MP Star Saber - Brainmaster gimmick & more!

[kurdt_the_goat]

Surprised this hasn't been posted so here it is!

Cybergeeks Alliance Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=867531693258724&id=586853757993187) posted some scans from Generations Deluxe Vol2, which was released in limited quantities at the TF Expo, ahead of it's general release later this month.

http://i.imgur.com/2K4tv16.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/bjsEYpA.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/JxTVl6P.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/jRbUpDA.jpg

The pics confirm the Brainmaster compartment will have the "Brain Set" gimmick similar to the original toy - though it looks as though it achieves it in a different manner (the head seems to be hidden just under the neck of Saber, rather than contained with the Brainmaster due to his size?). This seems to be to allow Saber's head to rotate - not sure if he can tilt though. Star Saber himself retains the same "Battle Up" gimmick as the G1 toy - whether the faceplate is spring loaded isn't clear.

Star Saber's sword is confirmed as well, combining with the nose of Saber's alt mode just like it should. It looks like the V-Star contains the same kind of storage compartment for the blade as on the G1 toy, but this time he can be posted better as if he's reaching for it. Previously his gun was also seen mounted on the back of the V-Star. I wonder how the sword will scale with Saber holding it - or if they'll include a separate smaller one for him?

Finally Saber's jet has a standard opening cockpit that the Brainmaster can again sit in like the G1 toy - with a nicely moulded control panel to boot! Here's hoping they can get some good paint apps in there too.

Resident TFW translator SydneyY also mentioned that a caption says there will be no "Fire Base" mode for the MP. I had to look up what that was exactly, so i doubt it'll be missed by many!

[gekisou]

I so want this.

[Tober]

From taghobby:

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj230/AUST_Tober/mpss1_zps2a72d772.jpg (http://s273.photobucket.com/user/AUST_Tober/media/mpss1_zps2a72d772.jpg.html)

http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj230/AUST_Tober/mpss2_zps081337ac.jpg (http://s273.photobucket.com/user/AUST_Tober/media/mpss2_zps081337ac.jpg.html)

[Trent]

Wow. Love the posability of the hands. I hope there is some more in the wrists so that we can get some wicked sword wielding poses.

Keen for a release!

[1AZRAEL1]

For those that were worried he wasn't coming with his sword :p

He's gonna be awesome. I just hope I will have the funds to buy him when he's coming out.

[philby]

who is starsaber?

[Sinnertwin]

who is starsaber?

Star Saber (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Star_Saber_(Victory)) was a paragon of good behaviour. He was never greedy, so he never had to sneak food, and he never once wet the bed and got scolded for it. He was, however, still a fun-loving kid, who would zoom around on a skateboard while wearing his bedsheet as a cape

[Lint]

Yeah! Antenna gimmick!

It's also a structurally sensible thing to do as the thin antennae can just fall off instead of being snapped ala MP-10's smoke stacks in the event of a mishap.

[Ultra Mackness]

I had convinced myself that I didn't need this, but I'm rapidly losing that argument with myself, he looks great!

[kaiden]

I had convinced myself that I didn't need this, but I'm rapidly losing that argument with myself, he looks great!

you don't need MP Wheeljack :P

[Ultra Mackness]

He he, sorry that won't work - I've needed MP Wheeljack since 1985! :)

[ChlorHex]

I am so getting this guy.
Had the original as a kid and truly enjoyed it.
This fits the big kid in me just so nicely :D

[kurdt_the_goat]

I wonder how the sword will scale with Saber holding it - or if they'll include a separate smaller one for him?

Looking at these new pics, i started to wonder if the jet front/large hilt can also be split, making a smaller hilt just for Saber!

Would still have a pretty large blade (unless there's a separate blade still), but that'd definitely scale better so I hope i'm right - there's gonna be so many display opportunities for this guy!

[kaiden]

https://twitter.com/TFYUKI/status/503876309504630784

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u528/L45TN7/1409018476_1_zpsa453529d.jpg

[nexusnixx]

Soooo when is this released? Pricing? Lots of prototype images but nothing on release date/ pricing

[kaiden]

Soooo when is this released? Pricing? Lots of prototype images but nothing on release date/ pricing

most like 1st quarter next year if magnus isnt delayed?

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Holy Crap bags that is one fine looking figure! Every pictire I see he just gets sexier and sexier. Good thing Victory was a good show as well I guess.

[Hursticon]

I had convinced myself that I didn't need this, but I'm rapidly losing that argument with myself, he looks great!

