Newb questions - Masterpice Transformers

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11th February 2011, 08:37 PM
Kranix

Newb questions - Masterpiece Transformers

Hi all,

I have been a G1 collector for a little while but nothing past that. The Transformers Masterpiece series was something I was not aware of until recently. They look amazing in the pictures! I have seen that in Japan they are looking to re-issue Optimus Prime and Megatron in this series. I am tempted to pick these two up.

I have done some searches but is there anything I should know about these figures? Issues etc? Mold degradation? Are they available locally or should I try and import them? I think the shipping on these items would be quite expensive though? Any info would be great!

Thanks
11th February 2011, 09:02 PM
fatbot

You may get some from the Parramatta collectors fair, but otherwise, It's import all the way. Don't bother with Toy r us, it's cheaper to import.

Be careful of MP05 - Megatron, as it is currently illegal in NSW without certain permits as he is considered to be a replica firearm.
11th February 2011, 09:14 PM
SharkyMcShark

Optimus Prime - got several Hasbro releases (as well as several Takara releases). Accessories, the specific shade of red used and smokestack length varies between the releases. I've got no recommendations because I don't own the mold.

Ultra Magnus - the only version was Takara's MP-2, which oddly enough got a local release here

Starscream - the MP-03 release is generally referred to as 'Greenscream' because of the odd shade of green used. Released by Hasbro in Classics packaging in 2007 in cartoon accurate colours (this colour scheme then got a release from Takara as well, with the only difference between the two being the presence of a jetwash paint app at the back of the jet in the Hasbro version not present on the Takara release). Then there is the clear version (MP-03G?) representing Starscream's ghost, which only has a Takara release right now but is available for $250 at Australian TRUs. The mold is nice enough, just use a lot of care when transforming it. The major weakness is the double joint that allows the wings to flip up 180 degrees for the robot mode - the plastic is VERY prone to stress marks and will most probably eventually crack.

Megatron - Only ever the Takara release, which is a pain in the ass to get here because of various firearms laws in different states. This is very very delicate and has parts that have over time been prone to rusting.

Grimlock - No idea, I'm sure someone is more qualified in this area than me

Skywarp - Shares the same defects as the MP-03 mold. Got a Hasbro release in Classics 2.0 packaging. The Takara version is basically all black in vehicle mode with a shiny finish with some purple highlights in robot mode, and has stickers. The Hasbro version has more purple and is not shiny in its finish.

Thundercracker - Only the Takara release so far.

Rodimus - basically a mess, is getting a Hasbro release at some point without the Rodimus Prime bits

Movie Starscream - Basically the best thing ever. Takara version is like Movie 1 Starscream, Hasbro is RotF Starscream (with tats and stuff)
11th February 2011, 09:46 PM
KillinSpoon

Grimlock is by far the best MP tbh.
Simple, g1 accurate transformation and looks.
Articulated to hell, I love his shoulder joints.
Light gimmicks, and a freakin crown!

It got a local release as a TRU exclusive for $150.
Other than that, a takara release and a comic coloured takara release (MP-08X)

The only downside is that he is short.
11th February 2011, 10:42 PM
5FDP

^ What that guy just said :)
12th February 2011, 12:25 AM
GoktimusPrime

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillinSpoon

The only downside is that he is short.

And expensive (even the imported Target exclusive MP Ultra Magnus was like what, $80?)

My recommendations:

+ Optimus Prime: get the Japanese version. Has full sized smoke stacks and doesn't have the try-hard scorch marks. There's also one that comes with the trailer (was available in Australia as a Target exclusive) if the trailer interests you and you're willing to pay more for it.

+ Megatron: as fatbot said, owning Megatron is prohibited in NSW and you will need to obtain a permit. Follow this link to obtain a NSW Gun Transformers permit.

+ Starscream: SharkyMcShark already detailed the flaws with this mould. The problem with this mould is that it was designed more as a display piece rather than a proper action figure :( The first Takara version ("Greenscream") also suffers from inferior plastic quality which feels brittle. The Hasbro version (which was a Toys R Us exclusive in Australia) has G1 colours and better quality plastic. TOMY also released their own version of a G1 coloured MP Starscream called "USA Edition" which is similar to Hasbro's, but minus the scorch marks and it has a Decepticon logo on the nosecone.

+ Skywarp/Thundercracker: see SharkyMcShark's comments. I personally think TOMY's Skywarp looks better, but Hasbro's may appeal to you as its colours are more like the original G1 toy - so it depends on your preference. MP Skywarp was available in Australia, but not in NSW afaik.

+ Grimlock: a nice toy but overpriced compared to most other MPs and especially considering that his engineering is relatively simplistic for a Masterpiece. If you're more of a fan of the G1 comics, then I'd recommend the Hasbro version. If you're a fan of the G1 comics and you love Nel Yomtov's colouring, then you may consider the limited TOMY version. If you're more of a fan of the G1 cartoon, then consider the regular TOMY version.

+ Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime: this is the only MP mould that I don't own, so I'm not really qualified to comment. I'm also waiting for the Hasbro version.
12th February 2011, 01:18 AM
griffin

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillinSpoon

Grimlock is by far the best MP tbh.
Simple, g1 accurate transformation and looks.
Articulated to hell, I love his shoulder joints.
Light gimmicks, and a freakin crown!

It got a local release as a TRU exclusive for $150.
Other than that, a takara release and a comic coloured takara release (MP-08X)

The only downside is that he is short.

It was actually $250 at ScalpersRUs... :eek:

Compare that to about $100 including shipping from various online sources.
12th February 2011, 10:44 PM
5FDP

Quote:

Originally Posted by griffin

It was actually $250 at ScalpersRUs... :eek:

Compare that to about $100 including shipping from various online sources.

:confused: I paid $150 at my local TRU. You sure you're not thinking of MP 'Ghost' Starscream?
13th February 2011, 02:03 AM
griffin

Ooops... yes I was thinking of the current one, ghost Starscream, which were still clogging the shelves of the Garden City store yesterday.
13th February 2011, 08:46 AM
KillinSpoon

Quote:

Originally Posted by griffin

Ooops... yes I was thinking of the current one, ghost Starscream, which were still clogging the shelves of the Garden City store yesterday.

Those crazy CEO's.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/f...plies/oh_u.jpg
13th February 2011, 09:09 AM
LordCyrusOmega

For me the only difference between the Hasbro and Takara releases was the extra paperwork the came with the Takara versions.

Overall the masterpiece line is worth the money.

Except for the $250 TRU Ghost Starscream. Buy it elswhere
13th February 2011, 09:28 AM
GoktimusPrime

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordCyrusOmega

For me the only difference between the Hasbro and Takara releases was the extra paperwork the came with the Takara versions.

There's actual differences in the toys too. Most noticeably with TAK Convoy (full length smoke stacks, "clean") vs. HAS Optimus Prime (shortened smoke stacks, "scorched") and TAK Starscream (green, inferior plastic) vs. HAS Starscream (G1 colours, better plastic). Differences between the HAS and TAK versions of other MPs are not as significant IMO, but they do exist.
13th February 2011, 01:00 PM
blackie

the takara ones come with techspec cards
'nuff said
13th February 2011, 08:39 PM
Tober

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kranix

Hi all,

I have been a G1 collector for a little while but nothing past that. The Transformers Masterpiece series was something I was not aware of until recently. They look amazing in the pictures! I have seen that in Japan they are looking to re-issue Optimus Prime and Megatron in this series. I am tempted to pick these two up.

I have done some searches but is there anything I should know about these figures? Issues etc? Mold degradation? Are they available locally or should I try and import them? I think the shipping on these items would be quite expensive though? Any info would be great!

Thanks

The upcoming MP-1L Masterpiece Convoy (Optimus Prime) is expected to be the cab with a bonus Japanese sound stage (no trailer). If you want the trailer then you are looking for MP-4 or a third party separate trailer.

As said before, Masterpiece MP-5 Megatron requires a permit to legally own in NSW. You risk confiscation otherwise.
13th February 2011, 10:48 PM
Fungal Infection

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

+ Starscream: SharkyMcShark already detailed the flaws with this mould. The problem with this mould is that it was designed more as a display piece rather than a proper action figure :( The first Takara version ("Greenscream") also suffers from inferior plastic quality which feels brittle. The Hasbro version (which was a Toys R Us exclusive in Australia) has G1 colours and better quality plastic. TOMY also released their own version of a G1 coloured MP Starscream called "USA Edition" which is similar to Hasbro's, but minus the scorch marks and it has a Decepticon logo on the nosecone.

The TakaraTomy version does have scorch marks as well.
13th February 2011, 11:42 PM
GoktimusPrime

So he does. I guess the main difference is just the extra Decepticon logo on the nosecone then.
14th February 2011, 08:17 AM
LordCyrusOmega

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

There's actual differences in the toys too. Most noticeably with TAK Convoy (full length smoke stacks, "clean") vs. HAS Optimus Prime (shortened smoke stacks, "scorched") and TAK Starscream (green, inferior plastic) vs. HAS Starscream (G1 colours, better plastic). Differences between the HAS and TAK versions of other MPs are not as significant IMO, but they do exist.

I didn't know there were differences between Has and Tak Versions of Prime. I was more saying the difference of toy for me was what came with them.

