Botcon 2014 Figure Reveals

[UltraMarginal]

So, there is a guests Thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=18077), I thought there should be a figures thread as well.

the theme of the box Set is Pirates Vs Knights.

The box set figures can be seen here (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2014/BC14exclusives.html)as they are revealed.

The list of revealed figures will be updated below links are to the TF wiki description of existing fiction for characters of the same name and or appearance:


Cannonball (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Cannonball_(Cybertron)): redeco of Transformers Prime Deluxe Ratchet with a new head.

Ferak (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Ferak) with Tornado (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Tornado): Redeco of Generations Cyclonus and Nightstick

Devcon (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Devcon_(G1)): Redeco of Generations Scourge with a new head. and possibly new right arm molding.

Scorponok with Headmaster Olin Zarak: (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Scorponok_(G1))a repaint/remold of Energon Scorponok with a modification allowing for a remold of Reissue Spike (the smaller Headmaster from Reissue Fortress Maximus) to be used as the head of Scorponok.

Ginrai (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Ginrai): a repaint of Classics/Generation Optimus prime to look like the "Fire Guts God Ginrai (http://www.tfu.info/2002/Cybertron/FireGutsGodGinrai/fggodginrai.htm)" repaint of God Ginrai (http://www.tfu.info/1988/Cybertron/GodGinrai/godginrai.htm) that represented a power up of the character in the original show.


there have been some tweets from the club that imply the timeline of the convention set and comic is after the events of the supergod masterforce cartoon, implying that he is no longer a Transtector and is now independently sentient.

[Sky Shadow]

I feel like FunPub has ceased to want our money.

[Paulbot]

I kinda think that Rotf Skytalker or maybe even Generations Scourge would have been better choices for Ferax.

So far it's 1:1 of wants/don't wants.

[UltraMarginal]

I'm digging them both, looking at the art, Cyclonus is a good choice for the robot mode of Ferak as depicted in that comic shot, I see what you're saying about the vehicle mode being more suited to Scourge or Skystalker.

I'm glad that I like what I see, the last thing I want is to be going to Botcon and hating the box set.

[Paulbot]

Ferak was a vehicle mode first, before he got a robot mode, so I think that's where the priority for homage should be. The pirate is better off as a new character though.

Cyclonus is such a particular design, in both modes, I don't think he works as a repaint fodder... unless you can do something with the head... which is hard because of the transformation.

[UltraMarginal]

unless you can do something with the head... which is hard because of the transformation.

never a truer word has been said

[Lord_Zed]

Botcon figures rarely seem to thrill me, and these are no exception. I don't actually know who these guys are, but I expect they are aimed at regular Botcon followers.

[Deonasis]

Ferak looks waay to similar to Henkei Strafe for me.

[Bidoofdude]

0/2 so far for me. Fantastic. Not like last year. :(

[MayzaPrime]

I like Cannonball figure
I don't like Ferak figure
I like the Squadron X reference

[Jinto]

Yeesh, that Ferak is a bit of a nightmare; and that's coming from someone who's love for the Cyclonus mould will never die. :p
Terrible colour pallet.

never a truer word has been said
I think you could make a new-age Conehead out of him. A big sweeping scoop behind his head that would cover the head-gap in the bottom of the ship in alt mode.

Cannonball looks awesome but he reminds me more of a knight than a pirate. I'm fond of that mould too.

[Sky Shadow]

Since Ferak was a Hunter-Seeker and for years we thought that's where we got the word Seeker from, he should have been the Seeker mould in those colours.

[Sinnertwin]

Since Ferak was a Hunter-Seeker and for years we thought that's where we got the word Seeker from, he should have been the Seeker mould in those colours.

While reading Ferak's wiki page, i found a reference to a JC Penny's wishbook from '84 that features the use of the word Seeker

http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:Seekers_ad.jpg

I dont mind that colour scheme on the Cyclonus mould :)

[Sky Shadow]

While reading Ferak's wiki page, i found a reference to a JC Penny's wishbook from '84 that features the use of the word Seeker

http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:Seekers_ad.jpg

Yeah, we only rediscovered that catalogue in 2003:

https://groups.google.com/d/topic/alt.toys.transformers/24d8uES47g8/discussion

(e.g. "Hm. So does this mean that the old "hunter-seeker" explanation ISN'T
the true origin of the term?

I mean, as far as I can tell, this ad really nails the coffin on that
theory. It's anyone's guess where the copywriter pulled the term from,
but I think it's too much of a coincidence to assume that the term
"Seeker" later independently evolved in the fandom based only on that
misapplied old comic ref. It may have been a combination of both -
someone half-remembering the ad, then stumbling upon "hunter-seeker" in
the comic. But still. I'd say our commonly-accepted fandom history
needs a bit of revision.")

Before that, we had no idea where we got 'Seeker' from and assumed we got it from Ferak's Marvel appearance comic.

[Gouki]

Geez, I sometimes feel like the guy who can be impressed by almost any deco as long as it's striking and creative, and... nope. Nothing from either of these. The Cannonball is okay, but all that black is a little dull. Ferak is just... I would have rather have just seen a one horned IDW Cyclonus head, you know? Face scratches optional.

[UltraMarginal]

Botcon have tweeted some links to facebook posts by Tornado. Feraks TargetMaster.

