TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson

Tuesday, June 7th, 2016 3:22PM CDT

Categories: Event News, People News
Posted by: Va'al Views: 15,970

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Another update comes our way from the UK-based TFNation convention, starting up this summer in Birmingham - newly announced guest Jim Sorenson! Find out more about the Transformers archivist and narrator below, and drop by the event if you're in the area this August.

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Operation: Some people always look better in hats.

With the first TFN fast approaching it is time we announced our newest guest. This time we have the honour of welcoming Jim Sorenson to our first convention.

Jim Sorenson became a member of the Transformers online community in the early 90's. Not long after he began deciphering the Maximal and Predacon languages used in the TV series Beast Wars. Through his time as a collector Jim compiled lots of previously unknown information which he made available online through his blog Disciples of Boltax.

In 2007 however Jim turned his passion for collecting into a profession when, alongside collaborator and friend Bill Foster he published Transformers: The Ark. A collection of over 500 animation character models from Generation 1. A second volume followed a year later this time showcasing character models from the Japanese Generation 1 animated series. Since then Jim has been kept busy releasing books on Transformers Animated, Transformers Prime, G.I. Joe, and recently Transformers Legacy, a book collecting a large portion of Generation 1 box art. Whilst Jim is currently working on a secret project his most recent work, The Art Of The Angry Birds Movie, will be released at all good bookstores on the 16th June and is currently available to pre-order.

In addition to his resource books Jim continues to be a large contributor to the fandom through the incredibly entertaining "Ask Vector Prime" and "Renegade Rhetoric" series in the BotCon magazines. He also wrote several prose stories as part of the Beast Wars: Uprising series.

Don't miss the chance to meet Jim this year at TFNation where he will be hosting a panel where it's very likely the guardian of space and time might be making an appearance.

Jim will also be signing autographs so to get that chance to meet him book your tickets from Friday 19th until Sunday 21st August 2016 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel at TFNation - we look forward to seeing you there.

Further transmissions to follow.

TFNation
Where All Are One.
End_transmission.

Credit(s): TFNation

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Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1803105)
Posted by Va'al on July 4th, 2016 @ 3:15am CDT

A new week, a new guest for the upcoming TFNation 2016 event, the first in this incarnation, taking place next month in Birmingham, UK! And the guest joining the already impressive roster is MTMTE and Legends comics-famed artist Hayato Sakamoto - check out more info below, and get ready for some spaghetti Energon!

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Operation: Guest announcement

With a flurry of new announcements waiting in the wings, TFNation moves ever closer to August by welcoming IDW artist Hayato Sakamoto to our inaugural event, on his first ever visit to the UK.

Sakamoto-sensei is best known in the West for his contributions to More Than Meets The Eye - particularly for his work in designing the fan-fave character Nickel (who so easily holds the terrifying DJD in the palm of her hand). He has also worked on recent Botcon strips on both covers and interiors.

Sakamoto-sensei’s widest body of work is mostly seen in Japan, where he has leant his talents to pack-in and tie-in comics exclusive to TakaraTomy's releases of TF toys, from Kre-O through to the current Combiner Wars line. These comics (which he often also writes) have given us some of the lighter, more humorous interpretations of the franchise in recent years, such as die-hard G1 fan Rhinox, and Sentinel Prime being depicted as a frustrated head on wheels.

He has also provided box art for a number of TakaraTomy's domestic releases of figures, and is a keen contributor to fan projects.

Sakamoto-sensei is excited to be a part of TFNation because he has heard such great things about the UK convention community (largely from his wonderful friend and fellow TFN guest, Miss Kei Zama) however, we have been asked to explain to our attendees that he is presently still learning English and thus, will need some help from time to time. Though he was a little embarrassed about this at first, we've been happy to put measures in place to ensure translators are standing by to assist guest and attendees alike. We felt this was important as we want to ensure TFNation is inclusive and reaches out to all parts of the community.

Hayato Sakamoto will be signing autographs over the weekend of Friday 19th until Sunday 21st August 2016 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel at TFNation - we look forward to seeing you there!

Further transmissions to follow.

TFNation

Where All Are One.
End_transmission

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1803110)
Posted by Evil Eye on July 4th, 2016 @ 6:33am CDT

I REALLY hope I can make it up to this. I love Sakamoto's artwork* and I'd love to meet him.

