BotCon 2014 Pirates vs. Knights Box Set Group Shot

Va'al wrote:Check out below Devcon, Ferak, Scorponok with Olin Zarak, Fire Guts Ginrai and Cannonball, and of course, the box.

Rated X wrote: Just rock some black sweatpants and a fresh pair of Nikes and that shirt can go anywhere. A shirt doesnt make someone look nerd. Not having swag is what makes someone look nerd.

Diem wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Registered! Primus Package + assemble custom class figure.


This toy is just "Ginrai". The old "Fire Guts" toy deco is being used as his standard form deco this time. While he can likely still power up for his attacks, he'll be an orange & red bot on fire this time instead of a red & blue one on fire. There is no need to refer to his non-powered form by his attack powered form name this time.

Sorry Sabr but I'm calling foul on this. All we know so far is that canon-wise the toy is just called Ginrai, which isn't especially meaningful (unless we're all calling Tracks "Turbo Tracks" nowadays). Until the comic comes out I don't think we can call it; but I see it going one of three ways:

A) This character's origin is unrelated to Masterforce and he has always been orange - sure, he's plain Ginrai

B) This character is Masterforce Ginrai or has an analogous origin, and is now permanently or temporarily orange - then he's bloody Fire Guts Ginrai.

C) This character's origin is unrelated to Masterforce but the orange represents a powered up form - then unless they name him something different he's still bloody Fire Guts Ginrai.

While I appreciate that the letter of the law here is that his name is just Ginrai the spirit of law shows that he is deliberately designed to be intentionally evocative of a specific incarnation of the character Ginrai.

This all said I look forward to arguing with you in person! See you there man.

MGrotusque wrote:

Rated X wrote: Just rock some black sweatpants and a fresh pair of Nikes and that shirt can go anywhere. A shirt doesnt make someone look nerd. Not having swag is what makes someone look nerd.

If you say so dude.

Sabrblade wrote:It's not about the fiction, it's about the integrity of toy publicity.

It's like when people refer toys of Strika and Tankor as "Stryka" and "Tankorr", and consider those the official names.

Journalistic honesty/authenticity and that stuff.

Rated X wrote:

MGrotusque wrote:

Rated X wrote: Just rock some black sweatpants and a fresh pair of Nikes and that shirt can go anywhere. A shirt doesnt make someone look nerd. Not having swag is what makes someone look nerd.

If you say so dude.

Ive worn transformer shirts to bars and strip clubs and met girls. Its called self confidence. Guess not being a nerd also helps too.

It Is Him wrote:

Rated X wrote:

MGrotusque wrote:

Rated X wrote: Just rock some black sweatpants and a fresh pair of Nikes and that shirt can go anywhere. A shirt doesnt make someone look nerd. Not having swag is what makes someone look nerd.

If you say so dude.

Ive worn transformer shirts to bars and strip clubs and met girls. Its called self confidence. Guess not being a nerd also helps too.

Girls at strip clubs don't care what you look like as long as you give them money. Besides, you're a nerd. You have hundreds of posts on a message board about cartoon robots, and could probably name everyone that was released 1984. Own it. It's cool. I'm a nerd, too, and it's okay. You can do it with whatever swag is, but you are still a nerd and that's not a bad thing.

It Is Him wrote:Besides, you're a nerd. You have hundreds of posts on a message board about cartoon robots, and could probably name everyone that was released 1984. Own it. It's cool. I'm a nerd, too, and it's okay. You can do it with whatever swag is, but you are still a nerd and that's not a bad thing.

YoungPrime wrote:Which ones are Knights and which are Pirates?

Looks like only Scorpinok is a Con though

DECEPTICON PIRATE CANNONBALL – A smarmy, charismatic pirate leader, who rules through charm and subterfuge, rather than force and intimidation, Cannonball is a Bot who’d sooner talk his way out of a fight or into a prize, but is more than capable when he needs to do battle. While he specializes in deception, fraud and even out-and-out impersonation, Cannonball is also skilled with blades and melee weapons – a true swashbuckler.

DECEPTICON PIRATE FERAK – Ferak is a sadist and the Pirates’ maintenance man. He keeps the ship together and can cobble Engines of Terror for casting fear on their victims. He used to be part of an elite Decepticon team called “Squadron X” during the war, but has found adapting to peacetime rather difficult. He is partnered with the diminutive TORNADO, a former member of Squadron X, whose alternate mode is a gun, but an ill-designed gun that jams and threatens to explode if a round of ammunition becomes lodged (it happens a lot – Ferak has the powder burns to prove it).

