ALL THINGS TRANSFORMERS!!!!

[lerath666]

I've got it VASith. and it's awesome. just treat it gingerly, like you would a habro product.

 

[Solid_Slug]

Have you guys got your MP Rumble and Ravage set already? The store from where I ordered mine, informed that they are delayed, but maybe some larger stores have got them already.

 

[smitty]

I got my set from BBTS last week.

 

[lerath666]

Same BBTS, got it two weeks ago.

 

[thecorsair]

If we get a character with minimal repaint potential soon, I figure it will be Megatron. Apart from that, it doesn't follow Has/Tak's MO to release figures they can't milk. We haven't seen much of it from MP-10 (that I've noticed), but Rodimus got a repaint and U.S. rerelease, the seekers obviously are getting all the skittles rainbow colors covered, 2 figures based off of Sideswipe (3 if that yellow one happens), at least 3 based off of Prowl. . .

I personally don't think it slows down the momentum of the line so long as they release them in close proximity, and so long as they mostly aren't fan-fiction/exclusive type redos like the "evil" Rodimus or Prime, or this Hound repaint you linked to.

MP10B ( Nemesis Prime ) is out soon and the white one will be part of Ultra Magnus who's supposedly out in the first half of next year.

With next year also being the 30th Anniversary I reckon some kind of rerelease of Prime will happen too, maybe without a trailer.

I agree that Megatron is likely to be the next new MP mold with a single use.

But as far as the cars go I think it would be wise for Takara to throw in a Sunstreaker, Hound or Mirage next just to keep things fresh.

Repaints/retools/shared molds/whatever you want to call them will always be a part of Transformers and I don't have a problem with it....whilst it's characters that have always been that way.

But reading some of the comments at places like TFW it's almost as if some fans are urging Takara to start cheaping out just to increase the rosters quicker, Mirage hasn't even been confirmed officially yet but already a repaint as Dragstrip is being suggested

I suppose my point is that Takara's major collector based line, one they've clearly spent a lot of money on rebooting, shouldn't ever get watered down in the same way BT/Alternators and Classics did.

EDIT,

Here's the translated interview with Shogo Hasui,

- Why did it take so long until Masterpiece Soundwave became reality? He is a such popular character.

Hasui: Basically, MP characters are from the first Transformers series (G1). There are several reasons why MP Soundwave took this long. For example, his alternate mode - he appears in later series with different alternate modes such as a plane or a car as he is a very popular character, but G1 Soundwave is a cassette player. We were not sure how appropriate it might be to release a toy that transforms into a cassette player in this age. (*laughs)

- About MP Cassettes.

H: MP Cassettes like Condor (Laserbeak), Jaguar (Ravage) and Frenzy were set to be developed as well to emphasizes Soundwave's playability.

Cassetterons gave me more trouble than Soundwave. The restriction was strict because 3 cassettes were to be stored in Soundwave's chest. Their size was so small, yet the plastic had to be of certain thickness, the axes had to be functional and they had to be transformable. On top of that, I made Condor without any excess parts unlike his G1 toy while recreating the camera on his head as well as his posture in the cartoon. Jaguar was more three dimensional compared to the original, and it really was testing the size limit. Although Frenzy and Ramble still required excess parts because the gun on their back were also to be hand-held.

I usually come up with two or three transformation ideas (for a product) and one of them becomes the actual product. As for Condor, I thought of 10 variations and none of them was finalised. I even doubted if it could ever be done, but those obstacles had to be cleared if I was to create Masterpiece figures. There always is a conflict between the ideal and the reality.

- Last year (2012) saw lower priced MP figures such as Lambor (Sideswipe) and Alert (Red Alert).

H: MP is the most prestigious series and it is often seen as the series for the main characters, but we released those sub-characters last year. They did not appear in the cartoon very often and may not make the top 10 popular character list, but their vehicle mode is Lamborghini Countach and I thought it might appeal to the generations that Super Cars were the craze in their childhood. For MPs, the most important precondition is the faithful re-creation of cartoon robot and alternate modes, and we obtained the official license from Lamborghini and went ahead with the development.