*And especially the fact that it triggers Allspark/Walky types.

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1803711)
Posted by Va'al on July 6th, 2016 @ 3:34pm CDT

After Hayato Sakamoto, another fan favourite from the Transformers comics world - though a fairly older one, in terms of presence on the scene - will also be attending the new UK convention TFNation this August in Birmingham: Nick Roche! As Sins of the Wreckers ends, expect him to be answering a lot of questions on the inevitable (right? right?) third chapter in the story.

** Warning, trousers may shatter
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Transmission ID:
TFNation_2016
Operation: Wreck and Roche (Warning, trousers may shatter)

While we have enjoyed the incredible responses to all our guest announcements to date, it’s fair to say that few will give both the TFNation team, and it’s attendees as much pleasure as announcing writer and artist Nick Roche’s attendance at this August’s event.

Known for his work with The Wreckers, Nick has been a TF fan since the days of the Marvel UK comics. Gaining exposure through the Transmasters community, Nick first worked on IDW’s Spotlight series, followed by Devastation, Maximum Dinobots and a notable issue of All Hail Megatron. All this, plus his numerous covers for other series, lead to the 2010 mini-series LAST STAND OF THE WRECKERS (for which he snuck in his Transmaster collaborator, some guy called James Roberts) which broke hearts, shattered trousers and whose influence has been felt in IDW Transformers, ever since.

Sins of the Wreckers, the highly anticipated sequel that Nick both wrote and drew, has just concluded, providing another dark chapter of the story of the Autobots most tragic/heroic team. We look forward to hearing the authors own feelings on the characters, story and those inevitable deaths, over the course of the convention weekend.

Away from Transformers, Nick has been involved in a wide range of work, from his Monster Motors collaboration with Brian Lynch, Dr Who covers for IDW and New Warriors for Marvel comics. He also hit Marvel UK fans right in the retros by providing the artwork for the Deaths Head section of Marvels Revolutionary war. Fitting, yes? On top of that, it still blows our minds that Nick also created all the artwork for an animated music video, as well as album cover art, for the last album from Brit rockers The Darkness.

We suggest you follow Nick on social media, for details of his plans for this year, as well as his recent blog for those following SINS OF THE WRECKERS.

http://tfnation.us11.list-manage2.com/t ... 1e517e5c6f

Nick will be signing autographs and selling artwork at TFNation 2016 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole Hotel - we look forward to seeing you there!

Further transmissions to follow.

TFNation

Where All Are One
End_transmission

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1805903)
Posted by Va'al on July 15th, 2016 @ 1:47pm CDT

Another announcement from the TFNation HQ in the UK, as the event is really not that far away - about a month left now! It looks like they're bringing in Exient, the studio that does the work on Transformers Angry Birds, for a chat and meet with the event attendees. Check out more info below!

** The birds are coming!!
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TFNation_2016
Operation: The Angry Birds Transformers let fly!

The walls of TFNation Towers are shaking as we play host to our most explosive new guests yet, the Angry Birds Transformers! Exient, the award winning studio that develops and transmits the mobile game for Rovio, is motoring into TFNation 2016, for their first UK Transformers convention.

Since its launch in September 2014, Angry Birds Transformers has gone from strength to strength, averaging half a million daily active users, regular updates, 40 characters and over 150 accessories (our favourite is Kremzeek) and there seems no sign of stopping. It's continued success has brought high praise from Hasbro and Rovio and the Exient team justifiably proud of their creation.

Ryan and the team will be displaying concept and designs from the series, discussing the development of the game, its ever-growing cast of characters and seeking feedback from both current and future gamers on the mobile app. In return, attendees can expect some exclusive goodies, including character unlocks for the game! All game development disciplines will be accounted for:
* Stuart Maine and Greg Law - Design
* James Back - Producer
* Ryan Astley - Art
* Emyr Jenkins and Jordan Thompson - Code
* Athanasios Skarlatos - Analyst
* Deborah Oyeyinka - Social Media

Exient will be in attendance on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August 2016. This is not only a great opportunity for fans of the game to speak to the driving force behind its development, but will appeal to anyone interested in game design, animation and multimedia. The team aren’t just with us as developers, they are also here as fans of the franchise from G1 to the modern comic incarnations, and we hope our attendees give them the warmest of welcomes!

