Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

Robert N. Skir was the Story Editor and Head Writer for the Transformers TV series Beast Machines, in his words perhaps the most polarizing series in Transformers history. Bob will be speaking at TFcon Chicago and meeting with fans all weekend.



Posted in Convention Updates

MegaDump wrote:A brave soul for daring to put himself out there to confront the fandom!

Personally, I didn't think Beast Machines was quite as bad as people were making it out to be... But it definitely could have been better. I think the mechanical to organic component was the most bizarre.

As a human, I'd prefer to move myself more towards the mechanical! Think about it: Transformers don't need to breathe, don't need to eat, can survive extreme environments, modify their body to suit their surroundings; a more perfect being for space exploration could not exist.

This fundamental shift in what it means to be a Transformer is arguably what most people didn't like about Beast Machines. That and Botanica... A flower Transformer? On what planet did that sound like a good idea?

MegaDump wrote:A brave soul for daring to put himself out there to confront the fandom!

Personally, I didn't think Beast Machines was quite as bad as people were making it out to be... But it definitely could have been better. I think the mechanical to organic component was the most bizarre.

As a human, I'd prefer to move myself more towards the mechanical! Think about it: Transformers don't need to breathe, don't need to eat, can survive extreme environments, modify their body to suit their surroundings; a more perfect being for space exploration could not exist.

This fundamental shift in what it means to be a Transformer is arguably what most people didn't like about Beast Machines. That and Botanica... A flower Transformer? On what planet did that sound like a good idea?

Metroplex79 wrote:

MegaDump wrote:A brave soul for daring to put himself out there to confront the fandom!

Personally, I didn't think Beast Machines was quite as bad as people were making it out to be... But it definitely could have been better. I think the mechanical to organic component was the most bizarre.

As a human, I'd prefer to move myself more towards the mechanical! Think about it: Transformers don't need to breathe, don't need to eat, can survive extreme environments, modify their body to suit their surroundings; a more perfect being for space exploration could not exist.

This fundamental shift in what it means to be a Transformer is arguably what most people didn't like about Beast Machines. That and Botanica... A flower Transformer? On what planet did that sound like a good idea?

Well, it's been so long, and the fandom that grew up with G1 and BW have grown a little wiser.

Faced with awesome dialog and cheerleading kids, I'd take BM over RiD and Unicron Trilogy. It's still the only series that takes place on Cybertron. Then add Animated animation's style (I LOVED the series though, mostly for the story and script). Then add the live action movies.

In hindsight, it's not as bad as what we've been given.

Well, the BW cast landed on Earth because of a battle. Thus needing predators and local wild lifeforms to aid in combat. If the Maximal ship was a scientific exploration-type ship and landed on planet filled with plants, they would have taken some kind of plant form.

As we've all learned from Star Trek and Star Wars, not every species on every other planet develop the same way. Characteristics of a species depends on many factors.

Oh, and a planet with plant based lifeform was established in G1. The Morphobots. Sure those were mechanical, but a vast majority of species are organic based.

TFcon is happy to welcome Ken Christiansen to TFcon Chicago 2014. His current Projects include contributions to the Transformers: the Covenant of Primus, IDW’s Transformers: Prime series, and toy development for Hasbro brands, including Transformers, Star Wars, and more. He will be in attendance all weekend and offering prints and commissions to the attendees.

padfoo wrote:That classic Mirage image looks great!

TFcon is happy to welcome IDW Publishing colorist Josh Perez to TFcon Chicago 2014. Transformers fans will recognize his work from the pages of Dark Cybertron, Robots in Disguise and More Than Meets The Eye. He will be in attendance all weekend and offering prints and commissions to the attendees.

TFcon is happy to welcome Brendan Cahill to TFcon Chicago. Fans will recognize his art from The Transformers ongoing #21, #25, #27, #29, Robots in Disguise #7, 2012 Annual and More than Meets the Eye #12.

He will be in attendance all weekend and offering prints and commissions to the attendees.

TFCon Chicago 2014 OFFICIAL PROMO
Optimus Prime gives another epic speech from the destroyed city of Chicago about Transformers 4: Age of Extinction... but is it all just a dream?

Event Schedule for TFcon Chicago 2014
FRIDAY (dealer room is not open to public)
6-9 pm – Attendee Registration – International Foyer
7pm – Artist Alley Preview – Paris
8pm – Opening ceremony – London
8:15 pm – Transform Me! The Transformers Documentary World Première Screening – London
9:45 pm – Q&A with Transform Me! Producers – London
10pm – Message Board Meetup 21+ – Hotel Bar

