BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed
Friday, February 7th, 2014 8:07AM CST
Categories: Toy News, Event News, Collector's Club NewsPosted by: Va'al Views: 29,455
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Thanks to fellow Seibertron.com member Sabrblade, we have some interesting news about the recently revealed leader of the Pirate faction in this year's BotCon fiction, Cannonball. The news comes from the TCC magazine, currently being delivered to members. We are not able to show pictures, as per the Club's request, but here's the reveal:
Cannonball will be a redeco of Prime: Robots in Disguise Ratchet, with a new head mold!
A fan who has received the magazine describes it as follows: Vehicle mode is black with silver for the fenders, bumpers, etc, and silver stylized skeletons drawn on the sides and top. Robot mode is also mostly black & silver, with what appears to be the typical Cannonball color (not sure if it's orange, green or what with my defective eyes) on the thighs, shoulders and upper arms. Head looks like Cybertron cannonball (I.e. Cybertron red alert) with typical visor and mouth.
This still seems not to explain the alternate head found in the Ratchet instructions, pictured below.
Additionally, Jesse Wittenrich, writer of last year and this year's magazine comic, explained their choice of the mold at fellow fansite AllSpark.com:
Cannonball will be a redeco of Prime: Robots in Disguise Ratchet, with a new head mold!
A fan who has received the magazine describes it as follows: Vehicle mode is black with silver for the fenders, bumpers, etc, and silver stylized skeletons drawn on the sides and top. Robot mode is also mostly black & silver, with what appears to be the typical Cannonball color (not sure if it's orange, green or what with my defective eyes) on the thighs, shoulders and upper arms. Head looks like Cybertron cannonball (I.e. Cybertron red alert) with typical visor and mouth.
This still seems not to explain the alternate head found in the Ratchet instructions, pictured below.
Additionally, Jesse Wittenrich, writer of last year and this year's magazine comic, explained their choice of the mold at fellow fansite AllSpark.com:
The very first toy explored for Cannonball was Breakdown. Because on the face of it, it seems perfect.
But after playing around with the transformation, how that related to the deco, the mold layout, and the exaggerated proportions (tiny head is tiny!), it didn't really work. Ratchet was actually the third option explored, but the robot mode was just perfect for him. Vehicle mode coincidentally became another emergency vehicle which some fans may like...and others not so much.
Credit(s): TFCC Magazine, AllSpark.com
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Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548562)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 8:18am CST
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 8:18am CST
Well, now that that's out into the open, might as well also mention that the TFW guy said that the magazine also contains a mention of Squadron X in the accompanying text for Cannonball, in which there is a log written by Squadron X member Tornado, who notes how Cannonball offered to let them join his crew, but Squadron X "saw a striking difference."
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548567)
Posted by Va'al on February 7th, 2014 @ 8:24am CST
Posted by Va'al on February 7th, 2014 @ 8:24am CST
To be fair, I really really really like that mold. It's the lack of a nice deco that brought it down (Reprolabels fixed it for me). I have no sentimental connection to the character, either, so I'll be interested to see how this turns out!
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548572)
Posted by megatronus on February 7th, 2014 @ 8:33am CST
Posted by megatronus on February 7th, 2014 @ 8:33am CST
Ratchet's mold was always a good one, but I still would have preferred Breakdown for this purpose.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548574)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 7th, 2014 @ 8:35am CST
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 7th, 2014 @ 8:35am CST
Wow, one of the proposed possibilities actually came true! 
We already have an explanation for that head: Arms Micron Swerve. The head design was used for a different mold, and since G1 Swerve was a retool of G1 Gears... See what they did?
Va'al wrote:This still seems not to explain the alternate head found in the Ratchet instructions, pictured below.
We already have an explanation for that head: Arms Micron Swerve. The head design was used for a different mold, and since G1 Swerve was a retool of G1 Gears... See what they did?
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548580)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 8:55am CST
Here's a close up to compare:
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 8:55am CST
Except that Swerve's head has different face and is Voyager sized. The head seen on the proposed "Gears" figure looks a lot more like the head seen in Ratchet's instructions (and is Deluxe sized). Though, there is at least a resemblance between the general shape of this head and Swerve's, yes, so we can probably say that the design for Swerve's head was at least based on the "Gears" head.JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:We already have an explanation for that head: Arms Micron Swerve. The head design was used for a different mold, and since G1 Swerve was a retool of G1 Gears... See what they did?
Here's a close up to compare:
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548586)
Posted by Va'al on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:08am CST
Aha, fair enough (and yes, I just saw Sabr's response too; I take on both your points!).
Posted by Va'al on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:08am CST
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Wow, one of the proposed possibilities actually came true!Va'al wrote:This still seems not to explain the alternate head found in the Ratchet instructions, pictured below.
We already have an explanation for that head: Arms Micron Swerve. The head design was used for a different mold, and since G1 Swerve was a retool of G1 Gears... See what they did?
Aha, fair enough (and yes, I just saw Sabr's response too; I take on both your points!).
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548587)
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:09am CST
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:09am CST
Prime Breakdown made too much sense, so of course they rejected that idea.
Tornado was the UK name of the G2 Cyberjet Windrazor. Silver and red seeker confirmed, but because the Classics mold makes too much sense (see: Making funpub easy money), it'll be a FoC Starscream seeker instead.
