Here we are kicking off our Sunday Botcon panel coverage with the making of Transformers Prime. What makes a Prime? Follow our live coverage and find out!
I've been saying it for a while now, but I think TF Prime has a shot to be the best continuity in the history of Transformers.
The amount of resources and effort that's being put into the show is fantastic. It's no mystery that this is the future of the franchise, and the many moves made – bringing back G1 voice actors; mixing G1, Animated, and Bayverse into character representations; and devoted writers who seem to be concerned with a consistent story – highlight this fact.
GREAT panel, one of the best of the con, IMHO. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series so hard.
Personally, I loved the Knockout question! It needed to be asked, and the fact that the guys on the panel didn't seem at all surprised or upset by it is evidence that they knew *exactly* what the audience would infer from his characterization.
Knockout reminds me intensely of the male Blood Elves from WoW, who are also played very campy and metrosexual. I can hear some of the /silly and /flirt lines being spoken by Knockout… "Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me?" or "Want to see my good side? Hahaha, that was a trick question, all I have are good sides."
On a more serious note, I know quite a few gay men in real life (my city has a statistically higher-than-average gay population for some reason), and Knockout is actually a very good representation of the way a lot of RL gay men behave. It's not just coincidence that he's showing up on so many people's gay-dar.
As for almost all the above posts.. Sadly The TFPrime forum has had way too many of the sexual related threads and conversations for both bots and humans. Folks need to let it go and just enjoy the series and quit inventing sexual relationships between these characters..accept the bonds as caring and protective, plain and simple.
Now..Thanks Sol Fury for all the minutes of the panel and the info provided. You managed to get some answers to many of the questions we've had about the series from day one!!
Happy to hear they are deep into Season 2 and sounds like we get more depth in the story and background of our fave TFPrime characters.
I wonder, did anyone ask about Season 1 DVD release and when???
It’s "hilarious" how quickly the thread has already derailed into a "debate" on robo-sexuality.
Snark
Man, some of you TFW folks are touchy.
If there's one thing I've learned about the Transformers fandom over the years, it's this: The topic of romantic relationships between Cybertronians (or Cybertronians and humans), outside of certain circles, starts flamewars like no other.
That's why you don't see it discussed much on forums like these. It isn't…received well.
ANYWAY!
I'm glad to hear that they're treating every new character as a game-changer, and working to develop them as much as possible. This way, we won't be flooded with one-dimensional, forgettable characters like in G1 or the Unicron Trilogy.
It's also nice to know that we'll get some actual backstory and reason as to why Bumblebee can only communicate with beeps and whistles, even if that comes next season.
Yeah, reading over my response that one was a good example, darn internet.
I honestly have no problem with that, I can agree with Knockout being an awesome character! Then again I feel rather attached to the whole cast, brilliant writing has that effect I guess.
Oh yeah, TFP's cast is absolutely delightful so far! I can't wait to see some of the developments and new characters they mentioned in the Q&A!
Curse of the internet, I suppose. Tone is easy to get lost in the shuffle.
Shall we let bygones be bygones and just agree that Knock Out is an awesome character?
Yeah, reading over my response that one was a good example, darn internet.
I honestly have no problem with that, I can agree with Knockout being an awesome character! Then again I feel rather attached to the whole cast, brilliant writing has that effect I guess.
You're sensitive because you took someone's post out of context and then got offended by it. My language is because of the way you're trying to portray me because of that out of context offense you've taken.
…But I wasn't offended…?
Tkemert20
Am I the only one who thought the Knockout question at the end was kinda humorous?
I thought it was pretty amusing myself! And was happy with the answer, re: Transformers don't really have sexual orientations the way we do (or at least don't care enough about it to come up with specific designations for different orientations).
Says the one who feels the need to throw around the words 'idiotic' and 'stupid' everywhere.
You're assuming I'm making assumptions that I'm not making, and that my premise was anything other than thinking it was dubious to say that asking about a character's sexuality was 'horrifically stupid'. Since this entire thing has devolved into assuming assumptions and "things that I don't agree with are dumb", I'm just going to disagree that it was stupid to ask and leave you to think what you will.
You're sensitive because you took someone's post out of context and then got offended by it. My language is because of the way you're trying to portray me because of that out of context offense you've taken.
No, your premise was wrong purely because the part that you felt was dubious was only dubious because you took it out of context and used it against me for no apparent reason. I already stated that I liked the idea of the character being gay but still regarded the question as stupid, I have no idea how you get the idea that by liking the idea of a gay character one is even slightly dubious. If I didn't add the first bit I wouldn't blame you as much as I do but it's because of my initial statement that I feel you're being sensitive.
I know you wont agree and I'm glad you've finally stopped this.
