Diecast reports back from BotCon 2023 with voice actors, a podcaster panel and a Yolopark Optimus Primal display. Takara Tomy keeps teasing Missing Link Convoy details, from a styrofoam insert to die-cast parts. New 2024 listings hint at Generations Selects multipacks and a Titan. Sonic Drive-In’s EarthSpark kids’ meal toys hide a spoon in the head, and Brian loves it.
News
BotCon 2023 Report
Diecast attended BotCon 2023 and said it felt like a genuine BotCon, minus the old warnings to hide third-party toys. The dealer room opened Friday, and the hotel’s promised mall shuttle never ran. Guests included David Kaye, Scott McNeil, Simon Furman, Bob Budiansky and Sue Blu. Scott McNeil switched between Rattrap and Waspinator in the opening ceremony and signs autographs for free. Diecast sat on a podcaster and influencer panel that became a Q&A. Yolopark gave away model kits at panels and showed a giant Optimus Primal with a breathing chest and smoke effects. He also bought a Robosen Optimus Prime base he cannot review yet. Diecast would go again next year.
Takara Tomy Missing Link Convoy/Optimus Packaging Variants and Details
Takara Tomy is teasing Missing Link Convoy details on Twitter. C-02’s anime-colored box resembles the Walmart reissue packaging, while C-01 recreates the G1 box down to a styrofoam insert. Rob called the styrofoam insert the stupidest thing he has ever been excited about. The crew discussed why Takara still calls the G1 character Convoy. [Source: TFW2005]
Takara Tomy Missing Link Convoy/Optimus Prime Licence Plate Labels and Tech Spec Decoder
C-01 gets two license plate sticker options, while C-02 gets the cartoon’s yellow rectangle. Both include a tech spec decoder. C-02’s rifle has extra vent paint, and its Energon axe is a duller, less transparent color. Die-cast metal returns in the same places as the original toy. [Source: TFW2005]
Additional Upcoming Transformers Product Info: TF5 Drift, Rise Lifeline and More
JT Prime found more 2024 listings, including a Generations Selects Autobot multipack and a Selects Deluxe three-pack. The crew guessed the three-pack could be Insecticons in new colors. JT Prime hinted that the Amazon capsule will cause capital-M mayhem, which suggests the Mayhem Attack Squad. He also said the toy line will finally be united, a hint at next year’s subtitle. Other listings include a Studio Series Leader reissue for Target and four more Walmart retro reissues. A Studio Series Deluxe Lifeline ties in to the upcoming Transformers: Reactivate game. [Source: TFW2005]
Beast Wars BWVS-01 Eternal Beast Showdown Optimus Primal vs Megatron 2-Pack In-Hand Images
BWVS-01 comes in a vintage-style Versus window box inside a brown slipcover. One host loves the old Beast Wars era boxes and plans to keep his. To him Megatron looks fantastic, though Optimus Primal does nothing for him. [Source: TFW2005]
Sonic Drive-In Transformers EarthSpark Toys
Sonic Drive-In’s kids’ meals now include EarthSpark figurines, and taking the head off reveals a spoon. One host called it his new favorite thing and plans to visit Sonic tomorrow. [Source: TFW2005]
Peripheral Maker PDP Announces a New Line of Controllers With Figurines Inside Them
PDP’s REALMz controllers put character figurines inside clear shells, and Transformers versions are coming but not pictured yet. One host believes matching headsets are planned too. [Source: VGC]
Generations Selects Voyager Antagony Behind the Scenes
Marcus posted Antagony photos on Instagram, including an early sample with a pinker head. One host prefers the pinker head. Marcus also said the Transmetal-style head and hidden details on the Inferno mold came from a hope for a Transmetal-inspired line. [Source: TFW2005]
Beast Wars BWVS-02 Stubborn Confrontation Scorponok In-Hand Images
One host said many of the Versus redos barely differ from the retail versions, and Scorponok is one of them. [Source: TFW2005]
Transformers Studio Series Core Class Decepticon Frenzy (Red) In-Hand Images
In-hand photos of Studio Series 86 Frenzy in red are out, and the crew agrees it is clearly Rumble. [Source: TFW2005]
Transformers Battle for the Spark Live Event in China
China is getting a Transformers stage show called Battle for the Spark, with full costumes and a Ravage puppet. The crew said the costumes look good, especially Windblade’s, and the style follows Cyberverse. One host wishes it were on ice. [Source: TFW2005]
What We Got This Week
Rob
Rob’s large order from a Japanese retailer with free shipping was all off-topic.
Chris
Chris had nothing this week.
Matt
Matt got the Shattered Glass two-pack with Sideswipe, Rodimus and the Mini-Con Whisper. Sideswipe’s mint green and gray deco is beautiful, with a new chest and head. Whisper is surprisingly good and holds together far better than the Siege Micromasters. Shattered Glass Rodimus in black, purple and silver is perfection to Matt, evil goatee included.
Diecast
From BotCon, Diecast got a Simon Furman signed print of the G1 Marvel issue 70 cover, where Megatron and Ratchet are fused. Realm of Collectors’ rock box gave him clear orange and purple Ollie figures, a third-party Wheelie. He got a Waspinator signed by Scott McNeil. He also got the Mastermind Creations Reformatted Cheetor set and the Robosen Optimus Prime display base. Other pickups were Mastermind Creations Rewind and Eject cassette homages, a transforming Roller from Mod Fans, and the Shattered Glass Rodimus two-pack.
Don
Don got Shattered Glass Rodimus. On sale, he got the orange X-Transbots Masterpiece Cyclonus homage and the clear New Age Air Guardian. He also got Amazon’s Nacelle, though a Discord member said theirs came with mold on the wings.
Brian
Brian got VNR Optimus Prime and thinks he likes it as much as or more than Holiday Optimus Prime.