Takara Transformers
- Thread starter Bravestarr
- Start date
Anybody still in touch with him? I still miss the volume of fun content he used to bring around and the occasional silly banter.
Yeah, we email once or twice a week. He's doing fine. I wish he'd come back around too, but I think he just took a break and got busy with other stuff.
So with the release of MP-52 Starscream and my very recent repacking/organizing of all my MPs I decided I needed to update my MP-11. I preordered 52 last week while trying to justify the price and then BBTS bumped the date into August. This sent me to tfw2005 for more research and a poll showed around 45% of 120 respondents received one with cracked peg holes, cracked ankle pins and other issues making it a floppy mess. $275 and you are getting broken parts and missing ratchets?!? FU Takara.
Anyways, I started researching other modern toon’ish versions and landed on the new release of Maketoys Meteor. Gundog is one of my best built bots and Meteor looks like a perfect blend between toon and toy. Add the SS head that came with my KO MP-44 and it’s perfect.
Anyways, I started researching other modern toon’ish versions and landed on the new release of Maketoys Meteor. Gundog is one of my best built bots and Meteor looks like a perfect blend between toon and toy. Add the SS head that came with my KO MP-44 and it’s perfect.
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That does look good. Very nice.
I'm perfectly happy with my TRU seekers, but that's probably the route I'd take if I were starting from scratch. I sold off the original Takara seekers for big bank back in the purge of '14, but the TRU versions are good enough for my shelf. They're not as toony as what you've got there, but I don't think I'd enjoy an upgrade enough to spend the cash to replace them.
Gotta save that jack. Buying a new PC friday when the sales tax holiday hits, and this fall, I wanna drop several grand on some new camera equipment when the Sony A7 mkIV drops. Maybe I'll get another gubment check I can use for transformers
I'm perfectly happy with my TRU seekers, but that's probably the route I'd take if I were starting from scratch. I sold off the original Takara seekers for big bank back in the purge of '14, but the TRU versions are good enough for my shelf. They're not as toony as what you've got there, but I don't think I'd enjoy an upgrade enough to spend the cash to replace them.
Gotta save that jack. Buying a new PC friday when the sales tax holiday hits, and this fall, I wanna drop several grand on some new camera equipment when the Sony A7 mkIV drops. Maybe I'll get another gubment check I can use for transformers
Yeah, I only kept my MP-3 and MP-11, so upgrading my seeker(s) is no issue at all. Just needed something that fit in with my handful of toon forward designs on display. 75% of my older MP versions are in their crates for life, but I can’t bring myself to get rid of them. Of the 10 I have on display, 5 are KO’s, 2 are 3rd party and 3 are official.
Yeah, given the outdated appearance of the initial seekers and the insane prices they command, replacing them seems like a no-brainer. I have deemed the TRU versions "good enough", but MT definitely did a good job with those.
I have completely lost the urge to add to the MP collection. After completing XTB Menasor last year, I haven't felt the need. The only MP I've bought this year is a KO MP44. I like it, but not enough to replace the Magic Square version in my main display. 44 just went in the "Primes of all sizes" display with MP01, MP10, knocked up MP10, knocked-down MP10, Faith Leader, Revo v2, etc...
I have XTB's Springer on PO, but it feels like that figure is never coming out.
I have completely lost the urge to add to the MP collection. After completing XTB Menasor last year, I haven't felt the need. The only MP I've bought this year is a KO MP44. I like it, but not enough to replace the Magic Square version in my main display. 44 just went in the "Primes of all sizes" display with MP01, MP10, knocked up MP10, knocked-down MP10, Faith Leader, Revo v2, etc...
I have XTB's Springer on PO, but it feels like that figure is never coming out.
KO MP-44 is the only one I’ve bought in 2 years and have not had a desire to buy any new characters. Now that my display is set for the next decade, I’ll just update them with toonish KO versions until the display matches. Soundwave and Sideswipe are my only old style left, so not really a big commitment to upgrade them. That new FansToys Soundwave is amazing, but I’m not spending $250 to replace my perfectly good old one.
MP-44 is pretty cool for a display, but a horrible toy (as most MPs are these days). Can’t believe people paid $600 for an official one.
MP-44 is pretty cool for a display, but a horrible toy (as most MPs are these days). Can’t believe people paid $600 for an official one.
