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Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (film)

2010-03-23T10:49:06Z

Star Saber: /* Quotes */

{{nav-rotf}}
[[Image:ROTFteaserposter.jpg|right|250px|thumb|You have controlled your fear. Now, release your anger. Only your hatred can destroy me. ]]
'''''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen''''' is the first of two planned sequels to ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]''. It was released in North America on [[June 24]], 2009.

The film is set two years after the events of ''Transformers''. The Autobots have found a home in "NEST", a secret military unit created to eliminate the remaining Decepticons, and Sam is starting college and trying to leave his Transformer-laden past behind. The Decepticons are regrouping, however. Megatron is restored to life, and his master, The Fallen, schemes to activate an energon-producing Solar Harvester on Earth, which will destroy the planet and provide the Decepticons with enough energon to raise an army. The Harvester's location, and the means to activate it, are hidden within Sam's mind, leading the Decepticons to wage war across the Earth as they hunt down the human. Witwicky turns to some unlikely allies to escape and survive. Ultimately, the last of the Primes defeats The Fallen, destroys the Harvester, and proves the Autobots' greatest power is found in their unexpectedly-ancient alliance with the humans.

Director [[Michael Bay]] set out to greatly expand the film's scope with settings ranging across the globe, and a much larger cast of Transformers, with over 40 robots in all.

::::::::::::::::::::{{bigquote|Revenge is mine!|The Fallen}}

:''Japanese title:'' '''''Transformers: Revenge'''''
:''Chinese title (Taiwan):'' ''''''Transformers: The War of Revenge'''''
:''French title:'' '''''Transformers: La Revanche''''' (''Transformers: The Revenge'')
:''German title:'' '''''Transformers: Die Rache''''' (''Transformers: The Revenge'')
:''Italian title:'' '''''Transformers 2: La Vendetta del Caduto''''' (''Transformers 2: The Revenge Of The Fallen'')
:''Polish title:'' '''''Transformers: Zemsta Upadłych''''' (''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Ones'')
:''Russian title:'' '''''Transformery: Mest' Padshikh''''', cyrillic: '''''Трансформеры: Месть падших''''' (''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Ones'')
:''Serbian title:'' '''''Transformersi: Osveta Poraženog''''' (''Transformers: The Revenge Of The Fallen'')
:''Spanish title:'' '''''Transformers: La Venganza de los Caídos''''' (''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Ones'')
:''Swedish title:'' '''''Transformers: De Besegrades Hämnd''''' (''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Ones'')

==Synopsis==
In 17,000 B.C., a group of human hunters discover Transformers already on Earth, building [[Solar harvester|a machine]]. [[The Fallen|One of the Transformers]] notices the humans, and his reaction is less than friendly.

Two years after the battle of [[Mission City]], the Autobots have teamed up with the American soldiers, including [[William Lennox|Lennox]] and [[Robert Epps|Epps]], in a secret team named [[NEST]] under the command of the [[United States military|US military]], but also incorporating soldiers from other countries such as the United Kingdom. Officially, the US government still keeps the Transformers' existence a secret.

[[Image:ROTF-Arceethree.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Well, I guess you don't know everything about women yet.]]

NEST is hunting down the Decepticons on Earth. A region of [[Shanghai]], [[China]] is evacuated to allow NEST to deploy with a cover-up of a toxic chemical spill occurring. As soldiers probe the region, they find the heat signature of the Decepticon [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]], who transforms and wreaks havoc on the roadways. His discovery prompts his partner, [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]], to escape as well. Sideways is pursued by [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]], Skids, and Mudflap, although Sideswipe, waiting for the Decepticon, eventually slices him lengthwise in half. [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] is airlifted to Shanghai and chases Demolishor through the city with [[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]. Optimus shoots Demolishor several times in the head, while Ironhide shoots out his wheels, causing him to crash and fall of a bypass, badly injuring himself in the process. Before Optimus kills him, Demolishor delivers the cryptic message: "The Fallen shall rise again."

[[Image:ROTF Sam Cube fragment.jpg|thumb|right|250px|You will go to the Dagobah system. There you will learn from Yoda.]]

Meanwhile, [[Sam Witwicky]] is preparing for his move to college and dealing with his bipolar mother. His father is looking forward to enjoying a holiday in Paris, and [[Mojo]] has a new canine companion named [[Frankie]]. Sam is on the phone to his rather snarky girlfriend, when he finds a splinter of the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]] lodged in his "D-Day shirt". He experiences a brief flash of images before the splinter burns him. Dropping it, Sam sees the floor catch fire as the splinter burns its way down to the kitchen, where it brings numerous kitchen devices to life. These [[Appliancebot|appliancebots]] make their way to Sam's room and attack. He escapes to the garden, where the bots pin Sam and his father behind the water fountain. After [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] has destroyed the kitchen robots (and part of the Witwickys' house with them), Sam hands the All Spark shard to [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]]. His mother demands Bumblebee leaves. Sam then tells Bumblebee to join the other Autobots, as both of them need to move on. Sam and Mikaela have a slight scuffle over who should say the words "I love you" first, but they kiss and move on. Sam leaves for college, and no one notices a [[Wheelie (ROTF)|toy car]] in the lawn. It detects the splinter and signals [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]], who is stationed in orbit around Earth, disguised as a satellite, and Soundwave orders the truck to follow the girl.

Meanwhile, NEST is in a video briefing with [[Morshower|General Morshower]], Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, when they are visited by National Security Advisor [[Theodore Galloway]], who has been dispatched to relay the President's concerns over the casualties in Shanghai. As Optimus relays the warning of "The Fallen", Soundwave takes control of the satellite transmitting the message. Galloway dismisses the threat, convinced that the only reason the Decepticons are interested in Earth is because of the presence of the Autobots. Therefore, he suggests that they may leave the planet. Optimus says that, yes, they will, but also warns Galloway that he may be wrong. During the conversation, Galloway reveals the location of the All Spark shard Optimus Prime had picked up after killing [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]], and the location of Megatron's remains in the [[Laurentian Abyss]].

Sam arrives at college with his parents and meets his roommate, [[Leo Spitz]], who operates a [[The Real Effing Deal|conspiracy website]] and is convinced that alien robots are hiding on Earth. Sam feigns ignorance and goes to see if he can get another room, but his hunt is interrupted by his father and mother, the latter of whom has unwittingly purchased some marijuana-laced brownies. In the corridor, Leo points out [[Alice]], another student he has the hots for. Sam is more concerned with tracking down his mother, who by now is roaming the school, informing random people about the state of Sam's virginity.

Soundwave dispatches his minion [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] to Earth, where he infiltrates the NEST base on [[Diego Garcia]]. Ravage horks a swarm of [[Microcon (ROTF)|microcons]] into an ventilation outlet, and they swarm down to the chamber where the All Spark shard is being held. There they combine into [[Reedman]], who steals the shard and joins Ravage in a rapid escape.

Although he's due to have a webcam date with Mikaela, Sam is dragged to at a frat party by Leo. He suffers some sort of attack, seeing [[Cyberglyphics|alien symbols]] which he is trying to write on a table with cake icing when he's approached by Alice, who attempts to seduce him. When Bumblebee shows up, she takes a ride with Sam, but Bumblebee does everything he can to convince her to leave, up to and including spraying her with an [[lubricant|unidentifiable yellow liquid]]. Bumblebee then takes Sam to Optimus Prime, who tells him of the theft of the All Spark shard and asks Sam to speak with the government on their behalf. Sam refuses, saying that he has his own problems and does not believe that he is the right person for this task.

[[Image:TheFallen-ROTFNemesis.jpg|thumb|left|250px|What is thy bidding, my master?]]

At the Laurentian Abyss, Ravage meets up with several [[Constructicon (ROTF)|Constructicons]], who have placed themselves aboard a cargo ship, then dives with them to the bottom of the ocean, where the US military has dumped Megatron's remains. Using the shard and spare parts from [[ze little one|one of the Constructicons]] (who is presumably killed), [[Scalpel|"The Doctor"]] is able to revive Megatron, who promptly travels to one of Saturn's moons, where the ''[[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]]'' is being used as a base by the Decepticons. He is awaited by [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]], who is overseeing the spawning of a new army of Decepticons. After beating Starscream for leaving him to die, Megatron presents himself to his master, The Fallen. Although Megatron believes he has failed, The Fallen reveals that when the Cube was destroyed, the knowledge within the All Spark was instead transfered to Sam, and with it the means to locate a device capable of creating vast amounts of Energon. The Fallen commands Megatron to retrieve the boy and kill Optimus, the last of the [[Prime (rank)|Primes]] and the only person who can defeat The Fallen.

As he sits in [[Professor Colan]]'s astronomy class, Sam suddenly reads through the entire reference book in a matter of seconds, before interrupting the Professor's lecture to scrawl more of the strange symbols on a blackboard and deliver a speed lecture on higher physics. After the Professor throws him out, he realises that the effects he's been experienceing may be linked to touching the All Spark shard. When he calls Mikaela to warn her not to touch it, the [[Wheelie (ROTF)|the toy-truck Decepticon]] tries to steal the shard, but Mikaela captures the tiny Decepticon. Mikaela promptly boards a plane to see Sam.

Alerted to multiple Decepticon contacts, NEST mobilises, but the Autobots are already on their way somewhere, and refusing to answer calls from their human comrades.

[[Image:ROTF Optimus death.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Afraid I was gonna leave without giving you a goodbye kiss?]]

Leo and Alice find Sam in the dorm room, freaking out and covering the walls with glyphs. Alice pushes Leo outside, and when Mikaela arrives, she finds Sam and Alice in what appears to be an intimate moment. It soon turns out, however, that Alice is a Decepticon as well. Mikaela, Sam and Leo flee as Alice hunts them, devastating the campus library; Mikaela eventually defeats her by slamming her into a tree with a hotwired car. The three humans try to get away but are captured by a Decepticon and delivered to the waiting Megatron in an abandoned building. Megatron orders "The Doctor" to remove Sam's brain in order to access the information from the All Spark shard, but Optimus Prime and Bumblebee arrive to free the three humans. Prime takes Sam and flees, but is soon overtaken by Megatron, Starscream and [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]]. In the subsequent battle, Prime kills Grindor but is impaled by Megatron and dies. The other Autobots arrive, saving Sam and causing Megatron and Starscream to retreat.

With the Decepticons unable to locate Sam on their own, Megatron decides that a show of force is in order to compel the humans to turn Sam over to him. Soundwave relays the mobilization order to the ''Nemesis'' and then tracks down [[Ron Witwicky|Ron]] and [[Judy Witwicky]] in Paris. Decepticons, joined by The Fallen, enter Earth and cause massive damage in their transition forms, destroying a [[United States Navy|naval carrier]] in the [[Atlantic Ocean]] and attacking Paris, kidnapping Sam's parents. In a hijacked TV broadcast around the world, The Fallen reveals his existence to the world's public and demands Sam be surrendered to him. A manhunt for Sam is launched.

[[Image:Rotf t2 simmonsclassified.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Ready are you? What know you of ready?]]

Sam, meanwhile, is hiding out with Mikaela, Leo, Bumblebee and the Autobot twins, [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. Leo complains loudly about the strange turn his life has taken of late, and Sam rightly tells him to shut the hell up.

The Autobots return to the NEST base, where they are surrounded by the military. Galloway tells them that he has placed in charge of NEST, which is to cease all activities relating to the Decepticons. NEST is being stood down, and they are all to return to Diego Garcia, while the military draws up a coordinated multinational strategy, buying time by negotiating with the Decepticons. Though Lennox tries to argue, it's futile as Galloway pulls rank. Ratchet says the Autobots should leave Earth altogether, but Ironhide points out that it's not what Optimus would want.

Feeling guilty for Prime's death, Sam decides to solve the mystery of the symbols he's been seeing. The Autobots identify the symbols as Cybertronian, but since the language predates their existence, they cannot translate them. Leo eventually suggests they may ask his rival, "[[Robo-Warrior]]", owner of a [[GiantEffingRobots.com|competing website]], for help. To everyone's surprise, Robo-Warrior turns out to be none other than [[Seymour Simmons]], former agent of [[Sector Seven]]. Simmons reveals that the Transformers were on Earth some time ago, as symbols similar to those Sam is obsessed with have been found on numerous excavation sites around the world, and that Sector Seven discovered evidence that several Transformers stayed on Earth for some time. However, in order to read the symbols, they may need a Decepticon. Mikaela then interrogates Wheelie, who identifies the symbols as the Language of the Primes, and suggests they may track down one of the ancient [[Seeker (ROTF)|Seekers]], the Transformers believed to be on Earth. Wheelie identifies one as being nearby, in [[Washington, D.C.]]

[[Image:ROTF behold Jetfire.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Looking? Found someone you have.]]

At the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, they discover an old Decepticon named [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]], disguised as an SR-71 Blackbird. After some initial confusion on his part, Jetfire explains he has defected to the Autobots, inspiring Wheelie to follow suit. When Sam finishes writing down the symbols, Jetfire says that they were part of the Seekers' mission, and he opens a [[space bridge]] and teleports himself as well as Sam, Mikaela, Leo, Simmons, Bumblebee and the Twins to [[Egypt]]. He explains that thousands of years ago, the Transformers arrived on Earth on an exploratory mission under their original leaders, the [[Dynasty of Primes|Primes]]. The Primes had come to build a solar harvester, a device which can create [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]], the Transformers fuel, by destroying suns. The Primes had a single rule of never destroying a star with a living bearing world, but one of the Primes, forever known as The Fallen, despised the humans and tried to activate the machine. The Primes were unable to defeat their brother, but instead stole the [[Matrix of Leadership]], the key needed to activate the harvester, and gave their lives to seal it in a tomb made of their own bodies. Jetfire further explains that only a Prime can hope to defeat The Fallen, and with the death of Optimus, they are doomed. Sam suggests that they may use the Matrix to revive Optimus Prime, which is backed up by Jetfire. They head towards Giza, dodging Egyptian police on the way.

In New Jersey, NEST are loading up to return to Diego Garcia when Simmons contacts Lennox to relay information about the new quest, and co-ordinates where they can drop Optimus's body. Lennox and Epps decide to trust the new information and go against their orders. Sam's group passes through a checkpoint, allowing Soundwave to poinpoint their location, but they reach the Pyramids of Giza, where they pick up the next clue, pointing to [[Jordan]].

On the NEST aircraft, Lennox tricks Galloway into bailing out of the plane. Back in the US, General Morshower receives a communique from Lennox, and arranges to have assets in the target area.

In Petra, Sam's group discovers the [[Tomb of the Primes]]. Inside, Sam finds the Matrix, which instantly crumbles into dust into his hands. Sam collects the dust regardless, and he and Mikaela return outside where Simmons and Leo have spotted the NEST team parachuting into Egypt to begin preparing for battle near the pyramids.

[[Image:ROTF_movie_BumblebeevsRampage.jpg|left|thumb|250px|This baby's got a few surprises in her.]]

Before Sam and the others can get back to Lennox and his people, the Decepticons start their attack. Bumblebee, Simmons, Leo, and the Twins draw their fire while Sam and Mikaela make a break for the soldiers. The Constructicons merge into [[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]], who proceeds to swallow Mudflap. Mudflap, however, is able to free himself, together with Skids, they try to slow Devastator down. While the Autobots and NEST fight the Decepticons, Starscream leads several other Constructicons in a search for Sam, and intending to use Sam's parents to lure him into a trap. Falling into the trap, Sam offers to hand over the Matrix dust to the Constructicon [[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]], but only to stall for time until Bumblebee is able to attack and destroy the Decepticon. Ravage attacks Bumblebee from behind, but is killed as well. Sam then orders Bumblebee to get his parents to safety while he and Mikaela try to reach Optimus Prime's body. A remote drone relays pictures back to Morshower, who launches [[Operation: Firestorm]], ordering an immediate launch of pretty much everything they can muster.

[[Image:ROTF Devastator Mudflap swallow.jpg|thumb|right|250px|How you get so big eating food of this kind?]]

In the meantime, Devastator has begun to to take apart the pyramid that has been built around the Harvester. Simmons calls a navy ship off the coast of Egypt and orders the use of a railgun. Meanwhile, Sam finally meets up with Lennox and Epps, but they're pinned down by [[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]]. Jetfire arrives and kills Mixmaster and [[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]], but is mortally wounded by the smaller Decepticon. Simmons relays Devastator's coordinates to the Navy, who score a direct hit on the giant with their railgun. Devastator is torn to pieces and topples from the pyramid. After an air strike takes out most of the other Decepticons, Sam makes a dash for Prime's body, but is caught in the blast of a shot fired by Megatron. While paramedics try to reanimate him, the Matrix dust gets spilled across his hand, and Sam encounters the dead Primes in a vision. The Primes tell him that he was destined to find the Matrix and save the life of the last Prime. Sam returns to life, which is enough to get him and Mikaela to admit that they love each other, and the dust in his hand turns back into the Matrix, which which he is able to revive Optimus Prime.

[[Image:TheFallen-ROTFfacegotten.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Perhaps you are not as strong as the Emperor thought.]]
Just then, The Fallen teleports himself next to Optimus Prime, grabs the Matrix, and teleports himself to the pyramid, where he uses the Matrix to activate the Harvester. The soldiers and armored vehicles begin firing on the pyramid, but The Fallen raises the heavy weaponry with his telekinetic powers and destroys it all. Dying, Jetfire offers his parts to Optimus Prime, and then rips out his own Spark. [[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] and [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]] then proceed to turn Jetfire's remains into a battle armor for Optimus Prime, who is then able to destroy the Harvester. Optimus then faces Megatron and the Fallen. After a brief but intense battle, Optimus defeats Megatron and kills The Fallen. After the death of his master, Megatron, who has been severely damaged in the battle, follows Starscream's suggestion and retreats.

[[Image:ROTF Optimus Sam ship.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Take care, you two. May the Force be with you.]]

With the battle won, the Autobots, NEST, Sam and his friends return to the USA on board an aircraft carrier. Upon his return, Sam continues to attend college, while Optimus Prime sends another message detailing recent events, so the shared past of Humanity and the Autobots will not be forgotten as it was before.
{{-}}

==Quotes==





"Gotta wonder... if God made us in his image, who made ''him?''"
:—'''Epps''', as Galloway first witnesses Optimus' transformation.

"We've shed blood, sweat, and precious metal together." 
"Soldier, you're paid to shoot, not talk." 
[muttering] "Don't tempt me."
:—'''Epps''' is not really happy with '''Galloway'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s plan to get rid of the Autobots.

"So let me ask: If we ultimately conclude that our national security is best served by denying you further asylum on our planet, will you leave peacefully?" 
"Freedom is your right. If you make that request, we will honor it. But before your President decides, please ask him this: What if we leave, and you're ''wrong''?"
:—'''Galloway''' makes the U.S. government's position on the Autobot refugees clear, while '''Optimus Prime''' counters with a pointed argument of his own

"No, uh, it's just this friend of mine went to get you a tighter shirt." 
"There is no [[tightest shirt|tighter shirt]]! We ''checked''!"
:—'''Sam''' tries to deflect a pair of '''frat boys'''

"Sam, fate rarely calls upon us at a moment of our choosing."
:—'''Optimus Prime''', trying to convince Sam Witwicky to become involved in the conflict once again

"I know you’re pissed. I know you’re pissed because I tried to kill you and it's completely understandable. If somebody tried to kill me, I’d be upset, too."
:—'''Sam Witwicky''' tries to relate with Megatron, to no avail.

"Is the future of our race not worth a single human life?" 
"You'll never stop at ''one''. ''[Unsheathes his left blade]'' '''I'll take you all on!'''"
:—'''Megatron''' tries to justify killing Sam, but '''Optimus Prime''' disapproves based on the potato chip theory. The most epic beatdown of the film ensues.

'''Sam''': "These symbols gotta mean something. Like a message... or a map. A map to an energon source. Can you guys read this?" 
'''Skids''': "''Read?''" 
'''Mudflap''': "Nuh-uh. We don't do a lotta reading."
:—Literacy with '''Skids''' and '''Mudflap'''.

"Beginning. Middle. End. Facts. Details. Condense. Plot. Tell it."
:—'''Simmons''' demands more coherent exposition from Jetfire.

"One man, alone..." 
"Stop saying that!" 
"...Betrayed by the country he loves." 
"Oh, my goodness, I'm in the car with you. You're not alone!"
:—'''Simmons''' being, well, himself, much to '''Leo Spitz'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s distress.

"Now I claim your sun!"
:—'''The Fallen''' does the standard "I claim victory before I have actually won" bit.

"You picked the wrong planet! Give me your ''face!''"
:—'''Optimus Prime''' warns The Fallen of his violent fetish.

"Not to call you a coward, master, but, sometimes, cowards do survive."
:—'''Starscream''' pitches his usual battle plan to an unusually receptive Megatron.

"Our races united by a history long forgotten and a future we shall face together. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message so that our pasts will always be remembered. For in those memories, we live on."
:—'''Optimus Prime'''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s closing narration.

==Main cast==
{{featuredcharacters
|c1=
*[[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] ([[Peter Cullen]])
*[[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] ([[Mark Ryan]])*
*[[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]] ([[Reno Wilson]])
*[[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]] ([[Mark Ryan]])
*[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheelie]] ([[Tom Kenny]])
*[[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]] ([[Jess Harnell]])
*[[Ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]] ([[Robert Foxworth]])
*[[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] ([[André Sogliuzzo]])
*[[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] ([[Grey DeLisle]])
*[[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]]
|c2=
*[[The Fallen]] ([[Tony Todd]])
*[[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] ([[Hugo Weaving]])
*[[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] ([[Charlie Adler]])
*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Reedman]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Scalpel|The Doctor]] ([[John Di Crosta]])
*[[Alice]] ([[Isabel Lucas]])
*[[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] ([[Calvin Wimmer]])
*[[Devastator (ROTF)|Devastator]] ([[Frank Welker]])
*[[Rampage (ROTF)|Rampage]] ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])
*[[Mixmaster (ROTF)|Mixmaster]]
*[[Long Haul (ROTF)|Long Haul]]
*[[Scrapper (ROTF)|Scrapper]]
*[[Hightower (ROTF)|Hightower]]
*[[Overload (ROTF)|Overload]]
*[[Scrapmetal (ROTF)|Scrapmetal]]
*[[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]]
*[[Protoform]] army
*An [[Buffalo MPV Decepticon|unnamed Decepticon]]
*An [[Insecticon (Movie)|Insecticon]]
*[[Scorponok (Movie)|Scorponok]]
|c3=
*[[Sam Witwicky]] ([[Shia LaBeouf]])
*[[Mikaela Banes]] ([[Megan Fox]])
*[[Leo Spitz]] ([[Ramon Rodriguez]])
*[[Seymour Simmons]] ([[John Turturro]])
*[[William Lennox|Major William Lennox]] ([[Josh Duhamel]])
*[[Robert Epps|Master Sergeant Epps]] ([[Tyrese Gibson]])
*[[Judy Witwicky]] ([[Julie White]])
*[[Ron Witwicky]] ([[Kevin Dunn]])
*[[Morshower|General Morshower]] ([[Glenn Morshower]])
*[[Theodore Galloway]] ([[John Benjamin Hickey]])
*[[Graham|SASF Agent Graham]] ([[Matthew Marsden]])
*[[Professor Colan]] ([[Rainn Wilson]])
*[[Fassbinder]] ([[Jonathon Trent]])
*[[Sharsky]] ([[Walker Howard]])
*[[Tova Simmons]] ([[Annie Korzen]])
|c4=
'''[[Appliancebot]]s'''
*[[Dickbot the blender guy]]
*[[Ejector]]
*[[Dyson vacuum cleaner]]
*[[Microwave bot]]
*[[Waffle iron]]
*[[Cappuccino bot]]
*[[Garbage disposal bot]]
*[[Hand mixer]]
*[[Stand mixer]]
*[[CISCO Aironet]]
'''[[Seven Primes]]'''
*Prime #1 ([[Michael York]])
*Prime #2 ([[Kevin Michael Richardson]])
*Prime #3 ([[Robin Atkin Downes]])
|nonumbering=true
}}

*Bumblebee's lines as spoken by Ryan were cut from the final movie, but one scene where his voice could be heard was in a promotional video created for ShoWest 2009. <ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRIfbFpe_sg Preview footage] from ShoWest 2009 showing Bumblebee "speaking" a line not used in the final cut.</ref>

==Errors==
===Filming / editing / technical errors===
[[Image:ROTF_filmcrewinsideplane.jpg|thumb|300px|Goddamn papparazi get ''everywhere!'']]

*When the Twins crash during their pursuit of Sideways, the pairs' voices are switched, with Tom Kenny's voice coming from Mudflap as he announces he is okay, and Reno Wilson delivering the admonishments as Skids punches him.

*During the Shanghai battle, when the ramp on the NEST C-17 transport is lowering to reveal Optimus Prime in the cargo bay, a filming crew can be seen inside the plane on the left side of screen.

*The vehicle modes the Twins scan already have personalized license plates on them.

*When Sam jumps from the second story of his house to escape the kitchen robots, a stuntperson who does not look much like actor Shia LaBeouf performs the stunt.

*During the scene in which Alice meets Sam at the party Sam gets a drink and the glass is full, then the camera angle changes and the glass is half full/empty then the angle changes again and the glass is full again.

*Bumblebee picks up Sam at a frat party in the evening. He then takes him to a graveyard where it's dawn. (In real life, the graveyard is located in [[Philadelphia]], while the frat party is set a hundred miles north in Princeton. Still, even in [[New Jersey]] traffic, the trip wouldn't take ''all night''.)

*During Sam's campus freakout, when he drops his notes on the steps, a blonde woman in a suit can be seen coming down the steps to his left, nearly reaching him. However, when the camera angle shifts, the woman is suddenly at the top of the stairs again.

*As Alice attacks Sam, part of the window behind them is taken up by a fan. When Mikaela throws the tool box, it smashes through a glass pane where the fan had been moments before, with the fan itself now resting against the wall under the ''Bad Boys II'' poster.

*When the Autobots are driving to Sam's college shortly before the Decepticons attack him, Arcee is completely absent from the group, while previously-unseen Jolt shows up in one shot ''in front'' of the others, then when the camera angle changes, he disappears.

*In the flyover shot of the barge on which the four Constructicons sit, a red bulldozer, a concrete mixer, a green dump truck and a yellow front-end loader are visible. After the flyover shot, the yellow loader disappears and is replaced with a yellow Volvo excavator.

*During the North Atlantic sequence, on the submarine [[United States Navy#U.S.S. Topeka (SSN-754)|U.S.S. Topeka]]'s sonar, there are "five contacts" diving down to Megatron's location, and "six contacts" going up after his resurrection. Since one Constructicon was killed to repair Megatron, shouldn't there be only five contacts going up as well? Keep in mind, Scalpel is too small to register on sonar, but Ravage is just large enough.

*When the [[United States Navy#U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71|U.S.S. ''Theodore Roosevelt'']] is sunk by Decepticon [[transition form]]s, its hull number of 71 can be seen on the bridge island. However, when it sinks, a hull number of 74 can clearly be seen on the bow of the landing deck. CVN-74 belongs to the [[United States Navy#U.S.S. John C. Stennis (CVN-74)|U.S.S. ''John C. Stennis'']], a carrier that shows up later in the film and was also the carrier used for filming.

*While the NEST team and Director Galloway are on the C-17 headed to Egypt, Prime's body appears and disappears from shot to shot.

*When an aide to Morshower shows him a map indicating that Lennox's NEST team have airdropped in Egypt, the location marked is actually on the eastern side of the Red Sea, in Jordan. Oops.

*In the quarry when Devastator forms, the Twins go from grimy and dust covered to showroom floor clean within two shots.

*Once again, the [[wikipedia:MQ-9 Reaper|MQ-9 Reaper]] drone is referred to as the more well-known [[wikipedia:MQ-1 Predator|MQ-1 Predator]]. The drone is powered by a propeller, which can be seen when the (real) drone takes off. However, due to the usage of footage from the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie, when the (CGI) drone approaches the battlefield, the propeller is absent, replaced by a jet engine. Also unfortunate is the fact the real drone with the propeller is white, while the CGI drone is black. Oy.

*As the humans and Autobots run from the bombs being dropped on the Decepticons, a damaged Ironhide ejects the cannon on his left arm. In later shots, the cannon is back on his arm.

*It is established in the forest battle that Optimus Prime's mouthplate was destroyed in the fight. When he resurrects and fights the Fallen, he has a mouthplate again.

===Story / continuity errors===
*Most of the [[NEST]] and [[United States Military|American]] soldiers are seen using small-caliber arms such as assault rifles, machine guns and sniper rifles against the Decepticons, despite the previous film establishing that "high-heat" sabot rounds were the only means of penetrating Decepticon armour. Even if they somehow figured out how to make small caliber ammunition achieve the "high heat" required to damage Decepticon armour, it is extremely unlikely that such low-powered weapons would do any meaningful damage that warrants such widespread usage. After all, in real life, you can't kill a tank with a machine gun, well, unless you're in ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]''.

*The notion that a big metal box (containing a complex electronic mechanism shouting to be released) would ever make it through airport luggage screening is a bit on the implausible side. The novelization of the film attributes this to Mikaela's Epic Hotness distracting the guard into just letting her through; she also claims that the box contains expensive mechanic's tools which might look strange in an x-ray. Neither explanation is present in the film itself, however.

*When Alice attacks Sam and his friends, the box Wheelie is imprisoned within is taken along, but the box is not seen when Mikela and Leo escape from the foundry in Bumblebee (the box should still be inside the wreckage of the car Mikaela hotwired at the college).

*Given the Autobots are part of NEST and are dependent on the US Air Force for transportation around the world, it is not clear why Major Lennox had to be alerted to the fact the Autobots were on the east coast of the United States. Do the Autobot normally go on unexplained joyrides?

*Tasers do not cause those tased to go into convulsions.

*Where does Mikaela get the padding and gauze to bandage up Sam's hand?

*When Jetfire teleports to Egypt, Wheelie is seen landing by him, but disappears until the group reaches the border guards. After they arrive at the pyramids, Wheelie is seen rolling in with the quartet of humans, but is never seen again.

*There's no rational reason for Simmons to climb the pyramid after Devastator. It looks like he's enabling the Navy ship to "fire on his position", which is useful when the firer can't see the target. However, as we find out just before the railgun is fired, the ship ''can'' see the pyramid. (And railguns are line-of-sight weapons, anyway.) So, Simmons didn't need to climb; he could have stayed someplace safe, called the ship, and told them, "Take a look at the pyramid, and shoot the giant robot tearing it up." It's also hard to believe he wasn't crushed by the flood of pyramid stones, which at one point are raining down on all four sides of the structure.

===Geographic discontinuities===
{{note|The on-film splicing together of disparate filming locations is a common movie phenomena; however, we wouldn't be good pedants if we didn't point out a few of the more glaring disconnects.}}
* The [[Shanghai]] "industrial district" is... interesting, to say the least. There's a company sign that translates as "Empire Import and Export" (which would be the Chinese equivalent of a US company named "Soviet Import and Export") right next to a huge steel mill, dozens of civilians are being evacuated... and at least [[Demolishor (ROTF)|Demolishor]] thought that a giant mining excavator wouldn't be terribly out of place there.

* The aerial view of [[Princeton University]] is immediately followed by a ground shot of the dormitories at the University of Pennsylvania.

* After Lennox is alerted of the Autobot operation on the US east coast, he orders NEST to move out. By the time Optimus Prime is killed in battle with Megatron, it appears Lennox's transport planes are already over the United States, and by the end of the day, the NEST troops are at a US air base. Given the great distance between [[Diego Garcia]] and the United States, the short time it took them to arrive to the US is implausible.

* [[Grindor (ROTF)|Grindor]] drops the car with [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]], [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] and [[Leo Spitz|Leo]] inside into a factory just outside a huge city. Yet when [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]] rescue them and flee, they almost immediately reach a huge forest that was nowhere to be seen in the aerial shot of the factory.

*When Jetfire is activated at the [[Wikipedia:National Air and Space Museum|Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum]] (actually the [[Wikipedia:Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center|Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]], an annex of the Smithsonian) in Washington, he leaves the exhibition center and exits into the desert location of the [[Wikipedia:309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group|309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (aka The Boneyard)]], which is in Tuscon, Arizona. When Jetfire breaks out of the building, we can see a composited image of the Boneyard's rows of planes, so it's arguable that in this universe the middle of Washington DC happens to be a desert full of old planes, and no buildings and... you get the point. Michael Bay actually admits this to be a deliberate choice in his audio commentary for the movie, and suggests that "most people in Taiwan" would probably never notice the error.

* The movie gives the impression that Giza in Egypt and Petra in Jordan are in close proximity to each other—within eyeshot, even. In reality, the two locations are about 416 kilometers (258 miles) apart. What makes this even more problematic is the fact that Egypt and Jordan don't share a common border—there's a country named Israel between them, whose existence isn't even mentioned in the movie...

* Furthermore, the movie gives the impression that the Pyramids of Giza are located near the coast—the soldiers and tanks deployed from amphibious vehicles arrive at the battle site almost immediately. In reality, the closest sea shore, the tip of the Red Sea, is still over 70 miles away from the Pyramids. Worse, when the railgun is fired, a monitor screen shows footage of the pyramids with the ''ocean in the foreground'', making it appear like they're no more than a mile or two away from the shore. Worse still, this is ''immediately'' followed by a shot of the pyramids that shows ''nothing but desert'' in the direction the railgun shot is coming from.

==Transformers references==
In addition to carryovers from the previous film, various concepts and characters are derived from previous iterations of Transformers:
* The whole concept of "Transformers disguised as a human" used for [[Alice]] is inspired by the [[Pretender]]s. Roberto Orci even used the term "Pretender" during an interview before the movie's release.<ref name="pretender">[http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00021244.html Aceshowbiz interview with Roberto Orci]</ref> However, a Transformer with an "organic" alt-mode instead of an external shell is a concept more reminiscent of the [[Beast Era]].
* The Generation 1 iteration of [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]] is frequently portrayed as switching from Decepticon to Autobot (he's usually a young and technologically up-to-the-minute 'bot, however.)
* [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] and his ejectible minion [[Ravage (ROTF)|Ravage]] both have [[Soundwave (G1)|Generation 1]] [[Ravage (G1)|counterparts]]. Movie Soundwave even has the same voice actor as 1984 cartoon Soundwave, using the same voice, though without the synthetic vocal processing that made the cartoon voice so distinctive.
* [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]] bears little physical resemblance to his [[Sideswipe (G1)|Generation 1 namesake]], but is a vaguely similar character archetype, and he ''does'' have that characteristic door armor hanging from his elbows.
* Generation 1 [[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]] was the first [[female Transformer]] with a starring role, and was likewise a pink-colored girlbot. The idea of Arcee the pink girlbot as a motorcycle dates back to ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]''.
* [[Devastator (G1)|Devastator]], the combined form of the [[Constructicon (G1)|Constructicons]], was the first [[combiner]] robot in Generation 1.
* The characters are new, but the names "[[Sideways]]", "[[Demolishor (disambiguation)|Demolishor]]", "[[Mudflap (disambiguation)|Mudflap]]", "[[Skids (disambiguation)|Skids]]", "[[Jolt (disambiguation)|Jolt]]", "[[Rampage (disambiguation)|Rampage]]" and "[[Wheelie (disambiguation)|Wheelie]]" are not. Likewise for the concept of "[[Seeker (disambiguation)|Seekers]]".
* [[Optimus Prime (disambiguation)|Optimus Prime]] dying and coming back to life has been done [[The many deaths of Optimus Prime|times beyond counting]].
* Prime combining with another 'bot to form a [[Super Mode]] which increases his power (and often gives him flight capabilities) is a trope that has occurred in many recent Transformers series (''Robots in Disguise'', ''Armada'', ''Energon'', ''Cybertron''.) In ''Armada'', a different [[Jetfire (Armada)|Jetfire]] was his most frequent combination partner. This is the first time the other 'bot had to die for it to happen, though.
* [[The Fallen]] is based on a comic book character that made his debut in the 2004 miniseries [[War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages]]. In fact, according to Hasbro, he is the ''exact'' same [[character]]! ([[Multiversal singularity|It's complicated]].)
* The [[Matrix of Leadership]] is one of the franchise's oldest MacGuffins.
* [[Energon (fuel)|Energon]] (mentioned though never seen) is the Transformers' power source in numerous incarnations, beginning with the original cartoon.
* The concept of a [[protoform]] as the first stage of a Transformer is a reference to the same concept introduced on the ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]'' cartoon.
* Though it is almost certainly not an actual ''reference'' (it's a pretty generic and predictable sci-fi trope), the [[solar harvester]] is quite similar in function to the [[Solar Needle]] from the Generation 1 episode "[[Changing Gears]]", sucking energy from the [[Sun]] to produce energon. Both devices would have destroyed the Sun if allowed to fulfill their function.
* The same is true for Sam having Cybertronian knowledge pumped directly into his brain via a sacred Transformer talisman, which is reminiscent of [[Buster Witwicky (G1)|Buster Witwicky]]'s similar situation in the [[Marvel Comics|Marvel]] G1 comics.
* A newspaper is sucked into Devastator that headlines a photograph and accompanying article about a mysterious appearance by [[Shockwave (Movie)|Shockwave]].
* When Mudflap and Skids first appear in their Ice-Cream Wagon disguise, they play the Transformers [[Theme Song]] in a very "ice-creamish" way.

==Other editions==
*A slightly longer edit was shown in IMAX theaters, which featured some brief additional scenes filmed with special IMAX cameras.<ref name="bayimax">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5003 Michael Bay's own announcement of the IMAX version]</ref> An exclusive deal with [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] resulted in ''[[Wikipedia:Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (film)|Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince]]'' not being shown in IMAX theaters until two weeks after the movie's regular theatrical launch.<ref name="imaxpotter">[http://www.collider.com/2009/06/08/transformers-will-keep-harry-potter-off-imax-for-two-weeks/ Collider reporting on the Paramount/IMAX/Harry Pottter deal]</ref>
*It has been suggested that some international versions of the movie had the words "suck my" in the "Decepticons suck my popsicle" slogan on [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap's]] ice cream truck mode blanked out, hence only reading as "(Decepticon logo) [blank space] popsicle". This was not done across the board, however–theaters in those very same countries also showed uncensored versions of the movie. Another explanation for this would be that different theaters simply used different lightings settings, which effectively rendered the words "suck my" (which were written in dark red on a black backdrop to begin with) invisible, with no actual intention of "censorship" behind it.

==Prequel material==
===Titan Magazines ''Transformers'' movie comics===
While the Decepticons were disgusted with the pro-Autobot propaganda of Bay's first documentary {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 13|#13's Star Screams}}, they were quite optimistic about the second film. [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] took a strong interest in it, going to the trouble of personally convincing [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] to be in the film {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 15|15's Star Screams}}.

The Decepticons promised this new documentary would show a glorious Decepticon victory {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 10|#10's Star Screams}}—whether it was in the script or not. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 18|#18's Star Screams}}

Shockingly, even ''they'' were under a non-disclosure agreement regarding the script; Starscream fearfully referred to a greater power keeping him quiet. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 22|#22's Star Screams}} Talking about it could even undermine the Decepticon war effort! {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 23|#23's Star Screams}}

In the same week the film came out, the Decepticons suddenly became unhappy with it and the detente period ended. Bay, Kurtzman, and Orci are once again marked for extermination for their propaganda films. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.1|#1's Law and Disorder}}

===IDW ''Transformers'' movie comics===
{{stub}}

===Titan Magazines ''Revenge of the Fallen'' movie comics===

The sinister, unseen figure of the Fallen is secretly gathering a Decepticon army on Cybertron. Skids and Mudflap, slacking off there at the time, accidentally discover this and flee to Earth to warn the other Autobots. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.1|Training Day}} An attempt to kill them fails {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.2|Dogfight!}}, but due to their rep of telling tall tales, no one believes them. It doesn't help when they accidentally help Grindor escape capture. {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.3|Learning Curve}} The Fallen's agent Soundwave decides to use this, and first frames the twins as turncoats {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.5|Reversal of Fortune}}, then has them freed by their 'Decepticon allies' so they'll be hunted down.

After a few days of this, the twins began to regret ever getting involved, and Soundwave offered them sanctuary in the Decepticon army and the embrace of the Fallen: an offer they were eager to accept... {{storylink|Transformers Comic issue 2.6|Outlaw Blues}}

==Adaptations==
:''Main article:'' [[Revenge of the Fallen Movie Adaptation]]
{{main|Revenge of the Fallen (novel)}}
'''Children's adaptations'''
{{main|Revenge of the Fallen: The Junior Novel}}
{{main|The Last Prime}}
{{main|Operation Autobot}}
{{main|When Robots Attack!}}
{{main|I Am Optimus Prime (ROTF)}}
{{main|Rise of the Decepticons}}
{{main|Revenge of the Fallen: Sound Like the Transformers}}

==Sequels==
Two sequels to the first ''Transformers'' movie were greenlit in the wake of its success, with ''Revenge'' being the first. Although Michael Bay had previously stated that he might need a break from giant space robots before tackling a third film, he confirmed a July 1, 2011 release date on his blog.<ref>[http://michaelbay.com/newsblog/files/a2bd79bb4c222b807e27707aaf1497e6-570.html Official confirmation of third movie release date from michaelbay.com]</ref>

IDW is going to do a comic sequel, ''[[Nefarious]]'', which is lead into by [[Tales of the Fallen issue 5]].

==Soundtrack==
{{main|Revenge of the Fallen: The Album}}

==Score==
{{main|Revenge of the Fallen: The Score}}

==Home video releases==
{{main|Revenge of the Fallen DVD field guide}}
''Revenge of the Fallen'' was released by [[Paramount Pictures]] on DVD (as both a 2-disc special edition and a regular single disc version) and Blu-ray on [[October 20]]th in the United States,<ref name="comingsoon">[http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=58245 Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen Hits Blu-ray and DVD Oct. 20!]</ref> and [[November 30]]th in the UK.

==Theatrical posters==
<center><gallery perrow="3">
Image:ROTFteaserposter.jpg|Teaser poster
Image:ROTF Theatrical poster.jpg|Theatrical poster
Image:ROTF International poster.jpg|International poster
Image:ROTF Prime poster.jpg|Prime poster
Image:ROTF bumblebee poster.jpg|Bumblebee poster
Image:ROTF Starscream poster.jpg|Wait...Starscream gets a poster but Megatron doesn't? That's just wrong.
</gallery></center>

==Reception==
{{quote|Transformers: ROTF has mostly gotten pretty hideous reviews, but that's because people don't understand that this isn't a movie, in the conventional sense.|[http://io9.com/5301898/michael-bay-finally-made-an-art-movie Michael Bay Finally Made An Art Movie], Charlie Jane Anders|[http://i09.com i09.com,] [[June 24]], [[2009]]}}
{{quote|[The critics] never seem to understand that I make movies for people to take a ride and escape.|[http://tinyurl.com/nyscnv forum post] by Michael Bay|[http://shootfortheedit.com shootfortheedit.com,] [[June 25]], [[2009]]}}
{{quote|Rarely have critics been more disconnected from what audiences want and love.|John Horn, [http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-bay29-2009jun29,0,6806652.story The Los Angeles Times], [[June 29]], 2009}}

''Revenge of the Fallen'' had its world premiere on [[June 8]]th, 2009, in Tokyo, Japan. Michael Bay, Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, Isabel Lucas and Ramon Rodriguez attended.<ref>[http://www.michaelbay.com/newsblog/files/47a23fdbb6ddc8ece6a0a6c87ccc2bbe-499.html Japanese Premiere photos at Michael Bay.com, June 8, 2009]</ref>. Other countries such as South Korea<ref>[http://www.michaelbay.com/newsblog/files/f7a7af7e754cfa877a635b95d8908eea-506.html Korean Premiere photos at Michael Bay.com, June 9, 2009]</ref>, the United Kingdom and Germany followed over the course of the next few days. The United States premiere was held on [[June 22]]nd, 2009, in Westwood, California, during the [[Wikipedia:Los Angeles Film Festival|Los Angeles Film Festival]] for the second time.