Tornado was the UK name of the G2 Cyberjet Windrazor. Silver and red seeker confirmed, but because the Classics mold makes too much sense (see: Making funpub easy money), it'll be a FoC Starscream seeker instead.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548592)
Posted by welcometothedarksyde on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:20am CST
Posted by welcometothedarksyde on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:20am CST
Well guys, consider that Cannonball not being a voyager might mean another figure gets that treatment. Plus would you want Cannonball to tower over the other toys in the set? He was kind of a short deluxe in Cybertron
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548595)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:26am CST
Here's another look at him with Squadron X. Though not the best look, he can be seen towards the middle of the image:
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:26am CST
Except that the Tornado who is a member of Squadron X originated as a toyless Marvel Comics character like Straxus and Jhiaxus used to be.ScottyP wrote:Tornado was the UK name of the G2 Cyberjet Windrazor. Silver and red seeker confirmed, but because the Classics mold makes too much sense (see: Making funpub easy money), it'll be a FoC Starscream seeker instead.
Here's another look at him with Squadron X. Though not the best look, he can be seen towards the middle of the image:
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548606)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:45am CST
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:45am CST
Houston, we have a visual!
https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/431814568705134594/photo/1
https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/431814568705134594/photo/1
Before we ask who is the Navigator, let's show you who the Captain of the Star Seekers is! #PVK pic.twitter.com/VaBzlCXIPR
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548608)
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:50am CST
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:50am CST
^^ I completely forgot about that Tornado character. So much apathy, haha.
^ Liking it. Wish it was coming with a version of RA instead of the RiD swords.
^ Liking it. Wish it was coming with a version of RA instead of the RiD swords.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548609)
Posted by El Duque on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:58am CST
Posted by El Duque on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:58am CST
Since the cat got out of the bag this morning BotCon decided to go ahead and fully reveal Cannonball from this year's Pirates vs. Knights set. As previously reported earlier this morning the figure is a repaint/remold of Transformers Prime Robots in Disguise Delxue Ratchet, which they also state is the only Prime mold in the set. Check him out below:
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548610)
Posted by Rated X on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:59am CST
Posted by Rated X on February 7th, 2014 @ 9:59am CST
Well here we go again...the guy in texas gets the magazine first, but the fan site is more loyal to the club than the fans and wont show the picture. Maybe TFCC should just put the damn magazine on facebook because it will be all over by the end of the day. What a joke. Anyways, I dont see why it was so hard to choose a mold for a figure that was a mere repaint anyways. Its freaking cybertron red alert repainted. I never considered a dodge magnum hatchback to be a rescue vehicle, even if it did have a siren on top. It was red alerts deco that made him a rescue vehicle. The cannonball repaint was by no means a rescue vehicle. Skulls ? Cmon now...I still would have preferred the breakdown mold. This is one character that didnt have to be too faithful to his original mold since he was just a repaint. They could have been a bit more daring. That head only works for ratchet. And TFCCs cheapness not to give every figure a new head isnt helping. Are the new heads really that expensive ? Cant they just order heads from a resin artist here in the States in bulk quantities ? They did for the longarm shockwave custom class figure. It made the TFCCs anti third party stance look like a joke. Like, yeah guys we dont support resin kits in our dealer room but we buy them anyways, lol. But it was good to see that ban lifted last year in San Diego. Even TFCC saw the light that shunning 3rd party items at a TF convention was bad for business. So maybe now Renderform can make a better head for cannonball now that we know the mold. Im not going this year but Im still interested in buying at least some of the figures. Do it Venksta !!! Edit....special thanks to El Duque for letting us see the image. You are the man ! I wish you made all the decisions for this site. Also glad to see the club isnt cheaping out on a new head mold. But im still disappointed they went with that stupid tf primish grin instead of a more serious classics look. Just because they are using tf prime molds, doesnt mean they cant have classics style heads. Or is the real theme of this years botcon tf prime ?
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548612)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:00am CST
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:00am CST
Sweet! Love how it matches up to the Cybertron original:
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548613)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:01am CST
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:01am CST
One more thing. He's the sole Prime mold in the set:
https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/431816933957058560
But does "set" refer to just the boxed set, or the whole collective set of BotCon 2014 exclusives, I wonder?
And... could the Club be breaking their "no Unicron Trilogy molds" decision and be using Energon molds again?
https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/431816933957058560
@PrimalSabbath and yes. Only Prime mold in the set #lovethoseclassics #Energonreturnstoo?
But does "set" refer to just the boxed set, or the whole collective set of BotCon 2014 exclusives, I wonder?
And... could the Club be breaking their "no Unicron Trilogy molds" decision and be using Energon molds again?
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548615)
Posted by GuyIncognito on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:10am CST
Posted by GuyIncognito on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:10am CST
I love it! 
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548616)
Posted by Mindmaster on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:12am CST
Posted by Mindmaster on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:12am CST
SOLD! SOLD! A THOUSAND TIMES SOLD!
HOLD ON TO YER UNDERWEAR BOYS, I'M GOIN' TO BOTCON!
I wouldn't be mad one bit if this was redecoed into Red Alert. Not at all. Even if he was included in this year's set, or one of those two-pack baggies. That's how much this design kicks ass.
I'm gunna be the bad fan here; I'd go absolute hysterical over Energon toys. YOu guys know how I pretty much lost all sense of control when Generations Armada Starscream was unveiled at BotCon and SDCC? Imagine that, but a little less.
