Botcon 2011 Toys and then Rumours/News

[jaydisc]

Shhh…. "Cybertron Evac as Galvatron and Action Master Thundercracker" is one 2-pack."

Anyone else heard anything?

[Sky Shadow]

Shhh…. "Cybertron Evac as Galvatron and Action Master Thundercracker" is one 2-pack."

Anyone else heard anything?

Nothing more than the rumours that have been around for months, but if it's true, I want this set so badly.

[Sky Shadow]

Oh, sorry Jay, I just realised you were asking what the rumours were.

The main ones I've heard are: Toxitron (Animated Voyager Prime mould) and three Animated Autoroopers (Animated Ironhide/Ratchet), Ironfist (I don't know the mould) and a general release of G2 'Classics' Sideswipe (which might be why people are selling their customisation class ones on eBay.)

[Shirokaze]

...a general release of G2 'Classics' Sideswipe (which might be why people are selling their customisation class ones on eBay.)

I hope this is the case! He will go great with G2 Ramjet!

[Doubledealer]

Ironfist (I don't know the mould)

Deluxe Swindle would be the obvious mould to use, and it would be...AW-SUUUM :D

[Paulbot]

So do you guys want news here too? Because we can confirm a couple of things.

[Sky Shadow]

So do you guys want news here too? Because we can confirm a couple of things.

Yes please, Paulbot, that would be great - it is for "Rumours and then News". We've had the rumours, and now the news, don't touch that dial!

[Paulbot]

Sky Shadow the rumours you report seem close to true.

Toxitron is featured in the BotCon comic. So is Ironfist who, as "Fistitron" is the attendee bonus, a repaint of Animated Ironhide with a new head. Also in the comic Cheetor's partner is Sideswipe, a G2 Sideswipe coloured Animated Rodimus.

[Sky Shadow]

Also in the comic Cheetor's partner is Sideswipe, a G2 Sideswipe coloured Animated Rodimus.

Ah, that makes sense. Thanks Paulbot!

So if the rumours are true, the only toys I desperately want this year are Shattered Glass Galvatron and Thundercracker. And I want them like a Shattered Glass hole in the head.

[griffin]

The club exclusive comic lists the attendee figure sets as:
Sideswipe and Toxitron (1800 sets)
Shattered Glass Set: Galvatron and Thundercracker (1500 sets)
Autotroopers (1500 sets)

[Sky Shadow]

Shattered Glass Set: Galvatron and Thundercracker (1500 sets)

Squee! My life is nearly complete.

(And I want Fistitron too...)

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/7696/ironfist1306991407.jpg

[Doubledealer]

That Ironfist looks SPECTACULAR. :cool:

[1AZRAEL1]

Shattered Glass Set: Galvatron and Thundercracker (1500 sets)

What mould is TC based on? Classics Seeker? If so, I will want that like I want a sponge bath by hot nurses :p

[1AZRAEL1]

That Ironfist looks SPECTACULAR. :cool:

Head looks cool, but I just don't like Animated aesthetics. So he would be an easy miss for me.

[Paulbot]

What mould is TC based on? Classics Seeker? If so, I will want that like I want a sponge bath by hot nurses :p
It's only the names listed which is why I missed it the first time.

[1AZRAEL1]

It's only the names listed which is why I missed it the first time.

Spose I have to wait only a few days to find out :)

Damn I hate waiting :p

[fatbot]

can anyone attending assist with obtaining:
Sideswipe and Toxitron
Shattered Glass Set: Galvatron and Thundercracker
for me please?

[Sky Shadow]

can anyone attending assist with obtaining:
Sideswipe and Toxitron
Shattered Glass Set: Galvatron and Thundercracker
for me please?

Likewise, BotCon attendees - one way or another I shall be procuring Shattered Glass Galvatron and SG Thundercracker (of course) so if anyone will have an extra set that I can please purchase, that would be great. Otherwise, it's to eBay I shall go...

[Doubledealer]

Head looks cool, but I just don't like Animated aesthetics. So he would be an easy miss for me.

Fair enough Az, and yes the head rules! I adore the Cyb Ratchet/Ironhide mould, I just don't think it's truly been done justice with the paint job until now. Can't wait to see the alt mode

[i_amtrunks]

What awesome Botcon figures they have this year, so much animated goodness... Animated Iron "Fistitron" Fist, Autoroopers and Stunticons...

Wish I had the dosh to obtain them and the Cybertron Evac/Megatron, that will be one interesting figure set, considering I have no idea what Thundercracker will be.

[reillyd]

Fistron seems to be the name of the attendee exclusive. Seems to be well dodgy name for a kids toy to me.

[Sky Shadow]

Fistron seems to be the name of the attendee exclusive. Seems to be well dodgy name for a kids toy to me.

Actually, even though it's been mistyped by everyone in this thread so far (including me) it's Fisitron. So there's no fisting involved. (And let's face it, no kids are going to be able to afford this toy anyway.)

And he's a 'Weapondry expert'. So presumably he's an expert at expelling dampness from weapons:

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/7092/fisitronspec1306992039.jpg

[Paulbot]

My bad. I've always read it in LSOTW as Fistitron but it's indeed Fisitron.

[FFN]

Fistron seems to be the name of the attendee exclusive. Seems to be well dodgy name for a kids toy to me. Fisitron was Ironfist's (and later, Verity's) pen name for the Wrecker: Declassified articles in Last Stand of the Wreckers.

While this Ironfist is a different dude, it's appropriate to use this as his trademark if Hasbro can't use Ironfist for some reason.

[Sky Shadow]

Fisitron was Ironfist's (and later, Verity's) pen name for the Wrecker: Declassified articles in Last Stand of the Wreckers.

I assumed reillyd was just making a Nexus Maximus-esque joke.


While this Ironfist is a different dude, it's appropriate to use this as his trademark if Hasbro can't use Ironfist for some reason.

"Some reason" almost certainly being "Marvel Entertainment, Inc".

(And I'm loving that the Animated toys come with cardboard G1 1984-88-style tech-specs.)

[jaydisc]

Oh, sorry Jay, I just realised you were asking what the rumours were.

Nah. I was just disguising fact as rumor. ;)

[LordCyrusOmega]

Ooooh I want Sideswip and Toxitron, The Autotroopers and Fisitron. Anyone able to help me out?

[Paulbot]

They'll be on eBay tomorrow night from American sellers.

I've got enough requests on my shoulders right now myself with worries about getting them home in the limited time available. If I have any spares, it wont be until July.

[Quickstrike]

Shattered Glass Set: Galvatron and Thundercracker (1500 sets)


Oh GOD I need this. Yes, NEED.

[kaiden]

I really like fisitron's head sculpt. I wonder if loophole can help me get some of the attendee figures.

[GoktimusPrime]

Interesting how they're calling the Autrooper "Autotrooper". Can't blame 'em though... Autrooper sounds terrible rolling off the Anglophone palate. ;)

[Sky Shadow]

A look at Fisitron in vehicle mode. Such pretty complimentary colours:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux0n_pYajXs&feature=player_embedded

[Doubledealer]

A look at Fisitron in vehicle mode. Such pretty complimentary colours:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ux0n_pYajXs&feature=player_embedded

That is perfection itself...WANT!