In the week leading up to the United States release, while the film had been released in Japan and the United Kingdom, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' was ranking 38% fresh on [http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/transformers_revenge_of_the_fallen/ Rotten Tomatoes.com]. As American reviews were added into the ranking on June 24, the movie's freshness slipped slowly to 22%. RottenTomatoes.com's consensus was that "''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' is a noisy, underplotted, and overlong special effects extravaganza that lacks a human touch." Roger Ebert, who had given the ''first'' Transformers film three stars <ref>[http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070705/REVIEWS/70620006/1023 Roger Ebert's ''Transformers'' review]</ref>, gave Revenge one star, and remarked that "if you want to save yourself the ticket price, go into the kitchen, cue up a male choir singing the music of hell, and get a kid to start banging pots and pans together." <ref>[http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090623/REVIEWS/906239997 Roger Ebert's ''Revenge of the Fallen'' review] on RogerEbert.com</ref> Todd Gilchrist of Cinematical.com said Michael Bay "has exceeded even the possibilities of sequel-driven 'moreness,' combining his own muscular, high-gloss sensibility with the conventions of blockbusters past, present, and probably future to create a monolithic action masterpiece that feels destined to be the biggest movie of all time." <ref>[http://www.cinematical.com/2009/06/22/review-transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen/ Review: Transformers Revenge of the Fallen] on Cinematical.com</ref> Michael Phillips from the Chicago Tribune said "the first, comparatively lucid ''Transformers'' was a headache, but I sort of enjoyed it....''Revenge of the Fallen'' is more like listening to rocks in a clothes dryer for 2½ hours." <ref>[http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/chi-tc-mov-transformers-0623-0624jun23,0,7350387.story 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen' stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel] on chicagotribune.com </ref> Roger Ebert went back for more in a second article, declaring not only that ''Revenge of the Fallen'' was awful, but that it'd [[Ruined FOREVER|ruined action films FOREVER]]. <ref>[http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/06/the_fall_of_the_revengers.html "The Fall of the Revengers"] on suntimes.com</ref> In the face of many harsh responses to his own critique, Mr. Ebert went back a third time, not just deconstructing the film but also declaring that fans who claimed to perceive it as "great" were simply wrong.<ref>[http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2009/07/i_am_a_brainiac.html I am a Braniac]</ref>

Needless to say, we're all crying our eyes out.

Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' poised itself quickly as a blockbuster maelstrom. It grossed $16 million in its opening midnight showings alone, an all-time record for Wednesday openings and a second-best for openings on any day of the week behind ''The Dark Knight''. After the full Wednesday was over, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had grossed $55 million in domestic ticket sales, surpassing the previous Wednesday release record, held by ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'', by over $10 million. <ref> [http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1614673/story.jhtml 'Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen' Breaks Wednesday Box-Office Record] on MTV.com</ref> By the end of the first five days, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had taken an estimated $201.2 million in the United States, just shy of ''The Dark Knight's'' record $203.8 million 5-day US total. In the same period, international markets took in $186.1 million, bringing the 5-day worldwide total to $387.3 million.<ref name="bomjdebut">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/news/?id=2601&p=.htm BoxOfficeMojo.com - Weekend Report: ‘Revenge of the Fallen' Rises with Optimal Debut, June 28, 2009]</ref>

Paramount's U.S. exit polling revealed several intriguing facts: While the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie viewership skewed 60-40% toward men over women, the split for the new film was more even at 54% male, 46% female. More than 90% of those surveyed stated that ''Revenge of the Fallen'' was as good as or better than the first ''Transformers'' movie. Surprisingly, about 67% said the film was "excellent", an even better score than for Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman's critically acclaimed 2009 ''Star Trek'' movie.<ref name="exitp">[http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-bay29-2009jun29,0,6806652.story "'Transformers' director Michael Bay as audience darling" by John Horn, Los Angeles Times, June 29, 2009]</ref>

After two weeks in most markets, ''Revenge'' continued to defy critics and dominate the U.S. box office, narrowly defeating ''Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs'' on the Fourth of [[July]] weekend, finishing with upwards of $300 million in the U.S. and a similar figure in international markets.<ref name="reutjul7">[http://www.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUSTRE5671DB20090708 Reuters reporting on Revenge of the Fallen's success around the world, July 7, 2009]</ref> As of September 6, 2009, ''Revenge'' has grossed more than $829 million worldwide (versus $708 million for ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]''), including $400 million from US box offices alone (versus $319 million for the first movie).<ref name="bomjrotf">[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=transformers2.htm ''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' at Box Office Mojo]</ref>

On [[October 20]], ''Revenge'' sold 2 million copies of its DVD/Blu-Ray release in the first 24 hours. <ref>[http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/business/Transformers-Sequel-Transforms-Hollywood-Revenues-65589247.html Transformers Sequel Transforms Hollywood Revenues]</ref>
===Awards and recognition===
On February 1, 2009 it was announced that ''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' was nominated for seven [[Wikipedia:Golden Raspberry Award|Golden Raspberry Award]]s.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/Movies/02/01/razzie.award.nominations/index.html 'Transformers,' 'Lost' lead worst movie nominees], cnn.com (February 1, 2009) retrieved 02-01-2009</ref> It was awarded three of them, for Worst Picture, Worst Director, and Worst Screenplay. <ref>[http://enewsi.com/movies/190-16933.html 30th Annual Golden Raspberry Award Winners @ENI]</ref> This presumably represents an improvement from 2007 film, which received only one nomination ([[Jon Voight]] in the Supporting Actor category) and no wins.

On February 2, 2009, it also announced that ''Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen'' was nominated for an [[Wikipedia:Academy Award|Academy Award]] for Sound Mixing.<ref>[http://oscar.go.com/ Oscar.com]</ref> On March 7, it lost to ''The Hurt Locker''.

==Controversies==
* A huge flap revolved around the characters of the "Twins", [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]. Many critics and viewers believed them to be racist stereotypes of poorly educated black American teenagers. Much evidence points to the pair actually being stereotypes of poorly educated ''white'' American teenagers, trying their best to sound like hardcore black urban gangsters... though it's ''still'' a racist stereotype of dubious taste. Director Michael Bay, when confronted with those accusations, claimed that the personalities of the two characters had been primarily created in the recording studio by voice actors [[Tom Kenny]] and [[Reno Wilson]]. Wilson (who is African-American himself) was sad to learn his way of speaking was apparently offensive to himself.<ref name="jive"/> Screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci confirmed that this portrayal of the characters hadn't been in the script, and admitted that they could understand the controversy.<ref name="racism">[http://www.filmschoolrejects.com/news/orci-and-kurtzman-respond-to-claims-of-racism-in-transformers-2.php Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman respond to accusations of racism]</ref>

* At least one reviewer claimed to find a repellent "anti-Arab subtext" to the movie's climactic scenes, which involved the damage or destruction of various Middle Eastern landmarks. <ref name="antiarab">[http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/MovieTimes?oid=978078 Chicago Reader review by Andrea Gronvall]</ref> The editors of this wiki are somewhat less than convinced.

* Along the same lines, Chinese viewers reportedly criticized the depiction of Shanghai in the opening scene of the movie. Apparently, depicting an ''industrial area'' as "very shabby" is an "insult" to an entire country, as is the destruction of parts of the city during a battle between alien robots.<ref name="insultchina">[http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90782/6686502.html English-language article from People's Daily Online reporting on the alleged criticism against the movie in China, including rebuttals]</ref> Regardless, ''Revenge'' topped the box office in China, dethroning 1997's ''Titanic'' as the most successful movie of all times there.<ref name="recordchina">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118006144.html?categoryid=13&cs=1 Variety reporting on the success of ''Revenge'' in China.]</ref>

* The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, a lobbyist group that already complained about the [[Transformers (2007)|first film]], is currently trying to lobby the Federal Communications Commission into tightening regulations for marketing movies rated "PG-13" and associated merchandise to children. The basic reasoning behind their complaints is that ''Revenge'' contains "intense sequences of sci-fi action violence, brief sexual humor, and language" and "would have been rated R fifteen years ago", and yet Hasbro's [[Revenge of the Fallen (toyline)|associated toys]] are advertised during TV programs aimed at children.<ref name="fccfilter">[http://arstechnica.com/media/news/2009/08/transformers-movies-get-caught-in-fcc-content-filtering-inquiry.ars Ars Technica article on the CCFC/FCC story.]</ref> Hasbro themselves appear to be still undecided about their official position regarding the more "mature" tone of the movies and its ramifications for the [[Transformers brand|brand's]] public image, having left several questions to this effect unanswered.<ref name="allsparkqa">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=61539 July/August 2009 edition] of the Allspark [[Hasbro Q&A]]</ref><ref name="tformersqa">[http://tformers.com/transformers-hasbro-answers-your-burning-questions-part-v/12149/news.html July/August 2009 edition] of the TFormers Hasbro Q&A]</ref>

==Technical details==
{{stub}}

==Production staff==
* Writers [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]] recruited [[Ehren Kruger]] to help them write the screenplay. [[Michael Bay]] and producers [[Don Murphy]], [[Tom DeSanto]], and [[Lorenzo di Bonaventura]] also returned.<ref>[http://www.superherohype.com/news/topnews.php?id=6372 Transformers 2 Writers Confirmed]</ref>
{{stub}}

===Visual effects===
{{stub}}

===Locations department===
{{stub}}

==Development details==
===Cast and crew signing on===
On May 30, 2007, a month before the official release of ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'', [[DreamWorks]] announced that two sequels were already being planned.<ref name="spy">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a58430/two-transformers-sequels-in-pipeline.html Digital Spy article from May 2007, confirming that two sequels were being planned]</ref> [[Megan Fox]] had already been confirmed for the first of those sequels twelve days earlier<ref name="foxcon">[http://www.mtvmoviesblog.com/2007/05/18/megan-fox-confirmed-for-transformers-sequel/ MTV confirming Megan Fox for the sequel]</ref>, while [[Shia LaBeouf]] had already confirmed his participation in an—at that time still theoretical—sequel in November 2006.<ref name="shias">Rebecca Murray: [http://movies.about.com/od/bobby/a/bobbysl111006_4.htm Interview with Shia LaBeouf from 2006, confirming his participation in a theoretical sequel]</ref> Director [[Michael Bay]], meanwhile, only once briefly questioned his involvement in a sequel in August 2007, when [[Paramount Pictures]] announced that ''Transformers'' would be released on HD DVD, but not on Blu-ray Disc.<ref name="bayhd">[http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/08/21/michael-bay-responds-to-paramounts-abandonment-of-blu-ray-no/ One of many sites reporting Michael Bay's announcement that he would not direct the sequel if the first movie wouldn't be released on Blu-ray]. Bay deleted his original post after changing his mind.</ref> Bay quickly changed his mind, however, and Paramount would later release the first movie on Blu-ray anyway, after the HD DVD had been abandoned.

In September of 2007, Paramount officially announced the first sequel for June 2009.<ref name="reldat">[http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117972852.html?categoryid=1236&cs=1 Variety reporting Paramount's official announcement of the first sequel]</ref> Bay was given a budget of $200 million, and ultimately managed to come in $4 million below that.<ref name="showest">[http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/11461/tcid/1 Michael Bay talking the ''Transformers'' sequel at ShoWest“]</ref>

The ''Transformers'' screenwriters, [[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], initially hesitated writing the sequel, but ultimately had a change of mind.<ref name="sciforc">[http://scifiwire.com/2009/03/orci-kurtzman-reveal-tran.php Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman talking to Sci Fi Wire.]</ref> In October 2007, [[Ehren Kruger]] was confirmed as a third writer, who, according to Kurtzman, brought in a "fresh perspective"<ref name="kickoff">[http://www.firstshowing.net/2009/01/14/kicking-off-2009-with-writers-alex-kurtzman-and-roberto-orci-part-two-transformers-2/ Another interview with Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci]</ref>, and who reportedly impressed both director Michael Bay and [[Hasbro]] CEO [[Brian Goldner]] with his knowledge of ''Transformers'' mythology.<ref name="writersr">[http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/zap-transformers2writers,0,1938976.story Zap2it story about the ROTF writers]</ref>

In April 2009, Roberto Orci confirmed that cartoon voice actor [[Frank Welker]] would voice Soundwave.<ref name="welkers">[http://www.cinemablend.com/new.php?id=12917 Roberto Orci confirming Welker as Soundwave]</ref> Welker had previously been considered as [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron's]] voice actor in the first movie, but ultimately Michael Bay had given that part to [[Hugo Weaving]] instead. Both Bay and the writers were also hoping that [[Leonard Nimoy]] could voice a character in the movie.<ref name="sciforc"> Bay later stated that he was nervous of asking his relative Nimoy to voice The Fallen for fear of offending him with the relatively low pay allotted to voice actors.<ref name="nimoy1">[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/04/21/michael-bay-afraid-to-offend-leonard-nimoy-with-transformers-family-reunion-offer/ ''Michael Bay Afraid To Offend Leonard Nimoy With ‘Transformers’ Family Reunion Offer'', MTV.com Movies blog, April 21, 2009]</ref> Even though Nimoy openly asked Bay to simply give him a call,<ref name="nimoy2">[http://www.latinoreview.com/news/leonard-nimoy-to-michael-bay-call-me-6682 Leonard Nimoy To Michael Bay: "Call Me!"], Latino Review</ref> it ultimately never worked out: after watching his guest appearance on ''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batman:_The_Brave_and_the_Bold Batman: The Brave and the Bold]'', Bay selected [[Tony Todd]] - whom he worked with on ''The Rock'' - for the voice of The Fallen instead.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaN2g5i2k2E Interview with The Fallen himself - Tony Todd]</ref>

===Writing and production===
For the movie, Orci and Kurtzman searched the various ''Transformers'' comics and cartoons for "the most elemental bad guy", and eventually found one in [[The Fallen]].<ref name="sciforc"/>

In addition to that, they wanted to include many things in the sequel that hadn't made it into the first movie, including the Decepticon [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]]. Likewise, the [[Matrix of Leadership]] had initially been intended to be used in the first movie, but for fear of confusion with the ''Matrix'' movies, the cube had been renamed into the [[AllSpark (Movie)|All Spark]]. In return, the Matrix in ''Revenge of the Fallen'' bears more resemblance to the ''[[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] Matrix.

In late 2007, during pre-production for the then-untitled ''Transformers'' sequel, the [[wikipedia:2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike|Writers Guild of America went on strike]], but according to all parties involved, this didn't slow down preparations of the movie much in the long run. Screenwriters Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci turned in their first outline of the script the night before the strike officially began. During the strike, director Michael Bay used the script as a basis for preparing the movie. After the strike had ended, Kurtzman, Orci and Ehren Kruger continued their work on the script, based on Bay's changes.<ref name="kickoff"/> One consequence of this development was that Michael Bay and Hasbro had selected some of the new Transformers characters that were to appear in the movie during the strike, because of the long production run of the toys, while they had legally not been allowed to consult with the screenwriters.<ref name="sciforc"/> The "Twins", [[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]] and [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]], are Bay's creation.<ref name="jive">[http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/24/transformers-jivetalking-_n_220005.html Huffington Post article on accusations of racism with the "Twins", and Michael Bay and Reno Wilson's response.]</ref>

In early June of 2008, DreamWorks, Paramount and Hasbro officially confirmed the movie's title to be ''Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen''.<ref name="titleann">[http://www.reserveresult.com/2008/06/transformers-2-revenge-of-fallen.html One of the first announcements of the title, still with a "2" in it]</ref> A few weeks later, Roberto Orci confirmed that there would be no "2" in the title.<ref name="no2orci">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/180738-no-2-transformers-2-a.html#post2173364 Roberto Orci confirming that there will be no "2" in the movie's title]</ref>

Principal shooting began in June 2008 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.<ref name="pennlive">[http://blog.pennlive.com/lvbreakingnews/2008/06/shooting_starts_today_on_trans_1.html Pennlive story about the beginning of ROTF's principal shooting in Bethlehem]</ref> Other shooting sites were Philadelphia, the campus of Princeton University, Long Beach, the Holloman Air Force Base and the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. Some scenes were also shot in other countries, at the [[Wikipedia:Egyptian pyramids|Pyramids of Giza]] and in Luxor, Egypt, in Jordan and in Paris.

According to director Michael Bay, ''Revenge'' is the first movie in about 30 years to be given permission to shoot at the Pyramids of Giza, and the first movie ''ever'' to film on top of [[Wikipedia:Petra|Petra]].<ref name="bayclub">[http://www.transformersclub.com/tfrof-intv09.cfm Transformers Collectors' Club interview with Michael Bay]</ref> He obtained permission to film in Egypt by contacting Zahi Hawass, secretary general of Egypt's council of antiquities, who turned out to be a fan of the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie.<ref>[http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/10866/tcid/1 The Collider article and video interview with Michael Bay, February 9, 2009]</ref>

During the time of shooting, actor Shia LaBeouf suffered a severe injury of his left hand in a car accident. Ultimately, however, filming was only briefly halted, and his injury worked into the film, thereby not adversely affecting the filming schedule.<ref name="TheList2008">[http://www.list.co.uk/article/10788-shia-labeoufs-transformers-hand/ The List 1 August 2008]</ref> For the movie, director Michael Bay earned himself an entry in the Guiness Book of Records for the "biggest explosion on film with actors present".<ref name="guiness">[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10579085 New Zealand Herald article mentioning Bay' Guiness Book entry]</ref>

===Sponsors and partners===
====Hasbro====
[[Hasbro]] once again acted both as a licensor and actively participated in the development of the movie. Together with the first ''Transformers'' movie, the ''[[G.I. Joe (team)|G.I. Joe]]'' movie ''Rise of the Cobra'' and several other planned movie projects such as ''Monopoly'', ''Stretch Armstrong'' and ''Battleships'', ''Revenge of the Fallen'' marks the beginning of a new company policy for Hasbro, believing that the new "the movie of the toy" strategy will be more lucrative than the old "the toy of the movie" concept, which involves hefty licensing fees.<ref name="brandweek">[http://www.businessweek.com/bwdaily/dnflash/content/jun2009/db20090611_333306.htm Brandweek article on Hasbro's new movie-related business strategy]</ref> Still, director [[Michael Bay]] receives an 8% cut of all toy sales from the ''Transformers'' movies.<ref name="forbesbay">[http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2009/0622/celebrity-09-transformers-michael-bay-making-movies-enemies-money.html Michael Bay article on Forbes.com June 4, 2009]</ref> During the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike, when nobody was legally allowed to consult with the screenwriters, Hasbro and Bay selected several of the new Transformers characters that were to appear in the movie.<ref name="sciforc"/>

====US military====
The [[United States military]] also supported the movie again, providing vehicles, shooting locations and military personnel that appear as extras in the movie.<ref name="milit">[http://www.military.com/entertainment/movies/movie-news/military-unites-with-hollywood-on-transformers?wh=entertainment American Forces Press Service press release about the US military's contribution to ROTF]</ref> Due to scheduling coincidences, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' was given a larger support by the US Department of Defense than ''G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra'', which was produced at the same time. <ref name="dod">Jeff Schogol: [http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=62955 Stars and Stripes article about DOD support for ''revenge of the Fallen'' and ''G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra'']</ref> Initially, Bay had intended to include German Bundeswehr soldiers in the movie (presumably as members of [[NEST]] or on board the AWACS plane), but even though the soldiers were eager to participate, the German government denied the request.<ref name="szpremiere">[http://newsticker.sueddeutsche.de/list/id/657558 Report from the German press conference (in German laguage)]</ref>

====General Motors====
American car manufacturer General Motors once again provided vehicles that were used by the Autobots as their [[alternate mode]]s. Returning from the first movie were the GMC Topkick ([[Ironhide (Movie)|Ironhide]]), the Hummer H2 ([[ratchet (Movie)|Ratchet]]) and the new Chevrolet Camaro ([[Bumblebee (Movie)|Bumblebee]]), the latter this time as a slightly updated Z/28 model as compared to the first movie's concept car model. Newcomers for ''Revenge of the Fallen'' are all from the Chevrolet brand, namely the Chevrolet Beat ([[Skids (ROTF)|Skids]]), the Chevrolet Trax ([[Mudflap (ROTF)|Mudflap]]), a new Chevrolet Corvette Stingray concept car ([[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Sideswipe]]) and, as a last minute addition, the new Chevrolet Volt electric car ([[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]]).

In total, General Motors provided 67 vehicles, 52 of them being prototypes not intended for sale.<ref name="chevytroubles">[http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-06-15-gm-transformers_N.htm USA Today story on Chevrolet's participation in the movie]</ref> As a consequence of the 2007-onwards financial crisis, however, General Motors reduced their financial support for ''Revenge'' in April of 2009.<ref name="horsep">[http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-cotown-transformers6-2009apr06,0,5419006.story LA Times story on General Motors cutting their support for ''Revenge of the Fallen'']</ref>

Director Michael Bay estimates that, without the support of General Motors and the military, production of the movie would have cost $10 million more than the $195 million ultimately spent.<ref name="forbesbay"/> Coinciding with the release of ''Revenge of the Fallen'', General Motors reported that sales of the new Chevrolet Camaro were so strong that orders were outrunning the supply, even though the car was being sold above MSRP in many places. A direct connection to the movie, however, could not be proven.<ref name="camarosells">[http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aZCnXEtqqTcc Bloomberg reporting on strong sales for the new Chevrolet Camaro]</ref>

====Product placement====
As in the first movie, numerous companies signed a deal with the filmmakers which allowed for their product being featured in prominent places in the movie. A Mountain Dew vending machine can be seen in [[Leo Spitz|Leo's]] room, computer screens feature visible Cisco logos, [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] and [[Mikaela Banes|Mikaela]] intend to communicate via iChat, a huge HSBC logo is seen at Times Squre in New York City, a Budweiser bottle is prominently featured in one of the Paris scenes, CNN is everyone's preferred news channel, and a giant IMAX logo is seen inside the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. In return, Mars heavily advertised ''Revenge of the Fallen'' with their chocolate candy brand M&M's.

===Changes before, during and after production===
*The three Autobot motorcycles were at one point meant to combine into a larger robot, but this was ultimately abandoned for unknown reasons. Concept artwork for this combined mode has surfaced, and this feature was mentioned in the novelization and appears to remain in the toys.

*According to comic book writer [[Simon Furman]], the [[Dinobot (G1)|Dinobots]] had been in an early draft of the movie's plot, but were dropped from the cast very early in development.<ref>[http://moviesblog.mtv.com/2009/01/29/no-dinobots-in-transformers-2-revenge-of-the-fallen-original-film-consultant-explains-why/ MTV Movie Blog interview with Simon Furman, January 29, 2009.]</ref>

* According to the pre-visualization animation from the movie DVD's bonus material, [[Sideways (ROTF)|Sideways]] was originally supposed to have a Lamborghini [[alternate mode]] as compared to the Audi R8 seen in the film.

*[[Springer (ROTF)|Springer]], an Autobot who transforms into a V-22 Osprey, was to be a character in the movie, but was dropped from the cast during production.<ref name="procterdesigns">[http://conceptartworld.com/?p=2772 Ben Procter's movie designs for ROTF]</ref> However, he was dropped so late during production that Hasbro still released [[Legends Class|Legends]] and [[Robot Heroes (toyline)|Robot Heroes]] versions of the character based on the abandoned movie design–in the first waves of their respective assortments, no less.

*Likewise, the Deluxe Class [[Breakaway (ROTF)|Breakaway]] and Scout Class [[Depthcharge]] and [[Ransack (ROTF)|Ransack]] toys are based on designs [[Ben Procter]] had originally created for the movie. Breakaway had the early working name "Firestorm", while Ransack was originally conceived as a [[Ford Model T Seeker|Ford Model T]].<ref name="procterdesigns"/>

*[[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] was originally intended to come to Earth and scan a black Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck as his new [[alternate mode]]. The Deluxe Class Soundwave toy still retains some elements of this abandoned concept in robot mode, particularly a Cybertronian version of the Chevy grill and small headlights on the lower torso.

*Several plot points about the [[Dynasty of Primes]] were dropped from the final version of the film, but feature prominently in the adaptations. In the original version, the Dynasty was founded by [[Thirteen original Transformers|Thirteen Primes]], eleven of whom were killed by The Fallen, with [[Optimus Prime's ancestor|the sole survivor]] sealing the Matrix in the Tomb of the Primes by himself. The Fallen returned to Cybertron and killed all the Primes' descendants, save the one hidden from him who had no knowledge of his ancestry: Optimus. Additionally, The Fallen would have been revealed to have promised Megatron the powers of a Prime, which Optimus would expose as impossible during the final battle around the harvester, causing Megatron and Starscream to leave The Fallen to his death.

* The Fallen was originally supposed to be trapped inside a triangular sarcophagus as seen in ''[[Alliance (comic)|Alliance]]''. ''Alliance'' writer [[Chris Mowry]] reportedly nearly spilled his coffee when he watched the movie for the first time and saw The Fallen just sitting in a chair inside the [[Nemesis (ROTF)|Nemesis]].<ref name="mowryallsp">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?s=&showtopic=64301&view=findpost&p=1387145 COmments by Chris Mowry at the Allspark], November 2009</ref>

*One scene that didn't make it into the final movie would have explained [[Alice]]'s sorta-human disguise: In it, [[Leo Spitz|Leo]] watches a TV ad featuring an Alice in Wonderland animatronic from an amusement park, which heavily resembles Alice. The scene was featured in the [[Revenge of the Fallen issue 2|comic adaptation]] and the [[Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|novelization]]. It's unclear if the scene has actually been filmed; however, the movie still features the follow-up scene in which Leo shows up to tell Sam ''something'' about Alice, only to see her robot tongue strangle him.

*Sam was to have been established as a new vessel for the AllSpark, absorbing its knowledge, which would have explained how he managed to get a scholarship to Princeton. When he was dying in Egypt, the knowledge of the AllSpark would then have transferred to the dust within the Matrix of Leadership, which was created by the AllSpark. The movie would have ended with Optimus showing Sam that he'd recovered the Matrix, which now replaced the Cube as the AllSpark's physical form.

*Another possibly dropped plot point involved an explanation for the government's cover-up of the [[Mission City]] battle in the [[Transformers (2007)|first movie]]. The robots would have been declared the creations of a company either named [[McClaren Robotics]] or [[Massive Dynamics]], which allegedly had gone rogue by accident. This is referenced in [[Alan Dean Foster]]'s [[Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|novelization]] of the movie (where the company is named "Massive Dynamics"), the junior novelization ''[[The Last Prime]]'' and [[IDW Publishing]]'s [[Revenge of the Fallen issue 1|comic adaptation]] (where the company is named "McClaren Robotics"). A McClaren sign is also briefly seen in IDW's [[Alliance (comic)|''Alliance'' issue 4]]. An extensive casting call list leaked to the internet in April 2008 listed a "Massive Dynamics CEO" as one of the new characters.<ref name="iesbcall">[http://www.iesb.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4663&Itemid=99 Casting call at IESB, April 2008]</ref> Presumably, actor Steve Tom was originally intended to play the character in the movie. His official website is listing him as appearing in ''Revenge'' ever since July 2008<ref name="stevetom">[http://stevetom.com/picsandresume.html Resume of actor Steve Tom]</ref>, even though he isn't actually listed in the film's credits. Back in July 2008, IMDB also listed Tom as playing the role of McClaren Robotics' CEO<ref name="tfwimdbtom">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen-casting-steve-tom-as-robotics-ceo-katie-lowes-as-ra-165438/ TFW2005 referencing an (unarchived) IMDB entry for Steve Tom and his alleged role in ''Revenge'']</ref>, wheras Theiapolis Cinema listed him as the CEO of Massive Dynamics at the same time<ref name="theiarotf">[http://cinema.theiapolis.com/movie-2RLF/transformers-revenge-of-the-fallen/cast.html Theiapolis Cinema entry for ''Revenge'']</ref>. It's unclear if the scenes featuring Tom were cut or dropped from the script before they were even filmed.

* [[Robert Epps|Epps']] wife, [[Monique Epps|Monique]], was also supposed to appear in the movie together with [[William Lennox|Lennox's]] wife [[Sarah Lennox|Sarah]]. The casting call from April 2008 lists her under the working name "Theresa".<ref name="iesbcall"/> The original plan was that [[Sam Witwicky|Sam]] would contact Epps and Lennox by calling their wives and asking them to pass on information to their husbands. This scene appears in the [[Revenge of the Fallen (novel)|novelization]] and in IDW's [[Revenge of the Fallen issue 3|comic adaptation]]; in the movie, the wives are never seen, and instead of Sam, it is [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]] who contacts Epps and Lennox directly.

===Disinformation===
In October 2007, an alleged treatment for the (at that point still unnamed) ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' sequel surfaced on the internet.<ref name="treat">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2007/10/transfomers-2-leaked-script.html The Transformers Live Action Movie Blog reporting on the alleged treatment], October 2007.</ref> While producer [[Don Murphy]] soon claimed that it wasn't real<ref name="murphyfake">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showpost.php?p=1052166&postcount=52 Don Murphy denies the authenticity of the leaked treatment], October 2007.</ref>, [[Michael Bay]]'s website administrator "Nelson" countered by suggesting that it wasn't a fan creation<ref name="nelsonfake1">Nelson's deliberately misleading comments regarding the alleged treatment at the [http://boards.transformersmovie.com/showpost.php?p=435346&postcount=26 official Live Action Movie boards] and at [http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?&showtopic=37905&st=20&p=759450&#entry759450 The Allspark], October 2007.</ref>, then referred to an ambiguous post he had made a few days earlier, in which he had hinted that information might be spread that would not be entirely reliable.<ref name="nelsonfake2">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1590&postcount=1 Nelson's ambiguous "telling the truth in a false way" post] at the official Michael bay forums, October 2007.</ref> What followed was a brief back-and-forth with Murphy accusing Nelson of "stirring shit up"<ref name="murphynelson">[http://www.donmurphy.net/board/showthread.php?t=22721 Don Murphy's response to Nelson's statements], October 2007.</ref>, which prompted Nelson to counter that he had better sources than Murphy<ref name="nelsonsources">[http://www.allspark.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=37905&st=60&p=761181&#entry761181 Nelson's counter to Don Murphy...] No, we stop here. You get the idea.</ref>.

In April 2008, director Michael Bay claimed he had initiated a huge disinformation campaign in order to prevent content details from the movie being revealed to the public before he wanted them to.<ref name="misinf">[http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/a94406/bay-tries-to-fool-transformers-fans.html Mirrored copy of Michael Bay's original claims about his alleged "disinformation campaign"]. Bay apparently deleted his original post from his official message board.</ref> Ultimately, Bay himself turned out to be the main source of genuine disinformation, despite claiming that ''only'' what he said was 100% true. Therefore, the disinformation campaign mostly hinged on fans believing in its existence, and rejecting any genuinely "leaked" information, including set photos, statements by third parties such as [[Hasbro]] or [[IDW Publishing]] and stolen toy [[prototype]]s, as "disinformation". Screenwriter Roberto Orci eventually admitted that the disinformation campaign wasn't really working.<ref name="orcicampaign">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/180451-welcome-mr-roberto-orci-you-may-ask-him-questions-150.html#post2437185 Roberto Orci confirming Michael Bay's biggest fear: The disinformation campaign doesn't work!]</ref>

In June 2008, when principal shooting had just begun, a call sheet was leaked to the internet<ref name="bethcall">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2008/06/bethlehem-call-sheet-cast-tf-and-next.html Leaked call sheet at the Transformers Live Action Movie Blog], June 5, 2008</ref>, which revealed the casting of [[Ramon Rodriguez]] as a character named "[[Leo Spitz|Leo]]", the appearance of an [[Sideways (ROTF)|Audi R8]] and [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] as well as a character with the working name "[[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Stinger]]". Furthermore, an ice cream truck that had just been spotted on the Bethlehem set a day earlier<ref name="bethfirst">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/transformers-2-bethlehem-images---update---ironhide-on-set-165046/ Set photos from the Bethlehem shoot at TFW2005], June 4, 2008</ref> was hinted to be two characters only referred to as "[[Skids (ROTF)|The]] [[Mudflap (ROTF)|Twins]]". Lastly, the call sheet revealed that the next shooting location would be the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, where an SR-71 Blackbird would be revealed to be a Decepticon named [[Jetfire (ROTF)|Jetfire]]. A character named "[[Wheelie (ROTF)|Wheels]]" was also supposed to appear in that scene. In July 2008, Bay then claimed that fake scripts, treatments, "wrong schedules and call sheets with fake scenes on them" had been deliberately leaked to the internet.<ref name="bayfakescript">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=44729&postcount=2 Michael Bay's forum post claiming that only he and the writers had seen the script]</ref>

In August 2008, after a Chevrolet Volt vehicle had been spotted on the set of ''Revenge'', General Motors reluctantly admitted having provided the car to the production crew, and that the car would indeed appear in the film, but claimed that it was no production vehicle (i.e. some details may differ from the final car, similar to Bumblebee's Concept Camaro in the first movie). Chevrolet also claimed that the Volt was only used for one or two days of shooting, and that it would only "appear in the movie very briefly", and "not as a Decepticon or Autobot", so it would "not have a Transformer nickname".<ref name="edmundsjolt">[http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=131426 Edmunds Inside Line article on the Chevrolet Volt spotted on the set], August 2008</ref> (While it's true that [[Jolt (ROTF)|Jolt]] was a last-minute addition to the movie, the car was spotted again later at a different set.<ref name="joltwhite">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2008/09/chevy-volt-at-white-sands-set.html Set photos from White Sands Missile Range] including the Chevrolet Volt, September 2008.</ref>)

For the longest time, Bay upheld the position that [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron]] would ''not'' return in ''Revenge of the Fallen''. After concept designs of Megatron's new [[alternate mode]] had surfaced (some of which would later turn out to be designs for the RPM Megatron toy<ref name="rpmmegsleak">[http://transformerslive.blogspot.com/2008/09/megatron-toy-pictures.html Leaked design for Megatron's RPM vehicle toy], September 2008.</ref>), Bay insisted that this was "just Hasbro coming up with a new toy", and Megatron would not appear in the movie.<ref name="EmpireFeb2009">''Empire'' magazine issue 236, dated February 2009, pages 68 and 69, article entitled "20 to watch in 2009", written by Nick de Semelyn</ref> Following ''officially released'' evidence to the contrary (including Megatron's brief appearance in the February 1 Superbowl TV spot and the February teaser trailer), screenwriter [[Roberto Orci]] confirmed that Megatron would indeed return.<ref name="mreturns">[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-movie-discussion/180451-welcome-mr-roberto-orci-you-may-ask-him-questions-211.html#post3333713 Roberto Orci confirming Megatron's return on TFW2005.com - February 22, 2009]</ref> Shortly afterwards, Bay retracted his claims, but not entirely, suggesting that Megatron would only appear in a flashback scene "from the long lost past", despite the fact Megatron could be seen pinning [[Sam Witwicky]] to the ground in the aforementioned TV spot and teaser trailer. He also denied that Megatron would transform into a tank.<ref name="catoutbag">[http://www.shootfortheedit.com/forum/showpost.php?p=66825&postcount=4 Bay retracting from his claims about Megatron on his forum - March 6, 2009]</ref>

Bay and/or Paramount also tried to have information prematurely revealed by third parties contained after the fact: During San Diego Comic-Con 2008, in an interview on July 25th, comic book writer [[Simon Furman]] revealed that the film would feature a character named [[The Fallen]], which was a character they had created for [[Dreamwave Productions|Dreamwave]]'s ''[[War Within: The Dark Ages|The War Within: The Dark Ages]]''.<ref name="furmancbr">[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17412Simon Furman interview with Comic Book Resources], edited version.</ref> Three days later, [[IDW Publishing]] writer [[Chris Mowry]] corroborated the claim in an interview with MTV Splash Page, calling "The Fallen" the main villain of ''Revenge''. [[Arcee (Movie)|Arcee]] was also confirmed in the same interview.<ref name="mowrymtv">[http://splashpage.mtv.com/2008/07/28/exclusive-transformers-2-prequel-comic-gives-inside-scoop-on-2009-movie/ MTV Splash Page interviews Chris Mowry], edited version.</ref> Less than a week after this, however, Michael Bay reiterated that everything leaked thus far was part of his alleged disinformation campaign, and that only a handful of people involved with the production of ''Revenge of the Fallen'' had actually seen the script, contradicting IDW's interviews where their representatives confirmed that they had the script. Additionally, Bay claimed the only truth about the film revealed up to that point was Sam going to college.<ref name="bayfakescript"/> Curiously, on August 5th 2008, after a fan had pointed out the contradiction to Bay, all references to The Fallen (and Arcee) were removed from the aforementioned interviews, as well as any references to IDW Publishing having the script.<ref name="interviewsoriginal">http://tfwiki.net/~fortmax/movie/index.html Mirrored copies of the unedited versions of the interviews.]</ref>

Other (in)famous instances of disinformation included an alleged sighting of both [[Jazz (Movie)|Jazz's]] Pontiac Solstice vehicle mode and voice actor [[Darius McCrary]] on the Bethlehem set<ref name="jazzrumor">[http://www.tfw2005.com/transformers-news/transformers-movie-just-movie-31/autobot-jazz-is-back-for-transformers-movie-sequel-165008/ TFW reporting on the alleged sightings of the Jazz Pontiac Solstice and voice actor Darius McCrary], May 2008</ref> (it's ''possible'' that someone mistook an [[Sideways (ROTF)|Audi R8]] or the [[Sideswipe (ROTF)|Chevrolet Corvette concept car]] for a Pontiac Solstice, and McCrary ''might'' have genuinely visited the set out of sheer curiosity) and an "update" to a (legitimate) casting call that contained nothing but fake character names and descriptions<ref name="fakecall">[http://spoilertv-movies.blogspot.com/2008/04/transformers-2.html Fake casting call at Spoiler TV], April 2008. Note: Everything up until "CNN Reporter" originates from another, legitimate casting call; everything from "Head of Sector 7" onwards is made up.</ref>, including a funeral director who would allegedly bury [[Seymour Simmons|Simmons]]. It's unclear whether any of these were instances of deliberate disinformation on behalf of Bay, or just attention-seeking fans coming up with made-up "scoops" on their own. Futhermore, three [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade's]] Saleen Mustang prop vehicles were spotted on a truck bed in Culver City, California, in March 2008, more than two months before principal shooting for ''Revenge'' started.<ref name="vehspotted">[http://www.superherohype.com/news/transformersnews.php?id=6980 Superhero Hype reporting on the spotting of Barricade vehicles in March 2008]</ref> It's unclear if this was an instance of deliberate disinformation, or just a genuine move of the vehicles with no further intention beind it.

==Notes==
*The official title of the film is ''Revenge of the Fallen'' (with a lower-case "t" in "the") even though it is apparently referring to [[The Fallen]] (with a capital "T" in "The").
*Leo's room features posters for [[Wikipedia:Naruto|Naruto]], [[Wikipedia:Cloverfield|Cloverfield]], and [[Wikipedia:Bad Boys 2|Bad Boys 2]].
*During the scenes set in and around the deli in NYC, posters for the bands [[Wikipedia:Catch 22 (band)|Catch Twenty-Two]] and [[wikipedia:Voodoo Glow Skulls|Voodoo Glow Skulls]] are prominently featured.
*Even though ''Revenge'' features mostly domestic voice actors for the foreign market dubs, [[Frank Welker]] voiced [[Soundwave (ROTF)|Soundwave]] not only in English, but also in the Italian dub. As a result, in the Italian dub of the movie, Soundwave speaks with a strange, foreign accent. Welker is also ''incorrectly'' credited for voicing Soundwave in the German dub<ref name="germandub">[http://215072.homepagemodules.de/topic-threaded.php?board=215072&forum=11775323&threaded=1&id=511643&message=7158760 List of German dubbing voices]</ref>, even though Soundwave's actual German voice actor was Horst Lampe, who previously also voiced [[Ratchet (Animated)|Ratchet]] in the German dub of ''[[Transformers Animated (cartoon)|Transformers Animated]]''. Welker is ''also'' credited for an unspecified voice role in the Latin Spanish dub, most likely Soundwave again.
*The prequel novel introduced other Autobots into the ranks of [[NEST]]—[[Longarm (Movie)|Longarm]], [[Salvage (Movie)|Salvage]], and [[Knock Out (ROTF)|Knockout]]. They were present up until the events directly leading into the Shanghai incident, but were not present for any of the events featured in the film or adaptations. {{storylink|The Veiled Threat}}
*In July 2007, only a week after after ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' had premiered in the USA, nearly two years before ''Revenge of the Fallen'' was to premiere and half a year before a ''script'' would actually be written, a "synopsis" for the (at that point still untitled) sequel to ''Transformers'' was posted on IMDB<ref name="imdbsum">[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1055369/synopsis Fake "synopsis" for ROTF on IMDB]</ref>, containing vague guesses for a potential plot direction based on the first movie ([[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] returning to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and taking command of the remaining Decepticons–which would actually happen in [[IDW Publishing|IDW's]] ''[[The Reign of Starscream]]'' comic–and "[[Scorponok (Movie)|Skorpinox]]" [sic] stealing [[Megatron (Movie)|Megatron's]] body from a military base, in contrast to the first film's actual ending), including several glaring spelling and grammar errors. The "synopsis" was eventually exposed as the work of ''Next'' and ''xXx: State of the Union'' director Lee Tamahori, who wanted to use it as a pitch to offer himself to [[Paramount Pictures|Paramount]] as a cheaper alternative for [[Michael Bay]].<ref name="tamahori">[http://defamer.gawker.com/hollywood/a-more-personal-kind-of-transformation/breaking-transformers-2-plot-synopsis-revealed-278307.php Gawker's Defamer reporting on the fake "synopsis" from IMDB, and updating with information about its true origins]</ref> Regardless, the "synopsis" was still heavily featured by other websites, including foreign theaters and media<ref name="prosieben">[http://www.prosieben.de/kino_dvd/previews/film/ German TV station feature about ROTF using the fake IMDB "synopsis"]</ref>, despite multiple evidence (trailers, official information provided by Paramount, leaked information about the involvement of a character named "[[The Fallen]]") suggesting that the alleged "plot" was pretty much bunk. The fake synopsis ''still'' persists in some places even after ''Revenge'' has already hit theaters, despite being directly refuted by the film itself.<ref name="dvdlisting">[http://www.comicsandcardsupplies.com/jul091794.html Premature preorder for the ROTF DVD featuring the fake IMDB "synopsis"]</ref>
* While ''[[Transformers (2007)|Transformers]]'' used 20 terabytes of disk space for visual effects, ''Revenge of the Fallen'' used 154 terabytes.<ref>Robertson, Barbara (2009). Weighty Matters. Computer Graphics World, 32(7), 20-29</ref>
* The Chinese name for ''Revenge of the Fallen'' was called "[[wikia:c:starwars:Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back|Decepticon Strikes Back]]" for a while before the title was changed into "The War of Revenge" in theaters and media in Taiwan around mid to late 2008.

==External links==
*[http://www.transformersmovie.com Dreamworks/Paramount's ''Transformers'' Movie website]
*[http://www.hasbro.com/transformers/ Hasbro's ''Transformers'' homepage]
*Designer portfolios: [http://www.joshnizzi.com/ Josh Nizzi], [http://www.ryanchurch.com/images/tf2/04PRO_TF2.htm Ryan Church], [http://skulboyfilmwork.blogspot.com/2009/07/transformers-revenge-of-fallen.html Duncan Crawford], [http://www.paulozzimo.com/ Paul Ozzimo], [http://www.stevejung.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=4 Steve Jung], [http://conceptartworld.com/?p=2772 Ben Procter], [http://www.seanhaworth.com/SH_Design/Portfolio/Portfolio.html Sean Haworth]
*[http://www.collider.com/entertainment/interviews/article.asp/aid/10866/tcid/1 Interview with Michael Bay 02/09/2009] — Collider.com

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

[[Category:Real world films]]
[[Category:Revenge of the Fallen]]

MediaWiki:TFWiki.net Sweep-Stakes/Entries

2010-03-23T06:12:35Z

Star Saber:

This is the page for the '''TFWiki.Net Sweep-Stakes''' contest entries. Please put your article of choice and user name below in the following manner:

*[[Small Foot]] --(four tildes)

Contest entry period ends '''April 5th, 2010'''. Good luck, everyone! --[[User:Monzo|Monzo]] 01:41, 23 March 2010 (EDT)

==Contest Entries==
*[[Blitzwing Bop]] -- [[user:TrentTroop|TrentTroop]]
*[[Antillan Bumble-Puppy]] [[User:Star Saber|Star Saber]] 02:12, 23 March 2010 (EDT) SS

Dark Glass

2010-03-22T22:51:47Z

Star Saber:

"'''Dark Glass'''" was an unproduced episode planned for [[Beast Wars (cartoon)|''Beast Wars'']]' third season, written by [[Christy Marx]]. It was replaced by "[[Go with the Flow]]".

