Lots of reports, as usual, are over the web covering the Transformers Convention BotCon.  Whether you follow Twitter, Facebook or Google Plus or on the usual big Transformers websites TFW2005, Seibertron and The Allspark.

Here is a basic summary in no particular order.

Transformers 2012 Hall of Fame Winner - Wheeljack.

During the promotional video a tease for Transformers Prime Shockwave was shown.

Transformers Prime Cyberverse figures were shown off in the toy display

here's a gallery from Seibertron

San Diego Comic Con Exclusives will be Rust in Piece Terrorcon Cliffjumper (packaged in a giant Cliffjumper head) and a Fall of Cybertron Bruticus.

Hasbro Debuts Transformers SDCC Exclusives - Comics News at IGN to check out Rust In Piece Cliffjumper and the game colour FoC Bruticus!

Seiberton images of Terrorcon Cliffjumper

Transformers Prime figures- including a nice looking Airachnid, Razorclaw coloured Dead End and some other nice pieces

TFW2005have a gallery of these

Hasbro Talk

The highlights from today's Hasbro panel:

Masterpiece:

* US release for MP-10 - with the trailer!. Long smokestacks. TRU exclusive.

Fall of Cybertron:
* Kickback - G1/IDW-esque.
* Starscream.
* Sideswipe.
* Ultra Magnus - Optimus redeco with new head.
* Fireflight - Shockwave remould (new head).
* Voyager-class coming to Generations!
* Soundwave is the first one! Includes data disks, one of which is Laserbeak.
* Will be recoloured into Soundblaster.
* More of Soundwave's minions will be released in Legion-class.
* Rumble, Frenzy, Ravage and Ratbat will be among them.

Prime:

* Deluxe: Wave 4: Dead End, Shadow Strike Bumblebee, Airachnid. Wave 5: Kup, Rumble
* Thundertron (from the Exiles novel) is getting a toy! Voyager Wave 4. Has a beast mode.
* Cyberverse Wave 3: Wheeljack, Flamewar and a stealth Bumblebee.
* CV Commander: Ultra Magnus, Optimus Prime with swords. Vehicle Wave 2 is the alread-seen Battle Suit BB.
* To come in 2013... Legion Airachnid. Drawings shown in the presentation.

Bot Shots:

* Showing existing toys.
* Launchers: Optimus, Megatron and Ironhide.
* 3-pack: Skyquake, Jetfire, Powerglide.

SDCC exclusives:

* Bruticus - actually based on the game demo this time. Yup.
* The box is book-style (think Takara G1 reissues). Looks fantastic, by all accounts.
* Terrorcon Cliffjumper is the other exclusive. Includes a dark energon shard.
* Packaging concepts include a CR chamber, tombstone, and his own head.

That's all for the presentation, now onto the Q&A. We'll bring you any interesting tidbits that arise.

* Movie toys - still trying to find ways to distribute the remaining toys, though they acknowledge that was the problem they had in the first place. Sounds like they're moving away from the movie line for a while.
* The Thirteen - they want to introduce the characters to the public. A slow process, overall.
* Universal exclusives - only available at the parks that have the rides.
* Generations - initially this will cover Fall of Cybertron but they will move onto other media, including novels and IDW comics (yay!)
* Rumble/Frenzy - no plans for a Hasbro release, but never say never.
* FoC Dinobots - everyone will want a Grimlock. Getting all five characters into toy form might be tricky.
* Cryptic answer to the question of army builders, when asked why only the club do them. "Why just the club?"
* Classics Springer is possible, being considered for the future! No immediate plans for Arcee.
* Prime Ironhide is a non-show character. May show up in other media.
* No plans for future Animated toys. Again, never say never, but no immediate plans.
* No plans for Classics Devastator. Combiners may be considered if Bruticus is successful.
* Fun fact - repaints still have to go through quality control and other approval processes, not as cheap/straightforward as people think!
* Prime First Editions - situation was outside Hasbro's control (retailers, basically). Getting them back out there is their top priority (yay).
* Why not put them Hasbro Toy Shop? Apparently this depends on various partnerships around the world (retailers), and Hasbro don't want to jeopardise those partnerships (despite HTS being North America-only?).

In other news...

