So why does Hasbro Asia get to do this before an official Takara release? And what can one infer from this as to what Takara will or will not do with regards to the release of an mp-11 based skywarp/thundercracker?

Any qualities differences, patience and time differences between releases aside, its an issue of cost for me, as others have pointed out- Hasbro Asia's pricing have in the past been quite higher (chasing secondary market demand) than a retail Takara release of the same figure.

As a keen collector of the current MP line (mostly Takara versions), of course Ive been eagerly waiting for mp-11 redecoed Skywarp and Thundercracker. I'm tempted by this, but it seems overpriced so I will hold out for a Takara release.

My personal reassurance (although its a different scenario):

I remember the $250/$300 or so Asian Convention exclusive MP Grimlock a while back - in the special white box. Some vendors/people on other sites were touting this as the final chance to own an MP Grimlock, because Takara had already reissued MP grimlock a while back, and they would not do another. Secondary market prices were going for around $250 due to the hot MP line, and lack of supply. Heck I almost bought the MP Grimlock from parra fair for $230... insane when I think about it, glad I passed.

Lo and behold not long after Takara reissued MP Grimlock again- it was close to the original RRP - lower than the exclusive.

Just seems to make sense that Takara will release retail versions of MP11 Skywarp and Thundercracker.


tl;dr Tempting, but overpriced. Will wait for Takara Version. Logically, Takara should release MP11 Skywarp and Thundercracker down the line.