Toy Review - Masterpiece MP-36 Megatron (2.0)

[doublespy]

The Kiss Player dude (http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Yuki_Ohshima) did the concept/aesthetic design for MP-36, but who actually did the engineering design has never been revealed. Even the instructions seems to have deliberately kept the designer's identity "nameless TT employee". Judging by the style of early sketches it could well be Kobayashi himself. The point I'm trying to get to, is that along with the Kiss Player dude the designer(s) did one hell of a job on MP-36. I can confidently say that for myself this is the best Masterpiece figure to date. He's not perfect, but he's exactly what I wanted for a Masterpiece G1 Megatron.

Gun mode:
It is an impressive gun mode.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/CC3214AE-E66E-4658-9834-5F44AA425661_zpsogzhwlig.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/CC3214AE-E66E-4658-9834-5F44AA425661_zpsogzhwlig.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_03531111-5441-4905-A05F-69C304855D5C_zpsnrrgmfuz.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/03531111-5441-4905-A05F-69C304855D5C_zpsnrrgmfuz.jpg.html)


People complain about the panel lines and I get it, but my take is that is the necessary evil. Both modes turned out great so I can live with it.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/70A76F99-A271-45BC-B13F-715194150E0C_zpsklctfyl0.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/70A76F99-A271-45BC-B13F-715194150E0C_zpsklctfyl0.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_791F3815-C291-4E8C-A77D-F3F202A40A90_zpsx314n0en.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/791F3815-C291-4E8C-A77D-F3F202A40A90_zpsx314n0en.jpg.html)

Even the rifling has been sculpted. When fitting the silencer, do be careful. Take it slow and gentle to minimize the paint scratches on the gun barrel. This is a painted surface being in contact with another piece that is supposed to be a tight fit. No matter how well the paint is applied there's bound to minor paint chipping. I personally don't mind it, as it gives the gun a slightly "weathered" look.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_C4E85FA6-1539-4F23-9B7C-8F3201EE0D1B_zpsgzzd3qig.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/C4E85FA6-1539-4F23-9B7C-8F3201EE0D1B_zpsgzzd3qig.jpg.html)

Amazingly, the pistol is pretty damn close to a 1:1 Walther P-38 airgun(photo c/o onnsake@tfw (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/masterpiece-megatron-v2-0-is-happening-in-2017.1088513/page-394#post-14478483))

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_IMG_0135_zps6cu8xkne.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/IMG_0135_zps6cu8xkne.jpg.html)

The gun has a nice solid feel to it and has a great grip. It feels just so comfortable in hand.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/BCF06D3E-32A2-42C5-8710-A26B05A06BEC_zpskl4exnxu.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/BCF06D3E-32A2-42C5-8710-A26B05A06BEC_zpskl4exnxu.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_B4A7F633-0823-43A3-A073-885B8D511C1C_zpssitvb46r.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/B4A7F633-0823-43A3-A073-885B8D511C1C_zpssitvb46r.jpg.html)


Transformation:
It's a time-consuming transformation, as in it involves many steps, but I wouldn't say it's complex. I always thought Ironhide and Megatron would be the ultimate challenges for G1 Masterpiece design. Ironhide's challenge lies in that he doesn't have much car kibble to work with in 'bot mode, while Megatron's is he needs to turn from a slim gun to a wide, bulky robot. With Ironhide at least the designer has the mass/volume to work with, but Megatron would involve a lot of mass shifting/re-arranging, which would unavoidably result in large number of transformation steps(again, not necessarily complex).

One major plus point for me is MP-36's transformation is divided to several chunks; you start and finish this section before moving on to the next, as opposed to having 8 million loose bits hanging around at any given moment of this process. I think you just need some practice. Take it slow first, then when you know which part goes where, you do it a lot quicker. I have transformed him 4 times and each time quicker than the last.

The transformation is full of "Masterpiece moment". After handling Megs for a while I found I'm most amazed by how the gun sides of the slide do a simple twist, revealing the flat surface inside to form the shoulder.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_49E2CB7F-8509-4300-B597-22F99F55076A_zpsmekdz6ud.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/49E2CB7F-8509-4300-B597-22F99F55076A_zpsmekdz6ud.jpg.html)

I don't like how you need to rely on the strength of the thigh joint to pull the legs apart though. It's a very tight fit and I feel like I was gonna tear the legs off every time I do it.

Again, there's some paint chipping simply because of how painted parts fit together. Personally I'm not too fussed. I just be careful and apply force gently when transforming. But I won't be scared to transform it because of some minor paint chipping. A Transformer figure is designed to be transformed (let alone one that has such a nice gun mode) and I won't have Megs as just an over-sized action figure on the shelf.

