Toy Review - JP MP-24 Masterpiece Star Saber

[GoktimusPrime]

I never saw G1 Star Sabre until 2000 when I was a uni student (post grad at that). I thought (and still think) that the toy is rubbish, but of course, I have no childhood nostalgic attachment to it. You should post some comparison photos with your G1 and MP Star Sabres. Very few people have both toys, and even fewer would own a G1 Star Sabre from their childhood! Cos to me, that's the best thing about G1 toys -- the utterly irreplacable childhood memories that they contain.

[drifand]

It is the save cost on white makes the toy looks cheap imo.
Some detailing would make this toy look great.

[GoktimusPrime]

Have you ever seen the G1 toy? It's bland as! Okay, the toy does have some decos which the MP doesn't, but then look at the cartoon model:
http://images-mediawiki-sites.theful...4142890714.jpg
http://image.space.rakuten.co.jp/lg0...ec2zik7zj.jpeg
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/ak1127-sr...9/792bb5a8.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bo-zbpLCEAArugp.jpg:medium
http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/...heuniverse.jpg

MP Star Sabre is 'bland' looking for the same reason why MP22 Ultra Magnus is also lacking in additional detail -- because that's how they were drawn in the cartoon! The toys are trying to be show-accurate. If you want more details like the toy, then that's toy accuracy. I personally prefer toy-accuracy, but I understand that the MP line is geared towards show-accuracy, so that's what you get. The cartoon models were possibly simplified to make them easier (thus cheaper) to draw/animate. Either way, it's not really the fault of these MP toys which are attempting to emulate these show models, you can blame Sunbow and Toei for that. Adding the additional details would garner criticism from fans who dogmatically want their toys to be show-accurate, which is what the MP line is appealing towards.

[drifand]

Yeah I am not disagreeing here, just saying some bits and pieces could really make this a blast. I guess repolabels would do something?

[Trent]

Have you ever seen the G1 toy? It's bland as! Okay, the toy does have some decos which the MP doesn't, but then look at the cartoon model:
http://images-mediawiki-sites.theful...4142890714.jpg
http://image.space.rakuten.co.jp/lg0...ec2zik7zj.jpeg
http://livedoor.blogimg.jp/ak1127-sr...9/792bb5a8.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bo-zbpLCEAArugp.jpg:medium
http://tfwiki.net/mediawiki/images2/...heuniverse.jpg

MP Star Sabre is 'bland' looking for the same reason why MP22 Ultra Magnus is also lacking in additional detail -- because that's how they were drawn in the cartoon! The toys are trying to be show-accurate. If you want more details like the toy, then that's toy accuracy. I personally prefer toy-accuracy, but I understand that the MP line is geared towards show-accuracy, so that's what you get. The cartoon models were possibly simplified to make them easier (thus cheaper) to draw/animate. Either way, it's not really the fault of these MP toys which are attempting to emulate these show models, you can blame Sunbow and Toei for that. Adding the additional details would garner criticism from fans who dogmatically want their toys to be show-accurate, which is what the MP line is appealing towards.

I disagree. Look at the car bots, Optimus, Soundwave,. All feature way more detail than ever appeared in the cartoon. And Hasui himself has stated previously that the MP line is about creating the perfect blend of toon AND toy. I'm not too sure about Star Saber because I'm not familiar with the toy but MP Magnus was a dramatic departure from this philosophy. It almost completely, to its detriment, takes styling cues solely from the cartoon.

[GoktimusPrime]

Fair point. But as mentioned, the G1 Star Sabre toy isn't much more detailed than the show model; it's always been a rather dull looking figure.

I wonder if having real life alt modes has anything to do with it. Because the other MPs are all based on real life vehicles or objects, and as such, their alt modes are quite highly detailed -- details which can carry through to the robot mode. Ultra Magnus' truck cab is actually quite detailed; on par w/ MP10. But of course, it's a Freightliner FL86. Ultra Magnus' trailer and Star Sabre's everything are fictitious designs, so perhaps in the absence of having any realistic reference sources, they just went directly for the cartoon models. <shrugs>

[Trent]

You're quite possibly right. However if that is the case it's kind of disappointing. Despite my initial thoughts on Star Saber, he has grown on me and I now am a fan. But imo both him and Magnus would have benefited greatly from some moulded detail being added and Magnus definitely should have had more paint apps.

But my theory is that these things were left out because they are trying to get the cost of the non-licenced MPs down to increase their appeal.

[GoktimusPrime]

You're quite possibly right. However if that is the case it's kind of disappointing. Despite my initial thoughts on Star Saber, he has grown on me and I now am a fan. But imo both him and Magnus would have benefited greatly from some moulded detail being added and Magnus definitely should have had more paint apps.

This time last year you and I could've logged onto TakaraTOMY's online survey site and indicated our concerns there... but not now since they've geoblocked it last November! (boo) I can only hope that fans in Japan might voice similar concerns.

[drifand]

I wished they would go all out on a masterpiece than save cost over paint apps.
I mean the fact that rubber wheels are taken off for cars and metal was reduced greatly.

I just want a proper well painted figure than relying on colour plastics

[drifand]

Finally transform this guy and I have to say I understand why some people won't like it.

It feels cheap, I like he gimmicks but I seriously wouldn't pay rrp for it.

However, I think it is still a considerably good effort.

I would buy Magnus over this figure if I have a choice.