Was the animated show bad? Yeah, it was somewhat mediocre. But the toys? Deep down, even though Energon was the worst of the three series of the Unicron Trilogy, people know that Energon had the most kickass toys. There's no denying it.
HOLD ON TO YER UNDERWEAR BOYS, I'M GOIN' TO BOTCON!
I wouldn't be mad one bit if this was redecoed into Red Alert. Not at all. Even if he was included in this year's set, or one of those two-pack baggies. That's how much this design kicks ass.
Sabrblade wrote:And... could the Club be breaking their "no Unicron Trilogy molds" decision and be using Energon molds again?
I'm gunna be the bad fan here; I'd go absolute hysterical over Energon toys. YOu guys know how I pretty much lost all sense of control when Generations Armada Starscream was unveiled at BotCon and SDCC? Imagine that, but a little less.
Was the animated show bad? Yeah, it was somewhat mediocre. But the toys? Deep down, even though Energon was the worst of the three series of the Unicron Trilogy, people know that Energon had the most kickass toys. There's no denying it.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548620)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:18am CST
You seriously asking the site to be sued by Hasbro for spreading private copyrighted material? BAD Move.
Yes they are.
You'd need a lot of resin for that and even more time, since no machines are involved. Plus, shipping them to China where the factories are?
That's Hasbro's stance, not (just) TFCC. Plus, SDCC and NYCC are comic and toy conventions for the most part, it's all fair game. BotCon is TF-only, so we can see the 3rd Party ban there.
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:18am CST
Rated X wrote:Well here we go again...the guy in texas gets the magazine first, but the fan site is more loyal to the club than the fans and wont show the picture.
You seriously asking the site to be sued by Hasbro for spreading private copyrighted material? BAD Move.
And TFCCs cheapness not to give every figure a new head isnt helping. Are the new heads really that expensive ?
Yes they are.
Cant they just order heads from a resin artist here in the States in bulk quantities ? They did for the longarm shockwave custom class figure.
You'd need a lot of resin for that and even more time, since no machines are involved. Plus, shipping them to China where the factories are?
It made the TFCCs anti third party stance look like a joke. Like, yeah guys we dont support resin kits in our dealer room but we buy them anyways, lol. But it was good to see that ban lifted last year in San Diego. Even TFCC saw the light that shunning 3rd party items at a TF convention was bad for business. So maybe now Renderform can make a better head for cannonball now that we know the mold. Im not going this year but Im still interested in buying at least some of the figures. Do it Venksta !!!
That's Hasbro's stance, not (just) TFCC. Plus, SDCC and NYCC are comic and toy conventions for the most part, it's all fair game. BotCon is TF-only, so we can see the 3rd Party ban there.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548621)
Posted by Bumblevivisector on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:20am CST
Posted by Bumblevivisector on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:20am CST
This is going to sound like a strange complaint, but I think they missed an opportunity by making this look too much like Cybertron Red Alert's head. I normally dislike asymmetry, but part of the reason I never bought Cannonball back in the day was that painting half his visor black to simulate an eye patch seemed cheap, albeit creative for a repaint. (And from the moment I saw that beautiful mold, the only repaint I was interested in was Crankcase, who we thankfully got).
Here, however, they had a chance to sculpt his optics different from each other to drive the idea home, with either a scope or a plate over the left one. I mean, Wings Universe Cannonball should have a slightly different design from UT Cannonball; surely he lost the eye through different circumstances, right?
Still, it does look slicker than Red Alert's head, and maybe this sketch will be tweaked a bit before it's sculpted.
Here, however, they had a chance to sculpt his optics different from each other to drive the idea home, with either a scope or a plate over the left one. I mean, Wings Universe Cannonball should have a slightly different design from UT Cannonball; surely he lost the eye through different circumstances, right?
Still, it does look slicker than Red Alert's head, and maybe this sketch will be tweaked a bit before it's sculpted.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548622)
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:22am CST
That's pretty cool with me, actually. Doesn't mean they won't use the Ratchet mold more that once though
And bring on some Energon molds. The Mirage/Dreadwing boat makes a lot of sense as a Pirate character, and Wing Saber looks kind of Knight-like.
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:22am CST
Sabrblade wrote:One more thing. He's the sole Prime mold in the set:
https://twitter.com/BotCon/status/431816933957058560@PrimalSabbath and yes. Only Prime mold in the set #lovethoseclassics #Energonreturnstoo?
But does "set" refer to just the boxed set, or the whole collective set of BotCon 2014 exclusives, I wonder?
And... could the Club be breaking their "no Unicron Trilogy molds" decision and be using Energon molds again?
That's pretty cool with me, actually. Doesn't mean they won't use the Ratchet mold more that once though
And bring on some Energon molds. The Mirage/Dreadwing boat makes a lot of sense as a Pirate character, and Wing Saber looks kind of Knight-like.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548625)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:26am CST
It's like the ROTF of the Unicron Trilogy. Great toys, not-so-great motion picture fiction.
Posted by Sabrblade on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:26am CST
I think it's almost unanimously agreed that Energon had excellent toys despite its terrible cartoon.Mindmaster wrote:Sabrblade wrote:And... could the Club be breaking their "no Unicron Trilogy molds" decision and be using Energon molds again?
I'm gunna be the bad fan here; I'd go absolute hysterical over Energon toys. YOu guys know how I pretty much lost all sense of control when Generations Armada Starscream was unveiled at BotCon and SDCC? Imagine that, but a little less.