Further transmissions to follow.

TFNation
Where All Are One
End_transmission

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1805905)
Posted by Kyleor on July 15th, 2016 @ 2:13pm CDT

Dr Va'al wrote:
RhA wrote:Please do not confuse 'European' with 'English'.

We're all European.

You're only European when you're in the bathroom.

I wonder if their 'chat and meet' will crash as much as the game does.

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1806255)
Posted by Bronzewolf on July 17th, 2016 @ 12:48pm CDT

Fellow Seibertronians, we've gotten more news about TFNation, the upcoming Transformers convention taking place in Birmingham, England, on August 19th-21st. Just like any convention, they need volunteers! Check out the write-up down below!

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Operation: Volunteer applications open!

With a jam-packed schedule soon to be announced, TFNation requires some of the finest Cybertronian reinforcements... do you have what it takes to be one of our first volunteers?

Volunteering is a brilliant way to get involved and give something back to the community, whilst also having a fun time (and it looks great on your CV too). It is an especially good way to meet new friends if you are a first timer. Likewise, veteran convention volunteers bring invaluable experience to the battle against the evil Deceptic... err... to the ticket queues.

Sending in your volunteer application couldn't be simpler. Just go to tfnation.com and click on the volunteer link on the home page and you will be taken to the form. No need to print it, just complete and then submit!

(If you are already logged into the website this process will be very quick. If you are not logged in, or have not purchased a ticket yet, you will need to do this before you proceed)

We anticipate we will have quite a lot of interest in volunteer positions, so we would urge you to apply as soon as you can. Successful applicants will be notified by email. If you are not successful in year one, we hope you'll apply again in year two!

With just a few weeks to go to make TFNation great, all we need is a little energon... and a lot of YOU!

Further transmissions to follow.

TFNation
Where All Are One
End_transmission

Are you considering volunteering? Let us know!

And, as always, for the best Transformers news on the net, keep your optics and audio sensors tuned to Seibertron.com.

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1809911)
Posted by Va'al on July 28th, 2016 @ 12:24pm CDT

Another update from TFNation proves that the new crew are bent on making a big, lasting, loud impression onto the UK scene - as Space Ape Games, the developers of Transformers Earth Wars, are announced as having a presence at the event this coming month! Alongside Angry Birds Transformers, the comics world new and old, and much more, this looks like an event not to miss if you're in the area! Find out more below.

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Operation: Earth Wars! Space Ape Games invades TFNation!

The Decepticons have invaded Earth and only the Autobots can save us now, as the Transformer: Earth wars commence! This past June saw the hugely successful release of the Earth Wars mobile game and we are proud to announce the award-winning Space Ape games, will be in attendance at TFNation 2016!

Based on a story by TFNation guest Simon Furman, published by Backflip Studios and developed by Space Ape Games in partnership with Backflip Studios & Hasbro, Earth Wars puts you in-charge of a veritable army of Cybertronians as you attack and defend precious bases in order to defeat your enemies.

Chris White and the team will be attending on Saturday 20th August, with concept art, posters and development videos running throughout the weekend. The Space Ape crew are eager to meet both existing fans of the game and those new to it, and are busy planning a “beat the base” in-game competition, to those who think they are up to the challenge!

Space Ape have worked with some of the most pivotal people within the Transformers franchise to create this game. They have invested considerable time in shaping the game to please fans of the characters. We urge our attendees to take this chance to meet, and question the Space Ape team, not just as special guests, but as fellow fans of the franchise.

With the game so popular amongst our attendees, there are plans afoot for our own Sunday-based event, at the Space Ape table, to be run by fans, for fans. A great chance to bond with fellow attendees…. Then crush them under your Cybertronian heels!

Further transmissions to follow.

TFNation
Where All Are One
End_transmission

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1810050)
Posted by primalxconvoy on July 28th, 2016 @ 6:18pm CDT

"...They have invested considerable time in shaping the game to please fans of the characters. We urge our attendees to take this chance to meet, and question the Space Ape team, not just as special guests, but as fellow fans of the franchise..."