Robot Mode:
The robot mode is even better than I'd ever imagined it would be. It has incredible presence and personality, and is amazingly photogenic.

From the curvature of the shin, details on the back of leg, to the folded "rod piece" on the lower back carried over from the G1 toy, there's s incredible attention to detail put on this figure. And again I don't mind the backpack at all because of how accurate both modes are.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/818ECBA3-D6B5-462E-A7E2-4F02A8291AF2_zpsncpm28ih.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/818ECBA3-D6B5-462E-A7E2-4F02A8291AF2_zpsncpm28ih.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_062D5506-BD5A-4527-A60F-D32B24E889B6_zpsnzvcdjv1.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/062D5506-BD5A-4527-A60F-D32B24E889B6_zpsnzvcdjv1.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_66714BE1-FA82-4FD4-B8B8-A35CFFFB5DB7_zpspml4depa.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/66714BE1-FA82-4FD4-B8B8-A35CFFFB5DB7_zpspml4depa.jpg.html)

I've read comments of people disliking his proportions, but to me personally, he looks spot-on to the cartoon Megatron. In an interview about MP-10, Shogo Hasui mentioned that it took him a lot of effort to tweak the proportions to get Optimus' head right. I have no doubt the designers went through the same process with Megs, to get his proportions spot-on. It's just like sculpture, it's the subtle differences that separate "likeness" and "capturing the essence". I also like the new cartoon-styled hands, with them "tube fingers".
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/ACB0A589-135E-48BA-97B7-0ABF1AB65398_zpsiusifzji.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/ACB0A589-135E-48BA-97B7-0ABF1AB65398_zpsiusifzji.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_1C2118F4-9037-4183-820F-A3F50F7C8F58_zpsrev1izx1.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/1C2118F4-9037-4183-820F-A3F50F7C8F58_zpsrev1izx1.jpg.html)

He's incredibly articulated, and very easy to pose and balance, thanks to abundance of ratchet joints, excellent joint tolerances, and die-cast parts. He's easily one of the most articulated Masterpiece figures to date.
Oh, did I mention the faces. They're awesome, and they swap out with ease.

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/7C2EB630-580F-46F8-AF43-C9C46100DDB4_zpsvags6gzs.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/7C2EB630-580F-46F8-AF43-C9C46100DDB4_zpsvags6gzs.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_0F7A0A0B-CD67-4096-9B44-6BABA90F8182_zpsbswttccc.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/0F7A0A0B-CD67-4096-9B44-6BABA90F8182_zpsbswttccc.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_AB80D819-F89D-4368-B547-C7623858E329_zps7nl4tm3z.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/AB80D819-F89D-4368-B547-C7623858E329_zps7nl4tm3z.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_9317DC14-76C5-4AA3-9954-A3358BE26977_zps5zxtu2r6.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/9317DC14-76C5-4AA3-9954-A3358BE26977_zps5zxtu2r6.jpg.html)

The stock-turned-display stand has strong ratchet joints and is great to use with a hefty figure like this.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/911E2F10-35E0-4D5F-9994-EA69A6D3DA07_zpsxgw22fm4.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/911E2F10-35E0-4D5F-9994-EA69A6D3DA07_zpsxgw22fm4.jpg.html)

It's nice that the stock and silencer can be used the same way as they did on the G1 toy.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/6AB31268-3084-4944-94B8-CE246D011C11_zpsb9hgp0cd.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/6AB31268-3084-4944-94B8-CE246D011C11_zpsb9hgp0cd.jpg.html)

His accessory count is not as impressive as Ironhide, but all the essential ones are included to kill a Prime or two.
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/3E4ED131-E580-40F3-8364-2E6C111183D7_zpsijsatqt8.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/3E4ED131-E580-40F3-8364-2E6C111183D7_zpsijsatqt8.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_00BA398B-AC1C-4309-AA94-0EE0A18C3250_zpsmtva6fbj.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/00BA398B-AC1C-4309-AA94-0EE0A18C3250_zpsmtva6fbj.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/th_66B9D43B-7E5B-4D9B-93CB-570C839BAC91_zpswnudhlje.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/66B9D43B-7E5B-4D9B-93CB-570C839BAC91_zpswnudhlje.jpg.html)

Some comparisons:
http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/5D2655F9-A16B-4304-B7D2-0AD4A0637D3B_zps4fj2wobm.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/5D2655F9-A16B-4304-B7D2-0AD4A0637D3B_zps4fj2wobm.jpg.html)

http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac134/scorer24/MASTERPIECE/B4F6E1A2-E1A0-4704-A3D1-CF9B0DEC6F05_zpspmgfdddy.jpg (http://s893.photobucket.com/user/scorer24/media/MASTERPIECE/B4F6E1A2-E1A0-4704-A3D1-CF9B0DEC6F05_zpspmgfdddy.jpg.html)


Verdict?
My definitive G1 Megatron, no ifs or buts. Best MP figure to date imo.

