BotCon 2014 - Brochure Online, Transformers Fan Experience at Universal Studios
Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014 6:36PM CDT
Categories: Event News, Collector's Club NewsPosted by: Va'al Views: 18,354
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Hello Everyone!
Sorry this has taken so long to get to you but the BotCon 2014 brochure is finally online at BotCon.com. We have been waiting on the final details for the TRANSFORMERS FAN EXPERIENCE at Universal Studios Hollywood, and we got the green light today! This will be a fantastic event at this year's 30th Anniversary Transformers Celebration! Don't miss it!
Our current plan is to let you ask question for the next couple of weeks and then we plan to start registration sometime the week of May 5th.
Please use the email links at BotCon.com and make sure you read the FAQs before we start registration.
See you in Pasadena!
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Posted by Sabrblade on April 22nd, 2014 @ 7:14pm CDT
BotCon Figure Set
They sailed across the inky-black where the heavens can’t be found. No light could show, no wind could blow, no soul could make a sound. Yet each mech aboard, garbed for war, holding a cutlass or a gun… And from the spotter above came the sign – We’re bound for Cybertron!
But Cybertron is not defenseless. Noble, wise, and loyal to the cause, the KNIGHTS OF CYBERTRON are steadfast in their protection of their homeworld. Any villainy that dare threaten the planet will be met with valiant courage, unwavering will, and Cybertron’s greatest warriors!
The BotCon 2014 Convention set - PIRATES VS KNIGHTS! This year’s amazing five-figure set explores a whole new theme while also celebrating 30 years of the Transformers! This is more than just an homage set though, as it brings characters from across the mythos into the Fun Publications “G1 cartoon” universe, while also FINALLY bringing some long time fan favorite characters to life! And our biggest reveal? The centerpiece of our set features the FIRST HEADMASTER Transformer sold in over 20 years! Keep an eye on BotCon.com for ALL the incredible figure reveals!
DECEPTICON PIRATE CANNONBALL – A smarmy, charismatic pirate leader, who rules through charm and subterfuge, rather than force and intimidation, Cannonball is a Bot who’d sooner talk his way out of a fight or into a prize, but is more than capable when he needs to do battle. While he specializes in deception, fraud and even out-and-out impersonation, Cannonball is also skilled with blades and melee weapons – a true swashbuckler.
DECEPTICON PIRATE FERAK – Ferak is a sadist and the Pirates’ maintenance man. He keeps the ship together and can cobble Engines of Terror for casting fear on their victims. He used to be part of an elite Decepticon team called “Squadron X” during the war, but has found adapting to peacetime rather difficult. He is partnered with the diminutive TORNADO, a former member of Squadron X, whose alternate mode is a gun, but an ill-designed gun that jams and threatens to explode if a round of ammunition becomes lodged (it happens a lot – Ferak has the powder burns to prove it).
DECEPTICON PIRATE SCORPONOK – Scorponok is the fusion of machine and a Nebulan named Zarak. Last we had seen of Scorponok, he was flying through space serving as the battleship for the tattered remains of the Decepticon army. Now, however, Zarak has been forced to scuttle much of that battleship, rebuilding Scorponok into a smaller body.
AUTOBOT KNIGHT GINRAI – He is the gruff, pragmatic and
downright paranoid military leader of the Autobots/Maximals. An old-school warrior “Bot of Action”, Ginrai has earned the rank of Knight Commander. A veteran of the old conflicts, he’s not entirely comfortable with the peace, constantly waiting for the “other shoe to drop”.
AUTOBOT KNIGHT DEVCON – A loner and former bounty hunter who holds the rank of Knight Sergeant, Devcon is the Batman to Ginrai’s Commissioner Gordon – the Bot willing to cross the line, bend the rules, shake down an informant. He doesn’t play well with others, but he gets the job done every time.
This offering will be hot, so don’t miss out! Order your Primus or Iacon package today!
Posted by Midnight_Fox on April 22nd, 2014 @ 7:29pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on April 22nd, 2014 @ 7:44pm CDT
How do you figure? It was said at last year's BotCon to take place after Termination, acting as the finale to the Wings Universe.Midnight_Fox wrote:So this does take place between A Flash Forward and Termination.
