Newb questions - Masterpice Transformers

[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

[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.

[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)

[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.

[5FDP]

^ What that guy just said

[GoktimusPrime]

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.

[griffin]

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...

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

[5FDP]

It was actually $250 at ScalpersRUs...

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

I paid $150 at my local TRU. You sure you're not thinking of MP 'Ghost' Starscream?

[griffin]

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

[KillinSpoon]

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.