SATURDAY
8am – Attendee Registration – International Foyer
9am – Dealer Room opens to Early Admission and Weekend Pass holders – International Ballroom
9am-5pm – Art Contest Exhibit Opens – Florence
10am – Dealer Room opens to General Admission – International Ballroom
10am – Dan Gilvezan, Alan Oppenheimer, Venus Terzo Autographs Begin
10am – Transformers Fan Media Panel w/ Jon Bailey and Vangelus – London
11am – Transformers Costume contest – London
11am – James Roberts and Bob Skir autograph session – Paris
12pm – Q/A with James Roberts – London
1pm – Q/A with Alan Oppenheimer and Dan Gilvezan – London
2pm – Q/A with Venus Terzo and Bob Skir – London
3pm – Q/A with Aaron Archer – London
4pm – 3rd Party Product Preview – London
4:45pm – TFcon Awards (art contest results) – London
5pm – Dealer Room closes – International Ballroom
5pm – Live Script Reading Auditions – London
6pm – Live Script Reading – London
6:30pm – Chicago Transformers Fans Group Photo – Outside hotel entrance
6:45pm – Transformers The Movie (1986) Screening – London
9pm – Official TFcon after party 21+ – Hotel Bar

SUNDAY
9am – Attendee Registration – International Foyer
10am – Dealer Room opens – International Ballroom
10am – Dan Gilvezan, Alan Oppenheimer, Venus Terzo Autographs Begin
10am – James Roberts and Bob Skir autograph session – Paris
11am – Writing 101: James Roberts and Bob Skir – London
12am – Voice Acting 101 with Alan Oppenheimer, Dan Gilvezan and Venus Terzo – London
1pm – IDW Artists Panel – London
2pm – Creating Worlds with Aaron Archer, Rik Alvarez – London
3pm – Dealer Room closes – International Ballroom
3pm – Q/A with Convention Organizers – London
4pm – WTF@TFW Podcast Live Recording – London

Dear TFCON Enthusiasts,


We look forward to welcoming you to the Hyatt Regency O'Hare!

If you are arriving from O'Hare International Airport: Hyatt Regency O'Hare has a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service between the hotel and the airport.

DOMESTIC ARRIVALS: Upon arriving, proceed to the baggage claim area. From there, there will be signs and red arrows directing you to the SHUTTLE BUS CENTER. Our shuttle picks up from door #1. For further instructions, click here.

INTERNATIONAL ARRIVALS: Upon arriving, call the hotel at (847) 696-1234 to inform the operator that you have arrived at the international terminal. A shuttle will be dispatched to the terminal to pick you up.

Departing from O'Hare International Airport: Our complimentary 24-hour shuttle service is available from the main entrance. Shuttles run every 15 minutes between 4:00 a.m. and midnight and every 30-45 minutes between midnight and 4:00 a.m.

Parking at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare: Head east from River Road down Bryn Mawr. The hotel will be on your left. Should you require luggage assistance, enter the front drive of the hotel. If not, proceed to the end of Bryn Mawr, the entrance to the surface parking and hotel parking garage will be at the end of the block on your left. Please hold onto your guest room key to exit the parking gates upon your departure.

Dining Options within the hotel:

Perks is your one-stop-shop to get Starbucks coffee, freshly baked treats, an assortment of snacks, souvenirs and so much more! Perks is open daily from 4AM until 2AM during your stay.

$3 – Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich Special
Fri 10/24 - Sun 10/26
7:30a – 9:30a $6 Breakfast Wrap Station
Specialty Themed Coffee & Treat
AXIS Espresso - $4.50
Shafter Smoothie - $4.25


Microwaves accessible 24 hours in Perks Foyer area


O'H American Grill will be serving Breakfast and Lunch from 6AM until 4PM (Buffet and A La Carte options available) Breakfast a la carte menu, click here. For Lunch a la carte menu, click here.

Cash Food Stand Sales

Convenient fast dining options available on our Perks Entry Level tile area
Fri 10/24
11am –3pm also Featuring enhanced $7 Wrap Station
5pm – 9pm also Featuring enhanced $7 Freshly Baked Pizza Station

Sat 10/25
11am – 3pm also Featuring $7 Made to Order Deli Sandwiches
5pm – 9pm also Featuring $3.50 Rogelio’s Taco Station

Sun 10/26
11am – 3pm also Featuring $7 Made to Order Grilled Ham & Cheese Station

Red Bar is open nightly at 4PM during your stay. In addition to our delectable made-to-order sushi and amazing appetizers including burgers and pizza. Wash everything down with a rich and refreshing pint of our own Red Bar Brew while watching a game on one of our 25 plasma screens. Red Bar Brew is brewed locally by Two Brothers Brewing Co. in Warrenville, IL.

$10 Specialty Themed Drinks

In Room Dining is also available from 6AM until 12AM.

We'd like to introduce you to our newest service enhancement as we strive to be your preferred hotel of choice in Chicago. During your stay , you can connect with your next meal from anywhere at any time. We invite you to order room service remotely with your favorite wireless or mobile device by logging on to http//ohare.hyattservices.com/ or by scanning the QR code below.



Getting Online at Hyatt Regency O'Hare

COMPLIMENTARY STANDARD WIFI is available in the hotel lobby by logging on to the Hyatt Public network.

WIFI is in all of the guestrooms. Logon to the Hyatt Guestroom network. To sign in, enter your last name and room number and accept the charge for Standard Internet.