Honestly, this BotCon was the best one I've had for social gatherings. I met sooooo many new people and reconnected with several old faces. I will never forget getting absolutely trashed on Friday night at the TFW meetup (a group of my friends have now coined the phrase "metalhawked" because we were all getting cross eyed). I had the chance to talk to several of the voice actors, Hasbro reps, and the fellas behind IDW. The dealer room IMO was a shit ton better than last years and I got a lot of good deals.

The BotCon itself was nothing short of good. It had it's shitty moments like the autograph lines (at times ...) and the souvenir line. I put most of the blame for that on the poor communication between staff and volunteers.

The FunPub panel was run beautifully IMO. Brian Savage stepped up and immediately apologized for everything that has happened. It really set the tone for the panel as they went on to reveal some AWESOME toys. As long as they continue to remain transparent and show the fans they're improving their security issues, I'll be a Club member.

All in all, this BotCon is a solid 8/10. It was a fun time and I'm glad I managed to go.

 

Seriously. It was Subway and Cindy's for me.

 

..seriously? I wandered around Dallas alone for about 6 hours on Tuesday, and several more times with only 1-2 others, including the whole area surrounding the hotel, and didn't feel the least bit unsafe at any point. As far as cities go, it's one of the most civilized I've been to.

As for BotCon itself, I found it pretty underwhelming. Some of it's probably because I've been going to cons for nearly 10 years and I've just become jaded, but compared to say, 2009, where there seemed to be a lot more guests, dealers, more interesting displays (like the G1 Unicron prototypes, loads more new figures, actual vehicles used in the movies..), everything this year felt kinda half-assed in comparison. The location, layout, displays, box set, panels.. it all felt like it was done with an attitude of "it's not great but it'll do". It wasn't bad, but other than the Hasbro/Club reveals, nothing made it stand out from the fan conventions.

I still had a great time catching up with friends and seeing more of the US, but all BotCon brought to the table for me was the means to pay for the trip by scalping exclusives.

 

Cindy's was pretty damn good. And they had quite a selection. Sucked they closed at 3, but the hotel food wasn't too shabby either.

 

$88 MIB X9 Ravage and Texas BBQ.

 

No it wasn't. But luckily I was able to drive in so the few times I wasn't really feeling anything nearby, I could go and get something.

 

The show was decent. Not as good as previous years and the dealer room felt smaller and darker than last years spacious and bright room.
The hotel was fantastic. Nice spacious area for the bar (though it was real busy and they could have done with more staff on)
The surrounding area wasn't the best.
Cindys was a nice place to eat though.

If they could have that hotel in either Pasadena or Rhode Island I would have an excellent time.

But the people. I have had a excellent time hanging out with all my friends and meeting new ones. The Friday night meet-up was excellent and I had tonnes of fun at it. Drinking to the small hours (though I had to double fist as you Americans drank too slow) on several nights.

After all the crap that happened I am still glad I went. I couldn't have asked to hang out with a better bunch of people while on holiday. They made my laugh, cry and thankfully no one hurled.

And I have seen more of CookSux this Botcon that I have ever wanted to see.

 

Nice score... but if your avatar is you... I really wish I got to meet you this past weekend.

 

I got to meet her in person last weekend.

 

This was my first Botcon. I just went on Saturday, and was actually kind of disappointed by the dealer's room.

There wasn't much to speak of as far as comics or video.

Most of the G1 stuff I saw was either really beat up loose stuff, or Encore reissues. All of it seemed overpriced compared to Ebay. I guess I was expecting more MIB and MISB stuff.

Is that how it is every year? Does all the good stuff just get bought up before General Admission opens up? I guess I messed up by not checking out any of the panels.

 

I was thinking of coming in with a lot of comics for next year.

 

I've been going since 2006 (except missing 2010 due to a new baby!). I've never really seen a lot of comics or video. There was one table that had a TON of comics though - I think that was more than I normally see. Sometimes you see some of the old VHS tapes, but that's about it. Most of it can be bought on Amazon. Dealers have to bring what they think you can't get other places, or things that you'd want to inspect.

G1 wise, there were some rare things, but they go fast. I saw some MIB stuff from G1, G2, Euro-only, Japanese-only, the whole range. It's not cheap though. There was definitely some throughout the whole convention, even got taken home on Sunday. It's different every year, so this year I saw some more things (like at least THREE Deathsaruses!), but less of others (couldn't find any of the Euro action-masters loose/complete, except Take-off).

It's honestly harder and harder to find things in general, just due to the increased popularity. But as I said in my post - I spent a lot less this year. What I did see, the price immediately made it an easy pass.

 

I met enough awesome people from here at BotCon this year that I performed necromancy on my old account. So hey.  

It was pretty great. I think a lot of the actual convention was mediocre, I really wish we could have had a Prime panel and I was disappointed we didn't get a lore panel like we have before. I still had huge amounts of fun, though.

 

As far as the neighborhood, the Hyatt Regency is near the edge of the downtown area, which is a really good spot, but surrounded by somewhat bad neighborhoods. One of those "bad" areas happens to be "Deep Ellum" though, which is home to a vibrant music and night life scene. If people's experience of the city varied widely, it's because they walked in different directions or at different times.

I'm slightly surprised by the gay orgy thing though. That usually happens closer to Lemmon Avenue and Oak Lawn. The hookers should be around Harry Hines Boulevard. Did you guys wander out that far?

 

man it was a blast hanging out with you at botcon, except the whole bathroom trip after all those chicken nuggets  

 

Anyone know where I can buy a Bot-Con 2012 T-shirt Medium....I was only there about a few hours and was sick and just didn't have the energy to look around like normal....sad being I took this as my vacation and it was a bit of a waste....but I got to go to Milwaukee and Las Vegas and Dallas in one month....while layovers in SLC, UTAH and ATL and Memphis....all beautiful...please let me know....I would appreciate it big time I can't find a site for the T to be sold like they had last yr a week later....Thanks....Til all are one....message me if you want to contact me via my FB page....

 

This was my second botcon. Last year, it was all about the toys. This year it was about hanging out with board members, and meeting people I've only talked with by PM. That part was fun, and the highlight of the trip.

The dealer room wasn't that great I feel, compared to last year. I was able to go through it quickly each day. Panels were pretty good. The Peter Cullen and Club panels were the best. The Universe MMORPG panel was probably the least favorite, since I was hoping to see in game photos or footage.

Overall, if I hadn't gone to hang out with people, I'd say it would of been a disappointment. I'm already looking forward to next year.

 

I have to agree that the dealer room was a bit of a let down. I think they do a much better job in Pasadena as it a larger market then Dallas. It was not the worst Botcon by far but it was not the best. I would rank it somewhere in the middle.

 

Don't know what you got there. We went two days with groups of 10+ and there was not one complaint. I think most of us stuck to breakfast items though.

 

Normally we just went there for breakfast as well. But maybe it's just something I do, but I don't like eating at the same place twice in 1 day. Especially in a city I don't live in. I like to branch out a little if I'm able. But yes, their breakfast was awesome! (much better than the $18 buffet at that place in the hotel.)