Hello everyone,
I would like to add my suggestions. Here is my list, hopefully at least semi-organized, of toys and exclusives that I would hope to see, would love to see, and expect to see. Also, please let me know what you think!
Please note, this will be rather drawn out and lengthy. (With details too!)
To begin with, figures that have already been suggested by Botcon, or inspired by Botcon.
Elita One (based on Cybertron Thunderblast). I'm very willing to support the release of this figure. As much as I enjoy the Botcon 2007 set, I still feel like it's not complete without Elita One; even more so with how heavily she was featured in the comic. I'd really love to see the set completed. Also on the plus side, she would be pretty much in scale with Classics Optimus Prime!
Next, some Shattered Glass figures.
First, Shattered Glass Cyclonus (based on the upcoming Classics 2.0 Cyclonus).
He was shown to have Hot Rod's paint job. Seeing as Classics Cyclonus is soon to be released, he should be easy to do, what with being a straight repaint.
Secondly, Shattered Glass Thundercracker (Based on Cybertron Starscream). The figure would go nicely with Shattered Glass Starscream, and still allow a slot open for a future, normal, evil action-master paint job Thundercracker from the Classics Starscream mold.
Next, naturally, is Action Master Thundercracker himself, from Classics Starscream. It would be easy to make, and would make for a very unique display piece.
Many people have been asking for a new figure of Bludgeon. Just recently, Hasbro stated that they were thinking of making a new one, for the Classics Universe line and then canceled the project. If he is to be a repaint, most can’t agree upon which figure is a better choice for him though, Cybertron Unicron, or, Classics Deluxe Two-Pack Tank Megatron. Both sides could be made happy by making both into Bludgeon, with one of the two being a Shattered Glass Heroic Dececpticon. They could even be sold together in a vs. Two-Pack.
Now, a canceled figure: Toxitron. I know that many people wanted this toy for many differing reasons. It would make for a nice display piece, and also be a nice nod to the history of Botcon. (For bonus fun, Shattered Glass Toxitron from the Classics Optimsu Prime Mold)
Next come figures that I think would work very well.
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First, many people seem to immediately suggest Energon Sharkticon as Pre-Beast Wars Depth Charge. I would have to disagree. I would far rather have this mold as RID Sky Byte.
Here are links for easy comparison!
Energon Sharticon | RID Sky-Byte
They're already both sharks, and they both have a similar body structure. They both have orbs in the middle of their chests, and the legs of the two toys are also very similar. Shark-eye details could very easily be added on to Sharticon's chest, and their head scuplt's are also similar, if you take away Sky-Byte's huge helmet crest. I really feel that this idea would work well.
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Next, I would like to propose Pre-Beast Wars Depth Charge, based on the Cybertron Sideways mold. I have had at least one person agree with me. Here is my support for my idea. (Separated due to length.) (This is also one of my personal favorites, as well as the one I think is the best of the ideas I‘ve ever had.)
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Cybertron Sideways | Depth Charge
The shape of his vehicle mode is very similar to a manta ray, and, in the show, Depth Charge did have a third Star Cruiser vehicle mode, as well as a little spaceship he first arrived in (I think they called it a Star Hopper, not sure). Sideways's vehicle mode resembles both of these.
In robot mode, Sideways's chest is similar to Depth Charge's. There is also a resemblance between Sideways's legs and Depth Charge's legs; to be specific, the spikes on Sideways's knees are similar to the Manta Ray "feelers" on Depth Charge's kness. Their feet are also similar, and both have armor directly above the feet (though to be fair, Sideway's has this armor on the side of his lower legs, but I believe that it is close enough to suffice.)
For weaponry, Sideway's twin blades can substitute for Depth Charge's cutlass. Sideway's crossbow could easily work as Depth Charge's shark-gun, especially if given paint details on the side of the gun, where it would not be seen in vehicle mode. Sideway's faction switching gimmick could be implemented in a fun way as well. Just place a Maximal symbol in the weapon's non-activated state. Place an X in a Not-Allowed circle for it's activated state! It would be perfect for when he encounters X himself!
Next, the long "cape of wings" that Sideway's has on his back can be positioned in two ways, downward, like his instructions officially show, or, left in an upward position, making it look like Depth Charge's wings! This ability to reposition them is also similar to Depth Charge. Of course, Sideways also has came packaged with the same cyber-key that was used to make the Pre-Beast Wars Golden Disk cyber key!
Another factor for this mold working as the Depth Charge would be that he would be in-scale with the other Dawn of Future's Past figures (same size as Pre-Transmetal Optimus and Rhinox, taller than Rattrap and Cheetor).
The only things he would need would be a new head and a new paint job!
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Now another Pre-Beast Wars Figure.
How about Cybertron Menasor as Rampage?
I do realize that this idea is a stretch. It does not match the model shown in Beast Wars as Rampages Cybertronian form. However, the molds do share similarities.
Menasor is rather crab-like, what with the two drills in front of the mining vehicle. The front of Menasor's alternate mode is similar to a crab's shell. In robot mode, the two "shell" halves stick up from his back, similar to Rampage's crab claws in his robot mode. Also, their faces are both rather odd. With some heavt paint work, Menasor's head might wind up looking similar to Rampage's. Menasor also does have pincer's on his right arm.
Like I said, I do realize that it's a stretch. However, The mold is the right size. He easily towers over the other molds, and is a good height compared to Rhinox and Rattrap. I'll also be honest: I have no ideas about what do to with Heavy Load.
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Finally, I'll end with what I think we're most likely to get.
Seeing as Transformers 2 will be released next year, and how in 2007 the movie and Classics figures were a very powerful combination, I fully believe that the Classics will be used for 2009.
First is Classics Sunstorm. He’ll wind up being made, one way or another, sooner or later. Sunstorm would also be a very easy repaint to make.
Next is Classics Red Alert. It's been a long time since Red Alert had a toy that was a repaint from Sideswipe. This would be a very simple and easy process, and it would also make for a very nice, in-scale
G1 Red Alert. He would even be in scale with the up-coming Classics Inferno!
For a large mold, Bad Boy from Powerglide. I remember reading somewhere the Club stating that they would be interested in making figures based on the Go-Bots characters. Every year normally includes one large figure, and this would be an easy repaint to make as it requires no remolding. Also, Bad Boy has almost no chance of a retail release, he probably wouldn't sell well as a standard Club exclusive, and being a Botcon figure would let him match up well with 2007 Bugbite.
I'd like to mention Elita One here again. Seeing as she was designed with the Classics line in mind, this figure would be perfect for next year!
To anyone and everyone who was willing to slog their way through this entire post, thank you for reading! Also, even more thanks to those that agree with me!