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[El Duque]

Site sponsor Kapow! Toys dropped by with pictorial reviews of Takara Tomy's Transformers Generations TG-01 Optimus Prime and TG-02 Jazz. Check out the images and reviews below:

Transformers Fall of Cybertron TG-01 Optimus Prime

Once again Takara Tomy trump their counterpart in every dimension with the 1st release in their TG series, Optimus Prime! looking a lot more like the game character the figure is exactly the same build wise but where the finish is concerned he is a cut above. Featuring nice thick shiny paint applications the red detail really helps bring out the molded detail on the torso with the head appearing far more vibrant. The thighs are molded in a darker grey which leads into the lower legs which aren't painted but feature a slightly lighter more animated style blue with the purple energy detail being applied in small measure.

Articulation wise most of us now know this figure is pretty awesome but a little on the small side with the same weapon in the form of his black blaster. Is it worth the import pricing ? no, not if you have the figure already unless that is your unhappy with its lack of detail then I would say go for it.

Overall I would score TG01 a mighty 8.5/10 but if you already own the Hasbro version deduct another point due to value for money.

Transformers TG-02 Fall Of Cybertron Jazz

The 2nd release in Takara's TG Fall of Cybertron series and once again it beats out the Hasbro version hands down. Molded in a light grey plastic instead of white Jazz immediately looks better value for money, the bright white of the Hasbro release has had many complaints that it makes the figure feel cheap and nasty. Paint apps are minimal for Jazz with but what is applied is applied very well, the new blue visor really makes his head standout and the purple energy detailing added to the body also compliments and brings out all the detail molded into the figure.

Articulation wise Jazz is not as good as Optimus with no waist swivel and limited leg movement due to the static angled ankle joints, he does however come with the neat transformation which although simplistic is quite fun. The name Jazz would normally imply an essential purchase but sadly in this case not so much, its a much, much nicer figure than the Hasbro version but still suffers from slightly below par design.

Jazz score 7.5 / 10

[Rated X]

With the rise of price and the reduction in size of deluxe figures, this should be the standard figure for both the US and Asian markets. Dont tell me a couple of extra ounces of paint cost 20 bucks extra, especially when even the Hasbro versions are made in China from the same damn mold Takara uses. No more Has/Tak, how about Hakara instead ? One world, one figure.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

With the rise of price and the reduction in size of deluxe figures, this should be the standard figure for both the US and Asian markets. Dont tell me a couple of extra ounces of paint cost 20 bucks extra, especially when even the Hasbro versions are made in China from the same damn mold Takara uses. No more Has/Tak, how about Hakara instead ? One world, one figure.

TF Generations Price in Japan: 3,129 Yen, or $36? Compared to Arms Micron Deluxes: 2100 Yen or $25...

[megatronus]

With the rise of price and the reduction in size of deluxe figures, this should be the standard figure for both the US and Asian markets. Dont tell me a couple of extra ounces of paint cost 20 bucks extra, especially when even the Hasbro versions are made in China from the same damn mold Takara uses. No more Has/Tak, how about Hakara instead ? One world, one figure.

In an ideal world, sure. But you have to take into account the audience each company is catering to, as well as the cultural differences between us Americans and the Japanese.

Sometimes, I love the metallic paint/chrome detailing. Other times, I think it looks wrong and gaudy. It's really hit or miss, and in the end I'm glad I have options as to which version to buy.

However, in this case, Takara wins hands down.

[fenrir72]

Extra "child friendly" paint( no lead) apps.(+) cost
Different packaging fonts. (+) cost
Transportation cost by the 3rd party (not Hasbro) unless Hasbro themselves imports them(they CAN afford to pay for the humongous transport delivery ships) (+)cost

Total them all then you get the picture. Tomy/Hasbro is in it for the money primarily, you can't just right it (the extra costs) off the way the government does.

I hate it too, but that's the cross we collectors have to bare (or we don't buy it)