Was the animated show bad? Yeah, it was somewhat mediocre. But the toys? Deep down, even though Energon was the worst of the three series of the Unicron Trilogy, people know that Energon had the most kickass toys. There's no denying it.
It's like the ROTF of the Unicron Trilogy. Great toys, not-so-great motion picture fiction.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548628)
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:30am CST
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:30am CST
Cybertron/Galaxy Force had the best toys, but sure, Energon was pretty kick butt too.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548635)
Posted by SG Roadbuster on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:58am CST
I have mixed feeling about Energon. On the one hand, I love all of the Decepticons from that line. The Scout Class autobots were neat, and I absolutely love the brute mode pair of Landmine and Bulkhead. but I could not stand the deluxe and voyager autobots from that line. the combination gimmick was horribly executed, often resulting in extraneous arms/legs hanging off the combined mode's ass. in addition to any pre-existing alt mode kibble.
Posted by SG Roadbuster on February 7th, 2014 @ 10:58am CST
Sabrblade wrote:I think it's almost unanimously agreed that Energon had excellent toys despite its terrible cartoon.Mindmaster wrote:Sabrblade wrote:And... could the Club be breaking their "no Unicron Trilogy molds" decision and be using Energon molds again?
I'm gunna be the bad fan here; I'd go absolute hysterical over Energon toys. YOu guys know how I pretty much lost all sense of control when Generations Armada Starscream was unveiled at BotCon and SDCC? Imagine that, but a little less.
Was the animated show bad? Yeah, it was somewhat mediocre. But the toys? Deep down, even though Energon was the worst of the three series of the Unicron Trilogy, people know that Energon had the most kickass toys. There's no denying it.
It's like the ROTF of the Unicron Trilogy. Great toys, not-so-great motion picture fiction.
I have mixed feeling about Energon. On the one hand, I love all of the Decepticons from that line. The Scout Class autobots were neat, and I absolutely love the brute mode pair of Landmine and Bulkhead. but I could not stand the deluxe and voyager autobots from that line. the combination gimmick was horribly executed, often resulting in extraneous arms/legs hanging off the combined mode's ass. in addition to any pre-existing alt mode kibble.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548636)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on February 7th, 2014 @ 11:01am CST
Posted by Rodimus Prime on February 7th, 2014 @ 11:01am CST
OK, I admit it. I don't hate it. Let's hope FunPub gets molds from as many different toylines as possible. That would be a true tribute to 30 years for Transformers.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548637)
Posted by Bumblevivisector on February 7th, 2014 @ 11:03am CST
Posted by Bumblevivisector on February 7th, 2014 @ 11:03am CST
Yeah, the only strike against the Cybertron toyline was it getting saddled with the worst of the overarching UT gimmicks. Force Chips/Cyber Keys are all too easily lost, since they don't do anything when not plugged into their bot.
And the Energon comic was unfairly cut short by Dreamwave's bankruptcy, just like ROTF was hobbled by the writers' strike. The HUGE difference being that I was wholly on the writers' side in the latter case, whereas Pat Lee on the other hand...
I never thought about it, but yeah, ROTF started out strong, then meandered about a third of they way through until totally losing coherence, just like the Energon 'toon.Sabrblade wrote:I think it's almost unanimously agreed that Energon had excellent toys despite its terrible cartoon.
It's like the ROTF of the Unicron Trilogy. Great toys, not-so-great motion picture fiction.
And the Energon comic was unfairly cut short by Dreamwave's bankruptcy, just like ROTF was hobbled by the writers' strike. The HUGE difference being that I was wholly on the writers' side in the latter case, whereas Pat Lee on the other hand...
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548638)
Posted by Mkall on February 7th, 2014 @ 11:06am CST
Posted by Mkall on February 7th, 2014 @ 11:06am CST
It's a good choice. I would've liked to have seen Breakbown, but I can understand their reasoning.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548643)
Posted by Va'al on February 7th, 2014 @ 11:43am CST
You know what? I've had enough of your negativity, passive-aggressive remarks and constant underminining of our work on here.
Just so we're clear: all news is discussed via staff emails or forums. We check on what news we post. El Duque actually said, and I quote, "Looks like a winner to me!" when I asked about the previous news post for approval. We always ask each other to help us out and look over news.
Also, El Duque did not 'let us see the image', TCC did. Via Twitter. That's why we can show it.
Do you know how much time everyone on the staff dedicates to this site, only to be received by the likes of you, spewing uninformed, non-factual, devious comments? How do you think it feels? Do you think we post news in such a way as to piss the fandom off intentionally?
No.
We post it according to what and how the staff self-polices itself, and based on whatever external factors exert their influence on us. Would you rather have a teaser of what's to come, until the holders of the information release it, or none at all? Because that's what would happen if we ignored the requests of those external parties.
So please, please read this carefully: If you can't be bothered to inform yourself, read the whole news post or article and then offer a comment based on the content, rather than the author or your skewered interpretation of it - don't bother. It's become tiring.
As for the figure, I like it! I do agree that some asymmetry would've worked a lot nicely, but this is a cool redeco of a good mold.
Posted by Va'al on February 7th, 2014 @ 11:43am CST
Rated X wrote:Edit....special thanks to El Duque for letting us see the image. You are the man ! I wish you made all the decisions for this site.
You know what? I've had enough of your negativity, passive-aggressive remarks and constant underminining of our work on here.
