it's confirmed! the fatman is going to Botcon! I get into Chicago at 1415 on the 15th, barring any flight delays of course.
Printable View
it's confirmed! the fatman is going to Botcon! I get into Chicago at 1415 on the 15th, barring any flight delays of course.
Awesome!Quote:
Originally Posted by fatbot
I'm only a little jealous.:o
Frank Welker has just been confirmed as the first guest at Botcon, I'm real glad im going now!
That's his first Botcon, I'm now really jealous!Quote:
Originally Posted by fatbot
I just can't see how I can budget it, and I might have a Nephews 18th that same weekend, in which case I'll only be flying to Brisbane.
Here's hoping Mr Welker really enjoys his Botcon experience and comes back in a couple years!
Great news about Frank Welker finally being a BotCon guest... and you know who's going to be in the Hall of Fame this year.
There is mention of a VIP ticket, which I wonder if it will be separate to the Golden Ticket, or be replacing it this year. Something to look for in the brochure when it gets released.
Either way, it will probably sell out fast... so it will mean more early mornings for Australians wanting to go to BotCon this year who want this, on the days when pre-registration is expected to begin.Quote:
(fans) will be able to register for BotCon 2015 and purchase the “Frank Welker VIP experience” package. This package will contain ONE autograph from Frank Welker, ONE professional picture with Frank Welker, an EXCLUSIVE MEGATRON art print, an EXCLUSIVE MEGATRON souvenir pin and VIP seating at his moderated panel on Saturday. This package will be available to anyone who purchases the BotCon Primus package.
I wonder if this only happened because I tried to get Welker to attend last year as a surprise guest, which his agent said that he was keen to do if he wasn't busy that weekend.
The one thing that annoys me with FunPub is their lack of marketing ability... with lengthy periods of silence from them, when they should be having regular announcements and teases all year round to keep the momentum of interest going.
And then they make a big deal about it all being condensed within a short time frame as if it is the best strategy.
We've been waiting three-four months for some info to get excited about "THE Transformers event of the year"... and now during the month of April it will all be bombarded on us in rapid succession (because they would have to get pre-registration started very soon).Quote:
The next month is going to be packed with BotCon info, more guest announcements and figure reveals. This is THE Transformers event of the year! Don't miss out!!!
They've stated on Twitter that the vip Welker ticket is separate to the golden ticket
I am unable to go :( :(
So jelly.
Sheesh... it's gonna be expensive this year then.Quote:
Originally Posted by fatbot
The Primus pack should be about $430 this year (*), plus the $300 Golden Ticket, plus a VIP ticket that is likely to be about $200.
Then convert that estimated $930 into AU$, and we could be looking at a record breaking AU$1200-1300 just to get the full experience (if you are spending thousands to go all the way there, you don't want to miss half of it).
*The prices for the FunPub years...
$265 (2005)
$249 (2006)
$279 (2007)
$285 (2008)
$295 (2009)
$305 (2010)
$315 (2011)
$340 (2012)
$365 (2013)
$395 (2014)
The coincidental timing of Frank Welker's appearance at BotCon just a year after I was emailing his agent about the idea for last year (suggesting a surprise quick visit to see what it would be like as a guest), has me wondering if I got the ball rolling.
I'm certainly not claiming any credit, but it is fun to dream.
(BotCon 2014 was on June 19-22, so this was a last-minute idea last year, linked to a query to get him to Australia... which they never actually answered.)
-------------------------
To: (Frank Welker's Agent)
Date: June 10 2014 2:49 PM
Subject: Frank Welker query
Hi there,
I administrate the largest Australian Toy collector community (Ozformers), and since many of our members attend various toy & anime conventions here, one Voice Actor that seems to be a “holy grail” to Transformers fans (here in Australia and America), is Frank Welker.
For me to encourage one of the Australian convention organisers to look at Mr Welker as a potential guests, does he do conventions, and if so, what would be required for his involvement?
Also, I’ve heard that the organisers of the Annual Transformers convention (BotCon, in America) have tried to secure his attendance in the past, but haven’t been successful yet, due to his busy schedule, and that he is said to be a fairly private person.