Posted by ScottyP on April 22nd, 2014 @ 8:08pm CDT
Posted by Flux Convoy on April 22nd, 2014 @ 8:17pm CDT
Posted by Midnight_Fox on April 22nd, 2014 @ 10:13pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:How do you figure? It was said at last year's BotCon to take place after Termination, acting as the finale to the Wings Universe.Midnight_Fox wrote:So this does take place between A Flash Forward and Termination.
I believe they said earlier this year that while it IS the "finale"(I believe it was actually stated to be the last story) to Wings, it takes place before. As well, Ginrai's Bio in the brochure says that Cybertron is at peace and protected by the Knights. That doesn't gel with the ending of Termination, where the Autobots were told to leave Cybertron or be exterminated. It does, however, gel with the "2nd Golden Age" that G2 and A Flash Forward take place during.
Posted by Sabrblade on April 22nd, 2014 @ 10:22pm CDT
Yes, but Termination was set in 2013 AD (according to the official Wings Universe timeline). 30 years after the G1 cartoon would be roughly in 2037 AD.Midnight_Fox wrote:Sabrblade wrote:How do you figure? It was said at last year's BotCon to take place after Termination, acting as the finale to the Wings Universe.Midnight_Fox wrote:So this does take place between A Flash Forward and Termination.
I believe they said earlier this year that while it IS the "finale"(I believe it was actually stated to be the last story) to Wings, it takes place before. As well, Ginrai's Bio in the brochure says that Cybertron is at peace and protected by the Knights. That doesn't gel with the ending of Termination, where the Autobots were told to leave Cybertron or be exterminated.
Posted by shajaki on April 22nd, 2014 @ 10:45pm CDT
im planning on buying this set whether its straight from the source or aftermarket. theres a non attendee package correct? based on how theyve operated in the past, its just the 5 figure set, but is it only loose bagged or can i get the actual box? what is the price like from the source? will they ship it right to me? would it actually be easier to buy it from the aftermarket?
thanks in advance!
Posted by Midnight_Fox on April 22nd, 2014 @ 10:46pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Yes, but Termination was set in 2013 AD (according to the official Wings Universe timeline). 30 years after the G1 cartoon would be roughly in 2037 AD.Midnight_Fox wrote:Sabrblade wrote:How do you figure? It was said at last year's BotCon to take place after Termination, acting as the finale to the Wings Universe.Midnight_Fox wrote:So this does take place between A Flash Forward and Termination.
I believe they said earlier this year that while it IS the "finale"(I believe it was actually stated to be the last story) to Wings, it takes place before. As well, Ginrai's Bio in the brochure says that Cybertron is at peace and protected by the Knights. That doesn't gel with the ending of Termination, where the Autobots were told to leave Cybertron or be exterminated.
Huh, look at that. I thought Termination took place in the future. I even looked for a time line earlier today to check that.
Posted by Sabrblade on April 22nd, 2014 @ 10:57pm CDT
If you're not attending, the Iacon Package is the one you'll want. It costs as much as the Primus Package (this year being $395.00 for Club members) and does contain the five figures in their boxed packaging (loose bagged sets are only available to those who purchase the boxed sets in the Primus or Iacon Packages first).shajaki wrote:so... please forgive my ignorance but i have some questions about registration:
im planning on buying this set whether its straight from the source or aftermarket. theres a non attendee package correct? based on how theyve operated in the past, its just the 5 figure set, but is it only loose bagged or can i get the actual box? what is the price like from the source? will they ship it right to me? would it actually be easier to buy it from the aftermarket?
thanks in advance!
Full info from the brochure:
The Iacon Package ($395 for club members or $495 for non-members)
is for those who cannot attend the show and consists of:
• Transformers: Pirates vs. Knights Convention Set: A five-figure boxed
set which includes Decepticon Pirates: Cannonball, Ferak, Scorponok,
and Autobot Knights: Ginrai and Devcon, all presented in an illustrated
display box. Also included with the set is a certificate of authenticity,
tech specs and figure weapons.
• Convention pin.
• Convention program with comic.
• Does not include the bonus attendee figure.