Personally, rather than concentrating on one character, I'd like to have variety of characters lined up so that the world view of Transformers could be more enjoyable. If I concentrated on the ideals on Lambor, he would have been a 10.000 yen class product. There may be fans who would purchase him for that price, but considering the (relatively minor) position of the character, more people may not purchase him. Taking that into consideration, rather than concentrating on each character and releasing them at high price range, it was decided to have a fuller lineup including sub-characters and the 5,800 yen price was set. I pursued Masterpiece level figures within the restriction and Lambor and Alert are the results. Due to the cost restriction, initially I wasn't even sure if the shoulder cannons could be included. (*laughs) Thanks to the support from the fans Lambor was sold out. The nicely proportioned robot mode and the appeal of Lamborghini contributed a lot, of course, but I think his transformation is well done and the playability is also appreciated.

- About scales.

H: It began with Microman (1974) and Diaclone (1980), and Transformers consist of toys of various sizes including the ones from those old series. As a result each toy is in their own scale unlike seen in the cartoon.
To clear the issue for MP series, the scale is made consistent in robot mode according to the cartoon. The aim is to make the collecting more purposeful - the more you have, the better your Transformers World becomes. At the same time, I incorporated the essence of the original Lambor toy into the Masterpiece version to hopefully evoke the same excitement from the fans as the G1 toy did back then from them. MP Soundwave is designed to be able to store the G1 cassettes. I always feel (the MP series) needs to connect the cartoon and the toys.

- Your own experience with Transformers toys?

H: I belong to Diaclone generation. I played with Diaclone toys, so when Transformers cartoon came out it was confusing. But everyone around me was quite into it and when the combiner toys were released I liked them and started collecting them a bit. My collection didn't grow as I was in the 5th grade at that time and had already started to feel awkward about buying children's toys. When I was a university student, I remembered how I had wanted certain toys and collected some out of nostalgia. Somehow it became a job. (*laughs)

- From a fan's point of view, it is like a miracle that you are able to come up with a toy design that has both robot and alternate modes very faithful to the cartoon and still transformable.

H: The trouble I had with Lambor and Alert was they had to fit inside Convoy(Optimus Prime)'s trailer in vehicle mode while ensuring they were of certain heights in robot mode. Lately, the trend is a thinner and taller proportion - the older toys had larger chest/bonnet(hood) area, but if I followed that method the bonnet would have reached the robot waist. By making the robot mode taller, I made the chest area appear smaller by comparison. Transformation, scale, cartoon design and toy design must be all taken into consideration, and the overall proportion needs to be nicely modern. For that matter, I face mountain of difficult problems every time.

- Masterpiece figures seem to have complicated transformation.

H: The newer MP figures do have many transformation steps, however the process is designed so that the next step is plainly indicated. They might be easier in a way than (Transformers) products for children. MP Soundwave is especially easy to see the transforming process as his arms and legs are visible in alternate mode. Although from the developer's point of view, coming up with a transformation for such a figure is the most difficult - it is quite hard to work out the structure in which a robot with angles and lines fits inside (a device) with flat surfaces.

- The (G1) cartoon you are basing the MP designs on is not exactly strict with details. Was it difficult to decide on the definitive look?

H: I have to watch all the episodes every time I work on a new product, and I feel I am watching them endlessly. (*laughs) As for the animation.... (*laughs) A character design can differ depending on which episode you watch, also there are characters such as Starscream, Thundercracker and Skywarp who share the design but with different colour scheme and sometimes you see two Starscreams in the same frame. (*laughs) Lambor and Soundwave designs can be similar, and you see Lambor standing right next to Megatron. There are mistakes that mixing up allies and enemies like that as well.