If both of those are true, this year it is in Pasadena (if he is currently in LA), and the Convention includes an exclusive, limited dinner (of about 60 people) with the main Voice Actor guests this year, on Saturday 21st of June.
I’m NOT associated with the Convention organisers, and do NOT speak for them in any way... I’m just a regular attendee that flies to America every year from Australia for the last 14 years, to see and hear the people who brought many of the famous and favourite child-hood cartoon characters to life.... and Mr Welker is one of the few from the 1980s Transformers cartoon (and other cartoons) that I have yet to have the pleasure of meeting.
Due to the convenient location and small private dinner, I’d be willing to pay an appearance fee (if it isn’t anything excessive for just 2 hours of his time) to have him show up for the dinner, just for the benefit of the other attendees, and for the reputation of the BotCon convention... to have the most elusive Transformers Voice Actor under its belt. (and maybe this short function could also be utilised by Mr Welker, to sample a Transformers convention without being committed to a whole weekend and thousands of people... to get a feel for the dedicated fans out there that would love to hear more from him, if he ever decided to come to a future BotCon as a starring Guest).
I hope you can at least ask him if this is something he’d be interested in doing, but if all that seems rather impractical, and too last-minute (I was told that he’s usually so busy that “last minute” is the only way the Organisers would be able to secure him), I’ll just stick with info on the requirements of an Australian Convention appearance, and hope that I can convince one of the Convention companies down here to go after him instead.
Thankyou for your time.
-griffin.
-------------------------
From: (Frank Welker's Agent)
Date: June 13 2014 3:16 AM
Hello Griffin,
Mr. Welker will not be in town during the Pasadena convention unfortunately. I will forward your email on to him however, in case there are any changes.
Best regards,
Cathey
-------------------------
From: (Frank Welker's Agent)
Date: June 17 2014 1:36 AM
Dear Griffin,
I spoke to Frank he wanted me to express to you his surprise and delight in your interest in him and all things "Bot." He will be out of town but wanted me to thank you for thinking of him. He still has not participated in any "cons" but has not totally ruled anything out so you can always check with us in the future.
Good luck and enjoy your event.
Sincerely,
Cathey
-------------------------
To: (Frank Welker's Agent)
Date: June 19 2014 22:54:56 +0800
Hi Cathey,
Thankyou SO much for talking to Frank about my request. I'm amazed that he was surprised at the interest in him from our fandom, as fans have been hoping to see him at the the annual BotCon convention ever since it started 20 years ago in 1994. He should be reassured that he will be treated like a rock star, and of course with great respect and admiration... not just for Transformers, but for his vast, long career and many many roles on TV and Movies.
If he is keen to try the BotCon experience in a future year, or to just sample it like in my suggestion (to just attend the short semi-formal, private Guest-Attendee function), the best people to speak to for advance warning on when and where it will be each year, are the Convention organizers - Brian & Pete...
"Brian Savage" <brian@funpubinc.com>
"Pete Sinclair" <pete@funpubinc.com>
http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2014/
(sorry for taking a little while to get back to you - I've been in Pasadena since Monday, and it has been non-stop tourist things... and limited access to my email server)
Thanks again, it has made my week to hear that there is hope for a future appearance of Frank Welker at the Annual Official Transformers Convention... and I think/hope he would like it too.
-griffin.
-------------------------
Well, i've just done my visa waiver thinghy, my hotel for LA is booked, just got to sort out Chicago & wait for those nufties at TFCC to open registration & i'm all set!
I'm starting to get a little excited about all this!
If this had been five years ago, this news would have almost crashed the main global fansites and we would have a record number of Australians going this year despite the exchange rate... but I looked at the news postings at each site, there's barely 50-100 posts at each, and about half of those are by repeat people discussing the matter or asking about the special VIP ticket.
And how many Australians do we have that are planning to go... just 2 definites and a maybe. We had bigger turnouts back when the AU$ was a 50us cents. :(
Part of me... the old timer fan from the early days of BotCon... is surprised about the limited enthusiasm from the fandom over such a "holy grail" guest.
While another part of me... the more recent fan who has been burnt by FunPub and seen how it has treated others with legitimate issues... is beginning to realise that not even the most wanted guest since Peter Cullen in 1997, can get people to put aside their bad experiences to show their support or intention in going.