[Shirokaze]

Great pics and review mate! In short, MP-36 is unbelievable. There's so many innovative steps to the transformation, you can tell the designer really put everything into it.
I can definitely echo the difficulty pulling the legs down. Way too tight, scary even. Took me around an hour with instructions to reach gun mode the first time since I was trying to be careful.

[philby]

I've seen photos on FB about the gun barrel chipping paint after attaching the silencer only once I think! I'm not sure if I would be game...

[Deonasis]

You lucky devils.

[Pig's_A_King]

Wow

[GoktimusPrime]

7 people have voted on this poll already - 6 voting that it's worth getting, 1 voting Only if something else that hasn't been specified (?). So this must mean that there are at least 6 people who've already received MP36! That's fast! :eek: ...clearly none of them from a certain online store ;)

[Ralph Wiggum]

I got notification from Ohmyprimus in Singapore that mine has arrived- I've asked my brother to pick it up in person and hold it. For the record I paid about $AU 280 for mine, which is obviously more than PC ($220) but I happily pay extra for peace of mind and reliability.

Mind you, I have to figure out whether to get it posted (more $$$) or wait until one of us travels (longer wait).

[DaptoDog]

Amazing pics! I'm reading here and on TFW about the paint chipping. Are the paint chips noticeable in robot mode?

[Initial_G]

I'm worried about paint chipping too, numerous reports on TFW and also youtube reviews, such a shame :(

[GoktimusPrime]

I'm planning on leaving this toy in robot mode w/ MP5 in gun mode as I believe that these are the better looking modes for both MP Megatrons. But obviously I will transform MP36 from time to time (especially at first), so I hope that I don't scratch too much. :o Would a spray on sealant help to make it more scratch resistant?

[Initial_G]

Now that more ppl have him in hand, I'm starting to see more pics of chipping paint, and pictures of numerous stress points and breakages :(

He looked fairly solid/sturdy in the initial review videos, perhaps not the case ... can't really tell as I can't read the text on the fb/ weibo posts.

eg. some examples seen so far: here (http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/masterpiece-megatron-v2-0-is-happening-in-2017.1088513/page-416#post-14484489), here (https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17799429_10207258822583882_7743587130943487472_n.j pg?oh=17237d1b381ade838ecbe66b95cdc68c&oe=5950E74B) and here (https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/17629674_10207258822383877_1392885675380440201_n.j pg?oh=fd0ac4155c5a252e379980600da8a291&oe=5992BB1E)

[Ralph Wiggum]

Ouch. I guess the rule of thumb is the more complicated a figure is, the more likely it is to break. I hope I don't break mine, that'll be 2/2 Megatrons :(

[doublespy]

Great pics and review mate! In short, MP-36 is unbelievable. There's so many innovative steps to the transformation, you can tell the designer really put everything into it.
I can definitely echo the difficulty pulling the legs down. Way too tight, scary even. Took me around an hour with instructions to reach gun mode the first time since I was trying to be careful.
Thanks. I think the issue was more of getting a proper grip to pull them apart. I just found out it's so much easier to apply force if you put your thumb underneath (between the legs) and use your other fingers to pull. If it's still too tight, loosen the screw a little bit. Now it's much better on mine.


7 people have voted on this poll already - 6 voting that it's worth getting, 1 voting Only if something else that hasn't been specified (?). So this must mean that there are at least 6 people who've already received MP36! That's fast! :eek: ...clearly none of them from a certain online store ;)
I pre-ordered with that certain online shop too, as a back-up:D I paid around the same pre-order price for this one I have in hand from a Japanese online retailer. Ended up paying about $35 for DHL shipping after using all my store points. So for the extra $35 I get it in 3 days instead of half a year, pretty good deal if you ask me.:p


Okay, the paint chipping. After handling Megs for 2 days now, I can say the paint is indeed relatively easy to chip off; I think it's partly because of the speckled silver paint used(which looks fantastic in person btw). But if you're careful when transforming him, the only hard to avoid spots are the panel edges or structural support where parts fit together, and they are mostly not visible in either mode. What I suggest is take your time when transforming for the first couple of times, and do it on a large flat surface so you can prop the figure and use both of your hands to handle the moving parts.

As for transformation, again, take your time the first time around. Also check out wotafa's video review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkE04E9_Eys) with a very clear step-by-step transformation tutorial.