It's an interesting little prequel to potential fiction at the convention and a nice new way of fleshing out the characters.

I twitter from my phone and can't facebook or twitter from work so here is the link on Seibertron.com (http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2014-pirate-tornado-finds-facebook/29693/)

[BigTransformerTrev]

Devcon has FINALLY got a toy! And he looks damn cool in my opinion! Admittedly a stealth bomber rather than an elongated spaceship but still looks good to my mind, especially the head :D

Certainly this figure is better than Cannonball and Ferak. It will be interesting to see who the final two are.


You can find links here:

http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2014/BC14exclusives.html

http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2014-cybertronian-knight-devcon-revealed/29752/

[Sky Shadow]

They're none for three with me, so at least I'm saving money at this point. This recolour reminds me that Hasbro ought to use the Scourge mould as Generations Alpha Trion.

[SuspectimusPrime]

That's awesome news! I think many fans had Generations Scourge pegged for a Devcon repaint mould for a long time. The head/shuttle mode is a great update, but Scourge's bot mode seems a bit stocky for Devcon's representation in the cartoons (a lot of those older Cybertronians were thinner in the cartoons?).

[kup]

Is that a photoshop paint job? The colors look really flat and boring.

Scourge mould was an obvious choice given what's available but I do believe the character's more 'heroic' presence is lost.

[BigTransformerTrev]

The only thing I find dissapointing (besides the fact I wont be going to Botcon yet again so will prob never get this figure unless I want to pay a fortune) is that while the Pirates are recieveing the sylized Decepticon/Pirate symbol there is no stylized Autobot/Knight one on Devcon, just the standard Autobot symbol.

[snaketales]

Great minds think alike... :p

http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=12606&highlight=devcon

[UltraMarginal]

As mentioned by BTT here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=18203), the newest toy reveal is Cybertronian Night Devcon who has previously been seen in a G1 cartoon as a bounty hunter. Mentioned on Twitter this morning.

He has an interesting Writeup on the front page of the Botcon (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2014/)site.

And a Similar Design was brought to fruition by our own SnakeTales (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=12606&highlight=devcon)years ago.


I really like it, I never realised who Defcon was until today, and I only vaguely remember seeing him in the G1 Cartoon after reading his Wiki page.
I think the robot mode of Scourge with the new head works really well for this character, and while the alt mode is less "accurate" to something that turned up in a cartoon almost 30 years ago. it's nice.

I've got to say I'm starting to notice some colour palet similarities to last years set. and the year before.

So, probably 2 more weeks until we have all 5 characters revealed and then maybe a week after that they release the brochure and a week after that they open registration? maybe. They're taking their sweet time this year, I remember 2 years ago they released the brochure the week of Christmas.

[CHILENO20]

just saw it, not bad at all! im really liking this, time to save & get one! anyone going to botcon this year ill be happy to ask for a pre order :D

[BigTransformerTrev]

As mentioned by BTT here (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=18203), the newest toy reveal is Cybertronian Night Devcon who has previously been seen in a G1 cartoon as a bounty hunter. Mentioned on Twitter this morning.




Nope! Admin's canned my thread. I don't fricken get it. I update an old thread of mine with new info, the info gets moved to a new thread someone has started on the same topic. Then 3 days later I start a new thread about a topic, due to not knowing an old one already existed, and my new thread gets deleted and the info moved to the old one. Wish the admins would make up their minds which way it bloody works because otherwise I'm just wasting my time making threads at all, which is a shame because I'll I'm trying to do is share info with my fellow Ozformers :(


(ok, whinge over)

[Gouki]

Devcon looks pretty good, but nowhere near worth the price people will be charging for a Deluxe. Or even Botcon would be charging at their con. (Take the shortened word as you will.)

[UltraMarginal]

Nope! Admin's canned my thread. I don't fricken get it. I update an old thread of mine with new info, the info gets moved to a new thread someone has started on the same topic. Then 3 days later I start a new thread about a topic, due to not knowing an old one already existed, and my new thread gets deleted and the info moved to the old one. Wish the admins would make up their minds which way it bloody works because otherwise I'm just wasting my time making threads at all, which is a shame because I'll I'm trying to do is share info with my fellow Ozformers :(


(ok, whinge over)

Sorry dude, I didn't mean to steamroll your thread. Your qoute has highlighted that I can't spell Knight correctly as well:o

[griffin]

Nope! Admin's canned my thread. I don't fricken get it. I update an old thread of mine with new info, the info gets moved to a new thread someone has started on the same topic. Then 3 days later I start a new thread about a topic, due to not knowing an old one already existed, and my new thread gets deleted and the info moved to the old one. Wish the admins would make up their minds which way it bloody works because otherwise I'm just wasting my time making threads at all, which is a shame because I'll I'm trying to do is share info with my fellow Ozformers :(


(ok, whinge over)

New or updated news postings are always welcomed, which is why they are never deleted (and rarely moved). If it is a duplicate news posting or an update to a "current" news topic (on the first page of that news section, or second page if we've had a lot of traffic to push news topics onto page 2 that are still only a couple weeks old), it will be merged, so that the poster can still see that their news posting still exists because the effort behind it was greatly appreciated.