DECEPTICON PIRATE SCORPONOK – Scorponok is the fusion of machine and a Nebulan named Zarak. Last we had seen of Scorponok, he was flying through space serving as the battleship for the tattered remains of the Decepticon army. Now, however, Zarak has been forced to scuttle much of that battleship, rebuilding Scorponok into a smaller body.

AUTOBOT KNIGHT GINRAI – He is the gruff, pragmatic and downright paranoid military leader of the Autobots/Maximals. An old-school warrior “Bot of Action”, Ginrai has earned the rank of Knight Commander. A veteran of the old conflicts, he’s not entirely comfortable with the peace, constantly waiting for the “other shoe to drop”.

AUTOBOT KNIGHT DEVCON – A loner and former bounty hunter who holds the rank of Knight Sergeant, Devcon is the Batman to Ginrai’s Commissioner Gordon – the Bot willing to cross the line, bend the rules, shake down an informant. He doesn’t play well with others, but he gets the job done every time.

Sabrblade wrote:There should be two more pirates, three more knights, one "rogue Decepticon", and pirate troop builders in the souvenir sets and the attendee figure. No info on what faction the customization class figure is, though.

Henry921 wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:There should be two more pirates, three more knights, one "rogue Decepticon", and pirate troop builders in the souvenir sets and the attendee figure. No info on what faction the customization class figure is, though.

If I'm remembering the original tweet, they said one "rogue Decepticon who may or may not be a pirate". Are we sure that's not Scorponok?

craggy wrote:so is Swag the newest Dinobot?

ScottyP wrote:There is not a lot of time left before the show. Where should we have the pseudo-official meetup? I'm thinking Saturday night at Yardhouse across from the center in Paseo Colorado, if we're gonna overpay for beer, might as well get bigger ones.

Sabrblade wrote:

ScottyP wrote:There is not a lot of time left before the show. Where should we have the pseudo-official meetup? I'm thinking Saturday night at Yardhouse across from the center in Paseo Colorado, if we're gonna overpay for beer, might as well get bigger ones.

Isn't Saturday the Universal Studios night? Or is that Friday?

Or wait, if it is Friday, then isn't Saturday the dinner that BotCon holds each year?

Diem wrote:I thought that there wasn't a dinner this year BECAUSE of Universal but I could be wrong.

Diem wrote:The gift shop at the Transformers ride is not gonna know what hit it. Oddly I was there about a month ago and they had a bunch of GDO Scouts and hilariously overpriced Generations.

Sabrblade wrote:

Diem wrote:The gift shop at the Transformers ride is not gonna know what hit it. Oddly I was there about a month ago and they had a bunch of GDO Scouts and hilariously overpriced Generations.

I'm not even sure if I'd even want to buy anything from that gift shop since, when I was at the ride's opening in Orlando, that ride's gift shop was filled with tons of TF merch, and I only purchased one item from it: Deluxe Evac (the ride's character). And now that I have him, unless the Hollywood gift shop has anything from retail that I actually want, I'm not sure if I'd even be buying anything from it.

Shockwave7 wrote:I don't like the new 'logo'. I'm reminded of...

Rodimus Prime wrote:Will there be a Hall of Fame presentation? If so, who are the inductees? Haven't read anything about this yet.

Sabrblade wrote:

Rodimus Prime wrote:Will there be a Hall of Fame presentation? If so, who are the inductees? Haven't read anything about this yet.

Doesn't look like it. By now, it's too late for any kind of voting.

Last year had no presentation. It was just an announcement in one of the panels. After all, the department that was previously responsible for the Hall of Fame left Hasbro when the old design team did.

It Is Him wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Rodimus Prime wrote:Will there be a Hall of Fame presentation? If so, who are the inductees? Haven't read anything about this yet.

Doesn't look like it. By now, it's too late for any kind of voting.

Last year had no presentation. It was just an announcement in one of the panels. After all, the department that was previously responsible for the Hall of Fame left Hasbro when the old design team did.

Wait... What?? A bunch of designers left???

Midnight_Fox wrote:Interesting. Botcon's Twitter is stating that there are some bagged sets that were held back for the Iacon packages to purchase alongside their boxed set.

Sabrblade wrote:

It Is Him wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Rodimus Prime wrote:Will there be a Hall of Fame presentation? If so, who are the inductees? Haven't read anything about this yet.