* Aaron Archer, Rik Alvarez, Bill Rawley, Jonathan Newkirk are on the panel, among others.
* Some toys will be going in the display cases afterward, so there will be pics shortly afterward.
* Brief list of things to come - theme park ride, Fall of Cybertron
* Talking about Evac, showing the Universal Studios exclusive versions.
* Other Universal exclusives: Deluxe Bumblebee, Deluxe Prime with new decos. Also Voyager Prime & Megs redecos.
* Box window is shaped like a Decepticon symbol.

Collectors Club Exclusives / Subscription Figures

* Apologies for the credit card issues.
* Presentation beginning. Promise of exciting things.
* Discussion of Invasion box set art. Idea was to make it like the original 2008 SG set.
* The full lithograph as 30+ characters; everyone that's involved in the SG vs Classics story.
* Discussing the processes involved in making the souvenir sets. Runners and the like.
* METALHAWK: Really wanted to pay homage to Pretenders' human forms, hence the human head.
* GIGATRON: Best possible with what they had to work with.
* Displaying original colour mockups now.
* Original concepts of Spinister and Octopunch now.
* On Octopunch's chest: "They're not ducks" and "This crowd knows what tentacles look like".
* Moving on to Junkions...
* Originally they were to be painted as Sharkticons. Makes more sense in-story for them to be like Insecticons though, apparently.
* "SPRAXUS", the Bard of Darkmount now.
* Figure subscription service coming!
* They had hoped for it to up and running now, but wanted to double-check security.
* No price points yet.
* Announcing figures now.
* Sign up in 3-4 weeks. Payment all up front or in three installments.
* 2 or 3 figures a month.
* Intended to replace current problems.
* Figures built to order. And they are:
* Breakdown - Classics, G1 colours based on 2010 G2 Botcon figure.
* Animated Jackpot - from Animated Jazz. Black with red windows, yellow arms, orange hood w/ orange stripes. New head.
* Scourge! G2 Prime with red windows and sword. Upside down G2 Autobot symbol
* Prime Slipstream! FE Starscream in purple and teal. New head! Prime-Animated hybrid.
* Circuit! Yes, the Euro Action Master! Yellow repaint of HFTD Axor. Red limbs, grey hood.
* Last one: Ultra Mammoth. BW Neo Bog Convoy in Laser Ultra Magnus colours! White head, blue mouthplate; mammoth is purple w/ white fur.
* Membership Figure: DEPTH CHARGE from HFTD Terradive. Blue jet, yellow hands and lower legs, purple upper arms and upper legs, yellow face on a blue head. Supposed to be pre-BW.
* All were planned from middle of last year.
* Looking at possibilities for future -- including stocking FE. Sustainability is issue -- must be able to keep doing it.
* Figures will come in better packaging. But not fancy collector boxes, unfortunately. 2-3 figures at a time. Break in between, then next batch. Will make shipping cheaper.
* Pricing will be consistent for all -- inc. shipping. One figure per subscription with a chance to order more. Service begins in next four weeks; shipping in November.

Images of the BotCon 2012 figures are coming in from all over the place now.

Thousands of TRANSFORMERS fans from around the world will celebrate the iconic brand from Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS - News) in Dallas as the TRANSFORMERS fan convention known as “BOTCON” serves up a Texas-sized helping of AUTOBOTS and DECEPTICONS from April 27-29. Hasbro and the TRANSFORMERS Collectors’ Club, will be offering opportunities to engage in and learn about the TRANSFORMERS brand that can only be experienced at BOTCON.

In 2012, the TRANSFORMERS brand continues to deliver innovative and world class entertainment experiences based on its characters and compelling storyline. In addition to the second season of the award winning animated series Transformers Prime, the brand welcomes Transformers Rescue Bots, an animated series for a younger audience. Both series are produced by Hasbro Studios and currently air on The Hub television network in the U.S. For an entirely new immersive TRANSFORMERS experience the brand sees its colossal characters “brought to life” with the introduction of Universal Studios Hollywood's^SM epic new thrill ride, “Transformers™: The Ride—3D” opening this May. Working in collaboration with Michael Bay, who served as the ride’s Creative Consultant, the visionary special effects team at Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), and the innovative minds at Universal Creative, Universal Studios Hollywood’s new breakthrough mega-attraction will propel guests into the action-packed robotic world of TRANSFORMERS. As the theme park’s most ambitious ride ever built, this immersive experience is a technologically advanced motion-based, flight simulator thrill ride designed to catapult guests into an entirely new awe-inspiring 3D-HD TRANSFORMERS reality where they will be propelled along 2,000 feet of ride track and enveloped in 14 gigantic screens, many of which tower to heights of 60 feet tall.