The point of merging duplicate and update news postings, is to make it easier for members to share their news updates by minimising the number of news topics in that section, so you don't have to look at too many pages to see if a topic already exists. (but if there is a significant update that would generate a lot of replies, a new topic might be deemed necessary so that the update posting isn't lost by those who don't look at every new post)
In both cases of your moved postings, they were updates to "current" news topics (on the first page of that section), so the same merging rule actually applied to each (it just seemed different because of where you posted the update - one was posted in an older topic, and the other was posted as a new topic when there was little interest in the existing BotCon Boxset topic to need News topics for each Boxset toy).
It can sometimes be a balancing act, when it comes to updates that deserve their own topic, but it isn't just you (I've sometimes posted something that later needs to be merged, as it wasn't worthy of a new News topic). It is one of the jobs of the Staff, to keep the News sections "tidy but active", as we want to encourage members to contribute as much as possible, so that you feel an ownership of this site, and it doesn't make me look selfish by having my name all over the place in the News topics. (which is why we don't delete, and rarely move/merge posts)

Hope that insight into the administration of the News sections makes the process a little easier to understand. If not, people can send me a PM for further discussion. :)

[BigTransformerTrev]

Sorry dude, I didn't mean to steamroll your thread. Your qoute has highlighted that I can't spell Knight correctly as well:o

Na, it was always all good me old mucka, was just confused with the whole process ;)



New or updated news postings are always welcomed, which is why they are never deleted (and rarely moved). If it is a duplicate news posting or an update to a "current" news topic (on the first page of that news section, or second page if we've had a lot of traffic to push news topics onto page 2 that are still only a couple weeks old), it will be merged, so that the poster can still see that their news posting still exists because the effort behind it was greatly appreciated.

The point of merging duplicate and update news postings, is to make it easier for members to share their news updates by minimising the number of news topics in that section, so you don't have to look at too many pages to see if a topic already exists. (but if there is a significant update that would generate a lot of replies, a new topic might be deemed necessary so that the update posting isn't lost by those who don't look at every new post)
In both cases of your moved postings, they were updates to "current" news topics (on the first page of that section), so the same merging rule actually applied to each (it just seemed different because of where you posted the update - one was posted in an older topic, and the other was posted as a new topic when there was little interest in the existing BotCon Boxset topic to need News topics for each Boxset toy).
It can sometimes be a balancing act, when it comes to updates that deserve their own topic, but it isn't just you (I've sometimes posted something that later needs to be merged, as it wasn't worthy of a new News topic). It is one of the jobs of the Staff, to keep the News sections "tidy but active", as we want to encourage members to contribute as much as possible, so that you feel an ownership of this site, and it doesn't make me look selfish by having my name all over the place in the News topics. (which is why we don't delete, and rarely move/merge posts)

Hope that insight into the administration of the News sections makes the process a little easier to understand. If not, people can send me a PM for further discussion. :)


Fair enough, didn't know how it worked

[SuspectimusPrime]

I've got to say I'm starting to notice some colour palet similarities to last years set. and the year before.


Those colour palette similarities are subtle compared to the Botcon 2012 set (http://www.botcon.com/botcon2012/bc12boxset.cfm)! (remembered as the year FunPub got a really good deal on blue and red plastic).

[Deonasis]

I am disappoint. When i saw Ferak i thought the Scourge mold would have looked better for him. And now i see they are using the Scourge mold for Devcon i wish the molds were swapped. Take a look at a Devcon Cyclonus here -> http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/979288-botcon-2014-devcon-revealed-3.html#post10802803 :cool:

I know this would use 2 head remolds (and i haven't seen my Cyclonus yet to know if replacing the pointy ears is really possible) but i wish there was community input from talented fans to help the figures hit the right mark.. which is of course subjective :rolleyes:

Tl;dr..
Short fat Devcon doesn't work for me.
Tall Cyclonus-head henkei-strafe-ish Ferak doesn't work for me.
+ Both jets have crap alt mode paint jobs (hopefully some faction logos can fix this).

[UltraMarginal]

I really don't think the Cyclonus mold could have a head swap, it's too important for the vehicle mode. A different head would leave gaping holes in the side of the fuselage.

The chest panelling on Scourge works well with the old animation model, I think.

[SuspectimusPrime]

I am disappoint. When i saw Ferak i thought the Scourge mold would have looked better for him. And now i see they are using the Scourge mold for Devcon i wish the molds were swapped. Take a look at a Devcon Cyclonus here -> http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-news-rumors/979288-botcon-2014-devcon-revealed-3.html#post10802803 :cool:

I know this would use 2 head remolds (and i haven't seen my Cyclonus yet to know if replacing the pointy ears is really possible) but i wish there was community input from talented fans to help the figures hit the right mark.. which is of course subjective :rolleyes:

Tl;dr..
Short fat Devcon doesn't work for me.
Tall Cyclonus-head henkei-strafe-ish Ferak doesn't work for me.
+ Both jets have crap alt mode paint jobs (hopefully some faction logos can fix this).

The creator of those digibashes, Ryan Yzquierdo, has had many excellent ideas fleeced appropriated by FunPub over the years..

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

. A different head would leave gaping holes in the side of the fuselage.