(I think the VIP ticket will still sell out as there is apparently a little over 200 of them... but factoring in the Golden Ticket expense as well that most VIP holders will also probably want, I'm having trouble estimating how quickly or how long the VIP or Boxsets will take to sell out this year.)
Personally I feel sad, because I miss the excitement of the fandom when a big name, first-time guest was announced 4-5 years ago... which used to get more local members wanting to go, and both of those things makes it even more exciting for me to look forward to it.
I do wish that FunPub didn't burn so many bridges in the fandom, acting as if there were plenty more fans out there to fill those spots... and maybe this lack of *public* enthusiasm is showing us that the reserves are now depleted.
To illustrate that point, 2011 was the last BotCon that they sold out their boxsets during pre-registration, despite the numbers of boxsets being reduced for the last two. It will be interesting to see how well they do this year with the Welker factor in play, or if they cut back the boxset numbers a lot just to make sure they sell out this time.
I'm a very unlikely, like 5% chance of going.
I'm hoping he gets a taste for it and keeps coming back so I can see him in a few years time
I was hoping to go to a Botcon one day and was always sad that I hadn't gone to one before, but now, I really don't care.
When/if it changes to a new bunch of people running it, I'll reassess my feelings, but until then, I'm not giving a cent to Savage and his cronies. Sad to say, especially since Transformers seems to be doing well.
Exactly my feeling as wellQuote:
Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy
Always wanted to go, but wouldn't go now until a new crew takes over the running of the club. My four years as a member continue to leave a very bitter feeling with me.
Problem is, I just don't see anyone else in the fandom located in America who is keen and would be capable of running the club and convention (the resources and money). Those who do have the resources and money are content with just running fansites or fan-conventions (which are easier to organise without the red-tape of Hasbro approval at every step when you are licensed).
FunPub have a 20 year business history for the GIJoe club and convention, which made them the best candidate to Hasbro... and they are still the only willing candidate, as I haven't heard anyone else saying that they would want to, or can, run the Club & Con.
And if someone did step up who has no business experience but a lot of enthusiasm, we could be left with a short-lived mess of failed promises and lost money.
(I remember getting two letters in the mail about 10 years ago, informing me of an upcoming bankruptcy hearing for 3H... because I was a paid member of their official club when it folded in 2004, and they must have been required to notify all "investors", no matter where they are. That was a sad but serious reminder of how a fanclub & convention must be treated like any money-making business if it is to survive.)
Yeah, and that's why I'm sad.Quote:
Originally Posted by griffin
I'd support them if they actually acted more professional. I understand treating it like a business, and I'm fine with that, but to me they are incredibly unprofessional in pretty much every aspect. Anyway, that's all the thread derailment I'm going to offer for now.
I still enjoy looking at the toys and activities that happen at the con
I'd love to go to BotCon again. It was a whole lot of fun both times I've been, but I too don't want to give FunPub any of my money. The guests though don't particularly bother me, even when I did go I didn't want to meet the famous people.
I'd just like to go for the atmosphere and nerding it out with my fellow TF geeks.
On a side note, have they announced toys and theme for the year?:confused:
Aarh, Yes the Guardians galaxy theme, but no toys yet. ?
Yep, I'm certainly not saying they are a good business, but at the moment, it's them or nothing... so I'm not keen to prey for them to fail until we have an acceptable replacement. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy
The news quoted in post #45 claims to have all the reveals in April... so fingers crossed on them actually meeting the schedule this time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy
They've just revealed the first.....Quote:
Originally Posted by Tetsuwan Convoy
Packrat, the thief from Generations rattrap
Might just be the perspective, but those eggs look mostly the same size, and tiny! 4 deluxes and a basic?
For people into beasts, that's a great start. for me... not so much.
I do think it's an entertaining way of doing reveals.
Links please people... when posting news. Not just a comment or announcement without a source.
The BotCon boxset page is here.
