Of Helmets and Heads

Here's something I got to wondering about recently: Do you see the outer form of a Transformer's cranium as being part of their head, or a helmet? From Optimus Prime's pointy bits to Megatron's bucket to Ironhide's mohawk, do you see it as one, the other, or-- being an alien super robotic life form, some fusion of the two?

Going a bit further with the idea, what about certain Combiner heads? When the Aerialbots form Superion, the Combaticons Bruticus, and so on, a bigger head basically just slides down over the leader's head like a giant helmet-- or possibly a helmet atop the helmet, if that's how you view the initial head.

Ultra Magnus in G1 had a similar deal, which Dreamwave capitalized on most with the entire "inner body" thing from the toys being brought to bear. What always struck me as funny about that one was that the mouthplate was on the head underneath the bigger head, which itself instead featured a mouth. One would think (Diaclone origins aside) that it would be the other way around.

--LBD "Nytetrayn"

Looking for GoBot Fans

The long and the short of it is this: I've submitted a panel for Otakon 2013 about the legacy of the GoBots. I don't know whether it's been accepted or not, and they're pretty bad about giving lead times between notifying you that you've been approved and the con itself-- usually just a couple of weeks. Otakon is in Baltimore from August 9th to 11th, and honestly, I'd rather start preparing early, just in case.

If you're interested in helping me out-- mainly fact checking and things of that nature, maybe helping provide some resource materials-- then reply here or shoot me a PM, and maybe we can convene by e-mail. If you're up to it and actually planning on being there, maybe there would be a spot up on stage for you as well; first and foremost, though, I just want help making sure everything is tight and correct.

Incidentally, if someone else is actually attending, I'm also interested in getting someone to record the whole thing. I do have someone on standby, but they don't have the kind of setup I'm looking for, which is something to record me more directly, rather than from across the room via loudspeakers. Ideally, I'm hoping this might be good enough to make a decent YouTube video, but we'll have to see.

Plus, additional panelists (limited number) get comped passes for the convention, so that's a plus as well.

Again, nothing is set in stone, but if you're interested in helping me out, then reply here or shoot me a PM (note: PMs reach me faster, since I don't get to check the forums here as often as I used to. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/icon-screamer.gif) ).

Thanks in advance!

--LBD "Nytetrayn"

Toy Car Fans, a Jeep Question...

Okay, so on Friday I was forced to give up my Jeep, which I've had nearly half my life. Suffice to say, that and the events leading up to it were rather painful for me, as I was definitely attached to it, even in these later years I wasn't able to drive it.

I was wondering if anyone might be able to help me find something I could use as a keepsake of sorts: A toy or model replica. I've seen several around for numerous types, though not my specific model, and I'm not sure if I'm just not looking in the right places, or if maybe mine was an exception.

Mine was a 1997 Jeep Cherokee Country. Red, for what that matters, though I'd look into having it painted if I got another color. I'm not even sure whether there's a major difference (as far as these things would go) between a Country and a regular '97 Jeep Cherokee, so there's also that.

Actually, if you want a picture, it looked exactly like this, minus the license plate holder on the front.

Incidentally, I donated the vehicle to the Kidney Foundation (whose tow truck person treated it with little to no care). It's a slight fixer-upper, and I tried to find a good home for it (free, even), but could find no one interested. =( (Maybe I should have advertised it here.) If you're in Toronto and looking for something to fix up, I'd be very grateful if someone gave it a good home.

But yeah, a piece of me feels like it's gone now, and I'd at least like to get a small keepsake model/toy if at all possible. If anyone can help me find one, I'd really appreciate it.

--LBD "Nytetrayn"

"It looks like Hot Rod and Kup just bought it!"

So yesterday, my wife accidentally knocks Classics Rodimus off his shelf, and one of his spoilers snapped clean off.

This is the original Classics/Generations, which I got as a gift. Right now, there is absolutely no way of being able to replace it unless there are repros of this part, because I simply and absolutely cannot afford it right now. This is rather disappointing, as I've always liked Hot Rod, and getting this was rather delightful, as my parents refused on the original and Targetmaster versions of the character (as I had Rodimus Prime. Yeah).

Fortunately, it holds in place in vehicle mode. Before taking any action myself, I wanted to consult with those who might have more experience in fixing these things than I do.

The break seems to be pretty clean, with the round tab/hinge of the spoiler still in Rodimus' back. I think superglue might work, but again, I wanted to consult before doing anything quite so drastic.

On top of that, as I said, the tab remains in there. If glue is the answer, would it be better to try to get it out first, or leave it in place? If I should get it out, how would you recommend doing so? There's really no grip on the piece to be had, and it seems to be rather snugly fit in place.

And I guess if there is any other advice to be given (the risk of keeping them on high shelves is already noted, for the record), feel free to offer it up.

--LBD "Nytetrayn"

Who's Going to Otakon This Year?

Just curious who might be attending Otakon in Baltimore this August. I'm trying for a new panel this year (not Mega Man-related this time), and I'm just curious who might be there for it.

I might also be looking for help, but I need to see about something first.

--LBD "Nytetrayn"