Sculpt in some big ears and they'll cover the hole ;)

The creator of those digibashes, Ryan Yzquierdo, has had many excellent ideas fleeced appropriated by FunPub over the years..

Lol:D

[griffin]

The creator of those digibashes, Ryan Yzquierdo, has had many excellent ideas fleeced appropriated by FunPub over the years..

Considering the sheer volume of digibashes he does (like, hundreds), there are bound to be some similar ideas showing up by FunPub, who also does hundreds of ideas (that are whittled down to about 20 a year by Hasbro). And both of those groups are mostly focussed on homages of known characters... unlike Hasbro that does a large portion of new character toys.
But it would be like saying that Hasbro copied a fan's creative figure on some fan-forum somewhere, if they eventually released a redeco that is similar.

There are a lot of obvious ideas that multiple people come up with (just look at the creative sections of fansites), especially of high-demand characters... and FunPub and Hasbro are not going to avoid obvious or high-demand ideas just because someone else came up with it first - in fact, it's best that they keep track of what the current trends and demands are, so that they provide us with items we are already wanting (like non-toy characters).

[Deonasis]

I really don't think the Cyclonus mold could have a head swap, it's too important for the vehicle mode. A different head would leave gaping holes in the side of the fuselage.Actually it wouldn't. I had a look this morning and the Cyclonus ears sit in a groove towards the bottom of the fuselage. So long as a new head occupies the same space roughly as the original "helmet" it will fill the space quite well. A Devcon head (with it's gun-looking thing on top) could even fill a hole that does pass right thru the fuselage with a Cyclonus head!


Sculpt in some big ears and they'll cover the hole ;)It is not a hole but a groove and I think its location would make it less noticeable than many imagine.

BUT.. my thoughts aint gonna make it happen anyway :p

[griffin]

The fourth toy is being revealed soon, and FunPub are tweeting a heap of hints (http://www.allspark.com/content/2014/04/botcon-2014-teases-its-fourth-box-set-exclusive/), to reveal that the recent fleshling they tweeted is Olin, son of Lord Zarak... and heir to Scorponok.
Plus noting that this fourth figure is a big one, barely fitting in the box.

So... I wonder who it could be.
Could it actually be a Gen1 Scorponok homage toy, and if so, what existing toy could they use to best suit that homage, and possibly include a combining "Nebulan" in some way that works with the toy's design?
If they pull off something amazing and creative, it could just win back a little support for the convention this year.

[Paulbot]

Would they use Energon Scorponok (again)?

Bugs me a little that they invent a male chid of Lord Zarak when he has an established daughter. (In my 90s fanfic Llyra, under the influence of Scorponok's original head became Black Zarak)

[griffin]

Based on the mention of a "Hive" and looking to have pale green skin, it's going by the cartoon universe, not the comic. Otherwise, it would indeed seem like a retcon, creating a son where there only sounded like a daughter existed.

Reading through some of the comments on other fansites, it had me wondering... with all the times they had on their feedback forms, asking if we'd like to see Gen1 moulds as BotCon exclusives, why are we still yet to have one? Could this being the anniversary year, be the year for some Gen1 moulds... or would they just look too out of place for the "combined look" of the convention set (box and at-show toys displayed together... which seems to be a priority of theirs).
I'm not suggesting the Gen1 Scorponok toy, as it is just too big, but just in general.
After the last 10 years of dozens of reissues between America and Japan, why have we had not one at BotCon, even as a custom class figure, which I think would be a lot of nostalgic fun building one from scratch.

[Paulbot]

Based on the mention of a "Hive" and looking to have pale green skin, it's going by the cartoon universe, not the comic. Otherwise, it would indeed seem like a retcon, creating a son where there only sounded like a daughter existed.

Oh yeah I know (I saw that Hive reference) but there's no reason green skinned cartoon Zarak couldn't have had a daughter named Llyra too. ;)

[1AZRAEL1]

Well Griffin, you got your wish. Skorponok will indeed be a headmaster using the Energon mold and retooled Spike headmaster.

http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2014-pirates-vs-knights-scorponok-revealed/29836/

And all I can say is, can someone grab me a loose set this year whoever is going? I'll pay for it up front of course. I want that Skorponok.

[Defcon]

This set is completely awesome this year ! :eek: hopefully I can get one

[Paulbot]

Would they use Energon Scorponok (again)?

I guess they would.

[1AZRAEL1]

I guess they would.

For what it is, I'm not surprised. Personally I love the looks of him.

[Shirokaze]

Scorponok looks amazing! I've immediately gone from not caring about this set to looking for early pre-orders :p

[1AZRAEL1]

Scorponok looks amazing! I've immediately gone from not caring about this set to looking for early pre-orders :p

You and me both. The demand for this set had just skyrocketed.

[gekisou]

You and me both. The demand for this set had just skyrocketed.

I agree, I really want this set now. If anyone going to Botcon this year could help, much appreciated!!!!

[Paulbot]

Scorponok's in the box set. You can order the box set without going. You should only ask the people going to BotCon to help with the at-show exclusives and even then it's a lot of extra pressure to put on people who are going. (At least that's how it felt for me)

[optimus1]

The first thing I thought when I saw Scorponok was:
Is this an April Fool's joke? Almost is too good to be true.