• Items will be shipped three to four weeks after the show to your home
address. (Use the BotCon.com registration link to order this package.)
'Course, this doesn't include the souvenirs, which we know next to nothing about and can only be purchased at the event (any leftovers get put on the Club's online store).
Posted by shajaki on April 22nd, 2014 @ 11:23pm CDT
but uhhh... holy... 100 dollar difference between member and non member? thats kinda gross. i think ill be going aftermarket on this..
Posted by Sabrblade on April 22nd, 2014 @ 11:29pm CDT
Well, it only costs 40 bucks to become a member, so get the membership and then the membership pricing to equal $435 instead.shajaki wrote:thanks for the info!
but uhhh... holy... 100 dollar difference between member and non member? thats kinda gross. i think ill be going aftermarket on this..
Posted by craggy on April 23rd, 2014 @ 2:17am CDT
gotta say I am tempted. I'm worried that demand for Scorponok is going to result in attendees being able to fun their 2nd set or all the souvenir figures off reselling one Scorpy, and that he'll be harder to get than an intact Black Zarak. then again, I'm not keen on what I've heard about the club's practices or service regarding international customers, so...
Posted by Henry921 on April 23rd, 2014 @ 2:23am CDT
craggy wrote:and if you do sign up to be a member to get the Iacon package, you'll get the free club figure this year as well (which is Protoform X, am I right?) right?
Sorry, the deadline for that figure was back in March. You'll get whatever the 2015 figure is instead if you join the Club right now.
Posted by craggy on April 23rd, 2014 @ 2:39am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on April 23rd, 2014 @ 8:52am CDT
shajaki wrote:thanks for the info!
but uhhh... holy... 100 dollar difference between member and non member? thats kinda gross. i think ill be going aftermarket on this..
Aftermarket will run you much more than that. Even at cost plus shipping, you'd barely be saving over the cost of Iacon package + membership. And as mentioned before, you'll get the 2015 club freebie figure, which you could sell to offset cost even more.
Posted by alexison on April 23rd, 2014 @ 10:29am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on April 23rd, 2014 @ 10:55am CDT
Doctor McGrath wrote:The price for as non attendee box set is ridiculous. No way should it be the same price as an attendee package.
Absolutely agree with that. The attendee package has the Universal event built in, so I became very ok with the price once I learned that (cuz f--k a casino night, don't need that same 'ol noise). My only guess, not knowing a lick about their actual cost, is that they're losing money on Primus sets and offsetting a bit with the Iacon ones.
Or, rather, their margin is something like 10% on a Primus set because of Universal so they want to then have a higher margin on the Iacon sets to help out.
Just throwing darts; as stated, I have no clue at all what their cost is, but indeed I don't get why the non-attendee went up as much as the attending package, given what comes with them besides the toys (Event at Universal Studios vs. shipping costs).
Posted by craggy on April 23rd, 2014 @ 11:01am CDT
Doctor McGrath wrote:The price for as non attendee box set is ridiculous. No way should it be the same price as an attendee package.
honestly, I feel the cost for either is a lot. But then I'm looking at tfwiki and seeing some Botcon exclusives only had 1200 made. I'm sure that the cost of making even say 2000 deluxes compared to however many Hasbro makes ramps up the cost price considerably. I'd guess it's more comparable with the cost of manufacturing some 3rd party toys, so when you break down the price of an Iacon Package (even including club membership, and bearing in mind you'll get a 6th figure from that) it doesn't seem quite so bad.
But...when you take into acc that those attending get all the meet-ups, dealer room, artist alley, and all that cool stuff, sure it's better to go...but then you've to pay for a hotel, and flights there (or water for your horse, whatever) and get time off work (because you'd better be working if you think you can afford this!) and all that jazz...
It's a decision you have to make yourself. Personally, as much as I'd love to attend, I can't afford the time or, to a lesser extent the money. But I might spring for a Non-Attendee set if I can see a way to offload Ginrai and Ferak.
edit: Do they charge international Iacon Package customers any additional shipping costs? IIRC they do for the membership figure.