==Episode outline==
On [[February 17]], [[1999]], Transformers fan Joona I Palaste posted to [[alt.toys.transformers]] a brief summary of the plot which had been related to him by [[Larry DiTillio]]:

''[[Rattrap]] salvages a computer bank from the [[Axalon (BW)|Axalon]] and in it's circuits he and [[Rhinox (BW)|Rhinox]] find the Core consciousness of the old [[Dinobot (BW)|DinoBot]] (which as you will recall DinoBot downloaded in a previous episode). Rattrap gets obsessed with the idea that he can restore the old DinoBot by getting it into the [[Dinobot II|new Dinobot]]'s systems. Rhinox tells him this will probably not work, as core consciousness without a spark is only an illusion of the person to whom it belonged. And if it didn't work, it just might give the new Dinobot all the old Dinobot's datatrax on the Maximals which could give the Preds and advantage. [[Optimus Primal|Optimus]] thus forbids the attempt. But Rattrap defies this order, sneaks out and at much risk to himself, does manage to get the core consciousness in place. For a moment the old DinoBot does seem to emerge but as Rhinox warned he is only a shadow of his former self and must do everything he can to keep the new DinoBot from regaining control of his body, a weird mental struggle which would have been fun to animate. The old Dinobot knows he is doomed to lose this struggle and tries to "sacrifice" himself again by infiltrating the Preds and taking out [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] before he can complete his master plan to destroy the AutoBots. It doesn't work and the New Dinobot regains control of his body only to be blasted by Meagtron. Rattrap comes to accept that his old pal is truly dead and realizes he cannot bring him back. However he honors his friends memory.''<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/17d53fa556c3ac7c?dmode=source&hl=en Dark Glass summary on ATT]</ref>

==Details of rejection==
Word that the "Dark Glass" script had been rejected reached the fan community before the third season of ''Beast Wars'' even began airing. Rumors ran rampant that the script had been rejected for being "too dark", and this account was seemingly confirmed by DiTillio in an [[August 10]], [[1998]] post to ATT<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/b6d29cf8c43353d9?dmode=source DiTillio gives facts on the script on ATT]</ref> and by Marx in a [[November 16]], 1998 post to a ''[[wikipedia:Jem (TV series)|Jem]]'' mailing list.<ref>[http://jemlist.tripod.com/vol3askc.html#toodark "Ask Christy", Volume 3]</ref>

Several months later, on the same day that Palaste posted the plot summary, [[Jon Hartman]] also posted to ATT to say that [[Claster]], the series distributor, had rejected the episode because the story did not have enough action<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/4d506e88c7db00b1?dmode=source Hartman claims on ATT that Claster canned the show]</ref>. This statement is in moderate conflict with the earlier statements by parties closer to the events in question, but grimness and a lack of action could certainly go hand-in-hand. Additionally, Claster at this time was a subsidiary of Hasbro, so it possible that Hartman's claims are simply a more detailed description than had been provided by DiTillio or Marx.

Many years later, however, on [[Madman Entertainment]]'s 2006 Region 4 ''Beast Wars'' Season 3 DVD<ref>[http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/archive/index.php/t-115895.html (TFW2005 broken link about ???)]</ref>, the same Larry DiTillio said this:

''Q: Is it true that there was to be an episode called "Dark Glass" in season 3, but refused production by [[Hasbro]]?''

''A: No, this is actually not true. "Dark Glass" was rumored as a lost episode that was to feature Rattrap attempting to restore the original Dinobot's personality to Dinobot 2, and that when the episode was refused, "Go with the Flow" was made instead. The truth is that "Dark Glass" was written for season 2 and rejected by the story editors, not Hasbro, because the script was not up to standard. The script was replaced by "[[Transmutate (episode)|Transmutate]]", a great episode that was a better fit for season 2."''

Given that eight years had passed when he said this, it is likely that he misremembered the sequence of events. This account contradicts statements by himself and Marx, a sneak peek at the [http://www.electric-escape.net/tf/conventions/BotCon-98/Jon-Wilkie episode list (broken link)] for season 3 seen at [[BotCon 1998]], and the confusion surrounding the failed distribution of the script at Transcon III (see below). Therefore, the DVD account should be taken quite skeptically.

==Availability of the script==
{{quote|''Now if I get 1000 different E-mails saying that this script should NOT be given out because a few paranoid fans don't want their lives unravelled then I will burn it and never talk about it again and tell christy you think her work is trash and she should stop writing professionally...''|Dennis Barger|[[alt.toys.transformers|ATT]], [[August 31]], 1998}}

Although the episode was dropped from the schedule long before any animation or voice recording would have been done, the "Dark Glass" did have a full first-draft script written by Marx, which was then rewritten once by DiTillio, as stated in his post from August 10, 1998.

On [[August 29]], 1998, just a couple weeks after DiTillio explained the rejection, toy dealer Dennis Barger of [[Men in Black]] Collectibles—the organizers of [[BotCon 1996]]—posted to the thread to announce that he had acquired a copy of Marx's script from her. For his upcoming unofficial convention, Transcon III, he planned to place the original in a charity auction, and distribute reproductions to all attendees.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/09de29f3be95d9f8?dmode=source Announcement on ATT about the script distribution offer]</ref> Hearing concerns from fans, Barger later stated that he would have all recipients of the script sign non-disclosure agreements to prevent spoilers from being leaked until the third season had aired.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/a0f298132398c745?dmode=source Announcement on ATT about non-disclosure agreement for the script]</ref> (Transcon III was to take place in September 1998, while season three wouldn't even premiere until October.) However, as stated in Marx's ''Jem'' list post, and later summarized on ATT by [[User:Repowers|Rob Powers]]<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/rec.toys.transformers.moderated/msg/ab4c0a0d07cac1c1?dmode=source Repowers' ATT summary of the situation]</ref>, Barger had not obtained the proper approvals from Hasbro and/or Mainframe, and the whole affair fell apart. The script was returned to Marx. Furthermore, Mainframe decided that no scripts were ever to be released to the public again, and indeed, although scripts for seasons one and two of ''Beast Wars'' were available on [[Ben Yee]]'s website, those for season three and ''Beast Machines'' were never put up.<ref>[http://bwtf.com/bw/tvshow/episodes/seasonthree/ Ben Yee's Episode Pages (broken link)]</ref>

There was a sizeable interest in the script from fans, and Dave "Zobovor" Edwards even gathered over 500 signatures to a petition for the script's release, but he never received a response and by September 1999, he threw in the towel.<ref>[http://groups.google.com/group/alt.toys.transformers/msg/194fe613938e7856?dmode=source Results of Zobovor's script release petition on ATT]</ref>

==Story significance==
Fans have extrapolated that this episode would have explained Dinobot's re-emerged personality in the show's final episode, "[[Nemesis Part 2]]".

In that episode, [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]], whose [[spark]] powered the Transmetal II clone of Dinobot, was killed, and his spark extinguished. At the same time, Dinobot II suddenly seemed to remember the last moments of the original Dinobot, and his behavior changed drastically; speaking of honor, he defied [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]] and essentially switched sides (before dying again).

These events are difficult to explain, perhaps especially so without "Dark Glass". The Dinobot II body was a clone of the original Dinobot, but did not (as far as is known) possess his core consciousness, memories, engrams, etc. Rather, Dinobot II seems to have been a [[shell program]] written by Megatron running on top of a fragment of Rampage's spark. In this case, it is unclear why, in the absence of Rampage's spark, Dinobot II would suddenly act more like Dinobot I. However, if the events of "Dark Glass" are taken to have occurred off-camera, it becomes easier to understand: two shell programs and a spark all fighting for dominance over a single body. With the spark gone, the Dinobot I shell may have had an opportunity to take over.

On the other hand, even with "Dark Glass", the picture is incomplete. Dinobot saw visions of the original Dinobot's last moments, his battle with the Predacons in the rift valley at the end of "[[Code of Hero]]". These memories could not have been part of the download Dinobot made into the ''Axalon'''s computer earlier in the season. For them to surface within him, they must have either been added to the datatrax he was programmed with (by either Megatron or Rattrap), or they must have come from Dinobot's own spark, if that spark somehow left the [[Allspark]] and inhabited the cloned body when Rampage's spark departed. All three of these possibilities have their share of implausibility, so it is up to each fan to pick an interpretation that they like to include in their [[personal canon]].

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Beast Wars episodes]]
[[Category:Unproduced scripts]]

BotCon 2008

2010-03-10T03:52:15Z

Star Saber: Undo revision 428699 by Lonegamer78 (Talk)

{{officialcon|
|seriesissue=[[BotCon]] 2008
|prev=BotCon 2007
|next=BotCon 2009
|seriesissue2=
|next2=
|image=Botcon08logo.jpg
|caption=Everything you thought you knew will be purple.
|title=
|date=[[April 24]], 2008
|city=Cincinnati, OH
|venue=Duke Energy Center
}}

'''[[BotCon]] 2008''' was the Official ''[[Transformers]]'' Convention in 2008, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Cincinnati, Ohio, from [[April 24]] to [[April 27|27]].
{{TOCclear}}

==Run-up==
Hype for the convention began on the [http://www.botcon.com BotCon website] on [[November 27]], 2007, when the entire page was replaced by a giant graphic of a mysterious trio of ominous-looking Autobots, a new logo featuring a purple BotCon logo with a matching purple Autobot symbol, and a spooky video clip featuring a backwards Transformers theme. The video clip also claimed that "this spring ... at BotCon 2008 ... everything you thought you knew ... will be ... shattered." Fans soon deduced that the convention toy set would have a "mirror universe" theme of evil Autobots.

On [[November 28]], the page was updated with the location, date, and venue.

On [[January 31]], 2008, registration forms went up. By [[February 14]], demand was so high that orders for Iacon packages would no longer be taken, though those that had ordered Iacon packages up to that point would receive them. On [[February 29]], the "[[Shattered Glass]]" set was announced to be sold out for Primus packages as well. On [[April 4]], the free [[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]] attendee figure was announced to be sold out.

==Venue==
BotCon 2008 was held at the Duke Energy Center.

==Merchandise==
===Convention-exclusive toys===
* '''Convention box set''' - "[[Shattered Glass]]," a set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the convention comic, bio cards, and for the first 100 registrants, an exclusive pin. This set sold out (both boxed and bagged versions) well in advance of the convention, after which the [[BotCon 2005]] ''[[Descent into Evil]]'' set was provided as an alternative.

:("Bad guys"):
:*'''[[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]]''', a [[redeco]] of [[Classics (2006)|''Classics'']] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]
:*'''[[Grimlock (SG)|Grimlock]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]].
:*'''[[Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug]]''', a [[retool]] of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]].
:*'''[[Jazz (SG)|Autobot Jazz]]''', a retool of ''Cybertron'' [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]].

:(and "good guys"):
:*'''[[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]]''', a redeco of ''Cybertron'' Voyager class [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]].
:*Mini-con '''[[Razorclaw (SG)|Razorclaw]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Overbite (Classics)|Overbite]].

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - '''[[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]]''', a redecoed ''Shattered Glass'' Autobot Jazz, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Customization Class Toy''' - '''[[Nightbeat (SG)|Nightbeat]]''', a redecoed ''Timelines'' [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]].

*'''At-Show Souvenir Toys'''

:*'''[[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]]''', a retool of the smaller ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]; '''[[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]; and '''[[Rampage (SG)|Rampage]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Snarl (Classics)|Snarl]].
:*'''[[Blurr (SG)|Blurr]]''', a retool of ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]; '''[[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]]''' with '''[[Whisper (SG)|Whisper]]''', a redeco of ''Armada'' [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] with [[Wind Sheer (Armada)|Wind Sheer]]; and '''[[Divebomb (SG)|Divebomb]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Dreadwing (Classics)|Dreadwing]].

===Fiction===
* "[[Shattered Glass (comic)|Shattered Glass]]" comic
* "[[Shattered Expectations]]" April Fool's Day comic
* "[[Bee in the City]]" live script reading

* Two exclusive lithograph prints: Alex Milne's "Within the Shattered War" (War Within) and Jake Isenberg's "One Generation Shattered" (G1).

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
* [[Aaron Archer]], Snr. Design Director
* [[Steve Bono]], designer
* [[Michael Ballog]], marketing
* [[Jared Jones]], marketing
* [[Joe Kyde]], designer (exclusives)
* [[Forest Lee]], copywriting
* [[Greg Lombardo]], Snr. Director of Marketing
* [[Marcelo Matere]], freelance artist/designer
* [[Todd Patrick]], packaging design
* [[Bill Rawley]], Sr. Designer
* [[Vickie Stratford]], Snr Design Project Manager
* [[Jared Wade]], Design Director

===Voice actors===
[[Image:kayesari.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Oops...]]

* [[David Kaye]], voice of ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]/[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]/[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]/[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], ''[[Transformers Animated|Animated]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]], [[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] and [[Lugnut]]
* [[Bumper Robinson]], voice of ''Animated'' [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]], [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and [[Porter C. Powell]]
* [[Tara Strong]], voice of [[Sari Sumdac]] and [[Teletran-1]]

===Comics and animation===
* [[Simon Furman]], comics writer extraordinaire
* [[Marty Isenberg]], Story editor of ''Beast Machines'' and ''Transformers Animated''
* [[Alex Milne]], [[IDW Publishing]] artist
* [[Derrick Wyatt]], artist and character designer of ''Transformers Animated''
* [[Matt Youngberg]], storyboard artist and animation director of ''Transformers'' Animated

==Events==
Fun Publications scheduled a large number of events to take place over the course of the convention to keep attendees entertained and informed.

===Thursday===
*9:00 AM Transformers Figure Customizing Class creating [[Nightbeat (SG)|Nightbeat]] from ''[[Timelines (fiction)|Timelines]]'' [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]
*9:00 AM Molding and Casting Class
*7:45 AM-5:15 United States Air Force Museum Tour
*6:00 PM Registration/Package Pick-Up Begins
*8:30-9:30 Dealer Unload and Drop
*9:00 PM Message Board/Room-to-Room Trading Info
*10 PM Package Pick-Up/Registration Closes
*10:00 [[MSTF]]

===Friday===
*7:30AM-2 PM Dealer Set-Up
*8:00AM-9AM Club Store open for Dealers Only
*9:00 AM Club Store opens for all Registered Attendees
*9:00-12:00 Contest Check in/Set-up
*9:30 AM Late Package Pick-Up
*9:30 AM Walk-up Late Registration
*9:00- 9:50 Audition for Transformers Idol
*10:00-10:50 Panel: IDW Publishing: All Hail!
*11:00-11:50 Panel: Cartoon Network Guests
*12:00- 12:50 Panel: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*12:00 PM Contest Judging
*1:00-1:50 Lunch
*2:00-5:00 Private Sales Room Experience
*2:00-3:30 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt, Marty Isenberg
*3:30-5:00 PM Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*5:00 PM Private Preview ends
*7:00 Faction Feud - Battle of the Boards Game Show
*8:30 Transformers Film Fest
*9:30 Cartoon Network Animated Preview--featured a sneak preview screening of "[[Garbage In, Garbage Out]]".
*10:00 PM Hasbro Transformers Team [[Transformers (2007)|Live-action Movie DVD]] Commentary

===Saturday===
*7:30AM Dealer Set-up
*8:30 Walk-up Late Check In/Registration
*8:30 SALES ROOM OPENS for Private Preview
*9:00 Video Room open
*9:00 "Early Bird" Admission
*Hourly Door Prize Giveaway
*9:30-11:00 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*10:00 General Admission
*10:30 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*11:00-11:50 Panel: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*11:00-12:30 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt, Marty Isenberg
*Noon Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*12:00-12:50 Panel: TCC Magazine and Comic Q&A
*1:00-2:50 Panel: Hasbro Toy
*1:30-3:00 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt,Marty Isenberg
*3:00-3:50 Transformers Collectors’ Club Roundtable
*3:30 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*3:00-4:30 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*4:00-4:50 Panel: IDW Publishing: All Hail!
*5:00 PM Show Closes
*7:00 PM Casino Night Awards Dinner
*9:45 PM "[[Bee in the City]]" live script reading
*10:00 PM Auction

===Sunday===
*9AM Dealer Set-up
*9:30AM SALES ROOM & GENERAL ADMISSION OPENS
*10AM Video Room opens
*10:00-11:50 Panel:Animated Hasbro Cartoon Network--included a sneak preview screening of "[[Black Friday (episode)|Black Friday]]".
*10:00-11:30 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*10:30 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*11:30-1:00 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt,Marty Isenberg
*1:00-2:30 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*1:00-1:50 Panel: Hasbro Designers
*2:00-2:50 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*3:00 Draw for Trips to 2009 Convention
*3:30 PM ALL EXHIBITS & SALES ROOM CLOSE

==Trivia==
*Hasbro initally released ''Transformers Animated'' toys exclusively in the Cincinnati area about 2 weeks prior to BotCon. Of course, by the time of the convention most dealers or locals had all but cleaned the stores out.
*In honor of this year's "evil universe" theme, many fans grew beards or goatees for the occasion.
{{stub}}

==External links==
*[http://botcon.com/Botcon08/08faq.cfm BotCon 2008 FAQ]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2001

2010-03-10T03:47:43Z

Star Saber: Undo revision 431972 by Detour (Talk)

{{officialcon|
|seriesissue=[[BotCon]] 2001
|prev=BotCon 2000
|next=BotCon 2002
|seriesissue2=
|next2=
|image=BC01adv.jpg
|caption=The [[Wrecker]]s take [[Verity Carlo|anybody]] these days...
|title=
|date=[[July 13]], 2001
|city=Durham, NC
|venue=Durham Marriot Civic Center
}}

'''BotCon 2001''' was held on July 13-15, 2001 in Durham, North Carolina.
{{TOCclear}}

==Venue==
[[Image:durhamcenter.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Oh sure, it ''looks'' great...until you walk a few blocks.]]

BotCon 2001 was held at the Durham Mariott Civic Center.
{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''[[Tigatron]]''', a redeco of ''[[Beast Wars Metals]]'' [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Metals|Ravage]], which is itself a [[retool]] of Transmetal [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]
*'''[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]''', a redeco and minor retool of ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal 2]] [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]

==Guests==
===Hasbro representatives===
*[[Joe Mattiko]]

===Voice actors===
*[[Michael Bell]]
*[[Gregg Berger]] (unannounced)
*[[Garry Chalk]]
*[[Scott McNeil]]
*[[John Stephenson]]

===Writers===
*[[Paul Davids]]
*[[Simon Furman]]

===Musicians===
*[[Ernie Burns]]
*[[Vince DiCola]]
*[[Gary Falcone]]

==Events==
{{stub}}
===Friday===
*Dinner night/opening ceremonies

===Saturday===
*Saturday night concert

===Sunday===

==External links==
* [http://www.botcon.com/archive/2001/index.html BotCon 2001 in the BotCon archives]

[[Category:Conventions]]

Men in Black

2010-02-23T12:09:47Z

Star Saber:

{{picsneeded}}

[[image:MeninBlackToyslogo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Selling [[Onyx Primal]] since 1996!]]
'''Men in Black Productions''', headed by [[Dennis Barger]], was the company that organized [[BotCon 1996]].

MiB quickly became infamous for its (mis)management of the con, with gaffes such as a ''very'' late-opening dealer room, no lanyards for attendees, and a rather pitiful "party" to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

====TransCon '97====
Needless to say, Men in Black was not brought back to participate in [[BotCon 1997]] and in fact never planned on doing so. However, MiB ''did'' go on to organize and promote the [[Unofficial conventions|unofficial TransCon '97]] in Chicago, Illinois. Their fledgeling convention (then called "RoboCon") was heavily promoted on the back of the '96 program as well as at the convention itself. [[Onyx Primal]] was again offered to attendees, due to the fact that they had a significant number of unsold Onyx Primal toys left over from BotCon '96. [[Hasbro]] was not present as they felt it was better for their image to support a ''single'' convention and [[BotCon 1997|BotCon]] (which was a scant two weeks later) was their choice.

A pair of exclusive figures, an [[Albitron|'albino' redeco]] of Beast Wars [[Megatron (BW)|Alligator Megatron]], and a redeco of [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] as [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] were advertised, but never made available.

====TransCon 2½====
While not really a convention, Dennis rented a room on the second floor of the hotel for the Friday of [[BotCon 2000]] and put a sign on their door that read "TransCon 2½". Naturally, this meant lots of Onyx Primals, leftover TransCon shirts, overpriced toys, and free (stale) pretzels and water. He also had an entire case of [[Beast Wars Metals]] [[Ravage]] that were not for sale. Instead, he was willing to exchange one of these for both [[Shokaract]] and [[Apelinq]] since [[3H]] had forever banned him from BotCon due to his mishandling of [[BotCon 1996]],a string of online negative comments directed at them, and culminating with Dennis revealing [[Fractyl|the]] [[Packrat|identities]] of both BotCon exclusives on [[ATT]] a week before the [[BotCon 1997|convention]]. According to Dennis's own statements, he was unaware that he had been banned until a friend and fellow dealer tried to register him as a helper. Saturday morning, a MiB representative stood outside the line for the BotCon 2000 Dealer's Room and tossed unsold TransCon shirts on the heads of unsuspecting fans.

====TransCon III====
TransCon III, which was held in Toledo, Ohio ("Keepin' it affordable and in the Midwest") in September 1998, was the MiB's final Transformers-related convention. It shared billing with MicroCon, a MicroMan/Micronauts convention, and MegoCon, which celebrated the Mego dolls from the 1970's and 1980's. The dealer room was largely empty, and the MicroMan & Mego portions of the show were little more than nice displays of personal collections. In their internet ads, they claimed their exclusive would be "the largest transformable toy exclusive" yet. Instead, there were ''more'' Onyx Primal toys that had gone unsold from their previous two conventions. Originally, they announced that signed copies of [[The Agenda (Part III)]] script would be given to all attendees. However, after [[Larry DiTillio]] posted that he would not make the script for [[Dark Glass]] available, MiB shifted gears and sought to release this instead. Three days later, they announced that signed copies of "Dark Glass" would be offered. Needless to say, ''that'' didn't happen.

TransCon III was so named, according to Question #1 in the FAQ, because MiB considered BotCon 1996 as "the First Transcon" and this was their third Transformers convention. This would retroactively rename BotCon 1996 as ''TransCon I''. At least in their view.

[[Category:Companies]]

BotCon 2005

2010-02-22T06:24:01Z

Star Saber:

{{officialcon|
|seriesissue=[[BotCon]] 2005
|prev=OTFCC 2004
|next=BotCon 2006
|seriesissue2=
|next2=
|image=Bc05logo.jpg
|caption=What? [[Changing_Gears|Again?]] Hasn't the [[Gears (G1)|poor guy]] been through enough?
|title=
|date=[[September 21]], 2005
|city=Frisco, TX
|venue=Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel & Conference Center
}}

'''[[BotCon]] 2005: Changing Gears''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2005, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in the [[Dallas]], Texas suburb of Frisco, from [[September 21|September 21st]] to [[September 25|September 25th]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

The convention was the first to be run by Fun Publications, and thus inaugurated a number of changes. The return of the "BotCon" name, an end-of-the-summer date, larger exclusive sets and higher preregistration costs all marked a break with previous conventions. The scope of the convention expanded as well, with pre-convention tours, special access dealer room "previews" for higher-paying attendees, and an onslaught of activities and panels throughout the weekend. Another new element was having several panels run two times, rather than being one-time-only events.
{{TOCclear}}

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2005-thevastemptyplainsoftexas.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In Dallas, if you're going to cross the street, you're expected to get in a car to do it.]]
Botcon 2005 was held in Frisco's brand-spanking-new (it had opened only a month prior) Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Conference Center. Though posh and accommodating, this center is not located within easy walking distance of ''anything''. Many fans resorted to a quarter mile hike across empty fields and vast parking lots to reach a nearby shopping mall for food.

On the plus side, however, the Embassy Suites featured a ''free'' breakfast buffet (including made-to-order omelettes) where fans could mingle in the hotel's open atrium and save some cash on food.

The center is conveniently close to Dick's Sporting Goods, which may be reached via the Gaylord Parkway, just off Parkwood Avenue. Yeah, somebody didn't think this through very well

{{-}}
==Merchandise==

Compared to previous conventions, BotCon 2005 featured vast quantities of [[exclusive]] merchandise. Fun Publications also ran their own sales booth, offering a wide range of standard retail Transformer toys.

===Convention-exclusive toys===

*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of seven toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge and the Convention Comic.
[[Image:Descentintoevil-cover.jpg|left|200px|thumb|Here's the plan. We get the convention, and we hold the fandom ransom for... one ''million'' dollars.]]
:*'''[[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]]''' - A blue and black remold of [[Megatron (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Megatron]] with a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Buzzclaw (Timelines)|Buzzclaw]]''' and '''[[Dirge (Descent into Evil)|Dirge]]''' - Purple, black and yellow redecos (in different schemes for each figure) of ''Beast Wars'' [[Buzzclaw (BW)|Buzzclaw]].

:*'''[[Outback|Fallback]]''' - Brown, tan, and silver redeco of ''Energon'' [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]], intended as a renamed version of the ''Generation 1'' character Outback.

:*'''[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]''' - Red and grey redeco of ''Energon'' [[Tow-Line (Energon)|Tow-Line]] with a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Ricochet (Descent into Evil)|Ricochet]]''' - A black and red redeco of the ''Generation 2'' Cyberjet [[Hooligan]] mold, Ricochet is a new character.

:*'''[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]''' - White and green redeco of ''Energon'' [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] with a new head sculpt. Chromia was one of the [[female Autobots]] from the [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon series]]. However, many fans have pointed out that Chromia's color scheme, headsculpt, and personality profile all resemble [[Moonracer]]'s, a different character entirely. According to convention representatives, they could not secure the Moonracer name, so they simply dubbed the character Chromia instead.
[[Image:Ratchettoytimelines.jpg|150px|thumb|]]
[[Image:VirulentClonestimelines.jpg|150px|thumb|They're ''both'' 'the evil twin'.]]

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - '''[[Flamewar]]''' - Black redeco of ''Energon'' Arcee, given free to pre-registered attendees. Flamewar does not have the new headsculpt found on Chromia and Flareup.
*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys.

:*'''[[Flareup (Timelines)|Flareup]]''' an orange redeco of Chromia, and '''[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]''' a white redeco of the ''Energon'' Tow-Line mold with the new Ironhide headsculpt and a new Energon weapon, sold together in a pack limited to 500 packs.

:*'''[[Virulent Clone]]'''s - A pack of two blue redecos of ''Beast Wars'' Buzzclaw, limited to 400 packs.

*'''''Legends of Cybertron'' [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]]''' - White and blue repaint of Legends of Cybertron Starscream given away at the Hasbro booth.

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Descent into Evil]]''''' - Taking place at an unspecified time between G1 and Beast Wars.

==Guests==
===Hasbro staff===
* [[Greg Lombardo]], Director of Marketing
* [[Aaron Archer]], Design Director
* [[Eric Siebenaler]], Lead Designer

===Voice actors===
* [[Wally Burr]], voice director of the ''Generation 1'' cartoon series and occasional voice actor
* [[Michael Chain]], voice of ''Generation 1'' [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]
* [[Brian Dobson]], voice of ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]/[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]
* [[Michael Dobson]], voice of ''Armada/[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]/Cybertron'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], ''Energon'' [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] and ''Cybertron'' [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]].
* [[Paul Dobson]], voice of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]], ''Armada'' [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] and [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], ''Energon'' [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] and [[Superion Maximus]], ''Cybertron'' [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] and [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]].

===Actor===
* [[Colton Dearing]], child actor who appeared in the ''Transformers Cybertron'' toy commercials

===Comics and art===

{{stub}}

==Events==
[[Image:Botcon2005-iamoptimusprime.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
A nearly life-sized Optimus Prime statue greeted guests as they entered the dealer room. A jungle diorama displayed the convention toys in a re-enactment of the "[[Descent into Evil]]" comic.

===Wednesday===
8:30pm: Check-in for Thursday tour

===Thursday===
* 7:30am: Tour: Fort Worth - Where the West Begins. This tour began a FunPub tradition of locally-themed pre-convention tours of the various cities where BotCon occurs each year.
* 6-10pm: Check In/Registration Pick-Up, divided into two shifts.
* 10:00pm: [[MSTF]] presentation

===Friday===
* 7:30am-2pm: Dealer setup
* 8:00am-noon: Contest Entries setup
* 9-5pm: Walk-up and Late Check In/Registration
* 9:00am: So You Wonder how We Do the Voices? - Dobson Brothers panel
*10:00am: Transformers Rarities - [[Rik Alvarez]] panel
:This panel heavily focused on chromed and / or clear variants of the G1 Commemorative Series figures, with the host adamantly insisting that they were all legitimately marketed (if not actually released) TF product and that the popular [[fandom|fan]] term "lunchtime special" was inaccurate. These assertions aside, and the legitimacy of these variants also aside, at that time they were all quite well-known to the fandom and not newsworthy at all. Puzzlingly, the panel gave relatively short-shrift to the world premiere revelations of a handful of TF concepts and prototypes that had never been seen or even reported on previously, such as: [[Toxitron]], [[Motormaster|Universe Motormaster]] (a [[redeco]] of [[Machine Wars]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]), a redeco of [[Jetstorm (BM)|Ultra Jetstorm]], and an entirely different [[mold]] and transformation scheme for [[Megatron (BW)|Megabolt Megatron]].
*11:00am: Hasbro/Takara Working Together panel
*Noon: The Transformers Return to Comic Books - IDW panel. Contest area closes for judging.
*1:00pm: You can be the next: Transformers Idol! prelims, with Wally Burr and Pete Sinclair. Courtesy Room opens (see Notes).
*2:00pm: Sales Room opens for "Private Preview". This is if you spent a whole lotta money. Voice Actor autograph sessions begin.
*Hourly door prizes begin.
*4:00pm: Contest entries open for viewing. Second round of Voice Actor autographs.
*5:00pm: Everything closes. EVERYTHING.
*7:00pm: Casino Night Charity Event
*10:00pm: Casino Night Charity Auction

===Saturday===
* 7:30am: Walk-up Late Check-In/Registration; Dealer Room setup
* 8:30am: Dealer Room opens for Private Preview. Again, this takes money.
* 9:00am: "Early Bird" admission. More money! Hourly door prize giveaways resume. Finals for the You Can Be the Next: Transformers Idol! begin.
* 10:00am: Dealer room opens to the general public, who can come in to view its sad, picked-over corpse now that the fans have had their way with it. Hasbro New Product Unveiling panel begins. Voice actor autograph sessions begin.
* 11:00am: Costume contest
* Noon: The Transformers Return to Comics - IDW panel (repeat).
* 1:00pm: Transformers G1 Voices - Michael and Wally
* 2:00pm: Transformers Club Roundtable - [[Brian Savage]]
* 3:00pm: The Making of the TF Animated Movie - [[Paul Hitchens]]
* 4:00pm: Transformers Rarities - [[Rik Alvarez]]
* 5:00pm: EVERYTHING CLOSES. GET OUT.
* 7:00pm: Awards Dinner and "evening program"

===Sunday===
*9:00am: Dealer set-up
*9:30am: Dealer room opens to all
*10:00am: So You Wonder how We Do the Voices? - Dobson Brothers panel (repeat)
*11:00am: The Making of the TF Animated Movie - [[Paul Hitchens]] (repeat); first autograph sessions begin
* 12:00pm: Designing Transformers - Hasbro Team panel
* 2:00pm: Transformers G1 Voices - Michael and Wally (repeat)
* 3:00pm: Drawing to win 2 trips to the 2006 convention.
* 3:30pm: All exhibits and dealer room close. Hearts are crushed. Now what is there to live for?

Hasbro displays of upcoming toys focused on mid- to late-run ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toys, most notably [[Primus]] and [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]].

==Notes==
* BotCon '05 occurred in the weeks following the disastrous arrival of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Given that, many fans were somewhat anxious to find that Hurricane Rita was bearing down on the Texas coast shortly before the convention began. The hurricane's remnants turned east upon landing, however, and the Metroplex got nothing more than a few clouds and a stiff breeze.
* The Courtesy Room was a consuite (a first for BotCon) where fans could sit and watch various Transformers shows as well as munch on some free snacks. Nachos, chips, salsa, apple cobbler, and soda were available.

{{stub}}

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon05index.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2005]

[[Category:Stub]]
[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 1996

2010-02-21T15:18:22Z

Star Saber: /* Sunday */

{{officialcon|
|seriesissue=[[BotCon]] 1996
|prev=BotCon 1995
|next=BotCon 1997
|seriesissue2=
|next2=
|image=BC96-Program.jpg
|caption=Man, you gotta work to out-ugly Uma Thurman.
|title=
|date=[[July 12]], 1996
|city=Rosemont, IL
|venue=Radisson O'Hare Hotel
}}

'''BotCon 1996''' was held on [[July 12]]-[[July 14|14]], 1996 in Rosemont, Illinois. It was the only convention overseen by [[Men in Black]] Productions, who inexplicably chose to infuse the convention with a ''Pulp Fiction'' theme. There were no guests aside from [[Hasbro]]/[[Kenner]] representatives [[George Boznos]] and [[Anthony Gaud]].

The exclusive toy was the [[Predacon (BW)|Predacon]] [[Onyx Primal]], whose "bio" continued the unofficial ''Pulp Fiction'' association of the event by being a slight rewording of a quote from the film. A "Dealer Exclusive" variant of Onyx was also made available only to dealers; this would be the first and ''last'' time such a thing was attempted at BotCon.

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'', MiB held a "birthday party" featuring a screening of the film on a wide-screen TV and a birthday cake. A very ''generic'' birthday cake. The sealed VHS copy of ''The Movie''—opened just for the occasion—did not actually work, although MiB were somehow able to acquire another, functional copy from an attendee after several minutes. Unfortunately, that did not alleviate the fact they neglected to produce forks for the cake. Also, water was served as a drink out of a McDonald's keg (not even that cheap orange drink they normally use).

The dealer room opened to the dealers for setup hours late, and was opened to "early bird" pass holders almost immediately afterwards. [[Dennis Barger]] of Men in Black assured dealers that their wares would be safe in the convention hall overnight, as he would be sleeping in there to ensure nobody would intrude.

No lanyards were available to dealers or attendees. Identification was done via generic "HI MY NAME IS _______" stickers, which the staff ran out of by day two, resulting in people just waltzing in unchecked by the end of the show.

Needless to say, Men in Black was not brought back to participate in [[BotCon 1997]].

==Displays==
[[Image:DoublePretenders.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sadly, no spider-monkey Pretender was planned.]]
The art room did feature many unreleased Transformers toys that have rarely or never been seen since (good thing they were photographed for the [[Unofficial guidebooks|BotCon Legends]] fanzine!), including one of the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[Unicron]] toys, several unproduced [[Micromaster]] and [[Action Master]] vehicles, and the "Double [[Pretender|Pretenders]]", a gorilla-shell and spider-shell duo.
{{-}}
==Kenner "panel"==
{{stub}}

==Events==
===Friday===
Friday was mainly for pre-registration check-in. However, those with a "dealer day pass" (an extra fee tagged on to the pre-registration fee) could enter the dealer room from 7pm to 9pm. As dealers had been let in late to begin with, this caused '''much''' chaos.

Other major events included...

* A ''[[The Transformers: The Movie|Transformers: The Movie]]''-themed "birthday party" (see above) at 9pm.

* A showing of ''The Transformers: The Movie'' at 9:30pm.

===Saturday===
Once again, a "Dealer Day Pass" was instituted, whereby pre-registrations who paid extra could get into the dealer room at 7am (as opposed to the 9am general opening). Other events included:

* A special showing of "[[Beast Wars (Part 1)]]" and "[[Beast Wars (Part 2)]]".

* A Kenner "presentation".

* A toy variations panel held by [[Jon Hartman|Jon]] and [[Karl Hartman]].

* A fanzine panel.

* Another showing of ''The Transformers: The Movie''.

The dealer room was open until 6pm.

===Sunday===
No "Dealer Day Pass" was offered for this day. Events included:

* A "How to Repair Your ''Transformers'' Toys" panel by Bob Bowman and Harry Tietjens.

* Another showing of the ''Beast Wars'' pilot episodes.

* A "1997 International Transformers Convention" panel held by Dennis Barger and The Men-In-Black.

* A "Foreign Non-Toy Items" panel held by Tony Preto.

* A ''Transformers'' Quiz Show, followed by an announcement of contest winners and prizes.

* A ''Toys For Tots'' charity auction, which included several unreleased ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]'' [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bots]], ATB Megatron/Starscream, and Combat Heroes Optimus Prime and Megatron. MiB raised over $5000 and donated 100 Onyx Primals to the charity as well.

The dealer closed at 4pm, and the convention shut down entirely at 5pm.

{{stub}}

[[Category:Conventions]]

Men in Black

2010-02-21T15:07:31Z

Star Saber:

{{picsneeded}}

[[image:MeninBlackToyslogo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Selling [[Onyx Primal]] since 1996!]]
'''Men in Black Productions''', headed by [[Dennis Barger]], was the company that organized [[BotCon 1996]].

MiB quickly became infamous for its (mis)management of the con, with gaffes such as a ''very'' late-opening dealer room, no lanyards for attendees, and a rather pitiful "party" to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

====TransCon '97====
Needless to say, Men in Black was not brought back to participate in [[BotCon 1997]] and in fact never planned on doing so. However, MiB ''did'' go on to organize and promote the [[Unofficial conventions|unofficial TransCon '97]] in Chicago, Illinois. Their fledgeling convention was heavily promoted on the back of the '96 program as well as at the convention itself. [[Onyx Primal]] was again offered to attendees, due to the fact that they had a significant number of unsold Onyx Primal toys left over from BotCon '96. [[Hasbro]] was not present as they felt it was better for their image to support a ''single'' convention and [[BotCon 1997|BotCon]] (which was a scant two weeks later) was their choice.

A pair of exclusive figures, an [[Albitron|'albino' redeco]] of Beast Wars [[Megatron (BW)|Alligator Megatron]], and a redeco of [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] as [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] were advertised, but never made available.

====TransCon 2 1/2====
While not really a convention, Dennis rented a hotel room for the weekend of [[BotCon 2000]] and put a sign on their door that read "TransCon 2 1/2". Naturally, this meant lots of Onyx Primals, overpriced toys, and free (stale) pretzels and water. He also had an entire case of [[Beast Wars Metals]] [[Ravage]] that were not for sale. Instead, he was willing to exchange one of these for both [[Shokaract]] and [[Apelinq]] since [[3H]] had forever banned him from BotCon due to his mishandling of [[BotCon 1996]],a string of online negative comments directed at them, and culminating with Dennis revealing [[Fractyl|the]] [[Packrat|identities]] of both BotCon exclusives on [[ATT]] a week before the [[BotCon 1997|convention]]. According to Dennis's own statements, he was unaware that he had been banned until a friend and fellow dealer tried to register him as a helper. Saturday morning, a MiB representative stood outside the line for the BotCon 2000 Dealer's Room and tossed leftover TransCon shirts on the heads of unsuspecting fans.

====TransCon III====
TransCon III, which was held in Toledo, Ohio ("Keepin' it affordable and in the Midwest") in September 1998, was the MiB's final Transformers-related convention. It shared billing with MicroCon, a MicroMan/Micronauts convention, and MegoCon, which celebrated the Mego dolls from the 1970's and 1980's. The dealer room was largely empty, and the MicroMan & Mego portions of the show were little more than nice displays of personal collections. In their internet ads, they claimed their exclusive would be "the largest transformable toy exclusive" yet. Instead, there were ''more'' Onyx Primal toys that had gone unsold from their previous two conventions. Originally, they announced that signed copies of [[The Agenda (Part III)]] script would be given to all attendees. However, after [[Larry DiTillio]] posted that he would not make the script for [[Dark Glass]] available, MiB shifted gears and sought to release this instead. Three days later, they announced that signed copies of "Dark Glass" would be offered. Needless to say, ''that'' didn't happen.

TransCon III was so named, according to Question #1 in the FAQ, because MiB considered BotCon 1996 as "the First Transcon" and this was their third Transformers convention. This would retroactively rename BotCon 1996 as ''TransCon I''. At least in their view.

[[Category:Companies]]

Men in Black

2010-02-21T09:09:09Z

Star Saber: /* TransCon 2 1/2 */

Men in Black

2010-02-21T09:07:23Z

Star Saber:

Men in Black

2010-02-21T09:06:29Z

Star Saber:

BotCon 2000

2010-02-21T08:57:08Z

Star Saber: /* Trivia */

{{officialcon|
|seriesissue=[[BotCon]] 2000
|prev=BotCon 1999
|next=BotCon 2001
|seriesissue2=
|next2=
|image=Botcon2000-programcover.jpg
|caption=I'll take Vince DiCola in the center square to block.
|title=
|date=[[July 28]], 2000
|city=Fort Wayne, IN
|venue=Grand Wayne Convention Center
}}
{{bigquote|This summer, prepare to be reformatted.|Pre-convention announcement flyer}}
'''BotCon 2000''' was held on [[July 28]]-[[July 30|30]] in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It was organized by [[3H Productions|3H]].
{{TOCclear}}

==Venue==
BotCon 2000 was held in the Grand Wayne Convention Center in downtown Fort Wayne. Spaces included a Main Hall with dealers, merchandise, and contests, a display room, an autograph session room, and video rooms.

==Merchandise==
[[Image:Botcon2000-movieposter.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
===Convention exclusive toys===
*'''[[Apelinq]]''' - A [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Transmetal]] [[Optimus Primal/toys|Optimus Primal]].
*'''[[Shokaract]]''' - A redeco of [[Rampage (BW)|Rampage]].

===Comics and art===
*'''[[Terminus|Tales from the Beast Wars: Reaching the Omega Point]]''' - Comic book, conclusion the [[Reaching the Omega Point]] story.
[[Image:BC00shirt.jpg|left|200px|thumb|And [[Robots In Disguise|ever]]...and [[Armada|ever]]...and [[Transformers (2007)|ever]]...]]
*'''Cheetor Poster''' - A poster of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]].
*'''BotCon 2000 Mini-poster''' - A poster featuring the ''Beast Wars'' characters, a pastiche of the [[The Transformers: The Movie]] poster.

===Some other junk===
* A collectable plate, a lanyard, a tote, and a T-shirt.
{{-}}

* Although not an ''official'' convention exclusive, the Lukis Bros. produced a "Beast Machines Accessory Pack" which contained two scimitars for Mega [[Cheetor]] to hold, a Key to [[Vector Sigma]], and clear stands for both [[Blackarachnia]] and [[Thrust (BM)|Thrust]] to be displayed in their TV-accurate robot-modes. They even threw in a free Unicron.com T-Shirt.

==Guests==
===Voice actors===
*[[Ian James Corlett]]
*[[John Moschitta]]
*[[Venus Terzo]]
*[[Alec Willows]]

===Hasbro employees===
*[[Joe Mattiko]]
*[[Jamie Overbey]]

===Music===
*[[Vince DiCola]]

==Events==
===Friday===
*Dinner/Opening Ceremonies, starring [[Seafood Louis]]

===Saturday===
*6:00am: Dealer setup begins
*7:00am: Preregistration check-in begins
*9:00am: Dealer room opens
*11:00am: John Moschitta panel
*1:00pm: Fan Panel #1 ('Fans and Fanfiction' with Sharon LaBorde, Matt Kirby, Tony Buchanan, and Darrin Broussard)
*2:00pm: ''Beast Wars'' / ''Beast Machines'' Voice Actor Panel
*3:00pm: Fan Panel #2 (a presentation of the Transformers PSAs by Tim Finn)
*4:00pm: [[Hasbro]] presentation
*5:00pm: Charity Auction benefiting the Make-a-Wish Foundation
*6:00pm: Dealer room and display room close
*8:00pm: Theatrical showing of ''The Transformers: The Movie'' in Fort Wayne's [http://fwembassytheatre.org/home.htm Embassy Theater], an ornate 1928 movie palace. Audience participation during this event was considerable and impassioned.