Hasbro will also be celebrating two new major upcoming video games including the much buzzed about Transformers: Fall of Cybertron title launching August 28^th from Activision and High Moon Studios with live game demos on the show floor, as well as the Transformers: Universe MMO from Jagex Studios. The brand also celebrates the continued popularity and new stories featured in TRANSFORMERS comics from the publishing team at IDW. Attendees at this year’s BOTCON will be able to experience the wide breadth of TRANSFORMERS offerings from these licensees and Hasbro including interactive exhibits, informative panels and hands-on interaction with toy designers as well experts and creators behind video games, publishing and animation based on the brand.

Attendees will be able to preview new and yet-to-be seen TRANSFORMERS toys from Hasbro’s 2012 product line including new TRANSFORMERS BOT SHOTS toys, figures based on the popular Transformers Prime animated series as well as figures based on the Transformers: Fall of Cybertron videogame. Hasbro’s KRE-O building set brand will also be featured at BOTCON for attendees to see and play with. KRE-O TRANSFORMERS products launching this fall will focus on a new theme called the QUEST FOR ENERGON, pitting the AUTOBOTS against the DECEPTICONS on a mission to keep the ultimate ENERGON weapon from falling into the wrong hands. Each new 2012 KRE-O TRANSFORMERS set is a 2-in-1 build featuring favorite TRANSFORMERS characters in vehicle and robot modes and includes several KREON figures and exclusive ENERGON bricks. BOTCON will also feature panel discussions and interactive workshops led by TRANSFORMERS experts and fan-favorite voice actors, as well as many dealer booths where fans can purchase official TRANSFORMERS toys and merchandise.

Additionally, Hasbro will host its third annual TRANSFORMERS Hall of Fame induction ceremony, celebrating both the humans and the characters that have helped to garner world renown for the brand. The ceremony will take place during BOTCON and will honor fan-favorite TRANSFORMERS comic book author Simon Furman and the legendary voice actor Chris Latta, the original voice of STARSCREAM, who will become the first person posthumously inducted into the TRANSFORMERS Hall of Fame. Both Furman and members of the Latta family will be on hand at the ceremony to accept the honor.

“TRANSFORMERS is one of the most iconic entertainment brands in the world,” said Jerry Jivoin, global TRANSFORMERS brand director, Hasbro, Inc. “We look forward to bringing a world-class celebration of the TRANSFORMERS brand to Dallas and sharing the excitement of the brand with its biggest fans. With Transformers Prime burning up the airwaves, a remarkable new thrill ride, new comics from IDW and several new videogames based on the brand, it’s a great time for TRANSFORMERS fans, both new and old.”

BOTCON is North America’s largest annual official gathering of TRANSFORMERS fans and is open to both diehard and casual fans alike, as well as families and children who enjoy the iconic “ROBOTS IN DISGUISE”. The convention travels to different cities in the U.S. each year and this year will be held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas, located at 300 Reunion Boulevard in Dallas, Texas. BOTCON will be open to the public on April 28 – 29. Special activities are planned on April 27 for attendees who purchase multi-day packages.

BOTCON general admission sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29. (On Saturday, doors are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; on Sunday, doors are open from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Special multi-day packages and exclusive TRANSFORMERS products are available on a limited basis. General admission for adults (13 & up) is $20 and for children (12 & under) is $10. Children ages 4 and under will be admitted for free. Additional information can be found at www.BotCon.com or by calling 817-448-9863.

Fans can find the TRANSFORMERS brand on Facebook at www.Transformers.com/Facebook and on YouTube at www.Youtube.com/Transformers.

HAS-B

About Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS brand

First introduced in 1984 by Hasbro and Takara Tomy, the TRANSFORMERS brand has provided kids with hours of MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE fun with their action figures that convert from robot to vehicles and back again. Legions of kids around the world grew up creating fantastic adventures and battles set on both the planet CYBERTRON and Earth that featured the “good-guy” AUTOBOTS and the “bad-guy” DECEPTICONS. Since then, more than 7500 robots have been introduced in animated TV series, comic books and three live-action feature films.