Just so we're clear: all news is discussed via staff emails or forums. We check on what news we post. El Duque actually said, and I quote, "Looks like a winner to me!" when I asked about the previous news post for approval. We always ask each other to help us out and look over news.
Also, El Duque did not 'let us see the image', TCC did. Via Twitter. That's why we can show it.
Do you know how much time everyone on the staff dedicates to this site, only to be received by the likes of you, spewing uninformed, non-factual, devious comments? How do you think it feels? Do you think we post news in such a way as to piss the fandom off intentionally?
No.
We post it according to what and how the staff self-polices itself, and based on whatever external factors exert their influence on us. Would you rather have a teaser of what's to come, until the holders of the information release it, or none at all? Because that's what would happen if we ignored the requests of those external parties.
So please, please read this carefully: If you can't be bothered to inform yourself, read the whole news post or article and then offer a comment based on the content, rather than the author or your skewered interpretation of it - don't bother. It's become tiring.
As for the figure, I like it! I do agree that some asymmetry would've worked a lot nicely, but this is a cool redeco of a good mold.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548645)
Posted by Seibertron on February 7th, 2014 @ 11:51am CST
Rated X, that's enough, man. You know us personally from past BotCons. You could easily send us an email or a private message and say "hey man, what's the reason you guys did this or that?" or something personal along those lines instead of taking dibs at the rest of the staff. That's not cool.
Posted by Seibertron on February 7th, 2014 @ 11:51am CST
Va'al wrote:Rated X wrote:Edit....special thanks to El Duque for letting us see the image. You are the man ! I wish you made all the decisions for this site.
You know what? I've had enough of your negativity, passive-aggressive remarks and constant underminining of our work on here.
Rated X, that's enough, man. You know us personally from past BotCons. You could easily send us an email or a private message and say "hey man, what's the reason you guys did this or that?" or something personal along those lines instead of taking dibs at the rest of the staff. That's not cool.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548659)
Posted by Counterpunch on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:25pm CST
Posted by Counterpunch on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:25pm CST
Oddly enough, I think we discussed the possibility of this figure being done as Cannonball in the not yet posted Episode 85.
I think...I think my comment was, "They better not..."
^_^"
I think...I think my comment was, "They better not..."
^_^"
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548663)
Posted by Seibertron on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:28pm CST
When a relatively recent character gets a 2nd mold, I like to see something different ... mostly a class size change makes me happy because it's fun to see how the same basic robot mode and vehicle mode can be transformed differently (i.e. DOTM Deluxe Optimus Prime and ROTF Leader Class Optimus Prime and TF2007 Voyager Optimus Prime). While this Cannonball figure looks cool, I don't feel like it's doing anything different for me whereas had they used the Voyager Breakdown mold for him, I'd think that would give me something different.
I don't know why we all do this song and dance with these reveals every year. I really wish the club would just show all of the figures at once instead of creating an environment that encourages all of the fans to speculate what can be done for each reveal, which just ends up with disappointed and frustrated fans because it's never as cool as what we've imagined. It seems like the "here they all are" approach would eliminate a lot of negativity (not all of it, because you can't make everyone happy) but it would eliminate all of that initial speculation that leads to disappointment that happens every year.
Posted by Seibertron on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:28pm CST
welcometothedarksyde wrote:Well guys, consider that Cannonball not being a voyager might mean another figure gets that treatment. Plus would you want Cannonball to tower over the other toys in the set? He was kind of a short deluxe in Cybertron
When a relatively recent character gets a 2nd mold, I like to see something different ... mostly a class size change makes me happy because it's fun to see how the same basic robot mode and vehicle mode can be transformed differently (i.e. DOTM Deluxe Optimus Prime and ROTF Leader Class Optimus Prime and TF2007 Voyager Optimus Prime). While this Cannonball figure looks cool, I don't feel like it's doing anything different for me whereas had they used the Voyager Breakdown mold for him, I'd think that would give me something different.
I don't know why we all do this song and dance with these reveals every year. I really wish the club would just show all of the figures at once instead of creating an environment that encourages all of the fans to speculate what can be done for each reveal, which just ends up with disappointed and frustrated fans because it's never as cool as what we've imagined. It seems like the "here they all are" approach would eliminate a lot of negativity (not all of it, because you can't make everyone happy) but it would eliminate all of that initial speculation that leads to disappointment that happens every year.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548670)
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:34pm CST
Yeah you guys were getting excited and I said something like "It'll probably just be the Ratchet mold". Then we all groaned.
Due to this, I also laughed heartily when I saw this announcement this morning.
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:34pm CST
Counterpunch wrote:Oddly enough, I think we discussed the possibility of this figure being done as Cannonball in the not yet posted Episode 85.
I think...I think my comment was, "They better not..."
^_^"
Yeah you guys were getting excited and I said something like "It'll probably just be the Ratchet mold". Then we all groaned.
Due to this, I also laughed heartily when I saw this announcement this morning.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548673)
Posted by Va'al on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:39pm CST
Posted by Va'al on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:39pm CST
Just of curiosity, what is it about the Ratchet mold that people don't like? Or is it more that it could've been the Breakdown one, so this one feels lessened in comparison?
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548674)
Posted by njb902 on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:40pm CST
Isn't it great to be right
, we all have those moments of doh.
I agree with Seibertron that they should just announce all of the figures at once. I wonder if they think it will hurt sales.
Posted by njb902 on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:40pm CST
ScottyP wrote:Counterpunch wrote:Oddly enough, I think we discussed the possibility of this figure being done as Cannonball in the not yet posted Episode 85.
