANSFORMERS Facebook page at Facebook.com/Transformers.

If you've visited the site to participate, you'll probably agree that there aren't a lot of options to pick from. I still found it fun to vote. I picked a grumpy blue and silver Autobot tank with a mace. The way I see it, any other combination is incorrect.

I'll be more interested when we get to the phase where names are selected. Being able to name a Transformer is even cooler than influencing its design. Hasbro is throwing a nice little bone to fans with this event, and I can't wait to see what comes of it.