About Hasbro

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS - News) is a branded play company providing children and families around the world with a wide-range of immersive entertainment offerings based on the Company's world class brand portfolio. From toys and games, to television programming, motion pictures, digital gaming and a comprehensive licensing program, Hasbro strives to delight its global customers with well-known and beloved brands such as TRANSFORMERS, LITTLEST PET SHOP, NERF, PLAYSKOOL, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, MAGIC: THE GATHERING and MONOPOLY. The Company’s Hasbro Studios develops and produces television programming for markets around the world. The Hub TV Network is part of a multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro and Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), in the U.S. Through the company's deep commitment to corporate social responsibility, including philanthropy, Hasbro is helping to build a safe and sustainable world for future generations and to positively impact the lives of millions of children and families every year. It has been recognized for its efforts by being named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies.” Learn more at www.hasbro.com. © 2012 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Fun Publications, Inc.

For over 15 years, Fun Publications, Inc. has been a Hasbro licensee offering fans and collectors of pop culture memorabilia news, exclusive product and family events through different print offerings, websites, collector clubs and brand specific conventions such as G.I.JoeCon and BotCon. Located in Fort Worth Texas, Fun Publications reaches a large audience, serving the United States and many other countries such as Japan, Great Britain, Brazil, Australia and Canada. For more information visit TransformersClub.com, GIJoeClub.com, GIJoeCon.com, and BotCon.com. BotCon is a registered trademark of Fun Publications, Inc. (C) 2012 Fun Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

So here's the round up of the news from BotCon so far.

 The comic reveales the bagged toys will be

1. Shattered Glass Octopunch and Spinister
2. Shattered Glass Optimus and Kick-Off
3. Shattered Glass Junkions

The attendee exclusive figure is

1. Shattered Glass Darkmount (Staxus)

More images of the Customisation Class Shattered Glass Longarm / Shockwave are up on Seibertron.com

BOTCON 2012 Custom Class Exclusive: Shattered Glass Longarm w/ super secret special bonus. http://bit.ly/IRFXtz

Livio Ramondelli To Attend Auto Assembly 2012

With Auto Assembly 2012 just over 100 days away, we're proud to bring you news of the SEVENTEENTH guest to be joining us for this year's convention...

We can now confirm that IDW artist Livio Ramondelli will be making his Auto Assembly debut this year! Livio is the artist of the superb new digital comic Transformers: Autocracy for IDW Publishing. In addition, his credits include Chaos, The Best of Optimus Prime / Best of Megatron trade paperback covers, as well as covers for IDW's Infestation II event series. He previously worked for WildStorm Productions, doing design work for the DC Universe Online game... and he also really loves movies!

Livio will be joining our other comic artists and writers in our extensive guest area signing autographs and sketching for fans throughout the weekend and he will be taking to the stage on Sunday afternoon alongside Nick Roche and James Roberts for a dedicated IDW Panel.

We'd like to thank everyone at the Underbase Podcast for their support in making this possible and putting us in touch with Livio. We're sure everyone will make Livio welcome at the convention.

For more details on Auto Assembly 2012 which is taking place over the weekend of 3rd - 5th August 2012 in Birmingham, England or to book your tickets or find out information about booking dealers tables, visit the website at http://www.autoassembly.org.uk and for all the latest news on Auto Assembly Europe, visit http://www.autoassemblyeurope.eu

Livio's website can be found at http://www.livioramondelli.com

The Auto Assembly Team

Web: http://www.autoassembly.org.uk / http://www.transformersvideogames.co.uk / http://www.ct-alpha.com
Auto Assembly Europe: http://www.autoassemblyeurope.eu
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/autoassembly
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/auto_assembly
Forum: http://www.autoassembly.org.uk/forum
Email: contact@autoassembly.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)7860 948296

Auto Assembly is sponsored by

Toyz And Gamez - http://www.toyzandgamez.co.uk
TF Source - http://www.tfsource.com
Robot Kingdom - http://www.robotkingdom.com
Transformers @ The Moon - http://www.transformertoys.co.uk
TransformersAnimated.com - http://www.transformersanimated.com
TheTransformers.net - http://www.thetransformers.net
Titan Books - http://www.titanbooks.com
3 Darths Comics - http://www.3darthscomics.co.uk
Science Fiction Collectables - http://www.sf-collectables.co.uk
Big Bad Toy Store - http://www.bbts.com
Xyber Toys - http://www.xybertoys.com

