Takara MP-11 Starscream in-hand images

[Ultra Mackness]

Don't post news often (this is twice now :)) so mods please change as appropriate.

Seibertron.com has images of Takara's MP-11 Starscream which look like they're from robotkingdom. I don't know - looks a little cheap now, and the null rays seem to be permanantly attached to his arms. To me it looks a little like a cross between rts legends 'scream and classics 'scream. Had few a good comparison shots between MP-3 and MP-11.

http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/takara-mp11-starscream-version-20-inhand-images/24387/

[canofwhoopass_87]

The relatively cheap $130 pricetag is a good indicator of the quality. Doesn't look or feel like a Masterpiece does it? Doesn't look very flash. Not a smooth finish on the plastic.

Not getting this anymore :p

[KalEl]

I'd probably only pick this up on sale as i already have the Hasbro release of mp03. Other than completionists I think many will be the same.

[Slag]

Although i like the slight differences (the tail fins on the legs mainly and the feet look more sturdy, but not as neat in jet mode), i'm not rushing out to get one.

[kup]

When compared to the promo pics and even the original Hasbro G1 colored MP Starscream, it does look very cheap. It looks like it got hit pretty hard with the cost cutting hammer when it comes to the production release.

I can't say that this is helping me reacquire my faith in the Masterpiece line since Tomy merged with Takara.

[theheretic]

Wow! Before I saw these comparison pics I was kinda annoyed I hadn't preordered the new screamer, but now I see it next to the one I already have and I'm not impressed at all. There are SOME minor parts I like more but honestly the original is a much nicer finish. Why did Takara use Hasbro grey? LOL

[GoktimusPrime]

The relatively cheap $130 pricetag is a good indicator of the quality.
Cheap? :confused:
Comparing RRPs...
MP03 = 10290JPY ($119) <---would've been more than this cos AUD was weaker then
MP11 = 13650JPY ($158)
Hasbro MP Starscream = $100

It's difficult to accurately gauge the quality without seeing the toy in hand... the original MP Starscream suffered from crappy quality plastic, and even after they improved it for the Hasbro version it still suffered from being a poor action figure design. Perhaps MP11 is superior in other aspects... I dunno - can't tell without seeing this figure first hand.

That is one damn expensive MP though...


Why did Takara use Hasbro grey? LOL
Cos it still looks better than MP03's green? ;) :p

[kup]

Cheap? :confused:
Comparing RRPs...
MP03 = 10290JPY ($119) <---would've been more than this cos AUD was weaker then
MP11 = 13650JPY ($158)
Hasbro MP Starscream = $100

It's difficult to accurately gauge the quality without seeing the toy in hand... the original MP Starscream suffered from crappy quality plastic, and even after they improved it for the Hasbro version it still suffered from being a poor action figure design. Perhaps MP11 is superior in other aspects... I dunno - can't tell without seeing this figure first hand.

That is one damn expensive MP though...


Cos it still looks better than MP03's green? ;) :p

MP11 is basically the same mold as MP03 with some tooling. Some are functional like the legs which gets rid of the waist fins but several of them are purely aesthetic which will not impact the 'playability' of the toy such as the head and arms. However having said that, having the fins now attached to the legs would seriously benefit playability but you can easily re-arrange parts in the original MP03 mold to do that and it's fully reversible.

[canofwhoopass_87]

Cheap? :confused:
Comparing RRPs...
MP03 = 10290JPY ($119) <---would've been more than this cos AUD was weaker then
MP11 = 13650JPY ($158)
Hasbro MP Starscream = $100


Well IMO I think the pricetag for MP11 is relatively cheap. How much did the recent Takara Rodimus and Optimus RRP for? $250?

MP11 vs Hasbro MP - Hasbro MPs are always much cheaper. Seems pointless comparing the two

MP03 vs MP11 - MP03 was released what? 6-7 years ago? Don't think it'd be $119 if it was released today.

When it comes to market prices, you have an atrociously bad habit of pulling out RRP's from years ago and using them as (what you believe to still be) good indicators of todays prices. Hell, you even do it with G1's man. Nobody today is gona scoop up a semi complete Fort Max for the $200 you paid a decade ago.

[gdmetro]

Despite the final paint not matching up to he final pro pics, I still hunk I will jump on his, as I want to start collecting mps.. But the dull grey is really noticeable...

Where is the cheapest price? Rk seems a bit steep at 145 even if I lump it together with mP10..

[kup]

Despite the final paint not matching up to he final pro pics, I still hunk I will jump on his, as I want to start collecting mps.. But the dull grey is really noticeable...

Where is the cheapest price? Rk seems a bit steep at 145 even if I lump it together with mP10..

For someone who is just starting their MP collection and doesn't previously own an MP Starscream, it is certainly worth it depending on preference.

[SharkyMcShark]

After that I still prefer the old MP Starscream.

The jet mode isn't up to the standards of the old one.