===Sunday===
*9:00am: Dealer room opens. [[MSTF]] panel.
*11:00am: Fan Panel #3
*12:00pm: Vince DiCola panel and performance
*1:30pm: BotCon organizers panel
*3:00pm: Dealer room closes
*6:00pm: Video Room closes. Convention ends. But... it never ends!

Autograph/photograph sessions with Vince and the voice actors were scheduled across Saturday and Sunday.

Various contests were also slated to happen throughout the weekend:

* Trivia contest. Prize: set of Convention Exclusive toys.
* Toy Assembly contest. Prize: complete set of carded ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Dinobot (BM)|Dinobots]].
* Quick-Change Time Trials. Prize: Transmetal Rattrap, Airazor, and Mutant [[Icebird]]. Man, no love for the time trials.
* Art contest. 1st place prize: $50; 2nd place, $25; 3rd place, convention t-shirt.

==Trivia==

* [[Bob Skir]] had been an invited guest but cancelled due to "other commitments". Many fans immediately jumped to the (wrong) conclusion that this was largely because of the [[Ruined FOREVER|disappointment]] of ''Beast Machines'' and the resulting online hostility.
* Once again 3H was "this close" to getting [[Frank Welker]] as a guest - albeit only for Friday's dinner.
* One fan bid over ''$600'' for a [[Primal Prime]] during the Charity Auction. He won, of course.
* At the movie theatre, 3H honored a handful of fans with a plaque and a special dinner for being the only ones to attend every BotCon for the last seven years. The plaque featured both Autobot and Decepticon symbols although they made it a huge deal to point out that [[Raksha]]'s was the only one with the Decepticon symbol ''above'' the Autobot one.
* A popular auction seller known as "SPQQKY" put up a [[Shokaract]] on eBay a day before 3H officially revealed it at BotCon. Sadly, this would become a trend in the future.

==External links==
[http://botcon.com/archive/2000/index.html BotCon 2000 in the BotCon archives]

{{stub}}

[[Category:Conventions]]

File:MeninBlackToyslogo.jpg

2010-02-21T08:12:16Z

Star Saber: uploaded a new version of "Image:MeninBlackToyslogo.jpg"

Men In Black Toys/Collectibles/Ypsitoys [[logo]]. Presumably copyright of [[Dennis Barger]]. Image scanned from Onyx Primal box.

Men in Black

2010-02-21T07:22:46Z

Star Saber:

Men in Black

2010-02-21T07:22:06Z

Star Saber:

{{picsneeded}}

[[image:MeninBlackToyslogo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Selling [[Onyx Prima]] since 1996!]]
'''Men in Black Productions''', headed by [[Dennis Barger]], was the company that organized [[BotCon 1996]].

MiB quickly became infamous for its (mis)management of the con, with gaffes such as a ''very'' late-opening dealer room, no lanyards for attendees, and a rather pitiful "party" to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

====TransCon '97====
Needless to say, Men in Black was not brought back to participate in [[BotCon 1997]]. However, MiB ''did'' go on to organize the [[Unofficial conventions|unofficial TransCon '97]] in Chicago, Illinois, at which [[Onyx Primal]] was again offered to attendees, due to the fact that they had a significant number of unsold Onyx Primal toys left over from BotCon '96.

A pair of exclusive figures, an [[Albitron|'albino' redeco]] of Beast Wars [[Megatron (BW)|Alligator Megatron]], and a redeco of [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] as [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] were advertised, but never made available.

====TransCon III====
TransCon III, which was held in Toledo, Ohio in September 1998, was the MiB's final Transformers-related convention. It shared billing with MicroCon, a MicroMan/Micronauts convention, and MegoCon, which celebrated the Mego dolls from the 1970's and 1980's. The dealer room was largely empty, and the MicroMan & Mego portions of the show were little more than nice displays of personal collections. Still clinging to unsold pieces from the previous two MiB shows, there were ''more'' Onyx Primal toys for sale.

TransCon III was so named, according to MiB staff, because it was their third Transformers convention. This would retroactively rename BotCon 1996 as ''TransCon I''. At least in their view.

[[Category:Companies]]

Men in Black

2010-02-21T07:15:32Z

Star Saber:

{{picsneeded}}

[[image:MeninBlackToyslogo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|]]
'''Men in Black Productions''', headed by [[Dennis Barger]], was the company that organized [[BotCon 1996]].

MiB quickly became infamous for its (mis)management of the con, with gaffes such as a ''very'' late-opening dealer room, no lanyards for attendees, and a rather pitiful "party" to celebrate the 10th anniversary of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

====TransCon '97====
Needless to say, Men in Black was not brought back to participate in [[BotCon 1997]]. However, MiB ''did'' go on to organize the [[Unofficial conventions|unofficial TransCon '97]] in Chicago, Illinois, at which [[Onyx Primal]] was again offered to attendees, due to the fact that they had a significant number of unsold Onyx Primal toys left over from BotCon '96.

A pair of exclusive figures, an [[Albitron|'albino' redeco]] of Beast Wars [[Megatron (BW)|Alligator Megatron]], and a redeco of [[Terrorsaur (BW)|Terrorsaur]] as [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]] were advertised, but never made available.

====TransCon III====
TransCon III, which was held in Toledo, Ohio in September 1998, was the MiB's final Transformers-related convention. It shared billing with MicroCon, a MicroMan/Micronauts convention, and MegoCon, which celebrated the Mego dolls from the 1970's and 1980's. The dealer room was largely empty, and the MicroMan & Mego portions of the show were little more than nice displays of personal collections. Still clinging to unsold pieces from the previous two MiB shows, there were ''more'' Onyx Primal toys for sale.

TransCon III was so named, according to MiB staff, because it was their third Transformers convention. This would retroactively rename BotCon 1996 as ''TransCon I''. At least in their view.

[[Category:Companies]]

File:MeninBlackToyslogo.jpg

2010-02-21T07:14:49Z

Star Saber: Men In Black Toys/Collectibles/Ypsitoys Logo. Presumably copyright of Dennis Barger. Image scanned from Onyx Primal box.

Men In Black Toys/Collectibles/Ypsitoys Logo. Presumably copyright of [[Dennis Barger]]. Image scanned from Onyx Primal box.

BotCon 2007

2010-02-20T13:23:13Z

Star Saber:

{{officialcon|
|seriesissue=[[BotCon]] 2007
|prev=BotCon 2006
|next=BotCon 2008
|seriesissue2=
|next2=
|image=BC07logo.jpg
|caption=|[[Optimus Prime (G1)]]|Who could this mysterious black figure be?
|title=
|date=[[June 27]], 2007
|city=Providence, RI
|venue=Rhode Island Convention Center
}}

[[Image:Botcon2007-lobbyoptimusprime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Nothing says "welcome" like a giant robot about to punch your lights out.]]

'''[[BotCon]] 2007''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2007, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Providence, Rhode Island from [[June 27]] to [[July 1]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

Fun Publications had previously held its conventions in the early fall; however, the date was moved up to coincide with the release of the [[Transformers (2007)|live-action Transfomers movie]].
{{TOCclear}}

==Venue==
[[Image:Ascending and Descending.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Providence Place mall]]
[[Image:ProvidencePlace.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No, seriously.]]

Botcon 2007 was held at the [http://www.riconvention.com/ Rhode Island Convention Center] in Providence, Rhode Island, from June 28 through July 1. The RICC is attached to a Westin hotel, the first of four downtown Providence hotels to have blocks booked for the convention by Fun Publications. Convenient sky bridges connect the hotel to the convention center, ensuring that attendees never had to actually set foot outside during the weekend. Granted, doing so risked instant death beneath the wheels of rushing cars on the freeway-like street crossed by the sky bridge.

The convention center is ''also'' attached to [http://www.providenceplace.com/ Providence Place Mall], which features a sixteen screen multiplex theatre and a Hot Topic that was ''totally'' sold out of [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] clothing by Friday morning.

The mall's slogan is "DEFINING YOU". Up yours, Providence Place Mall.

==Merchandise==
===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, bio cards, and for the first 300 registrants, an exclusive Bug Bite pin. This set sold out (both boxed and bagged versions) well in advance of the convention.
[[Image:BotCon2007GamesofDeceptionbox.jpg|left|200px|thumb|This set will cost you your firstborn. And your secondborn as well.]]

:*'''[[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]''' - A Black and white redeco of [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|''Classics'' Bumblebee]] with a purple tribal tattoo-style design on it.

:*'''[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]''' - A white and purple redeco of [[Jetfire (G1)|''Classics'' Jetfire]] with a remolded head.

:*'''[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]''' - A redeco of [[Starscream (G1)/toys|''Classics'' Starscream]] that replicates ''Generation 1'' Thundercracker's deco.

:*'''[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]''' - A redeco of [[Ramjet (G1)|''Classics'' Ramjet]] that replicates ''Generation 1'' Dirge's deco.

:*'''[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]''' - A retool of both sets of wings on the ''Classics'' Seeker mold, with the rest of the mold's configuration retaining elements from both Starscream and Ramjet. The deco replicates ''Generation 1'' Thrust's deco.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], an unpainted version of ''Classics'' Mirage with mostly translucent blue plastic, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, with only 1,400 produced of each set.

:*'''[[Alpha Trion (SG)|Alpha Trion]] and [[Weirdwolf]]''' - A purple, red, and white redeco of ''Cybertron'' [[Vector Prime]] with a remolded head, and [[Snarl (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Snarl]] redecoed to look like Weirdwolf.

:*'''[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]''' - Redecoes of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Cybertron Defense Hot Shot]] and [[Armorhide (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Armorhide]], done to look like Springer and Huffer, respectively. Springer was singled out by Fun Publications owner [[Brian Savage]] for having an unusually high number of paint apps, even for a convention exclusive.

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Games of Deception]]''''' - A comic drawn by [[Alex Milne]] and written by [[Forest Lee]], set in the [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|Club Comic]] [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] universe. The comic was also available with an alternate cover and several pages of bonus content at the Club table.

===Other items===
* A pitcher bearing the BotCon 2007 logo with a light-up (red) base.
* A mug bearing the same logo and light-up base.
* A ball cap bearing the same logo.
* A T-shirt with the "Games of Deception" box graphics.
* A Classics-themed lithograph by [[Don Figueroa]].
* A fan-produced [[Vector Sigma]] set including stand and Key by the Lukis Bros at Unicron.com
* Four different keycards were given out to those staying in one of the four official hotels. Each bore an image of a different Movie character: Optimus Prime (Biltmore), Megatron (Marriot Courtyard), Starscream (Hilton), or Bumblebee (Westin). Although not sold at the convention itself, each card was available as a "bonus" with specific convention packages available through the Club Store. Remaining cards were sold as a set for $5 at [[Botcon 2008]] at the Club table.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Because of the convention's intentional proximity to [[Hasbro]]'s corporate headquarters in Pawtucket, RI, almost all current Hasbro employees that work on the ''Transformers'' brand made an appearance at the convention.

* [[Brian Goldner]], Chief Operating Officer
* [[Vickie Stratford]], Sr. Design Project Manager (Boy's Toys)
* [[Joe Kyde]], Designer (Boy's Toys, Exclusive Division)

====''Transformers'' brand====
* [[Greg Lombardo]], Sr.Director of Marketing
* [[Aaron Archer]], Sr. Design Director
* [[Eric Siebenaler]], Lead Designer
* [[Jared Wade]], Design Director
* [[William Rawley]], Sr. Designer

===Movie staff===
*[[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|''Generation 1'' Cartoon]] and the upcoming film, made an appearance at the convention, signing autographs and hosting a panel.
*[[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], the writers of the screenplay for the movie, had several panels over the course of the weekend.
*[[Rachael Taylor]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] made an appearance at the [[BotCon 2007#Thursday|movie screening]]. They and Brian Goldner were actually attending a charity screening of the movie next door to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the Autism Project of Rhode Island, Adoption Rhode Island, and Hasbro Children's Hospital.<ref>[http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/index.jsp?epi-content=NEWS_VIEW_POPUP_TYPE&newsId=20070501005912&ndmHsc=v2*A1175425200000*B1178059402000*DgroupByDate*J2*L1*N1000837*Ztransformers&newsLang=en&beanID=202776713&viewID=news_view_popup (subscription required). Business Wire. 2007-05-01]</ref>

===Other actors===
* [[David Kaye]], recently announced as the voice of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] for ''[[Transformers Animated]]''. [[Megatron (BW)|Yessss...]]
* [[Daniel Ross]], voice of [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] in all version of ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' and [[Mixmaster (Movie)|Mixmaster]] and [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] in [[Transformers The Game (PSP)|the PSP version of ''Transformers The Game'']].

===Musicians===
*[[Stan Bush]], performer of 'Dare', 'The Touch', 'Ground Zero', and 'Till All Are One', attended the con, performing a concert at the Saturday dinner, giving a panel, and playing [[Wikipedia:Guitar Hero|Guitar Hero]] for the first time at an attendee's party.

*[[Ernie Petrangelo]], lead songwriter of [[N.R.G.]] (the performers of 'Instruments of Destruction' from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 animated film]]'s soundtrack. Petrangelo was scheduled to be at the convention to sign autographs, but did not show as he was informed of the wrong day and actually turned up on the wednesday pre-registration, spending the day trying to find Brian Savage).

===Comics and art===
* [[IDW Publishing]] editor [[Dan Taylor]]
* IDW artist/writer [[Nick Roche]]
* IDW artist [[Alex Milne]]
* IDW artist [[Robby Musso]]

{{stub}}

===Government===
[[Image:Botcon2007-sectorseven.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You were never here and neither was this trailer]]
Some representatives of [[Sector Seven]] were in attendance at the convention, attempting to dispel the notion of the existence of [[NBE|NBEs]] through presentations in the [[Sector Seven Mobile Command Unit]].

==Events==
===Wednesday===
[[Image:overkills.jpg|right|200px|thumb|If you were in Wednesday's class, you made the Overkill on the ''right''.]]
The only two events on Wednesday were open to a limited (first come, first serve) number of pre-registrants only.

* A customization class featuring the creation of [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] from the [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Classics Grimlock]] mold.

* A tour of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Cape Cod followed by a whale-watching cruise in Hyannis, MA.

===Thursday===
Thursday was the day when the majority of preregistrants arrived. Events on Thursday included...

* A second customization class nearly identical to the Wednesday class.

* A 3D Display class.

* The Newport Tour.

* A special early screening of the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' 2007 movie]]. Hasbro alpha dog and executive producer [[Brian Goldner]] brought two stars of the film, but was unable to introduce Rachel Taylor before the audience started screaming for Tyrese to bring something.
[[Image:Mstf2007.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In the not too distant future, somewhere in Providence.]]

===Friday===
Friday was the first full day of the convention for most participants.

Major events included...

* [[BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour|Hasbro Tour]].

* Several David Kaye panels.

* A Stan Bush panel.

* A panel with the screenwriters of the movie.

* The [[Board Wars]] preliminary round.

* Autograph sessions.

* [[MSTF]].

In addition, the sales room was open from 4 to 7 PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2007-dealerroomoptimusprime.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The dealer room, featuring Optimus Prime.]]
[[Image:Botcon2007-optimusprimetruck.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The auxiliary display room, featuring Optimus Pr-- hey waaaait a second... anybody starting to suspect one of these might not be the real guy??]]
A big day. Events included...

* An ''[[Attacktix]]'' Tournament.

* The Board Wars finals, which Team Transformers Wiki won.

* Autograph sessions, including Peter Cullen this time.

* Another panel with the movie screenwriters.

* A panel where Hasbro discussed their involvement with the development of the movie and accompanying merchandise.

* Lessons on how to draw Transformers.

* A panel with [[Activision]], publishers of ''[[Transformers: The Game]]''.

* A panel with [[IDW Publishing]].

* A panel with Peter Cullen.

* Another panel with David Kaye.

* A collector's club roundtable.

* An awards show dinner/Stan Bush concert.

* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] showed up and hung out next to the [[BotCon 2007|Sector Seven Mobile Command Unit]].

Additionally, the dealer's room was open until 5PM.

===Sunday===
All of the panels on this final day of BotCon were repeats of those held earlier in the weekend, with one significant exception:

* Hasbro upcoming product panel, which premiered both the [[AllSpark Power]] wave of movie toys, and the character designs, animation clips, and toys of the ''[[Transformers Animated]]'' series.

The dealer room was open until 3:30PM.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/07index.cfm BotCon.com's archive for BotCon 2007]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2007

2010-02-20T13:16:14Z

Star Saber: /* Convention-exclusive toys */

{{officialcon|
|seriesissue=[[BotCon]] 2007
|prev=BotCon 2006
|next=BotCon 2008
|seriesissue2=
|next2=
|image=BC07logo.jpg
|caption=|[[Optimus Prime (G1)]]|Who could this mysterious black figure be?
|title=
|date=[[June 27]], 2007
|city=Providence, RI
|venue=Rhode Island Convention Center
}}

[[Image:Botcon2007-lobbyoptimusprime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Nothing says "welcome" like a giant robot about to punch your lights out.]]

'''[[BotCon]] 2007''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2007, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Providence, Rhode Island from [[June 27]] to [[July 1]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

Fun Publications had previously held its conventions in the early fall; however, the date was moved up to coincide with the release of the [[Transformers (2007)|live-action Transfomers movie]].
{{TOCclear}}

==Venue==
[[Image:Ascending and Descending.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Providence Place mall]]
[[Image:ProvidencePlace.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No, seriously.]]

Botcon 2007 was held at the [http://www.riconvention.com/ Rhode Island Convention Center] in Providence, Rhode Island, from June 28 through July 1. The RICC is attached to a Westin hotel, the first of four downtown Providence hotels to have blocks booked for the convention by Fun Publications. Convenient sky bridges connect the hotel to the convention center, ensuring that attendees never had to actually set foot outside during the weekend. Granted, doing so risked instant death beneath the wheels of rushing cars on the freeway-like street crossed by the sky bridge.

The convention center is ''also'' attached to [http://www.providenceplace.com/ Providence Place Mall], which features a sixteen screen multiplex theatre and a Hot Topic that was ''totally'' sold out of [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] clothing by Friday morning.

The mall's slogan is "DEFINING YOU". Up yours, Providence Place Mall.

==Merchandise==
===Convention-exclusive toys===
[[Image:BotCon2007GamesofDeceptionbox.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This set will cost you your firstborn. And your secondborn as well.]]
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, bio cards, and for the first 300 registrants, an exclusive Bug Bite pin. This set sold out (both boxed and bagged versions) well in advance of the convention.

:*'''[[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]''' - A Black and white redeco of [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|''Classics'' Bumblebee]] with a purple tribal tattoo-style design on it.

:*'''[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]''' - A white and purple redeco of [[Jetfire (G1)|''Classics'' Jetfire]] with a remolded head.

:*'''[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]''' - A redeco of [[Starscream (G1)/toys|''Classics'' Starscream]] that replicates ''Generation 1'' Thundercracker's deco.

:*'''[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]''' - A redeco of [[Ramjet (G1)|''Classics'' Ramjet]] that replicates ''Generation 1'' Dirge's deco.

:*'''[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]''' - A retool of both sets of wings on the ''Classics'' Seeker mold, with the rest of the mold's configuration retaining elements from both Starscream and Ramjet. The deco replicates ''Generation 1'' Thrust's deco.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], an unpainted version of ''Classics'' Mirage with mostly translucent blue plastic, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, with only 1,400 produced of each set.

:*'''[[Alpha Trion (SG)|Alpha Trion]] and [[Weirdwolf]]''' - A purple, red, and white redeco of ''Cybertron'' [[Vector Prime]] with a remolded head, and [[Snarl (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Snarl]] redecoed to look like Weirdwolf.

:*'''[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]''' - Redecoes of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Cybertron Defense Hot Shot]] and [[Armorhide (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Armorhide]], done to look like Springer and Huffer, respectively. Springer was singled out by Fun Publications owner [[Brian Savage]] for having an unusually high number of paint apps, even for a convention exclusive.

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Games of Deception]]''''' - A comic drawn by [[Alex Milne]] and written by [[Forest Lee]], set in the [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|Club Comic]] [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] universe. The comic was also available with an alternate cover and several pages of bonus content at the Club table.

===Other items===
* A pitcher bearing the BotCon 2007 logo with a light-up (red) base.
* A mug bearing the same logo and light-up base.
* A ball cap bearing the same logo.
* A T-shirt with the "Games of Deception" box graphics.
* A Classics-themed lithograph by [[Don Figueroa]].
* A fan-produced [[Vector Sigma]] set including stand and Key by the Lukis Bros at Unicron.com
* Four different keycards were given out to those staying in one of the four official hotels. Each bore an image of a different Movie character: Optimus Prime (Biltmore), Megatron (Marriot Courtyard), Starscream (Hilton), or Bumblebee (Westin). Although not sold at the convention itself, each card was available as a "bonus" with specific convention packages available through the Club Store. Remaining cards were sold as a set for $5 at [[Botcon 2008]] at the Club table.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Because of the convention's intentional proximity to [[Hasbro]]'s corporate headquarters in Pawtucket, RI, almost all current Hasbro employees that work on the ''Transformers'' brand made an appearance at the convention.

* [[Brian Goldner]], Chief Operating Officer
* [[Vickie Stratford]], Sr. Design Project Manager (Boy's Toys)
* [[Joe Kyde]], Designer (Boy's Toys, Exclusive Division)

====''Transformers'' brand====
* [[Greg Lombardo]], Sr.Director of Marketing
* [[Aaron Archer]], Sr. Design Director
* [[Eric Siebenaler]], Lead Designer
* [[Jared Wade]], Design Director
* [[William Rawley]], Sr. Designer

===Movie staff===
*[[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|''Generation 1'' Cartoon]] and the upcoming film, made an appearance at the convention, signing autographs and hosting a panel.
*[[Roberto Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], the writers of the screenplay for the movie, had several panels over the course of the weekend.
*[[Rachael Taylor]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] made an appearance at the [[BotCon 2007#Thursday|movie screening]]. They and Brian Goldner were actually attending a charity screening of the movie next door to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the Autism Project of Rhode Island, Adoption Rhode Island, and Hasbro Children's Hospital.<ref>[http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/index.jsp?epi-content=NEWS_VIEW_POPUP_TYPE&newsId=20070501005912&ndmHsc=v2*A1175425200000*B1178059402000*DgroupByDate*J2*L1*N1000837*Ztransformers&newsLang=en&beanID=202776713&viewID=news_view_popup (subscription required). Business Wire. 2007-05-01]</ref>

===Other actors===
* [[David Kaye]], recently announced as the voice of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] for ''[[Transformers Animated]]''. [[Megatron (BW)|Yessss...]]
* [[Daniel Ross]], voice of [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] in all version of ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' and [[Mixmaster (Movie)|Mixmaster]] and [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] in [[Transformers The Game (PSP)|the PSP version of ''Transformers The Game'']].

===Musicians===
*[[Stan Bush]], performer of 'Dare', 'The Touch', 'Ground Zero', and 'Till All Are One', attended the con, performing a concert at the Saturday dinner, giving a panel, and playing [[Wikipedia:Guitar Hero|Guitar Hero]] for the first time at an attendee's party.

*[[Ernie Petrangelo]], lead songwriter of [[N.R.G.]] (the performers of 'Instruments of Destruction' from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 animated film]]'s soundtrack. Petrangelo was scheduled to be at the convention to sign autographs, but did not show as he was informed of the wrong day and actually turned up on the wednesday pre-registration, spending the day trying to find Brian Savage).

===Comics and art===
* [[IDW Publishing]] editor [[Dan Taylor]]
* IDW artist/writer [[Nick Roche]]
* IDW artist [[Alex Milne]]
* IDW artist [[Robby Musso]]

{{stub}}

===Government===
[[Image:Botcon2007-sectorseven.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You were never here and neither was this trailer]]
Some representatives of [[Sector Seven]] were in attendance at the convention, attempting to dispel the notion of the existence of [[NBE|NBEs]] through presentations in the [[Sector Seven Mobile Command Unit]].

==Events==
===Wednesday===
[[Image:overkills.jpg|right|200px|thumb|If you were in Wednesday's class, you made the Overkill on the ''right''.]]
The only two events on Wednesday were open to a limited (first come, first serve) number of pre-registrants only.

* A customization class featuring the creation of [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] from the [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Classics Grimlock]] mold.

* A tour of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Cape Cod followed by a whale-watching cruise in Hyannis, MA.

===Thursday===
Thursday was the day when the majority of preregistrants arrived. Events on Thursday included...

* A second customization class nearly identical to the Wednesday class.

* A 3D Display class.

* The Newport Tour.

* A special early screening of the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' 2007 movie]]. Hasbro alpha dog and executive producer [[Brian Goldner]] brought two stars of the film, but was unable to introduce Rachel Taylor before the audience started screaming for Tyrese to bring something.
[[Image:Mstf2007.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In the not too distant future, somewhere in Providence.]]

===Friday===
Friday was the first full day of the convention for most participants.

Major events included...

* [[BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour|Hasbro Tour]].

* Several David Kaye panels.

* A Stan Bush panel.

* A panel with the screenwriters of the movie.

* The [[Board Wars]] preliminary round.

* Autograph sessions.

* [[MSTF]].

In addition, the sales room was open from 4 to 7 PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2007-dealerroomoptimusprime.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The dealer room, featuring Optimus Prime.]]
[[Image:Botcon2007-optimusprimetruck.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The auxiliary display room, featuring Optimus Pr-- hey waaaait a second... anybody starting to suspect one of these might not be the real guy??]]
A big day. Events included...

* An ''[[Attacktix]]'' Tournament.

* The Board Wars finals, which Team Transformers Wiki won.

* Autograph sessions, including Peter Cullen this time.

* Another panel with the movie screenwriters.

* A panel where Hasbro discussed their involvement with the development of the movie and accompanying merchandise.

* Lessons on how to draw Transformers.

* A panel with [[Activision]], publishers of ''[[Transformers: The Game]]''.

* A panel with [[IDW Publishing]].

* A panel with Peter Cullen.

* Another panel with David Kaye.

* A collector's club roundtable.

* An awards show dinner/Stan Bush concert.

* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] showed up and hung out next to the [[BotCon 2007|Sector Seven Mobile Command Unit]].

Additionally, the dealer's room was open until 5PM.

===Sunday===
All of the panels on this final day of BotCon were repeats of those held earlier in the weekend, with one significant exception:

* Hasbro upcoming product panel, which premiered both the [[AllSpark Power]] wave of movie toys, and the character designs, animation clips, and toys of the ''[[Transformers Animated]]'' series.

The dealer room was open until 3:30PM.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/07index.cfm BotCon.com's archive for BotCon 2007]

[[Category:Conventions]]

File:BotCon2007GamesofDeceptionbox.jpg

2010-02-20T13:15:34Z

Star Saber: The boxart for BotCon 2007's "Games of Deception" exclusive set. Art by Alex Milne..I think.

The boxart for BotCon 2007's "Games of Deception" exclusive set. Art by [[Alex Milne]]..I think.

Mirage (G1)

2010-02-20T12:49:51Z

Star Saber: /* Classics */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Mirage}}
:''Mirage is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Mirageg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"The ship was... full."]]
'''Mirage''' is what humans call "old money." Before the war, he was a member of affluent Cybertronian society, with his own large estate and high-priced [[Mirage's friends|friends]]. He enjoyed the finer things in life: vintage [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], swank evening events, and [[turbofox]] hunts on the grounds. But when the war started, he was forced to choose sides and found himself banded with a group of commoners he didn't really understand.

Some of the other Autobots don't trust Mirage. He feels the war, even after all these millions of years, is beneath him. War is not, after all, how civilized, erudite beings conduct themselves. He often questions the Autobots' violent means, and not-so-secretly hopes they and the Decepticons can get along. Because of this, he has been labelled by a few others as a Decepticon sympathizer. Still, he sided with the Autobots for a reason, and he is there for the Autobots when they need him.

Although the details vary by continuity, Mirage has the ability to create illusions which typically either render him invisible or make him appear to be somewhere he isn't.

He sounds like [[wikipedia:Dean Martin|Dean Martin]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''Ligier''' or '''Rijie''' (リジェ ''Rije'')
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Délibáb''' ("Mirage")
:''Italian name:'' '''Mistero''' ("Mystery")
:''Portuguese name:'' '''Miragem''' ("Mirage")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Hǎi-shr-shèn-lóu''' (海市蜃樓, "Mirage") / '''Hàun-yǐng''' (幻影, "Phantom")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Miragebluestreakfirst.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Mirage tells the story of how he got his name every five minutes.]]
Mirage was one of the Autobots on board the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed, and was subsequently reactivated in 1984. At first, Mirage was reluctant to full-on attack his Decepticon opponents, instead trying to reason with them. However, after a battle with the relentless [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], Mirage learned that sometimes diplomacy is not an option. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

[[Image:Mirageg1enemywithin.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Punk'd!]]
''During an accident on the Ark, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] suffered an extreme neuro-shock, causing him to rebel and turn against his teammates. Mirage helped the Autobots hunt him down and tranquilize him. This same accident also amplified Mirage's ability to create illusions, which he later used to trick the Decepticons into believing that a duel between Brawn and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] ended with Brawn's death. The Decepticons felt totally stupid.'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}}

In the wake of a disastrous mission to rescue [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s captive head from the Decepticons, most of the Autobots were rendered inoperative. Mirage was one of a handful of Autobots who remained active, accompanying Optimus and various newer Autobots on several subsequent missions. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}} {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}} {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

''Mirage lucked out during the Dinobot Hunt—he was assigned to B-Team, whose quarry, Snarl, was knocked out by the destruction of a human military base, leaving him inert and easy to capture.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

Long after, he was blown to pieces by [[Octane]] during an Arctic battle arranged by [[Starscream (G1)| Starscream]]. He recovered in time to be destroyed again in [[New York City]] by Starscream himself (empowered by the [[Underbase]]). {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Mirageg2die.jpg|left|120px|thumb|"Got to—" '''SPOOM!''']]
Disobeying [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s orders, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] led a covert team (which included Mirage) onto the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] ship ''[[Twilight (G2)|Twilight]]'' to defeat [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and his army of "evolved Decepticons". Grimlock's plan was an utter failure, ending in [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s death and the Autobots' capture. Mirage was destroyed by enemy fire during the following prison break. {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}}

{{-}}
====Classics====
{{note| The Classics comic takes place after the end of the original Marvel Comic, but in a new timeline that does not include the events of the Marvel UK-exclusive stories or Generation 2.}}
Having been revived (presumably by [[Nucleon]]), Mirage was the happiest of them all, until he saw just how badly his way of life was affected by warfare. Mirage found that ages of warfare had made him bitter. Eventually, he decided to join Optimus Prime in returning to Earth, and war with Megatron.<ref>Mirage Classics Profile, [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13]]</ref>

His actions include evacuating [[Armored Robot Hunters|RUNTs]] and their pilots, holding [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] at gunpoint, and revealing that his illusion powers (in this continuity) now ''include'' invisibility. {{storylink|Crossing Over}}

He later secretly followed [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to a meeting from his crew of the [[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]. Unfortunately, he tried to crash Starscream's meeting with [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]. [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]'s infra-red sensors, and [[Weirdwolf]]'s keen nose allowed the Decepticons to find him, and he was gift-wrapped for Megatron. When the Gravitron crew led by Grimlock and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] attacked the Decepticon base, Mirage was rescued by [[Strongarm (Classics)|Strongarm]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]], and [[Elita One]]. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese)

Mirage was part of the bridge crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crash-landed on Earth four million years ago. A volcanic eruption in 1984 awakened the Ark's inhabitants, including Mirage, who was reformatted by [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to have a terrestrial alternate mode of a Formula-1 racer. With the battle against the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] now transplanted to Earth, Mirage still hated warfare. He longed to return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and simply turn his back to the evil Decepticons, but his loyalty to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] kept him in the fight.

Mirage was instrumental in stopping the Decepticons from returning to Cybertron after amassing enough energon from Earth. The Decepticons had constructed a [[Victory (ship)|new star cruiser]] and were in the process of flying home to tip the scales of the war in their favor. Mirage used his cloaking ability to sneak aboard the Decepticon ship. He uncloaked and opened fire, blasting away at the ship's controls. He then bailed from the doomed cruiser, floating back to Earth's surface on a parasail as the Decepticons crashed into the ocean. Optimus Prime asked Mirage why he—homesick and war-weary Autobot that he was—did not hitch the ride back home. Mirage responded, affirming his loyalty to the Autobots, "The ship was... full." {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

{{charstubfiction}}

Mirage’s role in the Autobots’ battles on Earth was a distinctly minimal one, leaving him confined to the background on the battlefield or not present at all. In early 1985, however, the spotlight shone on Mirage again when [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] suspected him of disloyalty. The discovery of a Decepticon installation in a sector Mirage had recently scouted caused Cliffjumper to leap the incorrect conclusion that Mirage had concealed the information and was a traitor to the Autobots. During a battle with the Decepticons at the site, Mirage was injured, but managed to rip a Decepticon [[Insignia|seal]] off [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Mirage risked the trust of his comrades by sneaking away to perform a plan of his own, framing the Decepticons for stealing [[Energon cube|Energon cubes]] from the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. Spotted carrying the cubes by Cliffjumper, Mirage’s guilt seemed all but confirmed, and before he could reveal his innocence, he was captured and brainwashed by one of [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]’s mind-controlling [[Cerebro-shell|cerebro-shells]]. Under Bombshell’s control, Mirage led the Autobots into an ambush, but at the battle’s end, the assorted manipulations were revealed and Cliffjumper apologized to Mirage. {{storylink|Traitor}}

Toward the end of the year, Mirage was among the team of five Autobots who disguised themselves as the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], with Mirage’s alternate mode making him the perfect choice to masquerade as [[Drag Strip]]. Penetrating the Decepticon camp, the Autobots ran into trouble when the real Stunticons arrived, trying to prove their identities by forming [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. With a combination of [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]’s magnetic powers and Mirage’s illusion-creating ability, the Autobots were able to appear as Menasor too. Though the deception was soon revealed, they were still able to thwart the Decepticons’ plans. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

{{note|An unused scene from the storyboard for [[The Transformers: The Movie]] showed Mirage wounded (possibly killed) by Megatron after getting back at Bombshell for [[Traitor|jeopardizing his career]]. Given the high body count, his death is still likely.}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====

Mirage was among the Autobots stationed at [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] in [[Arizona]] when [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the Decepticons attacked. Though the Autobots were ultimately victorious, the entire attack was actually just a distraction so that [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] could go perform ''evil'' somewhere in Japan. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2}}

Mirage later appeared at the Autobots' newly constructed Japanese base, welcoming the small [[human]] boy, [[Kenji]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4}}

=====''Robot Masters'' pack-in comics=====
=====''Robot Masters'' online comics=====
=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
Mirage volunteered for an experimental new Binaltech upgrade that boosted the [[power chip rectifier]] in his revamped body to the Nth degree, making him permanently invisible thanks to his electro-disruptor. This proved to be key in a special mission conceived of by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. Having uncovered several secrets from the files of the time-traveling [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], the Autobots learned of a mysterious [[Large switch|switch]] hidden away on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] which, when pulled, would instantaneously immobilize all Transformers throughout the universe. Having lost Cybertron to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s tyrannical rule and facing considerable odds in the Sol System as well, Prime decided it was necessary to activate the switch in order to end the war.

With [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and several [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] [[GT System|GTs]] awaiting his signal as back-up, Mirage invisibly infiltrated Decepticon-controlled Cybertron and made his way to the switch. After throwing the switch, though, Mirage was surprised to find that he was still mobile. It seemed the Binaltech warriors (both Autobot and Decepticon) were significantly different enough from regular Transformers to be unaffected by the immobilization wave. With the Autobots now vastly outnumbering the Decepticons still in operation, the tide of the war had irreparably shifted. {{storylink|Kill Switch}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
Despite his misgiving about the war effort, Mirage's tenure with the Autobot cause dates back to the time of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. When Shockwave staged a disastrous offensive against [[Iacon]], Mirage was there defending the [[Decagon]] alongside Prowl and the other Autobot soldiers. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5}} During the Dark Ages, he continued serving under Prowl as part of the main Autobot faction at [[Virtue's Forum]], in the remains of Iacon. Alongside Jazz and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], he tried defending their prisoner, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Experiment D-43]], against the intruder known as [[The Fallen]], but failed miserably in the process. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Four million years ago, Mirage crash-landed on the planet Earth aboard the shuttle known as the Ark, with more than two dozen of his fellow Autobots and Decepticons. They remained inactive in stasis lock at the base of a volcano until 1984, when volcanic activity shook them back on-line. The war began again, but without reinforcements or connection to Cybertron, Megatron and his Decepticons were eventually defeated and taken prisoner by the Autobots. Mirage and the rest of the Transformers were prepared to fly back to Cybertron in a new spacecraft, the ''[[Ark II]]'', when it exploded on its maiden voyage, leaving them all believed dead.

Not so. Most of the Transformers had been salvaged by a mercenary named [[Lazarus]], who spent the next few years repairing and reprogramming the Cybertronians to use as weapons of mass destruction at his command. Optimus Prime was reactivated by the United States military to oppose Lazarus, and he in turn used the power of the Matrix to revive several other Autobots who had escaped Lazarus' salvage crews, including Mirage. After rescuing some of their number from the human mercenaries, Mirage and the Autobots had to race against time putting their friends back together after the Decepticons escaped to wreak havoc. What's worse, a mechanizing virus had been released by Megatron, turning organic life into inanimate mechanical matter. Mirage exhausted a good percentage of his energon reserves fighting back the tide of the virus, but the Autobots were eventually successful. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

''Mirage was remarkably unhelpful during the war with the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]]. After Optimus Prime was forced to give the Matrix over to Megatron as a debt of honor, Mirage sniped about the decision worse than any of the Autobots. His criticisms only got louder after a news report from [[Washington, D.C.]] made it clear that Megatron had found one of his warriors, the already mighty [[Omega Sentinel (G1)|Omega Sentinel]], who could actually wield the power of the Matrix directly. Now that Prime had actually strengthened their enemies as well as weakening the Autobots, Mirage just wouldn't shut up about it. The final straw was when [[Franklin Townsend]], a crazed augment working for the Keepers, idly strolled into the Ark, took over control of [[Bluestreak]]'s mind, and made his getaway. Mirage was ready to brazenly disobey Prime's orders and charge right after Bluestreak, until Optimus physically slammed him into a wall and forced him to obey his commanding officer. ''

''When you're being so much of a dick that the legendary patience of Optimus Prime runs out, it's time to rein it in, Mirage. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

When [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] came to Earth and announced that the Autobot/Decepticon wars were over and that the two factions had been united, Mirage was one of the first to fall in with the new regime. The rest of the Autobots were wary of this development, and so a few (especially [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]) considered Mirage a traitor. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Mirage quickly realigned himself with the Autobot cause when Shockwave's true plan was revealed, and Cliffjumper seemed to forgive him, as Mirage had saved Cliffjumper from [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] by sneaking up on him invisibly. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Unfortunately for Mirage, the Autobots' acting commander Prowl soon came to the conclusion that they needed to return to Earth and establish a more significant beach-head there for the future. Mirage tried to argue against the idea, as he was more than thrilled to finally be back home on Cybertron, but then [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] cut in and reminded Mirage that Shockwave's united government had sold off his riches and property while he was gone. Ooooh—burn. {{storylink|Atonement}} The Autobots readied themselves for the return mission on a new shuttle, and began construction of Autobot City upon their arrival on Earth. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF4_Mirage_Ferret.jpg|thumb|left|250px|]]
[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] found Mirage's holo-projector aboard the ''Ark'', and used it to make a better holographic driver for himself than [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] could. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2}}

Meanwhile, Mirage was among the dormant Transformers discovered by [[Cobra]], reprogrammed for nefarious purposes, and given new alternate modes (Mirage now transformed into a Cobra [[Ferret]]). Upon being freed from Cobra's control by Wheeljack, Mirage's group located Optimus Prime and helped fight back against the newly freed Decepticons. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4}} He later stood watch as the damaged Prime was formulating a plan to defeat Megatron. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5}}

{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Transformers/G.I. Joe'' comics===
Mirage was apparently among the Autobots awakened on the [[Fera Islands]] in 1939, as Optimus Prime mentioned that he had been killed in the battle against [[Cobra]]. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

===IDW comics continuity===
Mirage was a suspect in the assassination attempts on [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], as he was one of only four Autobots present on the [[Autobot Orbital Command Hub|Hub]] during both attacks. He and two of the other Autobots were cleared when it was discovered that a mind-controlled [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] was the true culprit. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

A year later, he delivered information to the Autobots that there was a power-struggle among the Decepticons, information that turned out to be false and drew Optimus and an Autobot team (including the former ''[[Ark-19]]'' crew) into a hideous ambush that left them trapped on Cybertron. Before dumping them on Cybertron, Megatron revealed that there had been a willing traitor collaborator involved in his trap, and Mirage was the prime suspect {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}} with everyone but [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] believing he'd betrayed them to the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}}

It's not all bad, though; he got to use his invisibility trick to sneak up on [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s crew when Jazz was trying to prove his command skills. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5}} Not long after, a raging Ironhide dragged him into a corner and beat him half to death and ripped off his Autobot badge. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}}

It was eventually revealed that [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] had been the real traitor, and Ironhide tried to apologize to Mirage. Mirage wouldn't accept his apology, however, leaving his badge off out of spite and warning Ironhide against ever talking to him again. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}} However, despite his harsh words, Mirage came to Ironhide's rescue during a [[Insecticon swarm|swarm]] attack, urging his comrade to save himself. Ironhide refused, and instead stayed behind to help Mirage fight the monstrosities. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10}} After the Autobots were saved by [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], they returned to Earth and fought against the Decepticons in [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11}}

{{note|The events of ''Spotlight: Mirage'' possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
[[Image:SpotlightMirage trappedHound.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This didn't actually happen. Or did it? No, it didn't.]]
Mirage was haunted repeatedly by dreams of being a Decepticon. Or actually ''is'' a Decepticon from another universe who, after helping kill the last Autobots, got blown back through time and space to the main universe. Or via [[Zodiac]] energy has gained flashbacks of an alternate Decepticon Mirage. God knows what's going on there. {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===

{{storylink|Mirage's Rebirth}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bun Bun manga===

{{storylink|Enter! The Transformers}} {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Appears!}} {{storylink|Kingdom of Giants}} {{storylink|The Enemy from the Arctic}} {{storylink|Wataru's Power}}

{{charstubfiction}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Mirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I don't need to be street-legal; I'm rich.]]
*'''Mirage''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1986/1991)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''07'''
**''Accessories:'' "Rocket-Dart Hunting Rifle", missile launcher, 3 missiles

: Mirage was part of the original 1984 Autobot car assortment. His mold was originally used for a ''[[Diaclone]]'' F-1 Ligier JS-11 racer. The toy was specifically designed to work with the launcher mechanism contained in the Optimus Prime / Battle Convoy trailer. This toy is easily broken at the waist pivot. The labels on the toy are references to several real-world companies. The largest name, Citanes, is a deliberate corruption of Gitanes, a French cigarette company. (Quite unusual for a child's toy, but not the only [[Marlboor Wheeljack|cigarette reference in ''Diaclone'']].) The toy included Gitanes' logo of a dancing gypsy woman on what ends up as Mirage's belt in robot form. "Ligier" is the name of the company that manufactured the JS-11 chassis and fielded the team, traditionally wearing 25 and 26 on the F1 grid, while "elf" is a reference to a French oil company that has since merged with TotalFina to become TotalFinaElf.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in multiple offers, including a [[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]] flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $8 and two [[robot points]]. In Japan Mirage was also included in the 1986 ''Goodbye Convoy'' [[Giftset|gift set]]. This was the final release of the mold, making Mirage the only one of the original Autobots not to have been reissued in some form.