(In previous years the boxset reveals and guests would be in their own topic... but since we are only likely to have 2 Australians going, and the ongoing drop of interest in FunPub products, it felt a bit selfish highlighting them in more than just one topic and unnecessarily pad out the news section)
Drop in interest in products? What?? I still need them all!!! (is the Exspression of Interest at show thread up yet? i always find it late :()
Hmmm Rattrap was a decent figure, but have no attachment to this guy... Reserving judgement until I see the rest
A blue rat came out of a blue egg. Coincidence? Could the colour of the eggs give a hint as to who the others are?
I'll go to BotCon one day. Maybe next year. BW 20th Anniversary!
sorry boss, was on my phone & couldn't do the linkQuote:
Originally Posted by griffin
POSSIBLE SPOILERS!
Working from the accidental inclusion in a Podcast in January , the serial numbers on their mug-shot plates have been noted by fans on various sites that they aren't just random numbers and letters, so I thought I'd have a go at working them as well.
Naturally, the five toys in the podcast may not just be boxset toys... some might be at-show toys, but it is a starting point. (a blue GEN DLX Rattrap - Packrat, an olive TFPrime VOY Breakdown - unknown, a blue GEN VOY Springer - thought to be Battletrap, a blue Classics Bumblebee - thought to be Glyph, and a red Classics Jazz - unknown)
Most of the numbers refer to dates with an allegiance letter, while the bit on the end is not yet clear but could refer to the original series the mould was from, or could be telling us if anything has been changed from the original mould (like a new head).
If it is the latter, it would suggest that the first one Gets Nothing new, while 2-4 get a new HeaD, and 5 is something completely reworked like Scorponok last year.
The Thief - BC2015 718-2197M? - AO: STGN
This was Packrat, and the serial number is - BC2015 (it's a BotCon 2015 toy), 718-2197 (the almost exact dates of the 1997 BotCon - July 18-20, which was when the original Packrat was released), M (the allegiance), AO: STGN (could mean it was originally a Generations mould or Got Nothing new to the toy).
The Muscle - BC2015 591-9687D? - AO: STHD
This one is assumed to be Battletrap.
The serial number - BC2015 (it's a BotCon 2015 toy), 591 (May 1991 - not sure why this date is chosen... it was the month of Issue 80 but wasn't the only issue with Battletrap), 96 (Battletrap was D-96 in Japan), 87 (the year it was released as a toy by Hasbro), D (Decepticon), AO: STHD (not sure... maybe means a new HeaD or the series it came from).
The Loose Cannon - BC2015 426-2912S? - AO: STHD
This one is unknown, but can be narrowed down to the BotCon 2012 characters or toys.
The serial number - BC2015 (it's a BotCon 2015 toy), 426-2912 (dates of BotCon 2012 - April 26-29), S (Shattered Glass maybe), AO: STHD (again, not sure, but is the same as above).
The Boss - BC2015 62811-484? - AO: STHD
If the green Breakdown is Hound, this is the one I think he will be.
The serial number - BC2015 (it's a BotCon 2015 toy), 628 (maybe May 28, which could be for the first issue of the comic in 1984, which was released somewhere from March to September), 114 (no idea), 84 (for 1984), AO: STHD (if this toy is the Breakdown/Hound toy, then this code can't refer to a series, as this mould was not part of Generations like Springer was... leading me to think that it relates to what has been Added On).
The Bounty Hunter - BC2015 712-1496D? - AO: GNOP
This could be Onyx Primal based on its Serial number.
The serial number - BC2015 (it's a BotCon 2015 toy), 712-1496 (the dates of BotCon 96 - July 12-14), D (Decepticon... not a Predacon?), AO: GNOP (no idea)
So, that leaves Glyph and the red Jazz from the Podcast that is either one of these unknowns, or are at-show/attendee/custom class toys.
Yes... I'm over-thinking things again, but patterns and puzzles intrigue me, which is why I'm into Transformers. :o
Looks like "The Boss" has the date of the DOTM (June 28 2011), and the 84 still relates to a character from 1984 - Megatron, using the Breakdown mould to replicate the DOTM tanker truck Megatron.
And the "Bounty Hunter" apparently refers to the character Oilmaster, who is the character in the recent JP Generations Magnificus comic, which used the Prototype Pretender Shell that Hasbro had on display at BotCon 1996. If this is true, a brand new pretender shell would indeed outdo the Scorponok of last year, as promised by Pete.