But it is.....being a Botcon exclusive.....

It would look good next to Not-Fort Max.

This would make much more sense being released as part of the 30th Anniversary then some of the other TFs being released.

[BigTransformerTrev]

Well Griffin, you got your wish. Skorponok will indeed be a headmaster using the Energon mold and retooled Spike headmaster.

http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/botcon-2014-pirates-vs-knights-scorponok-revealed/29836/

And all I can say is, can someone grab me a loose set this year whoever is going? I'll pay for it up front of course. I want that Skorponok.


This set is completely awesome this year ! :eek: hopefully I can get one


For what it is, I'm not surprised. Personally I love the looks of him.


Scorponok looks amazing! I've immediately gone from not caring about this set to looking for early pre-orders :p


You and me both. The demand for this set had just skyrocketed.


I agree, I really want this set now. If anyone going to Botcon this year could help, much appreciated!!!!


Oh Primus Damn! :eek: Wants me that Scorponok! He looks brilliant! I could forego the rest of the crew but I want that Scorponok! I WANTS IT BAD! :D

[BigTransformerTrev]

Scorponok's in the box set. You can order the box set without going.

Had a look and (predicatably) it's not up for order yet. They still have last years box set at $365. You think they would have dropped the price by now, especially since it was not as popular as the Stunticons the year before.

[Paulbot]

Preregistration for BotCon is taking a long time to happen but as soon as it does, register for a non-attending BotCon set and you'll get that box set sent to you at some point after the convention when they get around to it.

I'd like to buy that Scorponok (and Cannonball too), but I don't want to give money to their organisation for the usual long list of issues.

[1AZRAEL1]

Scorponok's in the box set. You can order the box set without going.

You can do that? From FunPubs website? I only want a loose set which I figure you get with a boxed one for attending the show.

[Paulbot]

You can do that? From FunPubs website? I only want a loose set which I figure you get with a boxed one for attending the show.

When you register for BotCon, you can
a) register to attend (you get a boxset and a freebie)
b) register to attend and buy a loose set (you get the box set, loose set and a freebie)
c) register as non-attending (you get a boxset)

If you want to get the box set figures then option C is the best way to guarantee it, otherwise it's up to those attending to offer to do option B (but there's always more people wanting the toys without going, than there are people actually going).

[Sky Shadow]

Well that's a game changer...

[griffin]

They ended up doing the Headmaster gimmick in a way that I was originally thinking was possible - plugging an existing Headmaster into something that was essentially a "remoulded" head (a base-plate in place of the original head).

The wording on the site says that it is the Reissue Spike that has been remoulded into a Scorponok head (since the Fort Max mould is recent, so that component was available... but not remoulded into Zarak, because he did not originally form the entire Scorpy head).

I can see why they included this in the box set (to get people pre-registering, as they don't promote the at-show toys, no matter how much more popular they could be to get people in), but does Gen1 Scorponok scream Pirate or Knight?
I guess if all 14 toys this year are Pirates and Knights, and now includes Devcon and Scorponok, then maybe the story this year is set somewhere in the Gen1 era?

I still think they could have promoted this year, the anniversary year, a lot better, by starting out with teases and hints of when the series is set (or features some classic Gen1 characters), instead of putting off just about everyone with their first impression of "Knights Vs Pirates" as a 30th Anniversary theme.

[1AZRAEL1]

Pirate or not, G1 Skorponok to me for my classics shelf lol. And I doubt I'm alone in that. If you look closely enough at the head, you can see it is Spike.

[griffin]

It will be interesting to see if it helped turn the tide towards registering to attend, from just buying non-attendee sets, or just pre-ordering from online stores.

I think the first day of pre-registration will give us an idea of if this really has pushed enough people into attending, just to secure these figures... as FunPub will reduce the number of non-attending sets (which would include those online stores) if they actually sell at least 75% off the attending sets on the first day (sales drop off significantly after 24 hours).
Last year they only got 30% sold in the first day, and kept moving stock to the non-attendee pile, and still didn't sell out throughout the entire convention.

I think the pirates and knights theme is still putting people off... which should have been a sub-title to a big bold 1984 Transformers logo on a glossy black Box lid.
Then it would have been dismissed more easily by those looking for an anniversary homage set,
If the fifth figure is any good, it will help as well, but their policy of not announcing any of the at-show toys, means they can only promote a third of the toys, and just hope people will take a blind jump at committing themselves to about US$700 for all 14 toys... and the recent few years haven't made that a worthwhile risk.

[Deonasis]

I can only commend FunPub with this figure. Nothing related to the FunPub figures is as important as the figures themselves including the theme. This mold was crying out to be given a G1 redeco and (i think) they nailed it. The genius inclusion of an updated G1 headmaster is a cherry on top. Scorponok as far as i can tell has not been compromised by costs, poor mold choice or Hasbro in any way - which I think is unusual for a FunPub toy.

I am preparing myself for having to deal with the club again soon. I will try not to complain about it but accept it.

[Bidoofdude]

Scorponok looks totally amazing. Alas, I cannot hope to afford to buy him, let alone the set. I just started watching Headmasters and I love it. Really want this guy.

[MayzaPrime]

Colour me impressed :p

I was on the fence until I saw Devcon, now I am well and truly sold. I will be getting the non-attendee set again this year.