You're oversensitive, that's my main issue here. You're assuming something about someone you've never met on a ridiculously baseless claim and continually forget that my first post discounts you're entire premise. Perhaps you just enjoy taking people's posts out of context though.
Says the one who feels the need to throw around the words 'idiotic' and 'stupid' everywhere.
You're assuming I'm making assumptions that I'm not making, and that my premise was anything other than thinking it was dubious to say that asking about a character's sexuality was 'horrifically stupid'. Since this entire thing has devolved into assuming assumptions and "things that I don't agree with are dumb", I'm just going to disagree that it was stupid to ask and leave you to think what you will.
The more TFP, the better, and by the sounds of it TFP will be the main focus for at least a couple of years.
As for the Knock Out question, I'm not sure I would call him "gay", but he's certainly more flamboyant. Makes for a nice comparison to the other Decepticons, and makes Knock Out a very interesting character. He's probably my second or third favorite TFP Con (my absolute favorite being Starscream).
While it's good to know that things will be speeding up a bit with Season 2, I do hope they don't try and do too much all at once.
I didn't imply that you were homophobic. I was dubious about your claiming that asking a question about homosexuality was 'horrifically stupid'. And to be honest, everything you've said basically supports the idea that you think homosexuality is something that shouldn't be brought up in certain contexts.
And for all you know, I could be gay myself. I never implied you were or weren't so I'm not sure why you're bringing it up?
I didn't forget a thing you said. I was addressing the part thatmade me side-eye your post, ie. the idea that asking about the possible homosexuality of a character is horrifyingly stupid. Maybe you need to re-read what I said, because I never implied that you think homosexuality itself is horrible. I was questioning the possibility that you think asking about homosexuality is horrible.
Er, no you didn't. You said "I don't think he is." and I said "Other people disagree." You're still making arguments that amount to "This is my opinion" to which my argument it "Not everyone shares your opinion". You don't see any reason to question his sexuality. Other people obviously do.
Because wolf-whistling and saying "Sweet [body-part]" in the tone Daran Norris used is pretty much a text-book come-on? I highly doubt it was intended as such, but it was weird.
Uh, no? But I don't think being a boy-racer means he can't be gay, which is what you seemed to implying.
Because I see no reason to assume he's gay and no reason to even care means I don't think it 'shouldn't be brought up'? Yeah, you're insanely sensitive if you take offense at such things. It'd be funny if you actually knew me but no, you assume these things because I don't think a robot in a cartoon is gay and regard the question as stupid.
I brought it up because you're assuming that I have something against homosexuals and for all you know I might be gay.
You must've forgotten though because surely by saying that Knockout being gay is a good thing it instantly contradicts your idiotic notion that I have anything against homosexuality. Otherwise surely I'd be against the idea of him being gay.
Other people do? So why are you bitching at someone who doesn't see an issue with a character being gay instead of those who see it as a massive issue?
I didn't see it as a come-on, I see it as exactly the same way I saw Jack and Arcee, he was admiring her vehicle form and nothing else. I never even thought of the notion until the person asked it in the Q&A.
No, I was saying his attitude towards himself and other cars connotes that he is a boy-racer and not that's he's gay. I never thought he was straight and I never thought he was gay. Clearly some people, you included, see sexuality as an issue on which to distinguish people by, I however don't.
You're oversensitive, that's my main issue here. You're assuming something about someone you've never met on a ridiculously baseless claim and continually forget that my first post discounts you're entire premise. Perhaps you just enjoy taking people's posts out of context though.
Yes, your first paragraph shows how sensitive you are. Just the assumption that by saying a question about a character's sexuality as stupid as there's no reason to question it that I'm against their sexuality? That's oversensitive. Plus you implying that I'm homophobic or see homosexuality is taboo is valid enough reason for me to be "aggressive". Especially as you know nothing about me or my sexuality, for all you know I could be gay myself.
I didn't imply that you were homophobic. I was dubious about your claiming that asking a question about homosexuality was 'horrifically stupid'. And to be honest, everything you've said basically supports the idea that you think homosexuality is something that shouldn't be brought up in certain contexts.
And for all you know, I could be gay myself. I never implied you were or weren't so I'm not sure why you're bringing it up?
Also, I love how you've already forgotten my first post, you say that I may of been implying that homosexuality was horrible, if that is so then why would I say that Breakdown being 'the gay one' was good and not horrible or disgusting? This is the problem when you only quote part of someone's post.
I didn't forget a thing you said. I was addressing the part that made me side-eye your post, ie. the idea that asking about the possible homosexuality of a character is horrifyingly stupid. Maybe you need to re-read what I said, because I never implied that you think homosexuality itself is horrible. I was questioning the possibility that you think asking about homosexuality is horrible.
