The Energon Pub

Fender Bender says:
Alrighty

Fender Bender says:
Be gentle.....

Counterpunch says:
Welcome to the first in what will hopefully be a good series of interviews. Let's start with something easy...

Counterpunch says:
Just how many fenders have you bended?

Fender Bender says:
Technically, none. But I had a '94 Grand Prix that got smashed by an idiot a couple months ago. A month earlier, some broad smashed my sisters '98 Intrepid. So it seems that my families prone to "Fender Benders".

Counterpunch says:
There have been rumors that in addition to fenders being bent, you occasionally appear as the Gender Bender. Is this true? Or more vicious propaganda from Burn?

Fender Bender says:
I may play one on a web-cam.......

Counterpunch says:
(Everyone should note, that I just refused a webcam connection. That's on the record at least...)

Counterpunch says:
Anyway, how old are you?

Fender Bender says:
22, soon to be 23 in December

Counterpunch says:
How long have you been in the game? Collecting the Transformers and such?

Fender Bender says:
Well, I got into Transformers when I was about 5, but I wasn't a collector then. I did keep what few Generation 2 figures I had though. I didn't really come back to Transformers until Transformers Armada came out in 2003.

Counterpunch says:
Are Generation 2 Transformers the greatest line of Transformers ever, or do you prefer your tanks to be neon green and purple?

Fender Bender says:
Well, I would not argue that Gen 2 is the best line ever, but I would argue that Gen 2 Megatron is one sweet-ass figure.

Counterpunch says:
Fair enough.

Counterpunch says:
How many figures populate your collection?

Fender Bender says:
Hmm, I don't have a running head count at the moment, but if I had to guess, somewhere around 400

Counterpunch says:
Is there such thing as too much?

Fender Bender says:
When it comes to women, money, and Transformers.....NO.

Counterpunch says:
So, given the opportunity, you'd be a polygamist?

Fender Bender says:
Who said anything about marriage?

Counterpunch says:
Fair enough.

Counterpunch says:
How do you support yourself, your collecting habits, and do you like your job?

Fender Bender says:
Well, I previously worked for the shipping giant, Fedex Ground, and made $10 per hour driving a "Huffer" around. Now I'm a Security Guard that is moved to different sites on a week by week basis. It is really easy, however, the shifts can be rather long. Sitting for 14 hours just watching a tent can really drain on you. But for now, I'm somewhat Comfortable being able to pay the bills and

Fender Bender says:
buy a figure here and there. Priority number 1 is to get out of college though.

Counterpunch says:
Have you ever sold hot/sought-after figures on eBay to support your own purchases?

Fender Bender says:
I have sold a few things, but I never mark them up. I even hooked fellow staff member Down_Shift up with my extra BotCon set at cost because somehow they lost his registration.

Counterpunch says:
I was there for that. That was real charitable work you did there.

Counterpunch says:
So, this issue of scalping...where do you stand/

Fender Bender says:
Well, to be honest, I don't care for it much. I've had scalpers running around buying up all the new movies toys and it grinds my gears. Not only because that I can not buy them, but the next kid to walk in will see the empty shelves and won't have a chance to buy them either.

Counterpunch says:
What does your collection consist of? Do you have a particular figure or series you pursue?

Fender Bender says:
I've developed a desire for everything. I started out with Armada, then moved on to Energon and Cybertron respectively. I have a complete collection of all 3, including some of the Japanese exclusives like Shockwave from Armada or the repainted Terrorcons from Energon. Then add on my Movie collection, my Alternator collection (only missing Rodimus ), and misc. Universe stuff. Finally, I try

Fender Bender says:
to go back and pick stuff up I missed, such as RID and Beast Wars. I have all the 10th Ann figures from Hasbro, as well as a few originals such as Airrazor. As for RID, I have all of the AutoBots. Then I have the misc. stuff like Attacktix and HOC's. All in all, my shelves are pretty full.

Counterpunch says:
What is a completist?

Fender Bender says:
Well, I guess that would be me. I want them all.

Counterpunch says:
Is it an achievable goal? something to accomplish? or is the enjoyment in the journey?

Counterpunch says:
Also!

Counterpunch says:
Have you looked into this Poke'mon thing? It seems to be a perfect hobby for you.

Fender Bender says:
I would say all of the above. It's something I'm really motivated about and put effort into trying to complete. I remember a couple years ago, the Dairyland Transformers Fans (DTF) got together in a van and we would all dash from the van to the store as fast as possible. People looked at us funny, but is was a blast!