: Hasbro and/or Takara have announced that the mold for Mirage is [[Mold#Issues with Reissues|either lost or damaged]], so a reissue is unlikely. This presumably excludes the molds obtained by [[Knockoff|certain Chinese companies]] to produce several Mirage "perfect" [[Bootleg|bootlegs]] in a variety of flavors including original, clear, smoke, and red, based on the ultra-rare version from the [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Diaclone Powered Convoy]] giftset.

===Generation 2===
* '''Mirage''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: Mirage was released in 1995 as a black and yellow recolor of the [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Double Clutch]]. He was also planned to be released as a flipchanger, but the ''Generation 2'' line was canceled to make way for ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]''. The unreleased mold was first used in ''[[Machine Wars]]''.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]].

===Machine Wars===
[[Image:Mwmirage.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Gah! I'm teal! Somebody recolor me, please!]]
* '''Mirage''' (Basic, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' 2-part rifle

: Mirage's form in ''[[Machine Wars]]'' transforms into a blue and white Indycar. Like the other Machine Wars basics, the toy is a flipchanger (having a one-step, spring-loaded transformation), and his weapons are hidden in his alt mode. Unlike most of the ''Machine Wars'' toys, the head looks very similar to his Generation 1 form. This is because the mold was originally designed as Mirage for ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.

: This mold was also used to make ''Machine Wars'' [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]].

{{-}}
===Robot Masters===
[[Image:RMRijie toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Phew. Thanks.]]
* '''Rijie''' (Basic, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-03'''
**''Accessories:'' 2-part "Molecular Bonding Gun", "JS Laser Gun"

: ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' "Rijie" used the ''Machine Wars'' Mirage mold, but in a much more [[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]]-based coloration and deco. He also came with an extra chrome-silver "JS Laser Gun" (like the other bonus weapons of ''Robot Masters'', it is suspected to be a mold originally developed yet ultimately unused by the cut-short ''[[Microman]] LED Powers'' line).

: Because of legal reasons, "Ligier" could not be used for the name of the ''Robot Masters'' toy, so "Rijie", which has the same pronunciation in Japan, was used instead. Curiously, the toy's instructions still identify it as "Ligier".

{{-}}
===Alternators===
[[Image:AlternatorsMirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|This toy is clearly black, red, and silver. You're just deluding yourself.]]
* '''Mirage''' (Alternator, 2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''22'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/tonfa weapons

: ''[[Alternators]]'' Mirage transforms into a finely detailed 1:24 scale replica of a Ford GT, featuring opening doors, engine bay and trunk, with a realistic interior. As with most Alternators, his car body is mostly unpainted, but the metallic-flake deep blue plastic makes this hard to see.

: Featuring an innovative, different robot mode, Mirage is not a straight re-interpretation of the original Mirage's robot mode, due to the completely different types of vehicles. But coincidentally the Ford GT's hood features a shape that echoes a F1-type racing car's nose and front spoiler. His engine's supercharger forms two separate tonfa weapons that can also be interpreted as guns.

: Mirage was retooled into [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rodimus]] for the ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' line, which was further redecoed into ''Alternators'' Rodimus. Later in 2007, he was redecoed in clear plastic colours to represent his 'invisibility mode' as an [[e-Hobby]] exclusive in the ''[[Binaltech]]'' line.

===Universe===
*'''Mirage''' (Spy Changer, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: For ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'', Mirage is identical to the last Kay-Bee [[exclusive]] redeco of ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots In Disguise]]'' [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]], transforming into a translucent green Lola Indy car. He was available only on an individual card from discount chains like The Dollar Store.

===Classics===
[[Image:Classics Mirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Applied to Revoltech club; rejected.]]

*'''Mirage''' (Classics Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler
:''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Mirage was released in November 2006 in wave 2, along with the [[shortpacked]] [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]]. He transforms into a closed-canopy Formula racer concept car. Mirage's paint details contain a few ''Transformers'' in-jokes in the form of sponsor logos such as "[[Sparkplug Witwicky|Witwicky Sparkplugs]]" and "[[Lithone (planet)|Lithonian]] Drivetrain." Additionally, his racing number is still 26, as it was on the original toy. Other logos, which include "Plasma Injection Energy" and "F.P. Racing," refer to "pie" and the initials of [[Joe Kyde|the deco artist]]'s super-secret non-gay friendship cult, respectively.

:The front detaches to become a handheld electro-disruptor weapon which is said to be able to create illusions and allow him to appear invisible. (This is a reconciliation of Mirage's illusion-creation ability from his original tech spec profile and his invisibility power from the animated series.) He is ''extremely'' posable.

: This mold was also used to make [[Fracture]] and ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Drag Strip]].

{{-}}


[[Image:BotCon2007freeMirages.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I leave your toilets fresh and blue everytime you flush!]]
*'''Hologram Mirage''' (BotCon, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler

:A redeco of Classics Mirage in translucent and opaque blue, Mirage was available only as a "freebie" gift to attendees at BotCon 2007.

{{-}}

===Binaltech===
* '''Rijie''' (e-Hobby exclusive, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-18'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/tonfa weapons

:Rijie is a redeco of ''Alternators'' Mirage using mostly transparent plastic. The toy was exclusively available from [[e-Hobby]] in September 2007.

:Even though Takara had briefly contemplated releasing a [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rodimus]] (Hot Rod) retool of Alternators Mirage as the next ''Binaltech'' toy after [[Ginrai]] (both toys would ultimately come out as part of the ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' line instead), they apparently never created any [[die-cast]] molds for the Ford GT sculpt. To justify the absence of diecast parts from a ''Binaltech'' toy, Takara decided to use clear plastic parts to represent an "invisible" mode, officially called an "Electro-Disrupter" {{sic}} mode on the packaging.

{{-}}
===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Mirage toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sculpted in 2006. Decoed in the late 70s.]]
*'''Ligier''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-04'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler

: ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]] Transformers'' Ligier is a redeco of ''Classics'' Mirage. In an effort to make him appear more accurate to Mirage's cartoon appearances, Ligier lacks most of the sponsorship tampographs that appeared on ''Classics'' Mirage. As with all ''Henkei'' toys, he lacks the heat-sensitive rubsign seen on the ''Classics'' version, but features [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] parts: his rear spoiler and his front spoiler.

{{-}}
[[Image:HenkeiElectroDisruptorLigier.jpg|thumb|200px|Clear, black, '''and''' chrome? It's like he's a living embodiment of Takara itself!]]
*'''Electro Disruptor Ligier''' (Deluxe, 2009)

: Electro Disruptor Ligier is a translucent plastic version of ''Henkei'' Ligier offered as a mail-away exclusive to those who have bought the book [[Transformers Generations 2009|Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 1]].

: This toy was repurposed as "[[Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]" [[Mirage (SG)|Mirage]].

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RH Mirage vs Starscream.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I'm too rich to be cute.]]
* '''Mirage Vs Starscream''' (2007)

:Packaged with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], Mirage is a two-inch-high robot sculpted in super deformed style with articulation at the head and shoulders. The toy has a sculpted missile launcher, like the original character, but oddly it is resting on the figure's back instead of the shoulder. This mold was later redecod into ''Hologram'' Mirage.

{{-}}
[[Image:Hologram Robot Hero Mirage.jpg|right|150px|thumb|What he said.]]
* '''Decepticon Sneak Attack''' (2007)

:Hologram Mirage is a recolor of the two-pack Mirage cast in transparent blue with slightly different paint details. Most notably, the Autobot symbols on his arms have been replaced with part of the word "Citanes", to evoke the original toy. Mirage was packed with ''Metallic Finish'' Optimus Prime, ''Metallic Finish'' Megatron, Cliffjumper, and Skywarp. This pack was sold exclusively in Walmart, and Walmart.com.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
*Mirage is absent from the fictional events of 2005 and 2006 without explanation; a storyboarded scene from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' featuring Mirage was cut from the finished film. Amidst the transformation of [[Autobot City]], Mirage was to ambush the Insecticon [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] and then be fired upon by Megatron. Whether or not this would have killed Mirage is not made clear, but given the film's casual body count, it seems highly probable.
*Mirage has been a traitor/suspected traitor in nearly every continuity he's popped up in. You just can't trust those coastal elite.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Mirage ToyBin Mirage Toy Gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Mirage/mirage.htm Mirage at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Mirage Mirage's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics characters]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category:Go-Bots]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category: Henkei! Henkei! characters]]
[[Category:Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category:Mail order items]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category:Spies]]

File:BotCon2007freeMirage.jpg

2010-02-20T12:47:29Z

Star Saber: uploaded a new version of "Image:BotCon2007freeMirage.jpg"

Free translucent Classics Mirage given to Primus pre-registrants at BotCon 2007.

Mirage (G1)

2010-02-20T12:37:29Z

Star Saber: /* Classics */

{{factions|autobot|autobotg2}}
{{disambig3|Mirage}}
:''Mirage is an [[Autobot]] from the [[Generation 1 (franchise)|Generation 1]] [[continuity family]].''

[[Image:Mirageg1.jpg|right|300px|thumb|"The ship was... full."]]
'''Mirage''' is what humans call "old money." Before the war, he was a member of affluent Cybertronian society, with his own large estate and high-priced [[Mirage's friends|friends]]. He enjoyed the finer things in life: vintage [[Energon (fuel)|energon]], swank evening events, and [[turbofox]] hunts on the grounds. But when the war started, he was forced to choose sides and found himself banded with a group of commoners he didn't really understand.

Some of the other Autobots don't trust Mirage. He feels the war, even after all these millions of years, is beneath him. War is not, after all, how civilized, erudite beings conduct themselves. He often questions the Autobots' violent means, and not-so-secretly hopes they and the Decepticons can get along. Because of this, he has been labelled by a few others as a Decepticon sympathizer. Still, he sided with the Autobots for a reason, and he is there for the Autobots when they need him.

Although the details vary by continuity, Mirage has the ability to create illusions which typically either render him invisible or make him appear to be somewhere he isn't.

He sounds like [[wikipedia:Dean Martin|Dean Martin]].

:''Japanese name:'' '''Ligier''' or '''Rijie''' (リジェ ''Rije'')
:''Hungarian name:'' '''Délibáb''' ("Mirage")
:''Italian name:'' '''Mistero''' ("Mystery")
:''Portuguese name:'' '''Miragem''' ("Mirage")
:''Chinese name (Taiwan):'' '''Hǎi-shr-shèn-lóu''' (海市蜃樓, "Mirage") / '''Hàun-yǐng''' (幻影, "Phantom")

==Fiction==
===Marvel Comics continuity===
====Generation 1====
{{noteukonly}}
[[Image:Miragebluestreakfirst.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Mirage tells the story of how he got his name every five minutes.]]
Mirage was one of the Autobots on board the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crashed, and was subsequently reactivated in 1984. At first, Mirage was reluctant to full-on attack his Decepticon opponents, instead trying to reason with them. However, after a battle with the relentless [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], Mirage learned that sometimes diplomacy is not an option. {{storylink|The Last Stand}}

[[Image:Mirageg1enemywithin.jpg|right|125px|thumb|Punk'd!]]
''During an accident on the Ark, [[Brawn (G1)|Brawn]] suffered an extreme neuro-shock, causing him to rebel and turn against his teammates. Mirage helped the Autobots hunt him down and tranquilize him. This same accident also amplified Mirage's ability to create illusions, which he later used to trick the Decepticons into believing that a duel between Brawn and [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]] ended with Brawn's death. The Decepticons felt totally stupid.'' {{storylink|The Enemy Within!}}

In the wake of a disastrous mission to rescue [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s captive head from the Decepticons, most of the Autobots were rendered inoperative. Mirage was one of a handful of Autobots who remained active, accompanying Optimus and various newer Autobots on several subsequent missions. {{storylink|Rock and Roll-Out!}} {{storylink|I, Robot-Master!}} {{storylink|Command Performances!}}

''Mirage lucked out during the Dinobot Hunt—he was assigned to B-Team, whose quarry, Snarl, was knocked out by the destruction of a human military base, leaving him inert and easy to capture.'' {{storylink|Dinobot Hunt!}}

Long after, he was blown to pieces by [[Octane]] during an Arctic battle arranged by [[Starscream (G1)| Starscream]]. He recovered in time to be destroyed again in [[New York City]] by Starscream himself (empowered by the [[Underbase]]). {{storylink|Dark Star (issue)|Dark Star}}

====Generation 2====
[[Image:Mirageg2die.jpg|left|120px|thumb|"Got to—" '''SPOOM!''']]
Disobeying [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Marvel Comics continuity|Optimus Prime]]'s orders, [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] led a covert team (which included Mirage) onto the [[Cybertronian (faction)|Cybertronian Empire]] ship ''[[Twilight (G2)|Twilight]]'' to defeat [[Jhiaxus (G2)|Jhiaxus]] and his army of "evolved Decepticons". Grimlock's plan was an utter failure, ending in [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]]'s death and the Autobots' capture. Mirage was destroyed by enemy fire during the following prison break. {{storylink|Devices and Desires! (Marvel)|Devices and Desires!}}

{{-}}
====Classics====
{{note| The Classics comic takes place after the end of the original Marvel Comic, but in a new timeline that does not include the events of the Marvel UK-exclusive stories or Generation 2.}}
Having been revived (presumably by [[Nucleon]]), Mirage was the happiest of them all, until he saw just how badly his way of life was affected by warfare. Mirage found that ages of warfare had made him bitter. Eventually, he decided to join Optimus Prime in returning to Earth, and war with Megatron.<ref>Mirage Classics Profile, [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club issue 13]]</ref>

His actions include evacuating [[Armored Robot Hunters|RUNTs]] and their pilots, holding [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] at gunpoint, and revealing that his illusion powers (in this continuity) now ''include'' invisibility. {{storylink|Crossing Over}}

He later secretly followed [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]] to a meeting from his crew of the [[Graviton (Classics)|Graviton]]. Unfortunately, he tried to crash Starscream's meeting with [[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]. [[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]'s infra-red sensors, and [[Weirdwolf]]'s keen nose allowed the Decepticons to find him, and he was gift-wrapped for Megatron. When the Gravitron crew led by Grimlock and [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] attacked the Decepticon base, Mirage was rescued by [[Strongarm (Classics)|Strongarm]], [[Swoop (G1)|Swoop]], [[Snarl (G1)|Snarl]], and [[Elita One]]. {{storylink|Games of Deception}}

===Generation 1 cartoon continuity===
====''The Transformers'' cartoon====
:''Voice actor:'' [[Frank Welker]] (English), [[Takurō Kitagawa]] (Japanese)

Mirage was part of the bridge crew of the [[Ark (G1)|Ark]] when it crash-landed on Earth four million years ago. A volcanic eruption in 1984 awakened the Ark's inhabitants, including Mirage, who was reformatted by [[Teletraan I (G1)|Teletraan I]] to have a terrestrial alternate mode of a Formula-1 racer. With the battle against the [[Decepticon|Decepticons]] now transplanted to Earth, Mirage still hated warfare. He longed to return to [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] and simply turn his back to the evil Decepticons, but his loyalty to [[Optimus Prime (G1)/Generation 1 cartoon continuity|Optimus Prime]] kept him in the fight.

Mirage was instrumental in stopping the Decepticons from returning to Cybertron after amassing enough energon from Earth. The Decepticons had constructed a [[Victory (ship)|new star cruiser]] and were in the process of flying home to tip the scales of the war in their favor. Mirage used his cloaking ability to sneak aboard the Decepticon ship. He uncloaked and opened fire, blasting away at the ship's controls. He then bailed from the doomed cruiser, floating back to Earth's surface on a parasail as the Decepticons crashed into the ocean. Optimus Prime asked Mirage why he—homesick and war-weary Autobot that he was—did not hitch the ride back home. Mirage responded, affirming his loyalty to the Autobots, "The ship was... full." {{storylink|More than Meets the Eye, Part 3}}

{{charstubfiction}}

Mirage’s role in the Autobots’ battles on Earth was a distinctly minimal one, leaving him confined to the background on the battlefield or not present at all. In early 1985, however, the spotlight shone on Mirage again when [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]] suspected him of disloyalty. The discovery of a Decepticon installation in a sector Mirage had recently scouted caused Cliffjumper to leap the incorrect conclusion that Mirage had concealed the information and was a traitor to the Autobots. During a battle with the Decepticons at the site, Mirage was injured, but managed to rip a Decepticon [[Insignia|seal]] off [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]. Mirage risked the trust of his comrades by sneaking away to perform a plan of his own, framing the Decepticons for stealing [[Energon cube|Energon cubes]] from the [[Insecticon (G1)|Insecticons]]. Spotted carrying the cubes by Cliffjumper, Mirage’s guilt seemed all but confirmed, and before he could reveal his innocence, he was captured and brainwashed by one of [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]]’s mind-controlling [[Cerebro-shell|cerebro-shells]]. Under Bombshell’s control, Mirage led the Autobots into an ambush, but at the battle’s end, the assorted manipulations were revealed and Cliffjumper apologized to Mirage. {{storylink|Traitor}}

Toward the end of the year, Mirage was among the team of five Autobots who disguised themselves as the [[Stunticon (G1)|Stunticons]], with Mirage’s alternate mode making him the perfect choice to masquerade as [[Drag Strip]]. Penetrating the Decepticon camp, the Autobots ran into trouble when the real Stunticons arrived, trying to prove their identities by forming [[Menasor (G1)|Menasor]]. With a combination of [[Windcharger (G1)|Windcharger]]’s magnetic powers and Mirage’s illusion-creating ability, the Autobots were able to appear as Menasor too. Though the deception was soon revealed, they were still able to thwart the Decepticons’ plans. {{storylink|Masquerade}}

{{note|An unused scene from the storyboard for [[The Transformers: The Movie]] showed Mirage wounded (possibly killed) by Megatron after getting back at Bombshell for [[Traitor|jeopardizing his career]]. Given the high body count, his death is still likely.}}

====Japanese cartoon continuity====

=====''Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers'' comic=====

Mirage was among the Autobots stationed at [[Ark (G1)|Autobot headquarters]] in [[Arizona]] when [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] and the Decepticons attacked. Though the Autobots were ultimately victorious, the entire attack was actually just a distraction so that [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] could go perform ''evil'' somewhere in Japan. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2}}

Mirage later appeared at the Autobots' newly constructed Japanese base, welcoming the small [[human]] boy, [[Kenji]]. {{storylink|Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4}}

=====''Robot Masters'' pack-in comics=====
=====''Robot Masters'' online comics=====
=====''Story of Binaltech''=====
Mirage volunteered for an experimental new Binaltech upgrade that boosted the [[power chip rectifier]] in his revamped body to the Nth degree, making him permanently invisible thanks to his electro-disruptor. This proved to be key in a special mission conceived of by [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]]. Having uncovered several secrets from the files of the time-traveling [[Ravage (G1)|Ravage]], the Autobots learned of a mysterious [[Large switch|switch]] hidden away on [[Cybertron (planet)|Cybertron]] which, when pulled, would instantaneously immobilize all Transformers throughout the universe. Having lost Cybertron to [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]'s tyrannical rule and facing considerable odds in the Sol System as well, Prime decided it was necessary to activate the switch in order to end the war.

With [[Tracks (G1)|Tracks]] and several [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]] [[GT System|GTs]] awaiting his signal as back-up, Mirage invisibly infiltrated Decepticon-controlled Cybertron and made his way to the switch. After throwing the switch, though, Mirage was surprised to find that he was still mobile. It seemed the Binaltech warriors (both Autobot and Decepticon) were significantly different enough from regular Transformers to be unaffected by the immobilization wave. With the Autobots now vastly outnumbering the Decepticons still in operation, the tide of the war had irreparably shifted. {{storylink|Kill Switch}}

===Dreamwave comics continuity===
{{notekeepers}}
Despite his misgiving about the war effort, Mirage's tenure with the Autobot cause dates back to the time of [[Sentinel Prime (G1)|Sentinel Prime]]. When Shockwave staged a disastrous offensive against [[Iacon]], Mirage was there defending the [[Decagon]] alongside Prowl and the other Autobot soldiers. {{storylink|The War Within issue 5}} During the Dark Ages, he continued serving under Prowl as part of the main Autobot faction at [[Virtue's Forum]], in the remains of Iacon. Alongside Jazz and [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]], he tried defending their prisoner, [[Blitzwing (G1)|Experiment D-43]], against the intruder known as [[The Fallen]], but failed miserably in the process. {{storylink|War Within: The Dark Ages}}

Four million years ago, Mirage crash-landed on the planet Earth aboard the shuttle known as the Ark, with more than two dozen of his fellow Autobots and Decepticons. They remained inactive in stasis lock at the base of a volcano until 1984, when volcanic activity shook them back on-line. The war began again, but without reinforcements or connection to Cybertron, Megatron and his Decepticons were eventually defeated and taken prisoner by the Autobots. Mirage and the rest of the Transformers were prepared to fly back to Cybertron in a new spacecraft, the ''[[Ark II]]'', when it exploded on its maiden voyage, leaving them all believed dead.

Not so. Most of the Transformers had been salvaged by a mercenary named [[Lazarus]], who spent the next few years repairing and reprogramming the Cybertronians to use as weapons of mass destruction at his command. Optimus Prime was reactivated by the United States military to oppose Lazarus, and he in turn used the power of the Matrix to revive several other Autobots who had escaped Lazarus' salvage crews, including Mirage. After rescuing some of their number from the human mercenaries, Mirage and the Autobots had to race against time putting their friends back together after the Decepticons escaped to wreak havoc. What's worse, a mechanizing virus had been released by Megatron, turning organic life into inanimate mechanical matter. Mirage exhausted a good percentage of his energon reserves fighting back the tide of the virus, but the Autobots were eventually successful. {{storylink|Prime Directive}}

''Mirage was remarkably unhelpful during the war with the [[Keeper (species)|Keepers]]. After Optimus Prime was forced to give the Matrix over to Megatron as a debt of honor, Mirage sniped about the decision worse than any of the Autobots. His criticisms only got louder after a news report from [[Washington, D.C.]] made it clear that Megatron had found one of his warriors, the already mighty [[Omega Sentinel (G1)|Omega Sentinel]], who could actually wield the power of the Matrix directly. Now that Prime had actually strengthened their enemies as well as weakening the Autobots, Mirage just wouldn't shut up about it. The final straw was when [[Franklin Townsend]], a crazed augment working for the Keepers, idly strolled into the Ark, took over control of [[Bluestreak]]'s mind, and made his getaway. Mirage was ready to brazenly disobey Prime's orders and charge right after Bluestreak, until Optimus physically slammed him into a wall and forced him to obey his commanding officer. ''

''When you're being so much of a dick that the legendary patience of Optimus Prime runs out, it's time to rein it in, Mirage. {{storylink|Fusion (novel)|Fusion}}''

When [[Shockwave (G1)|Shockwave]] came to Earth and announced that the Autobot/Decepticon wars were over and that the two factions had been united, Mirage was one of the first to fall in with the new regime. The rest of the Autobots were wary of this development, and so a few (especially [[Cliffjumper (G1)|Cliffjumper]]) considered Mirage a traitor. {{storylink|Brothers' Burden}} Mirage quickly realigned himself with the Autobot cause when Shockwave's true plan was revealed, and Cliffjumper seemed to forgive him, as Mirage had saved Cliffjumper from [[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]] by sneaking up on him invisibly. {{storylink|Revelation (War and Peace)|Revelation}}

Unfortunately for Mirage, the Autobots' acting commander Prowl soon came to the conclusion that they needed to return to Earth and establish a more significant beach-head there for the future. Mirage tried to argue against the idea, as he was more than thrilled to finally be back home on Cybertron, but then [[Trailbreaker (G1)|Trailbreaker]] cut in and reminded Mirage that Shockwave's united government had sold off his riches and property while he was gone. Ooooh—burn. {{storylink|Atonement}} The Autobots readied themselves for the return mission on a new shuttle, and began construction of Autobot City upon their arrival on Earth. {{storylink|The Route of All Evil}}

===Devil's Due ''G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers'' comics===
[[Image:GIJoevsTF4_Mirage_Ferret.jpg|thumb|left|250px|]]
[[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]] found Mirage's holo-projector aboard the ''Ark'', and used it to make a better holographic driver for himself than [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]] could. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 2}}

Meanwhile, Mirage was among the dormant Transformers discovered by [[Cobra]], reprogrammed for nefarious purposes, and given new alternate modes (Mirage now transformed into a Cobra [[Ferret]]). Upon being freed from Cobra's control by Wheeljack, Mirage's group located Optimus Prime and helped fight back against the newly freed Decepticons. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 4}} He later stood watch as the damaged Prime was formulating a plan to defeat Megatron. {{storylink|G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers issue 5}}

{{-}}

===Dreamwave ''Transformers/G.I. Joe'' comics===
Mirage was apparently among the Autobots awakened on the [[Fera Islands]] in 1939, as Optimus Prime mentioned that he had been killed in the battle against [[Cobra]]. {{storylink|The Iron Fist}}

===IDW comics continuity===
Mirage was a suspect in the assassination attempts on [[Blaster (G1)|Blaster]], as he was one of only four Autobots present on the [[Autobot Orbital Command Hub|Hub]] during both attacks. He and two of the other Autobots were cleared when it was discovered that a mind-controlled [[Beachcomber (G1)|Beachcomber]] was the true culprit. {{storylink|Spotlight: Blaster}}

A year later, he delivered information to the Autobots that there was a power-struggle among the Decepticons, information that turned out to be false and drew Optimus and an Autobot team (including the former ''[[Ark-19]]'' crew) into a hideous ambush that left them trapped on Cybertron. Before dumping them on Cybertron, Megatron revealed that there had been a willing traitor collaborator involved in his trap, and Mirage was the prime suspect {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}} with everyone but [[Jazz (G1)|Jazz]] and [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] believing he'd betrayed them to the Decepticons. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 4}}

It's not all bad, though; he got to use his invisibility trick to sneak up on [[Kup (G1)|Kup]]'s crew when Jazz was trying to prove his command skills. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 5}} Not long after, a raging Ironhide dragged him into a corner and beat him half to death and ripped off his Autobot badge. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 7}}

It was eventually revealed that [[Sunstreaker (G1)|Sunstreaker]] had been the real traitor, and Ironhide tried to apologize to Mirage. Mirage wouldn't accept his apology, however, leaving his badge off out of spite and warning Ironhide against ever talking to him again. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 9}} However, despite his harsh words, Mirage came to Ironhide's rescue during a [[Insecticon swarm|swarm]] attack, urging his comrade to save himself. Ironhide refused, and instead stayed behind to help Mirage fight the monstrosities. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 10}} After the Autobots were saved by [[Omega Supreme (G1)|Omega Supreme]], they returned to Earth and fought against the Decepticons in [[New York City]]. {{storylink|All Hail Megatron issue 11}}

{{note|The events of ''Spotlight: Mirage'' possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.}}
[[Image:SpotlightMirage trappedHound.jpg|right|200px|thumb|This didn't actually happen. Or did it? No, it didn't.]]
Mirage was haunted repeatedly by dreams of being a Decepticon. Or actually ''is'' a Decepticon from another universe who, after helping kill the last Autobots, got blown back through time and space to the main universe. Or via [[Zodiac]] energy has gained flashbacks of an alternate Decepticon Mirage. God knows what's going on there. {{storylink|Spotlight: Mirage}}
{{-}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' pack-in comic===

{{storylink|Mirage's Rebirth}}

{{charstubfiction}}

===''Henkei! Henkei!'' Bun Bun manga===

{{storylink|Enter! The Transformers}} {{storylink|The Emperor of Destruction Appears!}} {{storylink|Kingdom of Giants}} {{storylink|The Enemy from the Arctic}} {{storylink|Wataru's Power}}

{{charstubfiction}}

{{-}}

==Toys==
===Generation 1===
[[Image:G1Mirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|I don't need to be street-legal; I'm rich.]]
*'''Mirage''' (Autobot Car, 1984/1986/1991)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''07'''
**''Accessories:'' "Rocket-Dart Hunting Rifle", missile launcher, 3 missiles

: Mirage was part of the original 1984 Autobot car assortment. His mold was originally used for a ''[[Diaclone]]'' F-1 Ligier JS-11 racer. The toy was specifically designed to work with the launcher mechanism contained in the Optimus Prime / Battle Convoy trailer. This toy is easily broken at the waist pivot. The labels on the toy are references to several real-world companies. The largest name, Citanes, is a deliberate corruption of Gitanes, a French cigarette company. (Quite unusual for a child's toy, but not the only [[Marlboor Wheeljack|cigarette reference in ''Diaclone'']].) The toy included Gitanes' logo of a dancing gypsy woman on what ends up as Mirage's belt in robot form. "Ligier" is the name of the company that manufactured the JS-11 chassis and fielded the team, traditionally wearing 25 and 26 on the F1 grid, while "elf" is a reference to a French oil company that has since merged with TotalFina to become TotalFinaElf.

: In 1986, he was made available as a mail-away item (as he was no longer shipping to retail shelves) in multiple offers, including a [[Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction]] flier packed with most boxed ''Transformers'' toys. He cost $8 and two [[robot points]]. In Japan Mirage was also included in the 1986 ''Goodbye Convoy'' [[Giftset|gift set]]. This was the final release of the mold, making Mirage the only one of the original Autobots not to have been reissued in some form.

: Hasbro and/or Takara have announced that the mold for Mirage is [[Mold#Issues with Reissues|either lost or damaged]], so a reissue is unlikely. This presumably excludes the molds obtained by [[Knockoff|certain Chinese companies]] to produce several Mirage "perfect" [[Bootleg|bootlegs]] in a variety of flavors including original, clear, smoke, and red, based on the ultra-rare version from the [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Diaclone Powered Convoy]] giftset.

===Generation 2===
* '''Mirage''' (Go-Bot, 1995)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: Mirage was released in 1995 as a black and yellow recolor of the [[Go-Bot (G2)|Go-Bot]] [[Double Clutch]]. He was also planned to be released as a flipchanger, but the ''Generation 2'' line was canceled to make way for ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]''. The unreleased mold was first used in ''[[Machine Wars]]''.

: This mold was also used to make ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]].

===Machine Wars===
[[Image:Mwmirage.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Gah! I'm teal! Somebody recolor me, please!]]
* '''Mirage''' (Basic, 1997)
**''Accessories:'' 2-part rifle

: Mirage's form in ''[[Machine Wars]]'' transforms into a blue and white Indycar. Like the other Machine Wars basics, the toy is a flipchanger (having a one-step, spring-loaded transformation), and his weapons are hidden in his alt mode. Unlike most of the ''Machine Wars'' toys, the head looks very similar to his Generation 1 form. This is because the mold was originally designed as Mirage for ''[[Generation 2 (toyline)|Generation 2]]''.

: This mold was also used to make ''Machine Wars'' [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]] and ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots in Disguise]]'' [[Skid-Z (RID)|Skid-Z]].

{{-}}
===Robot Masters===
[[Image:RMRijie toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Phew. Thanks.]]
* '''Rijie''' (Basic, 2004)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''RM-03'''
**''Accessories:'' 2-part "Molecular Bonding Gun", "JS Laser Gun"

: ''[[Robot Masters (franchise)|Robot Masters]]'' "Rijie" used the ''Machine Wars'' Mirage mold, but in a much more [[Generation 1 (toyline)|Generation 1]]-based coloration and deco. He also came with an extra chrome-silver "JS Laser Gun" (like the other bonus weapons of ''Robot Masters'', it is suspected to be a mold originally developed yet ultimately unused by the cut-short ''[[Microman]] LED Powers'' line).

: Because of legal reasons, "Ligier" could not be used for the name of the ''Robot Masters'' toy, so "Rijie", which has the same pronunciation in Japan, was used instead. Curiously, the toy's instructions still identify it as "Ligier".

{{-}}
===Alternators===
[[Image:AlternatorsMirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|This toy is clearly black, red, and silver. You're just deluding yourself.]]
* '''Mirage''' (Alternator, 2006)
**''Alternator ID number:'' '''22'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/tonfa weapons

: ''[[Alternators]]'' Mirage transforms into a finely detailed 1:24 scale replica of a Ford GT, featuring opening doors, engine bay and trunk, with a realistic interior. As with most Alternators, his car body is mostly unpainted, but the metallic-flake deep blue plastic makes this hard to see.

: Featuring an innovative, different robot mode, Mirage is not a straight re-interpretation of the original Mirage's robot mode, due to the completely different types of vehicles. But coincidentally the Ford GT's hood features a shape that echoes a F1-type racing car's nose and front spoiler. His engine's supercharger forms two separate tonfa weapons that can also be interpreted as guns.

: Mirage was retooled into [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rodimus]] for the ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' line, which was further redecoed into ''Alternators'' Rodimus. Later in 2007, he was redecoed in clear plastic colours to represent his 'invisibility mode' as an [[e-Hobby]] exclusive in the ''[[Binaltech]]'' line.

===Universe===
*'''Mirage''' (Spy Changer, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun

: For ''[[Universe (2003 toyline)|Universe]]'', Mirage is identical to the last Kay-Bee [[exclusive]] redeco of ''[[Robots in Disguise (toyline)|Robots In Disguise]]'' [[Mirage (RID)|Mirage]], transforming into a translucent green Lola Indy car. He was available only on an individual card from discount chains like The Dollar Store.

===Classics===
[[Image:Classics Mirage toy.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Applied to Revoltech club; rejected.]]

*'''Mirage''' (Classics Deluxe, 2006)
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler
:''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' Mirage was released in November 2006 in wave 2, along with the [[shortpacked]] [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Grimlock]]. He transforms into a closed-canopy Formula racer concept car. Mirage's paint details contain a few ''Transformers'' in-jokes in the form of sponsor logos such as "[[Sparkplug Witwicky|Witwicky Sparkplugs]]" and "[[Lithone (planet)|Lithonian]] Drivetrain." Additionally, his racing number is still 26, as it was on the original toy. Other logos, which include "Plasma Injection Energy" and "F.P. Racing," refer to "pie" and the initials of [[Joe Kyde|the deco artist]]'s super-secret non-gay friendship cult, respectively.

:The front detaches to become a handheld electro-disruptor weapon which is said to be able to create illusions and allow him to appear invisible. (This is a reconciliation of Mirage's illusion-creation ability from his original tech spec profile and his invisibility power from the animated series.) He is ''extremely'' posable.

: This mold was also used to make [[Fracture]] and ''[[Universe (2008 franchise)|Universe]]'' [[Drag Strip]].

{{-}}


[[Image:BotCon2007freeMirage.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I leave your toilets fresh and blue everytime you flush!]]
*'''Hologram Mirage''' (BotCon, 2007)
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler

:A redeco of Classics Mirage in translucent and opaque blue, Mirage was available only as a "freebie" gift to attendees at BotCon 2007.

{{-}}

===Binaltech===
* '''Rijie''' (e-Hobby exclusive, 2007)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''BT-18'''
**''Accessories:'' Engine/tonfa weapons

:Rijie is a redeco of ''Alternators'' Mirage using mostly transparent plastic. The toy was exclusively available from [[e-Hobby]] in September 2007.

:Even though Takara had briefly contemplated releasing a [[Hot Rod (G1)|Hot Rodimus]] (Hot Rod) retool of Alternators Mirage as the next ''Binaltech'' toy after [[Ginrai]] (both toys would ultimately come out as part of the ''[[Kiss Players (toyline)|Kiss Players]]'' line instead), they apparently never created any [[die-cast]] molds for the Ford GT sculpt. To justify the absence of diecast parts from a ''Binaltech'' toy, Takara decided to use clear plastic parts to represent an "invisible" mode, officially called an "Electro-Disrupter" {{sic}} mode on the packaging.

{{-}}
===Henkei! Henkei!===
[[Image:Henkei Mirage toy.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Sculpted in 2006. Decoed in the late 70s.]]
*'''Ligier''' (Deluxe, 2008)
**''Japanese ID number:'' '''C-04'''
**''Accessories:'' Gun/front spoiler

: ''[[Henkei! Henkei! (toyline)|Henkei! Henkei!]] Transformers'' Ligier is a redeco of ''Classics'' Mirage. In an effort to make him appear more accurate to Mirage's cartoon appearances, Ligier lacks most of the sponsorship tampographs that appeared on ''Classics'' Mirage. As with all ''Henkei'' toys, he lacks the heat-sensitive rubsign seen on the ''Classics'' version, but features [[Vacuum metallizing|vacuum-metallized]] parts: his rear spoiler and his front spoiler.

{{-}}
[[Image:HenkeiElectroDisruptorLigier.jpg|thumb|200px|Clear, black, '''and''' chrome? It's like he's a living embodiment of Takara itself!]]
*'''Electro Disruptor Ligier''' (Deluxe, 2009)

: Electro Disruptor Ligier is a translucent plastic version of ''Henkei'' Ligier offered as a mail-away exclusive to those who have bought the book [[Transformers Generations 2009|Transformers Generations 2009 Volume 1]].

: This toy was repurposed as "[[Shattered Glass (franchise)|Shattered Glass]]" [[Mirage (SG)|Mirage]].

{{-}}

==Merchandise==
===Robot Heroes===
[[Image:RH Mirage vs Starscream.jpg|right|200px|thumb|I'm too rich to be cute.]]
* '''Mirage Vs Starscream''' (2007)

:Packaged with [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], Mirage is a two-inch-high robot sculpted in super deformed style with articulation at the head and shoulders. The toy has a sculpted missile launcher, like the original character, but oddly it is resting on the figure's back instead of the shoulder. This mold was later redecod into ''Hologram'' Mirage.

{{-}}
[[Image:Hologram Robot Hero Mirage.jpg|right|150px|thumb|What he said.]]
* '''Decepticon Sneak Attack''' (2007)

:Hologram Mirage is a recolor of the two-pack Mirage cast in transparent blue with slightly different paint details. Most notably, the Autobot symbols on his arms have been replaced with part of the word "Citanes", to evoke the original toy. Mirage was packed with ''Metallic Finish'' Optimus Prime, ''Metallic Finish'' Megatron, Cliffjumper, and Skywarp. This pack was sold exclusively in Walmart, and Walmart.com.

{{-}}

==Trivia==
*Mirage is absent from the fictional events of 2005 and 2006 without explanation; a storyboarded scene from ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' featuring Mirage was cut from the finished film. Amidst the transformation of [[Autobot City]], Mirage was to ambush the Insecticon [[Bombshell (G1)|Bombshell]] and then be fired upon by Megatron. Whether or not this would have killed Mirage is not made clear, but given the film's casual body count, it seems highly probable.
*Mirage has been a traitor/suspected traitor in nearly every continuity he's popped up in. You just can't trust those coastal elite.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.toybin.org/search.php?q=1984+Autobot+Mirage ToyBin Mirage Toy Gallery]
* [http://www.tfu.info/1984/Autobot/Mirage/mirage.htm Mirage at TFU.info]
* [http://www.ntfa.net/universe/english/index.php?act=view&char=Mirage Mirage's Universe profile at NTFA.net]

[[Category:Alternators]]
[[Category:Autobots]]
[[Category:Classics characters]]
[[Category:Convention exclusives]]
[[Category:Decepticons]]
[[Category:Generation 1 characters]]
[[Category:Generation 2 characters]]
[[Category:Go-Bots]]
[[Category:Headmasters characters]]
[[Category: Henkei! Henkei! characters]]
[[Category:Machine Wars characters]]
[[Category:Mail order items]]
[[Category:Robot Heroes]]
[[Category:Robot Masters characters]]
[[Category:Spies]]

File:BotCon2007freeMirage.jpg

2010-02-20T12:25:15Z

Star Saber: Free translucent Classics Mirage given to Primus pre-registrants at BotCon 2007.

Free translucent Classics Mirage given to Primus pre-registrants at BotCon 2007.

BotCon 2008

2010-02-18T07:14:38Z

Star Saber: /* Merchandise */

[[Image:Botcon08logo.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Everything you thought you knew will be purple.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2008''' was the Official ''[[Transformers]]'' Convention in 2008, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Cincinnati, Ohio, from [[April 24]] to [[April 27|27]].

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2007]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2009]]''

==Run-up==
Hype for the convention began on the [http://www.botcon.com BotCon website] on [[November 27]], 2007, when the entire page was replaced by a giant graphic of a mysterious trio of ominous-looking Autobots, a new logo featuring a purple BotCon logo with a matching purple Autobot symbol, and a spooky video clip featuring a backwards Transformers theme. The video clip also claimed that "this spring ... at BotCon 2008 ... everything you thought you knew ... will be ... shattered." Fans soon deduced that the convention toy set would have a "mirror universe" theme of evil Autobots.

On [[November 28]], the page was updated with the location, date, and venue.

On [[January 31]], 2008, registration forms went up. By [[February 14]], demand was so high that orders for Iacon packages would no longer be taken, though those that had ordered Iacon packages up to that point would receive them. On [[February 29]], the "[[Shattered Glass]]" set was announced to be sold out for Primus packages as well. On [[April 4]], the free [[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]] attendee figure was announced to be sold out.

==Venue==
BotCon 2008 was held at the Duke Energy Center.

==Merchandise==
===Convention-exclusive toys===
* '''Convention box set''' - "[[Shattered Glass]]," a set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the convention comic, bio cards, and for the first 100 registrants, an exclusive pin. This set sold out (both boxed and bagged versions) well in advance of the convention, after which the [[BotCon 2005]] ''[[Descent into Evil]]'' set was provided as an alternative.

:("Bad guys"):
:*'''[[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]]''', a [[redeco]] of [[Classics (2006)|''Classics'']] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]
:*'''[[Grimlock (SG)|Grimlock]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]].
:*'''[[Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug]]''', a [[retool]] of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]].
:*'''[[Jazz (SG)|Autobot Jazz]]''', a retool of ''Cybertron'' [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]].

:(and "good guys"):
:*'''[[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]]''', a redeco of ''Cybertron'' Voyager class [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]].
:*Mini-con '''[[Razorclaw (SG)|Razorclaw]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Overbite (Classics)|Overbite]].

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - '''[[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]]''', a redecoed ''Shattered Glass'' Autobot Jazz, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Customization Class Toy''' - '''[[Nightbeat (SG)|Nightbeat]]''', a redecoed ''Timelines'' [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]].

*'''At-Show Souvenir Toys'''

:*'''[[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]]''', a retool of the smaller ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]; '''[[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]; and '''[[Rampage (SG)|Rampage]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Snarl (Classics)|Snarl]].
:*'''[[Blurr (SG)|Blurr]]''', a retool of ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]; '''[[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]]''' with '''[[Whisper (SG)|Whisper]]''', a redeco of ''Armada'' [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] with [[Wind Sheer (Armada)|Wind Sheer]]; and '''[[Divebomb (SG)|Divebomb]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Dreadwing (Classics)|Dreadwing]].

===Fiction===
* "[[Shattered Glass (comic)|Shattered Glass]]" comic
* "[[Shattered Expectations]]" April Fool's Day comic
* "[[Bee in the City]]" live script reading

* Two exclusive lithograph prints: Alex Milne's "Within the Shattered War" (War Within) and Jake Isenberg's "One Generation Shattered" (G1).

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
* [[Aaron Archer]], Snr. Design Director
* [[Steve Bono]], designer
* [[Michael Ballog]], marketing
* [[Jared Jones]], marketing
* [[Joe Kyde]], designer (exclusives)
* [[Forest Lee]], copywriting
* [[Greg Lombardo]], Snr. Director of Marketing
* [[Marcelo Matere]], freelance artist/designer
* [[Todd Patrick]], packaging design
* [[Bill Rawley]], Sr. Designer
* [[Vickie Stratford]], Snr Design Project Manager
* [[Jared Wade]], Design Director

===Voice actors===
[[Image:kayesari.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Oops...]]