I think you owe it to yourself AND little Mackness to own this figure dude! :D

At this point, I'm simply waiting on HLJ to pop their solicitation up for this amazing looking Transformer. :cool:

I really hope both Ironhide & Ratchet are the next 2 figures to follow. ;):)

[kaiden]

only 12 more autobots from 1984 to go.

[kaiden]

https://twitter.com/tfyuki

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u528/L45TN7/BwCqldrCcAAIobLjpglarge_zps2761f8ab.jpg

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u528/L45TN7/BwCr4kYCUAAhkbQjpglarge_zpsdda5edf5.jpg

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u528/L45TN7/BwCu2gxCYAA5mK__zps0186277a.jpg

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u528/L45TN7/BwCtbJwCQAEOz-qjpglarge_zpsaae51792.jpg

[theshape]

I love the diaclone comparison. Looking forward to this one

[High_Q]

Does anyone have a size comparison of the MP-10 Spike figure with a Diaclone pilot?

Also, do we know whether the MP-21 Spike Exosuit figure is in scale with the MP-10 Spike?

[nexusnixx]

most like 1st quarter next year if magnus isnt delayed?

just find it strange that we get all these prototype pictures but no pricing at all...

[drifand]

just find it strange that we get all these prototype pictures but no pricing at all...

Yup same here, so much pics and no price or pre order raises some concerns.
May well be in the 18,000 yen mark minimum.

[Blastwave]

How are they supposed to provide pricing if they haven't finalised the product?

At least with the other MP's they can estimate the price based on similarities to previous releases (even Magnus), but Star Sabre is all new baby! :D

[Trent]

Also, do we know whether the MP-21 Spike Exosuit figure is in scale with the MP-10 Spike?

Not even close :)

[drifand]

just find it strange that we get all these prototype pictures but no pricing at all...


How are they supposed to provide pricing if they haven't finalised the product?

At least with the other MP's they can estimate the price based on similarities to previous releases (even Magnus), but Star Sabre is all new baby! :D

Oh please, this is one that is totally been over previewed without the announcement of price which is why nax posted. You either have not been following the mp line as I am quite well aware this is only piece that had not revealed any pricing with so much photos of their development already displayed to the public.

Magnus is new you are bluffing everyone if you think it was based in mp-10

[Blastwave]

Oh please, this is one that is totally been over previewed without the announcement of price which is why nax posted. You either have not been following the mp line as I am quite well aware this is only piece that had not revealed any pricing with so much photos of their development already displayed to the public.

Magnus is new you are bluffing everyone if you think it was based in mp-10

Legitimate question. Legitimate speculative answer.

Do you know what goes on at Takara? No.

Does the fact that Magnus is not based on MP-10 engineering-wise have anything to do with it? No.

With regard to Magnus it's more likely the overall similarity in alt mode form and size to MP-10 would affect the pricing (and obviously I don't mean bot mode).

What does Wheeljack's engineering have to do with Prowl's or Sideswipe's?
Nothing, but the expectation of price has already been defined based on those prior releases.

Any need for agressive, wanna-be superior answer? No.

Sit down troll.

[drifand]

If you really can't answer please don't start something. We just asking a question. Thank you.

I am brushing off your above post and leaving it as it is. If I offended you I am sorry, but as explained all mps have the price posted up within a time frame after this much development and it is a surprised move from takara.

[kurdt_the_goat]

If i were to guess, i'd say they're still deciding how they'll release it altogether. They haven't given it the obvious MP# yet so maybe they're thinking it'll be a special release of some sort - hopefully not store exclusive mind you!

I'd really like to think there's another MP waiting to be announced too and they don't want to give SS his number until they're sure which order it'll release... So i'm going to keep thinking that! Regarding price i honestly don't care what they want to charge for it, I must have it!

[drifand]

If i were to guess, i'd say they're still deciding how they'll release it altogether. They haven't given it the obvious MP# yet so maybe they're thinking it'll be a special release of some sort - hopefully not store exclusive mind you!

I'd really like to think there's another MP waiting to be announced too and they don't want to give SS his number until they're sure which order it'll release... So i'm going to keep thinking that! Regarding price i honestly don't care what they want to charge for it, I must have it!

Way to go, die hard fan. lol
I have friends already lining up to order two!
Is just his size is the biggest MP yet?

