Hidey ho folks, for those who want yet another BotCon 1997 review, this one's for you! This was my first Botcon and boy am I glad it was! This review may seem a bit condensed. That will partially be because I have only had about ten hours sleep in three days and also because my memory of the whole event is rapidly becoming one huge blur of activity. 
Also, please pardon any mispellings (especially of names), my brain is currently still in recovery from BotCon. It should be back from the hospital soon.
Friday
The Arrival
Rousing myself from sleep early Friday morning, I hopped into my clothes, grabbed my bags and headed over to the Port Authority Bus Terminal where I had a Very Bad For Me Breakfast(tm) consisting of eggs, toast and home fries (it was that or pizza). My bus arrived on time and I was off for a 7 hour bus ride (yay!).
Upon arriving at the hotel, I saw several fans gathered in a circle (the Transformers t-shirts gave them away, other than that, they were totally inconspicuous). I first decided to try to check in before introducing myself. After several calls to the credit card company, begging, pleading and wondering why my Mastercard never works, I finally checked in and joined the circle of TF fans. Upon introducing myself, familar names became attached to faces. With the likes of Phil and Tengu at the head, I began slowly meeting up with fellow TF fans and the adventure began.
Running around the hotel, the meetings continued as Tut, Raksha, Rob Jung, Msipher, Doug Dlin and more people suddenly became more to me (visually) than just black and white text on a screen. Very thrilling (no sarcasm, I mean it). This was perhaps, the best way to start the convention. In Rob's room oggling occurred as Mispher's repainted BW toys were drooled over and Rob's incredible Death's Head figure stood guarding a lamp on a desk. Meanwhile, the special dinner was looming over us and soon, people decided we needed to spiffy up a bit before going to schmooze with the stars.
The Dinner
The air buzzed with excitement as fans poured into the room and opened up their dinner exclusives to find Dave Van "If you got it I can paint it" Domelen's beautiful, ultra cool decoys painted. There were over a hundred of these babies done I believe. Dave has gone above and beyond the call of duty and deserves the highest praise. My sincerest thanks Dave, you rule! Each also came with a small wooden stand with an inscription indicating the wonderful event. Also enclosed were laminated sections of the Transformers: The Movie storyboards. I received the blue Grimlock Dave painted and it's gorgeous and will remain treasured for a long time to come.
Soon, the Hartmans began opening intros and we were informed several folks including David Kaye, Venus Terzo and Bob Forward were delayed in Chicago so they wouldn't be at the dinner. However, Andrew Wildman, Simon Furman, Stan Bush and Vince DiCola were all present so the loss was felt, but it didn't kill the dinner at all. As the lounging began, more introductions occurred as I ran into the likes of Andrew Frankel and others (Hi guys!).
Fractyl and Packrat
Towards the end of the dinner, fans began slowly approaching the "reserved" table with Andy Wildman, Simon Furman, Stan Bush and Vince DiCola. I myself transformed into the mighty drooling fanboy as I talked to the awesome team of Simon Furman and Andrew Wildman. I was eventually pulled away by Neale Davidson who probably saved my life since there were about five other fans who looked like they were ready to pick me up and toss me aside to get to Simon and Andrew (and hey, I don't blame them at all).
The night soon ended and good nights were said all around (after some lengthy conversation of course). It was off to sleep for me, more was to come the next day.
Saturday
Registration, Opening Ceremonies and All That Jazz
A huge line awaited me as I entered the convention area. Opening ceremonies began after some sound equipment troubles, the Hartmans and Glen appeared, introducing the guests that had made it up to that point (David Kaye, Venus Terzo and Bob Forward had not yet arrived, but Peter Cullen had made it). Then, surprisingly enough, Megatron & Soundwave sent a message that was played, much to the delight of fans. Of course, I refer to Frank Welker who couldn't make the convention. Without prodding or begging, he had made a tape to play for the fans. After hearing Frank Welker wish us well, the convention was officially opened and registration proceeded.