Yeah, I felt like $100 was plenty for that mold. I didn't even try to transform him, just put him on the shelf with the others. Paying full rate for the HasTak version seems like complete lunacy.
Around the same time as the KO Prime, I pre-ordered a high-pockets KO Megs (4th run) as well (assuming it ever gets in stock). If I ever photograph them, they'll pair well together from the right perspective. Still not replacing Despotron in the main display though.
Yeah, that soundwave looks great, but I can't actually say that it's any better than the HasTak one, as the original was solid to begin with. Then again, my display's only theme is "I like how this toy captures the essence of the character". It's not necessarily toy-themed, or comic-themed, or toon-themed, just "Hey, that figure represents the iconic look of character x in a manner I find pleasing." ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Around the same time as the KO Prime, I pre-ordered a high-pockets KO Megs (4th run) as well (assuming it ever gets in stock). If I ever photograph them, they'll pair well together from the right perspective. Still not replacing Despotron in the main display though.
Yeah, that soundwave looks great, but I can't actually say that it's any better than the HasTak one, as the original was solid to begin with. Then again, my display's only theme is "I like how this toy captures the essence of the character". It's not necessarily toy-themed, or comic-themed, or toon-themed, just "Hey, that figure represents the iconic look of character x in a manner I find pleasing." ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Speaking of Transformers, how is it possible that I'm rather excited for Super7 Joes, yet the S7 Transformers do nothing for me? Are they serious with this shit?
Transformers Ultimates Wave 2 Set of 4 Figures (bigbadtoystore.com)
Those figures look like TFs that have gotten the Muppet Babies treatment.
Transformers Ultimates Wave 2 Set of 4 Figures (bigbadtoystore.com)
Those figures look like TFs that have gotten the Muppet Babies treatment.
That RED line at the big box stores can’t even get me to bother picking up a box to look at them. If my TFs can’t TF then they better be 1:18 scale or hyper detailed and articulated high end figures.
Agree 100%. But at least they're priced under $20. Those S7 TFs look just as derpy as the Red-line, if not more so, and they cost $55 ea! Sure, they come with lots of accessories, but not $35 worth of stuff that will mostly live in a bin.
Lots of joe fans are excited about the S7 sunbow line, but I've never heard anyone jonsing for the S7 TFs designed by fisher-price.
Lots of joe fans are excited about the S7 sunbow line, but I've never heard anyone jonsing for the S7 TFs designed by fisher-price.
I don’t understand the pricing of any of the Super figures considering they print them per pre-order.
I think part of it is that they're much smaller production numbers than a mass market figure. So all the sculpting and tooling costs are shared by far less units. And they look like they have a lot of paint apps, and they certainly do come with a ton of accessories. So I get that they should cost more. 2.75x as much? That's debatable. But they also know their market, i.e. adult males with disposable income and a fever for nostalgia.... so they probably don't mind soaking us a little.
But also, if I were in their shoes, I'd want to make an above average margin to offset when a certain figure is under-ordered such that the run doesn't cover development costs. It seems like a stupid notion until you look at some of those TF figures. How are some of those turds going to break even when people aren't forced to order full sets/cases like most other lines? Shelf warmers routinely hide in fixed cases. Turds can't hide when ordering is al la carte.
But also, if I were in their shoes, I'd want to make an above average margin to offset when a certain figure is under-ordered such that the run doesn't cover development costs. It seems like a stupid notion until you look at some of those TF figures. How are some of those turds going to break even when people aren't forced to order full sets/cases like most other lines? Shelf warmers routinely hide in fixed cases. Turds can't hide when ordering is al la carte.
The Chosen Prime is amazing. Ordered at 3pm local time on Wednesday and had Meteor in my hands in under 48hrs. This guy really looks the part. Hopefully the head adapter will give him a neck once it arrives.
Nice. Chosen Prime does ship fast. I've had some issues with them in the past, but I'd consider them if I needed something quickly.
I like that Jazz, but I had to put some reprolabels on him, really cuts down on all the plain.
I like that Jazz, but I had to put some reprolabels on him, really cuts down on all the plain.
Had to reorg. Was going to sell Gundog and Mirage, but just couldn’t pull the trigger. Piss off diaper crotch Ironhide.
I was going to sell him and get the $50 KO Hound just to match, but touching him quickly made me love him all over again. One of the best constructed TFs I own. I need to get that hip kit for Ironhide because he really is a great toy.
