As DreamWorks and Paramount get set to release their live-action Transformers movie next week, fans of the toys and animated series will be descending upon Providence, Rhode Island this weekend for BotCon. Running June 28 throuugh July 1, the four-day convention will host the world’s largest gathering of Transformers collectors and admirers.
A highlight of this year’s convention will be an appearance by the actual Optimus Prime truck seen in the Michael Bay film. Fans will also have a chance to meet Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime, screenwriters Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, and a number of other people associated with the movie. Hasbro will also unveil its 2007 product line and offer retro figures for purchase.
First introduced in 1984 by Hasbro and Takara as a toy line, Transformers has become a global phenomenon that has spilled over into comic books, video games, television and films. Hasbro and Cartoon Network announced this week that they have joined forces to develop a new animated series that will continue the epic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. The entities will produce 26 half hours and a 90-minute movie, and plan to launch the 2D series in the U.S. in early 2008.
The 2007 BotCon will be held at the Rhode Island Convention Center, located at 1 Sabine Street in Providence. Public sessions are scheduled for Saturday, June 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, July 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages five to 12, with children under five receiving free admission. For more information on the convention, go to www.BotCon.com.
