July 24, 2010
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Botcon 2010 – The Customization Experience …
Probably one of the coolest things that happened this year was that I got into the Transformers Customization
class. I’ve dabbled in modifying and painting my own Transformers to create different characters and so this class is supposed to be like that. Before this year the main way to register for the convention was to FAX your form to Fun Publications. Yes, FAX your registration and they only have one FAX line to handle a bazillion people trying to register. The customization class is limited to two twenty-five classes split between two days. So yeah, it’s pretty hard to get in.However, this year they implemented an online registration. By God’s grace I was able to register within minutes of the announcement and snag a spot in one of the classes. When one thinks customization most think painting or modification of an existing Transformer. This class however is more like model building. They give you the parts on a spruce, like a model kit you could buy from the store, assemble it, and paint it if you want. Ultimately, it just becomes an extra exclusive Transformer that you have in your collection because the figure will be a repaint of an existing available Transformer.
The theme for this year was G2 Redux, which for those that don’t know, after Transformers started to lose their
popularity in the early 90′s Hasbro tried to reboot the franchise and called it Generations 2. When you look at the G2 Transformers they all got funky colors or were horrible blocks with arms and legs. But there was one character in the comic book, G2 Black Sideswipe who played a key role in the series. When FunPub announced the theme for this year and what figures would be available to purchase everyone was wondering why there was no Black Sideswipe. Short story, they couldn’t make him for the main toy set. However, they were lucky enough to make a batch for the customization class. Oh how the fandom cried foul!!! It was like getting hit by a million screams from the nerd rage because there are less than 75 of these guys in existence. And because FunPub is an official outlet for Hasbro stuff, the black Sideswipe is now an official Hasbro Transformer. (FunPub had made extra kits for spare parts if anyone needed it during the class.)
I doubt I’ll ever be able to get into another class so I’ll cherish the experience. The amount of knowledge gained for my own customizations was minimal but that’s OK. I’ve got an official G2 Black Sideswipe.
- Another Asian in the NBA? Could it really happen?
- Excited that the Green Lantern is getting his own movie. Not so excited about his outfit.
- Better watch out if you drive in D.C. – new speed cameras and they’re not there to help curb past traffic problems
- Speaking of Police videos I’m still waiting to hear the outcome of this MD case. Another article. The cops can’t have their cake and eat it too if they expect normal citizens to not be able to do the same.
- I really wish these vandals would find some other constructive thing to do. Why not go and mow people’s lawns or something.
- Need rain? Shout and dance to the rain god? Or just hope a plane goes through a cloud?
- I honestly will say some of these look cute (like the Emperors Guard) … too bad they’re Hello Kitty!