[GoktimusPrime]

Would any members here be able to post side-by-side comparison pics w/ G1 and MP5 Megs? I know that people have posted links to pics from other sites, but it's always good to see comparison pics taken by local fans. Please. :)

[doublespy]

The more I transform this guy, the more I enjoy it, and the more appreciation I have for the engineering. And the end result is so rewarding.



Would any members here be able to post side-by-side comparison pics w/ G1 and MP5 Megs? I know that people have posted links to pics from other sites, but it's always good to see comparison pics taken by local fans. Please. :)
Wish I could help you out but my G1 Megs is stored away and I never owned MP-5.

[DarkHyren]

PSA: Warning of Breakage and Heavy Paint Chipping on MP 36 Masterpiece Megatron https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/warning-of-breakage-and-heavy-paint-chipping-on-mp-36-masterpiece-megatron/37710/

Those photos scare me and are not helping me make the decision (if it's not too late anyway) of whether or not to try and get one an easy one...

For those with him in hand, does it look like these sorts of breakages are common place, how solid/frail is the actual figure?

[GoktimusPrime]

We have at least two reports from members stating that it's more likely due to the owner using undue excessive force on the toy.
http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=555014&postcount=542
http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=555064&postcount=555

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

PSA: Warning of Breakage and Heavy Paint Chipping on MP 36 Masterpiece Megatron https://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/warning-of-breakage-and-heavy-paint-chipping-on-mp-36-masterpiece-megatron/37710/

Those photos scare me and are not helping me make the decision (if it's not too late anyway) of whether or not to try and get one an easy one...

For those with him in hand, does it look like these sorts of breakages are common place, how solid/frail is the actual figure?


We have at least two reports from members stating that it's more likely due to the owner using undue excessive force on the toy.
http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=555014&postcount=542
http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=555064&postcount=555
Yes, Those people breaking their Megatrons are idiots. The barrel is rather obvious in how it moves. The hips although very tight (as they should be) just require you to get your hands in there and a use of the wonderful thing called leverage.

Actual figure is very solid.

[aching878]

the reports of breakages are few at best, have seen people who had transformed him back and forth many times and still ok, scratch wise that is a more valid issue but an expected one really, considering the whole toy is painted and parts rubs against each other during transformation.

The silencer part scratching is prob the more commonly reported one but some may want to reduce the scratch by sanding down the internal parts to reduce the potential scratching

http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/threads/masterpiece-megatron-v2-0-is-happening-in-2017.1088513/page-427#post-14486858

[GoktimusPrime]

I must admit that I didn't fully appreciate just how much better this toy is over MP5 until a few hours ago when I sat down and transformed both toys to take comparison pics. MP5 is a toy that I very rarely transform and I was reminded why... it is just frustratingly counter-intuitive and just not at all fun. And while MP5 may have a few advantages over MP36, such as...
* MP5 is much better at concealing all robot kibble whereas some robot kibble (particularly the back of Megatron's head) is visible from the underside of the chamber (in front of the trigger)
* MP5 has a nicer looking silver vs MP36's grey, and MP5s paints are also far more resilient and not as prone to scratches as MP36
* Far fewer seams on MP5's pistol mode
* MP5 includes cool real-life features such as the lanyard hook on the left-base of the grip
* Size aside, MP5 is of realistic proportions to an actual Walther P38.

But overall MP36's pros far outweighs any comparative cons with MP5. Some areas where MP36 outshines MP5 include:
+ A toy that I can transform in under 80 min (it "only" took me 50 min this time!) - and I can do it without resorting to cheating by removing and replacing panels on ball-and-socket joints.
+ I can transform MP36 in front of children and polite company as it doesn't make me want to keep swearing at it as with MP5.
+ Despite appearances, MP36 actually has a more solid gun mode. MP5 may look more solid with fewer seam lines, but it's essentially trying to hold back in all it's bulky robot kibble. The result is that parts of MP5's gun mode feels like they're going to burst and become undone. And one widely reported consequence of all this pressure is that the ball-socket jointed panels are prone to coming off, and some of the little tabs that serve to hold panels into place may be prone to breakage.
+ MP5 is essentially using a G1-accurate transformation which it has arguably translated into an MP toy. Unfortunately this doesn't work well with the toy and indeed when we look at most other MPs, even ones with slavishly G1 accurate modes have entirely new transformation. MP36 uses a whole new transformation scheme which gives us more G1-accurate looking modes.
+ Both MP5 and MP36 have tried to give us G1-accurate bulky robot modes that transform into relatively thin/smaller gun modes, but MP38 does it a whole lot better than MP5.