After regisration, pre-registrants ran over to the area where the exclusive items were being sold. The items available were:
a. The Packrat and Fractyl two pack.
b. The exclusive CD (Unicron's song, yaaaay!!!).
c. T-shirts
d. The BW comic by Andrew Wildman and Simon Furman.
e. Advance orders for the Botcon 1997 video.
After spending ludicrous amounts of money, it was off to the dealer's room...
The Dealer's Room (a.k.a. "That's HOW much in American dollars?!")
The Dealer's Room was neat and yes, there were Japanese Transformers dealers, about four I believe. Some items were lacking such as Godbomber (sorry Phil), but other items were plentiful (Star Saber, Victory Leo and Japanese G2 toys were everywhere). Prices varied from Powermaster engines (not released in the US) went for $25 while an Overlord went for $300. Shudder After doing the preliminary sweep, it was time to look forward to actual events!
Peter Cullen Panel (He said "Roll out!")
Forget what you heard before, Peter Cullen was gracious, nice and patient. He is not the egotistical maniac some thought him to be. Among the highlights of the Peter Cullen panel were:
a. Peter revealed that he enjoyed doing Optimus Prime very much. He saw him as a true hero, and the type of hero he wouldn't mind seeing on television today.
b. Peter did a quick Optimus Prime & Ironhide skit which will live on in many fan minds.
c. Upon request, Peter sang in Optimus Prime's voice. Be afraid, be very afraid...
d. Mention of Chris Latta/Collins (a.k.a. Starscream) and his death brought a heavy veil of emotion onto the room. Peter looked as if he was on the edge of tears before he asked to change the subject. Before doing so however, he commented on Chris Latta's death by commenting that sometimes "Hollywood devours it's young." It was a heavy moment, and one not likely to be forgotten.
e. Peter enjoys the rodeo, yee haa!!!
f. Peter does Eeyore (sp?) on Winnie the Pooh!
Peter was great and even stopped to talk to fans and take pictures after the scheduled autograph sessions. He was pulled over by drooling fans here and there as he tried to leave the hotel (yes, I was one of them) and was smiling throughout the whole time. I don't think he expected the "magnitude" of what it was he was doing. I for one, wish him well and thanked him for showing up.
Bob Forward Panel (What the heck are Fuzors anyway?)
Bob Forward's panel went fast. Not because it was shorter than the others (much anyway), not because he was dull, but because we fans practically pelted him with questions. However, here are the tid bits everyone wants to know:
a. Season two is in full swing. Hasbro wanted to do 26 episodes, but it turns out it was Mainframe who refused it. They simply don't have the resources to do so at this time.
b. A third season might happen, but that's to be discussed at a much later time.
c. Scorponok and Terrorsaur buy it, it's confirmed.
c. The Fuzors are BW toys who have an "amalgam animal mode". For instance, Silverbolt's alternate mode will be a winged wolf. No such creature exists you say? Well, don't worry, that will be explained in the episodes that introduce us to this exciting line of BW toys.
d. So what's this we heard about energon causing our fave characters to turn "shiny"? Well, it has to do with the Transmetals, a line of toys that now back off from the all organic beast look towards the bio-mechanical look with vacuume metallized plating mixed with the same "animal textures" from the first year of BW toys. More on this in the report on the Hasbro panel.
e. The Predacons will get more of a fair shake in season two. Their schemes will become bigger and badder, I can hardly wait!
g. Waspinator will be around for season two!
h. [Omega Supreme mode]: G1 cameos, possible.
Bob was very nice and answered the questions as best he could without ruining it for everyone. After all, if he told us everything, why watch the season? However, he did guarantee us one thing, to quote Bob, we can expect a lot of stuff in season two that is "neat".
Simon Furman/Andrew Wildman Panel (It's them! It's really them!)
