By KENNY CHEE

AUTOBOTS, roll out!

Yes, the Transformers are back with a vengeance, thanks to the highly anticipated movie sequel, Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen, which opens today.

And the hype surrounding the film, based on a 1980s cartoon series, has led to a boom in demand for figurines of the stars - robots which can transform into cars, trucks and even jets.

Toys 'R' Us said it has sold over 7,000 figurines since the latest line of the toys hit stores on May 30.

Mr David Kok, general manager of China Square Central's Toysntoys, said he has brought in around 800 Transformers since May, and has sold "more than three quarters of them".

The hot robot that people can't get enough of? The Autobots' leader, Optimus Prime (he's a good guy).

"I've had to restock Optimus Prime three times since May," said Mr Kok.

The figurines go for between $9.90 and $219.90, depending on the size of the toys, which can go up to 0.6m in height.

A spokesman for Toys 'R' Us added that Singapore was the leading market for the toys among seven Asian markets, including China and Malaysia, on their official launch date.

And the main buyers of these toys? Besides kids, they're young executives who grew up watching the original cartoon.

Interior designer C.K. Lim, 30, bought Sideswipe - a silver Corvette Transformer and a new character in the film - from Toys 'R' Us after seeing leaked images of the toy online several months ago.

"I knew it was the toy to get, and am expecting it to sell out quickly once the movie opens," he said.

"I'm also hoping to get premium versions of the other robots like Optimus Prime," he added.

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