Posted by alexison on April 23rd, 2014 @ 11:05am CDT
ScottyP wrote:Doctor McGrath wrote:The price for as non attendee box set is ridiculous. No way should it be the same price as an attendee package.
Absolutely agree with that. The attendee package has the Universal event built in, so I became very ok with the price once I learned that (cuz f--k a casino night, don't need that same 'ol noise). My only guess, not knowing a lick about their actual cost, is that they're losing money on Primus sets and offsetting a bit with the Iacon ones.
Or, rather, their margin is something like 10% on a Primus set because of Universal so they want to then have a higher margin on the Iacon sets to help out.
Just throwing darts; as stated, I have no clue at all what their cost is, but indeed I don't get why the non-attendee went up as much as the attending package, given what comes with them besides the toys (Event at Universal Studios vs. shipping costs).
Yeah, I couldn't believe it when the brochure went live. Completely priced this guy out.
Posted by shajaki on April 23rd, 2014 @ 11:47am CDT
this is the reason id rather give my money to ebay.Doctor McGrath wrote:The price for as non attendee box set is ridiculous. No way should it be the same price as an attendee package.
just based on watching botcon items on ebay, im confident i can get a set around $400. a lot of sellers do pre-sales, and if i keep an eye out im pretty sure i wont be spending more than 450.
Posted by Mindmaster on April 23rd, 2014 @ 11:47am CDT
Oh, well. MP-11 Starscream or Metroplex will have to do.
Posted by It Is Him on April 23rd, 2014 @ 11:59am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on April 23rd, 2014 @ 12:19pm CDT
It Is Him wrote:No mention of loose sets? Don't they usually offer extra loose sets to people who buy the Primus package? I kinda would prefer that since I really don't have the space for a box set right now. (Psst - anyone want to hook me up?)
Only 250 loose sets being produced this year. Those are gonna fly.
Posted by alexison on April 23rd, 2014 @ 12:37pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:It Is Him wrote:No mention of loose sets? Don't they usually offer extra loose sets to people who buy the Primus package? I kinda would prefer that since I really don't have the space for a box set right now. (Psst - anyone want to hook me up?)
Only 250 loose sets being produced this year. Those are gonna fly.
I do not get the business model here.
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on April 23rd, 2014 @ 1:02pm CDT
Posted by craggy on April 23rd, 2014 @ 1:19pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:It Is Him wrote:No mention of loose sets? Don't they usually offer extra loose sets to people who buy the Primus package? I kinda would prefer that since I really don't have the space for a box set right now. (Psst - anyone want to hook me up?)
Only 250 loose sets being produced this year. Those are gonna fly.
Flooop! this makes me worried about my chances of getting anything after market. The box-set is usually the most in demand thing, so if they're only doing 250 loose sets, I wonder if there won't be many souvenir sets either? and of course, those'll be where the bots I really want end up (spread across two or three sets, packed in with others I've no interest in at all)
Posted by ScottyP on April 23rd, 2014 @ 1:53pm CDT
Doctor McGrath wrote:ScottyP wrote:It Is Him wrote:No mention of loose sets? Don't they usually offer extra loose sets to people who buy the Primus package? I kinda would prefer that since I really don't have the space for a box set right now. (Psst - anyone want to hook me up?)
Only 250 loose sets being produced this year. Those are gonna fly.
I do not get the business model here.
This is the "we took a ride into the Red with Machine Wars and have to cut costs" business model >:oP
Posted by alexison on April 23rd, 2014 @ 4:53pm CDT
ScottyP wrote:Doctor McGrath wrote:ScottyP wrote:It Is Him wrote:No mention of loose sets? Don't they usually offer extra loose sets to people who buy the Primus package? I kinda would prefer that since I really don't have the space for a box set right now. (Psst - anyone want to hook me up?)
Only 250 loose sets being produced this year. Those are gonna fly.
I do not get the business model here.
This is the "we took a ride into the Red with Machine Wars and have to cut costs" business model >:oP
Hahaha for sure. The please pay for last years "good idea" with this years model.