[GoktimusPrime]

Well IMO I think the pricetag for MP11 is relatively cheap. How much did the recent Takara Rodimus and Optimus RRP for? $250?
Takara Rodimus retailed for 17640JPY (AU$205 - although it'd be probably around $250 after postage/shipping). MP10 retailed for 23100JPY ($268). I don't think Rodimus and trailered Convoy are reliable comparisons because these figures all came with trailer/battle platforms (MP10 also comes w/ Roller) which made the toys more expensive.


MP11 vs Hasbro MP - Hasbro MPs are always much cheaper. Seems pointless comparing the two
I did also compare it with the cost of Takara's MP03 -- MP11 is still 3360JPY ($39) more expensive than MP03's RRP.


MP03 vs MP11 - MP03 was released what? 6-7 years ago? Don't think it'd be $119 if it was released today.
Let's look at MP01 Convoy: the original figure first released in Dec 2003/Jan 2004 retailed for 10290JPY ($120). The reissue that was released 12 months ago retailed for 10500JPY ($123). So an MP released 7-8 years ago if released today would be $3 more expensive.


When it comes to market prices, you have an atrociously bad habit of pulling out RRP's from years ago and using them as (what you believe to still be) good indicators of todays prices. Hell, you even do it with G1's man. Nobody today is gona scoop up a semi complete Fort Max for the $200 you paid a decade ago.
You said that the $158 RRP is relatively cheap, but relative to what?
+ Relative to RRP - I disagree. It's the 2nd most expensive MP Starscream we've seen yet (other than the stupidly overpriced TRU Ghost Starscream).
+ Relative to inflated aftermarket price - you're probably right.


Where is the cheapest price? Rk seems a bit steep at 145 even if I lump it together with mP10..
$145 is below RRP so I'd consider that cheap for MP11 (it just has an expensive RRP IMO). If you have an eBay account this one (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Transformers-TAKARA-MP-11-Masterpiece-Starscream-Action-Figure-/120880261938?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c25066b32) is selling for AU$140.15 (+AU$24 postage).


After that I still prefer the old MP Starscream.
Well for anyone starting out this Hasbro MP Starscream (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/TAKARA-TOMY-Transformers-Masterpiece-Starscream-USA-Edition-mp03-mp-03-g1-/160767451884?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item256e7ca2ec#shId) is selling for AU$130 with free shipping! :eek: That's only $30 above RRP for a 5 year old toy... not too shabby. :)

[theheretic]

I picked up a Hasbro MP screamer for $40 shipped :-) It was a good auction

[canofwhoopass_87]

gok, when I jump onto BBTS

Takara MP11S Sunstorm - $250
Takara MP11 Starscream - $160
Takara MP10 Optimus - $250
Takara MP09 Rodimus - $210
Takara MP08 Grimlock - $175

Now the same goes for pretty much all online stores. Comparing MP11 to all of these recent releases (bar Sunstorm)...I'd say he's pretty cheap compared to everything else, especially since he's only due out now and the others were released months ago.

You argue that MP11 is expensive, yet the only supporting evidence you can bring to the table, is that it's more expensive than MP03 (from 6-7 years ago) and Prime "cab" repaints.

Simply put - When I look at the RRP for MP11, I'm comparing it to the prices of other MP's released recently. It doesn't make sense comparing it to first run MP's released years and years ago.

Using the recently released Encore Devvy as an example. What was it? $120rrp?

Me - If my wallet is stretched and I'm deciding whether or not to buy it for that price, I'd compare it to Encore Bruticus or the current market price for a vintage G1 Devvy

You - Your wallet is stretched and you're deciding whether or not to buy it for that price. You'd compare it to the original 1985 giftset rrp

[Sarquiss]

Although, I already have the earlier MP Starscream release, I was contemplating picking this one up just for the cape :P. However, after seeing the final product, I have lost all interest.

It seriously looks like a Classics Starscream. A lot of the detail is missing and the paint job is just down right insulting. I cannot comprehend how we went from the prototype awesomeness to this sham. For shame Takara tsk tsk.

My hopes are really dashed for future figures in the Masterpiece series. Hopefully, third parties can continue fixing Takara/Hasbro's mistakes.

[UltraMarginal]

I don't mind the grey, I don't think it's hasbro grey so much as an off white that is more realistic than a pure white.

The unfinished look of the vehicle mode is because it's been molded without the "fast pack" that was added to later iterations of the f-15, that's the more aerodynamic looking parts on the outside of the intakes next to the cockpit.

the way the guns have been fixed to the arms is a little wierd, I would prefer to be able to swap out to the missiles like the MP02.

I have the 3 takara MP seekers and a Hasbro starscream so unless this falls in my lap I won't be getting it, I just don't have a need.
great place to jump on though if you are a collector that missed out on the earlier Masterpiece seekers.

[Lord_Zed]

It looks pretty good to me, dig those new feet, and his modified torso. As for the colour, it doesn't quite have that same painted look that the previous ones had, however the grey is more true to Starscreams proper colours than the white they used for previous toys. Starscream is grey damnit he is not a clown. :p

I would get it if I didn't already have four of the older mould.

[Slag]

I would get it if I didn't already have four of the older mould.

exactly!

[Aqua Prime]

Mr Starscream fan here is getting it and will try and get some comparison photos up when he lands in the next few days.