I gave my arguments against his metrosexuality, you just say "Yeah! Well some think it!!!". I see no reason to question his sexuality at all as it isn't an issue and he's done nothing to connote any sexuality whatsoever.
Er, no you didn't. You said "I don't think he is." and I said "Other people disagree." You're still making arguments that amount to "This is my opinion" to which my argument it "Not everyone shares your opinion". You don't see any reason to question his sexuality. Other people obviously do.
He was impressed with Optimus' vehicle form. How the Hell is that a cat-call?
Because wolf-whistling and saying "Sweet [body-part]" in the tone Daran Norris used is pretty much a text-book come-on? I highly doubt it was intended as such, but it was weird.
Boy-racer = gay in your mind then? Bit wrong to determine one's sexuality from characteristics, isn't it?
Uh, no? But I don't think being a boy-racer means he can't be gay, which is what you seemed to implying.
It’s "hilarious" how quickly the thread has already derailed into a "debate" on robo-sexuality.
To me, Knockout is just a gentleman of fashion. He cares about looking good. Whatever he does in his private life is no business of mine.
More on topic:
TF: Prime is the new "master continuity." (At least till 2013.) Nice. That's going to cause some friction among the G1 fans, I just know it.
Actually the debate was caused by someone claiming by saying it was a stupid question to ask the panel i was being homophobic. Perhaps even more ridiculous than you imagined
Though, you're right about the friction, I'm surprised the thread is so barren actually.
graymer
I've been saying it for a while now, but I think TF Prime has a shot to be the best continuity in the history of Transformers.
The amount of resources and effort that's being put into the show is fantastic. It's no mystery that this is the future of the franchise, and the many moves made – bringing back G1 voice actors; mixing G1, Animated, and Bayverse into character representations; and devoted writers who seem to be concerned with a consistent story – highlight this fact.
Greyley
GREAT panel, one of the best of the con, IMHO. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series so hard.
Personally, I loved the Knockout question! It needed to be asked, and the fact that the guys on the panel didn't seem at all surprised or upset by it is evidence that they knew *exactly* what the audience would infer from his characterization.
Knockout reminds me intensely of the male Blood Elves from WoW, who are also played very campy and metrosexual. I can hear some of the /silly and /flirt lines being spoken by Knockout… "Don't you wish your girlfriend was hot like me?" or "Want to see my good side? Hahaha, that was a trick question, all I have are good sides."
On a more serious note, I know quite a few gay men in real life (my city has a statistically higher-than-average gay population for some reason), and Knockout is actually a very good representation of the way a lot of RL gay men behave. It's not just coincidence that he's showing up on so many people's gay-dar.
moreprimeland
As for almost all the above posts.. Sadly The TFPrime forum has had way too many of the sexual related threads and conversations for both bots and humans. Folks need to let it go and just enjoy the series and quit inventing sexual relationships between these characters..accept the bonds as caring and protective, plain and simple.
Now..Thanks Sol Fury for all the minutes of the panel and the info provided. You managed to get some answers to many of the questions we've had about the series from day one!!
Happy to hear they are deep into Season 2 and sounds like we get more depth in the story and background of our fave TFPrime characters.
I wonder, did anyone ask about Season 1 DVD release and when???
Cevel
If there's one thing I've learned about the Transformers fandom over the years, it's this: The topic of romantic relationships between Cybertronians (or Cybertronians and humans), outside of certain circles, starts flamewars like no other.
That's why you don't see it discussed much on forums like these. It isn't…received well.
ANYWAY!
I'm glad to hear that they're treating every new character as a game-changer, and working to develop them as much as possible. This way, we won't be flooded with one-dimensional, forgettable characters like in G1 or the Unicron Trilogy.
It's also nice to know that we'll get some actual backstory and reason as to why Bumblebee can only communicate with beeps and whistles, even if that comes next season.
Chimeran
Oh yeah, TFP's cast is absolutely delightful so far! I can't wait to see some of the developments and new characters they mentioned in the Q&A!
knook
Yeah, reading over my response that one was a good example, darn internet.
I honestly have no problem with that, I can agree with Knockout being an awesome character! Then again I feel rather attached to the whole cast, brilliant writing has that effect I guess.
Chimeran
Curse of the internet, I suppose. Tone is easy to get lost in the shuffle.
Shall we let bygones be bygones and just agree that Knock Out is an awesome character?
knook
that's official canon now no matter what anyone says
knook
and yet you seemed it. Oh well.
Snark
Man, some of you TFW folks are touchy. On /co/, our major topic of conversation are Starscream's hooker legs.
Chimeran
…But I wasn't offended…?
I thought it was pretty amusing myself! And was happy with the answer, re: Transformers don't really have sexual orientations the way we do (or at least don't care enough about it to come up with specific designations for different orientations).
knook
You're sensitive because you took someone's post out of context and then got offended by it. My language is because of the way you're trying to portray me because of that out of context offense you've taken.