[kristofferrer]

what series is the Sideswipe and Toxitron from??
are they animated?

[Paulbot]

what series is the Sideswipe and Toxitron from??
are they animated?

Yes. Based on their appearances in the comic: Toxitron is Animated Voyager Prime in yellow and green. Sideswipe is Animated Rodimus, with the new Breakdown head, in black, white, green and red (his G2 colours). Autotrooper is an almost totally white Animated Ratchet with a new head (same one as Fisitron).

[kristofferrer]

I'm screwed - now i must have.

[Sharky]

that iron fist looks mighty tempting

[Bartrim]

My bad. I've always read it in LSOTW as Fistitron but it's indeed Fisitron.

I did that too.

Now is a time to test my patience. I don't have the money to buy Fisitron atm so I must bide my time until I save up enough... Gonna be tough:(

[tinyJazz]

And here I was worried they were about to release the cancelled TFA toys as exclusives. PHEW!
These look and sound pretty awesome. Do want!


They'll be on eBay tomorrow night from American sellers.

I've got enough requests on my shoulders right now myself with worries about getting them home in the limited time available. If I have any spares, it wont be until July.

Also, Griffin mentioned that last year you had to line up a second time if you wanted to buy another set of figures (you could only buy one set of each each time you got to the counter I think). More time queuing that could be spent enjoying the convention.

So, as awful as I feel for asking this, of course if anyone attending botcon this year does happen to have any spares of these sets, when you get back, well, you've got someone in Queensland to sell them to. :o;)

[Sharky]

and they are already popping up on ebay

eBay Fisitron (http://shop.ebay.com.au/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=fisitron&_sacat=See-All-Categories)

[tinyJazz]

and they are already popping up on ebay

eBay Fisitron (http://shop.ebay.com.au/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3907.m570.l1313&_nkw=fisitron&_sacat=See-All-Categories)

and all the misspelt ones, along with the other sets here (http://shop.ebay.com.au/i.html?LH_AvailTo=15&_nkw=botcon+2011&_arm=1&_armm=63&_ruu=http%3A%2F%2Fshop.ebay.com.au%2Fi.html%3F_nkw %3Dbotcon%2B2011%26_arr%3D1&_rdc=1).
The damage doesn't look too bad so far. Pretty much like last year's, what a relief!

[jaydisc]

Future Botcon boxsets?

http://f.cl.ly/items/2B122K2I1r1r1v2U1l3w/Future%20Botcon%20Boxsets.jpg

[Doubledealer]

Nice. Good find, Jay!

I like the sound of "A mission set in which the characters are from a few different era's in a stand-alone adventure."

[jaydisc]

Prices:

89 for the auto trooper set
89 for SS/Toxitron set,
92 for SG Galvatron/TC set

[jaydisc]

PICS:

http://i51.twitgoo.com/2qava0w.jpg
http://i52.twitgoo.com/o01pgz.jpg
http://i52.twitgoo.com/2rz2qnn.jpg
http://i54.twitgoo.com/4fubg8.jpg

[Doubledealer]

*falls off chair*

In a Clive Barker kind of way Toxitron and Sideswipe manage to look both disgusting and beautiful at the same time.

[jaydisc]

I'm happy. Gonna be a cheap one for me. Just gonna grab the Autotroopers.

[fatbot]

Thanks for the pics Jay, Now I really want Thundercracker & Galvatron! Not to fussed with Toxitron & Sideswipe though

[Bartrim]

*falls off chair*

In a Clive Barker kind of way Toxitron and Sideswipe manage to look both disgusting and beautiful at the same time.

Not a fan of Sideswipe but I have to agree with you about Toxitron. At first I thought "Ewww gross" but I can't stop looking at him.

[Doubledealer]

That seeker looks like Skywarp shortly after falling into a vat of Allens Toffee Apple Lolly mixture. :p

[Bartrim]

Plus I love that t-shirt.

[tinyJazz]

That seeker looks like Skywarp shortly after falling into a vat of Allens Toffee Apple Lolly mixture. :p

Haha! Yeah, looks almost edible. Mmm. :p The Autotroopers look better than I expected too.

[Tallestblue]

Every part of me that's Gay is screaming in horror at G2 Thundercracker's paint scheme.

[Hursticon]

Every part of me that's Gay is screaming in horror at G2 Thundercracker's paint scheme.

As horrible as it is, what's more insane is the amount of people who will/do want that figure - I foresee some ridiculous secondary market prices being thrown at that piece of plastic. :rolleyes::p

[jaydisc]

Yes indeed. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I am so proud and appreciative to not understand the lust and desire that surrounds Action Master Thundercracker.

Feel free to substitute Action Master Thundercracker with:

1. G2
2. Shattered Glass

[reillyd]

Yes, Nexus Maximus was what I was thinking, though for some reason the correct name for it had slipped my mind, and I'd deliberately erased it from my google web history!

[swoop]

I know galvatron is generally purple but I was hoping that they make him black like they did in the cybertron line, imo more black and less purple would of suited that mold better. That been said I still want it and thundercracker. I don't have a any great love for the original action master but that is a hideous repaint and I love hideous repaints.

I'm not really feeling the love for fisitron like a lot of people are, the head is a nice sculpt and I don't mind the mold but the colour scheme just isn't doing it for me. The autotroopers look good and I look forward to getting them over fisitron.

Whats the history behind toxicon I know they wanted to repaint laser rod optimus as him and use it for a botcon exclusive a few years back but is there any back story to the character or was he just made up for botcon

[Sky Shadow]

Yes indeed. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I am so proud and appreciative to not understand the lust and desire that surrounds Action Master Thundercracker.

Feel free to substitute Action Master Thundercracker with:

1. G2
2. Shattered Glass

Since this is Shattered Glass Thundercracker and AM TC came out in the hypercolour-nineties, that's not surprising then. :)

As I was well and truly one of the first people on teh internets to sing the praises of Action Master Thundercracker a decade ago:

https://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/c594959773c5cd70?hl=en

https://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers.fanfic/msg/dc0df9da4fe7b09c?hl=en

and also one of the first to pay him out: https://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/8de11eb2e5e2626a?hl=en

it's mainly nostalgia for me. I love that guy, and I'd much rather see them continue to recolour seekers like that than in any other shade.


I know galvatron is generally purple but I was hoping that they make him black like they did in the cybertron line, imo more black and less purple would of suited that mold better.

