BotCon Report

[Jerzy]

I wanted to share some photos from my trip to BotCon in Lexington, KY this year, as well as some thoughts on the show.

The last BotCon I attended was way back in 1997. I have to say that the 2006 show was way bigger. I don't know the attendance numbers, but it seemed a lot more crowded, and I waited a significant time longer to meet the voice actors there. I was in line to meet Peter Cullen (Optimus Prime) for over an hour and a half this year, unlike 1997, where I waited maybe 20 minutes. Also, they weren't allowing anyone to pose for pictures with Mr. Cullen this year, in order to keep the line moving.

A shot of the line just to get in on Saturday:
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/line.jpg

I was also taken aback by the number of kids there this year. I suppose all us TF fans are getting older and starting families, and I overheard many conversations where parents were telling their kids the differences between the Grimlock they grew up with versus the Grimlock their kids were buying at the show.

On to the photos!

Some views of the floor:

http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/dealer_floor01.jpg
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/dealer_floor02.jpg
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/dealer_floor03.jpg
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/dealer_floor04.jpg

A 5' tall Devastator, created by fan Shane Maddox:
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/devastator.jpg

The BotCon Exclusive toy set, featuring Cybertron vehicle modes of the Beast Wars characters:
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/exclusive.jpg
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/exclusive02.jpg

Some of the costumes I saw there:
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/costumes01.jpg
(the kid's face is blurred for privacy)
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/witwickys.jpg

I had the privilege of meeting Blu Mankuma, the voice of Beast Wars Tigatron:
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/blu.jpg

I also got to meet and talk to Peter Cullen, the voice of G1 Optimus Prime. Because they weren't allowing us to take our pictures with him, I snagged this shot of Mr. Cullen talking to G4 TV:
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/cullen.jpg
They apparently were talking about the upcoming TF movie, hence the big robot hand behind him.

Go-Bots at a TF convention?? What will they think of next??
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/gobots.jpg

IDW Publishing had a booth there, and Simon Furman was signing autographs with Don Figueroa.
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/war_within.jpg

And last but not least, some of the new toys coming out:
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/titanium_magnus.jpg
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/titanium_galvatron.jpg
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/titanium_scourge.jpg
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/titanium_megs.jpg
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/classic_ramjet.jpg
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/classic_skywarp.jpg
http://mlatcomics.com/images/botcon/classic_megs.jpg
Dig that giant cannon on Meg's arm!

I had a good time. I would recommend everyone who loves Transformers to go to this convention at least once.

_________________
Saturday morning comics for kids of all ages!

[MacGyver]

Awesome! Thanks for the update man! Botcon would be great to go to someday!

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[Ol'frisco]

Great shots, I always did dig Skywarp it's nice to see the classic version done well again.