I think...I think my comment was, "They better not..."
^_^"
Yeah you guys were getting excited and I said something like "It'll probably just be the Ratchet mold". Then we all groaned.
Due to this, I also laughed heartily when I saw this announcement this morning.
Isn't it great to be right
, we all have those moments of doh. I agree with Seibertron that they should just announce all of the figures at once. I wonder if they think it will hurt sales.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548676)
Posted by Counterpunch on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:42pm CST
I love that mold actually.
But it's so close to the Cybertron Ratchet mold in looks that I am really uninterested.
I would have preferred the Arms Micron Breakdown mold for something really interesting. Especially the Silas version with the messed up eye.
Posted by Counterpunch on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:42pm CST
Va'al wrote:Just of curiosity, what is it about the Ratchet mold that people don't like? Or is it more that it could've been the Breakdown one, so this one feels lessened in comparison?
I love that mold actually.
But it's so close to the Cybertron Ratchet mold in looks that I am really uninterested.
I would have preferred the Arms Micron Breakdown mold for something really interesting. Especially the Silas version with the messed up eye.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548682)
Posted by rpetras on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:48pm CST
Posted by rpetras on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:48pm CST
I like it.
not in love with the mold, but it looks pretty good.
1 for 1 so far ... that's way better than the last few years for me.
not in love with the mold, but it looks pretty good.
1 for 1 so far ... that's way better than the last few years for me.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548683)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:48pm CST
The Ratchet mold is just too... it fits too well in the whole scheme of things, it doesn't feel right, yet it does. Plus, do you realise how desired the Prime Breakdown is, given its exclusive nature?
I have a feeling it actually would. Building up hype is a great strategy to fetch and keep interest in the shape of (false) hope of something good or at the very least redeeming
Think of it this way: with everything out in the open from the start you're less likely to jump on an offer, which is exactly what the club doesn't want.
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:48pm CST
Va'al wrote:Just of curiosity, what is it about the Ratchet mold that people don't like? Or is it more that it could've been the Breakdown one, so this one feels lessened in comparison?
The Ratchet mold is just too... it fits too well in the whole scheme of things, it doesn't feel right, yet it does. Plus, do you realise how desired the Prime Breakdown is, given its exclusive nature?
njb902 wrote:I agree with Seibertron that they should just announce all of the figures at once. I wonder if they think it will hurt sales.
I have a feeling it actually would. Building up hype is a great strategy to fetch and keep interest in the shape of (false) hope of something good or at the very least redeeming
Think of it this way: with everything out in the open from the start you're less likely to jump on an offer, which is exactly what the club doesn't want.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548687)
Posted by njb902 on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:53pm CST
Just speaking for myself. I'm kinda dumb, I like transparency and for things to be spelled out for me.
Posted by njb902 on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:53pm CST
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Va'al wrote:Just of curiosity, what is it about the Ratchet mold that people don't like? Or is it more that it could've been the Breakdown one, so this one feels lessened in comparison?
The Ratchet mold is just too... it fits too well in the whole scheme of things, it doesn't feel right, yet it does. Plus, do you realise how desired the Prime Breakdown is, given its exclusive nature?njb902 wrote:I agree with Seibertron that they should just announce all of the figures at once. I wonder if they think it will hurt sales.
I have a feeling it actually would. Building up hype is a great strategy to fetch and keep interest in the shape of (false) hope of something good or at the very least redeeming
Just speaking for myself. I'm kinda dumb, I like transparency and for things to be spelled out for me.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548690)
Posted by Madeus Prime on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:58pm CST
Posted by Madeus Prime on February 7th, 2014 @ 12:58pm CST
Well it's not too bad. I think they couldn't done better with the BH version, that decoed in black and teal would look evil
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548701)
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 1:09pm CST
Pretty much this. That Ratchet mold is great, but for this character it doesn't excite me greatly. I like what they've done, but feel like it could've been more.
Although if not using the Breakdown mold lets them use a more expensive mold elsewhere on something awesome, then no harm no foul. Have I mentioned Energon Wing Saber in this thread? Yes, but I will again, haha.
Edit:
Also, it seems like we're the only big forum no one from Funpub participates in, what's up with that? Talk to us dudes!
Posted by ScottyP on February 7th, 2014 @ 1:09pm CST
Va'al wrote:Just of curiosity, what is it about the Ratchet mold that people don't like? Or is it more that it could've been the Breakdown one, so this one feels lessened in comparison?
Pretty much this. That Ratchet mold is great, but for this character it doesn't excite me greatly. I like what they've done, but feel like it could've been more.
Although if not using the Breakdown mold lets them use a more expensive mold elsewhere on something awesome, then no harm no foul. Have I mentioned Energon Wing Saber in this thread? Yes, but I will again, haha.
Edit:
Also, it seems like we're the only big forum no one from Funpub participates in, what's up with that? Talk to us dudes!
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548704)
Posted by Va'al on February 7th, 2014 @ 1:15pm CST
Posted by Va'al on February 7th, 2014 @ 1:15pm CST
I see. Well, yes, Breakdown could've been a lot of fun, I agree.
But I do like this figure too! I think it removes the kibble/bulk of the original figure, without removing the personality - because of the similarity with the Cybertron mold.
I'm not sure I want to make the effort to look into getting this set, but as I've said, I'm intrigued to see what the other announcements will bring!