[Blastwave]

If i were to guess, i'd say they're still deciding how they'll release it altogether. They haven't given it the obvious MP# yet so maybe they're thinking it'll be a special release of some sort - hopefully not store exclusive mind you!

I'd really like to think there's another MP waiting to be announced too and they don't want to give SS his number until they're sure which order it'll release... So i'm going to keep thinking that! Regarding price i honestly don't care what they want to charge for it, I must have it!

An intelligent comment! Thank you!

[kaiden]

An intelligent comment! Thank you!

thats really uncalled for.

i don't spend much time in forums but i don't come here for petty arguments.

---------

anyway, my guess would be there already is a price point as its derived from their budget. and yes, the new scale so far has them at certain price points.

Premium - Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus.
Medium - Starscream, Soundwave
Small - Sideswipe, Prowl, Bumblebee

Star Saber has a combining gimmick like Ultra Magnus (Cab & Trailer) and he is 18,000yen so that's a good starting point on price as any. If anyone has a list of all the retail prices of the MP line from Mp-10 onwards that would be helpful.

[Blastwave]

thats really uncalled for.

i don't spend much time in forums but i don't come here for petty arguments.

You are mostly right, but I was also praising Kurdt for saying the same thing but more eloquently.

Drifand riled me with his superior attitude and to you, I apologise. I don't come here to argue either. I rarely post unless I have something worthwhile to contribute but I won't stand for that attitude when the same thing could have said much more constructively and politely.

It's ok, I'll ignore him in future, I won't be goaded again.

[drifand]

You are mostly right, but I was also praising Kurdt for saying the same thing but more eloquently.

Drifand riled me with his superior attitude and to you, I apologise. I don't come here to argue either. I rarely post unless I have something worthwhile to contribute but I won't stand for that attitude when the same thing could have said much more constructively and politely.

It's ok, I'll ignore him in future, I won't be goaded again.

Perhaps you didn't read, I have apologised if I offended you.
I said we did ask a question, and that was all.

[Blastwave]

Perhaps you didn't read, I have apologised if I offended you.
I said we did ask a question, and that was all.

Ok dude, no worries. Sorry if I went OTT on the response.

[1AZRAEL1]

As Kurdt said, I don't care what price, I must have this :D

This MP truly is fast becoming a masterpiece in every facet of the word. They've incorporated the gimmicks from his G1 self. Personally I do want 2 of this guy too, because I have a sneaking suspicion that TakTom may well make his counterpart to form an even more epic masterpiece. They would be stupid not to.

[Ultra Mackness]

I think you owe it to yourself AND little Mackness to own this figure dude! :D

You're absolutely right Hursti, it's now my parental obligation to get ahold of this guy - it's the justification I've been searching for! I wonder if I can use it each time I need a new figure? It's worth a try! :D

[nexusnixx]

Likewise I am so getting this however it will be good to know done sort of price range. Oh well let the waiting game begin!

[kaiden]

https://twitter.com/TFYUKI

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u528/L45TN7/BwQU9D9CIAAw6ca_zps2d61e40a.jpg

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u528/L45TN7/BwQlPLyCQAEJqWa_zpsa8df2e4a.jpg

[Alpha Supreme]

I wasn't sure I would be getting this figure... however as usual the more I see the more I like... funnily enough I have never seen this series... and I call myself a Transfan!!! pffft.

[1AZRAEL1]

I wasn't sure I would be getting this figure... however as usual the more I see the more I like... funnily enough I have never seen this series... and I call myself a Transfan!!! pffft.

I haven't either, but I own his G1 iteration :p

[Sinnertwin]

I wasn't sure I would be getting this figure... however as usual the more I see the more I like... funnily enough I have never seen this series... and I call myself a Transfan!!! pffft.


I haven't either, but I own his G1 iteration :p

SMH. Haven't seen it?!?!
Tsk Tsk Tsk
:D:p

[1AZRAEL1]

SMH

Sydney Morning Herald? :p

[Alpha Supreme]

Sydney Morning Herald? :p

LOL

[Alpha Supreme]

SMH. Haven't seen it?!?!
Tsk Tsk Tsk
:D:p

I was going to buy the DVD's when they first came out and JBHiFi had them on special but they weren't in stock so I missed out. But in an exciting development in my work life I will now be regularly visiting LA so i might try and get them from america.