The two men who practically carried the Transformers universe on their shoulders for three years straight (without a cartoon or other medium backing them up besides the toys) were a great pair to talk to. They pointed out that they worked their hardest to be sure Transformers would not turn into a boring book to work on. Also, Simon explained that "Another time and place." can be taken as exactly that, an "alternate" future for the Transformers, separate from the G2 series that was relased in the early 90's. The pair also discussed their influences in the comic world, and the hope that comics would move into the realm of being more about reading that just visual excitement.
The Day Draws to an End (and the concert would soon begin)
After hanging around the dealer's room and placing yet even more faces to names, I managed to snag some toys and finally decided to head back to the room to dump some stuff off. A few fans and I decide to go out to eat, but that idea is scrapped. Soon, it is decided to use my room (one of the least packed in) as a staging ground for a pizza party.
At first, about 15 people were expected.
About 30 showed up.
With the whole pizza idea firmly scrapped and thrown out the window, everyone broke into small groups to eat before the Stan Bush concert. The group I was in wound up in an Asian buffet restaurant with barely passable food. But heck, it was filling and we needed food quick.
The Concert
Fans reunited on line for the concert and as we stood on line, we watched the Wu Tang Clan's concert group come into the hotel for their show (upstairs). To say the least, seeing hordes of teenagers coming in being patted down (with a force of cops outside) was not inspiring.
The concert kicked off with Vince Dicola playing the Unicron theme. Need I say more?
When Stan Bush came out, he sang a few light songs that received polite applause (everyone wanted to hear The Touch and Dare). Personally, I wanted my gf there since I suddenly felt like I was on a date alone.
Once the TF tunes continued, things kicked into high gear. Fans were going crazy and the applause at the end was great. The demand for an encore was not granted however, darnit.
After the concert it was off to bed. There was a long day ahead.
Interlude
2am, fire alarms went off in the Sheraton Four Points hotel, but they quickly ceased and everyone hit the pillows again.
4:40(ish)am, fire alarms went off again. This time, these were the alarms with flashing lights in the room and a voice saying "Please exit the building, do not use the elevators..." I climbed from the 8th floor down the stairs with fellow TF fans in front and behind and finally made it outside. Turns out there was indeed smoke somewhere, but as to what caused it, I've heard conflicting stories. By the time I had gotten back to my room and readied for sleep, it was 5:30am. *Sigh*
Sunday
David Kaye & Venus Terzo Panel
Early on in the panel, Venus came through the door attracting much attention. Phil, Neale, and some others (yes including me) took some pictures with Ms. Terzo before she went on stage.
The pair of David Kaye and Venus Terzo were a joy to see. They played off of each other well. And yes, they both did "Megatron" and "Blackarachnia" voices. Neato! They both said they enjoyed doing their characters a lot. Fans were knowledgable enough to also note their other animation "appearances" including Project A-KO, Ranma and Exo-Squad.
The Adventure Continues
I missed the Stan Bush/Vince DiCola panel due to a personal Commitment, but I managed to snag their autographs after the Hasbro presentations. Whew!
The Hasbro Panel
George Boznos and Gerry Palmer
Most questions were indeed met with "No comments", but those no comments were almost always followed up with sly grins or winks. We BW fans can expect "higher price points" next year (a.k.a. bigger Toys) and a third line of TF toys beyond Fuzors and Transmetals (whether or not this third line of toys will be part of BW or not is unknown).
For those who are wondering, Machine Wars is still in discussion for any sort of extention. For now, it's WYSIWYG.
The Hasbro reps were very nice and even took time after the presentation to hang around and chat with fans.
Time to Leave
My bus left at 4:15pm and it was rapidly approaching that time. After some regretful good byes, I left the hotel and wandered over to the bus stop for my trip home.
Overall, Botcon 1997 was incredible. Jon, Karl and Glenn all deserve mucho kudos for their work. All the guests were wonderful, no egos were tossed around at all. It was awesome meeting other fans who (until now) were just black and white letters on the monitor in appearance. Special thanks to Gordon, Phil and Stan who were kind enough to take some pictures for me. This trip was incredible and I can't wait until next year.
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