Wednesday, April 25, 2012
9 AM-5 PM Transformers Customizing Class Shawnee Trail
8:30 PM Golden Ticket Package Pick-Up Reunion Ballroom
9:30-10:30 Tour and Class Package Pick-Up Reunion Ballroom

Thursday, April 26, 2012
9 AM-5 PM Transformers Customizing Class Shawnee Trail
4:00 PM Golden Ticket Pick-up Reunion Ballroom
5:00 Golden Ticket Store Opens Marsalis Hall
6:00 Registration Pick-up Store Opens Reunion Ballroom
6:00 Store Opens Marsalis Hall
8:00-9:30 Exhibitor Unload and Drop Off Marsalis Hall

Friday, April 27, 2012
7:30AM -2PM Exhibitor Setup Marsalis Hall
8:30-9:30 Club Store opens for Exhibitors Only Marsalis Hall
9:30-11:30 Club Store opens for all Registered Guests Marsalis Hall
9:30 Walk-up Late Registration Marsalis Prefunction
9:00-12:00 Contest Setup Marsalis Hall
9:00-10:50 Panel: MSTF! Reunion Ballroom
11:00-11:50 Panel: Transformers Filmfest Reunion Ballroom
Noon Contest Judging Marsalis Hall
Noon-1:00 Lunch
1:00-1:50 Panel: TCC Comic Panel Reunion Ballroom
2:00 Private Sales Room Experience Marsalis Hall
2:00-3:30 Autographs: David Kaye, Garry Chalk, Simon Furman
3:30-5:00 Autographs: Dan Gilvezan, Buster Jones
5:00 PM Private Sales Room Experience ends
7:00 PM Golden Ticket Reception Reunion Ballroom

Saturday, April 28, 2012
7:30 AM Exhibitor Set-up Marsalis Hall
8:30 Registered Guests Private Preview Marsalis Hall
9:00 Early Bird Entry Marsalis Hall
10:00 General Admission Marsalis Hall
10:00-10:50 Panel: Dan Gilvezan, Buster Jones Reunion Ballroom
10:00-11:30 Autographs: David Kaye, Garry Chalk
11:00-11:50 Panel: Transformers Comics: IDW Reunion Ballroom
Noon-12:50 Panel: Animated Talk with Derrick Wyatt Reunion Ballroom
Noon-1:30 Autographs: Dan Gilvezan, Buster Jones, Simon Furman
1:00-1:50 Panel: David Kaye, Garry Chalk Reunion Ballroom
1:30-3:00 Autographs: Peter Cullen
2:00-2:50 Panel: Transformers Collectors’ Club Roundtable TCC Staff Reunion Ballroom
3:00-3:50 Panel: Hasbro Transformers Brand Team Reunion Ballroom
4:00-4:50 Panel: Peter Cullen Reunion Ballroom
5:00 PM Show Closes
6:30 PM Cocktail Reception Reunion Prefunction
7:00 PM Hall of Fame Party and Casino Night Dinner Reunion Ballroom

Sunday, April 29, 2012
9:00 AM Exhibitor Set-up Reunion Ballroom
9:30 Registered Guests and General Admission Marsalis Hall
10:00-10:50 Panel: Bee in the City 2! David Kaye,
Garry Chalk, Dan Gilvezan, Buster Jones Reunion Ballroom
11:30-1:00 Autographs: David Kaye, Garry Chalk, Simon Furman
11:00-11:50 Panel: Activision: Fall of Cybertron Reunion Ballroom
Noon-12:50 Panel: Simon Furman Reunion Ballroom
1:00-2:30 Autographs: Dan Gilvezan, Buster Jones
1:00-1:50 Panel: JAGEX: Transformers Universe Reunion Ballroom
2:00-2:50 Panel: Transformers Costuming: Design Your
Own Costume! Rosemary Ward Reunion Ballroom
3:15 Draw for Trips to 2013 Convention Marsalis Hall
3:30 PM Show Closes

The Auto Assembly team have issued the following press release

AUTO ASSEMBLY 2012 IMPORTANT GOODIE BAG UPDATE

It is with great sadness that we are forced to announce a change to the advertised Auto Assembly 2012 attendee goodie bags. This change will affect every attendee who is eligible to receive a goodie bag, so it would be most appreciated if we could please have your attention for just a moment.