MP36 is just a hands down better toy than MP5. It's just a shame that the paints that they've used on this toy are prone to scratching, and not just the barrel tip - pretty much the whole toy is covered with this less than ideal quality paint. Otherwise it's a brilliant toy. It's not an easy toy - still incredibly difficult, but fun and mostly intuitive. :)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron_aa_zpsb9fokoak.jpg


Would any members here be able to post side-by-side comparison pics w/ G1 and MP5 Megs? I know that people have posted links to pics from other sites, but it's always good to see comparison pics taken by local fans. Please. :)
Here you go. ;)

Standing robot mode comparison
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron_compar_robot1_zpsmbqecapl.jpg

Comparing MP5 and MP36 attempting to strike the same pose
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron_compar_robot2_zpsk9w4uyny.jpg

Comparing MP5 and MP36's balance by making both toys strike a mid-kick pose
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron_compar_robot3_zpsutfzfd5q.jpg

Comparison w/ G1
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron_compar_robot_g1_zpstybh8g8q.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron_compar_gun2_zpsbx0pl9ww.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron_compar_gun1_zpsngdvlf6z.jpg

[GoktimusPrime]

Pics showcasing Megatron's various accessories...

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron01_zpsjt49fjii.jpg
*boop boop* (sound of Megatron unlocking the Nemesis :p)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron02_zpsolmws8zo.jpg
"Welcome, Professor."

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron_face_zpslbwsa8nj.jpg
A disgraceful moment for Megatron as he has lost face.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron03a_zpsrbwqfsxk.jpg
"Because everything I touch is food for my hunger..."

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron03b_zpstpvh2hfk.jpg
"...my hunger for power!"
btw this line closely reflects what may have been an earlier version of Megatron's motto (before it became "Peace through tyranny) which may have been "Everything is fodder." This was still Megatron's motto in the G1 Marvel Comics (and we know that the G1 tech specs were written by Marvel & the G1 cartoon was created by Marvel/Sunbow Productions)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron05_zps29vm8csw.jpg
Totally not a light sabre. :p

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron06_zpsml5n7dwo.jpg
「ついに貴様も終わりだ、これでな…！」/ "It's over, Prime."

I haven't tried out the gun stock/stand yet. ;)

[GoktimusPrime]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron11_zps9n3jfy4d.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron17_zpsdgabqn7d.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron20_zpsazajczbw.jpg

More action pics showcasing the extension accessories can be seen here (http://otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=556437#post556437).

[Magnus]

With regard to the paint, is the issue the paint quality/paint not adhering to the plastic surfaces well, or parts rubbing up against each other and paint coming off in the process? It seems like the latter from what I'm reading and seeing in videos.

[GoktimusPrime]

Rubbing up against other parts or even against your skin at times. For such an expensive toy I would absolutely expect better quality paint. MP5's paint has no such problem, and that toy is 10 years older. Although admittedly MP5 does suffer from rust on its die-cast metal parts. MP36 has some die-cast metal parts too, but they're painted over (e.g. feet, base of stock-stand etc.), so hopefully the paint will help protect those metal parts from rust.

I haven't put batteries into mine, but it sounds like the same voice chip that they used for reissue Galvatron.
MP36 & reissue Galvatron sound chip comparison video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEXXqKHQsBE)
As you can see (hear) the voices are exactly the same. :/ Although Katō Seizō (the Japanese voice actor for G1 Megatron/Galvatron) passed away 3 years ago so while he was able to record voices for Galvatron he was unable to do so for MP36. Perhaps they reused the same voice chip as a tribute to Katō. They could use a sound-alike but I'm sure that Japanese G1 cartoon fans would appreciate them using Katō's original voice.

For such an expensive toy I would expect them to at least use decent quality paint that didn't rub off so easily. It reminds me of the crappy paint that they used on MP9's spoiler (yet Hasbro's version has much better paint quality on its spoiler). For this reason I voted, "Only if cheap." At least MP9's spoiler only covers one small part of the toy and only scratches when you slide it in and out of his trailer -- Megatron's main body paint which covers the majority of the toy is prone to rubbing off. And being metallic, there have been a few times where after handling this toy my finger tips have been sparkly. :o

[GoktimusPrime]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron_chestoff_zpsdlrqwe81.jpg
Pro tip for removing Megatron's chest plate: using your thumbs and fingers, push down on the top of the chest as indicated by the red arrows - hold this piece in place. Then push up on the bottom corners of the chestplate (as indicated by the green arrows) to slide the plate off.

