BotCon 2014 Official Comic 'Hoist the Flag' Preview - Ferak and Cannonball

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.

If that Tidal Wave ends up being a toy AND has that mast and sail, then they could bag up RotF Tuner Mudflaps in the other sets and I wouldn't care. Pirate ship Tidal Wave would make it all ok.

I'm liking the writing so far. Say what you will about The Club's lore, but it's usually well-written.

That whole last page made me smile.

Oh slag. They really did use the Armada Tidal Wave design for the ship. Though, they did give it a sail, which I wouldn't expect them to do at this point since they said that Scorponok ate up their remolding budget. So the jury's still out on whether or not they will or won't use that mold.

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.

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.

Not counting the Tidal Wave, I see 12 bots/things in that pic.

Okay, upon closer inspection, I see (clockwise from top-right):

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

I would kill for a pirate Tidalwave.

Sails on a spaceship is stuipd. I mean REALLY stupid. There is no wind in space. Not to mention it has rocket boosters.

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.

Two words: Solar Sails.

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).

tidal wave (as an attendee exclusive obviously) would be the icing on this delicious cake.

Sabrblade wrote:

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.

Two words: Solar Sails.

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...

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...

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.

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.

Sabrblade wrote:

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...

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.

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 ?

I can't speak for the Club about their budget since I lack the proper info regarding it, so I'll just address what I can:

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.

Yours does sound like the Energon one, yes.

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.

You know... assuming the mold was available for use...

Troop builder 3 pack?

Yeah, I believe it would be a troop-builder 3-pack, with the 3 components in separate baggies.

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.

Rodimus Prime wrote:Yeah, I believe it would be a troop-builder 3-pack, with the 3 components in separate baggies.

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.

And a new identity for Ramjet.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Rodimus Prime wrote:Yeah, I believe it would be a troop-builder 3-pack, with the 3 components in separate baggies.

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.

And a new identity for Ramjet.

Pfft, if that is what would hold up the "remolding" then FunPub has lost whatever little touch they did have...

Sabrblade wrote:For reference, here are the two versions of Tidal Wave we mentioned (Armada on top, Energon under it)

dont forget micron legend shockwave!

shajaki wrote:dont forget micron legend shockwave!

image.jpg

I didn't forget him. I didn't post him because he's irrelevent because he has no green. >:oP

Sabrblade wrote:

shajaki wrote:dont forget micron legend shockwave!

image.jpg

I didn't forget him. I didn't post him because he's irrelevent because he has no green. >:oP

*puts fingers in ears*
lalalalalala

shajaki wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

shajaki wrote:dont forget micron legend shockwave!

image.jpg

I didn't forget him. I didn't post him because he's irrelevent because he has no green. >:oP

*puts fingers in ears*
lalalalalala

Did you even read the conversation X and I were having? We were discussing the green that Cannonball's ship had.

Besides, as you said, that Micron Densetsu toy is Shockwave, not Tidal Wave.

Sabrblade wrote:

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.

Two words: Solar Sails.

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).

Actually, I vaguely recall something about this from my rocket science class in college (no joke, I couldn't drop it either!). The idea was that sails would make sense in space since radiation particles would hit the sail, slowly bringing the ship to a high rate of speed, which then wouldn't slow down because there's no resistance in space.

I also have no idea what I'm talking about, and could be completely wrong.

It Is Him wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

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.

Two words: Solar Sails.

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).

Actually, I vaguely recall something about this from my rocket science class in college (no joke, I couldn't drop it either!). The idea was that sails would make sense in space since radiation particles would hit the sail, slowly bringing the ship to a high rate of speed, which then wouldn't slow down because there's no resistance in space.

I also have no idea what I'm talking about, and could be completely wrong.

You're completely right actually. Those sails make use of the so-called Solar Wind, or the constant stream of particles that the Sun, or any star really, emits. Kinda like the wind on earth, only a lot more deadly were it not for Earth's magnetic field.
Given the design of the sails on the Tidal Wave here, it's obvious they're merely cosmetic, not to mention the flag, rigging and the crow's nest are a bit... useless here. For all we know it's a hologram

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:For all we know it's a hologram

A hologram would make sense if they wanted to use the mold without retooling it.

If they even plan to use it, that is.

Unless, as I said, they use an existing deco for a repurposing.

Sabrblade wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:For all we know it's a hologram

A hologram would make sense if they wanted to use the mold without retooling it.

If they even plan to use it, that is.

Unless, as I said, they use an existing deco for a repurposing.

If they were to repurpose Armada's colors... I may have to look for Micron Shockwave.

Sabrblade wrote:

shajaki wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

shajaki wrote:dont forget micron legend shockwave!

image.jpg

I didn't forget him. I didn't post him because he's irrelevent because he has no green. >:oP

*puts fingers in ears*
lalalalalala

Did you even read the conversation X and I were having? We were discussing the green that Cannonball's ship had.

Besides, as you said, that Micron Densetsu toy is Shockwave, not Tidal Wave.

i was trying to sidestep my foolishness. i read the posts about tidalwave (not closely as it would seem) and was all "oooohhh pretty pictures" like dangling keys to an infant.

shajaki wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

shajaki wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

shajaki wrote:dont forget micron legend shockwave!

image.jpg

I didn't forget him. I didn't post him because he's irrelevent because he has no green. >:oP

*puts fingers in ears*
lalalalalala

Did you even read the conversation X and I were having? We were discussing the green that Cannonball's ship had.

Besides, as you said, that Micron Densetsu toy is Shockwave, not Tidal Wave.

i was trying to sidestep my foolishness. i read the posts about tidalwave (not closely as it would seem) and was all "oooohhh pretty pictures" like dangling keys to an infant.