:D

[griffin]

The jet mode of the Scorponok toy has been released (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcons-2014-scorponoks-jet-mode-and-first-look-at-olin-zarak-179650/), which probably wasn't necessary, as that mode could have been "dropped" for this Gen1 homage.

(and the colours end up being all over the place in that mode, so doesn't look too nice to me in that mode - the other modes are good though)

[SuspectimusPrime]

The jet mode of the Scorponok toy has been released (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcons-2014-scorponoks-jet-mode-and-first-look-at-olin-zarak-179650/), which probably wasn't necessary, as that mode could have been "dropped" for this Gen1 homage.

(and the colours end up being all over the place in that mode, so doesn't look too nice to me in that mode - the other modes are good though)

Dammit that did it for me - now I need this. Really like the idea of Olin Zarak sitting in the pilot seat of Scorponok (which makes more sense than a flying space-scorpion).

Your mention of the colours being all over the place made me realise what was wrong with the original robot/scorpion modes to me (aside from the liberal use of orange plastic): the claws are not entirely purple - which is quite critical when you need to tell off nosey Autobots (http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080301150416/transformers/images/e/e6/SpotlightUltraMagnus_Scorponok.jpg).

[1AZRAEL1]

Showing off his jet mode does absolutely nothing for me. I want him for his scorpion mode and robot mode. He'll fit well into the classics shelf.

[Hursticon]

I really-REALLY want a contemporary (Classicsverse) update to G1 Headmasters Scorponok :o:D, he's one of my absolute favourite G1 toys and I have to admit that FunPub have done a bloody good effort with this Botcon 2014 offering :eek:, however...

I wonder what the Indy Transforming Robot scene can/will produce? ;) - As rumour has it apparently that both MakeToys & PerfectEffect have offerings in the pipeline that will likely have prices comparable to this figure once it hits the secondary market. :cool:

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Hrm, as much as I want that Scorponok, I find it mildly amusing that the only thing that piques my interest in this year's set is a character that is an update to his G1 self.

Old Scorps certainly doesn't look piratey in the slightest.

COngrats Funpub. Once again you're best ideas are ones not thought up by yourselves.


No, really, I love those guys

[1orion2many]

Sorry I don't find that Scorp mold very good to start with so still no excitement this end. I think I have 3 of them already:o

[griffin]

The first one (Energon) was a bizarre mix of colours (almost as many different colours as Gen1 Thunderclash).
The second one (Superlink) was nicer with mostly green and gold.
The third one (Cybertron) went back to a combination of too many different colours, but not as many as the Energon one.
And the fourth one (BotCon 2010) was a nice homage to a toy (Actionmaster Doublepunch) that was already based on the original Scorponok/Black Zarak form.

I wonder if they had trouble deciding whether they should do Scorponok (for a larger "Hasbro" following or sales-potential) or Black Zarak (for their smaller committed "cultish" following and a more plausible tie-in to their Pirate theme).

If the toy was a Deluxe, I'd have liked to see it done as Beast Wars Scorponok to go with the 2006 BotCon BW toys... because so far there are only three show character Predacons, but eight show Maximals. (or 4 to 7 if you count Dinobot as a Predacon)

[UltraMarginal]

This is pretty cool, I don't have this mold, so it's cool to be getting a "new" mold in the set.

The redesign of the head to fit a G1 headmaster is a very nice touch. The third mode of a "space Jet" makes more sense to me than a city, especially for a space pirate.

Was this mold good for it's time? is it something that will look alright amongst more modern toys. How big is this toy, I get the impression that it's about a ultra size class?

there's not going to be a whole lot of foam in this box is there, they have stated that they've managed to keep the box size the same.

[Sky Shadow]

I wonder if they had trouble deciding whether they should do Scorponok (for a larger "Hasbro" following or sales-potential) or Black Zarak (for their smaller committed "cultish" following and a more plausible tie-in to their Pirate theme).

If they hadn't already done Doublepunch, I suspect they would have done Black Zarak for his Zone pirateyness. If they can recolour anyone into Halfshell, Scylla, Coelagon, Terrormander or Sea Phantom they should do that too. And if they have access to the Armada Starscream Generations mould yet, I suspect they'll try to make a Skywarp from it.

[Paulbot]

If they hadn't already done Doublepunch, I suspect they would have done Black Zarak for his Zone pirateyness. If they can recolour anyone into Halfshell, Scylla, Coelagon, Terrormander or Sea Phantom they should do that too. And if they have access to the Armada Starscream Generations mould yet, I suspect they'll try to make a Skywarp from it.

Airachnid is apparently a bad toy but she would make a good Scylla. Female (check) and multiple extra legs in robot mode (check).

[UltraMarginal]

I honestly get the impression that the "G1 ness" of Scorponok is very much an effort on their part to call out the 30 year anniversary.

[Sky Shadow]

I honestly get the impression that the "G1 ness" of Scorponok is very much an effort on their part to call out the 30 year anniversary.

I'm sure they will do something, but calling a ten year-old toy in a twenty-seven year-old deco a thirtieth anniversary homage would be like forgetting your wife's birthday and covering it up by giving her stuff you find lying around the house.