[Magnus]

Rubbing up against other parts or even against your skin at times. For such an expensive toy I would absolutely expect better quality paint. MP5's paint has no such problem, and that toy is 10 years older. Although admittedly MP5 does suffer from rust on its die-cast metal parts. MP36 has some die-cast metal parts too, but they're painted over (e.g. feet, base of stock-stand etc.), so hopefully the paint will help protect those metal parts from rust.

For such an expensive toy I would expect them to at least use decent quality paint that didn't rub off so easily. It reminds me of the crappy paint that they used on MP9's spoiler (yet Hasbro's version has much better paint quality on its spoiler). For this reason I voted, "Only if cheap." At least MP9's spoiler only covers one small part of the toy and only scratches when you slide it in and out of his trailer -- Megatron's main body paint which covers the majority of the toy is prone to rubbing off. And being metallic, there have been a few times where after handling this toy my finger tips have been sparkly. :o

Reading and hearing about paint chipping, I was under the impression that parts rubbing against each other were resulting in paint coming off while transforming the figure, so it's a surprise to read that little bits of it come off with just handling. It's not just paint rubbing near joints and coming off onto your hands that way?

I was thinking that MP-36 was designed to very close tolerances, and the paint might be just thick enough to interfere such that transformation results in parts rubbing against each other and paint coming off as a result. In that case, it might not be an issue if more of Megatron was bare, unpainted plastic, but then you'd have people complaining about the lack of paint.



I haven't put batteries into mine, but it sounds like the same voice chip that they used for reissue Galvatron.
MP36 & reissue Galvatron sound chip comparison video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEXXqKHQsBE)
As you can see (hear) the voices are exactly the same. :/ Although Katō Seizō (the Japanese voice actor for G1 Megatron/Galvatron) passed away 3 years ago so while he was able to record voices for Galvatron he was unable to do so for MP36. Perhaps they reused the same voice chip as a tribute to Katō. They could use a sound-alike but I'm sure that Japanese G1 cartoon fans would appreciate them using Katō's original voice.


Did Seizo use the same voice for Megatron and Galvatron, or did he use different voices for each character, like Frank Welker?

[GoktimusPrime]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Megatron/mp_megatron31_zpsd5v6gumg.jpg


Did Seizo use the same voice for Megatron and Galvatron, or did he use different voices for each character, like Frank Welker?
Pretty much the same voice, although in TFTM it was less electronically warbled after for Galvatron, but then in the TV series it was warbled and pretty much sounded like Megatron. Or more accurately, the voice was exactly the same as Megatron first in the TV series and then later "unwarbled" for TFTM (I keep forgetting that TFTM only came out in Japan in 1988).

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Must admit that I'm not that fond of the warbled Japanese Megatron voice. They could've done something a bit more exciting.

[Sinnertwin]

Must admit that I'm not that fond of the warbled Japanese Megatron voice. They could've done something a bit more exciting.

I don't mind the voice, the fact that they got the sound of his fusion cannon wrong irks me even more :(
Still, if we could get a hybrid of MP5's alt & MP36's robot mode, it'd be perfect.

[GoktimusPrime]

Must admit that I'm not that fond of the warbled Japanese Megatron voice. They could've done something a bit more exciting.
I'd say that it's because we don't have any emotional attachment to it because we didn't grow up with it. :o From a non-Anglophone's POV Chris Latta's high pitched screeching Starscream's voice probably sounds weird. Japanese G1 Starscream has a far more menacing and booming voice. But of course, we all want our Cobra Commander-esque screeching Starscream voice if we ever had a G1 'Screamer toy w/ a voice chip cos that's what we grew up with. It's all about hittin' that childhood nostalgia. :D

Hhhmmm... I wonder if a third party company would be able to produce a sound chip (or even alternative fusion cannon) with Frank Welker's Megatron voice.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

I'd say that it's because we don't have any emotional attachment to it because we didn't grow up with it. :o From a non-Anglophone's POV Chris Latta's high pitched screeching Starscream's voice probably sounds weird. Japanese G1 Starscream has a far more menacing and booming voice. But of course, we all want our Cobra Commander-esque screeching Starscream voice if we ever had a G1 'Screamer toy w/ a voice chip cos that's what we grew up with. It's all about hittin' that childhood nostalgia. :D

There is that nostalgia thing going on, and I don't deny that.

I also think it's got a lot to do with Japanese media in general and their simplicity with character types. Starscream has a booming voice, as does Desslok from Uchu Senkan Yamato. Its because they are easily identifiable as a bad guy. Personally I much prefer Desslok's slightly whiny English voice as it adds way more character and stops me from immediately assuming him to be a shallow stereotype. Even though he may me.