It had been our intention to include a free IDW Transformers comic within every goodie bag this year. This comic was to be an exclusive variant cover of  Regeneration One Issue 81.  The comic was going to be limited to a print run of just 1,000 copies and only made available at Auto Assembly and Auto Assembly Europe. (Long term fans will remember that we also had exclusive IDW comics in 2009 and 2010).

The cover was going to use 1980's style artwork, drawn by marvel Transformers artist Jeff Anderson, with colours by Kris Carter and was intended to be a tribute to the Marvel UK run featuring a special "corner box" with art by Nick Roche. As an homage to the Marvel UK series, which culminated in issue 332, our plan was to use dual numbers on the front of the comic, meaning it would have been both issue 81 and issue 333. A true exclusive for our attendees.

Martin Fisher from the Auto Assembly team worked very hard to make the comic a reality, as did IDW; we therefore wish to extend our sincere thanks both to Martin and to IDW editor John Barber, who took time out of his busy schedule to try and make the exclusive comic a success for our attendees. John's work is massively appreciated and it should be noted that he and IDW did everything in their power to bring issue 333 to life. We are truly grateful for their support.

Sadly, the comic was not to be. At the 11th hour, with our artists poised to start work on the new cover, the issue was vetoed, seemingly without any explanation by the license holders, Hasbro US.

Obviously this has come as a great disappointment to ourselves and no doubt, will be to our attendees as well. We would like to explain why the decision was taken but sadly, no explanation has been given to us other than that Hasbro US do not at this time wish for IDW to produce another Auto Assembly comic. Sadly, it is our understanding that IDW themselves have not been presented with a firm reason either.

On behalf of the entire Auto Assembly committee, we are truly sorry that we are not able to provide you, our attendees, with the exclusive IDW comic which you had been promised. However, we are sure our attendees will appreciate that sadly, this issue is completely beyond the control of both Auto Assembly and IDW, who worked together in good faith before the plans were stopped. We are sure there is probably a very simple reason for the decision made by Hasbro US and if we receive further explanation from them we will of course share it with you.

So, the question now is, were does this leave your goodie bags?  Well, as sad as we are, we absolutely refuse to leave our attendees disappointed - we promised you a comic and we are still going to deliver on that promise!

Obviously we are not able to produce an official comic for the reasons outlined above, but that gives us a great deal of flexibility. So rather than simply giving you an exclusive cover, we are going to give you a completely new full colour comic! This will be included in all eligible goodie bags, free of charge.

Jeff Anderson will still be providing the cover artwork for this new comic and Kris Carter too is adamant that attendees should receive a first class product and so, as well as providing cover colours, Kris has begun writing an exclusive 6 page comic script for us. But that's not all you will receive in this issue. Our current plan, ambitious as it may be so close to our print deadline, is to give you an issue which includes at least three different comic stories, created by collaborations between professional comic creative talent and fans alike. The response we have had from our artists is both fantastic and humbling; they are truly lighting our darkest hour by putting the "Assembly" into Auto Assembly!

In addition to this comic, goodie bags will also include a copy of our full colour convention exclusive fanzine, The Cybertronian Times (which in previous years had been an additional £7 purchase). And of course, you will still receive the usual array of convention exclusive merchandise, including Auto Assembly postcards which might just have some artwork you could have signed by our guests of honour!

And to really show you just how much we appreciate your understanding and support, we are planning to include one or two surprise goodie bag items; of course, we're not going to give everything away just yet, so you'll just have to check your goodie bags for those!

Furthermore, whilst the issue with the IDW comic is sadly out of our hands, we cannot simply stand by and watch our attendees being short changed.  We do very much believe that the goodie bag on offer is great value for money, but Auto Assembly only comes by once a year and we want our attendees to be able to take home with them something extra special to remind them of the show.

Therefore, after much consideration we have decided to increase production of our convention exclusive lithograph.  Previously only available to attendees who had booked rooms in the Hilton at our convention rate, we are instead going to provide a copy of the lithograph – free of charge – to each and every attendee who should have received the exclusive comic in their goodie bags.  This is going to be a large scale, full colour print, produced by a professional artist, which will be available exclusively at Auto Assembly events this year.