They first used Shattered Glass Galvatron in the comic over a year ago, so it was inevitable that he would be released in those colours: http://tfwiki.net/w2/images2/e/e6/NexusPrimeRevivesGalvatron_TheComingStorm1.jpg Swoop, you can (legally!) read a comic that he cameo-appears in here: http://www.transformersclub.com/_images/TCC31Feb_Mar10.pdf

[Hursticon]

@Sky Shadow: LOL, I just can't understand the love for that AM Thundercracker figure - I certainly don't think any less of anyone who does but I just find him to be so ridiculously fugly in colour, lol, ohh... Just talking and thinking about that colour scheme and how it is easily the worst out of that era makes me laugh! :p:D
(For those who want one, I really hope that you're able to get one for a 'reasonable' price - My fingers are crossed for you ;):))

That Classicsverse AM Thundercracker is such a Troll! :D:cool:

[Doubledealer]

And if you can't get a Classics AM 'cracker then don't despair...Just grab any old seeker, down a double-shot of brown vinegar, aim your mouth towards the toy and let the forthcoming technicoloured yawn beautifully coat your seeker in an equally spectacular fashion!

[Hursticon]

And if you can't get a Classics AM 'cracker then don't despair...Just grab any old seeker, down a double-shot of brown vinegar, aim your mouth towards the toy and let the forthcoming technicoloured yawn beautifully coat your seeker in an equally spectacular fashion!

LOL! :p:D
That's gold! :cool:

[kaiden]

there are just people who dont like nice solid complementary colours - they want garish eccentric mishmash!

i just want fisitron and autotroopers

[i_amtrunks]

If only I made more than a teachers salary...

Then all of those figures would be mine, even the retina damaging Thundercracker. Never been a massive fan of AMTC, but that toy is just so painful to the rods behind the eyes I want it! :D

Cnat wait to get my hands on Animated Cheetor either, that whole display case is almost pure untarnished awesomesauce.

[Paulbot]

Autotroopers will be easy to get we think. It's three exact same toys, not even different tech specs.

Unfortunately we could only buy one set of exclusives tonight per badge, rather than multiples like last year. With the dealers getting first crack tomorrow, there's a goo chance that at show prices will equal on eBay prices for the other exclusives.

As someone who bought Action Master Thundercracker as a 13 year old, I love the robot mode of this new toy.

[Paulbot]

Prices:

89 for the auto trooper set
89 for SS/Toxitron set,
92 for SG Galvatron/TC set

Plus tax

[Paulbot]

The two lithos this year are g1 tech specs for the Animated Bots and Cons (one side each) featured in the cartoon, almanac and club comics (but that don't have toys [yet... the Lugnut repaint with Sky-Byte's head might appeal to some] or are the exclusives this year).

There's also trading cards instead of autograph sheets featuring the characters we have voice actors for present.

[Sky Shadow]

the Lugnut repaint with Sky-Byte's head might appeal to some]

The... WHAT NOW?! That sounds like the most awesomest thing everer! :eek:

[Paulbot]

It's just a Derrick Wyatt design for now, but of all the new ones it looks the easiest to make a reality if the club does more Animated exclusives.

I'd post a pic but my comic is already flying back to Australia and my litho is in Griffin's hotel room two blocks away.

[Sky Shadow]

It's just a Derrick Wyatt design for now, but of all the new ones it looks the easiest to make a reality if the club does more Animated exclusives.

I'd post a pic but my comic is already flying back to Australia and my litho is in Griffin's hotel room two blocks away.

Thanks anyway, Paulbot - I assume it's just this* on Lugnut's body (it's the Lugnut's-body bit that I'm most interested in.)

*
http://img137.imageshack.us/img137/8425/skybytebybillforster.jpg

[Paulbot]

It's a much more RID style head, with the large fin. Pretty much the head on the Sharkticon toy last year.

[Sky Shadow]

It's a much more RID style head, with the large fin. Pretty much the head on the Sharkticon toy last year.

Ooh - even better, more like this head then:
http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/4435/pwuf.jpg

[Paulbot]

Yep.

[Zippo]

Oh I do want the Autotroopers as well as SG Thundercracker
Not a fan of Animated molds, but the Cybertron Ratchet one does appeal just a tad.

But $200US per set on eBay at the moment (if your lucky)

[Quickstrike]

@Sky Shadow: LOL, I just can't understand the love for that AM Thundercracker figure - I certainly don't think any less of anyone who does but I just find him to be so ridiculously fugly in colour, lol, ohh... Just talking and thinking about that colour scheme and how it is easily the worst out of that era makes me laugh! :p:D

It looks like you understand exactly why people love Action Master Thundercracker.

I still need that Galvatron and Thundercracker set. Neeeeeed.

[valkyrie_76]

Yeah I would love to get the SG Thundercracker in glorious technicolour goodness :D:D

[kup]

AM Classics Thundercracker?

Oh Baby that's BEAUTIFUL!!

It's in my mega duper most ****ing wanted list evah!!



Now to find a way to acquire it...:eek:

[kup]

Yes indeed. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I am so proud and appreciative to not understand the lust and desire that surrounds Action Master Thundercracker.


That's the thing, we think is freaking horrible and the most garish thing ever but that is why we love it so much. :D

[Paul Agnew]

Pretty sure this is venturing into the SPOILERS territory, but the following image confirms a question that several of us pondered over at the Parra fair:

http://cdn.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/1/Botcon-2011-075_1307079094.jpg

So that's what they'll be called. First Toxitron and now him as well? Could this be a reunion of the Toxic Crusaders? :D

[Sky Shadow]

Pretty sure this is venturing into the SPOILERS territory, but the following image confirms a question that several of us pondered over at the Parra fair:

http://cdn.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/1/Botcon-2011-075_1307079094.jpg

So that's what they'll be called. First Toxitron and now him as well? Could this be a reunion of the Toxic Crusaders? :D

:confused:

Is that definitely the right photo? The only thing in that picture that seems vaguely Toxie-like is Dragstrip's companion Master Disaster (i.e. presumably an alternate universe version of the guy from the Velocity episode of Animated) has a name a bit like Major Disaster from the Toxic Avengers.

[Paul Agnew]

:confused:

Is that definitely the right photo? The only thing in that picture that seems vaguely Toxie-like is Dragstrip's companion Master Disaster (i.e. presumably an alternate universe version of the guy from the Velocity episode of Animated) has a name a bit like Major Disaster from the Toxic Avengers.

That it be. Seemed rather humourous for characters such as Toxitron and Master Disaster (who may/may not have intentional name links to Toxie and Major Disaster respectively) to appear at the same convention.

[LordCyrusOmega]

So all up the Botcon Animated toys consist of:
Toxitron & Sideswipe
Fisitron
Autotrooper (x3?)
Minerva (as Custom)
Were there any others? Might be easier if someone directs me where to find out for myself.

After seeing those pics I really want them. Like really, really, I'd sell my organs and live out my days on life support for them. Don't know why I'm so obsessed. Geez LCO getta grip

[Paulbot]

Botcon tweet: Club store will not open for those without wrist bands from last night until 2 pm

Registration went well into the night, still going at 1130pm. Looks like they closed the store before midnight and gave the late people wristbands to come back this morning. Means it will be an extra few hours before any of us can even attempt to get any spares.

If you see a good ebay deal "buy it now".

[Paulbot]

So all up the Botcon Animated toys consist of:
Toxitron & Sideswipe
Fisitron
Autotrooper (x3?)
Minerva (as Custom)
Were there any others? Might be easier if someone directs me where to find out for myself.
Thats all of the Animated ones. And the Stunticons of course. And Club Cheetor leftovers are on sale here. There is one Autotrooper toy sold in a combo pack of three, but there is no difference between all three, unlike the different tech specs the Sweeps and Sharkticons had in previous years.