Doesn't look like it. By now, it's too late for any kind of voting.

Last year had no presentation. It was just an announcement in one of the panels. After all, the department that was previously responsible for the Hall of Fame left Hasbro when the old design team did.

Wait... What?? A bunch of designers left???

Well, yeah, Aaron Archer, Rik Alvarez, Alvarez's whole department (who were responsible for the HoF), Joe Kyde (but he still does freelance work for Hasbro), etc.

The last things this design team worked on were the 2013 Generations Thrilling 30 toys. The new/current design team's first toys were the 2014 simplified Prime Beast Hunters Deluxes and Voyagers. They're the team behind the AOE toys (as well as the non-AOE Generations for 2014).

It Is Him wrote:Archer is no longer with Hasbro?? Whoa. I don't remember this happening or being announced or newsed at all. What are your sources?

It Is Him wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

It Is Him wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Rodimus Prime wrote:Will there be a Hall of Fame presentation? If so, who are the inductees? Haven't read anything about this yet.

Doesn't look like it. By now, it's too late for any kind of voting.

Last year had no presentation. It was just an announcement in one of the panels. After all, the department that was previously responsible for the Hall of Fame left Hasbro when the old design team did.

Wait... What?? A bunch of designers left???

Well, yeah, Aaron Archer, Rik Alvarez, Alvarez's whole department (who were responsible for the HoF), Joe Kyde (but he still does freelance work for Hasbro), etc.

The last things this design team worked on were the 2013 Generations Thrilling 30 toys. The new/current design team's first toys were the 2014 simplified Prime Beast Hunters Deluxes and Voyagers. They're the team behind the AOE toys (as well as the non-AOE Generations for 2014).

Archer is no longer with Hasbro?? Whoa. I don't remember this happening or being announced or newsed at all. What are your sources?

So it's all new people designing transformers now?

Thalack wrote:Got myself registered for botcon, can't wait! I'm looking forward to it big time this year.

And if I may say, hopefully without getting flamed cause I mean to ill-will by what I say but...

I've been lurking around these forums for a while now, made an account a couple of weeks ago. I've been reading and watching and it seems like you guys are so much more level headed then another transformers forum I could mention but won't, that seems clouded with a lot of negative attitudes and frequent whining. In short, it's a joy being here in comparison.

Diem wrote:

Thalack wrote:Got myself registered for botcon, can't wait! I'm looking forward to it big time this year.

And if I may say, hopefully without getting flamed cause I mean to ill-will by what I say but...

I've been lurking around these forums for a while now, made an account a couple of weeks ago. I've been reading and watching and it seems like you guys are so much more level headed then another transformers forum I could mention but won't, that seems clouded with a lot of negative attitudes and frequent whining. In short, it's a joy being here in comparison.

Glad to have you aboard man! Yeah, we're largely a pretty mellow bunch, and even the few firecrackers in the candle box don't mean any real harm. Look forward to seeing you at Botcon!

Diem wrote:I hadn't heard about this. And I hate to be the ALL-NEW-DESIGNERS-THAT'S-WHY-NEW-TFS-SUCK guy but from what I've seen they don't have any gold stars so far.

Thalack wrote:Got myself registered for botcon, can't wait! I'm looking forward to it big time this year.

And if I may say, hopefully without getting flamed cause I don't mean any ill-will by what I say but...

I've been lurking around these forums for a while now, made an account a couple of weeks ago. I've been reading and watching and it seems like you guys are so much more level headed then another transformers forum I could mention but won't, that seems clouded with a lot of negative attitudes and frequent whining. In short, it's a joy being here in comparison.

Sabrblade wrote:

Diem wrote:I hadn't heard about this. And I hate to be the ALL-NEW-DESIGNERS-THAT'S-WHY-NEW-TFS-SUCK guy but from what I've seen they don't have any gold stars so far.

Well, if my math is accurate (or close enough to accurate), then the current design team is responsible not only for the AOE stuff, but also for the Generations toys that come after the first 2014 waves of Deluxes and Voyagers. Meaning that every new mold after Waspinator, Skids, Goldfire, Dreadwing, Rhinox, and Doubledealer comes from the current team.

Though, I'm hesitant to say this for certain about all of the second wave 2014 Deluxes due to the timing of when they were revealed. I know for almost certainty that Whirl is product of the current design team (since he was made by the same designer who's doing the upcoming Roadbuster figure, who is part of the current team), but his reveal came about first at BotCon 2013, along with the Wave 2 2014 Deluxe (minus Centuritron).