Finally, as a special treat for everybody who has taken the time to read this statement, we thought we'd give you a heads up that a major comic guest is going to cross the ocean to attend Auto Assembly 2012 - and we will be announcing that person sometime in the next 14 days! And we will also be announcing the artist for our lithograph as well so keep your eyes peeled!

Sadness and disappointment aside, we are determined to provide you with the best ever Auto Assembly goodie bag this year. We wish to thank you for your continued support of the convention and, once again, we wish to offer our sincere thanks to IDW. Now let's make Auto Assembly 2012 the best convention ever!

For more details on Auto Assembly 2012 which is taking place over the weekend of 3rd - 5th August 2012 in Birmingham, England or to book your tickets or find out information about booking dealers tables, visit the website at www.autoassembly.org.uk and for all the latest news on Auto Assembly Europe, visit www.autoassemblyeurope.eu

The Auto Assembly Team

Web: www.autoassembly.org.uk / www.transformersvideogames.co.uk / www.ct-alpha.com
Auto Assembly Europe: www.autoassemblyeurope.eu
Youtube: www.youtube.com/autoassembly
Twitter: www.twitter.com/auto_assembly
Forum: http://www.autoassembly.org.uk/forum
Email: contact@autoassembly.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)7860 948296

Auto Assembly is sponsored by

Toyz And Gamez - www.toyzandgamez.co.uk
TF Source - www.tfsource.com
Robot Kingdom - www.robotkingdom.com
Transformers @ The Moon - www.transformertoys.co.uk
TransformersAnimated.com - www.transformersanimated.com
TheTransformers.net - www.thetransformers.net
Titan Books - www.titanbooks.com
3 Darths Comics - www.3darthscomics.co.uk
Science Fiction Collectables - www.sf-collectables.co.uk
Big Bad Toy Store - www.bbts.com
Xyber Toys - www.xybertoys.com

Botcon have issued the following announcement confirm that they, and Hasbro, have reversed their "no fan art" stance for Botcon 2012

"We're pleased to announce, per Hasbro, that artist tables will be allowed at BotCon 2012 as we have allowed it in the past, and will be permissible as part of the show. Hasbro sympathizes and understands fans' discouragement with the previous statements concerning fan art, and while remaining steadfast in the right to protect its IP in regards to unlicensed merchandise, wants to ensure fans can continue to enjoy the BotCon experience which they know is made so great in large part by the fan community."

Buster Jones, the voice of G1 Blaster, has been announced as the latest guest for BotCon 2012.

BotCon: Look out and shout... See who our next BotCon guest is here: http://t.co/6kRPrh7N

Jim Sorenson has updated his blog, Disciples of Boltax, with a report on Roll Out Roll Call 2012 which took place in Southhampton here in the UK over the weekend of the 10th and the 11th.  We had the pleasure of meeting up with Jim and Bill before the show and taking them on a bit of a tour as we drove down to the show, but it's a great insight to read a report on any show from the perspective of one of the guests.  You can read it here.

Jeff Anderson Confirmed As Latest Auto Assembly 2012 Guest

Hot on the heels of announcing the return of Nick Roche to Auto Assembly, we are proud to announce another comic guest for Auto Assembly 2012...

We will be joined by comic artist Jeff Anderson who will be known to Transformers fans for his extensive work on the Marvel UK comics. Fans have asked us for several years to bring Jeff to Auto Assembly and he will be making his debut at the convention this year.

In addition to Transformers, he has also worked on Death’s Head, Knights of Pendragon, Mys-tech Wars, the graphic novels The Shadow's Edge and The Cutting Edge and an adaptation of The Bible. For more information on Jeff and his work, please visit his website at: http://www.jeffandersonillustrator.co.uk/

For more details on Auto Assembly 2012 which is taking place over the weekend of 3rd - 5th August 2012 in Birmingham, England or to book your tickets or find out information about booking dealers tables, visit the website at http://www.autoassembly.org.uk and for all the latest news on Auto Assembly Europe, visit http://www.autoassemblyeurope.eu