That picture really shows the size difference between Autobots and Decepticons.
Wish my FansToys Phoenix would fit in my built-ins.
That picture really shows the size difference between Autobots and Decepticons.
Wish my FansToys Phoenix would fit in my built-ins.
Those shelves need some printed backgrounds to complete the ambiance
You could go orange/purple HQ, cybertron metal with space sky, desert ground w/ jagged rocks... most of my displayed TFs are on bookshelves in front of actual books, so I can't pull that off other than the one above my desk hutch.
You could go orange/purple HQ, cybertron metal with space sky, desert ground w/ jagged rocks... most of my displayed TFs are on bookshelves in front of actual books, so I can't pull that off other than the one above my desk hutch.
That's definitely closer. There is no chance I'm buying it again, as I'm happy with the reprolabels on my original. However, this is the version that should have been released to start with.
I refuse to buy MPs with stickers beyond faction logos on it. The Reprolabel whole door sticker for Downbeat makes my skin crawl. I’m good with my toon deco since I do not keep him in car mode and the ankle stripes are mostly hidden.
Reading up on Maketoys and their downfall after Gundog and Downbeat makes me sad since they produced my favorite 3rd party figs and Meteor now fits into this slot as well. I actually ordered Endgame today to have one of each group. I know FansToys is the fanboy favorite, but honestly my MakeToys are better built than my Phoenix.
Reading up on Maketoys and their downfall after Gundog and Downbeat makes me sad since they produced my favorite 3rd party figs and Meteor now fits into this slot as well. I actually ordered Endgame today to have one of each group. I know FansToys is the fanboy favorite, but honestly my MakeToys are better built than my Phoenix.
I don't mind stickers if they look good when applied. It's all about appearances. I had to grab him off the hutch and look very closely to even see if I had the door stickers you dislike (I do). If I can't tell from where I sit - 24" away, then it's not going to bother me.
As for brands... I find all the fanboy arguments about which company is best/worst to be laughable. I own stuff from every damn 3P, and they're ALL fragile. Every HasTak MP toy not named MP-01 are fragile. By definition, any toy with this many moving parts has the potential to be an over-engineered, floppy, fragile mess. I don't play with any of them, I don't transform them, and I hate even moving them. They are posable decorations, pure and simple.
As for brands... I find all the fanboy arguments about which company is best/worst to be laughable. I own stuff from every damn 3P, and they're ALL fragile. Every HasTak MP toy not named MP-01 are fragile. By definition, any toy with this many moving parts has the potential to be an over-engineered, floppy, fragile mess. I don't play with any of them, I don't transform them, and I hate even moving them. They are posable decorations, pure and simple.
I certainly do not transform any official design since MP-36 Megs more than once, but I’ll occasionally grab a 3P off the shelf to fiddle with. Ultimately this is why I went all in on the G1 toon accurate Hasbro chug WFC figures. They look great, articulate well, transform in a few minutes and DON’T BREAK. I keep them piled in a tub just like a kid would and dig thru them frequently (gives you that satisfying sound of Lego) to find a few to play with.
MTRM-11EX is absolutely my favorite SS past, present or currently in the pipeline. They really nailed this guy’s body while TT completed it with the head.
MTRM-11EX is absolutely my favorite SS past, present or currently in the pipeline. They really nailed this guy’s body while TT completed it with the head.
If I were going to replace TRUscream, it would definitely be with the new Deformation Space design. Upon first glance, it looked so clean, I wasn't even sure if it transformed. I thought maybe it was a giant action master. Although like you, I would definitely use the KO-MP44 Starscream head on it.
Deformation Space DS-001 Starscream - Show.Z Store (showzstore.com)
Also, these guys are up for preorder:
I know it's XTB, so they're probably 2-3 years away, but I'm more excited for them than I should be. I like the characters, but I'm mostly excited that it means they're probably going to do Jumpstarters too. I can't believe that it's 2021 and no one has even attempted a G1-esque Topspin and Twintwist. I love those guys for some strange reason. XTB also announced versions of the Omnibots, which I also really want, just from all that time spent looking at the mail-away flyer. They're just working on all the G1 oddballs that never saw a frame of animation, and I'm glad to support that effort.