[griffin]

when I jump onto BBTS

Takara MP11S Sunstorm - $250
Takara MP11 Starscream - $160
Takara MP10 Optimus - $250
Takara MP09 Rodimus - $210
Takara MP08 Grimlock - $175


You should be comparing it with MPs that are the same size or smaller (like previous MP Seekers)... you've listed bigger MPs (Optimus, Rodimus, Grimlock - which are going to be more expensive), and rare/limited edition MP Sunstorm (which is going to be priced higher at secondary sources like BBTS - which is also not a good idea when comparing prices... you should compare prices from primary sources).

Comparing it to ones that aren't bigger...
MP Skywarp is STILL under $150 on ebay, while Ghost Starscream is STILL under $130. The green-scream and Thundercracker would have been about the same ($100-120) when they were first released, so this new Starscream (with extra accessories and inflation) at $160, is probably about right.

[heroic_decepticon]

I like the retooling they did on this - esp the waist fins and the head. I absolutely hated the previous seeker waist fins.

[theheretic]

Why is MP11S so expensive? Is he gold plated? LOL

[Ultra Mackness]

That's some crazy pricing on MP11S. Try Yahobby.com, he's $139.99 there while MP11 is $155.99.

[canofwhoopass_87]

Comparing it to ones that aren't bigger...
MP Skywarp is STILL under $150 on ebay, while Ghost Starscream is STILL under $130. The green-scream and Thundercracker would have been about the same ($100-120) when they were first released, so this new Starscream (with extra accessories and inflation) at $160, is probably about right.

The point I'm trying to make (albeit not very well :o) is that when comparing pricing of new MPs, it's only worth observing the current market prices of previous releases.

If you're trying to decide which Takara MP Starscream to purchase, looking at the current price of MP03 and comparing that to MP11 would be the standard of thinking amongst most collectors wouldn't it? Then of course you'd factor in design, quality, availability etc before making an informed decision.

Goks method of thinking (sorry gok, you know I love you man :D) is essentially comparing the release price of the new MP11 ($160) to the 2006 release price of MP03 ($120) and simply concluding that MP11 is expensive. I just don't think that your flawed "I never pay more than RRP" mentality can be extended to anything beyond movie toys or anything released beyond the last 6 months.

[kup]

I like the retooling they did on this - esp the waist fins and the head. I absolutely hated the previous seeker waist fins.

I also think that the tooling is better but given the lackluster finish look, I can't justify buying it since I can easily fix my MP3 mold Starscream to be rid of the tail fins by popping them out and attaching them to the legs. That increases hip articulation and allows for much stability without the stand and allows you to have the wings placed in a more 'G1' position.

[heroic_decepticon]

I also think that the tooling is better but given the lackluster finish look, I can't justify buying it since I can easily fix my MP3 mold Starscream to be rid of the tail fins by popping them out and attaching them to the legs. That increases hip articulation and allows for much stability without the stand and allows you to have the wings placed in a more 'G1' position.

hahaha... yes, agree with you on that front.

But I will buy MP-11 if only to give Tak encouragement for listening to fans and actually tweaking the mold.

[UltraMagnus]

Its officially out in Hong Kong and planning on buying it tomorrow. Prices in Hong Kong are not too far off other places (given the exchange rate) but certainly worth getting.

I wasnt into the Masterpiece series until I purchased Grimlock and absolutely love him. Then whilst in Osaka I picked up the first release of Rodimus Prime for less than $80 AUD and then the Optimus Prime MP10.

The line is very very good, and having Sideswipe (and potentially Soundwave and other seekers) on the way is great news.

[Sworc]

Just received my shipping notice from HLJ.

I never got the Hasbro version so was happy to pick this one up. But I think I will skip the inevitable Skywarp and TC repaints as I'm happy with the previous mp versions of these.

Although....my TC is a poorly put together POS, so maybe I'll get that in the new mold.

And I guess if I have two in the updated design then I should probably complete the trio...

Oh dear. :(

[Pipesqueak]

I'll wait for reviews on QC because the MP line has a terrible record, but I don't mind the grey and am quite tempted.

[Zippo]

Shall definatly be picking up an extra in a few months (if available) to open and display in robot mode (Green Scream can stay in Jet mode)

[Magnus]

I like the fact that Takara went and tweaked the mould in response to collectors' feedback about MP-3 and gave it a screen-accurate colour. My only gripe about this mould is the permanently (?) attached guns - I like how the MP-3 mould gives the option of missile pylons.

I don't recall a holo-pilot in the G1 cartoon - a homage to the '07 movie's 'Mustache Man'?

While I didn't mind the look of 'Greenscream's' colours, I wasn't in a position to buy it when it first came out, and the reports of fragile plastic were enough to discourage me from buying it later. (I ended up getting MP-6 and, later, the Hasbro MP Starscream, but I sold Starscream.)

I'd get this one... if I didn't already have MP Skywarp.

[Trent]

I'm keen to pick one of these up as I don't yet have an MP seeker, however after getting stung with Roddy I'll wait for the QC reports. Hope I can pick up a stand for him though.

What's everybody paying for him? Is there much variation in pricing?