* [[David Kaye]], voice of ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]/[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]/[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]/[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], ''[[Transformers Animated|Animated]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]], [[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] and [[Lugnut]]
* [[Bumper Robinson]], voice of ''Animated'' [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]], [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and [[Porter C. Powell]]
* [[Tara Strong]], voice of [[Sari Sumdac]] and [[Teletran-1]]

===Comics and animation===
* [[Simon Furman]], comics writer extraordinaire
* [[Marty Isenberg]], Story editor of ''Beast Machines'' and ''Transformers Animated''
* [[Alex Milne]], [[IDW Publishing]] artist
* [[Derrick Wyatt]], artist and character designer of ''Transformers Animated''
* [[Matt Youngberg]], storyboard artist and animation director of ''Transformers'' Animated

==Events==
Fun Publications scheduled a large number of events to take place over the course of the convention to keep attendees entertained and informed.

===Thursday===
*9:00 AM Transformers Figure Customizing Class creating [[Nightbeat (SG)|Nightbeat]] from ''[[Timelines (fiction)|Timelines]]'' [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]
*9:00 AM Molding and Casting Class
*7:45 AM-5:15 United States Air Force Museum Tour
*6:00 PM Registration/Package Pick-Up Begins
*8:30-9:30 Dealer Unload and Drop
*9:00 PM Message Board/Room-to-Room Trading Info
*10 PM Package Pick-Up/Registration Closes
*10:00 [[MSTF]]

===Friday===
*7:30AM-2 PM Dealer Set-Up
*8:00AM-9AM Club Store open for Dealers Only
*9:00 AM Club Store opens for all Registered Attendees
*9:00-12:00 Contest Check in/Set-up
*9:30 AM Late Package Pick-Up
*9:30 AM Walk-up Late Registration
*9:00- 9:50 Audition for Transformers Idol
*10:00-10:50 Panel: IDW Publishing: All Hail!
*11:00-11:50 Panel: Cartoon Network Guests
*12:00- 12:50 Panel: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*12:00 PM Contest Judging
*1:00-1:50 Lunch
*2:00-5:00 Private Sales Room Experience
*2:00-3:30 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt, Marty Isenberg
*3:30-5:00 PM Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*5:00 PM Private Preview ends
*7:00 Faction Feud - Battle of the Boards Game Show
*8:30 Transformers Film Fest
*9:30 Cartoon Network Animated Preview--featured a sneak preview screening of "[[Garbage In, Garbage Out]]".
*10:00 PM Hasbro Transformers Team [[Transformers (2007)|Live-action Movie DVD]] Commentary

===Saturday===
*7:30AM Dealer Set-up
*8:30 Walk-up Late Check In/Registration
*8:30 SALES ROOM OPENS for Private Preview
*9:00 Video Room open
*9:00 "Early Bird" Admission
*Hourly Door Prize Giveaway
*9:30-11:00 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*10:00 General Admission
*10:30 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*11:00-11:50 Panel: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*11:00-12:30 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt, Marty Isenberg
*Noon Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*12:00-12:50 Panel: TCC Magazine and Comic Q&A
*1:00-2:50 Panel: Hasbro Toy
*1:30-3:00 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt,Marty Isenberg
*3:00-3:50 Transformers Collectors’ Club Roundtable
*3:30 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*3:00-4:30 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*4:00-4:50 Panel: IDW Publishing: All Hail!
*5:00 PM Show Closes
*7:00 PM Casino Night Awards Dinner
*9:45 PM "[[Bee in the City]]" live script reading
*10:00 PM Auction

===Sunday===
*9AM Dealer Set-up
*9:30AM SALES ROOM & GENERAL ADMISSION OPENS
*10AM Video Room opens
*10:00-11:50 Panel:Animated Hasbro Cartoon Network--included a sneak preview screening of "[[Black Friday (episode)|Black Friday]]".
*10:00-11:30 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*10:30 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*11:30-1:00 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt,Marty Isenberg
*1:00-2:30 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*1:00-1:50 Panel: Hasbro Designers
*2:00-2:50 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*3:00 Draw for Trips to 2009 Convention
*3:30 PM ALL EXHIBITS & SALES ROOM CLOSE

==Trivia==
*Hasbro initally released ''Transformers Animated'' toys exclusively in the Cincinnati area about 2 weeks prior to BotCon. Of course, by the time of the convention most dealers or locals had all but cleaned the stores out.
{{stub}}

==External links==
*[http://botcon.com/Botcon08/08faq.cfm BotCon 2008 FAQ]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2008

2010-02-18T06:43:40Z

Star Saber: /* Voice actors */

[[Image:Botcon08logo.jpg|right|180px|thumb|Everything you thought you knew will be purple.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2008''' was the Official ''[[Transformers]]'' Convention in 2008, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Cincinnati, Ohio, from [[April 24]] to [[April 27|27]].

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2007]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2009]]''

==Run-up==
Hype for the convention began on the [http://www.botcon.com BotCon website] on [[November 27]], 2007, when the entire page was replaced by a giant graphic of a mysterious trio of ominous-looking Autobots, a new logo featuring a purple BotCon logo with a matching purple Autobot symbol, and a spooky video clip featuring a backwards Transformers theme. The video clip also claimed that "this spring ... at BotCon 2008 ... everything you thought you knew ... will be ... shattered." Fans soon deduced that the convention toy set would have a "mirror universe" theme of evil Autobots.

On [[November 28]], the page was updated with the location, date, and venue.

On [[January 31]], 2008, registration forms went up. By [[February 14]], demand was so high that orders for Iacon packages would no longer be taken, though those that had ordered Iacon packages up to that point would receive them. On [[February 29]], the "[[Shattered Glass]]" set was announced to be sold out for Primus packages as well. On [[April 4]], the free [[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]] attendee figure was announced to be sold out.

==Venue==
BotCon 2008 was held at the Duke Energy Center.

==Merchandise==
===Convention-exclusive toys===
* '''Convention box set''' - "[[Shattered Glass]]," a set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the convention comic, bio cards, and for the first 100 registrants, an exclusive pin. This set sold out (both boxed and bagged versions) well in advance of the convention, after which the [[BotCon 2005]] ''[[Descent into Evil]]'' set was provided as an alternative.

:("Bad guys"):
:*'''[[Optimus Prime (SG)|Optimus Prime]]''', a [[redeco]] of [[Classics (2006)|''Classics'']] [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]]
:*'''[[Grimlock (SG)|Grimlock]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Grimlock (G1)|Grimlock]].
:*'''[[Goldbug (SG)|Goldbug]]''', a [[retool]] of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Hot Shot (Armada)|Hot Shot]].
:*'''[[Jazz (SG)|Autobot Jazz]]''', a retool of ''Cybertron'' [[Crosswise (Cybertron)|Crosswise]].

:(and "good guys"):
:*'''[[Starscream (SG)|Starscream]]''', a redeco of ''Cybertron'' Voyager class [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]].
:*Mini-con '''[[Razorclaw (SG)|Razorclaw]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Overbite (Classics)|Overbite]].

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - '''[[Ricochet (SG)|Ricochet]]''', a redecoed ''Shattered Glass'' Autobot Jazz, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Customization Class Toy''' - '''[[Nightbeat (SG)|Nightbeat]]''', a redecoed ''Timelines'' [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]].

*'''At-Show Souvenir Toys'''

:*'''[[Megatron (SG)|Megatron]]''', a retool of the smaller ''[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]]; '''[[Rodimus (SG)|Rodimus]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus]]; and '''[[Rampage (SG)|Rampage]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Snarl (Classics)|Snarl]].
:*'''[[Blurr (SG)|Blurr]]''', a retool of ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]'' [[Blurr (Armada)|Blurr]]; '''[[Sideswipe (SG)|Sideswipe]]''' with '''[[Whisper (SG)|Whisper]]''', a redeco of ''Armada'' [[Wheeljack (Armada)|Wheeljack]] with [[Wind Sheer (Armada)|Wind Sheer]]; and '''[[Divebomb (SG)|Divebomb]]''', a redeco of ''Classics'' [[Dreadwing (Classics)|Dreadwing]].

===Fiction===
* "[[Shattered Glass (comic)|Shattered Glass]]" comic
* "[[Shattered Expectations]]" April Fool's Day comic
* "[[Bee in the City]]" live script reading

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
* [[Aaron Archer]], Snr. Design Director
* [[Steve Bono]], designer
* [[Michael Ballog]], marketing
* [[Jared Jones]], marketing
* [[Joe Kyde]], designer (exclusives)
* [[Forest Lee]], copywriting
* [[Greg Lombardo]], Snr. Director of Marketing
* [[Marcelo Matere]], freelance artist/designer
* [[Todd Patrick]], packaging design
* [[Bill Rawley]], Sr. Designer
* [[Vickie Stratford]], Snr Design Project Manager
* [[Jared Wade]], Design Director

===Voice actors===
[[Image:kayesari.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Oops...]]

* [[David Kaye]], voice of ''[[Beast Wars (franchise)|Beast Wars]]/[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Megatron (BW)|Megatron]], ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]/[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]/[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Megatron (Armada)|Megatron]], ''[[Transformers Animated|Animated]]'' [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]], [[Grimlock (Animated)|Grimlock]] and [[Lugnut]]
* [[Bumper Robinson]], voice of ''Animated'' [[Bumblebee (Animated)|Bumblebee]], [[Blitzwing (Animated)|Blitzwing]] and [[Porter C. Powell]]
* [[Tara Strong]], voice of [[Sari Sumdac]] and [[Teletran-1]]

===Comics and animation===
* [[Simon Furman]], comics writer extraordinaire
* [[Marty Isenberg]], Story editor of ''Beast Machines'' and ''Transformers Animated''
* [[Alex Milne]], [[IDW Publishing]] artist
* [[Derrick Wyatt]], artist and character designer of ''Transformers Animated''
* [[Matt Youngberg]], storyboard artist and animation director of ''Transformers'' Animated

==Events==
Fun Publications scheduled a large number of events to take place over the course of the convention to keep attendees entertained and informed.

===Thursday===
*9:00 AM Transformers Figure Customizing Class creating [[Nightbeat (SG)|Nightbeat]] from ''[[Timelines (fiction)|Timelines]]'' [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]]
*9:00 AM Molding and Casting Class
*7:45 AM-5:15 United States Air Force Museum Tour
*6:00 PM Registration/Package Pick-Up Begins
*8:30-9:30 Dealer Unload and Drop
*9:00 PM Message Board/Room-to-Room Trading Info
*10 PM Package Pick-Up/Registration Closes
*10:00 [[MSTF]]

===Friday===
*7:30AM-2 PM Dealer Set-Up
*8:00AM-9AM Club Store open for Dealers Only
*9:00 AM Club Store opens for all Registered Attendees
*9:00-12:00 Contest Check in/Set-up
*9:30 AM Late Package Pick-Up
*9:30 AM Walk-up Late Registration
*9:00- 9:50 Audition for Transformers Idol
*10:00-10:50 Panel: IDW Publishing: All Hail!
*11:00-11:50 Panel: Cartoon Network Guests
*12:00- 12:50 Panel: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*12:00 PM Contest Judging
*1:00-1:50 Lunch
*2:00-5:00 Private Sales Room Experience
*2:00-3:30 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt, Marty Isenberg
*3:30-5:00 PM Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*5:00 PM Private Preview ends
*7:00 Faction Feud - Battle of the Boards Game Show
*8:30 Transformers Film Fest
*9:30 Cartoon Network Animated Preview--featured a sneak preview screening of "[[Garbage In, Garbage Out]]".
*10:00 PM Hasbro Transformers Team [[Transformers (2007)|Live-action Movie DVD]] Commentary

===Saturday===
*7:30AM Dealer Set-up
*8:30 Walk-up Late Check In/Registration
*8:30 SALES ROOM OPENS for Private Preview
*9:00 Video Room open
*9:00 "Early Bird" Admission
*Hourly Door Prize Giveaway
*9:30-11:00 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*10:00 General Admission
*10:30 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*11:00-11:50 Panel: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*11:00-12:30 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt, Marty Isenberg
*Noon Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*12:00-12:50 Panel: TCC Magazine and Comic Q&A
*1:00-2:50 Panel: Hasbro Toy
*1:30-3:00 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt,Marty Isenberg
*3:00-3:50 Transformers Collectors’ Club Roundtable
*3:30 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*3:00-4:30 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*4:00-4:50 Panel: IDW Publishing: All Hail!
*5:00 PM Show Closes
*7:00 PM Casino Night Awards Dinner
*9:45 PM "[[Bee in the City]]" live script reading
*10:00 PM Auction

===Sunday===
*9AM Dealer Set-up
*9:30AM SALES ROOM & GENERAL ADMISSION OPENS
*10AM Video Room opens
*10:00-11:50 Panel:Animated Hasbro Cartoon Network--included a sneak preview screening of "[[Black Friday (episode)|Black Friday]]".
*10:00-11:30 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*10:30 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*11:30-1:00 Autographs: Derrick Wyatt,Marty Isenberg
*1:00-2:30 Autographs: David Kaye, Tara Strong, Bumper Robinson
*1:00-1:50 Panel: Hasbro Designers
*2:00-2:50 Hands on Demonstration: How to Draw Transformers
*3:00 Draw for Trips to 2009 Convention
*3:30 PM ALL EXHIBITS & SALES ROOM CLOSE

==Trivia==
*Hasbro initally released ''Transformers Animated'' toys exclusively in the Cincinnati area about 2 weeks prior to BotCon. Of course, by the time of the convention most dealers or locals had all but cleaned the stores out.
{{stub}}

==External links==
*[http://botcon.com/Botcon08/08faq.cfm BotCon 2008 FAQ]

[[Category:Conventions]]

File:Kayesari.jpg

2010-02-18T06:41:57Z

Star Saber: David Kaye accidentially breaks Sari's hair at BC08.

David Kaye accidentially breaks Sari's hair at BC08.

BotCon 2007

2010-02-18T06:32:23Z

Star Saber: /* Events */

[[Image:BC07logo.jpg|right|350px|thumb|[[Optimus Prime (G1)]]|Who could this mysterious black figure be?]]
[[Image:Botcon2007-lobbyoptimusprime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Nothing says "welcome" like a giant robot about to punch your lights out.]]

'''[[BotCon]] 2007''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2007, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Providence, Rhode Island from [[June 27]] to [[July 1]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

Fun Publications had previously held its conventions in the early fall; however, the date was moved up to coincide with the release of the [[Transformers (2007)|live-action Transfomers movie]].

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2006]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2008]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Ascending and Descending.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Providence Place mall]]
[[Image:ProvidencePlace.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No, seriously.]]

Botcon 2007 was held at the [http://www.riconvention.com/ Rhode Island Convention Center] in Providence, Rhode Island, from June 28 through July 1. The RICC is attached to a Westin hotel, the first of four downtown Providence hotels to have blocks booked for the convention by Fun Publications. Convenient sky bridges connect the hotel to the convention center, ensuring that attendees never had to actually set foot outside during the weekend. Granted, doing so risked instant death beneath the wheels of rushing cars on the freeway-like street crossed by the sky bridge.

The convention center is ''also'' attached to [http://www.providenceplace.com/ Providence Place Mall], which features a sixteen screen multiplex theatre and a Hot Topic that was ''totally'' sold out of [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] clothing by Friday morning.

The mall's slogan is "DEFINING YOU". Up yours, Providence Place Mall.

==Merchandise==
===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, bio cards, and for the first 300 registrants, an exclusive Bug Bite pin. This set sold out (both boxed and bagged versions) well in advance of the convention.

:*'''[[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]''' - A Black and white redeco of [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|''Classics'' Bumblebee]] with a purple tribal tattoo-style design on it.

:*'''[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]''' - A white and purple redeco of [[Jetfire (G1)|''Classics'' Jetfire]] with a remolded head.

:*'''[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]''' - A redeco of [[Starscream (G1)/toys|''Classics'' Starscream]] that replicates ''Generation 1'' Thundercracker's deco.

:*'''[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]''' - A redeco of [[Ramjet (G1)|''Classics'' Ramjet]] that replicates ''Generation 1'' Dirge's deco.

:*'''[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]''' - A retool of both sets of wings on the ''Classics'' Seeker mold, with the rest of the mold's configuration retaining elements from both Starscream and Ramjet. The deco replicates ''Generation 1'' Thrust's deco.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], an unpainted version of ''Classics'' Mirage with mostly translucent blue plastic, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, with only 1,400 produced of each set.

:*'''[[Alpha Trion (SG)|Alpha Trion]] and [[Weirdwolf]]''' - A purple, red, and white redeco of ''Cybertron'' [[Vector Prime]] with a remolded head, and [[Snarl (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Snarl]] redecoed to look like Weirdwolf.

:*'''[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]''' - Redecoes of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Cybertron Defense Hot Shot]] and [[Armorhide (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Armorhide]], done to look like Springer and Huffer, respectively. Springer was singled out by Fun Publications owner [[Brian Savage]] for having an unusually high number of paint apps, even for a convention exclusive.

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Games of Deception]]''''' - A comic drawn by [[Alex Milne]] and written by [[Forest Lee]], set in the [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|Club Comic]] [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] universe. The comic was also available with an alternate cover and several pages of bonus content at the Club table.

===Other items===
* A pitcher bearing the BotCon 2007 logo with a light-up (red) base.
* A mug bearing the same logo and light-up base.
* A ball cap bearing the same logo.
* A T-shirt with the "Games of Deception" box graphics.
* A Classics-themed lithograph by [[Don Figueroa]].
* A fan-produced [[Vector Sigma]] set including stand and Key by the Lukis Bros at Unicron.com
* Four different keycards were given out to those staying in one of the four official hotels. Each bore an image of a different Movie character: Optimus Prime (Biltmore), Megatron (Marriot Courtyard), Starscream (Hilton), or Bumblebee (Westin). Although not sold at the convention itself, each card was available as a "bonus" with specific convention packages available through the Club Store. Remaining cards were sold as a set for $5 at [[Botcon 2008]] at the Club table.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Because of the convention's intentional proximity to [[Hasbro]]'s corporate headquarters in Pawtucket, RI, almost all current Hasbro employees that work on the ''Transformers'' brand made an appearance at the convention.

* [[Brian Goldner]], Chief Operating Officer
* [[Vickie Stratford]], Sr. Design Project Manager (Boy's Toys)
* [[Joe Kyde]], Designer (Boy's Toys, Exclusive Division)

====''Transformers'' brand====
* [[Greg Lombardo]], Sr.Director of Marketing
* [[Aaron Archer]], Sr. Design Director
* [[Eric Siebenaler]], Lead Designer
* [[Jared Wade]], Design Director
* [[William Rawley]], Sr. Designer

===Movie staff===
*[[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|''Generation 1'' Cartoon]] and the upcoming film, made an appearance at the convention, signing autographs and hosting a panel.
*[[Bob Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], the writers of the screenplay for the movie, had several panels over the course of the weekend.
*[[Rachael Taylor]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] made an appearance at the [[BotCon 2007#Thursday|movie screening]]. They and Brian Goldner were actually attending a charity screening of the movie next door to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the Autism Project of Rhode Island, Adoption Rhode Island, and Hasbro Children's Hospital.<ref>[http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/index.jsp?epi-content=NEWS_VIEW_POPUP_TYPE&newsId=20070501005912&ndmHsc=v2*A1175425200000*B1178059402000*DgroupByDate*J2*L1*N1000837*Ztransformers&newsLang=en&beanID=202776713&viewID=news_view_popup (subscription required). Business Wire. 2007-05-01]</ref>

===Other actors===
* [[David Kaye]], recently announced as the voice of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] for ''[[Transformers Animated]]''. [[Megatron (BW)|Yessss...]]
* [[Daniel Ross]], voice of [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] in all version of ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' and [[Mixmaster (Movie)|Mixmaster]] and [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] in [[Transformers The Game (PSP)|the PSP version of ''Transformers The Game'']].

===Musicians===
*[[Stan Bush]], performer of 'Dare', 'The Touch', 'Ground Zero', and 'Till All Are One', attended the con, performing a concert at the Saturday dinner, giving a panel, and playing [[Wikipedia:Guitar Hero|Guitar Hero]] for the first time at an attendee's party.

*[[Ernie Petrangelo]], lead songwriter of [[N.R.G.]] (the performers of 'Instruments of Destruction' from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 animated film]]'s soundtrack. Petrangelo was scheduled to be at the convention to sign autographs, but did not show as he was informed of the wrong day and actually turned up on the wednesday pre-registration, spending the day trying to find Brian Savage).

===Comics and art===
* [[IDW]] editor [[Dan Taylor]].
* IDW artist/writer [[Nick Roche]].
* IDW artist [[Alex Milne]].
* IDW artist [[Robby Musso]].

{{stub}}

===Government===
[[Image:Botcon2007-sectorseven.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You were never here and neither was this trailer]]
Some representatives of [[Sector Seven]] were in attendance at the convention, attempting to dispel the notion of the existence of [[NBE|NBEs]] through presentations in the [[Sector Seven Mobile Command Unit]].

==Events==
===Wednesday===
[[Image:overkills.jpg|right|200px|thumb|If you were in Wednesday's class, you made the Overkill on the ''right''.]]
The only two events on Wednesday were open to a limited (first come, first serve) number of pre-registrants only.

* A customization class featuring the creation of [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] from the [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Classics Grimlock]] mold.

* A tour of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Cape Cod followed by a whale-watching cruise in Hyannis, MA.

===Thursday===
Thursday was the day when the majority of preregistrants arrived. Events on Thursday included...

* A second customization class nearly identical to the Wednesday class.

* A 3D Display class.

* The Newport Tour.

* A special early screening of the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' 2007 movie]]. Hasbro alpha dog and executive producer [[Brian Goldner]] brought two stars of the film, but was unable to introduce Rachel Taylor before the audience started screaming for Tyrese to bring something.
[[Image:Mstf2007.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In the not too distant future, somewhere in Providence.]]

===Friday===
Friday was the first full day of the convention for most participants.

Major events included...

* [[BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour|Hasbro Tour]].

* Several David Kaye panels.

* A Stan Bush panel.

* A panel with the screenwriters of the movie.

* The [[Board Wars]] preliminary round.

* Autograph sessions.

* [[MSTF]].

In addition, the sales room was open from 4 to 7 PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2007-dealerroomoptimusprime.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The dealer room, featuring Optimus Prime.]]
[[Image:Botcon2007-optimusprimetruck.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The auxiliary display room, featuring Optimus Pr-- hey waaaait a second... anybody starting to suspect one of these might not be the real guy??]]
A big day. Events included...

* An ''[[Attacktix]]'' Tournament.

* The Board Wars finals, which Team Transformers Wiki won.

* Autograph sessions, including Peter Cullen this time.

* Another panel with the movie screenwriters.

* A panel where Hasbro discussed their involvement with the development of the movie and accompanying merchandise.

* Lessons on how to draw Transformers.

* A panel with [[Activision]], publishers of ''[[Transformers: The Game]]''.

* A panel with [[IDW Publishing]].

* A panel with Peter Cullen.

* Another panel with David Kaye.

* A collector's club roundtable.

* An awards show dinner/Stan Bush concert.

* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] showed up and hung out next to the [[BotCon 2007|Sector Seven Mobile Command Unit]].

Additionally, the dealer's room was open until 5PM.

===Sunday===
All of the panels on this final day of BotCon were repeats of those held earlier in the weekend, with one significant exception:

* Hasbro upcoming product panel, which premiered both the [[AllSpark Power]] wave of movie toys, and the character designs, animation clips, and toys of the ''[[Transformers Animated]]'' series.

The dealer room was open until 3:30PM.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/07index.cfm BotCon.com's archive for BotCon 2007]

[[Category:Conventions]]

File:Overkills.jpg

2010-02-18T06:17:13Z

Star Saber: Custom Class Overkills from Wed and Thursday classes. Thursday's class had less time due to pre-registration pickup and thus fewer paint applications.

Custom Class Overkills from Wed and Thursday classes. Thursday's class had less time due to pre-registration pickup and thus fewer paint applications.

BotCon 2006

2010-02-18T06:02:20Z

Star Saber:

[[Image:Bigfist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In honor of [[Michael Bay]]'s "Giant F***ing Robots are Coming" initiative, a Giant F***ing Robot Fist was present at BotCon 2006.]]

'''[[BotCon]] 2006''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2006, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Lexington, Kentucky from [[September 28]] to [[October 1|October 1st]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2005]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2007]]''
[[Image:bc06logo.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Red Alert wasn't at the convention! It must be a plot!]]

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2006-conventioncenter.jpg|center|600px|thumb|Visit beautiful Lexington, Kentucky]]
BotCon 2006 was held at [http://www.lexingtoncenter.com/ Lexington Center], a convention and hotel complex in the center of downtown.

==Merchandise==
BotCon 2006's [[exclusive]] merchandise included:

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, and five [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] made to look like the [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disk]].

:*'''[[Rattrap|Axalon Rattrap]]''' - An orange, silver, bronze and black redeco of [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

:*'''[[Rhinox (BW)|Axalon Rhinox]]''' - A green, brown, gold, and black redeco of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]].

:*'''[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Axalon Cheetor]]''' - A yellow and teal retool of [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] with cheetah-print seat covers and a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Dinobot (BW)|Darksyde Dinobot]]''' - A grey, black, brown, and blue redeco of [[Longrack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Longrack]] with [[Hoist (Armada)|''Armada'' Hoist's]] head.

:*'''[[Optimus Primal/toys|Axalon Optimus Primal]]''' - A black, white, red, and blue retool of [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]] with a new head sculpt.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Tigatron|Unit 2/(Tigatron)]], a white and teal version of the Cheetor exclusive toy with tiger-stripe seat covers, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, limited to 500 of each set.

:*'''[[Megatron (BW)/toys|Darksyde Megatron]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Darksyde Waspinator]]''' - A purple and black retool of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] with a new head and a green and yellow redeco of ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]/[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]].

:*'''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]''' - Red and orange redecos of [[Divebomb (Energon)|''Energon'' Divebomb]] with clear-purple [[Energon weapon|energon weapons]].

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Dawn of Future's Past]]''''' - A prequel comic to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.

*'''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|IDW Preview Comic: ''Transformers: Spotlight - Nightbeat'']]''' - A preview of the second issue of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]] series, with no ads, a sketch variant cover, the two normal covers included inside at full size, and a preview of the [[Movie Adaptation|movie adaptation]] comic at the back of the book.

Free copies of the then-current issue of [[Master Collector]] and small teaser posters for the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' movie]] were also distributed for free near the entrance to the dealer room. Both pre-registrants and walk-in attendees received these.

In addition to handing out Autobot and Decepticon magnets, the Hasbro Team also provided fans with complimentary
rub-on tattoos. Like the magnets, these were available in both factions although Hasbro ran out of Autobot tattoos
come Sunday.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Along with standbys [[Aaron Archer]] and [[Eric Siebenaler]] of the design team, [[Forest Lee]] (writer of the biographical information for the large majority of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' line) was in attendance, as were a number of [[Hasbro]] marketing and administrative persons, such as [[Greg Lombardo]].

===Voice actors===
BotCon regular, veteran voice actor, and all-around-crazy-guy [[Scott McNeil]] was once again in attendance at the convention. Fellow ''Beast Wars'' voice actors [[Richard Newman]], [[Blu Mankuma]] and [[Pauline Newstone]] attended for their first BotCon.

Last, but most certainly not least (in fact, maybe greatest), was [[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|G1 Cartoon]] and the 2007 film.

===Comics and art===
[[Chris Ryall]] and [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] attended to represent [[IDW Publishing]]. [[Simon Furman]], writer of a vast portion of the ''Transformers'' mythos, was also present to discuss his past projects as well as his current projects with IDW.

A majority of the artists who were currently working on ''Transformers'' art in an official capacity, including [[Don Figueroa]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Dan Khanna]], [[Jake Isenberg]], [[Drew Eiden]], and [[Marcelo Matere]] were in attendance as well.

==Events==
[[Image:customclass.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Not as easy as it looks.]]
===Wednesday and Thursday===
Wednesday and Thursday were the slowest days of the convention, primarily for the benefit of pre-registrants. However, there were a few panels on those days, including the classic "[[MSTF]]" spoofing of [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon episodes]] on Thursday night and a Transformer customization seminar on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The customization panel cost $30 extra, but the attendees got two hand-painted [[Scrapmetal (race)|''Cybertron'' Scrapmetals]] out of it (plus a second unassembled set to keep sealed if desired) with the option of giving one the [[Cobybot]] head.

===Friday===
Friday was the first day the convention began in earnest, though it was open to preregistrants only. A local high school marching band performed the G1 Transformers theme as fans entered the ballroom containing the dealer's room, registration tables, and Club Store when the doors first opened at 2 pm.
[[Image:marchingband.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Major events included...

*A voice actor panel with Blu Mankuma, Scott McNeil, Richard Newman, and Pauline Newstone.

*A panel with the Hasbro design team, where the design process was explained and the shelved design sketches of [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Cosmos (G1)]] were shown.

*A panel with Simon Furman.

*Autograph sessions with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*A midnight screening of the then-newly remastered Sony 20th Anniversary edition of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

*The first round of "[[Board Wars|Faction Feud/Board Wars]]" a trivia competition whose rules bore no resemblance to Family Feud whatsoever.

In addition, the dealer room was open from 2PM to 5PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2006-descentintoline.jpg|center|600px|thumb|BotCon 2006: DESCENT INTO LINE]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-dealerroom.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-playpit.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There is exactly one game you can play in this pit: Starscream Kicks the Ever-Living Snot Out of Downshift.]]
Saturday was the first day in which walk-in attendees were allowed. Though the doors opened at 10am, a huge, slow-moving line wrapping around much of the convention center meant that most walk-in attendees waited nearly an hour to enter.

Major events included...

*A panel on cartoon creation with [[David McDermott]] and Aaron Archer.

*A panel on the Collectors' Club newsletter hosted by [[Pete Sinclair]].

*Autograph sessions with Peter Cullen, as well as the ''Beast Wars'' actors.

*The Hasbro New Product Unveiling, the major panel of the year. Attendance was standing-room-only for walk-ins. The majority of the ''Classics'' line was shown, as well as a preview of the special features for the Sony ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' DVD, and a "sizzle reel" for the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie ("I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay!") It was during this panel that the design team professed that they were huge fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

*Another Voice Actor panel.

*A roundtable on the ''Transformers'' Fan Club run by [[Brian Savage]].

*A Q&A panel featuring Peter Cullen.

*The annual dinner.

A children's playpit in the dealer room featured dozens of [[Starscream (Armada)|King Starscream]] toys.

Hasbro's display cases featured the upcoming ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, including [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], the reissue of the original [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] toy, and the new-mold [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].

===Sunday===
Sunday was the day when the show wound down. Most of the panels were repeats, and the dealer room opened late and closed early, but most attendees still managed to enjoy themselves.

Major events included...

*More autograph time with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*The final round of Faction Feud Board Wars.

*A panel with the IDW comic creators.

*A repeat of the Simon Furman panel.

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon06updates.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2006]

[[Category:Conventions]]

File:Bc06logo.jpg

2010-02-18T05:39:00Z

Star Saber: BotCon 2006 official logo by Fun Publications.

BotCon 2006 official logo by Fun Publications.

BotCon 2006

2010-02-18T05:31:13Z

Star Saber: /* Comics */

[[Image:Bigfist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In honor of [[Michael Bay]]'s "Giant F***ing Robots are Coming" initiative, a Giant F***ing Robot Fist was present at BotCon 2006.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2006''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2006, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Lexington, Kentucky from [[September 28]] to [[October 1|October 1st]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2005]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2007]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2006-conventioncenter.jpg|center|600px|thumb|Visit beautiful Lexington, Kentucky]]
BotCon 2006 was held at [http://www.lexingtoncenter.com/ Lexington Center], a convention and hotel complex in the center of downtown.

==Merchandise==
BotCon 2006's [[exclusive]] merchandise included:

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, and five [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] made to look like the [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disk]].

:*'''[[Rattrap|Axalon Rattrap]]''' - An orange, silver, bronze and black redeco of [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

:*'''[[Rhinox (BW)|Axalon Rhinox]]''' - A green, brown, gold, and black redeco of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]].

:*'''[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Axalon Cheetor]]''' - A yellow and teal retool of [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] with cheetah-print seat covers and a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Dinobot (BW)|Darksyde Dinobot]]''' - A grey, black, brown, and blue redeco of [[Longrack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Longrack]] with [[Hoist (Armada)|''Armada'' Hoist's]] head.

:*'''[[Optimus Primal/toys|Axalon Optimus Primal]]''' - A black, white, red, and blue retool of [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]] with a new head sculpt.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Tigatron|Unit 2/(Tigatron)]], a white and teal version of the Cheetor exclusive toy with tiger-stripe seat covers, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, limited to 500 of each set.

:*'''[[Megatron (BW)/toys|Darksyde Megatron]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Darksyde Waspinator]]''' - A purple and black retool of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] with a new head and a green and yellow redeco of ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]/[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]].

:*'''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]''' - Red and orange redecos of [[Divebomb (Energon)|''Energon'' Divebomb]] with clear-purple [[Energon weapon|energon weapons]].

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Dawn of Future's Past]]''''' - A prequel comic to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.

*'''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|IDW Preview Comic: ''Transformers: Spotlight - Nightbeat'']]''' - A preview of the second issue of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]] series, with no ads, a sketch variant cover, the two normal covers included inside at full size, and a preview of the [[Movie Adaptation|movie adaptation]] comic at the back of the book.

Free copies of the then-current issue of [[Master Collector]] and small teaser posters for the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' movie]] were also distributed for free near the entrance to the dealer room. Both pre-registrants and walk-in attendees received these.

In addition to handing out Autobot and Decepticon magnets, the Hasbro Team also provided fans with complimentary
rub-on tattoos. Like the magnets, these were available in both factions although Hasbro ran out of Autobot tattoos
come Sunday.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Along with standbys [[Aaron Archer]] and [[Eric Siebenaler]] of the design team, [[Forest Lee]] (writer of the biographical information for the large majority of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' line) was in attendance, as were a number of [[Hasbro]] marketing and administrative persons, such as [[Greg Lombardo]].

===Voice actors===
BotCon regular, veteran voice actor, and all-around-crazy-guy [[Scott McNeil]] was once again in attendance at the convention. Fellow ''Beast Wars'' voice actors [[Richard Newman]], [[Blu Mankuma]] and [[Pauline Newstone]] attended for their first BotCon.

Last, but most certainly not least (in fact, maybe greatest), was [[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|G1 Cartoon]] and the 2007 film.

===Comics and art===
[[Chris Ryall]] and [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] attended to represent [[IDW Publishing]]. [[Simon Furman]], writer of a vast portion of the ''Transformers'' mythos, was also present to discuss his past projects as well as his current projects with IDW.

A majority of the artists who were currently working on ''Transformers'' art in an official capacity, including [[Don Figueroa]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Dan Khanna]], [[Jake Isenberg]], [[Drew Eiden]], and [[Marcelo Matere]] were in attendance as well.

==Events==
[[Image:customclass.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Not as easy as it looks.]]
===Wednesday and Thursday===
Wednesday and Thursday were the slowest days of the convention, primarily for the benefit of pre-registrants. However, there were a few panels on those days, including the classic "[[MSTF]]" spoofing of [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon episodes]] on Thursday night and a Transformer customization seminar on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The customization panel cost $30 extra, but the attendees got two hand-painted [[Scrapmetal (race)|''Cybertron'' Scrapmetals]] out of it (plus a second unassembled set to keep sealed if desired) with the option of giving one the [[Cobybot]] head.

===Friday===
Friday was the first day the convention began in earnest, though it was open to preregistrants only. A local high school marching band performed the G1 Transformers theme as fans entered the ballroom containing the dealer's room, registration tables, and Club Store when the doors first opened at 2 pm.
[[Image:marchingband.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Major events included...

*A voice actor panel with Blu Mankuma, Scott McNeil, Richard Newman, and Pauline Newstone.

*A panel with the Hasbro design team, where the design process was explained and the shelved design sketches of [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Cosmos (G1)]] were shown.

*A panel with Simon Furman.

*Autograph sessions with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*A midnight screening of the then-newly remastered Sony 20th Anniversary edition of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

*The first round of "[[Board Wars|Faction Feud/Board Wars]]" a trivia competition whose rules bore no resemblance to Family Feud whatsoever.

In addition, the dealer room was open from 2PM to 5PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2006-descentintoline.jpg|center|600px|thumb|BotCon 2006: DESCENT INTO LINE]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-dealerroom.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-playpit.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There is exactly one game you can play in this pit: Starscream Kicks the Ever-Living Snot Out of Downshift.]]
Saturday was the first day in which walk-in attendees were allowed. Though the doors opened at 10am, a huge, slow-moving line wrapping around much of the convention center meant that most walk-in attendees waited nearly an hour to enter.

Major events included...

*A panel on cartoon creation with [[David McDermott]] and Aaron Archer.

*A panel on the Collectors' Club newsletter hosted by [[Pete Sinclair]].

*Autograph sessions with Peter Cullen, as well as the ''Beast Wars'' actors.

*The Hasbro New Product Unveiling, the major panel of the year. Attendance was standing-room-only for walk-ins. The majority of the ''Classics'' line was shown, as well as a preview of the special features for the Sony ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' DVD, and a "sizzle reel" for the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie ("I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay!") It was during this panel that the design team professed that they were huge fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

*Another Voice Actor panel.

*A roundtable on the ''Transformers'' Fan Club run by [[Brian Savage]].

*A Q&A panel featuring Peter Cullen.

*The annual dinner.

A children's playpit in the dealer room featured dozens of [[Starscream (Armada)|King Starscream]] toys.

Hasbro's display cases featured the upcoming ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, including [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], the reissue of the original [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] toy, and the new-mold [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].

===Sunday===
Sunday was the day when the show wound down. Most of the panels were repeats, and the dealer room opened late and closed early, but most attendees still managed to enjoy themselves.

Major events included...

*More autograph time with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*The final round of Faction Feud Board Wars.

*A panel with the IDW comic creators.

*A repeat of the Simon Furman panel.

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon06updates.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2006]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2006

2010-02-18T05:20:04Z

Star Saber: /* Events */

[[Image:Bigfist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In honor of [[Michael Bay]]'s "Giant F***ing Robots are Coming" initiative, a Giant F***ing Robot Fist was present at BotCon 2006.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2006''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2006, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Lexington, Kentucky from [[September 28]] to [[October 1|October 1st]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2005]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2007]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2006-conventioncenter.jpg|center|600px|thumb|Visit beautiful Lexington, Kentucky]]
BotCon 2006 was held at [http://www.lexingtoncenter.com/ Lexington Center], a convention and hotel complex in the center of downtown.

==Merchandise==
BotCon 2006's [[exclusive]] merchandise included:

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, and five [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] made to look like the [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disk]].

:*'''[[Rattrap|Axalon Rattrap]]''' - An orange, silver, bronze and black redeco of [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

:*'''[[Rhinox (BW)|Axalon Rhinox]]''' - A green, brown, gold, and black redeco of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]].

:*'''[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Axalon Cheetor]]''' - A yellow and teal retool of [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] with cheetah-print seat covers and a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Dinobot (BW)|Darksyde Dinobot]]''' - A grey, black, brown, and blue redeco of [[Longrack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Longrack]] with [[Hoist (Armada)|''Armada'' Hoist's]] head.

:*'''[[Optimus Primal/toys|Axalon Optimus Primal]]''' - A black, white, red, and blue retool of [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]] with a new head sculpt.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Tigatron|Unit 2/(Tigatron)]], a white and teal version of the Cheetor exclusive toy with tiger-stripe seat covers, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, limited to 500 of each set.

:*'''[[Megatron (BW)/toys|Darksyde Megatron]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Darksyde Waspinator]]''' - A purple and black retool of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] with a new head and a green and yellow redeco of ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]/[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]].

:*'''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]''' - Red and orange redecos of [[Divebomb (Energon)|''Energon'' Divebomb]] with clear-purple [[Energon weapon|energon weapons]].

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Dawn of Future's Past]]''''' - A prequel comic to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.

*'''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|IDW Preview Comic: ''Transformers: Spotlight - Nightbeat'']]''' - A preview of the second issue of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]] series, with no ads, a sketch variant cover, the two normal covers included inside at full size, and a preview of the [[Movie Adaptation|movie adaptation]] comic at the back of the book.

Free copies of the then-current issue of [[Master Collector]] and small teaser posters for the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' movie]] were also distributed for free near the entrance to the dealer room. Both pre-registrants and walk-in attendees received these.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Along with standbys [[Aaron Archer]] and [[Eric Siebenaler]] of the design team, [[Forest Lee]] (writer of the biographical information for the large majority of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' line) was in attendance, as were a number of [[Hasbro]] marketing and administrative persons, such as [[Greg Lombardo]].

===Voice actors===
BotCon regular, veteran voice actor, and all-around-crazy-guy [[Scott McNeil]] was once again in attendance at the convention. Fellow ''Beast Wars'' voice actors [[Richard Newman]], [[Blu Mankuma]] and [[Pauline Newstone]] attended for their first BotCon.

Last, but most certainly not least (in fact, maybe greatest), was [[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|G1 Cartoon]] and the 2007 film.

===Comics and art===
[[Chris Ryall]] and [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] attended to represent [[IDW Publishing]]. [[Simon Furman]], writer of a vast portion of the ''Transformers'' mythos, was also present to discuss his past projects as well as his current projects with IDW.

A majority of the artists who were currently working on ''Transformers'' art in an official capacity, including [[Don Figueroa]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Dan Khanna]], [[Jake Isenberg]], [[Drew Eiden]], and [[Marcelo Matere]] were in attendance as well.

==Events==
[[Image:customclass.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Not as easy as it looks.]]
===Wednesday and Thursday===
Wednesday and Thursday were the slowest days of the convention, primarily for the benefit of pre-registrants. However, there were a few panels on those days, including the classic "[[MSTF]]" spoofing of [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon episodes]] on Thursday night and a Transformer customization seminar on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The customization panel cost $30 extra, but the attendees got two hand-painted [[Scrapmetal (race)|''Cybertron'' Scrapmetals]] out of it (plus a second unassembled set to keep sealed if desired) with the option of giving one the [[Cobybot]] head.

===Friday===
Friday was the first day the convention began in earnest, though it was open to preregistrants only. A local high school marching band performed the G1 Transformers theme as fans entered the ballroom containing the dealer's room, registration tables, and Club Store when the doors first opened at 2 pm.
[[Image:marchingband.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Major events included...

*A voice actor panel with Blu Mankuma, Scott McNeil, Richard Newman, and Pauline Newstone.

*A panel with the Hasbro design team, where the design process was explained and the shelved design sketches of [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Cosmos (G1)]] were shown.

*A panel with Simon Furman.

*Autograph sessions with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*A midnight screening of the then-newly remastered Sony 20th Anniversary edition of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

*The first round of "[[Board Wars|Faction Feud/Board Wars]]" a trivia competition whose rules bore no resemblance to Family Feud whatsoever.

In addition, the dealer room was open from 2PM to 5PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2006-descentintoline.jpg|center|600px|thumb|BotCon 2006: DESCENT INTO LINE]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-dealerroom.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-playpit.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There is exactly one game you can play in this pit: Starscream Kicks the Ever-Living Snot Out of Downshift.]]
Saturday was the first day in which walk-in attendees were allowed. Though the doors opened at 10am, a huge, slow-moving line wrapping around much of the convention center meant that most walk-in attendees waited nearly an hour to enter.

Major events included...

*A panel on cartoon creation with [[David McDermott]] and Aaron Archer.

*A panel on the Collectors' Club newsletter hosted by [[Pete Sinclair]].

*Autograph sessions with Peter Cullen, as well as the ''Beast Wars'' actors.

*The Hasbro New Product Unveiling, the major panel of the year. Attendance was standing-room-only for walk-ins. The majority of the ''Classics'' line was shown, as well as a preview of the special features for the Sony ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' DVD, and a "sizzle reel" for the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie ("I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay!") It was during this panel that the design team professed that they were huge fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

*Another Voice Actor panel.

*A roundtable on the ''Transformers'' Fan Club run by [[Brian Savage]].

*A Q&A panel featuring Peter Cullen.

*The annual dinner.

A children's playpit in the dealer room featured dozens of [[Starscream (Armada)|King Starscream]] toys.