Posted by Sabrblade on April 24th, 2014 @ 7:43pm CDT
http://www.botcon.com/BotCon2014/BC14guest10.html
Posted by Va'al on April 25th, 2014 @ 3:02pm CDT
Posted by 5150 Cruiser on April 25th, 2014 @ 3:16pm CDT
Va'al wrote:The official BotCon Twitter account has revealed a whole slew of guests for the 2014 convention, and they're all part of the Transformers: Rescue Bots cast! Joining the guest list, which you can find here, are Steve Blum (Heatwave and Prime Starscream), Parvesh Cheena (Blades), Jason Marsden (Kade Burns), Shannon McKain (Graham Burns), Elan Garfias (Cody Burns), Nicole Dubuc (Bumblebee, CAT, and writer for both Rescue Bots and Prime episodes), writers Greg Johnson and Brian Hohlfeld - bringing the guset count to seventeen!
Damn, no Lacey Chabert? That's to bad.
Posted by Sabrblade on April 25th, 2014 @ 5:56pm CDT
Posted by Va'al on May 1st, 2014 @ 2:55pm CDT
BotCon 2014 is coming to Pasadena, CA June 19th-22nd. For the full reveal of this year's 5-figure convention set and general information on the show, be sure to visit http://www.botcon.com. To see two of the exclusive characters in action (Cannonball and Ferak), we have an exclusive preview of pages 3 and 4 from this year's BotCon comic!
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on May 1st, 2014 @ 3:01pm CDT
Big Rescue Force
the potential combined from of the Motorvators
Armada Tidal Wave (really, FunPub? )
FoC Air Raid
Meanstreak
Power Master Ironhide
The last two are really toy-accurate in the locomotion department.
Posted by ScottyP on May 1st, 2014 @ 3:27pm CDT
Posted by Mkall on May 1st, 2014 @ 3:35pm CDT
Posted by Midnight_Fox on May 1st, 2014 @ 4:21pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on May 1st, 2014 @ 4:33pm CDT
Anyway, something important to note is that the first of these two pages was actually already revealed in the last issue of the TCC magazine. So those who got the magazine and read are seeing it here for the second time.
Not counting the Tidal Wave, I see 12 bots/things in that pic.JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:How many cameos do you spy? I see several:
Big Rescue Force
the potential combined from of the Motorvators
Armada Tidal Wave (really, FunPub? )
FoC Air Raid
Meanstreak
Power Master Ironhide
The last two are really toy-accurate in the locomotion department.
Posted by Sabrblade on May 1st, 2014 @ 5:54pm CDT
Scorponok in Jet Mode
An Easter-colored combiner form for the Motorvators
Big Rescue Force
Windmill
Under-3
Meanstreak
Some guy behind Meanstreak
Power Master Ironhide
A red Autoceptor
Bonaparte Tulcas
Some gray guy behind Ironhide
A redeco of FOC Fireflight (Generations Air Raid)
The Tidal Wave
Posted by ausbot on May 1st, 2014 @ 7:29pm CDT
Posted by Rated X on May 1st, 2014 @ 8:06pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on May 1st, 2014 @ 8:30pm CDT
Two words: Solar Sails.Rated X wrote:Sails on a spaceship is stuipd. I mean REALLY stupid. There is no wind in space. Not to mention it has rocket boosters.
Lots of science fiction stories use them. They usually serve the function of an additional power source that absorbs solar radiation from stars, and aesthetically resemble sails for multiple reasons depending on the author(s).
Posted by shajaki on May 1st, 2014 @ 9:27pm CDT
Posted by Rated X on May 1st, 2014 @ 10:23pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Two words: Solar Sails.Rated X wrote:Sails on a spaceship is stuipd. I mean REALLY stupid. There is no wind in space. Not to mention it has rocket boosters.
Lots of science fiction stories use them. They usually serve the function of an additional power source that absorbs solar radiation from stars, and aesthetically resemble sails for multiple reasons depending on the author(s).
While I see the logic you speak of, the fact that its only being done because they are pirates makes it too much. Just because they are space pirates doesnt mean they have to do everything human pirates do. Years of people begging for a broadside repaint of the tidalwave mold, and this is how funpub decides to use the mold ? I pray they dont do it...