But from the (toy) creator's point of view, it is amazing to see the difference between the (G1) cartoon and the toys and I always find something new. They are robot life forms from outer space, and in the cartoon they have even more gimmicks than they toys - sometimes equipments just pop out of their arms or chests. I try to re-create such details within the budget limit as well.

For example, a feature to enjoy the chest display is included in MP Soundwave. It was drawn rather roughly (*laughs) in the cartoon so I drew it up myself. This is the first time a plan I drew has actually become a product. The effect parts for Alert's head is the best re-creation of the cartoon I found possible within the budget. I hear many fans mention that episode (#24 in Japan) as memorable.

- The future of MP series.

H: We hope to release 2 larger and 2 smaller MPs this year as well. There are some characters already named as possibilities, but my personal favourites are Meister (Jazz) and combiner Bruticus. I recall saying the same thing 2 years ago at a toy show. (*laughs) I do want to make them come true, but it is hard to accomplish.... Although I am working with the intention of releasing all characters eventually.

- Now that Soundwave is out, how about Laserwave (Shockwave)?

H: To be honest, what I'd love to release most is Ultra Magnus.

 

[Jaycepticon]

Wait, so after Prowl/Bluestreak/Smokescreen, there's might be 4 more MP's in 2013?

 

[soundwave]

Thanks for posting that Corsair, great reading

Wait, so after Prowl/Bluestreak/Smokescreen, there's might be 4 more MP's in 2013?

As much as I'd love to see more, I bloody hope not...don't think my bank could take it...not with my Batman & Poison Ivy Premium Format statues to pay for in the next couple of months as well.

Neil

 

[R3d15]

corsair, if they make a MP bruticus, count me in on that one although we might not see it sooner, but imagining a MP bruticus

 

[thecorsair]

Thanks for posting that Corsair, great reading



As much as I'd love to see more, I bloody hope not...don't think my bank could take it...not with my Batman & Poison Ivy Premium Format statues to pay for in the next couple of months as well.

Neil

No problem, it's great to hear from one of Takara's team and get some official insights on their approach.

If there's 4 more MP's for this year after the Nissans I predict they'll be from the following characters,

2 large
Megatron V2
Soundblaster with Ratbat
Ultra Magnus

2 small
Sunstreaker
Mirage
Hound

My wallet is praying that it's only 1 large & 1 small....ending the best year ever for Masterpieces with a new Megatron and another Autobot car would be pretty damn cool.

R3d15,
It says much for Mr Hasui's ambition that he's even thinking about such an immense project.

Will it happen someday?

I don't know but the fact that one of the designers is openly expressing his desire to have a go at it has to be a good thing. It would be easy for Takara to stick to "safe" character choices and a certain pricepoint but now they've reeled people in with the new direction it would seem more likely that they'll try something really special to get us to part with even more of our cash.

EDIT
It seems the interview was from January so it's likely that at least some of the new MP's he alluded to are stuff we mostly know about already ie the Nissans.

I think there's probably space for 1 more "big" release for the end of the year and I have a feeling it'll be Megatron V2 for Christmas!

 

[lerath666]

I think 1 of the 2 smalls is the nissans. so that leaves 3 more possibilities.

also, Awesome to hear him say he wants to make Jazz by name.

 

[thecorsair]

I think 1 of the 2 smalls is the nissans. so that leaves 3 more possibilities.

also, Awesome to hear him say he wants to make Jazz by name.

He also acknowledges that sometimes things are more difficult to make a reality than it seems to outsiders.

Not that this hasn't stopped a selection of TWF'ers from getting carried away and making posts along the lines of "OMG MP Jazz is definitely happening!"

I think Takara will try to get Porsche on board again as there's no harm in trying and Jazz would be a great release for the 30th Anniversary year.

If they could pull it off the sales would be immense so if Takara can offer Porsche a big enough percentage of the profits they'll possibly be willing to put their conscience over their past aside for the greater good of their business.

