Images of the BotCon 2012 figures are coming in from all over the place now.
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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'sSM 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 28th 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
The attendee exclusive figure is
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
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
Dealers who will be trading at Botcon have received an email stating that Hasbro and Fun Publications reserve the right to confiscate any and all unlicensed materials. You'll find a copy of the announcement below.
"Promoter and its designees, including Hasbro, Inc., each reserves the right to ban or deny display of any item for any reason. Promoter and its designees, including Hasbro, Inc., each reserves the right to confiscate any items that violates these rules and regulations. Exhibitor agrees to permit such confiscation without incident and agrees that all confiscated items shall become the property of Promoter or its designee and may be turned over to the appropriate authorities. Exhibitor herby [sic] waives and all claims against the Promotor [sic] or Hasbro, Inc. with respect to any removal of person or confiscation of items."
Credit to FullMetalHero for the news.
Update:
Pete has posted a response on behalf of Botcon over on TFW2005.com
I am afraid that details will not be provided. There are SO many 3rd party items, no one is going to provide a list of what is acceptable "unlicensed" toys.
Thanks to Planet Iacon here's a first look at what appears to be Botcon 2012 Shattered Glass Generation 2 Optimus Prime. It's not confirmed whether this is the attendee 'freebie' or part of one of the add-on sets sold at the convention itself. This is a redeco of Reveal the Shield Optimus Prime using the same colour scheme as the existing Shattered Glass Optimus Prime from 2008's Botcon boxed set.
Some fans will see this as a nice node to the original set, others as a cop-out and futher indication that Fun Publications are running out of ideas for this years set.
This takes the list to.
BoxSet
Loose
Custom Competition
Botcon.com has been updated with two new images of Botcon 2012 Metalhawk. The figure, based on the Transformers: Super God Masterforce Metalhawk toy, is a recolour of the recent Thunderwing toy that was also recoloured as Sky Shadow (Black Shadow). You can view the mirrored images below.
The Transformers Galaxy Hong Kong Fans Group have manged to get their hands on this year's BotCon exclusive Gigatron (Overlord) from the "Invasion" boxset. You need to be a facebook user to see the images
Full Metal Hero's Stripe (or Minon to Transformers At The Moon members) has gotten his hands on the BotCon exclusive Hunt for the Decepticons Voyager Sea Spray repaint of Shattered Glass Otcopunch, and posted a pictorial review. Click here to view the rest of Stripe's images and read his review of the figure
Early warning for the review - Octopunch is my favourite Transformer and has been since I got my paws on him as a child, so expect some biased love for this toy.
I've wait 20+ years for a new Octopunch toy and whilst i'll openly admit that I wasn't blown away by this interpretation at first, having the toy in hand is perhaps the most excited i've been for a Transformer in years.
This is the third time we've seen this mold, and if you don't love it by now then you've likely already made up your mind about this figure. If you took the lunge on Seaspray and Deep Dive then you'll know what to expect and it really comes down to character and colour choice.
The colours on the toy are much better than early images suggested, and whilst the green of the hovercraft ring isn't what I would call 'Octopunch green', the use of blue, yellow and purple is really nice. Paint apps are decent, with only a few little missed bits here and there. One half of the crotch plate is missing the blue though. If you take the view that Shattered Glass figures can ignore traditional colours schemes, then the one chosen for Ock is perfectly acceptable and very cool in its own right.
I've grown especially fond of the head, and whilst I completely understand the calls for a new one, the blue breathing aparatus (like on the G1 pretender's chest) over the purple helmet really does have that Octopunch feel to it.
Transformation is smooth and easy (and yes I know I mistransformed the shoulder plates in some photos - I was too excited to have my Ock figure), and joints are reasonably tight. Overall the quality of the toy from a construction point of view is easily comparable to Seaspray and Deep Dive, and the firing missile launchers work fine.
My only real gripe is that the peg for the missile launcher is a bit too tight for him to hold them in his hand, although they fit on the forearm pegs just fine. The back plate where the deck of the hovercraft folds up is also a little finnicky at the bottom hinge and takes some effort to lock in correctly.
Octopunch is far from a must have for most fans, and anyone who already owns this mold has probably had their fix from it, but there is still something really special about him. Sure he's missing the tentacles, harpoon gun, crab chap and the pretender-ness of the G1 toy, but recent reimaginings over the past few years of Bludgeon, Skullgrin and Thunderwing have redecuated us in our expectations anyway. The little touches such as the tentacle decals on the chest, blue breathing mask and general coolness really sell the figure.
Dare I say - roll on a voyager sized Stranglehold?
Botcon have revealed the lead figure of the 2012 Invasion set, Ultra Magnus. Based on the Diaclone colours, and using the Reveal the Shield Laser Prime mold, Magnus will be another toy to split opinions, mainly due to the head.
Livio Ramondelli, the artist from th "Chaos" story arc in IDW's Transformers 2011 ongoing comic, has announced via Twitter that he will be attending BotCon 2012.
Click here to see Livio Ramondelli's tweet
BotCon 2012 takes place April 26-29 in Dallas, Texas.
eBay seller riflescopeshop has posted two listings on the auction website for the upcoming Botcon 2012 exclusive Shattered Glass Octopunch. The figure, who was recently revealed thanks to ACToys, is a recolour of the HFTD Seaspray. The new images that were posted on ebay show the figure in robot mode for the first time. You can view the auctions here and here and can see the images below.
ACToys.net have posted an image of what appears to be a new Botcon 2012 figure ... Octopunch! The toy is a recolour of the Hunt For The Decepticons Seaspray.
Botcon Tweeted last night that "We are now 50% sold thru on Primus and 70% sold through on Golden Ticket packages. We doubled class size this year and still sold out fast!".
The Golden Tickets are priority passes that were last used at OTFCC 2003 and proved extremely controversial.
We will continue to update you with the latest Botcon news, though you can also use our exclusive "Other Sites News / In The News" section to stay up-to-date with news from 43 different websites from around the world.