Fender Bender says:
As for Poke'mon, I played the original game on the gameboy, but never got into collecting the cards though.

Counterpunch says:
For the record, I think you'd be an excellent Poke' Master.

Counterpunch says:
How have your experiences with other Transformers fans been?

Counterpunch says:
Do you cringe when people refer to the as Trans-fans?

Counterpunch says:
(refer to fans as Trans-fans)

Fender Bender says:
For the most part, really good. I've met some really good people at Conventions, and some just at work! Nothing is better than talking Transformers for a half hour each day because one of the accounts I work at as a guard also has a collector who works there. Then you get the really golden moments like meeting TFMaster at BotCon '05 and drinking with him, Seibertron, and Prof. Smooth

Fender Bender says:
As for Trans-fans, to me, it's just an abbreviation. I prefer Transformer Collector, but that's just me.

Counterpunch says:
I also prefer that Transformers collectors not get mistaken for Transsexuals.

Fender Bender says:
Refer's to Gender Bender question......

Counterpunch says:
Movie toys? The greatest toys ever or simply the greatest Transformers toys ever?

Counterpunch says:
(You alright on time?)

Fender Bender says:
Hmm. I can not really say. Transformers are the only figures I collect (yes), so it would be unfair to compare them to anything else. However, comparing them to other Transformers, and I can honestly say they are pretty much the same. The movie line has it's great figures, and it has it's not so great figures.

Counterpunch says:
That was an excellent way to dodge the question, I commend you!

Counterpunch says:
Are there any lines of TF toys you just do not like?

Fender Bender says:
Well, when I got into Armada, I absolutely could not stand Beast Wars. When I seen they released repaints of Transmetal figures as part of the line, I skipped them. However, when I got the box set from BotCon '05, I was won over. Something about that set just changed my opinion completely.

Counterpunch says:
So where do you stand? Truk or Munky?

Fender Bender says:
Definitely Truk, but I've warmed up to "King Kongimus".

Counterpunch says:
What Transformer would you most like to see reissued?

Fender Bender says:
I would love to see Devastator re-issued. He was my favorite character growing up. I mean, Classics, Energon, and Universe Devastator are nice, but I want a G1. The closest thing I have to a G1 Devastator is a half yellow, half orange G2 Devastator.

Fender Bender says:
You still there?

Counterpunch says:
yes

Fender Bender says:
Copy that, just seen that it said you were offline

Counterpunch says:
bah, MSN is re to the R tarded.

Counterpunch says:
I think that's a solid choice for a reissue.

Counterpunch says:
What has been the biggest mistake (figure, line, or other) that Has/Tak has given us over the past few years?

Fender Bender says:
My first instinct is to go with KISS Players, but that has been beat to death. I'll just say Armada Scavenger's stomping action. He would have been much better with articulated legs.

Counterpunch says:
Last question from me...(We still have questions from your fans to go) Does collecting Transformers and Dating mix? Are you, or have you been nervous about letting the fairer sex into what, and let's be honest about this, the majority of people view as the odd or childish behavior of collecting?

Fender Bender says:
Between work, school, and sleeping, I really haven't had time to look for that special someone. My schedule just doesn't really allow me to get out that much. However, when I finally do get some time, I wouldn't mind telling women that I collect toys as a hobby. I hear quite a few women have their own collections of Barbies and other stuff.

Counterpunch says:
this seems related:Kirbenvost asks "Was there ever a time when your collection/collecting took precedence over something that should've been higher priority, for example, a significant other?"

Fender Bender says:
Well, as said, I don't have a significant other. However I have gone looking for Transformers in stores FIRST, even though I was there to buy something for a family members birthday.

Counterpunch says:

Kanyon asks, “Ever been watched by the store security/Loss prevention by walking in the store at a fast speed to get to the TF section and then walk out empty handed cause they had nothing?”

Fender Bender says:
Lately, I try to make a trip to Toys R Us, Target, or Walmart before work, as they are just down the road. So, typically, I'm wearing my Security Guard uniform when I go to those stores. I think I get watched by all the other shoppers rather than the employees!

Counterpunch says:
lanzajr26 asks, “If you could have a functional, life-size version of any Transformer, which one would you choose?”

Fender Bender says:
Devastator, of course. Just a statue of him would be epic enough.

Counterpunch says:
and Starscream227 asks, “What sustains your drive to collect? “

Fender Bender says:
To one day surpass Seibertron's (Ryan) collection. I've been to his apartment and it is HUGE.