[LordCyrusOmega]

I had best start saving my monies then

[Sleeve]

There is one Autotrooper toy sold in a combo pack of three, but there is no difference between all three, unlike the different tech specs the Sweeps and Sharkticons had in precious years.

They were precious years indeed. :p

[Hursticon]

Registration went well into the night, still going at 1130pm. Looks like they closed the store before midnight and gave the late people wristbands to come back this morning. Means it will be an extra few hours before any of us can even attempt to get any spares.

Just finished listening to the latest WTF@TFW Podcast and Vangelus was one of those affected; saying he was apparently only 5mins away from picking up his stuff when some organiser came out and said "We're calling it a day". :confused:
From the sounds of things, he and many others were not happy about waiting 6 hours in line to be told they'll have to do it all again tomorrow. :o

[Paulbot]

They were precious years indeed. :p
Damn autocorrect! :D

[griffin]

Sneak peak of the Hasbro toy display (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2011---early-dealer-room-pics---tf3-vehicles-and-more-172351/) - doesn't appear to have anything that hasn't already been released or known. (it's a TFW link, so images may not be visible by non-members)

The at-show toys on display (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/images-of-botcon-2011-exclusives-and-souvenir-figures-toxitron-am-thundercracker-sg-galvatron-g2-sideswipe-and-autotroopers/21827/) (I'll take more myself and post up pics later).

A couple of costumes already (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2011---grimlock-and-devastator-battle-in-the-pick-up-line-172350/) - Devastator and Grimlock.
Plus, someone has been driving around a box van painted white with red roof lights and red crosses on the side... Gen1 Ratchet of course.

[Sky Shadow]

Dream toys acquired after throwing lots of money at them. (And I 'accidentally' won Toxitron and Sideswipe too with what I thought was a low bid... guess they're the black sheep of the 2011 items). Now back to sleep... :D

[jaydisc]

Ha ha. I accidentally won a second set of Autotroopers with a seemingly low bid too.

Guzzle anyone? http://twitpic.com/56ifwf

[swoop]

Guzzle anyone? http://twitpic.com/56ifwf

Awesome

[kup]

I think that I am going to miss out on Cracker unless I go Ebay :(

[Paulbot]

Don't think they sold out today. No announcement anyway. No dealers were reselling at the convention yet.

[kup]

Don't think they sold out today. No announcement anyway. No dealers were reselling at the convention yet.

Yeah but I am not there *cries*

[snaketales]

Guzzle anyone? http://twitpic.com/56ifwf

I was this close to starting my Guzzle custom last night... guess I can now wait

[kup]

Does that Guzzle have a canon sticking up from behind him?

[gamblor916]

Yeah but I am not there *cries*

Boohoo. Stop crying poor :p
Man I can't see the appeal of most Botcon toys.

[kup]

Boohoo. Stop crying poor :p
Man I can't see the appeal of most Botcon toys.

lol but oh well. Hopefully luck will grant me one in the future.

[Verno]

Any BW related news or is it all ugly repaints and movie junk?

[Vector Prime]

Man I can't see the appeal of most Botcon toys.

Neither can I, but since they have the term "Exclusive" attached to them - I just want them :p

I guess I'm going to have to purchased Galvatron/Thundercracker off eBay :(

[dirge]

Every part of me that's Gay is screaming in horror at G2 Thundercracker's paint scheme.

Ironically your avatar happens to have similar colours :)

That Guzzle... awesome. Can't wait to put that on my Classics shelf. Not that there's any room left! :D

[Hursticon]

Guzzle anyone? http://twitpic.com/56ifwf

Argh! - Well, make that 4 DOTM figures I want now, man why'd they have to go and make that? :eek:
(It'd better have a Classicsverse/DOTM neutral head sculpt!)


Any BW related news or is it all ugly repaints and movie junk?

Nope, apart from that ugly Animated Cheetor it looks like the franchise's saviour has been overlooked once again... :rolleyes:
(We're only 2 days in though so I'm still holding hope :o)


That Guzzle... awesome. Can't wait to put that on my Classics shelf. Not that there's any room left! :D

I concur and have the same problem dude! :D

[Sky Shadow]

Guzzle looks très impressive for a Cyberverse Commander - a perfect set of colours for plastic and paint job.

[autobreadticon]

GUZZZLEEE mistransformed ...

[Sky Shadow]

@Sky Shadow: LOL, I just can't understand the love for that AM Thundercracker figure - I certainly don't think any less of anyone who does but I just find him to be so ridiculously fugly in colour, lol, ohh... Just talking and thinking about that colour scheme and how it is easily the worst out of that era makes me laugh! :p:D

Those colours can improve anything!

http://cdn.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/1/botcon-art-019_1307146683.jpg

[Hursticon]

Those colours can improve anything!

http://cdn.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/attach/1/botcon-art-019_1307146683.jpg

Oh Dear Anubis... :p:D
I like how they've called it Action Master Erector and yet it clearly transforms :p, it's a well painted custom though. :D

[fatbot]

Woo Hoo! Just bought mine from TFsource! Woo Hoo!

[Paulbot]

I took a pic of AM Erector but Sky Shadow already found it

No Beast Wars news or any news today really. Today was just Fan Films, a script read (with a very funny Grimlock duet) and the Dealer Room.

Not many new toys that aren't already at retail or seen elsewhere. Guzzle looks great indeed and a great scale with Classics. The Prime toys look great too but small like DOTM toys, and because Arcee and Starscream don't have much bulk they look even smaller.

Be on the look out for videos about the new Transformers Universe game. I was randomly selected to be interviewed on camera about it :)

Some quick pics from my phone
Guzzle: http://yfrog.com/gz2c4jknj
MP Hot Rod: http://yfrog.com/73fq5bj
Prime back of box packaging: http://yfrog.com/h7kl0noj

[kup]

Be on the look out for videos about the new Transformers Universe game. I was randomly selected to be interviewed on camera about it :)


Having it labeled as 'Universe' scares me. What do they mean by that and what is the game about? Is it War for Cybertron 2?

[Paulbot]

Having it labeled as 'Universe' scares me. What do they mean by that and what is the game about? Is it War for Cybertron 2?

A bit more detail in the thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=11211). It's set on Cybertron and has a look that's kind of WFC but also somewhat TF Prime. Character customisation, play either allegiance... that's about all I gathered.

[kup]

A bit more detail in the thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=11211). It's set on Cybertron and has a look that's kind of WFC but also somewhat TF Prime. Character customisation, play either allegiance... that's about all I gathered.

Ah, it's the TF:Prime MMO. Yeah I know about this game and have no interest unfortunately even if it now has Universe elements.