I'm also glad that someone else noticed they go the fusion cannon sound wrong too. I thought it was just me and I was being snobby. So, thank Sinner! ;)

[GoktimusPrime]

If a 3P were to make a Welker-voice chip, that chip could also include more accurate fusion cannon sounds and maybe even a realistic sounding gunshot sound. Heh... reminds me of that stupid keychain kids had in the 90s that swore at you and had a gun sound. :p

[doublespy]

I've had this figure for over a month now, and he still stands on my computer desk along side so I could pick him and mess with him whenever I want, or simply just look at him and appreciate what an amazing job TakTom have done. I don't this this ever happened since I got back into collecting 16 years ago. And this is counting RotF Leader Optimus, which I simply could not put down for a very long time.

Now that the newness has worn off and I know this figure like the back of my hand, I can start re-evaluate it more objectively. And I still think he's the best Masterpiece figure to date and potentially one of the best of all time. When look at his robot mode and pose him, I sometimes completely forget this is a fully-transformable figure. That's how good the 'bot mode is. The only compromises for the 'bot mode for me are the thighs can stand to be thicker and the feet a bit wider, both of which are determined by the width of the gun handle. This is by no means a complaint though, because short of adding transformation here there's no side-stepping the issue; and that would make this transformation unnecessarily long and complicated. I feel that the designers made the right choice to compromise these two areas. After all commercial industrial design is all about making the right compromises.

The panel lines in gun mode don't bother me at all, b ecause how else would it be able to make a cartoon accurate chest out of a realistic gun chamber? Bottom line is, the gun turns out to be the right size with the best internal proportions on the market, and feels great in hand.

This figure is going to be the benchmark for the Masterpiece line in a long time coming.




I also think it's got a lot to do with Japanese media in general and their simplicity with character types. Starscream has a booming voice, as does Desslok from Uchu Senkan Yamato. Its because they are easily identifiable as a bad guy.
I agree in general, but not in the case of Starscream here. I personally feel that the Japanese Starscream conveys a young and cocky personality. This I assume is a different interpretation of the character and you sense some cultural difference here. They were not trying to make him a hysteric clown type of a character with a high pitched voice that Chris Latta created, but rather a young and ambitious second-in-command that is more cocky than plain stupid.

[drifand]

Over priced benchmark if you ask me, I am kinda turned off and buying this piece may have killed my interest in tfs.

[doublespy]

Whether it's worth the price tag is really a subjective thing, and the price varies a lot depending on pre-ordered or not.

Heh I paid 30% off list for this thing but would definitely pay the full list price if I hadn't pre-ordered it. The price tag would've been harder to swallow but personally I think it's worth it so non issue for me.

[Trent]

Can anyone confirm what this guy is on about with the barrel?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=DKP61U0lw0o

[Borgeman]

That guy has no idea. turning that apparently is part of the process anyway. Read the videos comments.

[drifand]

Whether it's worth the price tag is really a subjective thing, and the price varies a lot depending on pre-ordered or not.

Heh I paid 30% off list for this thing but would definitely pay the full list price if I hadn't pre-ordered it. The price tag would've been harder to swallow but personally I think it's worth it so non issue for me.

I actually will just judge on RRP. Otherwise if you had a 50% off the piece, you would say "why not?"

From there, is a matter of whether this piece is worth at the RRP. I shall not discuss further till I touch my figure and put in my thoughts and vote.

[DaptoDog]

Opened him tonight. Wow, after all these years I finally have a G1 Megatron! This guy just has an incredible presence about him in every pose.

There are a couple tiny paint chips on the side of one arm so I can definitely see how he would chip during transformation. And just reading through the instructions its clearly a very involved transformation. I'm happy just leaving him in bot mode and have him supplant Shockwave as the leader of my MP Cons.

[GoktimusPrime]

You're not gonna transform him? :confused: Cos that's one hella expensive Action Master! :eek: I've actually been thinking about translating the instructions as it is a pretty darn difficult transformation. Would others be interested or are you happy looking at the pictures and referring to YouTube videos? It would be a laborious translation - which I currently don't have time to do right now. Probably in the next school hols, but I'd only bother doing it if there's sufficient demand for it. :o

[Sinnertwin]

Opened him tonight...

http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/w661/sinnertwinsphotos/nosferatu_zpsiufeznr6.jpg (http://s1335.photobucket.com/user/sinnertwinsphotos/media/nosferatu_zpsiufeznr6.jpg.html)

[DaptoDog]

http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/w661/sinnertwinsphotos/nosferatu_zpsiufeznr6.jpg (http://s1335.photobucket.com/user/sinnertwinsphotos/media/nosferatu_zpsiufeznr6.jpg.html)

Haha, I buy doubles now, one to keep MISB and one for display. ;)

[Sinnertwin]