Like Blackie said: Takara comes with Trchspecs, nuff said.
14th February 2011, 02:56 PM
GoktimusPrime

Unless Kranix can read Japanese, I'm not sure how much he would value the tech spec cards aside from just staring at the character art. <shrug> Even though I can read Japanese, I prefer to get the better toy, even if it doesn't have a tech spec card (e.g. I prefer HAS Grimlock over TAK Grim). But I must admit, I do feel kinda robbed when I open a Hasbro Masterpiece and there's this cheap colourless (and textless) instruction booklet and no tech spec card. Not sure how I'd feel about this if I couldn't read Japanese though. <shrugs.again>
14th February 2011, 06:44 PM
Lord_Zed

MP Grimlock king!!!! Any version is good just get it!:)

Prime and the Starscream mold are good too, Prime has awesomely G1 cartoon styling but a little simple looking detail wise, while the Starscream mould has oddles of detail but breaks from the G1 cartoon look. Alas I do not own Megs. in any case all three would be on my top 5 TF toy's of all time list.

The jury is still out on Rodimus cause I just got him.

While I prefer the TakaraTomy versions most Hasbro ones have their own merits.
15th February 2011, 12:57 PM
Kranix

There is an amazing amount of great info in here, thankyou to everyone who contributed. Makes my purchase much easier :)
15th February 2011, 02:58 PM
LordCyrusOmega

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

Unless Kranix can read Japanese, I'm not sure how much he would value the tech spec cards aside from just staring at the character art. <shrug> Even though I can read Japanese, I prefer to get the better toy, even if it doesn't have a tech spec card (e.g. I prefer HAS Grimlock over TAK Grim). But I must admit, I do feel kinda robbed when I open a Hasbro Masterpiece and there's this cheap colourless (and textless) instruction booklet and no tech spec card. Not sure how I'd feel about this if I couldn't read Japanese though. <shrugs.again>

I can't read japanese. I just think there is more value for money with the tech spec cards. I can't read them but the item feels more 'complete' for some reason. For example i have MP Ultra Magnus but i don't have any of the paperwork or the trailer or the brown megatron gun. Same with my HAS Skywarp. They feel almost out of place on the MP shelf. Kinda silly i know but thats just how i think.
15th February 2011, 04:11 PM
GoktimusPrime

I totally agree that they feel more complete with tech spec cards. I don't know why Hasbro can't do it... it's just a bit of cardboard. What also irks me is when Hasbro does do them for their convention/club exclusive toys, but their cards aren't the same size as collectable trading cards (which TakaraTOMY's are), so I can't fit them into my protective collectable card sleeves (which is where I keep all my TakaraTOMY tech spec cards - I have two ring folders to store them! :D). And they're just single sided which wastes space (they could easily make it smaller by double-siding). Considering how expensive the exclusive figures are, surely they could at least give us small trading card sized double-sided tech spec cards for them. (-_-)

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordCyrusOmega

For example i have MP Ultra Magnus but i don't have any of the paperwork or the trailer or the brown megatron gun.

I thought the Australian MP Ultra Magnus was exactly the same as the Takara one (only with an English language legal blurb sticker on the bottom). I'm sure it came with the trailer and gun... did you get yours sealed or loose? Having said that, I personally wouldn't be stressed about not having those things (especially if you paid less than $70 for the toy) as the cardboard trailer is... yeah, cardboard... and the black/brown Megatron gun is pretty superfluous anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordCyrusOmega

Same with my HAS Skywarp.

What are you missing from HAS Skywarp? I don't have this toy, but I'd imagine he would've just come with:
+ stand
+ prop
+ missiles
+ arm-mounted guns
+ pilot (Dr. Arkeville)
+ instruction booklet

...of those things I'd care about the stand, prop and weapons. Maybe the pilot... instructions doesn't matter so much since Hasbro instructions aren't as pretty (or even well drawn) as TOMY's and I'd maaaybe care about the pilot; again depends on how much I paid for the toy. If it was substantially below RRP then I probably wouldn't care so much.
15th February 2011, 09:45 PM
LordCyrusOmega

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime

I thought the Australian MP Ultra Magnus was exactly the same as the Takara one (only with an English language legal blurb sticker on the bottom). I'm sure it came with the trailer and gun... did you get yours sealed or loose? Having said that, I personally wouldn't be stressed about not having those things (especially if you paid less than $70 for the toy) as the cardboard trailer is... yeah, cardboard... and the black/brown Megatron gun is pretty superfluous anyway.

What are you missing from HAS Skywarp? I don't have this toy, but I'd imagine he would've just come with:
+ stand
+ prop
+ missiles
+ arm-mounted guns
+ pilot (Dr. Arkeville)
+ instruction booklet

...of those things I'd care about the stand, prop and weapons. Maybe the pilot... instructions doesn't matter so much since Hasbro instructions aren't as pretty (or even well drawn) as TOMY's and I'd maaaybe care about the pilot; again depends on how much I paid for the toy. If it was substantially below RRP then I probably wouldn't care so much.

I have all the accessories for HAS MP Skywarp, I just want the cool card and instructions that came with the TAK release.

As for my MP Ultra Magnus i brought it from Target and when i got it home i realised some B@#$% had opened it and taken out the instructions. The Trailer i got annoyed with and threw out cause i couldn't work it out and the gun had a minor accident.

Now i have to find those parts in order to feel 'complete' about thoses pieces.