But I do like this figure too! I think it removes the kibble/bulk of the original figure, without removing the personality - because of the similarity with the Cybertron mold.
I'm not sure I want to make the effort to look into getting this set, but as I've said, I'm intrigued to see what the other announcements will bring!
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548707)
Posted by philswitch engage on February 7th, 2014 @ 1:23pm CST
Posted by philswitch engage on February 7th, 2014 @ 1:23pm CST
I think this guy looks pretty good. Of course I won't be going to botcon nor buying him off of ebay, so my opinion is worth squat.
I do like the fact though that they released the picture to the internet since my last couple collectors club issues came about 2 weeks after everyone else seemed to have received theirs.
I do like the fact though that they released the picture to the internet since my last couple collectors club issues came about 2 weeks after everyone else seemed to have received theirs.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548711)
Posted by Shadowstream on February 7th, 2014 @ 1:29pm CST
Posted by Shadowstream on February 7th, 2014 @ 1:29pm CST
I'm rather intrigued by the idea of making the new head resemble Red Alert rather than something more original or a recycling of the BH noggin. Possible repaint as Red Alert anyone?
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548732)
Posted by Manterax Prime on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:12pm CST
Posted by Manterax Prime on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:12pm CST
Ok. Looks good. I like the head. Still gonna wait for the rest before I declare myself sold or not.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548738)
Posted by Mindmaster on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:25pm CST
Posted by Mindmaster on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:25pm CST
Va'al wrote:Rated X wrote:Edit....special thanks to El Duque for letting us see the image. You are the man ! I wish you made all the decisions for this site.
You know what? I've had enough of your negativity, passive-aggressive remarks and constant underminining of our work on here.
Just so we're clear: all news is discussed via staff emails or forums. We check on what news we post. El Duque actually said, and I quote, "Looks like a winner to me!" when I asked about the previous news post for approval. We always ask each other to help us out and look over news.
Also, El Duque did not 'let us see the image', TCC did. Via Twitter. That's why we can show it.
Do you know how much time everyone on the staff dedicates to this site, only to be received by the likes of you, spewing uninformed, non-factual, devious comments? How do you think it feels? Do you think we post news in such a way as to piss the fandom off intentionally?
No.
We post it according to what and how the staff self-polices itself, and based on whatever external factors exert their influence on us. Would you rather have a teaser of what's to come, until the holders of the information release it, or none at all? Because that's what would happen if we ignored the requests of those external parties.
So please, please read this carefully: If you can't be bothered to inform yourself, read the whole news post or article and then offer a comment based on the content, rather than the author or your skewered interpretation of it - don't bother. It's become tiring.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548741)
Posted by Rated X on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:39pm CST
Youre point is understood. Some of your staff takes offense to opposing stances. But everybody ive met in person has been pretty damn cool. You dont see me getting into arguments with the people ive met, just the ones who dont know me. Sometimes I come off too harsh, but sometimes some of your guys pick fights too, so its all good. The only thing I try to stress is that whats best for business isnt always the most popular choice among the fans. And this is a fan site. Without the fans there would be no business.
Posted by Rated X on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:39pm CST
Seibertron wrote:Va'al wrote:Rated X wrote:Edit....special thanks to El Duque for letting us see the image. You are the man ! I wish you made all the decisions for this site.
You know what? I've had enough of your negativity, passive-aggressive remarks and constant underminining of our work on here.
Rated X, that's enough, man. You know us personally from past BotCons. You could easily send us an email or a private message and say "hey man, what's the reason you guys did this or that?" or something personal along those lines instead of taking dibs at the rest of the staff. That's not cool.
Youre point is understood. Some of your staff takes offense to opposing stances. But everybody ive met in person has been pretty damn cool. You dont see me getting into arguments with the people ive met, just the ones who dont know me. Sometimes I come off too harsh, but sometimes some of your guys pick fights too, so its all good. The only thing I try to stress is that whats best for business isnt always the most popular choice among the fans. And this is a fan site. Without the fans there would be no business.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548743)
Posted by PrymeStriker on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:42pm CST
I proudly concur.
Onto the figure:
Looks like I'm going to BotCon this year. This guy will be re-purposed as my Prime Cannonball. Wonder if/how they're going to do Brimstone and Sandstorm...
Posted by PrymeStriker on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:42pm CST
Mindmaster wrote:Va'al wrote:Rated X wrote:Edit....special thanks to El Duque for letting us see the image. You are the man ! I wish you made all the decisions for this site.
You know what? I've had enough of your negativity, passive-aggressive remarks and constant underminining of our work on here.
Just so we're clear: all news is discussed via staff emails or forums. We check on what news we post. El Duque actually said, and I quote, "Looks like a winner to me!" when I asked about the previous news post for approval. We always ask each other to help us out and look over news.
Also, El Duque did not 'let us see the image', TCC did. Via Twitter. That's why we can show it.
Do you know how much time everyone on the staff dedicates to this site, only to be received by the likes of you, spewing uninformed, non-factual, devious comments? How do you think it feels? Do you think we post news in such a way as to piss the fandom off intentionally?
No.
We post it according to what and how the staff self-polices itself, and based on whatever external factors exert their influence on us. Would you rather have a teaser of what's to come, until the holders of the information release it, or none at all? Because that's what would happen if we ignored the requests of those external parties.
So please, please read this carefully: If you can't be bothered to inform yourself, read the whole news post or article and then offer a comment based on the content, rather than the author or your skewered interpretation of it - don't bother. It's become tiring.