Haha, I buy doubles now, one to keep MISB and one for display. ;)

ok. you're off the hook :p

[GoktimusPrime]

I was about to drop my jaw at how much money you must be spending buying in duplicates... only to remember that I've already paid for two of these toys but I only have one to show for it because of a certain online dealer who's yet to deliver the other toy. If ever. :rolleyes: At least you have your toys. :o

<shuffles.off.to.a.corner.and.cries> :p

[Trent]

You're not gonna transform him? :confused: Cos that's one hella expensive Action Master! :eek: I've actually been thinking about translating the instructions as it is a pretty darn difficult transformation. Would others be interested or are you happy looking at the pictures and referring to YouTube videos? It would be a laborious translation - which I currently don't have time to do right now. Probably in the next school hols, but I'd only bother doing it if there's sufficient demand for it. :o

While the offer is appreciated, I'd say most people just go to their favourite Youtuber these days anyway so it would be a lot of effort for probably not much practical gain.

[GoktimusPrime]

That's cool. Figured that it'd be better to ask first rather than waste my time doing it if people don't need it. :)

[philby]

You're not gonna transform him? :confused: Cos that's one hella expensive Action Master! :eek: I've actually been thinking about translating the instructions as it is a pretty darn difficult transformation. Would others be interested or are you happy looking at the pictures and referring to YouTube videos? It would be a laborious translation - which I currently don't have time to do right now. Probably in the next school hols, but I'd only bother doing it if there's sufficient demand for it. :o

weeeeeelllll what if you did it anyway and sent it to hasbro as a sort of hint hint

[drifand]

voted only if.

I am sorry but this figure is only solid in robot form. I appreciate the effort
but if you paid RRP at $350, it doesn't feel worth it.

Seeing the various people who broke, scratched and damaged this piece, I dont feel it is a $300 worthy price tag.

Now the plus sides,
It is more scaled to mp-10
It is well balanced in robot form
The colour is alright but one might argue this is a + version rather than normal release.

After attempting to transform him in 40 minutes I gave up as it was taking too much of my time trying to be careful and know what you are doing, and this include looking at instructions and watching youtube.

I love his hands and is shame that MP-10 isn't that standard.
I do like him in his robot form but for gun mode, I don't think is worth it.

I will stop here as I wont compare this to another toy. I am not unhappy with this toy but at the same time, I don't think is worth it at RRP. This excludes all the trouble you need to go through to obtain one.

[Ralph Wiggum]

A great representation of Megatron. The paint job surprised me, I expected a flat grey but the subtle gloss made for a good balance. Unsurprisingly his transformation is complicated and I think he has the highest risk of breakage of all the MPs. But the complication IMO leads to the best bot/combo out there, coming from an owner of Apollyon.

My only real gripe is the way the extended barrel is force-fitted into the gun barrel. Having read stories of scuff and scratches, I wasn't game to put the barrel all the way in. For all the complications in the transformation it seems like such a lazily simplistic way to fit an essential piece.

[doublespy]

The thing about MP 36 is not that he's perfect, but the fact that the things they've done right outweigh the wrong by a great margin.

[GoktimusPrime]

Yeah, but for 23000JPY ($280) one would expect better more durable grade paints.

[drifand]

Yeah, but for 23000JPY ($280) one would expect better more durable grade paints.

Amen.
I don't want to bash the toy, if you like it that is fine, I am just not seeing the $280 value in it. With so much evidence of the toy getting scratched and broken parts. Its kind of disappointing even when I compare Inferno and Grapple, they get more credit imo.

And I am excluding the trouble and effort we need to get permits just to get the toy.

Yes in robot form, it is the best representation of Megatron.

I believe this toy will drop to price like 18,000 and under in time to come.

[philby]

So I got the re-issue yesterday and just opened it up. Initial excitement was quickly tempered by seeing some paint chips and stuff on the chest and helmet and also 2 of the panels on the groin area do not have the 'metallic/sparkle' finish on them so they stand out in a darker, duller colour. sigh.

[bowspearer]

While I definitely think it's one of the best engineered Masterpiece figures ever made, there is one thing I'm disappointed with. There's one extra feature that should have been included and had the gun barrel been better engineered, it could have happened - namely being able to recreate the scene from Heavy Metal War where Megatron fires a cluster bomb at Prime. Sadly while there is little reason why the pistol barren couldn't have been engineered to fully bend around to be a waist mounted blaster, the engineering design of the barrel is engineered in such a way that it limits it.

The other thing I've noticed is that on the reissue, the silencer doesn't move anymore, meaning that you can't do the 45 degree twist fix anymore.

It's a frustrating 8.5/10 when 2 tiny extra things would have made it a 10/10.