The 2010 Summit was held last weekend, and we had our best turnout ever. Over 30 fans of robot and toy culture made the pilgrimage from all over the US to Watertown, Massachusetts.
When we arrived, people were already there and the tables had been set up. Mason has a great backyard for the summit. We added our table and tent to the mix, and unloaded the coolers full of frosty beverages.
Almost instantly the trading began. When a new person showed up with goods, people flocked over to see what they had brought, hoping to get first dibs on the new goods. The place was beginning to look like the coolest toy store ever.
New and old faces arrived, some with significant others in tow. CDX staff members were representing: Nekrodave, VF55S, Prometheum5, Anavel, Starro, Sanjeev, The Enthusiast, Apex3, and of course, me, JoshB.
With new blood brings new discoveries. Mecha artist David White (http://www.mechazone.com) was there with prints and a poof of his new book “Mecha Zone 2” as well as a selection of toys. I saw these little chogokin and new that I had to have them. They share the same bodies of their smaller shogun counterparts, but the arms, legs and heads are entirely different, with bending knees and shooting fists. Where did these come from? I think they are Korean, but more research is needed.
When the grilling began, the air smelled of chorizo and bacon.. Mason once again broke out his gourmet burgers much to everyone’s delight. Even if you are not that into toys, come for the burgers. Seriously.
And then it was time for the bowling. I had picked up a Transformers Primus at a yard sale for one dollar some time ago. It was missing everything, and a few parts were broken on it – it was worthless, I assure you. But it was a robot that turned into a ball. I went around and asked people for donations for “pins” – almost everyone had brought junkers to give away for parts and such.
Was this really happening? Yes, it was. The results were nothing short of spectacular. People laughed, people cringed! Toy destruction unleashes all kinds of anxiety, you should try it!
Later in the afternoon, lethargy set in. Those burgers, while tasty, sat in your stomach like a rock. People began to gravitate to chairs so that they could give their feet a rest.
The summit seemed to be winding down, that is until two brothers showed up. They had grown up in the area, gone to Mr. Big’s, and had saved their childhood collection, perfectly preserved in original boxes. Each item had its original price tag. It was an amazing collection. Of course people perked up and surrounded them, making offers on things. Unfortunately it was all for show and tell for now, but the experience of seeing these items was awesome.
From there we decided to move inside and watch some Grendizer. Sanjeev had unveiled his toy earlier in the day – a diecast Grendizer villain in scale to the old Popy release. We watched the episode with that character and we really “Got” it. The prototype is cast out of lead, and features magnet joints in the head and arms. Price and release is TBD.
And then – a phone call. Erik Sjoen, from ToyboxDX wanted to Skype in, so we set it up and had a good chat about toys. Getting a call from the Chairman is like getting a call from the Dali Lama, only with obscenities.
We didn’t think it was possible, but our stomachs began to grumble. At about 9 we headed out to the Town Diner and Watertown and got pancakes. Delicious pancakes.
It was a perfect finish to a perfect day. Good friends, Good toys, Good weather and Good food. What more can one ask for?
See you next year kids.
New and old faces arrived, some with significant others in tow. CDX staff members were representing: Nekrodave, VF55S, Prometheum5, Anavel, Starro, Sanjeev, The Enthusiast, Apex3, and of course, me, JoshB.
With new blood brings new discoveries. Mecha artist David White (http://www.mechazone.com) was there with prints and a poof of his new book “Mecha Zone 2” as well as a selection of toys. I saw these little chogokin and new that I had to have them. They share the same bodies of their smaller shogun counterparts, but the arms, legs and heads are entirely different, with bending knees and shooting fists. Where did these come from? I think they are Korean, but more research is needed.
When the grilling began, the air smelled of chorizo and bacon.. Mason once again broke out his gourmet burgers much to everyone’s delight. Even if you are not that into toys, come for the burgers. Seriously.
And then it was time for the bowling. I had picked up a Transformers Primus at a yard sale for one dollar some time ago. It was missing everything, and a few parts were broken on it – it was worthless, I assure you. But it was a robot that turned into a ball. I went around and asked people for donations for “pins” – almost everyone had brought junkers to give away for parts and such.
Was this really happening? Yes, it was. The results were nothing short of spectacular. People laughed, people cringed! Toy destruction unleashes all kinds of anxiety, you should try it!
Later in the afternoon, lethargy set in. Those burgers, while tasty, sat in your stomach like a rock. People began to gravitate to chairs so that they could give their feet a rest.
The summit seemed to be winding down, that is until two brothers showed up. They had grown up in the area, gone to Mr. Big’s, and had saved their childhood collection, perfectly preserved in original boxes. Each item had its original price tag. It was an amazing collection. Of course people perked up and surrounded them, making offers on things. Unfortunately it was all for show and tell for now, but the experience of seeing these items was awesome.
From there we decided to move inside and watch some Grendizer. Sanjeev had unveiled his toy earlier in the day – a diecast Grendizer villain in scale to the old Popy release. We watched the episode with that character and we really “Got” it. The prototype is cast out of lead, and features magnet joints in the head and arms. Price and release is TBD.
And then – a phone call. Erik Sjoen, from ToyboxDX wanted to Skype in, so we set it up and had a good chat about toys. Getting a call from the Chairman is like getting a call from the Dali Lama, only with obscenities.
We didn’t think it was possible, but our stomachs began to grumble. At about 9 we headed out to the Town Diner and Watertown and got pancakes. Delicious pancakes.
It was a perfect finish to a perfect day. Good friends, Good toys, Good weather and Good food. What more can one ask for?
See you next year kids.