[GoktimusPrime]

I don't think it's unusual to like a toy despite not having seen its canonical appearance. Particularly prior to 2007, many of us collected TF toys long before they ever appeared in canon (if ever). I think it's perfectly fine to like a toy despite not having seen its canonical appearance (and also dislike a toy despite its canonical appearance). I personally find G1 Hubcap to be one of the better G1 Autobot mini-cars, yet he's made so few canonical appearances that I could count them on one hand. G1 Wheelie on the other hand has had more canon-time than any other 1986 Mini-Bot, yet I find him to be easily the weakest of the G1 Autobot mini-cars. I love Thunderwing as a character, but the G1 toy is pretty ordinary (okay, he's the best of the Mega Pretenders, but that's not a high standard ;)). Conversely I quite like the G1 Skids toy, but his appearance in the G1 cartoon is quite limited. I personally owned a lot of Transformers long before I ever saw them appear in the cartoon or comics, so my opinions of those toys were often already formed by time they made their canonical appearances.

If MP Star Sabre looks like a toy that appeals to you, then by all means consider getting it - regardless of whether you've seen the show or not. I've watched all of Victory, and I've seen/handled the original G1 toy. In my personal opinion, the G1 toy is rubbish, and the character... well... he's basically the same archetype as Optimus Prime (i.e. flawless heroic saviour). The G1 cartoon wasn't known for great character depth (that's was more of the comics' domain). :o But tbh, that's what Japanese fans love. They tried something really different with Dai Atlas in TF Zone, and received massive backlash for 'daring' to create a less-than-virtuous Autobot leader (although coincidentally, this is one of the strengths of the IDW G1 continuity, giving us morally dubious characters like Prowl etc.). Yeah sure, Star Sabre is a character that I do like -- if you like G1 Optimus Prime, then you ought to like Star Sabre (since their personalities are virtually identical)... but another big appeal of the MP toy is that it's offering what looks to me to be a good Star Sabre toy that ought to be worth getting. As someone who's not a fan of the G1 toy, there's no way that I'd be willing to pay aftermarket prices for one. I did get the Robot Masters figure, which was cheap, but also small and limited (but good value for $15 :o). A pre-ordered MISB MP Star Sabre will likely cost only a fraction of what it would cost to buy an MISB G1 Star Sabre, and would offer me better value for money. I don't mean to devalue the G1 Star Sabre toy for those who own one and love it. This is purely based on my own subjective personal preferences. :o

[kaiden]

They tried something really different with Dai Atlas in TF Zone, and received massive backlash for 'daring' to create a less-than-virtuous Autobot leader (although coincidentally, this is one of the strengths of the IDW G1 continuity, giving us morally dubious characters like Prowl etc.).

do Japanese people even read IDW comics? I have no idea if they're translated into Japanese but I doubt many would import and read it in English.

[GoktimusPrime]

do Japanese people even read IDW comics? I have no idea if they're translated into Japanese but I doubt many would import and read it in English.
You're right, AFAIK there are no Japanese translations of the IDW comics and the majority of Japanese fans wouldn't have access to these comics. I know that the tastes of the Japanese fandom in 1990 isn't directly comparable with the taste of Anglophone fans today, but just thought that it was an interesting coincident that the same basic concept works differently across two different cultural and time contexts. :o At any rate, Star Sabre is very much a text-book Autobot leader archetype -- which has proven to be popular/successful w/ Japanese G1 fans. :)

[kaiden]

https://twitter.com/TFYUKI

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u528/L45TN7/BwdAA-4CUAAl1nO_zps22294b30.jpg

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u528/L45TN7/BwdRTYiCYAAJAqv_zps187e05ae.jpg

[Sky Shadow]

So, he's 18,000 yen. That seems more than fair, considering most of the prices of smaller Masterpieces.

[drifand]

So, he's 18,000 yen. That seems more than fair, considering most of the prices of smaller Masterpieces.

If that's the price, it isn't that bad on my wallet.
Just waiting for it to be available for pre order.

[kaiden]

http://www.taghobby.com/1-0/1-1/takaratomy-arts-2015%E5%B9%B42-3%E6%9C%88%E4%BB%BD%E6%96%B0transformers%E8%A8%82% E5%96%AE%E5%9C%96/

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u528/L45TN7/MP24a_zpsbab81845.jpg

Confirmed to be MP-24 March 2015 18,000Yen. Same price as Ultra Magnus as I had speculated. No more arguments - its final.





unless it gets delayed :P

[drifand]

Thanks for the update

[kaiden]

RK has it up for preorder now - $151.90US. (http://www.robotkingdom.com/tftrmp24.html)

[kurdt_the_goat]

An excellent price, and a great date too! With Magnus and now Star Saber coming in at decent prices, it's almost made me forget how badly they overcharged on MP-10!