[Deonasis]

"calling a ten year-old toy in a twenty-seven year-old G1 deco a thirtieth anniversary" of Transformers and specifically G1 is fine.

[Sky Shadow]

"calling a ten year-old toy in a twenty-seven year-old G1 deco a thirtieth anniversary" of Transformers and specifically G1 is fine.

BotCon has done G1 decos every year for the past decade. Last year they did the Rainmakers, the year before they did Metalhawk and Gigatron, the year before they did the Stunticons and Minerva, the year before they did the Sharkticons, the year before that they did ten G1 decos, the year before that they used four G1 decos, the year before that they used eight G1 decos, two the year before that, and six the year before that. To say that doing a single toy in a 1987 colour scheme this year is to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary is ridiculous.

[Deonasis]

BotCon has done G1 decos every year for the past decade. Last year they did the Rainmakers, the year before they did Metalhawk and Gigatron, the year before they did the Stunticons and Minerva, the year before they did the Sharkticons, the year before that they did ten G1 decos, the year before that they used four G1 decos, the year before that they used eight G1 decos, two the year before that, and six the year before that. To say that doing a single toy in a 1987 colour scheme this year is to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary is ridiculous.Yikes all that is true! I guess the fandom wanting the particular deco for the last 10 years makes this more special than some others listed. Some homages were very much shoe-horned and none have gone to similar lengths of like incorporating a G1 headmaster into the design. It seems like extra effort has gone into this figure and that makes it feel more special than all previous exclusives to me. The Vector Sigma inclusion was similar but not quite in the same league.

[Sky Shadow]

Some homages were very much shoe-horned and none have gone to similar lengths of like incorporating a G1 headmaster into the design. It seems like extra effort has gone into this figure and that makes it feel more special than all previous exclusives to me.

I think that's fair enough, and it's definitely great when they actually use G1 moulds like this Nebulan, Glyph, Tap-Out or the Shattered Glass eHobby set. And it's definitely a very cool idea to use a G1 head and deco the toy accordingly. I just get irked when HasTakTomFunPubEtc do the same things they always do and claim it's to celebrate something or other. Like giving thirty fairly random (and in two cases fairly identical) toys 'special' anniversary numbers.

[Deonasis]

Like giving thirty fairly random (and in two cases fairly identical) toys 'special' anniversary numbers.NOW THAT did really grind my gears. The sticker is the only thing special about "Thrilling 30".

[UltraMarginal]

would it be fair to say that Botcon is a celebration of Transformers as a whole every year?

I'm starting to wonder if they're ever going to reveal the final figure and put out the brochure before the con actually starts. haven't heard a thing in over a week from them.

[griffin]

The GIJoe Con was on last weekend, so EVERYTHING is put on hold for 2-3 weeks... which they should have communicated to their Transformers followers, considering the schedule of BotCon info at the moment. Or at the very least, have a series of updates or tweets ready to send out so that it doesn't look like something is wrong from the radio silence (considering their past, it's easy to assume the worst when we hear nothing from them).

[griffin]

The final boxset figure has been revealed (http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2014/BC14exclusives.html) - Ginrai (two-tone orange 2006 Classics Voyager Optimus).

The orange deco is based on the "fire guts" toy, which was based on an episode plot device in the Japanese Headmasters cartoon.

This one is part of the "knights", and creatively uses the wind deflector (gun) as a shield (adjusting the arm panel so that the fist folds down for the post to plug in like TFPrime Breakdown's hammer).

The Fire Guts God Ginrai concept was released by Hasbro as a PVC figurine, called Apex Armor Powermaster Optimus... so it will be interesting to see if FunPub follow the Japanese version (the robot is a non-sentient construct used by a human) or exist like the Hasbro Powermaster concept (a sentient robot that uses a human to help power it).

I really hope that pre-registrations starts soon, as it is only 2 months away.... making it really last minute again. :(

[kup]

This set is so unfocussed. I thought it was about pirates?

[Paulbot]

Knights vs Pirates. Ginrai's a knight.

The last reveal has not convinced me I want this set. But I'm hoping a cheap Cannonball will be available after the show, from people just getting the set for Scorponok.

I got my Energon Scorpy out last night, and it's a pretty clunky figure. The new version's Headmaster gimmick is good, but the rest of the toy is limited

[CHILENO20]

I am soooooorely tempted to get the set now with the final reveal. That being said, I am reaaally only interested in Devcon & Ginrai. Anyone taking any orders as yet?????
:confused::confused::confused:

[Sky Shadow]

The windvane looks better as a shield than it does as a gun. That said, despite the pretty shade of orange, using that mould yet again does not make a great final revelation for the set. Olin Zarak is definitely the highlight of an otherwise underwhelming box. (Although they should have called him Llyra and said he was female - there's no reason why a woman couldn't be under that armour.)

[GoktimusPrime]

Fire Guts! :p

[BigTransformerTrev]

Devcon and Scorponok - yes! Everyone else - nah. Think considering the expense of the TFSS, Generations, MP and Movie figures coming out this year I will have to bypass this set unless I find someone selling the 2 figures I want really cheap (which there is a basically non-existent chance of happening :rolleyes:)

[Sinnertwin]

Ferak's the only one that really interests me right now

[fatbot]

Ferak's the only one that really interests me right now

I'm thinking of getting the set for Scorpy, Giniri & maybe Cannonball, If i do I'll sling him your way mate.