[Zippo]

Sweet, thanks to TFSource I got myself AM Thundercracker (and some random Galvatron)

[Doubledealer]

Delighted to hear that we're getting an official Guzzle! This years Botcon just gets better and better :D

[valkyrie_76]

Sweet, thanks to TFSource I got myself AM Thundercracker (and some random Galvatron)

Awwww sold out :(

[kristofferrer]

Argh! - Well, make that 4 DOTM figures I want now, man why'd they have to go and make that? :eek:
(It'd better have a Classicsverse/DOTM neutral head sculpt!)



i know how you feel! I'm supposed to be saving it's a good looking guzzle too!

[griffin]

Some of the photos I took yesterday in the dealer room.
(plenty more on the computer, which will be in the full report later)

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x01.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x02.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x03.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x04.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x05.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x06.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x07.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x08.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x09.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x10.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x11.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x12.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x13.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x14.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x15.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x16.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x17.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x18.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x19.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x20.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x21.jpg

[UltraMagnus]

Some of the photos I took yesterday in the dealer room.
(plenty more on the computer, which will be in the full report later)


keep them coming!

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

2012 TFCC Exclusives Revealed as Shattered Glass Drift & Runabout and Runamuck

Link (http://www.fullmetalhero.com/content.php/801-Transformers-Collectors-Club-2012-Excl-Are-Shattered-Glass-Drift-Runamuck-Runamuck) with Pics

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

BotCon On Twitter Transformers: BotCon
Q: what are the possibilities for a junkion set from the Wreck Gar mold from Reveal the Shield?
A: above average

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

BotCon 2011 Coverage - Hasbro Toys / Hasbro Brand Team

Greg Lombardo - Marketing
Billy Ward - Vice President of Marketing for Transformers
Josh Lamb - Design
Bill Rawly - Design


Transformers Dark of the Moon (MechTech)
---------------------------------------------------
Basic idea was they wanted to incorporate an external piece that didn't get in the way of transforming
Early concept was to combine the weapons
Deluxe wave 5 - 32363 Air Raid (color wise looks similar to Cybertron Jetfire)
Armor Topspin 36106
Dark Iron 36107 (Stingray corvette ... BW Quicksilver looking robot mode)
Deluxe Wave 6 to be released shortly after movie release
Voyager Wave 4 - Cannon Force Ironhide (G1 Inspired Ironhide - RED)
Leader Wave 2 Ironhide discussion
Ultimate Optimus Prime 28748 (fall launch) - discussed overall look of Prime, wanted to keep the piece count down)
SDCC Ultimate Optimus Prime - limited edition in a foil sleeve package, only time packaged in trailer mode, premium foil wrapped display box and sleeve, includes G1 sticker sheet for trailer, removable display case
Human Alliance Roadbuster w/ SGT Recon
Post movie reveal - 1 Human Alliance figure will be revealed after June 29th


Transformers Dark of the Moon (Cyberverse)
---------------------------------------------------
Action Sets wave 3 - Shockwave w/ Fusion tank (29738) will be in case this afternoon
Autobot Ratchet w/ Lunar Crawler
Autobot Ark w/ Roller



Transformers Dark of the Moon (Exclusives)
---------------------------------------------------
Showed all four of the TRU Scan Series figures
Cyberverse Battle Pack (homages the D.C. accident with Bumblebee ... got a laugh from crowd)
More deluxes: Elita-1, Bumblebee, Space Case, Autobot Jazz
Human Alliance Leadfoot w/ Steeljaw (Target exclusive)
Deluxe Two Pack w/ Leadfoot and Topspin (Target exclusive)
Walmart exclusives - Optimus Prime (deluxe), Bumblebee (84), Sideswipe (04 homages Lambor's numbering in Takara's G1 line)
Deluxe and Basic Human Alliance Pack (inspired by a black ops decoaration)
Animated Movie 25th Anniversary Edition Unicron, accurate from Animated movie, will be on display later (Amazon)
20 for 20 Toy Promotion - Starts July 25th - Sept 30th, buy $20 worth of toys, send in receipt and receive limited edition exclusive Optimus Prime t-shirt and retail coupons, QR scan or text and get a free music download from DOTM



Transformers Generations / Reveal The Shield
---------------------------------------------------
Addressed issue regarding RTS/Generations
Generations is continuing through entire year
RTS that you had trouble getting they are working to find homes for them



Transformers Prime
---------------------------------------------------
12-1-11 Transformers Prime
Deluxe Wave 2 - Cliffjumper, "awesome looking toy"
Deluxe Wave 3 - Vehicon, Terrorcon Cliffjumper (Have you hugged a Zombie today?)
Voyager - Optimus Prime (36492) "knocked this out of the park"
Voyager - Bulkhead (36490)
Entertainment pack will include Episode 6
SDCC Prime Optimus Prime - the power of the Matrix is yours to hold and wear, Matrix package that you can actually wear.
2012 Sneak Peak - concepts only, work in progress
Cyberverse Ratchet, Wheeljack (swords on back)
Legion Bumblebee (looks like it comes with 4 weapons)
Legion Arcee (looks amazing for it's size)
Prime Commander Class Iron Hide (truck)
Deluxe Soundwave (drawings only), Laserbeak fits right on his chest and can use him as a weapon
Deluxe Ratchet (with blades)
Deluxe Wheeljack
Voyager Starscream (MechTech features with lights after you plug it in to robot - concept only)


Kre-o Transformers
---------------------------------------------------
Summer 2011
More than meets the eye
Kreons
28 Kreons in launch line
16 Transformers Kreons, 12 humans
Tons of accessories!


Transformers Rescue Bots
---------------------------------------------------
New cast of characters
Created group of guys that are specialized in rescue
Kind of an Elite Force
Blades - helicopter
Chase - police
Heatwave - firetruck
Boulder - Construction vehicle
Optimus Prime
Bumblebee


Will be at SDCC and New York Comic-Con

[KaRNiV8L PRiME]

Cyberverse shockwave

[Soundwarp]

^ Awesome!

[Doubledealer]

Action Sets wave 3 - Shockwave w/ Fusion tank (29738) will be in case this afternoon
Autobot Ratchet w/ Lunar Crawler
Cyberverse Battle Pack (homages the D.C. accident with Bumblebee ... got a laugh from crowd)
Animated Movie 25th Anniversary Edition Unicron, accurate from Animated movie, will be on display later (Amazon)

Can't wait for these little puppies to show up! :D

[Krayt]

2012 TFCC Exclusives Revealed as Shattered Glass Drift & Runabout and Runamuck

Link (http://www.fullmetalhero.com/content.php/801-Transformers-Collectors-Club-2012-Excl-Are-Shattered-Glass-Drift-Runamuck-Runamuck) with Pics

Not Happy Jan....

Always hated battlechargers as a kid, and dont LOVE the wheeljack mould :-(

And SG Drift.... i LOVE sg.... so many others shown in the comic they could do... but DRIFT!!! :-(

[1AZRAEL1]

Man I want all those minifig Kreos. Looking sweeeeeeeeeeet.

And something I havent seen mentioned in this thread yet is the Unicron repaint that was seen in the Vault. I like the green eyes of it.