I guess I could just ask someone more in the know about which toys were the last to be designed by the old team, but I don't know if I'd get an answer.

Diem wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Diem wrote:I hadn't heard about this. And I hate to be the ALL-NEW-DESIGNERS-THAT'S-WHY-NEW-TFS-SUCK guy but from what I've seen they don't have any gold stars so far.

Well, if my math is accurate (or close enough to accurate), then the current design team is responsible not only for the AOE stuff, but also for the Generations toys that come after the first 2014 waves of Deluxes and Voyagers. Meaning that every new mold after Waspinator, Skids, Goldfire, Dreadwing, Rhinox, and Doubledealer comes from the current team.

Though, I'm hesitant to say this for certain about all of the second wave 2014 Deluxes due to the timing of when they were revealed. I know for almost certainty that Whirl is product of the current design team (since he was made by the same designer who's doing the upcoming Roadbuster figure, who is part of the current team), but his reveal came about first at BotCon 2013, along with the Wave 2 2014 Deluxe (minus Centuritron).

I guess I could just ask someone more in the know about which toys were the last to be designed by the old team, but I don't know if I'd get an answer.

Actually that would make an alarming amount of sense. Whirl, Scoop and Armada Starscream (and by the looks of him, Tankor) are all decent but flawed figures that have transformations that don't vary hugely from the originals. Rhinox, Centuritron and Rattrap seem to be substantially more complex. There's a visible divide in style and complexity within the line.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BotCon 2014 to feature its largest Artists’ Alley ever… again!
Pasadena, California June 19th – June 22nd!


Pasadena, CA – May 14th, 2014 – Fun Publications, Inc., licensee for Hasbro’s official
Transformers Collectors’ Convention, BotCon, is excited to announce that this
years award-winning convention is set to feature another record year for artist
participation. With over 25 amazing artists appearing at BotCon, being held at the
Pasadena Convention Center from June 19th to June 22nd in the wonderful city of
Pasadena, fans from around the world will get to meet and buy art from many of the
best professional artists working on Transformers today!


Pop Culture enthusiasts and Transformers fans of all ages can still register for
BotCon 2014 through the BotCon.com online registration system. Fans and
Collectors who register for BotCon as a Primus package holder will receive the
five-figure PIRATES VS KNIGHTS convention set, admission to the Friday private
sales room experience, The TRANSFORMERS FAN EXPERIENCE at Universal,
priority seating at all panels and seminars throughout the weekend and access to
all of the great guests attending BotCon 2014. Finally, Primus package attendees
will also receive a special bonus Transformers Deluxe figure to go along with
their convention box set. General Admission for non-registered attendees will be
available on Saturday and Sunday only.


For more information on BotCon and all activities and the exclusive figure
offerings, please visit BotCon.com. Press inquiries; please contact Pete Sinclair
pete@funpubinc.com.


About Fun Publications, Inc.

For nearly 20 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 GIJoeCon 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) 2014 Fun
Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.

About Hasbro

Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAS) 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 innovative,
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" and is ranked as one
of Corporate Responsibility Magazine’s "100 Best Corporate Citizens."Learn more at
http://www.hasbro.com. © 2014 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Hello Everyone!

Non-Attending registration is now open. There is a limited number of non-attending sets available. When we run out, at a later date we will load the leftover attending sets (if available) into non-attending as we must keep those in stock for fans that want to travel to the event.

So, if you don't get a non-attending set now, we will let you know in the future when (if any) additional sets become available.

These sets will ship 3-4 weeks after the staff returns from BotCon. Also, note that the Priority Mail number of days listed in the shipping section is the service the Post Office offers and not a guarantee that the items will come in that number of days. All Priority Mail is a 2-5 day service and can actually take longer than that.

Please go to BotCon.com and click the registration button.

See you in Pasadena!

Brian

Midnight_Fox wrote:Got Rod and I's set. Got my confirmation e-mail already. Was stalking their Facebook page and got in as soon as it was up.

Sabrblade wrote:Tornado's been busy lately making more story posts on his Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=754251827942485&id=735228939844774

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=755654227802245&id=735228939844774

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=756460644388270&id=735228939844774

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=757919680909033&id=735228939844774

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=758426614191673&id=735228939844774

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=759605667407101&id=735228939844774

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=760477707319897&id=735228939844774

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=761434753890859&id=735228939844774

Lots of story material, there.