Hasbro's display cases featured the upcoming ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, including [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], the reissue of the original [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] toy, and the new-mold [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].

===Sunday===
Sunday was the day when the show wound down. Most of the panels were repeats, and the dealer room opened late and closed early, but most attendees still managed to enjoy themselves.

Major events included...

*More autograph time with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*The final round of Faction Feud Board Wars.

*A panel with the IDW comic creators.

*A repeat of the Simon Furman panel.

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon06updates.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2006]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2006

2010-02-18T05:19:11Z

Star Saber: /* Wednesday and Thursday */

[[Image:Bigfist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In honor of [[Michael Bay]]'s "Giant F***ing Robots are Coming" initiative, a Giant F***ing Robot Fist was present at BotCon 2006.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2006''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2006, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Lexington, Kentucky from [[September 28]] to [[October 1|October 1st]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2005]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2007]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2006-conventioncenter.jpg|center|600px|thumb|Visit beautiful Lexington, Kentucky]]
BotCon 2006 was held at [http://www.lexingtoncenter.com/ Lexington Center], a convention and hotel complex in the center of downtown.

==Merchandise==
BotCon 2006's [[exclusive]] merchandise included:

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, and five [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] made to look like the [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disk]].

:*'''[[Rattrap|Axalon Rattrap]]''' - An orange, silver, bronze and black redeco of [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

:*'''[[Rhinox (BW)|Axalon Rhinox]]''' - A green, brown, gold, and black redeco of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]].

:*'''[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Axalon Cheetor]]''' - A yellow and teal retool of [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] with cheetah-print seat covers and a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Dinobot (BW)|Darksyde Dinobot]]''' - A grey, black, brown, and blue redeco of [[Longrack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Longrack]] with [[Hoist (Armada)|''Armada'' Hoist's]] head.

:*'''[[Optimus Primal/toys|Axalon Optimus Primal]]''' - A black, white, red, and blue retool of [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]] with a new head sculpt.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Tigatron|Unit 2/(Tigatron)]], a white and teal version of the Cheetor exclusive toy with tiger-stripe seat covers, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, limited to 500 of each set.

:*'''[[Megatron (BW)/toys|Darksyde Megatron]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Darksyde Waspinator]]''' - A purple and black retool of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] with a new head and a green and yellow redeco of ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]/[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]].

:*'''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]''' - Red and orange redecos of [[Divebomb (Energon)|''Energon'' Divebomb]] with clear-purple [[Energon weapon|energon weapons]].

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Dawn of Future's Past]]''''' - A prequel comic to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.

*'''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|IDW Preview Comic: ''Transformers: Spotlight - Nightbeat'']]''' - A preview of the second issue of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]] series, with no ads, a sketch variant cover, the two normal covers included inside at full size, and a preview of the [[Movie Adaptation|movie adaptation]] comic at the back of the book.

Free copies of the then-current issue of [[Master Collector]] and small teaser posters for the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' movie]] were also distributed for free near the entrance to the dealer room. Both pre-registrants and walk-in attendees received these.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Along with standbys [[Aaron Archer]] and [[Eric Siebenaler]] of the design team, [[Forest Lee]] (writer of the biographical information for the large majority of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' line) was in attendance, as were a number of [[Hasbro]] marketing and administrative persons, such as [[Greg Lombardo]].

===Voice actors===
BotCon regular, veteran voice actor, and all-around-crazy-guy [[Scott McNeil]] was once again in attendance at the convention. Fellow ''Beast Wars'' voice actors [[Richard Newman]], [[Blu Mankuma]] and [[Pauline Newstone]] attended for their first BotCon.

Last, but most certainly not least (in fact, maybe greatest), was [[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|G1 Cartoon]] and the 2007 film.

===Comics and art===
[[Chris Ryall]] and [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] attended to represent [[IDW Publishing]]. [[Simon Furman]], writer of a vast portion of the ''Transformers'' mythos, was also present to discuss his past projects as well as his current projects with IDW.

A majority of the artists who were currently working on ''Transformers'' art in an official capacity, including [[Don Figueroa]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Dan Khanna]], [[Jake Isenberg]], [[Drew Eiden]], and [[Marcelo Matere]] were in attendance as well.

==Events==
===Wednesday and Thursday===
[[Image:customclass.jpg|right|100px|thumb|Not as easy as it looks.]]
Wednesday and Thursday were the slowest days of the convention, primarily for the benefit of pre-registrants. However, there were a few panels on those days, including the classic "[[MSTF]]" spoofing of [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon episodes]] on Thursday night and a Transformer customization seminar on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The customization panel cost $30 extra, but the attendees got two hand-painted [[Scrapmetal (race)|''Cybertron'' Scrapmetals]] out of it (plus a second unassembled set to keep sealed if desired) with the option of giving one the [[Cobybot]] head.

===Friday===
Friday was the first day the convention began in earnest, though it was open to preregistrants only. A local high school marching band performed the G1 Transformers theme as fans entered the ballroom containing the dealer's room, registration tables, and Club Store when the doors first opened at 2 pm.
[[Image:marchingband.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]

Major events included...

*A voice actor panel with Blu Mankuma, Scott McNeil, Richard Newman, and Pauline Newstone.

*A panel with the Hasbro design team, where the design process was explained and the shelved design sketches of [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Cosmos (G1)]] were shown.

*A panel with Simon Furman.

*Autograph sessions with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*A midnight screening of the then-newly remastered Sony 20th Anniversary edition of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

*The first round of "[[Board Wars|Faction Feud/Board Wars]]" a trivia competition whose rules bore no resemblance to Family Feud whatsoever.

In addition, the dealer room was open from 2PM to 5PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2006-descentintoline.jpg|center|600px|thumb|BotCon 2006: DESCENT INTO LINE]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-dealerroom.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-playpit.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There is exactly one game you can play in this pit: Starscream Kicks the Ever-Living Snot Out of Downshift.]]
Saturday was the first day in which walk-in attendees were allowed. Though the doors opened at 10am, a huge, slow-moving line wrapping around much of the convention center meant that most walk-in attendees waited nearly an hour to enter.

Major events included...

*A panel on cartoon creation with [[David McDermott]] and Aaron Archer.

*A panel on the Collectors' Club newsletter hosted by [[Pete Sinclair]].

*Autograph sessions with Peter Cullen, as well as the ''Beast Wars'' actors.

*The Hasbro New Product Unveiling, the major panel of the year. Attendance was standing-room-only for walk-ins. The majority of the ''Classics'' line was shown, as well as a preview of the special features for the Sony ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' DVD, and a "sizzle reel" for the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie ("I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay!") It was during this panel that the design team professed that they were huge fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

*Another Voice Actor panel.

*A roundtable on the ''Transformers'' Fan Club run by [[Brian Savage]].

*A Q&A panel featuring Peter Cullen.

*The annual dinner.

A children's playpit in the dealer room featured dozens of [[Starscream (Armada)|King Starscream]] toys.

Hasbro's display cases featured the upcoming ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, including [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], the reissue of the original [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] toy, and the new-mold [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].

===Sunday===
Sunday was the day when the show wound down. Most of the panels were repeats, and the dealer room opened late and closed early, but most attendees still managed to enjoy themselves.

Major events included...

*More autograph time with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*The final round of Faction Feud Board Wars.

*A panel with the IDW comic creators.

*A repeat of the Simon Furman panel.

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon06updates.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2006]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2006

2010-02-18T05:18:27Z

Star Saber: /* Friday */

[[Image:Bigfist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In honor of [[Michael Bay]]'s "Giant F***ing Robots are Coming" initiative, a Giant F***ing Robot Fist was present at BotCon 2006.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2006''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2006, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Lexington, Kentucky from [[September 28]] to [[October 1|October 1st]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2005]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2007]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2006-conventioncenter.jpg|center|600px|thumb|Visit beautiful Lexington, Kentucky]]
BotCon 2006 was held at [http://www.lexingtoncenter.com/ Lexington Center], a convention and hotel complex in the center of downtown.

==Merchandise==
BotCon 2006's [[exclusive]] merchandise included:

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, and five [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] made to look like the [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disk]].

:*'''[[Rattrap|Axalon Rattrap]]''' - An orange, silver, bronze and black redeco of [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

:*'''[[Rhinox (BW)|Axalon Rhinox]]''' - A green, brown, gold, and black redeco of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]].

:*'''[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Axalon Cheetor]]''' - A yellow and teal retool of [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] with cheetah-print seat covers and a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Dinobot (BW)|Darksyde Dinobot]]''' - A grey, black, brown, and blue redeco of [[Longrack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Longrack]] with [[Hoist (Armada)|''Armada'' Hoist's]] head.

:*'''[[Optimus Primal/toys|Axalon Optimus Primal]]''' - A black, white, red, and blue retool of [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]] with a new head sculpt.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Tigatron|Unit 2/(Tigatron)]], a white and teal version of the Cheetor exclusive toy with tiger-stripe seat covers, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, limited to 500 of each set.

:*'''[[Megatron (BW)/toys|Darksyde Megatron]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Darksyde Waspinator]]''' - A purple and black retool of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] with a new head and a green and yellow redeco of ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]/[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]].

:*'''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]''' - Red and orange redecos of [[Divebomb (Energon)|''Energon'' Divebomb]] with clear-purple [[Energon weapon|energon weapons]].

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Dawn of Future's Past]]''''' - A prequel comic to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.

*'''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|IDW Preview Comic: ''Transformers: Spotlight - Nightbeat'']]''' - A preview of the second issue of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]] series, with no ads, a sketch variant cover, the two normal covers included inside at full size, and a preview of the [[Movie Adaptation|movie adaptation]] comic at the back of the book.

Free copies of the then-current issue of [[Master Collector]] and small teaser posters for the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' movie]] were also distributed for free near the entrance to the dealer room. Both pre-registrants and walk-in attendees received these.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Along with standbys [[Aaron Archer]] and [[Eric Siebenaler]] of the design team, [[Forest Lee]] (writer of the biographical information for the large majority of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' line) was in attendance, as were a number of [[Hasbro]] marketing and administrative persons, such as [[Greg Lombardo]].

===Voice actors===
BotCon regular, veteran voice actor, and all-around-crazy-guy [[Scott McNeil]] was once again in attendance at the convention. Fellow ''Beast Wars'' voice actors [[Richard Newman]], [[Blu Mankuma]] and [[Pauline Newstone]] attended for their first BotCon.

Last, but most certainly not least (in fact, maybe greatest), was [[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|G1 Cartoon]] and the 2007 film.

===Comics and art===
[[Chris Ryall]] and [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] attended to represent [[IDW Publishing]]. [[Simon Furman]], writer of a vast portion of the ''Transformers'' mythos, was also present to discuss his past projects as well as his current projects with IDW.

A majority of the artists who were currently working on ''Transformers'' art in an official capacity, including [[Don Figueroa]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Dan Khanna]], [[Jake Isenberg]], [[Drew Eiden]], and [[Marcelo Matere]] were in attendance as well.

==Events==
===Wednesday and Thursday===
[[Image:customclass.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Not as easy as it looks.]]
Wednesday and Thursday were the slowest days of the convention, primarily for the benefit of pre-registrants. However, there were a few panels on those days, including the classic "[[MSTF]]" spoofing of [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon episodes]] on Thursday night and a Transformer customization seminar on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The customization panel cost $30 extra, but the attendees got two hand-painted [[Scrapmetal (race)|''Cybertron'' Scrapmetals]] out of it (plus a second unassembled set to keep sealed if desired) with the option of giving one the [[Cobybot]] head.

===Friday===
Friday was the first day the convention began in earnest, though it was open to preregistrants only. A local high school marching band performed the G1 Transformers theme as fans entered the ballroom containing the dealer's room, registration tables, and Club Store when the doors first opened at 2 pm.
[[Image:marchingband.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]

Major events included...

*A voice actor panel with Blu Mankuma, Scott McNeil, Richard Newman, and Pauline Newstone.

*A panel with the Hasbro design team, where the design process was explained and the shelved design sketches of [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Cosmos (G1)]] were shown.

*A panel with Simon Furman.

*Autograph sessions with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*A midnight screening of the then-newly remastered Sony 20th Anniversary edition of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

*The first round of "[[Board Wars|Faction Feud/Board Wars]]" a trivia competition whose rules bore no resemblance to Family Feud whatsoever.

In addition, the dealer room was open from 2PM to 5PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2006-descentintoline.jpg|center|600px|thumb|BotCon 2006: DESCENT INTO LINE]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-dealerroom.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-playpit.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There is exactly one game you can play in this pit: Starscream Kicks the Ever-Living Snot Out of Downshift.]]
Saturday was the first day in which walk-in attendees were allowed. Though the doors opened at 10am, a huge, slow-moving line wrapping around much of the convention center meant that most walk-in attendees waited nearly an hour to enter.

Major events included...

*A panel on cartoon creation with [[David McDermott]] and Aaron Archer.

*A panel on the Collectors' Club newsletter hosted by [[Pete Sinclair]].

*Autograph sessions with Peter Cullen, as well as the ''Beast Wars'' actors.

*The Hasbro New Product Unveiling, the major panel of the year. Attendance was standing-room-only for walk-ins. The majority of the ''Classics'' line was shown, as well as a preview of the special features for the Sony ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' DVD, and a "sizzle reel" for the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie ("I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay!") It was during this panel that the design team professed that they were huge fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

*Another Voice Actor panel.

*A roundtable on the ''Transformers'' Fan Club run by [[Brian Savage]].

*A Q&A panel featuring Peter Cullen.

*The annual dinner.

A children's playpit in the dealer room featured dozens of [[Starscream (Armada)|King Starscream]] toys.

Hasbro's display cases featured the upcoming ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, including [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], the reissue of the original [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] toy, and the new-mold [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].

===Sunday===
Sunday was the day when the show wound down. Most of the panels were repeats, and the dealer room opened late and closed early, but most attendees still managed to enjoy themselves.

Major events included...

*More autograph time with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*The final round of Faction Feud Board Wars.

*A panel with the IDW comic creators.

*A repeat of the Simon Furman panel.

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon06updates.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2006]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2006

2010-02-18T05:17:42Z

Star Saber: /* Wednesday and Thursday */

[[Image:Bigfist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In honor of [[Michael Bay]]'s "Giant F***ing Robots are Coming" initiative, a Giant F***ing Robot Fist was present at BotCon 2006.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2006''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2006, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Lexington, Kentucky from [[September 28]] to [[October 1|October 1st]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2005]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2007]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2006-conventioncenter.jpg|center|600px|thumb|Visit beautiful Lexington, Kentucky]]
BotCon 2006 was held at [http://www.lexingtoncenter.com/ Lexington Center], a convention and hotel complex in the center of downtown.

==Merchandise==
BotCon 2006's [[exclusive]] merchandise included:

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, and five [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] made to look like the [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disk]].

:*'''[[Rattrap|Axalon Rattrap]]''' - An orange, silver, bronze and black redeco of [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

:*'''[[Rhinox (BW)|Axalon Rhinox]]''' - A green, brown, gold, and black redeco of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]].

:*'''[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Axalon Cheetor]]''' - A yellow and teal retool of [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] with cheetah-print seat covers and a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Dinobot (BW)|Darksyde Dinobot]]''' - A grey, black, brown, and blue redeco of [[Longrack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Longrack]] with [[Hoist (Armada)|''Armada'' Hoist's]] head.

:*'''[[Optimus Primal/toys|Axalon Optimus Primal]]''' - A black, white, red, and blue retool of [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]] with a new head sculpt.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Tigatron|Unit 2/(Tigatron)]], a white and teal version of the Cheetor exclusive toy with tiger-stripe seat covers, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, limited to 500 of each set.

:*'''[[Megatron (BW)/toys|Darksyde Megatron]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Darksyde Waspinator]]''' - A purple and black retool of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] with a new head and a green and yellow redeco of ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]/[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]].

:*'''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]''' - Red and orange redecos of [[Divebomb (Energon)|''Energon'' Divebomb]] with clear-purple [[Energon weapon|energon weapons]].

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Dawn of Future's Past]]''''' - A prequel comic to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.

*'''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|IDW Preview Comic: ''Transformers: Spotlight - Nightbeat'']]''' - A preview of the second issue of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]] series, with no ads, a sketch variant cover, the two normal covers included inside at full size, and a preview of the [[Movie Adaptation|movie adaptation]] comic at the back of the book.

Free copies of the then-current issue of [[Master Collector]] and small teaser posters for the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' movie]] were also distributed for free near the entrance to the dealer room. Both pre-registrants and walk-in attendees received these.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Along with standbys [[Aaron Archer]] and [[Eric Siebenaler]] of the design team, [[Forest Lee]] (writer of the biographical information for the large majority of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' line) was in attendance, as were a number of [[Hasbro]] marketing and administrative persons, such as [[Greg Lombardo]].

===Voice actors===
BotCon regular, veteran voice actor, and all-around-crazy-guy [[Scott McNeil]] was once again in attendance at the convention. Fellow ''Beast Wars'' voice actors [[Richard Newman]], [[Blu Mankuma]] and [[Pauline Newstone]] attended for their first BotCon.

Last, but most certainly not least (in fact, maybe greatest), was [[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|G1 Cartoon]] and the 2007 film.

===Comics and art===
[[Chris Ryall]] and [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] attended to represent [[IDW Publishing]]. [[Simon Furman]], writer of a vast portion of the ''Transformers'' mythos, was also present to discuss his past projects as well as his current projects with IDW.

A majority of the artists who were currently working on ''Transformers'' art in an official capacity, including [[Don Figueroa]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Dan Khanna]], [[Jake Isenberg]], [[Drew Eiden]], and [[Marcelo Matere]] were in attendance as well.

==Events==
===Wednesday and Thursday===
[[Image:customclass.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Not as easy as it looks.]]
Wednesday and Thursday were the slowest days of the convention, primarily for the benefit of pre-registrants. However, there were a few panels on those days, including the classic "[[MSTF]]" spoofing of [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon episodes]] on Thursday night and a Transformer customization seminar on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The customization panel cost $30 extra, but the attendees got two hand-painted [[Scrapmetal (race)|''Cybertron'' Scrapmetals]] out of it (plus a second unassembled set to keep sealed if desired) with the option of giving one the [[Cobybot]] head.

===Friday===
[[Image:marchingband.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Friday was the first day the convention began in earnest, though it was open to preregistrants only. A local high school marching band performed the G1 Transformers theme as fans entered the ballroom containing the dealer's room, registration tables, and Club Store when the doors first opened at 2 pm.

Major events included...

*A voice actor panel with Blu Mankuma, Scott McNeil, Richard Newman, and Pauline Newstone.

*A panel with the Hasbro design team, where the design process was explained and the shelved design sketches of [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Cosmos (G1)]] were shown.

*A panel with Simon Furman.

*Autograph sessions with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*A midnight screening of the then-newly remastered Sony 20th Anniversary edition of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

*The first round of "[[Board Wars|Faction Feud/Board Wars]]" a trivia competition whose rules bore no resemblance to Family Feud whatsoever.

In addition, the dealer room was open from 2PM to 5PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2006-descentintoline.jpg|center|600px|thumb|BotCon 2006: DESCENT INTO LINE]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-dealerroom.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-playpit.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There is exactly one game you can play in this pit: Starscream Kicks the Ever-Living Snot Out of Downshift.]]
Saturday was the first day in which walk-in attendees were allowed. Though the doors opened at 10am, a huge, slow-moving line wrapping around much of the convention center meant that most walk-in attendees waited nearly an hour to enter.

Major events included...

*A panel on cartoon creation with [[David McDermott]] and Aaron Archer.

*A panel on the Collectors' Club newsletter hosted by [[Pete Sinclair]].

*Autograph sessions with Peter Cullen, as well as the ''Beast Wars'' actors.

*The Hasbro New Product Unveiling, the major panel of the year. Attendance was standing-room-only for walk-ins. The majority of the ''Classics'' line was shown, as well as a preview of the special features for the Sony ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' DVD, and a "sizzle reel" for the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie ("I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay!") It was during this panel that the design team professed that they were huge fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

*Another Voice Actor panel.

*A roundtable on the ''Transformers'' Fan Club run by [[Brian Savage]].

*A Q&A panel featuring Peter Cullen.

*The annual dinner.

A children's playpit in the dealer room featured dozens of [[Starscream (Armada)|King Starscream]] toys.

Hasbro's display cases featured the upcoming ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, including [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], the reissue of the original [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] toy, and the new-mold [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].

===Sunday===
Sunday was the day when the show wound down. Most of the panels were repeats, and the dealer room opened late and closed early, but most attendees still managed to enjoy themselves.

Major events included...

*More autograph time with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*The final round of Faction Feud Board Wars.

*A panel with the IDW comic creators.

*A repeat of the Simon Furman panel.

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon06updates.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2006]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2006

2010-02-18T05:17:20Z

Star Saber: /* Friday */

[[Image:Bigfist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In honor of [[Michael Bay]]'s "Giant F***ing Robots are Coming" initiative, a Giant F***ing Robot Fist was present at BotCon 2006.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2006''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2006, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Lexington, Kentucky from [[September 28]] to [[October 1|October 1st]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2005]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2007]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2006-conventioncenter.jpg|center|600px|thumb|Visit beautiful Lexington, Kentucky]]
BotCon 2006 was held at [http://www.lexingtoncenter.com/ Lexington Center], a convention and hotel complex in the center of downtown.

==Merchandise==
BotCon 2006's [[exclusive]] merchandise included:

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, and five [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] made to look like the [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disk]].

:*'''[[Rattrap|Axalon Rattrap]]''' - An orange, silver, bronze and black redeco of [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

:*'''[[Rhinox (BW)|Axalon Rhinox]]''' - A green, brown, gold, and black redeco of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]].

:*'''[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Axalon Cheetor]]''' - A yellow and teal retool of [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] with cheetah-print seat covers and a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Dinobot (BW)|Darksyde Dinobot]]''' - A grey, black, brown, and blue redeco of [[Longrack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Longrack]] with [[Hoist (Armada)|''Armada'' Hoist's]] head.

:*'''[[Optimus Primal/toys|Axalon Optimus Primal]]''' - A black, white, red, and blue retool of [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]] with a new head sculpt.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Tigatron|Unit 2/(Tigatron)]], a white and teal version of the Cheetor exclusive toy with tiger-stripe seat covers, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, limited to 500 of each set.

:*'''[[Megatron (BW)/toys|Darksyde Megatron]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Darksyde Waspinator]]''' - A purple and black retool of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] with a new head and a green and yellow redeco of ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]/[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]].

:*'''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]''' - Red and orange redecos of [[Divebomb (Energon)|''Energon'' Divebomb]] with clear-purple [[Energon weapon|energon weapons]].

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Dawn of Future's Past]]''''' - A prequel comic to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.

*'''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|IDW Preview Comic: ''Transformers: Spotlight - Nightbeat'']]''' - A preview of the second issue of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]] series, with no ads, a sketch variant cover, the two normal covers included inside at full size, and a preview of the [[Movie Adaptation|movie adaptation]] comic at the back of the book.

Free copies of the then-current issue of [[Master Collector]] and small teaser posters for the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' movie]] were also distributed for free near the entrance to the dealer room. Both pre-registrants and walk-in attendees received these.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Along with standbys [[Aaron Archer]] and [[Eric Siebenaler]] of the design team, [[Forest Lee]] (writer of the biographical information for the large majority of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' line) was in attendance, as were a number of [[Hasbro]] marketing and administrative persons, such as [[Greg Lombardo]].

===Voice actors===
BotCon regular, veteran voice actor, and all-around-crazy-guy [[Scott McNeil]] was once again in attendance at the convention. Fellow ''Beast Wars'' voice actors [[Richard Newman]], [[Blu Mankuma]] and [[Pauline Newstone]] attended for their first BotCon.

Last, but most certainly not least (in fact, maybe greatest), was [[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|G1 Cartoon]] and the 2007 film.

===Comics and art===
[[Chris Ryall]] and [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] attended to represent [[IDW Publishing]]. [[Simon Furman]], writer of a vast portion of the ''Transformers'' mythos, was also present to discuss his past projects as well as his current projects with IDW.

A majority of the artists who were currently working on ''Transformers'' art in an official capacity, including [[Don Figueroa]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Dan Khanna]], [[Jake Isenberg]], [[Drew Eiden]], and [[Marcelo Matere]] were in attendance as well.

==Events==
===Wednesday and Thursday===
[[Image:customclass.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Not as easy as it looks.]]
Wednesday and Thursday were the slowest days of the convention, primarily for the benefit of pre-registrants. However, there were a few panels on those days, including the classic "[[MSTF]]" spoofing of [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon episodes]] on Thursday night and a Transformer customization seminar on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The customization panel cost $30 extra, but the attendees got two hand-painted [[Scrapmetal (race)|''Cybertron'' Scrapmetals]] out of it (plus a second unassembled set to keep sealed if desired) with the option of giving one the [[Cobybot]] head.

[[Image:marchingband.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]

===Friday===
[[Image:marchingband.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Friday was the first day the convention began in earnest, though it was open to preregistrants only. A local high school marching band performed the G1 Transformers theme as fans entered the ballroom containing the dealer's room, registration tables, and Club Store when the doors first opened at 2 pm.

Major events included...

*A voice actor panel with Blu Mankuma, Scott McNeil, Richard Newman, and Pauline Newstone.

*A panel with the Hasbro design team, where the design process was explained and the shelved design sketches of [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Cosmos (G1)]] were shown.

*A panel with Simon Furman.

*Autograph sessions with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*A midnight screening of the then-newly remastered Sony 20th Anniversary edition of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

*The first round of "[[Board Wars|Faction Feud/Board Wars]]" a trivia competition whose rules bore no resemblance to Family Feud whatsoever.

In addition, the dealer room was open from 2PM to 5PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2006-descentintoline.jpg|center|600px|thumb|BotCon 2006: DESCENT INTO LINE]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-dealerroom.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-playpit.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There is exactly one game you can play in this pit: Starscream Kicks the Ever-Living Snot Out of Downshift.]]
Saturday was the first day in which walk-in attendees were allowed. Though the doors opened at 10am, a huge, slow-moving line wrapping around much of the convention center meant that most walk-in attendees waited nearly an hour to enter.

Major events included...

*A panel on cartoon creation with [[David McDermott]] and Aaron Archer.

*A panel on the Collectors' Club newsletter hosted by [[Pete Sinclair]].

*Autograph sessions with Peter Cullen, as well as the ''Beast Wars'' actors.

*The Hasbro New Product Unveiling, the major panel of the year. Attendance was standing-room-only for walk-ins. The majority of the ''Classics'' line was shown, as well as a preview of the special features for the Sony ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' DVD, and a "sizzle reel" for the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie ("I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay!") It was during this panel that the design team professed that they were huge fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

*Another Voice Actor panel.

*A roundtable on the ''Transformers'' Fan Club run by [[Brian Savage]].

*A Q&A panel featuring Peter Cullen.

*The annual dinner.

A children's playpit in the dealer room featured dozens of [[Starscream (Armada)|King Starscream]] toys.

Hasbro's display cases featured the upcoming ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, including [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], the reissue of the original [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] toy, and the new-mold [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].

===Sunday===
Sunday was the day when the show wound down. Most of the panels were repeats, and the dealer room opened late and closed early, but most attendees still managed to enjoy themselves.

Major events included...

*More autograph time with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*The final round of Faction Feud Board Wars.

*A panel with the IDW comic creators.

*A repeat of the Simon Furman panel.

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon06updates.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2006]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2006

2010-02-18T05:14:46Z

Star Saber: /* Wednesday and Thursday */

[[Image:Bigfist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In honor of [[Michael Bay]]'s "Giant F***ing Robots are Coming" initiative, a Giant F***ing Robot Fist was present at BotCon 2006.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2006''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2006, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Lexington, Kentucky from [[September 28]] to [[October 1|October 1st]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2005]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2007]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2006-conventioncenter.jpg|center|600px|thumb|Visit beautiful Lexington, Kentucky]]
BotCon 2006 was held at [http://www.lexingtoncenter.com/ Lexington Center], a convention and hotel complex in the center of downtown.

==Merchandise==
BotCon 2006's [[exclusive]] merchandise included:

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, and five [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] made to look like the [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disk]].

:*'''[[Rattrap|Axalon Rattrap]]''' - An orange, silver, bronze and black redeco of [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

:*'''[[Rhinox (BW)|Axalon Rhinox]]''' - A green, brown, gold, and black redeco of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]].

:*'''[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Axalon Cheetor]]''' - A yellow and teal retool of [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] with cheetah-print seat covers and a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Dinobot (BW)|Darksyde Dinobot]]''' - A grey, black, brown, and blue redeco of [[Longrack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Longrack]] with [[Hoist (Armada)|''Armada'' Hoist's]] head.

:*'''[[Optimus Primal/toys|Axalon Optimus Primal]]''' - A black, white, red, and blue retool of [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]] with a new head sculpt.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Tigatron|Unit 2/(Tigatron)]], a white and teal version of the Cheetor exclusive toy with tiger-stripe seat covers, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, limited to 500 of each set.

:*'''[[Megatron (BW)/toys|Darksyde Megatron]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Darksyde Waspinator]]''' - A purple and black retool of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] with a new head and a green and yellow redeco of ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]/[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]].

:*'''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]''' - Red and orange redecos of [[Divebomb (Energon)|''Energon'' Divebomb]] with clear-purple [[Energon weapon|energon weapons]].

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Dawn of Future's Past]]''''' - A prequel comic to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.

*'''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|IDW Preview Comic: ''Transformers: Spotlight - Nightbeat'']]''' - A preview of the second issue of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]] series, with no ads, a sketch variant cover, the two normal covers included inside at full size, and a preview of the [[Movie Adaptation|movie adaptation]] comic at the back of the book.

Free copies of the then-current issue of [[Master Collector]] and small teaser posters for the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' movie]] were also distributed for free near the entrance to the dealer room. Both pre-registrants and walk-in attendees received these.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Along with standbys [[Aaron Archer]] and [[Eric Siebenaler]] of the design team, [[Forest Lee]] (writer of the biographical information for the large majority of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' line) was in attendance, as were a number of [[Hasbro]] marketing and administrative persons, such as [[Greg Lombardo]].

===Voice actors===
BotCon regular, veteran voice actor, and all-around-crazy-guy [[Scott McNeil]] was once again in attendance at the convention. Fellow ''Beast Wars'' voice actors [[Richard Newman]], [[Blu Mankuma]] and [[Pauline Newstone]] attended for their first BotCon.

Last, but most certainly not least (in fact, maybe greatest), was [[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|G1 Cartoon]] and the 2007 film.

===Comics and art===
[[Chris Ryall]] and [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] attended to represent [[IDW Publishing]]. [[Simon Furman]], writer of a vast portion of the ''Transformers'' mythos, was also present to discuss his past projects as well as his current projects with IDW.

A majority of the artists who were currently working on ''Transformers'' art in an official capacity, including [[Don Figueroa]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Dan Khanna]], [[Jake Isenberg]], [[Drew Eiden]], and [[Marcelo Matere]] were in attendance as well.

==Events==
===Wednesday and Thursday===
[[Image:customclass.jpg|right|150px|thumb|Not as easy as it looks.]]
Wednesday and Thursday were the slowest days of the convention, primarily for the benefit of pre-registrants. However, there were a few panels on those days, including the classic "[[MSTF]]" spoofing of [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon episodes]] on Thursday night and a Transformer customization seminar on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The customization panel cost $30 extra, but the attendees got two hand-painted [[Scrapmetal (race)|''Cybertron'' Scrapmetals]] out of it (plus a second unassembled set to keep sealed if desired) with the option of giving one the [[Cobybot]] head.

[[Image:marchingband.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]

===Friday===
Friday was the first day the convention began in earnest, though it was open to preregistrants only. A local high school marching band performed the G1 Transformers theme as fans entered the ballroom containing the dealer's room, registration tables, and Club Store when the doors first opened at 2 pm.

Major events included...

*A voice actor panel with Blu Mankuma, Scott McNeil, Richard Newman, and Pauline Newstone.

*A panel with the Hasbro design team, where the design process was explained and the shelved design sketches of [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Cosmos (G1)]] were shown.

*A panel with Simon Furman.

*Autograph sessions with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*A midnight screening of the then-newly remastered Sony 20th Anniversary edition of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

*The first round of "[[Board Wars|Faction Feud/Board Wars]]" a trivia competition whose rules bore no resemblance to Family Feud whatsoever.

In addition, the dealer room was open from 2PM to 5PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2006-descentintoline.jpg|center|600px|thumb|BotCon 2006: DESCENT INTO LINE]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-dealerroom.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-playpit.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There is exactly one game you can play in this pit: Starscream Kicks the Ever-Living Snot Out of Downshift.]]
Saturday was the first day in which walk-in attendees were allowed. Though the doors opened at 10am, a huge, slow-moving line wrapping around much of the convention center meant that most walk-in attendees waited nearly an hour to enter.

Major events included...

*A panel on cartoon creation with [[David McDermott]] and Aaron Archer.

*A panel on the Collectors' Club newsletter hosted by [[Pete Sinclair]].

*Autograph sessions with Peter Cullen, as well as the ''Beast Wars'' actors.

*The Hasbro New Product Unveiling, the major panel of the year. Attendance was standing-room-only for walk-ins. The majority of the ''Classics'' line was shown, as well as a preview of the special features for the Sony ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' DVD, and a "sizzle reel" for the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie ("I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay!") It was during this panel that the design team professed that they were huge fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

*Another Voice Actor panel.

*A roundtable on the ''Transformers'' Fan Club run by [[Brian Savage]].

*A Q&A panel featuring Peter Cullen.

*The annual dinner.

A children's playpit in the dealer room featured dozens of [[Starscream (Armada)|King Starscream]] toys.

Hasbro's display cases featured the upcoming ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, including [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], the reissue of the original [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] toy, and the new-mold [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].

===Sunday===
Sunday was the day when the show wound down. Most of the panels were repeats, and the dealer room opened late and closed early, but most attendees still managed to enjoy themselves.

Major events included...

*More autograph time with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*The final round of Faction Feud Board Wars.

*A panel with the IDW comic creators.

*A repeat of the Simon Furman panel.

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon06updates.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2006]

[[Category:Conventions]]

File:BotCon2006 Customclass.jpg

2010-02-18T05:13:38Z

Star Saber: 2006 Customizing Class with completed figures on-hand as guides.

2006 Customizing Class with completed figures on-hand as guides.

BotCon 2006

2010-02-18T05:07:34Z

Star Saber: /* Friday */

[[Image:Bigfist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In honor of [[Michael Bay]]'s "Giant F***ing Robots are Coming" initiative, a Giant F***ing Robot Fist was present at BotCon 2006.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2006''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2006, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Lexington, Kentucky from [[September 28]] to [[October 1|October 1st]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2005]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2007]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2006-conventioncenter.jpg|center|600px|thumb|Visit beautiful Lexington, Kentucky]]
BotCon 2006 was held at [http://www.lexingtoncenter.com/ Lexington Center], a convention and hotel complex in the center of downtown.

==Merchandise==
BotCon 2006's [[exclusive]] merchandise included:

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, and five [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] made to look like the [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disk]].

:*'''[[Rattrap|Axalon Rattrap]]''' - An orange, silver, bronze and black redeco of [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

:*'''[[Rhinox (BW)|Axalon Rhinox]]''' - A green, brown, gold, and black redeco of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]].

:*'''[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Axalon Cheetor]]''' - A yellow and teal retool of [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] with cheetah-print seat covers and a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Dinobot (BW)|Darksyde Dinobot]]''' - A grey, black, brown, and blue redeco of [[Longrack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Longrack]] with [[Hoist (Armada)|''Armada'' Hoist's]] head.

:*'''[[Optimus Primal/toys|Axalon Optimus Primal]]''' - A black, white, red, and blue retool of [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]] with a new head sculpt.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Tigatron|Unit 2/(Tigatron)]], a white and teal version of the Cheetor exclusive toy with tiger-stripe seat covers, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, limited to 500 of each set.

:*'''[[Megatron (BW)/toys|Darksyde Megatron]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Darksyde Waspinator]]''' - A purple and black retool of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] with a new head and a green and yellow redeco of ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]/[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]].

:*'''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]''' - Red and orange redecos of [[Divebomb (Energon)|''Energon'' Divebomb]] with clear-purple [[Energon weapon|energon weapons]].

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Dawn of Future's Past]]''''' - A prequel comic to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.

*'''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|IDW Preview Comic: ''Transformers: Spotlight - Nightbeat'']]''' - A preview of the second issue of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]] series, with no ads, a sketch variant cover, the two normal covers included inside at full size, and a preview of the [[Movie Adaptation|movie adaptation]] comic at the back of the book.

Free copies of the then-current issue of [[Master Collector]] and small teaser posters for the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' movie]] were also distributed for free near the entrance to the dealer room. Both pre-registrants and walk-in attendees received these.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Along with standbys [[Aaron Archer]] and [[Eric Siebenaler]] of the design team, [[Forest Lee]] (writer of the biographical information for the large majority of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' line) was in attendance, as were a number of [[Hasbro]] marketing and administrative persons, such as [[Greg Lombardo]].

===Voice actors===
BotCon regular, veteran voice actor, and all-around-crazy-guy [[Scott McNeil]] was once again in attendance at the convention. Fellow ''Beast Wars'' voice actors [[Richard Newman]], [[Blu Mankuma]] and [[Pauline Newstone]] attended for their first BotCon.

Last, but most certainly not least (in fact, maybe greatest), was [[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|G1 Cartoon]] and the 2007 film.

===Comics and art===
[[Chris Ryall]] and [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] attended to represent [[IDW Publishing]]. [[Simon Furman]], writer of a vast portion of the ''Transformers'' mythos, was also present to discuss his past projects as well as his current projects with IDW.

A majority of the artists who were currently working on ''Transformers'' art in an official capacity, including [[Don Figueroa]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Dan Khanna]], [[Jake Isenberg]], [[Drew Eiden]], and [[Marcelo Matere]] were in attendance as well.

==Events==
===Wednesday and Thursday===
Wednesday and Thursday were the slowest days of the convention, primarily for the benefit of pre-registrants. However, there were a few panels on those days, including the classic "[[MSTF]]" spoofing of [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon episodes]] on Thursday night and a Transformer customization seminar on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The customization panel cost $30 extra, but the attendees got two hand-painted [[Scrapmetal (race)|''Cybertron'' Scrapmetals]] out of it (plus a second unassembled set to keep sealed if desired) with the option of giving one the [[Cobybot]] head.

[[Image:marchingband.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
===Friday===
Friday was the first day the convention began in earnest, though it was open to preregistrants only. A local high school marching band performed the G1 Transformers theme as fans entered the ballroom containing the dealer's room, registration tables, and Club Store when the doors first opened at 2 pm.

Major events included...

*A voice actor panel with Blu Mankuma, Scott McNeil, Richard Newman, and Pauline Newstone.

*A panel with the Hasbro design team, where the design process was explained and the shelved design sketches of [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Cosmos (G1)]] were shown.

*A panel with Simon Furman.

*Autograph sessions with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*A midnight screening of the then-newly remastered Sony 20th Anniversary edition of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

*The first round of "[[Board Wars|Faction Feud/Board Wars]]" a trivia competition whose rules bore no resemblance to Family Feud whatsoever.

In addition, the dealer room was open from 2PM to 5PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2006-descentintoline.jpg|center|600px|thumb|BotCon 2006: DESCENT INTO LINE]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-dealerroom.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-playpit.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There is exactly one game you can play in this pit: Starscream Kicks the Ever-Living Snot Out of Downshift.]]
Saturday was the first day in which walk-in attendees were allowed. Though the doors opened at 10am, a huge, slow-moving line wrapping around much of the convention center meant that most walk-in attendees waited nearly an hour to enter.

Major events included...

*A panel on cartoon creation with [[David McDermott]] and Aaron Archer.

*A panel on the Collectors' Club newsletter hosted by [[Pete Sinclair]].

*Autograph sessions with Peter Cullen, as well as the ''Beast Wars'' actors.

*The Hasbro New Product Unveiling, the major panel of the year. Attendance was standing-room-only for walk-ins. The majority of the ''Classics'' line was shown, as well as a preview of the special features for the Sony ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' DVD, and a "sizzle reel" for the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie ("I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay!") It was during this panel that the design team professed that they were huge fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

*Another Voice Actor panel.

*A roundtable on the ''Transformers'' Fan Club run by [[Brian Savage]].

*A Q&A panel featuring Peter Cullen.

*The annual dinner.

A children's playpit in the dealer room featured dozens of [[Starscream (Armada)|King Starscream]] toys.

Hasbro's display cases featured the upcoming ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, including [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], the reissue of the original [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] toy, and the new-mold [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].

===Sunday===
Sunday was the day when the show wound down. Most of the panels were repeats, and the dealer room opened late and closed early, but most attendees still managed to enjoy themselves.

Major events included...

*More autograph time with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*The final round of Faction Feud Board Wars.

*A panel with the IDW comic creators.

*A repeat of the Simon Furman panel.

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon06updates.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2006]

[[Category:Conventions]]

File:BotCon2006 Marchingband.jpg

2010-02-18T05:05:58Z

Star Saber: A local high school band greets pre-registrants with the "Transformers" theme.

A local high school band greets pre-registrants with the "Transformers" theme.

BotCon 2006

2010-02-18T04:58:53Z

Star Saber: /* Friday */

[[Image:Bigfist.jpg|right|300px|thumb|In honor of [[Michael Bay]]'s "Giant F***ing Robots are Coming" initiative, a Giant F***ing Robot Fist was present at BotCon 2006.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2006''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2006, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Lexington, Kentucky from [[September 28]] to [[October 1|October 1st]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2005]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2007]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2006-conventioncenter.jpg|center|600px|thumb|Visit beautiful Lexington, Kentucky]]
BotCon 2006 was held at [http://www.lexingtoncenter.com/ Lexington Center], a convention and hotel complex in the center of downtown.

==Merchandise==
BotCon 2006's [[exclusive]] merchandise included:

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, and five [[Redeco|redecoed]] [[Planet X (Cybertron)|Planet X]] [[Cyber Planet Key|Cyber Planet Keys]] made to look like the [[Golden Disk (disambiguation)|Golden Disk]].

:*'''[[Rattrap|Axalon Rattrap]]''' - An orange, silver, bronze and black redeco of [[Ransack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Ransack]].

:*'''[[Rhinox (BW)|Axalon Rhinox]]''' - A green, brown, gold, and black redeco of [[Cybertron (toyline)|''Cybertron'']] [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]].

:*'''[[Cheetor (BW)/toys|Axalon Cheetor]]''' - A yellow and teal retool of [[Clocker (Cybertron)|Clocker]] with cheetah-print seat covers and a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Dinobot (BW)|Darksyde Dinobot]]''' - A grey, black, brown, and blue redeco of [[Longrack (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Longrack]] with [[Hoist (Armada)|''Armada'' Hoist's]] head.

:*'''[[Optimus Primal/toys|Axalon Optimus Primal]]''' - A black, white, red, and blue retool of [[Crumplezone (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Crumplezone]] with a new head sculpt.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Tigatron|Unit 2/(Tigatron)]], a white and teal version of the Cheetor exclusive toy with tiger-stripe seat covers, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, limited to 500 of each set.

:*'''[[Megatron (BW)/toys|Darksyde Megatron]] and [[Waspinator (BW)|Darksyde Waspinator]]''' - A purple and black retool of [[Red Alert (Armada)|Cybertron Defense Red Alert]] with a new head and a green and yellow redeco of ''[[Machine Wars]]'' [[Skywarp (G1)|Skywarp]]/[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]].

:*'''[[Laserbeak (G1)|Laserbeak]] and [[Buzzsaw (G1)|Buzzsaw]]''' - Red and orange redecos of [[Divebomb (Energon)|''Energon'' Divebomb]] with clear-purple [[Energon weapon|energon weapons]].

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Dawn of Future's Past]]''''' - A prequel comic to ''[[Beast Wars (cartoon)|Beast Wars]]''.

*'''[[Spotlight: Nightbeat|IDW Preview Comic: ''Transformers: Spotlight - Nightbeat'']]''' - A preview of the second issue of the [[IDW Publishing|IDW]] [[Spotlight (comics)|Spotlight]] series, with no ads, a sketch variant cover, the two normal covers included inside at full size, and a preview of the [[Movie Adaptation|movie adaptation]] comic at the back of the book.