[reillyd]

"From botcon twitter thread at http://twitter.com/#!/botcon :
Runabout will be the 2012 Club Incentive Figure http://twitgoo.com/2bpq1d
Runamok will be the first 2012 Club piece for purchase. http://twitgoo.com/2bpq1y
SG Drift is the second club piece available for purchase in 2012 http://twitgoo.com/2bpq34
"

So not characters I expected, but they look absolutely awesome from the low-quality twitter pics. There's also some very cool costme photos linked from the twitter thread, include a Ravage handpuppet

[optimus1]

:cool: so much Botcon goodness :D

Good to see a Guzzle and I'm impressed by the KreOns, they turn out much better than I expected. I just hope Hasbro will eventually release the minifigs separately.

[SMHFConvoy]

Wait, the Cyberverse Shockwave turns into a tank and comes with a fusion tank? So his tank mode joins a tank for a tank tank mode?? I'm not sure if I'm into this whole tank on tank thing 0_o

[tinyJazz]

Whoa! Is it just me, or did the dealer room get bigger since 09? Where did they find the space for all those statue displays?
The TF Prime packaging looks beautiful! But no bios this time? It would sure be nice to see a whole wave of those displayed MISB.
The Kreons are really cute! I love how some of the helmets aren't centered in the display. A bit disappointed that the Jazz model is grey instead of white though :rolleyes: What's going on? Grey martini porsche? Movie Jazz? :p I'm sure it was white on the HTS pic.

Awesome pics Grif! Can't wait to see the rest. :)


"From botcon twitter thread at http://twitter.com/#!/botcon :
Runabout will be the 2012 Club Incentive Figure http://twitgoo.com/2bpq1d
Runamok will be the first 2012 Club piece for purchase. http://twitgoo.com/2bpq1y
SG Drift is the second club piece available for purchase in 2012 http://twitgoo.com/2bpq34
"

So not characters I expected, but they look absolutely awesome from the low-quality twitter pics. There's also some very cool costme photos linked from the twitter thread, include a Ravage handpuppet

A very topical TFA Dragstrip too. :p I wonder if it's the same girl who did TFA Arcee a few years ago.

Those TFCC figures look great, I'd like to see the headsculpts in more detail too. BUT how come SG Drift doesn't have english writing? :D And while we're on the topic, why is SG Galvatron the same colour as regular Galvatron? :/ Does this SG deco reference something else? (Like SG Megatron's black helmet)
Also, in reference to this year's comic, who are the Guards in TFA Trypticon? they were supposed to be a "Wait til you see this!" sort of thing apparently. :confused:

too much coffee this morning. Also I totally made a bunch of ebay purchases this morning too so I'm good for exclusives, I'll buy an Autotrooper next week I hope!

[Vector Prime]

Woo Hoo! Just bought mine from TFsource! Woo Hoo!

Likewise - just ordered it.


Awwww sold out :(

They're apparently back in stock - I just ordered a set (let's hope they're not lame like Fishpond.com.au and actually can supply :rolleyes:)

[jazzcomp]

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x15.jpg
those look nice :)

[valkyrie_76]

Likewise - just ordered it.

They're apparently back in stock - I just ordered a set (let's hope they're not lame like Fishpond.com.au and actually can supply :rolleyes:)

Nope out again but I don't really care at the moment.

Would have been nice.

[k.wong23]

Those Kreo's are looking really good! hope we get them at a reasonable price.

I am loving and WANT that new Masterpiece Unicron:

http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/generation-1-1/transformers-masterpiece-unicron---amazon-exclusive---closer-look-172386/

Also looks like the fansproject Laser Prime Generations add-on is AWESOME, why didn't I pickup a Laser Prime now I bet they are nowhere to be found!

[Hursticon]

Those Kreo's are looking really good! hope we get them at a reasonable price.

I am loving and WANT that new Masterpiece Unicron:

http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/generation-1-1/transformers-masterpiece-unicron---amazon-exclusive---closer-look-172386/

Also looks like the fansproject Laser Prime Generations add-on is AWESOME, why didn't I pickup a Laser Prime now I bet they are nowhere to be found!

Hell yeah K.wong, especially that Soundwave! :D:cool:

I hear you on the Masterpiece Unicron dude:


http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/MPUnicron02.jpg

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/MPUnicron01.jpg

...and quite a bit more accurate than the Takara 2010 edition too! :D


That trailer set you've mentioned is actually an iGear release I believe as it is with all the other iGear future releases, but those Not-Insecticons look freaking amazing and will no doubt receive the Reprolabel treatment too. :D:cool:

[kaiden]

WASPINATOR WON!

[1AZRAEL1]

I hear you on the Masterpiece Unicron dude:

...and quite a bit more accurate than the Takara 2010 edition too! :D

Quiet you :p

Nah I love my Takara Unicron, though I do like this one as well. Price depending, I may buy it as well.

[autobreadticon]

Fansproject legends Powerglide and Seaspray , yesh!!!
i like how the TFCC exclusives uses the Track Mold, you can remove the backpack via the pin, shorten the arms and legs, and you have a scout sized toy :)
disappointed they did not show any concepts or prototypes of upcoming generation toys.. actually kinda exciting year, collecting Kre-O and Rescue Bots

[Quickstrike]

Runabout and Runamuck? Looks like I'm joining the Collectors club!

Apparently, Shattered Glass Drift is Deadpool which I think is really funny.

[Paulbot]

Hall of Fame night included a fun tribute video (with some nice original art and designs) to Erector, but with a clear "this was fun but we don't want this every year".

Michael Bay brought along 16 minutes of the movie: the opening, which was awesome(!), a montage of short random clips, a human focused action scene and a (new?) trailer.


Whoa! Is it just me, or did the dealer room get bigger since 09? Where did they find the space for all those statue displays?
.
It's double the size this year, they have opened up walls to combine two halls.


Also, in reference to this year's comic, who are the Guards in TFA Trypticon? they were supposed to be a "Wait til you see this!" sort of thing apparently. :confused:!
Didn't notice the guards and my comic is currently somewhere between here and Australia so I can't check.

[Golden Phoenix]

Apparently, Shattered Glass Drift is Deadpool which I think is really funny.

Makes sense.
Drift is a quiet sword-wielding good guy.
therefore
Shattered Glass Drift should be a loud gun-toting psychopath.
Giving him the Deadpool treatment just fits.

Wonder if he knows he is in a comic?

[Paulbot]

The new Unicron is an Amazon.com exclusive. Amazon (at least in the past) doesn't ship toys internationally so expect to pay some sort of premium unless Hasbro Australia pcks it up.

The Quickstrike redeco of Sideswipe looked kinda good, great Quickstrike head and use of Mech Tech weapons.

[kaiden]

The Quickstrike redeco of Sideswipe looked kinda good, great Quickstrike head and use of Mech Tech weapons.

are there pictures?

[rampagesss]

Hell yeah K.wong, especially that Soundwave! :D:cool:

I hear you on the Masterpiece Unicron dude:
http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/a409/Darkone666au/Webpics/MPUnicron02.jpg


...and quite a bit more accurate than the Takara 2010 edition too! :D


Ah look like another Unicron toy ill have to get :D
But it does look incredible!

[Paulbot]

are there pictures?

Its a later this year toy shown in the Hasbro panel so no pics until Comicon.

