JoeDeclassified.com

So I've never been to the Customization Class at Joecon, but I've always been under the impression that it was someone teaching you how to customize, then suppying you with a bunch of parts (either Hasbro or Fan made) and you make whatever you want.

But while reading Shortpacked today I started going through the blog and found an entry about Botcon's customization class:

http://www.shortpacked.com/2011/blog/i- ... ry-worker/

It sounds like they get something akin to a model kit (only the finished product is an actual toy) and everyone creates the same product from a reused mold out of that year's set.

I don't know which I'd rather do (model kit like custom or 100% original make my own item) as they are both interesting to me. But am I right in my assumptions about both Joecon and Botcon customization classes? I may want to try checking the class out next year if I go to Joecon

The JoeCon customizing class is not really a "class" They give a out a sheet with info on how to take apart a 25th stlye Joe, tools you may want/need, types of paint to use, ect. But that is about it. Then they let you loose to dig through their parts box to pick out what ever you want. It is pretty much all Hasbro parts, though you might find a few non Joe parts in the boxes. If you need help or have questions the Hasbro guys will help you out. The first two years Richard Woodhouse did class. This year two other guys did it. I also heard this year they did a quick how to on casting.

I kinda like the fact that we can make what ever we want in the class. Though I also kinda like the BotCon idea of making a character that ties into the Convention somehow. I can understand if they don't want to go this, but it would be pretty neat if they did.

Michael

That's what I was thinking. How cool would it be to get an unmade Joe figure? Course at the same time, that doesn't actually feel like a "Customization" class to me, hence why I'm torn on which "class" I'd like to experience

I think the model kit versus the parts box is also a difference of the products. You can take random parts from Joe figures and make a decent figure. In order for a Transformers custom to work in both figure and alt mode, it has to line up just perfect. Otherwise you'd spend half your TF customizing class teaching sanding and creating hinges.

You're essentially correct about the difference in the classes. As toy-nutz said, there isn't necessarily group instruction in the Joe class, though the instructors do have discussions and demonstrations on the side for various techniques like cracking open 25th torsos, casting parts, sculpting, etc.

I prefer the Joe class format, though I totally understand why the format of the Joe class can't work for Transformers. I guess I also feel that the Transformers version isn't really customizing, you're basically following instructions to assemble and paint a pre-designated character. In the Joe class, you make whatever you can and are generally limited only by the available parts and supplies.