The final BotCon 2008 figure was revealed last night as Ricochet, a red recoloured version of Jazz (Cybertron Crosswise). The inspiration behind the choice of colour scheme appears to be the red "Zoom Zoom" Meister Binaltech toy.

You can see images of the figure in robot and vehicle mode at BotCon.com

The Transformers Collectors Club has sent the following information out to it's members regarding the BotCon 2008 sets (sold out), alternative toy arrangements and information on showing the exclusive "attendee toy".

This is going out to all members.If you have received a confirmation email concerning your registration, this notice does not apply to you.

The demand for this year's BotCon figure sets (both boxed and loose) has been unprecedented… and they are now officially SOLD OUT.Since manufacturing of the sets has already been completed, we are not able to obtain additional quantities.

In order to accommodate those who are still planning to attend, we are providing you with two new options:

1) You can still come as a Primus Package holder and we will substitute a 2005 BotCon Boxed Set Descent into Evil - at the reduced cost of $250 for Club members, $300 for non-members - and in addition, you will receive this year's free attending figure. Loose sets are also available for $130 for Club members and $165 for non-members.

So that you can see what you will be getting this year, we have decided to do something we have never done before...we are going to unveil the free attending figure this Friday! This is the first time we have shown the free attending figure before the start of BotCon!

2) We are creating a new attending package designed for this year only!

The Energon Package includes admission to all events (just like the Primus Package, including the Casino Night Awards Dinner) a convention badge, pin and comic/program (no toys). The Energon Package is $180 for Club members, $230 for non-members.

If you have sent in a registration since February 14, we will be emailing or calling you to find out which package you want to switch to.

Attached you will find the current registration form with the new options.

Thank you, once again, for your support! We look forward to seeing you in Cincinnati!

Brian

PS. For those of you who have already registered, confirmation letters will be going in the mail this week.

If you still need a hotel, theMillennium Hotel - 800-876-2100 or 513-352-2100

The official Botcon 2008 site has updated with images of Starscream and Razorclaw, from this year's Shattered Glass boxed set.

As previously revealed, Starscream is repainted from his Voyager Class Transformers Cybertron / Galaxy Force toy. Razorclaw is a repaint of Overbite from the Classics Minicon Predator Attack Team.

Fan2Fan have posted some information and images from the Winter Wonderfest which took place today in Japan. On display were the Transformers Henkei figures, Trans-Scanning Optimus Prime, Encore Jazz as well as Music Label Generation One coloured Optimus Prime. The convention exclusive was the Generation One coloured Transformers Movie Arcee figure

Check back with Transformers At The Moon later on this afternoon for large large gallery coverage from the event.

TFW2005 has received confirmation that a Transformers Classsics Nemesis Prime toy will indeed be offered at SDCC (San Diego Comic-Con) this summer.

An image of the toy had already been send, but TFW have now received official confirmation that the toy is legitimate. The choice of the figure, which will be a popular one, fits in nicely with the BotCon 2007 and 2008 sets.

Following on from the leaked testshot of BotCon 08 Starscream is the official unveiling of Shattered Glass Jazz (recoloured Galaxy force Autovolt) and Grinlock (Classics Grimlock in Trypticon colours).

You can see images of the toys at BotCon.com

An auction has appeared on eBay for what appears to be the "Heroic Decepticon Starscream" from the BotCon 2008 "Shattered Glass" box set.

Starscream's colors are an homage to G1 Jetfire, complete with the exrta parts of his arms and legs painted red to emulate the toy's armor.

The Transformers Collectors Club have sent out a message regarding the stopping of Non-Attendees packages

"Due to unprecedented demand for our Convention Boxed Sets, we have had to stop accepting Iacon (non-attending) package orders for BotCon 2008.
The remaining boxed sets will be reserved for those fans who want to attend the convention in Cincinnati, OH, April 24th-27th.
While we are consulting with the manufacturer to see if there is a way to increase the quantity of the boxed sets, we do not expect this will be possible, orders received after 02/14/08 will be put on a wait list.

Thanks for the overwhelming response! We appreciate the high esteem you have placed on the 2008 and all of our past year's BotCon sets. We will be sure to keep you updated on the situation.

Thanks for your support,
Brian"

The unofficial pacific northwest Transformers fan and collectors convention known as The Cybertronian Conference, aka CybCon, will take place this year on Saturday, August 23rd at the King Oscar Convention Center in Tacoma, Washington.

Registration is required to attend the show. There is also a special "early bird" pre-payment period where the price is $5 per attendee, or $25 per dealer (includes one dealer table). The early bird special ENDS at midnight between March 31st and April 1st. After that, the prices jump to $10/attendee and $30/dealer until a week before the show. Prices jump another $5 at the door.

The CybCon 2008 information and registration page can be found here:
http://www.ggaub.com/tf/cybcon2k8.html

A video of the forthcoming Transformers Collectors Club Nightbeat has been posted on YouTube. The video shows the figure in robot mode for the first time, allowing a good look at the new head. You can also find the video in our video area or by using the plugin below.