[Verno]

The fans have spoken!

First Dinobot...

And now Waspinator!

Take THAT G1! :p

[Paulbot]

Question and answer from BotCon's twitter account about future Club/convention toys

Q: any chance for future beasts or shattered glass beast wars? A: possibly
Q: what are the possibilities for a junkion set from the Wreck Gar mold from Reveal the Shield? A: above average

[Hursticon]

The fans have spoken!

First Dinobot...

And now Waspinator!

Take THAT G1! :p

Here-Here! :D:cool:

[griffin]

I was sure they said 'not likely' as their answer to the wreck-gar question, but since it is on their twitter account, I musta mis-heard it. (I thought it sounded odd at the time though, as it would be one of the moulds they will have access to in the next year)

[King Atlas]

Heh, I forgot to vote this time but glad waspinator won :)

Awesome for Unicron, but I wasn't expecting it to be a web exclusive (so far).

[liegeprime]

Delighted to hear that we're getting an official Guzzle! This years Botcon just gets better and better :D

+1 well, that's one more bot Im getting from DOTM which will end up in Classicverse shelves hehehe:D

[griffin]

Some sample pics from today.

Proposed 2012 Club toys.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x33.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x34.jpg

http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x35.jpg

Warpath in the DotM game - doesn't mean he is in the movie, as they said there are several characters in the game that aren't in the movie.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x36.jpg

Game artwork
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x37.jpg

SDCC exclusive TF:Prime Optimus (5 months before the first wave of toys are released). Exclusive packaging resembling the matrix inside a big box.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x38.jpg

Another SDCC exclusive - Ultimate Optimus in exclusive packaging and packed in truck/trailer mode.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x39.jpg

Wave 3 Action Set Ratchet
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x40.jpg

Wave 3 Action Set Shockwave
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x41.jpg

HA Leadfoot - definitely a Target exclusive in America.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x42.jpg

A number of Legion/Commander redecos - should all be store exclusives.
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x43.jpg

Competition artwork
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x31.jpg

Art Competition toy:
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x32.jpg

[kaiden]

wow animated springer!

geez... animated cheetor, stunticons, minerva, fisitron, autotroopers, springer.

it feels like they really shafted the fans for the toyline - making such desirable figures expensive & exclusive.


also love the artwork for warpath but it kills me inside as it feels like it'll be a repeat with WFC warpath which was a great character in the game but never got a toy :(

[gamblor916]

Warpath looks amazing!

[Doubledealer]

Competition artwork
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x31.jpg

Art Competition toy:
http://www.toycollectors.com.au/bc11/x32.jpg

Anyone got a bib? I'm swimmin' in my own drool here. :p

[LordCyrusOmega]

Loven the look of Animated Springer. I wish they had of continued the line. Want that Unicron too. Looks amazing.

I so wish I was there. I'm going to end up broke for months

[5FDP]

Excited for Cyberverse Shockwave; it will go well with my Cyberverse Sentinel Prime and conclude my toy collecting for DOTM.

The Hasbro 'MP' Unicron looks good, but I won't be parting with my Takara one. IMHO, the Takara version is more faithful to the character seen in TF:TM however if the price for the Hasbro one is US$60, I wouldn't hold it against anyone for buying it - that's a damn good price.

[Doubledealer]

Check out the below pic of Ratchet on his "dune buggy". Look familar to anyone (see 2nd pic)?

Pic taken from www.seibertron.com
http://www.seibertron.com/images/events/172/r_DSC10206a.jpg

http://i661.photobucket.com/albums/uu332/Doubledealer_83/roller.jpg

Wishing the Ratchet and Shockwave sets had just one extra colour instead of being so white and so purple. Think I'll use one of the clear missiles that came with the Ark for Shockwave to break it up a bit.

[griffin]

Hall of Fame event

At 8pm everyone was already inside (the one event that wasn't late this year to start, and I was 2 minutes late to it - they were closing the doors just as I got there)
Upon entering we were given a bag (with snacks - popcorn, water bottle, M&Ms) and two 3D masks (Optimus or Bbee, and a regular, non-TFs themed pair of glasses)

At 8.20 the last guests arrived (Peter Cullen, Michael Bay), each greeted with standing ovations.

Aaron and Greg start off, welcoming everyone and recapping events/inductees from last year's HOF event.
Then Hasbro's (VP of entertainment?) Steven Davis gets up to introduce the special guests and talk about the new Prime Cartoon & HUB network. He mentioned that it had been nominated for six Emmy awards, and had already won 2 of them (Voice Direction and Colour Design). He also named all the writers & staff who were still nominated for Emmys as well (Peter Cullen & writers).

Next we watched a TF:Prime clip which may have had some new footage on it, judging by the reaction of the audience.

Aaron returned to the stage to introduce video clips of the 3 robot inductees for this year - Ironhide, Soundwave, Ratchet.
Then we got to see a clip for Cliffjumper, to pay tribute to the character that was so quickly killed off in the Prime cartoon.

To induct the two humans of 2011 to the Hall of Fame, Hasbro President Brian Goldner went on stage, but first announced the late arrival of Tyrese Gibson to the auditorium. (chanting from the audience soon followed... left cheek, left cheek, left cheek)

Video clips for Steven Spielberg and Michael Bay were shown, and Bay was there to accept his award (Speilberg was unable to attend).
Bay started out by saying that he originally though a Transformers movie was a "dumb idea", but looked into it because he knew Spielberg would have been onto something by trying to get Bay to do it. He then said that he went over to the Hasbro offices and sat down with a room full of Executives, and Aaron who spent the meeting converting (playing with) toys for Bay to see the concept in action.
Bay admitted that he was not a fan of Transformers when he started, but says that he is now.

He then told us that he had brought with him 16 minutes of the Movie to watch, and we put on our 3D glasses and watched the screen.

Next we watched vide clips for the five Fans' Choice Nominiees - Jazz, Shockwave, Grimlock, Waspinator and Erector... but since Erector doesn't have any cartoon exposure to have a clip, we watched a joke clip that asserted that Erector was a toy/character that kept missing the cut on just about every series - including Gen2 (in pink and aqua), BW (was a beaver that later became Rattrap), Animated (would have been a Constructicon, forming the groin of Devastator), Movie-verse (a Bay-style character image was shown), Classic-verse (changed to Grappel).
It was really funny, and must have taken a lot of effort do do, as it also included comments from Hasbro designers as if it was all true.

But there could only be one winner, and it was...... Waspinator!

A victory Video was screened, and when that was done, Aaron Archer said something important to the audience and fans - "We take this (HOF) seriously and hope you do too. We had a lot of fun with this (the Erector Clip), but don't want to do it (including non-iconic characters) again".
Since there was a fair bit of booing each time Erector was mentioned, I'm hoping we wont see a repeat of this in future years.
It was all fun and games suggesting its inclusion during nominations, but wasn't funny having the head of Hasbro and one of the biggest Directors of this era seeing the fandom as immature and perverted for trying to include an obscure character into an Iconic Character Rollcall for their own amusement.

