𝕃𝕠𝕘𝕒𝕟 🇬🇧🏳️‍🌈

So yes, last night I finally unboxed Striker Manus by Maketoys, the final figure from my bumper Japanese haul back in June. This figure is absolutely fantastic, looking tremendous in both modes, boasting an impressive range of articulation, and having a genuinely fun transformation both ways!

I realise that I am mostly in it for the trader's hall - Ever since I started attending TFNation that has been where I've spent most of my time and what I've looked forward to the most - This year I only attended two panels, the presentation from Blokees and the Daran Norris interview.

As such I am unsure if I want to attend Clubcon anymore. It being truncated to two hours this year due to the Vince DiCola performance meant it effectively solely consisted of my favourite segments, the cosplay contest and script reading, but thinking back I can remember there being segments like charity auctions, quizzes or musical performances that I personally didn't get much out of. Clubcon also typically ends quite late at night, meaning either a late drive home (Dangerous!) or extra money spent on a hotel room.

I dunno, I guess I'll just see what's on next year's Clubcon schedule.

Another big realisation I've had is that I think I prefer attending TFNation as a lone wolf. I'm a very shy and introverted person, so while I am open to the occasional little natter throughout the day I don't find myself drawn to the broader social element of the event, such as the bar.

I also just do not have any in-person friends that are interested in Transformers, let alone any friendships with fellow attendees, so I don't have anybody to come with me or to meet up with while I'm there. I think this is more of a psychological thing on my end (autism, possibly anxiety) than any issue with the environment of the convention or its attendees.

That said, maybe TFNation could implement something official such as a meet and greet to help people like me or new attendees come out of our shells a bit more? Might be something I'll suggest to them.

So, what's next for me and TFNation?

Firstly, I think I will start attending the Manchester Minicon! I was still unemployed when it rolled around this year, hence me not ending up going, but if all is well before next year's I will consider it!

As for the main convention in August, I will still come in the daytime Saturday to peruse the trader's hall and attend any panel that catch my eye, but unless it's stacked with things that interest me I will give Clubcon a pass - If I do, I may instead pay a little bit more for the early trader's hall access.

I am also umming and ahhing about going on Sunday as well next year, as that's similar to the daytime on Saturday and the trader's hall restocks overnight so I could take more time browsing on each day. This would mean booking a hotel room, however, so I'm undecided on this as of yet.

I built my last two Shining Version 5 figures;

- Hot Rod! Another retread from Galaxy Version 8, but this time with a new visored head and flame effect smokestacks!