Scrap-metal Transformers on mission to save planet

PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) — Watch out, Transformers are in town!

Giant scrap-metal sculptures of popular Autobots, Decepticons and the evil Megatron himself are on show at several locations in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica — the work of a young artist who saw a new role for his childhood heroes.

The towering figures, mostly made of old car parts and other waste, have been placed outside cafes, restaurants and on the city's main square. The idea, art student Danilo Baletic explained, was to catch people's attention and send a message that waste can be used for the good of our planet.

In this picture taken on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, a towering figure, mostly made of old car parts and other waste is seen in Podgorica, Montenegro. Giant scrap-metal sculptures of popular Autobots, Decepticons and the evil Megatron himself are on show at several locations in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica _ work of a young artist who saw a new role for his childhood heroes. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)

"Autobots are here in a mission to prevent evil Decepticons — and the people who support them — from destroying our planet and its exhausted resources," the 22-year-old Baletic told The Associated Press at the exhibition, which opened on Wednesday.

Baletic said he made his first Transformer — named Rammtron — two years ago after visiting a dump yard. Seeing piles of waste made Baletic realize that people throw away plenty of useful materials, he explained.

"People all around the world should recognize that our waste can be recycled and transformed," he said.

So far, Baletic has installed seven Transformers in the Podgorica center, but he promised to make a new one for each of the planned visits to other countries in the region.

Residents have welcomed the newcomers in town. "Finally we see something new and different," said Selim Hasulovic.

Dozens of children have taken photos with the 14-meter (45-feet) and 21-ton Megatron sculpture.

"I grew up this high because of you," said a metal-sounding voice from inside. "If you continue to pollute the planet, very soon there will be only me and the darkness here."

____

Jovana Gec contributed from Belgrade, Serbia.

In this picture taken on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, a towering figure, mostly made of old car parts and other waste is seen in Podgorica, Montenegro. Giant scrap-metal sculptures of popular Autobots, Decepticons and the evil Megatron himself are on show at several locations in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica _ work of a young artist who saw a new role for his childhood heroes. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)

In this picture taken on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, a towering figure, mostly made of old car parts and other waste is seen in Podgorica, Montenegro. Giant scrap-metal sculptures of popular Autobots, Decepticons and the evil Megatron himself are on show at several locations in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica _ work of a young artist who saw a new role for his childhood heroes. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)

In this picture taken on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, a towering figure, mostly made of old car parts and other waste is seen in Podgorica, Montenegro. Giant scrap-metal sculptures of popular Autobots, Decepticons and the evil Megatron himself are on show at several locations in he Montenegrin capital of Podgorica _ work of a young artist who saw a new role for his childhood heroes. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)

In this picture taken on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, a towering figure, mostly made of old car parts and other waste is seen in Podgorica, Montenegro. Giant scrap-metal sculptures of popular Autobots, Decepticons and the evil Megatron himself are on show at several locations in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica _ work of a young artist who saw a new role for his childhood heroes. (AP Photo/Risto Bozovic)