No, your premise was wrong purely because the part that you felt was dubious was only dubious because you took it out of context and used it against me for no apparent reason. I already stated that I liked the idea of the character being gay but still regarded the question as stupid, I have no idea how you get the idea that by liking the idea of a gay character one is even slightly dubious. If I didn't add the first bit I wouldn't blame you as much as I do but it's because of my initial statement that I feel you're being sensitive.
I know you wont agree and I'm glad you've finally stopped this.
Chimeran
Says the one who feels the need to throw around the words 'idiotic' and 'stupid' everywhere.
You're assuming I'm making assumptions that I'm not making, and that my premise was anything other than thinking it was dubious to say that asking about a character's sexuality was 'horrifically stupid'. Since this entire thing has devolved into assuming assumptions and "things that I don't agree with are dumb", I'm just going to disagree that it was stupid to ask and leave you to think what you will.
Ravenxl7
The more TFP, the better, and by the sounds of it TFP will be the main focus for at least a couple of years.
As for the Knock Out question, I'm not sure I would call him "gay", but he's certainly more flamboyant. Makes for a nice comparison to the other Decepticons, and makes Knock Out a very interesting character. He's probably my second or third favorite TFP Con (my absolute favorite being Starscream).
While it's good to know that things will be speeding up a bit with Season 2, I do hope they don't try and do too much all at once.
Tkemert20
Am I the only one who thought the Knockout question at the end was kinda humorous?
Paxtin
I guess most of the fans who'd have a problem with it probably don't pay attention to TFP news. Thus they maybe haven't found out yet.
knook
Because I see no reason to assume he's gay and no reason to even care means I don't think it 'shouldn't be brought up'? Yeah, you're insanely sensitive if you take offense at such things. It'd be funny if you actually knew me but no, you assume these things because I don't think a robot in a cartoon is gay and regard the question as stupid.
I brought it up because you're assuming that I have something against homosexuals and for all you know I might be gay.
You must've forgotten though because surely by saying that Knockout being gay is a good thing it instantly contradicts your idiotic notion that I have anything against homosexuality. Otherwise surely I'd be against the idea of him being gay.
Other people do? So why are you bitching at someone who doesn't see an issue with a character being gay instead of those who see it as a massive issue?
I didn't see it as a come-on, I see it as exactly the same way I saw Jack and Arcee, he was admiring her vehicle form and nothing else. I never even thought of the notion until the person asked it in the Q&A.
No, I was saying his attitude towards himself and other cars connotes that he is a boy-racer and not that's he's gay. I never thought he was straight and I never thought he was gay. Clearly some people, you included, see sexuality as an issue on which to distinguish people by, I however don't.
You're oversensitive, that's my main issue here. You're assuming something about someone you've never met on a ridiculously baseless claim and continually forget that my first post discounts you're entire premise. Perhaps you just enjoy taking people's posts out of context though.
Chimeran
I didn't imply that you were homophobic. I was dubious about your claiming that asking a question about homosexuality was 'horrifically stupid'. And to be honest, everything you've said basically supports the idea that you think homosexuality is something that shouldn't be brought up in certain contexts.
And for all you know, I could be gay myself. I never implied you were or weren't so I'm not sure why you're bringing it up?
I didn't forget a thing you said. I was addressing the part that made me side-eye your post, ie. the idea that asking about the possible homosexuality of a character is horrifyingly stupid. Maybe you need to re-read what I said, because I never implied that you think homosexuality itself is horrible. I was questioning the possibility that you think asking about homosexuality is horrible.
Er, no you didn't. You said "I don't think he is." and I said "Other people disagree." You're still making arguments that amount to "This is my opinion" to which my argument it "Not everyone shares your opinion". You don't see any reason to question his sexuality. Other people obviously do.
Because wolf-whistling and saying "Sweet [body-part]" in the tone Daran Norris used is pretty much a text-book come-on? I highly doubt it was intended as such, but it was weird.
Uh, no? But I don't think being a boy-racer means he can't be gay, which is what you seemed to implying.
knook
Actually the debate was caused by someone claiming by saying it was a stupid question to ask the panel i was being homophobic. Perhaps even more ridiculous than you imagined
Though, you're right about the friction, I'm surprised the thread is so barren actually.
Paxtin
It’s "hilarious" how quickly the thread has already derailed into a "debate" on robo-sexuality.
To me, Knockout is just a gentleman of fashion. He cares about looking good. Whatever he does in his private life is no business of mine.
More on topic:
TF: Prime is the new "master continuity." (At least till 2013.) Nice. That's going to cause some friction among the G1 fans, I just know it.