One of the sticking points with the proposed Binaltech versions of Jazz and Bumblebee were that they included weapons so if necessary Takara could propose to release Masterpiece versions without any and then release them as generic "spares" with another character down the line, maybe a repaint of something that wouldn't necessarily be the greatest seller.

 

[lerath666]

Oh i get that, but it's still nice to hear that he's on the radar still.

Also, doubly awesome to hear him say that long term he wants to make EVERYONE.

granted, the stars need to align to make it all happen, but it's good to hear he WANTS to do them.

 

[thecorsair]

Oh i get that, but it's still nice to hear that he's on the radar still.

Also, doubly awesome to hear him say that long term he wants to make EVERYONE.

granted, the stars need to align to make it all happen, but it's good to hear he WANTS to do them.

Yeah, it's better than the BS we normally get from Hasbro, look how they kept stringing people along about a Classics Arcee before finally admitting they weren't doing one.

 

[lerath666]

To my knolwege, they STILL haven't come out and said it's not happening. We'll se if they do eventualy deliver. they said at SDCC that 40 releases were planned this year for Generations/classics/universe/etc. So IF she is ever coming, it'll be THIS year.

IT's ok if not, I've got my perfect effect/IDW Arcee, so i'm good either way.

 

[thecorsair]

To my knolwege, they STILL haven't come out and said it's not happening. We'll se if they do eventualy deliver. they said at SDCC that 40 releases were planned this year for Generations/classics/universe/etc. So IF she is ever coming, it'll be THIS year.

IT's ok if not, I've got my perfect effect/IDW Arcee, so i'm good either way.

I thought they said the Prime Arcee was essentially going to be as close as they were getting to an actual Classics one?

No big deal if it is as the iGear one looks perfect with the Masterpieces so I'm already sorted.

 

[Underworld54]

Gonna have to wait until 2014 for Galvatron I suppise.

 

[Frank]

If they could pull it off the sales would be immense so if Takara can offer Porsche a big enough percentage of the profits they'll possibly be willing to put their conscience over their past aside for the greater good of their business.

One of the sticking points with the proposed Binaltech versions of Jazz and Bumblebee were that they included weapons so if necessary Takara could propose to release Masterpiece versions without any and then release them as generic "spares" with another character down the line, maybe a repaint of something that wouldn't necessarily be the greatest seller.

This was my thought too. I'm kinda wondering if they already tried for that. Maybe the overall association was still too strong for them? Honestly, Jazz and Bumblebee are among the most beloved good guys in all of pop culture. If anything I can't think of anything better to erase the stigma of the Nazi period. I might have understood if they were decepticons, but I just don't get it.

Or are they uncomfortable with the association of kid's toys when they're aiming their brand at adults with an upper class income?

 

[lerath666]

I thought they said the Prime Arcee was essentially going to be as close as they were getting to an actual Classics one?

No big deal if it is as the iGear one looks perfect with the Masterpieces so I'm already sorted.

First I've heard of anything like that about prime Arcee. It's possible i missed a comment somewhere. where's your info regarding her from?

Personaly, I'm not a fan of Delacate warrior/igear arcee. it's mostly the head. she looks like shewas designed to go in a collection of actualy G1 toys, as opposed to updated, modern ones.

but at the end of the day, if you like it, THAT"S what matters.

 

[lerath666]

This was my thought too. I'm kinda wondering if they already tried for that. Maybe the overall association was still too strong for them? Honestly, Jazz and Bumblebee are among the most beloved good guys in all of pop culture. If anything I can't think of anything better to erase the stigma of the Nazi period. I might have understood if they were decepticons, but I just don't get it.

Or are they uncomfortable with the association of kid's toys when they're aiming their brand at adults with an upper class income?

But they were all on vaction. The were invited. Cake was involved. Ask Polland.

 

[Frank]

But they were all on vaction. The were invited. Cake was involved. Ask Polland.

Cake? Well, that is hard to forgive!