Anyone think that this seems a little defensive? Almost like:

"...They have invested considerable time in shaping this Pay-To-Win grind-fest to please shareholders. However, we are desperate that our attendees take this chance to not ignore, berate out cross-examine the Space Ape team as to why their app is yet another soon-to-be cancelled freemium turd, as we promised them that they were "special guests", and that one of the artists on the team is secretly a fan of the franchise..."

If you hate, were confused by or just couldn't be bothered by these freemium apps, then the BEST thing to do would be to just give them a wide berth. No abuse, no shouting or booing; just ignore them. Then maybe they'll get the hint. These apps are NOT for fans. They are for casual gamers and little kids, using the brand as a skin to lure them in. That's it. Pure profit.

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1810065)
Posted by primalxconvoy on July 28th, 2016 @ 6:56pm CDT

RhA wrote:Please do not confuse 'European' with 'English'.

Please do not confuse "English" with "British".

Please do not confuse "apostrophes" with "speech/quotation marks",

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1810198)
Posted by Va'al on July 29th, 2016 @ 4:10am CDT

I feel like you're reading into this just a little eeny teeny tiny bit.

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1810214)
Posted by primalxconvoy on July 29th, 2016 @ 4:53am CDT

Dr Va'al wrote:I feel like you're reading into this just a little eeny teeny tiny bit.

Probably. I've certainly got my own axe to grind with freemium gaming, but don't you think the official message had a "note please be nice to these chaps" vibe, which, if so, might prompt one to wonder WHY they're asking it to be so.

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1810216)
Posted by Va'al on July 29th, 2016 @ 4:57am CDT

primalxconvoy wrote:
Dr Va'al wrote:I feel like you're reading into this just a little eeny teeny tiny bit.

Probably. I've certainly got my own axe to grind with freemium gaming, but don't you think the official message had a "note please be nice to these chaps" vibe, which, if so, might prompt one to wonder WHY they're asking it to be so.

Because it's nice to be a nice person.

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1810233)
Posted by primalxconvoy on July 29th, 2016 @ 5:35am CDT

Dr Va'al wrote:
primalxconvoy wrote:
Dr Va'al wrote:I feel like you're reading into this just a little eeny teeny tiny bit.

Probably. I've certainly got my own axe to grind with freemium gaming, but don't you think the official message had a "note please be nice to these chaps" vibe, which, if so, might prompt one to wonder WHY they're asking it to be so.

Because it's nice to be a nice person.

Yes, it's a no brainer, so why ask fans to do it? I'm sure conventions don't ask fans to "be nice to Peter Cullen", right?

It's like if Michael Bay were to feel suicidal and visit Botcon. The organisers would have to employ security and write " do not be rude to mr bay!" at their website...

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1810242)
Posted by Va'al on July 29th, 2016 @ 5:54am CDT

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

They're nice people, Chris is great and a big fan, Guido Guidi and Simon Furman both worked hard for and with them, and the community people are really fun to hang out with. So...

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1810243)
Posted by primalxconvoy on July 29th, 2016 @ 5:59am CDT

Dr Va'al wrote:¯\_(ツ)_/¯

They're nice people, Chris is great and a big fan, Guido Guidi and Simon Furman both worked hard for and with them, and the community people are really fun to hang out with. So...

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

I'm sure that's so, but those people are interesting without the fact that they worked on this. People will want to talk to them about their general work with TFs.

But as for the devs and game designers; it's a freemium, pay-to-win game on mobile, so...

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1810999)
Posted by Va'al on August 1st, 2016 @ 6:01am CDT

The TFNation crew have posted the full schedule of their event, with quizzes, GoBots, Rock Lords, games, prizes, contests, arts, comics, crafts and some pubtime all found in one location, featuring some of the Transformersiest fans around the United (heh) Kingdom and beyond. Find out more below!

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Operation: We have ignition! The TFNation Schedule

With final preparations motoring along, and with all of our guests now announced, we are happy to announce our schedule for this year’s convention. As you can see, we have aimed to fit in as much as possible for our attendees, and hope you get the most out of it.