Before the event wrapped up, Aaron introduced us to a farewell video clip for Eric Seibenaler and Greg Lombardo, who are both leaving the Transformers brand this year, and have been the most active and fun Hasbro representatives at BotCon during the modern era of the Convention. They blended in well, and hung with the fans at the Conventions, rather than being a 'suit and tie' representative of the company... which may have been their undoing if they are being moved away from the CURRENTLY BIGGEST EARNING brand for Hasbro. (but that's just speculation from an outside observer of this news)
As a regular attendee myself from the last decade of the Convention, they will both be missed if they aren't comparing, hosting or partying with the fans each year. They were the face of Hasbro at BotCon, that us regular attendees saw as a familiar, reliable element to the show... Thanks guys.

Aaron then thanked the attendees of the HOF event, and left us with another video clip covering the various robot inductees for this year (as the special guests filed out - so that they weren't mobbed by fans when they left).

The event finished at 9.40, and as we filed out of the Auditorium, we were each given another goody bag, which had in it a commemorative card for the event and 2 mini-posters.
Not sure if it was worth the $45, nor did I expect we would only be shown 16 minutes of the film, which should be just about finished, this close to its first screening in a couple weeks time.
It was still a great event, and adds some class to a toy convention for grown-ups who haven't quite yet 'grown up'. A 27 year franchise deserves to have at at least one serious feature to the annual event that celebrates its existence... and I hope this Hall of Fame concept continues for years to come.

[griffin]

Just about on my way to the airport for the trip home... so to cover things until I get home and upload/post all my info and pics, here are some links to Seibertron's coverage of the more interesting bits.

Hasbro Intellectual Properties Panel (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2011-coverage-hasbro-intellectual-property-panel/21870/)- a must read, covering the future vision of The first 13 and stuff that didn't make the Vault book.

War For Cybertron 3-pack (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2011-coverage-tru-exclusive-war-for-cybertron-3-pack/21868/) - this was on our TRU exclusives listing (I thought it might be these three toys)

IDW comics panel (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2011-coverage-idw-comic-panel/21858/)

Transformers Prime toys gallery (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2011-coverage-transformers-prime-gallery-updated/21860/) - first release and SDCC advance release figure.

Rescue Bots Gallery (http://www.seibertron.com/events/gallery.php?event_id=177)

BotCon exclusives sold out during the final day (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2011-exclusives-sold-out/21869/) - shortly after 10am (they still had all three sets at that time)

[Vector Prime]

War For Cybertron 3-pack (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2011-coverage-tru-exclusive-war-for-cybertron-3-pack/21868/) - this was on our TRU exclusives listing (I thought it might be these three toys)


As long as TRU's pricing is reasonable on this, it will be mine!

I'm a big fan of the new decos.

[1AZRAEL1]

As long as TRU's pricing is reasonable on this, it will be mine!

I'm a big fan of the new decos.

+1

I think they do look pretty cool.

[Krayt]

wow animated springer!

geez... animated cheetor, stunticons, minerva, fisitron, autotroopers, springer.

it feels like they really shafted the fans for the toyline - making such desirable figures expensive & exclusive.




Springer was a art comp entry....

[kaiden]

Springer was a art comp entry....

hence exclusive and when it goes on ebay it'll be expensive.

[Hursticon]

As long as TRU's pricing is reasonable on this, it will be mine!

I'm a big fan of the new decos.


+1

I think they do look pretty cool.

I'm not exactly favourable to them myself, I think these paint tweaks look bleh :o, but as their original releases shelf-warmed like crazy - You guys shouldn't have much trouble getting a hold of them. :)

[Shirokaze]

Shall we place bets on the cost of the TRU exclusives? I'm thinking 79.99 for the set :rolleyes:

[Hursticon]

Shall we place bets on the cost of the TRU exclusives? I'm thinking 79.99 for the set :rolleyes:

That's a bit of a modest estimate don't you think? :p:D
Who knows, TRU have been rather nice to the local fandom as of late so they may have something in the pipeline. ;)

[griffin]

I think Megatron looks very 'Galvatron' in those colours. The two Autobots look strange with the 'tron' lines decos.

[k.wong23]

Will these Kre-O's be hitting Australia this year?

[SkyWarp91]

Will these Kre-O's be hitting Australia this year?

They better be, because I wanna buy that Trailer Optimus Prime for my cous' as he loves brick-toys. (might also get myself one) But considering the US prices for Trailer PRime, ($60ish at BBTS), imagine how much he'd be here!!!! :o

[griffin]

Will these Kre-O's be hitting Australia this year?

I asked, because the American release is listed as July/August (with an advance release of 3000 sets on their website on Monday)... they said it should be out in Australia in September, so a bit of a wait.

(The advance release sets on their website is likely to be for Americans only, as the Hasbro website doesn't sell to non-north Americans)

[Paulbot]

Thanks anyway, Paulbot - I assume it's just this on Lugnut's body (it's the Lugnut's-body bit that I'm most interested in.)
You've probably seen it by now, but if not http://twitpic.com/5aj7ox
(posted by BotCon on Twitter)

[griffin]

Fan filmfest winners (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2011-transformers-fan-film-festival-winners/21927/) on youtube.

[Paulbot]

I voted for the third place getter. Most original and creative and it made me laugh out loud. I never watch video reviews so the winner didn't mean anything to me (and seemed more cruel in spirit).

[Sky Shadow]

You've probably seen it by now, but if not http://twitpic.com/5aj7ox
(posted by BotCon on Twitter)

I hadn't actually seen it, so thanks PB!

[Doubledealer]

Fan filmfest winners (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2011-transformers-fan-film-festival-winners/21927/) on youtube.

That first vid was gold, the theme intro part in particular complete with dancing routine was an absolute classic, haha

[Hursticon]

Fan filmfest winners (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2011-transformers-fan-film-festival-winners/21927/) on youtube.

The winner certainly did do an awesome job, the 2nd place getter was my favourite though and it's even been used for the Canadian TF Convention (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwMM3cETJXw) TFCon. :D:cool:

[5FDP]

^ Agree 1000%

[UltraMarginal]

Wow, just wow (http://shop.igeartoys.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=72)!!

I realised it was popular, but this is ridiculous. On the day I did it, I didn't see anyone walk out this early, you can see that some of it has been assembled in one of the bags.

It frustrates me no end that there are people out there so desperate to make a quick buck that they'll do this and not leave the space in the class for someone who actually wants to be there.

I hope it doesn't sell, but I know someone out there won't be able to resist.

[kaiden]

err thats been on their page since botcon. and the price tag is nothing compared to the assembled one that was on ebay which sold for 1K as speculated.

here's the thread http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=11199&page=3&highlight=minerva

[UltraMarginal]

Wow, i've just checked the other post. 1K is a hell of a lot for any transformer.

I've also been looking at the image on the igear site and it looks like the antenna aren't there, which would make it pretty much impossible to reproduce the figure:eek:. the antenna is a single piece that is not part of the arcee mold and something that was handed out later in the day, well after we started. being a custom part, pretty hard to get hold of now.

hopefully people notice and that's why it hasn't sold.