Free copies of the then-current issue of [[Master Collector]] and small teaser posters for the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' movie]] were also distributed for free near the entrance to the dealer room. Both pre-registrants and walk-in attendees received these.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Along with standbys [[Aaron Archer]] and [[Eric Siebenaler]] of the design team, [[Forest Lee]] (writer of the biographical information for the large majority of the ''[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' line) was in attendance, as were a number of [[Hasbro]] marketing and administrative persons, such as [[Greg Lombardo]].

===Voice actors===
BotCon regular, veteran voice actor, and all-around-crazy-guy [[Scott McNeil]] was once again in attendance at the convention. Fellow ''Beast Wars'' voice actors [[Richard Newman]], [[Blu Mankuma]] and [[Pauline Newstone]] attended for their first BotCon.

Last, but most certainly not least (in fact, maybe greatest), was [[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|G1 Cartoon]] and the 2007 film.

===Comics and art===
[[Chris Ryall]] and [[Dan Taylor (IDW)|Dan Taylor]] attended to represent [[IDW Publishing]]. [[Simon Furman]], writer of a vast portion of the ''Transformers'' mythos, was also present to discuss his past projects as well as his current projects with IDW.

A majority of the artists who were currently working on ''Transformers'' art in an official capacity, including [[Don Figueroa]], [[Alex Milne]], [[Dan Khanna]], [[Jake Isenberg]], [[Drew Eiden]], and [[Marcelo Matere]] were in attendance as well.

==Events==
===Wednesday and Thursday===
Wednesday and Thursday were the slowest days of the convention, primarily for the benefit of pre-registrants. However, there were a few panels on those days, including the classic "[[MSTF]]" spoofing of [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|''Transformers'' cartoon episodes]] on Thursday night and a Transformer customization seminar on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. The customization panel cost $30 extra, but the attendees got two hand-painted [[Scrapmetal (race)|''Cybertron'' Scrapmetals]] out of it (plus a second unassembled set to keep sealed if desired) with the option of giving one the [[Cobybot]] head.

===Friday===

Friday was the first day the convention began in earnest, though it was open to preregistrants only. A local high school marching band performed the G1 Transformers theme as fans entered the ballroom containing the dealer's room, registration tables, and Club Store when the doors first opened at 2 pm.

Major events included...

*A voice actor panel with Blu Mankuma, Scott McNeil, Richard Newman, and Pauline Newstone.

*A panel with the Hasbro design team, where the design process was explained and the shelved design sketches of [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] [[Cosmos (G1)]] were shown.

*A panel with Simon Furman.

*Autograph sessions with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*A midnight screening of the then-newly remastered Sony 20th Anniversary edition of ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]''.

*The first round of "[[Board Wars|Faction Feud/Board Wars]]" a trivia competition whose rules bore no resemblance to Family Feud whatsoever.

In addition, the dealer room was open from 2PM to 5PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2006-descentintoline.jpg|center|600px|thumb|BotCon 2006: DESCENT INTO LINE]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-dealerroom.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
[[Image:Botcon2006-playpit.jpg|right|200px|thumb|There is exactly one game you can play in this pit: Starscream Kicks the Ever-Living Snot Out of Downshift.]]
Saturday was the first day in which walk-in attendees were allowed. Though the doors opened at 10am, a huge, slow-moving line wrapping around much of the convention center meant that most walk-in attendees waited nearly an hour to enter.

Major events included...

*A panel on cartoon creation with [[David McDermott]] and Aaron Archer.

*A panel on the Collectors' Club newsletter hosted by [[Pete Sinclair]].

*Autograph sessions with Peter Cullen, as well as the ''Beast Wars'' actors.

*The Hasbro New Product Unveiling, the major panel of the year. Attendance was standing-room-only for walk-ins. The majority of the ''Classics'' line was shown, as well as a preview of the special features for the Sony ''[[The Transformers: The Movie]]'' DVD, and a "sizzle reel" for the 2007 ''Transformers'' movie ("I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay." "I'm Michael Bay!") It was during this panel that the design team professed that they were huge fans of the Cincinnati Bengals.

*Another Voice Actor panel.

*A roundtable on the ''Transformers'' Fan Club run by [[Brian Savage]].

*A Q&A panel featuring Peter Cullen.

*The annual dinner.

A children's playpit in the dealer room featured dozens of [[Starscream (Armada)|King Starscream]] toys.

Hasbro's display cases featured the upcoming ''[[Classics (2006)|Classics]]'' toyline, including [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|Bumblebee]], [[Hot Rod (G1)/toys|Hot Rod]], [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], [[Jetfire (G1)|Jetfire]], [[Optimus Prime (G1)/toys|Optimus Prime]], and [[Megatron (G1)/toys|Megatron]], the reissue of the original [[Soundwave (G1)/toys|Soundwave]] toy, and the new-mold [[Mini-Con|Mini-Cons]].

===Sunday===
Sunday was the day when the show wound down. Most of the panels were repeats, and the dealer room opened late and closed early, but most attendees still managed to enjoy themselves.

Major events included...

*More autograph time with the ''Beast Wars'' voice actors.

*The final round of Faction Feud Board Wars.

*A panel with the IDW comic creators.

*A repeat of the Simon Furman panel.

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon06updates.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2006]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2005

2010-02-18T04:46:42Z

Star Saber:

[[Image:bc05logo.jpg|right|300px|thumb|What? [[Changing_Gears|Again?]] Hasn't the [[Gears (G1)|poor guy]] been through enough?]]

[[Image:Descentintoevil-cover.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Here's the plan. We get the convention, and we hold the fandom ransom for... one ''million'' dollars.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2005: Changing Gears''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2005, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in the [[Dallas]], Texas suburb of Frisco, from [[September 21|September 21st]] to [[September 25|September 25th]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

The convention was the first to be run by Fun Publications, and thus inaugurated a number of changes. The return of the "BotCon" name, an end-of-the-summer date, larger exclusive sets and higher preregistration costs all marked a break with previous conventions. The scope of the convention expanded as well, with pre-convention tours, special access dealer room "previews" for higher-paying attendees, and an onslaught of activities and panels throughout the weekend. Another new element was having several panels run two times, rather than being one-time-only events.

:''Preceded by: [[OTFCC 2004]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2006]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2005-thevastemptyplainsoftexas.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In Dallas, if you're going to cross the street, you're expected to get in a car to do it.]]
Botcon 2005 was held in Frisco's brand-spanking-new (it had opened only a month prior) Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Conference Center. Though posh and accommodating, this center is not located within easy walking distance of ''anything''. Many fans resorted to a quarter mile hike across empty fields and vast parking lots to reach a nearby shopping mall for food.

On the plus side, however, the Embassy Suites featured a ''free'' breakfast buffet (including made-to-order omelettes) where fans could mingle in the hotel's open atrium and save some cash on food.

The center is conveniently close to Dick's Sporting Goods, which may be reached via the Gaylord Parkway, just off Parkwood Avenue. Yeah, somebody didn't think this through very well

==Merchandise==
[[Image:Ratchettoytimelines.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Compared to previous conventions, BotCon 2005 featured vast quantities of [[exclusive]] merchandise. Fun Publications also ran their own sales booth, offering a wide range of standard retail Transformer toys.

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of seven toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge and the Convention Comic.

:*'''[[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]]''' - A blue and black remold of [[Megatron (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Megatron]] with a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Buzzclaw (Timelines)|Buzzclaw]]''' and '''[[Dirge (Descent into Evil)|Dirge]]''' - Purple, black and yellow redecos (in different schemes for each figure) of ''Beast Wars'' [[Buzzclaw (BW)|Buzzclaw]].

:*'''[[Outback|Fallback]]''' - Brown, tan, and silver redeco of ''Energon'' [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]], intended as a renamed version of the ''Generation 1'' character Outback.

:*'''[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]''' - Red and grey redeco of ''Energon'' [[Tow-Line (Energon)|Tow-Line]] with a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Ricochet (Descent into Evil)|Ricochet]]''' - A black and red redeco of the ''Generation 2'' Cyberjet [[Hooligan]] mold, Ricochet is a new character.

:*'''[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]''' - White and green redeco of ''Energon'' [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] with a new head sculpt. Chromia was one of the [[female Autobots]] from the [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon series]]. However, many fans have pointed out that Chromia's color scheme, headsculpt, and personality profile all resemble [[Moonracer]]'s, a different character entirely. According to convention representatives, they could not secure the Moonracer name, so they simply dubbed the character Chromia instead.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - '''[[Flamewar]]''' - Black redeco of ''Energon'' Arcee, given free to pre-registered attendees. Flamewar does not have the new headsculpt found on Chromia and Flareup.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys.

:*'''[[Flareup (Timelines)|Flareup]]''' an orange redeco of Chromia, and '''[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]''' a white redeco of the ''Energon'' Tow-Line mold with the new Ironhide headsculpt and a new Energon weapon, sold together in a pack limited to 500 packs.

:*'''[[Virulent Clone]]'''s - A pack of two blue redecos of ''Beast Wars'' Buzzclaw, limited to 400 packs.

*'''''Legends of Cybertron'' [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]]''' - White and blue repaint of Legends of Cybertron Starscream given away at the Hasbro booth.

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Descent into Evil]]''''' - Taking place at an unspecified time between G1 and Beast Wars.

==Guests==
===Hasbro staff===
* [[Greg Lombardo]], Director of Marketing
* [[Aaron Archer]], Design Director
* [[Eric Siebenaler]], Lead Designer

===Voice actors===
* [[Wally Burr]], voice director of the ''Generation 1'' cartoon series and occasional voice actor
* [[Michael Chain]], voice of ''Generation 1'' [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]
* [[Brian Dobson]], voice of ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]/[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]
* [[Michael Dobson]], voice of ''Armada/[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]/Cybertron'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], ''Energon'' [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] and ''Cybertron'' [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]].
* [[Paul Dobson]], voice of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]], ''Armada'' [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] and [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], ''Energon'' [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] and [[Superion Maximus]], ''Cybertron'' [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] and [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]].

===Actor===
* [[Colton Dearing]], child actor who appeared in the ''Transformers Cybertron'' toy commercials

===Comics and art===

{{stub}}

==Events==
[[Image:Botcon2005-iamoptimusprime.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
===Wednesday===
8:30pm: Check-in for Thursday tour

===Thursday===
* 7:30am: Tour: Fort Worth - Where the West Begins. This tour began a FunPub tradition of locally-themed pre-convention tours of the various cities where BotCon occurs each year.
* 6-10pm: Check In/Registration Pick-Up, divided into two shifts.
* 10:00pm: [[MSTF]] presentation

===Friday===
* 7:30am-2pm: Dealer setup
* 8:00am-noon: Contest Entries setup
* 9-5pm: Walk-up and Late Check In/Registration
* 9:00am: So You Wonder how We Do the Voices? - Dobson Brothers panel
*10:00am: Transformers Rarities - [[Rik Alvarez]] panel
:This panel heavily focused on chromed and / or clear variants of the G1 Commemorative Series figures, with the host adamantly insisting that they were all legitimately marketed (if not actually released) TF product and that the popular [[fandom|fan]] term "lunchtime special" was inaccurate. These assertions aside, and the legitimacy of these variants also aside, at that time they were all quite well-known to the fandom and not newsworthy at all. Puzzlingly, the panel gave relatively short-shrift to the world premiere revelations of a handful of TF concepts and prototypes that had never been seen or even reported on previously, such as: [[Toxitron]], [[Motormaster|Universe Motormaster]] (a [[redeco]] of [[Machine Wars]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]), a redeco of [[Jetstorm (BM)|Ultra Jetstorm]], and an entirely different [[mold]] and transformation scheme for [[Megatron (BW)|Megabolt Megatron]].
*11:00am: Hasbro/Takara Working Together panel
*Noon: The Transformers Return to Comic Books - IDW panel. Contest area closes for judging.
*1:00pm: You can be the next: Transformers Idol! prelims, with Wally Burr and Pete Sinclair. Courtesy Room opens (see Notes).
*2:00pm: Sales Room opens for "Private Preview". This is if you spent a whole lotta money. Voice Actor autograph sessions begin.
*Hourly door prizes begin.
*4:00pm: Contest entries open for viewing. Second round of Voice Actor autographs.
*5:00pm: Everything closes. EVERYTHING.
*7:00pm: Casino Night Charity Event
*10:00pm: Casino Night Charity Auction

===Saturday===
* 7:30am: Walk-up Late Check-In/Registration; Dealer Room setup
* 8:30am: Dealer Room opens for Private Preview. Again, this takes money.
* 9:00am: "Early Bird" admission. More money! Hourly door prize giveaways resume. Finals for the You Can Be the Next: Transformers Idol! begin.
* 10:00am: Dealer room opens to the general public, who can come in to view its sad, picked-over corpse now that the fans have had their way with it. Hasbro New Product Unveiling panel begins. Voice actor autograph sessions begin.
* 11:00am: Costume contest
* Noon: The Transformers Return to Comics - IDW panel (repeat).
* 1:00pm: Transformers G1 Voices - Michael and Wally
* 2:00pm: Transformers Club Roundtable - [[Brian Savage]]
* 3:00pm: The Making of the TF Animated Movie - [[Paul Hitchens]]
* 4:00pm: Transformers Rarities - [[Rik Alvarez]]
* 5:00pm: EVERYTHING CLOSES. GET OUT.
* 7:00pm: Awards Dinner and "evening program"

===Sunday===
*9:00am: Dealer set-up
*9:30am: Dealer room opens to all
*10:00am: So You Wonder how We Do the Voices? - Dobson Brothers panel (repeat)
*11:00am: The Making of the TF Animated Movie - [[Paul Hitchens]] (repeat); first autograph sessions begin
* 12:00pm: Designing Transformers - Hasbro Team panel
* 2:00pm: Transformers G1 Voices - Michael and Wally (repeat)
* 3:00pm: Drawing to win 2 trips to the 2006 convention.
* 3:30pm: All exhibits and dealer room close. Hearts are crushed. Now what is there to live for??

Hasbro displays of upcoming toys focused on mid- to late-run ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toys, most notably [[Primus]] and [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]].

A nearly life-sized Optimus Prime statue greeted guests as they entered the dealer room. A jungle diorama displayed the convention toys in a re-enactment of the "[[Descent into Evil]]" comic.

==Notes==
* BotCon '05 occurred in the weeks following the disastrous arrival of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Given that, many fans were somewhat anxious to find that Hurricane Rita was bearing down on the Texas coast shortly before the convention began. The hurricane's remnants turned east upon landing, however, and the Metroplex got nothing more than a few clouds and a stiff breeze.
* The Courtesy Room was a consuite (a first for BotCon) where fans could sit and watch various Transformers shows as well as munch on some free snacks. Nachos, chips, salsa, apple cobbler, and soda were available.

{{stub}}

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon05index.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2005]

[[Category:Stub]]
[[Category:Conventions]]

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE

2010-02-18T04:00:49Z

Star Saber: /* Notes */

[[Image:Deathbychocolate.jpg|right|250px|thumb|This didn't happen.]]
Among the special events advertised in the lead-up to [[OTFCC 2004]] was "'''Who Shot Optimus Prime?'''", meant to have been a live-action interactive murder mystery with a Transformers theme. Promotional materials (see right) featured [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]].

However, upon arrival at the venue (Monastero's, an Italian restaurant and catering hall) it turned out the event would be "'''DEATH BY CHOCOLATE'''," a "normal" live-action murder mystery, with generic human characters and no Transformers-related content at all.

[[Malin Huffman]] entered first to greet and prep guests—but he was suddenly distracted by [[Weapon|gunshots]] and fled the room in terror. Immediately, in rushed the well-known '''Detective Harry Bottoms''', who announced that famed chocolate magnate '''O. Henry Butterfinger''' had been murdered, that the catering hall was now a crime scene, and that all attendees would be his deputies and help solve the case. Bottoms split attendees into teams, produced evidence, witnesses, and suspects, and gave the teams opportunities to come to their own conclusions and share them with the rest of the audience.

In the end, the murderer was found to be the notorious vixen-like sociopath '''Darque Chocolate'''. She vanished at the end of the event and her current whereabouts are unknown, though likely the mountainous "tribal" regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

True to Detective Bottoms' word, the "reward" for solving the mystery was "worth well under $1000" (as he reminded participants throughout the evening) and turned out to be nothing more than a cheaply-printed certificate. Apparently, crime '''does''' pay more than detective work.

Despite the night's shocking events, attendees tried to make the best of it and get on with normal life afterwards.

==Notes==
*Each table/team was asked to create a name for their agency. Among some of the more colorful names chosen were the "I Thought Optimus Was the Victim" Detective Agency, the "James X. Hooks Memorial" Detective Agency, and the always-popular "I Did Your Mom" Detective Agency. Hey, we had to have ''some'' fun that evening.
*Participants received posters of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] autographed by their [[Peter Cullen|voice]] [[Frank Welker|actors]].
*According to Glen, the mystery was not Transformers-themed because the hosting entertainment company refused to change their format or script without "substantial remuneration" (ie: Big Bucks).
*At one point, 3H considered the idea of producing a few minutes of original animation with the proper voice-actors, but this too would have cost far, far more than their resources would allow.
*Ratchet would have been revealed to be the culprit after being infected with one of Bombshell's cerebro-shells.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Death by chocolate}}
[[Category:Games]]

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE

2010-02-18T04:00:02Z

Star Saber: /* Notes */

[[Image:Deathbychocolate.jpg|right|250px|thumb|This didn't happen.]]
Among the special events advertised in the lead-up to [[OTFCC 2004]] was "'''Who Shot Optimus Prime?'''", meant to have been a live-action interactive murder mystery with a Transformers theme. Promotional materials (see right) featured [[Nightbeat (G1)|Nightbeat]].

However, upon arrival at the venue (Monastero's, an Italian restaurant and catering hall) it turned out the event would be "'''DEATH BY CHOCOLATE'''," a "normal" live-action murder mystery, with generic human characters and no Transformers-related content at all.

[[Malin Huffman]] entered first to greet and prep guests—but he was suddenly distracted by [[Weapon|gunshots]] and fled the room in terror. Immediately, in rushed the well-known '''Detective Harry Bottoms''', who announced that famed chocolate magnate '''O. Henry Butterfinger''' had been murdered, that the catering hall was now a crime scene, and that all attendees would be his deputies and help solve the case. Bottoms split attendees into teams, produced evidence, witnesses, and suspects, and gave the teams opportunities to come to their own conclusions and share them with the rest of the audience.

In the end, the murderer was found to be the notorious vixen-like sociopath '''Darque Chocolate'''. She vanished at the end of the event and her current whereabouts are unknown, though likely the mountainous "tribal" regions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

True to Detective Bottoms' word, the "reward" for solving the mystery was "worth well under $1000" (as he reminded participants throughout the evening) and turned out to be nothing more than a cheaply-printed certificate. Apparently, crime '''does''' pay more than detective work.

Despite the night's shocking events, attendees tried to make the best of it and get on with normal life afterwards.

==Notes==
*Each table/team was asked to create a name for their agency. Among some of the more colorful names chosen were the "I Thought Optimus Was the Victim" Detective Agency, the "James X. Hooks Memorial" Detective Agency, and the
always-popular "I Did Your Mom" Detective Agency. Hey, we had to have ''some'' fun that evening.
*Participants received posters of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]] autographed by their [[Peter Cullen|voice]] [[Frank Welker|actors]].
*According to Glen, the mystery was not Transformers-themed because the hosting entertainment company refused to change their format or script without "substantial remuneration" (ie: Big Bucks).
*At one point, 3H considered the idea of producing a few minutes of original animation with the proper voice-actors, but this too would have cost far, far more than their resources would allow.
*Ratchet would have been revealed to be the culprit after being infected with one of Bombshell's cerebro-shells.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Death by chocolate}}
[[Category:Games]]

BotCon 2001

2010-02-16T01:09:54Z

Star Saber:

[[Image:BC01adv.jpg|right|300px|thumb|The [[Wrecker]]s would never be the same...]]
'''BotCon 2001''' was held on July 13-15, 2001 in Durham, North Carolina.

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2000]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2002]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:durhamcenter.jpg|left|250px|thumb|Oh sure, it ''looks'' great...until you walk a few blocks.]]

BotCon 2001 was held at the Durham Mariott Civic Center.

==Merchandise==
===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''[[Tigatron]]''', a redeco of ''[[Beast Wars Metals]]'' [[Ravage (G1)/toys#Metals|Ravage]], which is itself a [[retool]] of Transmetal [[Cheetor (BW)|Cheetor]]
*'''[[Arcee (G1)|Arcee]]''', a redeco and minor retool of ''[[Beast Wars (toyline)|Beast Wars]]'' [[Transmetal 2]] [[Blackarachnia (BW)|Blackarachnia]]

==Guests==
===Hasbro representatives===
*[[Joe Mattiko]]

===Voice actors===
*[[Michael Bell]]
*[[Gregg Berger]]
*[[Garry Chalk]]
*[[Scott McNeil]]
*[[John Stephenson]]

===Writers===
*[[Paul Davids]]
*[[Simon Furman]]

===Musicians===
*[[Ernie Burns]]
*[[Vince DiCola]]
*[[Gary Falcone]]

==Events==
{{stub}}
===Friday===
*Dinner night/opening ceremonies

===Saturday===
*Saturday night concert

===Sunday===

==External links==
* [http://www.botcon.com/archive/2001/index.html BotCon 2001 in the BotCon archives]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2007

2010-02-15T12:15:36Z

Star Saber: /* Other items */

[[Image:BC07logo.jpg|right|350px|thumb|[[Optimus Prime (G1)]]|Who could this mysterious black figure be?]]
[[Image:Botcon2007-lobbyoptimusprime.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Nothing says "welcome" like a giant robot about to punch your lights out.]]

'''[[BotCon]] 2007''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2007, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in Providence, Rhode Island from [[June 27]] to [[July 1]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

Fun Publications had previously held its conventions in the early fall; however, the date was moved up to coincide with the release of the [[Transformers (2007)|live-action Transfomers movie]].

:''Preceded by: [[BotCon 2006]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2008]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Ascending and Descending.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Providence Place mall]]
[[Image:ProvidencePlace.jpg|right|200px|thumb|No, seriously.]]

Botcon 2007 was held at the [http://www.riconvention.com/ Rhode Island Convention Center] in Providence, Rhode Island, from June 28 through July 1. The RICC is attached to a Westin hotel, the first of four downtown Providence hotels to have blocks booked for the convention by Fun Publications. Convenient sky bridges connect the hotel to the convention center, ensuring that attendees never had to actually set foot outside during the weekend. Granted, doing so risked instant death beneath the wheels of rushing cars on the freeway-like street crossed by the sky bridge.

The convention center is ''also'' attached to [http://www.providenceplace.com/ Providence Place Mall], which features a sixteen screen multiplex theatre and a Hot Topic that was ''totally'' sold out of [[Barricade (Movie)|Barricade]] clothing by Friday morning.

The mall's slogan is "DEFINING YOU". Up yours, Providence Place Mall.

==Merchandise==
===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of five toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge, the Convention Comic, bio cards, and for the first 300 registrants, an exclusive Bug Bite pin. This set sold out (both boxed and bagged versions) well in advance of the convention.

:*'''[[Bug Bite (G1)|Bug Bite]]''' - A Black and white redeco of [[Bumblebee (G1)/toys|''Classics'' Bumblebee]] with a purple tribal tattoo-style design on it.

:*'''[[Dreadwind (G1)|Dreadwind]]''' - A white and purple redeco of [[Jetfire (G1)|''Classics'' Jetfire]] with a remolded head.

:*'''[[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]]''' - A redeco of [[Starscream (G1)/toys|''Classics'' Starscream]] that replicates ''Generation 1'' Thundercracker's deco.

:*'''[[Dirge (G1)|Dirge]]''' - A redeco of [[Ramjet (G1)|''Classics'' Ramjet]] that replicates ''Generation 1'' Dirge's deco.

:*'''[[Thrust (G1)|Thrust]]''' - A retool of both sets of wings on the ''Classics'' Seeker mold, with the rest of the mold's configuration retaining elements from both Starscream and Ramjet. The deco replicates ''Generation 1'' Thrust's deco.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - [[Mirage (G1)|Mirage]], an unpainted version of ''Classics'' Mirage with mostly translucent blue plastic, was provided as a bonus to those who picked up their 'Primus Package' box set in person.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys, with only 1,400 produced of each set.

:*'''[[Alpha Trion (SG)|Alpha Trion]] and [[Weirdwolf]]''' - A purple, red, and white redeco of ''Cybertron'' [[Vector Prime]] with a remolded head, and [[Snarl (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Snarl]] redecoed to look like Weirdwolf.

:*'''[[Springer (G1)|Springer]] and [[Huffer (G1)|Huffer]]''' - Redecoes of [[Hot Shot (Armada)/toys|Cybertron Defense Hot Shot]] and [[Armorhide (Cybertron)|''Cybertron'' Armorhide]], done to look like Springer and Huffer, respectively. Springer was singled out by Fun Publications owner [[Brian Savage]] for having an unusually high number of paint apps, even for a convention exclusive.

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Games of Deception]]''''' - A comic drawn by [[Alex Milne]] and written by [[Forest Lee]], set in the [[Hasbro Transformers Collectors' Club (magazine)|Club Comic]] [[Classics (2006)|Classics]] universe. The comic was also available with an alternate cover and several pages of bonus content at the Club table.

===Other items===
* A pitcher bearing the BotCon 2007 logo with a light-up (red) base.
* A mug bearing the same logo and light-up base.
* A ball cap bearing the same logo.
* A T-shirt with the "Games of Deception" box graphics.
* A Classics-themed lithograph by [[Don Figueroa]].
* A fan-produced [[Vector Sigma]] set including stand and Key by the Lukis Bros at Unicron.com
* Four different keycards were given out to those staying in one of the four official hotels. Each bore an image of a different Movie character: Optimus Prime (Biltmore), Megatron (Marriot Courtyard), Starscream (Hilton), or Bumblebee (Westin). Although not sold at the convention itself, each card was available as a "bonus" with specific convention packages available through the Club Store. Remaining cards were sold as a set for $5 at [[Botcon 2008]] at the Club table.

==Guests==
===Hasbro employees===
Because of the convention's intentional proximity to [[Hasbro]]'s corporate headquarters in Pawtucket, RI, almost all current Hasbro employees that work on the ''Transformers'' brand made an appearance at the convention.

* [[Brian Goldner]], Chief Operating Officer
* [[Vickie Stratford]], Sr. Design Project Manager (Boy's Toys)
* [[Joe Kyde]], Designer (Boy's Toys, Exclusive Division)

====''Transformers'' brand====
* [[Greg Lombardo]], Sr.Director of Marketing
* [[Aaron Archer]], Sr. Design Director
* [[Eric Siebenaler]], Lead Designer
* [[Jared Wade]], Design Director
* [[William Rawley]], Sr. Designer

===Movie staff===
*[[Peter Cullen]], voice of [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]] both in the [[Generation 1|''Generation 1'' Cartoon]] and the upcoming film, made an appearance at the convention, signing autographs and hosting a panel.
*[[Bob Orci]] and [[Alex Kurtzman]], the writers of the screenplay for the movie, had several panels over the course of the weekend.
*[[Rachael Taylor]] and [[Tyrese Gibson]] made an appearance at the [[BotCon 2007#Thursday|movie screening]]. They and Brian Goldner were actually attending a charity screening of the movie next door to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, the Autism Project of Rhode Island, Adoption Rhode Island, and Hasbro Children's Hospital.<ref>[http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/index.jsp?epi-content=NEWS_VIEW_POPUP_TYPE&newsId=20070501005912&ndmHsc=v2*A1175425200000*B1178059402000*DgroupByDate*J2*L1*N1000837*Ztransformers&newsLang=en&beanID=202776713&viewID=news_view_popup (subscription required). Business Wire. 2007-05-01]</ref>

===Other actors===
* [[David Kaye]], recently announced as the voice of [[Optimus Prime (Animated)|Optimus Prime]] for ''[[Transformers Animated]]''. [[Megatron (BW)|Yessss...]]
* [[Daniel Ross]], voice of [[Starscream (Movie)|Starscream]] in all version of ''[[Transformers The Game]]'' and [[Mixmaster (Movie)|Mixmaster]] and [[Hound (Movie)|Hound]] in [[Transformers The Game (PSP)|the PSP version of ''Transformers The Game'']].

===Musicians===
*[[Stan Bush]], performer of 'Dare', 'The Touch', 'Ground Zero', and 'Till All Are One', attended the con, performing a concert at the Saturday dinner, giving a panel, and playing [[Wikipedia:Guitar Hero|Guitar Hero]] for the first time at an attendee's party.

*[[Ernie Petrangelo]], lead songwriter of [[N.R.G.]] (the performers of 'Instruments of Destruction' from the [[The Transformers: The Movie|1986 animated film]]'s soundtrack. Petrangelo was scheduled to be at the convention to sign autographs, but did not show as he was informed of the wrong day and actually turned up on the wednesday pre-registration, spending the day trying to find Brian Savage).

===Comics and art===
* [[IDW]] editor [[Dan Taylor]].
* IDW artist/writer [[Nick Roche]].
* IDW artist [[Alex Milne]].
* IDW artist [[Robby Musso]].

{{stub}}

===Government===
[[Image:Botcon2007-sectorseven.jpg|right|200px|thumb|You were never here and neither was this trailer]]
Some representatives of [[Sector Seven]] were in attendance at the convention, attempting to dispel the notion of the existence of [[NBE|NBEs]] through presentations in the [[Sector Seven Mobile Command Unit]].

==Events==
===Thursday===
[[Image:Mstf2007.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In the not too distant future, somewhere in Providence.]]
Thursday was the day when the majority of preregistrants arrived. Events on Thursday included...

*A customization class featuring the creation of [[Overkill (G1)|Overkill]] from the [[Grimlock (G1)/toys|Classics Grimlock]] mold.

* A 3D Display class.

* The Newport Tour.

* A special early screening of the [[Transformers (2007)|''Transformers'' 2007 movie]]. Hasbro alpha dog and executive producer [[Brian Goldner]] brought two stars of the film, but was unable to introduce Rachel Taylor before the audience started screaming for Tyrese to bring something.

===Friday===
Friday was the first full day of the convention for most participants.

Major events included...

* [[BotCon 2007 Hasbro Tour|Hasbro Tour]].

* Several David Kaye panels.

* A Stan Bush panel.

* A panel with the screenwriters of the movie.

* The [[Board Wars]] preliminary round.

* Autograph sessions.

* [[MSTF]].

In addition, the sales room was open from 4 to 7 PM.

===Saturday===
[[Image:Botcon2007-dealerroomoptimusprime.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The dealer room, featuring Optimus Prime.]]
[[Image:Botcon2007-optimusprimetruck.jpg|right|250px|thumb|The auxiliary display room, featuring Optimus Pr-- hey waaaait a second... anybody starting to suspect one of these might not be the real guy??]]
A big day. Events included...

* An ''[[Attacktix]]'' Tournament.

* The Board Wars finals, which Team Transformers Wiki won.

* Autograph sessions, including Peter Cullen this time.

* Another panel with the movie screenwriters.

* A panel where Hasbro discussed their involvement with the development of the movie and accompanying merchandise.

* Lessons on how to draw Transformers.

* A panel with [[Activision]], publishers of ''[[Transformers: The Game]]''.

* A panel with [[IDW Publishing]].

* A panel with Peter Cullen.

* Another panel with David Kaye.

* A collector's club roundtable.

* An awards show dinner/Stan Bush concert.

* [[Optimus Prime (Movie)|Optimus Prime]] showed up and hung out next to the [[BotCon 2007|Sector Seven Mobile Command Unit]].

Additionally, the dealer's room was open until 5PM.

===Sunday===
All of the panels on this final day of BotCon were repeats of those held earlier in the weekend, with one significant exception:

* Hasbro upcoming product panel, which premiered both the [[AllSpark Power]] wave of movie toys, and the character designs, animation clips, and toys of the ''[[Transformers Animated]]'' series.

The dealer room was open until 3:30PM.

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/07index.cfm BotCon.com's archive for BotCon 2007]

[[Category:Conventions]]

BotCon 2005

2010-02-15T11:55:16Z

Star Saber:

|[[Image:bc05logo.jpg|right|300px|thumb]]

[[Image:Descentintoevil-cover.jpg|right|300px|thumb|Here's the plan. We get the convention, and we hold the fandom ransom for... one ''million'' dollars.]]
'''[[BotCon]] 2005: Changing Gears''' was the Official ''[[Transformers brand|Transformers]]'' Convention in 2005, run by [[Fun Publications]]. It was held in the [[Dallas]], Texas suburb of Frisco, from [[September 21|September 21st]] to [[September 25|September 25th]], though only the last two days were open to the general public.

The convention was the first to be run by Fun Publications, and thus inaugurated a number of changes. The return of the "BotCon" name, an end-of-the-summer date, larger exclusive sets and higher preregistration costs all marked a break with previous conventions. The scope of the convention expanded as well, with pre-convention tours, special access dealer room "previews" for higher-paying attendees, and an onslaught of activities and panels throughout the weekend. Another new element was having several panels run two times, rather than being one-time-only events.

:''Preceded by: [[OTFCC 2004]]''
:''Followed by: [[BotCon 2006]]''

==Venue==
[[Image:Botcon2005-thevastemptyplainsoftexas.jpg|right|200px|thumb|In Dallas, if you're going to cross the street, you're expected to get in a car to do it.]]
Botcon 2005 was held in Frisco's brand-spanking-new (it had opened only a month prior) Embassy Suites Dallas-Frisco Hotel and Conference Center. Though posh and accommodating, this center is not located within easy walking distance of ''anything''. Many fans resorted to a quarter mile hike across empty fields and vast parking lots to reach a nearby shopping mall for food.

On the plus side, however, the Embassy Suites featured a ''free'' breakfast buffet (including made-to-order omelettes) where fans could mingle in the hotel's open atrium and save some cash on food.

The center is conveniently close to Dick's Sporting Goods, which may be reached via the Gaylord Parkway, just off Parkwood Avenue. Yeah, somebody didn't think this through very well

==Merchandise==
[[Image:Ratchettoytimelines.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
Compared to previous conventions, BotCon 2005 featured vast quantities of [[exclusive]] merchandise. Fun Publications also ran their own sales booth, offering a wide range of standard retail Transformer toys.

===Convention-exclusive toys===
*'''Convention Box Set''' - This set of seven toys was only available to those who registered for either the 'Primus Package' or the non-attendee 'Iacon Package.' The set also included a badge and the Convention Comic.

:*'''[[Deathsaurus (Victory)|Deathsaurus]]''' - A blue and black remold of [[Megatron (RID)|''Robots in Disguise'' Megatron]] with a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Buzzclaw (Timelines)|Buzzclaw]]''' and '''[[Dirge (Descent into Evil)|Dirge]]''' - Purple, black and yellow redecos (in different schemes for each figure) of ''Beast Wars'' [[Buzzclaw (BW)|Buzzclaw]].

:*'''[[Outback|Fallback]]''' - Brown, tan, and silver redeco of ''Energon'' [[Strongarm (Energon)|Strongarm]], intended as a renamed version of the ''Generation 1'' character Outback.

:*'''[[Ironhide (G1)|Ironhide]]''' - Red and grey redeco of ''Energon'' [[Tow-Line (Energon)|Tow-Line]] with a new head sculpt.

:*'''[[Ricochet (Descent into Evil)|Ricochet]]''' - A black and red redeco of the ''Generation 2'' Cyberjet [[Hooligan]] mold, Ricochet is a new character.

:*'''[[Chromia (G1)|Chromia]]''' - White and green redeco of ''Energon'' [[Arcee (Energon)|Arcee]] with a new head sculpt. Chromia was one of the [[female Autobots]] from the [[Generation 1 (cartoon)|Generation 1 cartoon series]]. However, many fans have pointed out that Chromia's color scheme, headsculpt, and personality profile all resemble [[Moonracer]]'s, a different character entirely. According to convention representatives, they could not secure the Moonracer name, so they simply dubbed the character Chromia instead.

*'''Attendee-Only Bonus Toy''' - '''[[Flamewar]]''' - Black redeco of ''Energon'' Arcee, given free to pre-registered attendees. Flamewar does not have the new headsculpt found on Chromia and Flareup.

*'''Convention Souvenir 2-Packs''' - Two sets of two bagged toys.

:*'''[[Flareup (Timelines)|Flareup]]''' an orange redeco of Chromia, and '''[[Ratchet (G1)|Ratchet]]''' a white redeco of the ''Energon'' Tow-Line mold with the new Ironhide headsculpt and a new Energon weapon, sold together in a pack limited to 500 packs.

:*'''[[Virulent Clone]]'''s - A pack of two blue redecos of ''Beast Wars'' Buzzclaw, limited to 400 packs.

*'''''Legends of Cybertron'' [[Ramjet (Universe)|Ramjet]]''' - White and blue repaint of Legends of Cybertron Starscream given away at the Hasbro booth.

===Comics===
*'''Convention Comic: ''[[Descent into Evil]]''''' - Taking place at an unspecified time between G1 and Beast Wars.

==Guests==
===Hasbro staff===
* [[Greg Lombardo]], Director of Marketing
* [[Aaron Archer]], Design Director
* [[Eric Siebenaler]], Lead Designer

===Voice actors===
* [[Wally Burr]], voice director of the ''Generation 1'' cartoon series and occasional voice actor
* [[Michael Chain]], voice of ''Generation 1'' [[Hoist (G1)|Hoist]], [[Powerglide (G1)|Powerglide]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]] and [[Skids (G1)|Skids]]
* [[Brian Dobson]], voice of ''[[Armada (franchise)|Armada]]/[[Cybertron (franchise)|Cybertron]]'' [[Red Alert (Armada)|Red Alert]]
* [[Michael Dobson]], voice of ''Armada/[[Energon (franchise)|Energon]]/Cybertron'' [[Starscream (Armada)|Starscream]], ''Energon'' [[Signal Flare (Energon)|Signal Flare]] and ''Cybertron'' [[Brakedown (Cybertron)|Brakedown]].
* [[Paul Dobson]], voice of ''[[Beast Machines (franchise)|Beast Machines]]'' [[Tankor (BM)|Tankor]] and [[Obsidian (BM)|Obsidian]], ''Armada'' [[Sideways (RID)|Sideways]] and [[Nemesis Prime (Armada)|Nemesis Prime]], ''Energon'' [[Rodimus (Energon)|Rodimus]] and [[Superion Maximus]], ''Cybertron'' [[Landmine (Energon)|Landmine]] and [[Overhaul (Cybertron)|Overhaul]].

===Actor===
* [[Colton Dearing]], child actor who appeared in the ''Transformers Cybertron'' toy commercials

===Comics and art===

{{stub}}

==Events==
[[Image:Botcon2005-iamoptimusprime.jpg|right|200px|thumb|]]
===Wednesday===
8:30pm: Check-in for Thursday tour

===Thursday===
* 7:30am: Tour: Fort Worth - Where the West Begins. This tour began a FunPub tradition of locally-themed pre-convention tours of the various cities where BotCon occurs each year.
* 6-10pm: Check In/Registration Pick-Up, divided into two shifts.
* 10:00pm: [[MSTF]] presentation

===Friday===
* 7:30am-2pm: Dealer setup
* 8:00am-noon: Contest Entries setup
* 9-5pm: Walk-up and Late Check In/Registration
* 9:00am: So You Wonder how We Do the Voices? - Dobson Brothers panel
*10:00am: Transformers Rarities - [[Rik Alvarez]] panel
:This panel heavily focused on chromed and / or clear variants of the G1 Commemorative Series figures, with the host adamantly insisting that they were all legitimately marketed (if not actually released) TF product and that the popular [[fandom|fan]] term "lunchtime special" was inaccurate. These assertions aside, and the legitimacy of these variants also aside, at that time they were all quite well-known to the fandom and not newsworthy at all. Puzzlingly, the panel gave relatively short-shrift to the world premiere revelations of a handful of TF concepts and prototypes that had never been seen or even reported on previously, such as: [[Toxitron]], [[Motormaster|Universe Motormaster]] (a [[redeco]] of [[Machine Wars]] [[Optimus Prime (G1)|Optimus Prime]]), a redeco of [[Jetstorm (BM)|Ultra Jetstorm]], and an entirely different [[mold]] and transformation scheme for [[Megatron (BW)|Megabolt Megatron]].
*11:00am: Hasbro/Takara Working Together panel
*Noon: The Transformers Return to Comic Books - IDW panel. Contest area closes for judging.
*1:00pm: You can be the next: Transformers Idol! prelims, with Wally Burr and Pete Sinclair. Courtesy Room opens (see Notes).
*2:00pm: Sales Room opens for "Private Preview". This is if you spent a whole lotta money. Voice Actor autograph sessions begin.
*Hourly door prizes begin.
*4:00pm: Contest entries open for viewing. Second round of Voice Actor autographs.
*5:00pm: Everything closes. EVERYTHING.
*7:00pm: Casino Night Charity Event
*10:00pm: Casino Night Charity Auction

===Saturday===
* 7:30am: Walk-up Late Check-In/Registration; Dealer Room setup
* 8:30am: Dealer Room opens for Private Preview. Again, this takes money.
* 9:00am: "Early Bird" admission. More money! Hourly door prize giveaways resume. Finals for the You Can Be the Next: Transformers Idol! begin.
* 10:00am: Dealer room opens to the general public, who can come in to view its sad, picked-over corpse now that the fans have had their way with it. Hasbro New Product Unveiling panel begins. Voice actor autograph sessions begin.
* 11:00am: Costume contest
* Noon: The Transformers Return to Comics - IDW panel (repeat).
* 1:00pm: Transformers G1 Voices - Michael and Wally
* 2:00pm: Transformers Club Roundtable - [[Brian Savage]]
* 3:00pm: The Making of the TF Animated Movie - [[Paul Hitchens]]
* 4:00pm: Transformers Rarities - [[Rik Alvarez]]
* 5:00pm: EVERYTHING CLOSES. GET OUT.
* 7:00pm: Awards Dinner and "evening program"

===Sunday===
*9:00am: Dealer set-up
*9:30am: Dealer room opens to all
*10:00am: So You Wonder how We Do the Voices? - Dobson Brothers panel (repeat)
*11:00am: The Making of the TF Animated Movie - [[Paul Hitchens]] (repeat); first autograph sessions begin
* 12:00pm: Designing Transformers - Hasbro Team panel
* 2:00pm: Transformers G1 Voices - Michael and Wally (repeat)
* 3:00pm: Drawing to win 2 trips to the 2006 convention.
* 3:30pm: All exhibits and dealer room close. Hearts are crushed. Now what is there to live for??

Hasbro displays of upcoming toys focused on mid- to late-run ''[[Cybertron (toyline)|Cybertron]]'' toys, most notably [[Primus]] and [[Metroplex (Cybertron)|Metroplex]].

A nearly life-sized Optimus Prime statue greeted guests as they entered the dealer room. A jungle diorama displayed the convention toys in a re-enactment of the "[[Descent into Evil]]" comic.

==Notes==
* BotCon '05 occurred in the weeks following the disastrous arrival of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Given that, many fans were somewhat anxious to find that Hurricane Rita was bearing down on the Texas coast shortly before the convention began. The hurricane's remnants turned east upon landing, however, and the Metroplex got nothing more than a few clouds and a stiff breeze.
* The Courtesy Room was a consuite (a first for BotCon) where fans could sit and watch various Transformers shows as well as munch on some free snacks. Nachos, chips, salsa, apple cobbler, and soda were available.

{{stub}}

==External links==
*[http://www.botcon.com/botcon05index.cfm BotCon.com's archive of BotCon 2005]

[[Category:Stub]]
[[Category:Conventions]]

File:Bc05logo.jpg

2010-02-15T11:49:31Z

Star Saber: Botcon 2005 logo: Changing Gears. Property of Fun Publications.

Botcon 2005 logo: Changing Gears. Property of [[Fun Publications]].