[SuspectimusPrime]

I am soooooorely tempted to get the set now with the final reveal. That being said, I am reaaally only interested in Devcon & Ginrai. Anyone taking any orders as yet?????
:confused::confused::confused:

Can I put in my interest for Scorponok and Ferak? :)
I can confirm closer to the date as I'm also interested in Devcon.

[Sinnertwin]

I'm thinking of getting the set for Scorpy, Giniri & maybe Cannonball, If i do I'll sling him your way mate.

Legend. Cheers bud :)

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Cheeky buggers stole my 7 year old shield config :p
From Action Pose thread 2007:

Just me mucking around with my Classics.

Brothers In Arms:
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k313/Wootnchoo/IMG_0090.jpg

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Meh. Still only really liking Cannonball.

[SuspectimusPrime]

Cheeky buggers stole my 7 year old shield config :p
From Action Pose thread 2007:

Should have patented it when you had the chance ;)

[Ravagecat]

Couldn't find this posted anywhere else but was interested in the second page of the convention comic book reveal shown here on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=639415199462011&set=pcb.639415529461978&type=1&theater)
It shows two bots which look like the G2 Rescue Team in a combined form something like Liokaiser (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Liokaiser_%28Victory%29) and and another resembling Road Caeser (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Road_Caesar). Would be cool if some/all of these were used for the mystery convention figures??

[UltraMarginal]

Couldn't find this posted anywhere else but was interested in the second page of the convention comic book reveal shown here on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=639415199462011&set=pcb.639415529461978&type=1&theater)
It shows two bots which look like the G2 Rescue Team in a combined form something like Liokaiser (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Liokaiser_%28Victory%29) and and another resembling Road Caeser (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Road_Caesar). Would be cool if some/all of these were used for the mystery convention figures??

Interesting, there was a Botcon tweet this morning about wanting to show more pages but that it would give too much away. .

I don't really know those characters myself, so would not know to look for them. They do look a bit too much like their original selves than perhaps a modern toy repainted to look like one of them. having said that, if Botcon do pull a "reissue" of an old toy like that out of the woodwork as an exclusive figure there will be a lot of very happy people around.

I also noted (after you prompted having a closer look) the bottom left panel has a vehicle mode flyer the same as the shockwave/air raid mold from FOC. the colours don't stand out to me as anyone in particular though.

[Paulbot]

Most of the inhabitants on that planet are late G1 and G2 euro exclusives.

G2 Powermasters are there too, as well as the G1 Rescue Force (combined with no arms since the arms weren't released) and the Motorvators (combined and in funny colours)

The Pirate Ship is Armada Tidal Wave. The FOC Air Raid/Shockwave mold would make more sense as a sneak peak at another toy in the BotCon set than an inhabitant of a Euro-toy planet.

[Ravagecat]

Interesting, there was a Botcon tweet this morning about wanting to show more pages but that it would give too much away. .

I don't really know those characters myself, so would not know to look for them. They do look a bit too much like their original selves than perhaps a modern toy repainted to look like one of them. having said that, if Botcon do pull a "reissue" of an old toy like that out of the woodwork as an exclusive figure there will be a lot of very happy people around.

I also noted (after you prompted having a closer look) the bottom left panel has a vehicle mode flyer the same as the shockwave/air raid mold from FOC. the colours don't stand out to me as anyone in particular though.

Yeah saw him too but thought it would just be Air-raid but it's not unlikely for funpub to use the mold for another bot. I also just realised the Pirate ship looks like Tidalwave (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Tidal_Wave_%28Armada%29) (Armada) :eek: We are more likely to see this as a re-issue than the Japanese molds unfortunately :rolleyes:

[UltraMarginal]

G2 Powermasters are there too, as well as the G1 Rescue Force (combined with no arms since the arms weren't released) and the Motorvators (combined and in funny colours)


That explains the skinny clamp arm on the side, that's kind of cool.

[reillyd]

I would love them to use Armada Tidal Wave again. Great, fun, toy

[MayzaPrime]

I would love them to use Armada Tidal Wave again. Great, fun, toy

As long as it is retooled to have a sail :p

[griffin]

An updated image of the Devcon figure (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=774343882606073). If that is the final product, it is very bright, but also shows us the exact head-sculpt, that is exclusive to this toy.

[UltraMarginal]

I like it, looks like one of their head sculpts has finally worked out for them.

There are some more pics of Scorponok on their facebook page as well but I can't access that from work.

[Sky Shadow]

They're doing a good job of avoiding leaked toys so far this year.

[griffin]

I like it, looks like one of their head sculpts has finally worked out for them.

There are some more pics of Scorponok on their facebook page as well but I can't access that from work.

There you go (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=774739212566540&set=a.310373445669788.77675.247519665288500&type=1&theater)... :)

The headmaster is somewhere on their page, but I couldn't be bothered trying to find them, so this is the lazy option (http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/conventions-15/botcon-2014-scorponok-new-image-of-production-sample-180201/). :p

[Ravagecat]

Zarak (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=774794749227653&set=a.310373445669788.77675.247519665288500&type=1&permPage=1) :p