[Sinnertwin]

RK has it up for preorder now. (http://www.robotkingdom.com/tftrmp24.html)

Not bad, but there's no way I'm dropping $219 (with the cheapest shipping option) right now for something that i won't see for 7 months.

[Initial_G]

RK has it up for preorder now. (http://www.robotkingdom.com/tftrmp24.html)

Thanks!, tempted to pre-order now but might wait and see how much Tony/chimungmung has it for too

[kaiden]

Not bad, but there's no way I'm dropping $219 (with the cheapest shipping option) right now for something that i won't see for 7 months.

well the preorder saving of $8US doesn't end until January 2015, so there's no rush to preorder. I'm waiting to see AE price as they were generally the cheapest for Ultra Magnus.

BBTS have it up now for $169.99US (http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11960&mode=retail)

[Sinnertwin]

Yeah, just placed a tentative order for both Saber & Exhaust

[BigTransformerTrev]

well the preorder saving of $8US doesn't end until January 2015, so there's no rush to preorder. I'm waiting to see AE price as they were generally the cheapest for Ultra Magnus.

BBTS have it up now for $169.99US (http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/bbts/product.aspx?product=TAK11960&mode=retail)


Yeah, just placed a tentative order for both Saber & Exhaust

Surprised that hlj dont haver Star Sabre up for pre-order, guessing it will be cheaper than BBTS

[drifand]

Well no Japanese online stores have listed him yet.

[Raptormesh]

Waiting for HLJ as well.

[Sinnertwin]

Surprised that hlj dont haver Star Sabre up for pre-order, guessing it will be cheaper than BBTS

For sure, it's just a matter of time before we see the links to all of the other online stores popping up

[Lint]

http://www.taghobby.com/1-0/1-1/takaratomy-arts-2015%E5%B9%B42-3%E6%9C%88%E4%BB%BD%E6%96%B0transformers%E8%A8%82% E5%96%AE%E5%9C%96/

http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u528/L45TN7/MP24a_zpsbab81845.jpg

Confirmed to be MP-24 March 2015 18,000Yen. Same price as Ultra Magnus as I had speculated. No more arguments - its final.


Ha! So much bought :o

[kurdt_the_goat]

RK has it up for preorder now - $151.90US. (http://www.robotkingdom.com/tftrmp24.html)

They've changed it to $142.90 now.

I haven't ordered with them since they changed to their new site, but the postage calculator on the cart screen is saying $62 Registered, $95 EMS...

Anyone know if they still charge postage on preorders right away? Either way, the cheap initial cost is mightily offset by those shipping quotes :(

[Sinnertwin]

They've changed it to $142.90 now.

I haven't ordered with them since they changed to their new site, but the postage calculator on the cart screen is saying $62 Registered, $95 EMS...

Anyone know if they still charge postage on preorders right away? Either way, the cheap initial cost is mightily offset by those shipping quotes :(

Everything is charged up front Kurdt.

[Starscream77]

Yeah, just placed a tentative order for both Saber & Exhaust

Same, at least I have 6 months or more to decide without coughing up any dough

[drifand]

Everything is charged up front Kurdt.

That is correct upfront from rk

[kaiden]

They've changed it to $142.90 now.

I haven't ordered with them since they changed to their new site, but the postage calculator on the cart screen is saying $62 Registered, $95 EMS...

Anyone know if they still charge postage on preorders right away? Either way, the cheap initial cost is mightily offset by those shipping quotes :(

wow, down $10 - the price before shipping is pretty good.

[Hursticon]

Preorder is up at Anime-Export (http://www.anime-export.com/product/21381): ¥12,600 + Postage. :cool:

[Raptormesh]

Preorder is up at Anime-Export (http://www.anime-export.com/product/21381): ¥12,600 + Postage. :cool:

What's their shipping like? Also it seems that they want the $ up front.

[Trent]

I'll wait for HLJ. Have had nothing but good experiences with them.

[VGMStudios]

Sweet! Was waiting for AE. Never had an issue with AE. Me being in Canada, their shipping is pretty good to!

[drifand]

Sweet! Was waiting for AE. Never had an issue with AE. Me being in Canada, their shipping is pretty good to!

I wasn't sure how much is shipping exactly.
But I am happy that the price is that low.