An image of the expected boxset.
Looks like the second guest to be at BotCon this year is Sue Blu... voice of Gen1 Arcee, and Voice Director of Beast Wars and Animated.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CBxnsLGUgAAPsQX.jpg
from the botcon twitter feed - https://mobile.twitter.com/BotCon/st...5523253251?p=p
looks like a repainted Chop Shop minicon from the Megatron legends 2 pack is coming
Is this an April Fool? One of those giant eggs contains a minicon?
Must. Contain. Rage.
Some people on other sites are saying Vice-Grip (the 1998 BotCon toy)... but the colours are reversed (it had a blue body and grey limbs).
Others are suggesting Shattered Glass Chopshop.
While some are commenting that it has been a while since FunPub have produced their own unique character toy... as they keep homaging Hasbro characters, or producing mirrorverse versions of them, or as we saw lately, homaging a lot of their own BotCon characters. Are they unable to come up with anything original anymore, or did their last original effort (Landshark waaay back in 2009) get such negative response that they've decided it is safer to just produce toys of existing characters.
Or maybe those BotCon feedback forms keep getting more support for toys of existing characters than original ones.
Just having a look back at my archives of previous years, for my own amusement....
2015 (what we know so far)
13 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Krok, Gatoraider, G2 Starscream, Tarantulas, drone beetle, Serpentor, Kreo Blackrock, Afterburner, Marissa Fairborne, Lio Convoy, Nova Prime, Megatron*, Battletrap*)
3 - existing unreleased toy concepts (Nacelle, Carzap, Oilmaster*)
2 - existing BotCon/Club toys (Packrat, SG Riccochet*)
0 - original characters (none)
*speculated boxset toys
2014
20 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Ginrai, Scorponok, Devcon, Cannonball, Ferak, Brimstone, Pounce, Wingspan, Alpha Trizer/Alpha Trion/Cheetor, Primal Prime, Rampage, Transmutate, Barricade, Frenzy, Fisitron/Ironfist, Thrustinator, Treadshot, Chromedome, Rewind, Eject)
10 - existing BotCon/Club toys (Flamewar, Shokaract, Apelinq, Flare-Up, Kreon G2 Breakdown, Kreon Fractyl, Kreon Rattrap, Kreon Landshark, Kreon SG Rodimus, Kreon Gigatron)
0 - original characters (none)
2013
26 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Obsidian, Strika, Megaplex, Hoist, Skywarp, Starscream, Electron/Electro, Sandstorm, Mirage, Thundercracker, Hotlink, Sunstorm, Bitstream, Blastcharge, Kreon Hoist, Kreon Megaplex, Kreon Obsidian, Kreon Skywarp, Kreon Strika, Depthcharge, Scourge, Slipstream, Circuit, Breakdown, Jackpot, Ultra Mammoth/Ultra Magnus)
0 - original characters (none)
2012
18 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Gigatron/Overload, Tracks, Ultra Magnus, Metalhawk, SG Soundwave, SG Treadshot, SG Straxus, Octopunch, Spinister, Kick-Off, SG G2 Optimus Prime, SG Wreck Gar, SG Junkheap/Junkion, SG Scrap Iron/Junkion, Longarm/Shockwave, Runamuck, Over-Run/Runabout, SG Drift)
0 - original characters (none)
2011
15 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Motormaster, Wildrider, Brakedown, Drag Strip, Dead End, Fisitron/Ironfist, Sideswipe, SG Galvatron, Thundercracker, Autotrooper, Autotrooper, Autotrooper, Minerva, Sideburn, G2 Ramjet)
2 - existing unreleased toy concepts (Toxitron, Cheetor)
0 - original characters (none)
2010
16 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Spark, Clench, Skybyte, Slice(r), Doublepunch, Scorch, SG Ravage, Rapido, Cindersaur, Airshark/Sharkticon, Seashark/Sharkticon, Landshark/Sharkticon, G2 Sideswipe, Dion, SG Cyclonus, Punch)
1 - existing unreleased toy concepts (G2 Streetstar/Streetwise)
1 - existing BotCon/Club toys (G2 Breakdown)
0 - original characters (none)
2009
13 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Thunderclash, Kup, Scourge, Flak, Leozak, Banzai-Tron, Skyquake, Razorclaw, Elita-1, Sweep 2, Sweep 6, Sweep 7, SG Thunderclash.)
