Botch the Crab babbles about Transformers and life in New York City. He's very funny and kind of mean. http://www.BotchTheCrab.com Sweet, huh? Ginraii asked that I inquire of you, the readership, if anyone knew who composed all of these Back-of-the-Box pieces. I figure I could/should probably add this info whenever available to the bottom of each piece's page. Aside from the 1989/90 Pretender and Micromaster pieces by Richard Marcej, anyone know for sure about the others? http://www.BotchTheCrab.com/replies.asp?index=679 Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:53:01 GMT Most every collector occasionally re-evaluates all or part of his/her collection and asks some searching questions: Do I still want to own these? Do I enjoy owning them? Will I regret selling them down the line? Oh, sure, some of us are incorrigible hoarders who will never willingly relinquish any of their collectibles, but the majority of us have periodic moments in our lives that prompt this inner reflection. Maybe it's an impending marriage or child, maybe the loss of a job or simply a more conservative approach to one's finances -- or maybe some other really fucking awesome but expensive item is coming out and parting with your less exciting items offers the capital and shelf space you need. We've all been there, right? http://www.BotchTheCrab.com/replies.asp?index=678 Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:58:01 GMT There's an auction on eBay right now for the original package art of the robot mode of Skystalker, the 1989 Decepticon Micromaster Assault Base. You might not recognize it, because Skystalker's package front features the art for his "assault base" mode. This robot-only art does appear on his USA package, but never clearly: it's in his tech spec in small low-resolution form; and the top half appears on the back of his box above a comicly self-merchandising quote: http://www.BotchTheCrab.com/replies.asp?index=677 Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:37:01 GMT http://www.BotchTheCrab.com/replies.asp?index=676 Mon, 26 Dec 2011 21:40:01 GMT When the Classics/Universe version of Thunderwing was released (and we coincidentally updated his box art), there was already strong suspicion that his original Japanese-exclusive remold, Black Shadow, would also get his first stateside release. It wasn't just the knowledge that Hasbro likes to make easy money by repainting its figures and effectively selling the same toy to collectors twice: it was the fact that Black Shadow's head and chest were accidentally used in Thunderwing's instructions. But just because Hasbro intends to sell a repaint/remold doesn't mean they always get around to it. I am therefore very glad that they have indeed released Black Shadow (under the apparently more trademark-friendly name of "Sky Shadow") and I now finally have this sinister interstellar terrorist glowering at me with his ferociously malevolent eyes... http://www.BotchTheCrab.com/replies.asp?index=675 Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:41:01 GMT Because maybe you really just don't feel like coming to see my band play, or you have no interest in playing poker, but you fear you'd hurt my feelings if you simply said, "I'm not that into Godzilla movies so I'm going to skip this one" so instead you say, "Thanks, I'll try to be there" thinking this answer non-commital answer is more socially tactful. And maybe it is. But I would personally prefer more honesty. http://www.BotchTheCrab.com/replies.asp?index=674 Sun, 11 Dec 2011 22:45:01 GMT The second panel presented here (from the just-released Transformers #30) is one of the best panels in any comic book ever: http://www.BotchTheCrab.com/replies.asp?index=673 Sun, 27 Nov 2011 21:34:01 GMT Things have been going well musically. You remember that rehearsal studio I started renting after I bought my new guitar and Marshall amp? I've upgraded since then. The first windowless room was in the basement and the size of a closet. The new room is absolutely huge with three impressively large windows overlooking downtown Portland and its lovely superhighway system. I manage this new room and sublet it to 1.5 other bands. We put in a small dorm fridge for everyone's beer. I put up posters featuring Black Sabbath and the green fairy of absinthe. http://www.BotchTheCrab.com/replies.asp?index=672 Sat, 12 Nov 2011 17:06:01 GMT