Don't feel bad, I did the same thing. I, like you, was also an infant looking at car keys when it came to those pics. LOL

The Official Transformers Collectors' Club just sent out an update on BotCon 2014 registration. They still hope to go live this week, however it will probably be sometime after Tuesday. Stay tuned.

Hello Everyone!

We are still shooting for registration to go live this week. It won't be today or Tuesday, so rest those refresh keys!

We have loaded on the Information page a Package Matrix to help everyone make sure they are ordering the correct package. Check it out.

In the meantime, to make sure you have not forgotten your log in or password, please go to TransformersClub.com/shop and log in. If it works there, it will work with the registration system. You can also retrieve your password at the store site.

Also please use the email link at BotCon.com if you have any questions, and make sure you read the FAQs before we start registration!

See you in Pasadena!

Brian

Still think that $395 for the non-attendee package is absurd. >:oP

Mindmaster wrote:Still think that $395 for the non-attendee package is absurd. >:oP

Gonna be more next year. It's been going up every year.

Midnight_Fox wrote:

Mindmaster wrote:Still think that $395 for the non-attendee package is absurd. >:oP

Gonna be more next year. It's been going up every year.

How much was it last year? I remember 2012 I believe it was $325 for non-attendee? Correct me if I'm wrong.

mooncake623 wrote:

Midnight_Fox wrote:

Mindmaster wrote:Still think that $395 for the non-attendee package is absurd. >:oP

Gonna be more next year. It's been going up every year.

How much was it last year? I remember 2012 I believe it was $325 for non-attendee? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Lemme check the brochures in the archives...

2012: $340
2013: $365

Club member prices no less. Here's a doozy for ya:

2006: $249

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

mooncake623 wrote:

Midnight_Fox wrote:

Mindmaster wrote:Still think that $395 for the non-attendee package is absurd. >:oP

Gonna be more next year. It's been going up every year.

How much was it last year? I remember 2012 I believe it was $325 for non-attendee? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Lemme check the brochures in the archives...

2012: $340
2013: $365

Club member prices no less. Here's a doozy for ya:

2006: $249

Ahh $340 sounds about right. and $20ish shipping I believe.
The price increase this year maybe from the "TRANSFORMERS FAN EXPERIENCE at Universal Studios." that this Years non-attendee package maybe helping to subsidize. We'll know for sure if next year's prices goes down or stay the sameish.

mooncake623 wrote:

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

mooncake623 wrote:

Midnight_Fox wrote:

Mindmaster wrote:Still think that $395 for the non-attendee package is absurd. >:oP

Gonna be more next year. It's been going up every year.

How much was it last year? I remember 2012 I believe it was $325 for non-attendee? Correct me if I'm wrong.

Lemme check the brochures in the archives...

2012: $340
2013: $365

Club member prices no less. Here's a doozy for ya:

2006: $249

Ahh $340 sounds about right. and $20ish shipping I believe.
The price increase this year maybe from the "TRANSFORMERS FAN EXPERIENCE at Universal Studios." that this Years non-attendee package maybe helping to subsidize. We'll know for sure if next year's prices goes down or stay the sameish.

Not the first time it jumped about $30. It was $315 in 2011.

Then again, 2012 had 6 figures in it.

My body is ready.

My wallet is not.

My body doesn't care.

Bring it.

Mkall wrote:My body is ready.

My wallet is not.

My body doesn't care.

Bring it.

Lemme know how the exhilaration feels.

Might be cheaper to buy the box set on ebay...

After Tuesday sounds fine to me. The closer to Thursday, the better for me.

Comic preview pics for Devcon and Ginrai!!!

https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/463670614016790528

And here is a quick little pic of Devcon pic.twitter.com/ZgZem2TIHN

https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/463670700494974977

And another shot of Ginrai pic.twitter.com/FavKDje4Fp

Fellow Seibertron.com user Sabrblade has spotted a couple of tweets from the official BotCon Twitter account, showing some very brief comic appearances for this year's exclusives: Devcon and Fire Guts Ginrai. Check out the two images below!

And here is a quick little pic of Devcon

And another shot of Ginrai pic.twitter.com/FavKDje4Fp

Bring on the Registration, I'm ready!

Midnight_Fox wrote:Bring on the Registration, I'm ready!

You mean we're ready!

Rodimus Prime wrote:

Midnight_Fox wrote:Bring on the Registration, I'm ready!

You mean we're ready!

I do, in fact!

Somebody must sell these toys on Ebay because I need Devcon!

Rated X wrote:Might be cheaper to buy the box set on ebay...

thats what im banking on.

shajaki wrote:

Rated X wrote:Might be cheaper to buy the box set on ebay...

thats what im banking on.

I doubt it. This seems like it's going to be one of the desirable sets thanks to Scorponok, Devcon, and Ginrai(who's a lot more popular than I expected). Probably Games of Deception popular($700 or so on eBay) more than Shattered Glass popular($1000+), though.

Midnight_Fox wrote:

shajaki wrote:

Rated X wrote:Might be cheaper to buy the box set on ebay...

thats what im banking on.

I doubt it. This seems like it's going to be one of the desirable sets thanks to Scorponok, Devcon, and Ginrai(who's a lot more popular than I expected). Probably Games of Deception popular($700 or so on eBay) more than Shattered Glass popular($1000+), though.

Scorponok alone will probably sell for half the cost of the set.

Yeah, buying Cannonball will be cheap. Ferak will be semi-cheap but don't forget the minicon/micron factor. The other three will destroy your wallet if you wait for secondary.