2 - original characters with original names (Landshark, Heatwave)
2008
21 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (SG Starscream, SG Optimus Prime, SG Grimlock, SG Goldbug, SG Jazz, SG Razorclaw, SG Ricochet/Stepper, SG Megatron, SG Rodimus, SG Divebomb, SG Whisper, SG Blurr, SG Rampage, SG Nightbeat, Snaptrap, Tentakil, Seawing, Skalor, Nautilator, Overbite, Nightbeat)
1 - existing unreleased toy concepts (SG Sideswipe/Drench)
1 - original characters with existing names (Topspin)
2007
11 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Dreadwind, Bugbite, Thundercracker, Dirge, Thrust, Mirage, Alpha Trion, Weirdwolf, Springer, Huffer, Overkill)
2 - original characters with original names (Beta Maxx, Breakaway)
2006
12 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Dinobot, Optimus Primal, Rhinox, Cheetor, Rattrap, Unit 2/Tigatron, Waspinator, Megatron, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw, Rumble, Inferno)
1 - original characters with existing names (Landquake)
2005
4 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (Deathsaurus, Ironhide, Chromia, Fallback/Outback)
4 - original characters with existing names (Dirge, Buzzclaw, Ricochet, Skyfall)
4 - original characters with original names (Flamewar, Flareup, Virulent Clone, Virulent Clone)
(total for FunPub - 203)
Pre-FunPub era, to compare...
7 - existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters (2001 Tigatron, 2001 Arcee, 2002 Cyclonus, 2003 Sunstreaker, 2003 Sideswipe, 2004 Sentinel Maximus/Primal Prime, 2004 Energon Ravage)
1 - existing unreleased toy concepts (1994 G2 Breakdown)
1 - existing BotCon/Club toys (2004 G2 Breakdown - unofficial, 2004 Hyperlinq/Apelinq)
4 - original characters with existing names (1999 Sandstorm, 1999 Windrazor, 2002 Rook, 2004 Megazarak)
14 - original characters with original names (1995 Nightracer, 1996 Onyx Primal, 1997 Packrat, 1997 Fractyl, 1998 Vice-Grip, 1998 Antagony, 2000 Apelinq, 2000 Shokaract, 2002 Tap Out, 2002 Glyph, 2002 CatSCAN, 2003 Roulette, 2003 Shadow Striker, 2004 Caliburn)
(total pre-FunPub - 27)
Over half (52%) of the pre-Funpub era were original characters with original names, and only 30% were using pre-existing Hasbro/TT toys or characters and concepts... compared to the FunPub era of just a mere 4% of original characters & names (8 of 203), and a massive 87% using pre-existing characters & concepts (176 of 203).
Megatron (speculated boxset).
Interesting... Which mould?
A composite picture was posted here, with the serial number referring to the ROTF Movie and 1984.
other sites are saying that it goes with the attendee figure. TFCC aren't saying.Quote:
Originally Posted by reillyd
Yep. Seibertron claims that it was noted on the podcast as NOT being in the boxset so we are unlikely to know who it is before the convention.
Pete has posted this on TFW2005, to let us know, to not be too complacent if we want any of the BotCon toys this year...
Which must mean that the toy numbers must have been reduced again, as they wouldn't tweak UP numbers after failing to sell out last year (a Pasadena year too, which is their best location). They also wouldn't warn us, unless they believe they have reduced the quantity significantly enough to guarantee selling out this year.Quote:
We tweaked quantities on the souvies as well so don't expect to see extra's in the store.
Probably 1500 or less of each, compared to 1600-2000 of each last year.
If this reduction is true, and the demand is the same or better than last year, keep an eye out for pre-registrations (attendee & non-attendee) AND the opening of the Club Store during the Convention. (that is, IF either of the Australian attendees this year offer to buy extras... otherwise, jump on ebay or BBTS as soon as you can)
Quote:
Originally Posted by griffin
I'll buy extras for whoever wants it, just US dollars up front
I may let you know when they're all announced if there's anything I'm after