You can find the full schedule on our website http://tfnation.us11.list-manage2.com/t ... 1e517e5c6f (http://tfnation.us11.list-manage.com/tr ... 1e517e5c6f)

A few points to note:
1. Neither the trading hall nor The Forge are open for trading on the Friday. Opening times for The Forge, the display rooms and the Transformer Car team will be announced closer to the event.

2. Friday’s “Perchance to Dream” event will be covered, in further detail, next week.

3. Cosplay competition forms will be released shortly, and we will announce when applications are open.

4. We politely request that podcasters refrain from conducting interviews during the convention weekend itself. Those wishing to interview after the convention closes should contact the us to enquire on availability, to ensure guests aren’t double-booked/over-worked.

5. If you are planning your own event during TFN, please let us know, though note access to our rooms is strictly by prior permission only.

If you have not already purchased your tickets for the show then do so today by visiting our secure mobile friendly website at http://tfnation.us11.list-manage1.com/t ... 1e517e5c6f (http://tfnation.us11.list-manage.com/tr ... 1e517e5c6f)

TFNation 2016 takes place 19th - 21st August 2016 at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

Further transmissions to follow.

TFNation

Where All Are One
End_Transmission
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Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1815509)
Posted by Va'al on August 15th, 2016 @ 1:58pm CDT

With only a couple of days left before the debut of TFNation - the new UK Transformers fan-run convention - and a big announcement that just came through the pipes, we thought to round-up bits of what you may have missed in the past couple of weeks! First off: Sins of the Wreckers TPB before its release date available via Nick Roche (to buy) and the event (as prizes!).

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Operation: Sins of the Wreckers

TFNation 2016 may be just four days away but do not fall into the Decepticon trap of believing we are all out of surprises. There’s one nearby… real nearby…

We are thrilled to confirm that in collaboration with TFN guest Nick Roche, we are able to bring you the “Sins of the Wreckers” trade paperback, ahead of its release!

Somebody has kidnapped Prowl… but does anybody want him back? After a five year wait, it’s time to call upon the Wreckers once again in this highly anticipated sequel to “Last Stand of the Wreckers”.

Nick will have a limited number of the books available at his stall. So if you wish to grab the book before it hits stores AND get it signed by the writer and artist himself, this is the perfect opportunity!

If you are not lucky enough to nab a copy from Nick then fear not, TFNation will also have a run of books on hand. We will be giving them away all weekend as part of our free door prizes and various competitions we will be running! Why? Because we are so happy that you have all supported us through our first year, that we wanted to share the Wrecker love with you.

Four days people – get ready to Wreck and Rule at TFNation 2016!

Further transmissions to follow.

TFNation

Where All Are One
End_transmission

Next, make sure to drop by two of the features of the event, the Show Cars and The Forge. While the former needs no real explanation - though you can find more info here - the latter is similar to Artists' Alley, and will also include a good number of Seibertronians, such as hinomars19 and Demonology7789, and the ideator of the Lenten experiment. More here!

Take a look at the floor plan for the event right here, and if you're in Birmingham this weekend (19-21 August) make sure to drop by the AV desk to say hi to yours truly, too!

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1815512)
Posted by hinomars19 on August 15th, 2016 @ 2:28pm CDT

Oh hey, my names in there :KREMZEEK:

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1815514)
Posted by Va'al on August 15th, 2016 @ 2:37pm CDT

hinomars19 wrote:Oh hey, my names in there

Very much looking forward to meeting you too!

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1815838)
Posted by hinomars19 on August 16th, 2016 @ 2:33pm CDT

Dr Va'al wrote:
hinomars19 wrote:Oh hey, my names in there

Very much looking forward to meeting you too!

Likewise sir!

Re: TFNation 2016 Guest Update - Jim Sorenson (1838516)
Posted by Va'al on November 2nd, 2016 @ 1:36pm CDT

With TFNation rolling its dates out for 2017, as reported here, we were also finally able to get round to uploading a small album of images from the 2016 event, including some that were seen on the boards, some that were reported during the Toys Alliance reveal, and some that are definitely blurry - Va'al's camera is to blame for that. Or Va'al directly. Check out a preview below, including rare toy displays, fan area The Forge, James Roberts, Alex Milne, Simon Furman, Jim Sorenson, Richard Newman, Paul Eiding, backstage shots, and more, and click on any of the images to check out the full gallery!