Posted by Sabrblade on May 1st, 2014 @ 10:39pm CDT
Well, it is still up in the air as to whether or not they will actually use that mold. Much less remold it to have sails since the Club admitted on their Twitter that, after Cannonball and Devcon, their remold budget was all used up by Scorponok's new tooling.Rated X wrote:Years of people begging for a broadside repaint of the tidalwave mold, and this is how funpub decides to use the mold ? I pray they dont do it...
There's also the possibility of this mold being so old that it might not be available for them to use.
And those colors it has in that page (or what little of them that we can see since most of the ship is cast in shadow) don't look too different from the toy's original Armada colors, so it's possible that it isn't a redeco and just a repurposing of the original toy as it is (for those who already own it). Which would sensible thing to do as it would let people use that mold with the BotCon toys without the Club having to spend more money on an 11-year-old mold of that large size.
Personally, I'm still a bit skeptical about them actually using the Tidal Wave mold and am not expecting them to (and certainly not expecting it to have newly molded sails), but I wouldn't mind them using it as it would be a pleasant surprise.
Posted by Rated X on May 1st, 2014 @ 10:56pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Well, it is still up in the air as to whether or not they will actually use that mold. Much less remold it to have sails since the Club admitted on their Twitter that, after Cannonball and Devcon, their remold budget was all used up by Scorponok's new tooling.Rated X wrote:Years of people begging for a broadside repaint of the tidalwave mold, and this is how funpub decides to use the mold ? I pray they dont do it...
There's also the possibility of this mold being so old that it might not be available for them to use.
And those colors it has in that page (or what little of them that we can see since most of the ship is cast in shadow) don't look too different from the toy's original Armada colors, so it's possible that it isn't a redeco and just a repurposing of the original toy as it is (for those who already own it). Which would sensible thing to do as it would let people use that mold with the BotCon toys without the Club having to spend more money on an 11-year-old mold of that large size.
Personally, I'm still a bit skeptical about them actually using the Tidal Wave mold and am not expecting them to (and certainly not expecting it to have newly molded sails), but I wouldn't mind them using it as it would be a pleasant surprise.
I have the crazy white and translucent green tidalwave. Isnt that the energon version ? I thought the armada version was black and purple ? The black in the comic drawing appears to be a shadow to me and the top is painted white. Also im so sick of hearing about funpubs retool budget. Why cant they just spend more and get more ? Or why not have someone do resin heads like they did with the custom class longarm ? Every botcon figure should have a new head. Did they not learn from megaplex ? Did they pretend those renderform megaplex heads didnt exist ?
Posted by Sabrblade on May 1st, 2014 @ 11:15pm CDT
Yours does sound like the Energon one, yes.Rated X wrote:I have the crazy white and translucent green tidalwave. Isnt that the energon version ? I thought the armada version was black and purple ? The black in the comic drawing appears to be a shadow to me and the top is painted white.
And, like I said, it is difficult to tell what the ship's full colors look like, what with all that shadow we see. But what we can see are some green in the placements where green is found on both the Armada and Energon versions (green hands and green side bows), and what looks like some light gray on the ship's front (the aircraft carrier part).
Now, looking at the latter on both the Armada and Energon versions, the Armada one has a light gray aircraft carrier part, while the Energon one has a dark gray aircraft carrier part (really do wish there was a simpler term for this part, lol). Since this part is lighter on both the Armada version and the ship in this comic, that's a point in favor of the Armada deco.
Then again, pretty much everything in these images look washed out and faded, anyway. ^_^'
but, as we said, it is too tough for us to tell for sure at this point based on this single shadowed picture. Guess we'll just have to wait and see what's what.
For reference, here are the two versions of Tidal Wave we mentioned (Armada on top, Energon under it), along with the comic page.
Posted by Henry921 on May 2nd, 2014 @ 1:26am CDT
Troop builder 3 pack?
Posted by Rodimus Prime on May 2nd, 2014 @ 7:24am CDT
Also, a remolding isn't really necessary for the figure, just a repainting. They can produce the mast-and-sail set and just find a good place to attach on/stick on the existing mold of Tidal Wave. From the positioning of the mast in the comic, it looks like it's stuck on the Mini-Con peg on his chest. So all it really needs is a hollow mast section.