Counterpunch says:
Ok, Last 10 questions here, short answer or word association only...Ready?

Fender Bender says:
Ready

Counterpunch says:
10. Michael Bay

Fender Bender says:
Director

Counterpunch says:
9. Armada

Fender Bender says:
WIN

Counterpunch says:
8. Articulation vs Function/feature

Fender Bender says:
Articulation

Counterpunch says:
7. Beast Machines?

Fender Bender says:
VehiCons, yes

Counterpunch says:
6. MP-03

Fender Bender says:
Ah, don't own him, but looking forward to Walmart exclusive

Counterpunch says:
5. Comic Continuity or Cartoon Continuity?

Fender Bender says:
Cartoon, but War Within is great

Counterpunch says:
4. Mass shifting: Yea or Nay

Fender Bender says:
Nay

Counterpunch says:
3. MP-07 Should rightfully be...

Fender Bender says:
Shockwave

Counterpunch says:
2. If I were a Transformer I would be...

Fender Bender says:
Movie Prime

Counterpunch says:
Lastly...

Counterpunch says:
1. If Optimus Prime came to you and said, "Fender Bender, I need you to kill a man." Would there be any hesitation? Doubt? Or would bitches be dead?

Fender Bender says:
Hesitation, as I only serve Megatron

Counterpunch says:
Fair enough.

Counterpunch says:
Thanks for taking the time to do this. I think everyone will enjoy getting a good picture of you and your collection.

That was fantastic! Very enjoyable, I'll be looking forward to more!

Wonderful interview. I'd love to be interviewed, but a measly collection of about 20 doesn't really warrant much interest.

I like that! Very good, good questions too. Cant wait foir my turn. Me being a MISB collector and all.


blkbitcloud1

blkbitcloud1 wrote:I like that! Very good, good questions too. Cant wait foir my turn. Me being a MISB collector and all.


blkbitcloud1

Is it 100% MISB? I'd like to see something like. (No jibes or
snideness here).

For the interview, good stuff! Let the victims roll on!

I'm liking this. Great job with the questions CP, same to all of those who submitted them. I look forward to more!

It was nice meeting you at Botcon, Fender(right in front of Stan Bush, no less), I hope that we can talk more here and there. Best wishes with your education(it will all be worth it trust me!)

And I can't believe that I'm 10 years older than you...

::feels old::

This is a cool thing for the rest of the fandom to enjoy. Anticipating my turn someday!

Very entertaining read! Nice work Counterpunch, and nice collection Fender Bender!

I look forward to reading more of these interviews.

Nice I like this idea CP.

Fender Gender, you have quite a collection there. I like how you have your Botcon stuff.

Hey nice work fellas. That was fun. I need a camera so bad. I wanna participate too!

Great Collection there Fender Bender. Very organised and and spacious. I envy those with space.

And nice work on the interview Counterpunch; semi-formal with plenty of jokes is certainly the way to go. Looking forward to reading more of these in upcoming weeks.

Love to see some done in the Punch/Counterpunch style too.

Great read. I simply cannot wait for my rageful turn.

Great interview, very enjoyable.

Yes, G2 Megatron is sweet!

Yeah, this was really fun. I can't wait to read what the next victim's have to say.

Very cool. Very neat.

That was a fun read. Nice pics too.

Nice job Counterpunch. I'm looking forward to some future interviews being done by Punch, or maybe even a collaboration between the 2 of you!

Acceptable. You need to put more pressure on 'em though CP.
Though the disturbing thing is I see a lot of similarities between myself and FB.

Good interview.

I really like your idea of cutting the back off the boxes to keep. That seems like a good solution to the problems I'm having with storing all these empty boxes.

Prime vs Wild wrote:Good interview.

I really like your idea of cutting the back off the boxes to keep. That seems like a good solution to the problems I'm having with storing all these empty boxes.

Yeah, I started doing that with Cybertron, and then moved on to Classics, Movie, and Titaniums. I've had to rearrange those just as many times as I have my toys because of new posters and stuff that I pick up.

Neat.

I do so enjoy CP's interviews. There somewhat formal, yet informal.


And more often than not they don't involve violence

Great interview CP, and thanks to Fender Bender for making the first shot at this an entertaining one.

Crap son, that's a fine collection!

Nice interview, definite great read. Looking forward to issue #2!

That was very good!
I enjoyed it, man if only I could have half of that!

::starting new thread::

I vote DJ Soundwave!