Bless this post
I proudly concur.
Onto the figure:
Looks like I'm going to BotCon this year. This guy will be re-purposed as my Prime Cannonball. Wonder if/how they're going to do Brimstone and Sandstorm...
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548744)
Posted by Seibertron on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:43pm CST
On that note, I thought I'd take advantage of the timeliness of this announcement by posting podcast #85 "Pirates vs Twincast".
Hope I came up with something OK for the spotlight image!
Normally I would agree with the business model of slow releases to build up anticipation and excitement. I think that would work if they were using new molds. However, with this being Fun Pub's 10th roll out with BotCon sets, I think it's pretty obvious that the anticipation build-up from repaints with or without new heads just causes wild speculation that leads to disappointment, frustration and negative comments all around. It seems to have the opposite effect than what is desired with BotCon roll outs. It would be very interesting to see them try the other approach one year just to be able to contrast the fandom's reaction as well as Primus package sales and BotCon attendance.
I don't quite understand BotCon's model because they seem very content with low attendance numbers. It seems like rather than going after trying to attract more people, they've decided to go the route of making more money per person by increasing costs and/or available products. Without being able to see the numbers, it's hard to gauge the financial side of all of this. I strongly believe in the business model of making less money per person but serving more customers over making more money per person and serving less customers. Word of mouth bringing in new customers will more than make up for whatever initial profits were lost.
Posted by Seibertron on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:43pm CST
ScottyP wrote:Counterpunch wrote:Oddly enough, I think we discussed the possibility of this figure being done as Cannonball in the not yet posted Episode 85.
I think...I think my comment was, "They better not..."
^_^"
Yeah you guys were getting excited and I said something like "It'll probably just be the Ratchet mold". Then we all groaned.
Due to this, I also laughed heartily when I saw this announcement this morning.
On that note, I thought I'd take advantage of the timeliness of this announcement by posting podcast #85 "Pirates vs Twincast".
Hope I came up with something OK for the spotlight image!
njb902 wrote:I agree with Seibertron that they should just announce all of the figures at once. I wonder if they think it will hurt sales.
Normally I would agree with the business model of slow releases to build up anticipation and excitement. I think that would work if they were using new molds. However, with this being Fun Pub's 10th roll out with BotCon sets, I think it's pretty obvious that the anticipation build-up from repaints with or without new heads just causes wild speculation that leads to disappointment, frustration and negative comments all around. It seems to have the opposite effect than what is desired with BotCon roll outs. It would be very interesting to see them try the other approach one year just to be able to contrast the fandom's reaction as well as Primus package sales and BotCon attendance.
I don't quite understand BotCon's model because they seem very content with low attendance numbers. It seems like rather than going after trying to attract more people, they've decided to go the route of making more money per person by increasing costs and/or available products. Without being able to see the numbers, it's hard to gauge the financial side of all of this. I strongly believe in the business model of making less money per person but serving more customers over making more money per person and serving less customers. Word of mouth bringing in new customers will more than make up for whatever initial profits were lost.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548745)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:44pm CST
True, but with Hasbro being well able to shut us down should we cross lines we shouldn't cross, well... A site needs its fans, but the fans need their site more.
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:44pm CST
Rated X wrote:Without the fans there would be no business.
True, but with Hasbro being well able to shut us down should we cross lines we shouldn't cross, well... A site needs its fans, but the fans need their site more.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548747)
Posted by njb902 on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:46pm CST
I'm not sure one year would be enough of a indicator, but I agree with your premise.
Posted by njb902 on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:46pm CST
Seibertron wrote:ScottyP wrote:Counterpunch wrote:Oddly enough, I think we discussed the possibility of this figure being done as Cannonball in the not yet posted Episode 85.
I think...I think my comment was, "They better not..."
^_^"
Yeah you guys were getting excited and I said something like "It'll probably just be the Ratchet mold". Then we all groaned.
Due to this, I also laughed heartily when I saw this announcement this morning.
On that note, I thought I'd take advantage of the timeliness of this announcement by posting podcast #85 "Pirates vs Twincast".
Hope I came up with something OK for the spotlight image!njb902 wrote:I agree with Seibertron that they should just announce all of the figures at once. I wonder if they think it will hurt sales.
Normally I would agree with the business model of slow releases to build up anticipation and excitement. I think that would work if they were using new molds. However, with this being Fun Pub's 10th roll out with BotCon sets, I think it's pretty obvious that the anticipation build-up from repaints with or without new heads just causes wild speculation that leads to disappointment, frustration and negative comments all around. It seems to have the opposite effect than what is desired. It would be very interesting to see them try the other approach one year just to be able to contrast the fandom's reaction as well as Primus package sales and BotCon attendance.
I'm not sure one year would be enough of a indicator, but I agree with your premise.
Re: BotCon 2014 TFCC Cannonball Figure Mold Revealed (1548749)
Posted by Seibertron on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:50pm CST
I completely agree because there are too many variables involved but it'd be nice to see them try it once in order to gain a strong positive reaction from the fandom instead of a drawn out negative reaction.
Posted by Seibertron on February 7th, 2014 @ 2:50pm CST
njb902 wrote:I'm not sure one year would be enough of a indicator, but I agree with your premise.
I completely agree because there are too many variables involved but it'd be nice to see them try it once in order to gain a strong positive reaction from the fandom instead of a drawn out negative reaction.