The Auto Assembly Team

Web: http://www.autoassembly.org.uk / http://www.transformersvideogames.co.uk / http://www.ct-alpha.com
Auto Assembly Europe: http://www.autoassemblyeurope.eu
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/autoassembly
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/auto_assembly
Forum: http://www.autoassembly.org.uk/forum
Email: contact@autoassembly.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)7860 948296

Auto Assembly is sponsored by

Toyz And Gamez - http://www.toyzandgamez.co.uk
Transformers @ The Moon - http://www.transformertoys.co.uk
TransformersAnimated.com - http://www.transformersanimated.com
TheTransformers.net - http://www.thetransformers.net
Titan Books - http://www.titanbooks.com
3 Darths Comics - http://www.3darthscomics.co.uk
Science Fiction Collectables - http://www.sf-collectables.co.uk
Big Bad Toy Store - http://www.bbts.com
Xyber Toys - http://www.xybertoys.com

Here is the latest update on the credit card security investigation. from Fun Publications

The firm we have hired to analyze our former ecommerce server and software has preliminarily determined that we did incur a SQL injection code attack sometime before Christmas. Our ISP did have a commercial product installed that was supposed to defeat these types of attacks, but apparently it failed.

This allowed the hackers access to our order information. While it is still unknown exactly what data they were able to harvest (investigation continues) we need to assume that they were able to extract all of our order information. The security firm thinks that this attack has allowed the hackers to come back periodically and harvest more information. However, once the old server was taken out of service (around February 21st) there was nothing left for them to access.

Once this information was stolen, (no matter if it was back before Christmas) there is no time frame as to when the thieves may sell or try to use the information to purport credit card theft.

What does this mean to me?

We are asking again that anyone who has used a credit card in our old online systems in the past year (NOT THE NEW STORE) to get your card replaced immediately. If you have done this already, there is no action required on your part.

We apologize for the inconvenience, we know this whole thing is a pain, but it is better to replace the cards than have to deal with any issues that may result from this theft of data. Even though the amount of fraud has greatly declined, we are still receiving a customer report every few days of someone else (who hasn’t replaced their cards) getting hit. We strongly encourage you to take this step immediately if you have not done so already. Again, this DOES NOT pertain to any cards that have been used in the new store.

What is the plan?

We are still working on all of the issues and are several weeks away from a final resolution. Our new store is currently offline while we complete the entries and audit the data from the renewals we received last week. Just to reiterate, this new store is a totally different piece of software, at a totally different hosting site. There are hundreds of other retailers using this same software as it is hosted by the software creators.

We hope to have the store online and registration system back online sometime next week. When the store comes back online, we will be adding products slowly so it will take some time to have everything back in the store.

Thank you for your patience and support during this trying issue.

Brian

Nick Roche To Attend Auto Assembly 2012

Auto Assembly is proud to announce that we are once again going to be joined by fan favourite, artist and writer Nick Roche. Nick will be joining us at the convention for the fourth successive year and will be taking part in panels, signing autographs and sketching for fans all weekend and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about his work.

Nick will be joining his Wreckers co-conspirator James Roberts for a special IDW Panel that we will be holding on the Sunday but we are sure that there will be a few other events that he will be involved with during the weekend...

For more details on Auto Assembly 2012 which is taking place over the weekend of 3rd - 5th August 2012 in Birmingham, England or to book your tickets or find out information about booking dealers tables, visit the website at http://www.autoassembly.org.uk and for all the latest news on Auto Assembly Europe, visit http://www.autoassemblyeurope.eu

The Auto Assembly Team

Web: http://www.autoassembly.org.uk / http://www.transformersvideogames.co.uk / http://www.ct-alpha.com
Auto Assembly Europe: http://www.autoassemblyeurope.eu
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/autoassembly
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/auto_assembly
Forum: http://www.autoassembly.org.uk/forum
Email: contact@autoassembly.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)7860 948296

Auto Assembly is sponsored by

Toyz And Gamez - http://www.toyzandgamez.co.uk
Transformers @ The Moon - http://www.transformertoys.co.uk
TransformersAnimated.com - http://www.transformersanimated.com
TheTransformers.net - http://www.thetransformers.net
Titan Books - http://www.titanbooks.com
3 Darths Comics - http://www.3darthscomics.co.uk
Science Fiction Collectables - http://www.sf-collectables.co.uk
Big Bad Toy Store - http://www.bbts.com
Xyber Toys - http://www.xybertoys.com