Deformation Space DS-001 Starscream - Show.Z Store (showzstore.com)
Also, these guys are up for preorder:
I know it's XTB, so they're probably 2-3 years away, but I'm more excited for them than I should be. I like the characters, but I'm mostly excited that it means they're probably going to do Jumpstarters too. I can't believe that it's 2021 and no one has even attempted a G1-esque Topspin and Twintwist. I love those guys for some strange reason. XTB also announced versions of the Omnibots, which I also really want, just from all that time spent looking at the mail-away flyer. They're just working on all the G1 oddballs that never saw a frame of animation, and I'm glad to support that effort.
I have those two guys in my WFC collection and never saw them in the cartoon other than a YouTube clip after buying them.
That DS SS looks incredible from the front, but the pics I saw showed the same annoying tail fin tucked into the wings and I did not see a waist swivel. I could be completely wrong since I knew nothing about it when I chose Meteor and only saw pictures in the Maketoys thread. Crazy how much it looks like MP-52
That DS SS looks incredible from the front, but the pics I saw showed the same annoying tail fin tucked into the wings and I did not see a waist swivel. I could be completely wrong since I knew nothing about it when I chose Meteor and only saw pictures in the Maketoys thread. Crazy how much it looks like MP-52
XTB is making a Punch/Counterpunch too...
Once upon a time, I had the club exclusive CHUG version, but I sold it in the great purge of '14. I'll probably get this one though just because I think it's one of the more fun concepts to come from the post-US-animation era, kinda like the clones/twins.
Once upon a time, I had the club exclusive CHUG version, but I sold it in the great purge of '14. I'll probably get this one though just because I think it's one of the more fun concepts to come from the post-US-animation era, kinda like the clones/twins.
Never in my reasonable, conscience mind did I think I would get a full-blown modern G1 cast of Autobots over a 2yr period at retail. Could not be happier. Could not care less if it ends once I get my earth Sideswipe.
I agree, for G1-styled toys at "toy prices", that's about as good as anyone could possibly expect. (Where's your Ratchet, Brawn, and Windcharger? - Gears can go rust...)
I have bought several of those for my son, and he enjoyed displaying them despite not really being into action figures. But for my collection, I just couldn't do it. Once going down the MP/3P rabbit hole, there was no going back to hollow hasbro "eh, close enough" offerings. But as a kid, these would have been a wet dream next to actual G1 bricks.
I have bought several of those for my son, and he enjoyed displaying them despite not really being into action figures. But for my collection, I just couldn't do it. Once going down the MP/3P rabbit hole, there was no going back to hollow hasbro "eh, close enough" offerings. But as a kid, these would have been a wet dream next to actual G1 bricks.
I have not chased any of the Walgreens exclusives, so no ambulances for me. The rest of the Dinobots will trickle out thru Studio Series ‘84, so the only figures I’d actually want now are an Earth Hound and a deluxe size Powerglide like they did with Warpath. I’d definitely pickup a Brawn too.
As far as MP’s go, Endgame has satisfied my last urge. Back into hibernation that collecting goes until a toon V2 Sideswipe is released.
As far as MP’s go, Endgame has satisfied my last urge. Back into hibernation that collecting goes until a toon V2 Sideswipe is released.
You'll only get 4 dinobots in the SS '86 line. Snarl was oddly left out of the film for some reason.
Fine by me since I’ll probably skip Swoop anyways. His Dino mode is useless unless you are holding him. Unfortunately Snarl was my first and my favorite due to this.
Dam you for the rabbit hole this opened.
Best answer I could find the script indicated 4 not 5 Dinobots. (Mistake #1)
During the Dev attack rumble falls on swoop (given everything that is happening this might have been the death meant for Snarl.) but they screwed up the dinobot number, 4 not 5 so Swoop is in the rest of the film while Snarl is included in 1 or 2 shots after the battle & mistakenly included in a Quintasain ship.
Given the speed they were making the animation at, it’s likely the mistake would cost more to redo/fix so it was left as is.
Because of this Snarl is left alive for season 3 & other media.
Fun fact a lot of the autobot city attack was animated before season 2 designs were finalized, so that is the reason we see few season 2 characters & Metroplex was the wrong color. none of the season 3 characters are written with pre defined vehicle modes since they didn’t know that until the toys were finalized.
Hahaha, sorry not sorry.
They didn't include season 2 autobots because other than Blaster, they all sucked donkey balls!
They didn't include season 2 autobots because other than Blaster, they all sucked donkey balls!