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I'm wanting to get into collecting some of the Masterpiece line but want to get some particulars regarding comparisons of the the various versions of figures to save on $$$.
I've read that Sideswipe (and Red Alert) are in scale with MP-10 Optimus.
Is MP-10 a good place to start if scale is a concern? What other MP's are in scale to MP-10?
Also, I know that Takara versions have better paint apps, usually, and are more cartoon accurate, but is it worth the price difference between the Hasbro version? Masterpiece Optimus at TRU vs Takara MP-10?

I just watched the video review for Soundwave and I really want to get that figure and if I get him, I know I'll be wanting more of the Masterpieces.

I appreciate any feedback on this. Thanks!

MP10's the basis of which all future MP's (including MP09 Rodimus) are based on, so you'll have no issue with the characters you've mentioned. The Hasbro MP10 is perfection at half the price
As far as paint, both Hasbro and Takara have made cartoon accurate portrails, that's entirely up to your taste on the matter. QC wise, there have been alot of issues with Rodimus (amended somewhat on the Hasbro version) misaligned panels on prime's chest and especially on Sideswipe, which have been addressed on these forums.

But strike while the iron is hot, MP prices may be prohibitive later on.

Hot Rod/Rodimus would be in scale with Mp10. I think it even shows them together on Mp10s box. I think HR looks ok with either Mp1 or Mp10.

General rule would be that the US versions will usually be the cheaper option.
Jap exclusives: Ultra Magnus, Megatron, Sleep Convoy, Black Convoy, Sunstorm, Starscream 2nd ver etc

Just buy the one you like the look of most first.

Hasbro mp-10 has cartoon colored eyes versus the takara version that has translucent eyes. I just got Red Alert and he is pretty dope. I passed on Lambor because of all the quality complaints but if I can get him cheap I will.

All masterpieces are in scale with MP-10 with the exception of:

MP-1 Prime and redecos (Ultra Magnus, Nemesis Prime, Sleep Convoy)
and MP-5 Megatron


My recommendation would be to begin with the US version of MP-10, the US MP-11 which is Thundercracker, and MP-12 Sideswipe. That will get you Optimus who is a must have, an updated seeker mold, and the smaller end of the MP scale with Swipe.

After that I would grab Soundwave while he is available, and then if you have the $$ Grimlock who is not only a superb mold, but also getting more scarce and far more pricey very fast. Three months ago he was ~$125 USD for the Hasbro version and now all versions of him are pushing $250+.

In my opinion, the only pre-MP-10 worth grabbing is Grimlock. He is not quite in scale with MP-10, as he is slightly shorter, but he can look the same height as Optimus, depending on how you pose him. And he is a great figure.

The early seekers are in scale with MP-10, but the MP-11 is far superior to the previous mold in robot form.

I don't have Rodimus, as he's not a character that I care for, but he is the same height as MP-10.

So don't feel like you are far behind, this line is just starting to get good.

If you are just getting into MP's, I would start with the new Prime. He's Optimus Prime. If you are only going to get one, that is the one to get. I would also pick up Thundercracker. You can still find him at TRU, which will save you some money later on. After that, I would buy them when they are announced or when you see them at retail. Don't wait on them because they get more expensive as time goes on.

Thanks for all the great information! I was wanting to get MP Grimlock too, as he is the only one that I have actually held and transformed (a friend of mine has him). So it sounds like Grimy would be ok with MP-10.
That sucks that MP Megatron is not in scale with MP-10 Prime. Does any one know if they plan on reissuing a Megs more in scale? I'm really focusing for my collection on pre-86 animated movie characters (sorry Roddy)

So, from what I've heard so far, MP-8, MP-10 and so on would be good to get, starting with MP-10 and probably the Hasbro version since its cheaper and it doesn't sound like you get much for the difference in price with the Takara version.

bruticus1978 wrote:So, from what I've heard so far, MP-8, MP-10 and so on would be good to get, starting with MP-10 and probably the Hasbro version since its cheaper and it doesn't sound like you get much for the difference in price with the Takara version.

Your plan sounds good.

As others have mentioned, Grimlock's price is climbing fast. Optimus seems to be as we'll, but I don't think he'll reach the same level of inflation as Grimlock. And being Optimus, he's more likely to see another release than Grimlock. That being the case it might be best to grab Grimlock first.

The only MP-10 difference I have noticed was Takara keeping a bit closer color-wise to cartoon accurate, while Hasbro's is a bit brighter. As well, Takara's "roller" is silver as in the show, while Hasbro did theirs in the same blue as Optimus' blue. not sure if there was ever a blue roller depicted in th G1 series. So that's a matter of individual preference. Grimlock has some differences (varying paint aps and sharper teeth on Tak's) but nothing as noticeable as the blue on their Optimus.

Overall for the price savings, Hasbro's are the way to go imho as well.

The new MP-11 mold is very nice, and I still see Thundercrackers on the shelf at my TRU for $75. So he should remain "affordable" for a long time to come. It's a very good mold too. Me...I'm hoping to grab an MP11 Starscream...and Takara has the only one at present...and with show accurate colors!!

Mp12 and MP13 will both hopefully see a Hasbro release in the near future...hopefully accompanied by MP14/15 the casetticons for Soundwave, though I know of no "official" announcements.

Lastly, use caution buying on eBay. Too good to be true, IS. And sellers will sometimes bid up their own auctions, so pick a price point and stick to it. In the end these are wants, not needs. (HERESY, I know!)

Huh, Its funny you posted this because just the other day I was thinking about selling all my MPs except for 1 and 4. The line has just lost its want factor for me. Only ones I care about really is my 1 and 4.


But like others have said try and get Grimlock first while the price is lower and than 10,11 and so on.

I'm next door in Ohio, STngAR. If you DO decide to sell your MPs, send me a pm before you eBay them!

I purchased Megatron (MP-05) in the past, wanting to get into the Masterpiece line too. I purchased Rodimus Prime/Hot Rod (US TRU Masterpiece) next, but it did not match in size with Megatron. I sold Megatron recently due to the release of the smaller sized Masterpieces. I purchased Convoy (MP-10) and Starscream (MP-11) recently and I am now waiting for Soundwave (MP-13) and the cassettes to be released. I would like to get Grimlock (MP-08) and Sideswipe (MP-12) too in the future. Alert (MP-14) does not do it for me. I am still doubtful about Thundercracker (US TRU Masterpiece) due to its "tattoos" which I do not like, as it is not cartoon accurate and rather useless in my humble opinion. I like this smaller size for the Masterpiece line. I am planning on continuing this little collection which I have started.

Ok, I have been looking at prices for both MP-8 and MP-10 (Hasbro version). Grimlock is around 300 and Prime is 200. Are these prices too high? Is it possible to still find a Prime at TRU anymore or has it been too long? Just for reference, how much were both these figures when they hit the stores?
I studied the differences between a lot of the Masterpieces on tfwiki to figure out what version I'd prefer.

I've still yet to see a MP-10 Hasbro version in stores but the Hasbro Grimlock was going for $56 CDN at one point.

bruticus1978 wrote:Ok, I have been looking at prices for both MP-8 and MP-10 (Hasbro version). Grimlock is around 300 and Prime is 200. Are these prices too high? Is it possible to still find a Prime at TRU anymore or has it been too long? Just for reference, how much were both these figures when they hit the stores?

I paid $350 for Convoy (MP-10) and Starscream (MP-11) together, so that is $175 a piece. Both are the Takara versions. That makes $300 for Grimlock (US TRU) and $200 for Convoy (US TRU) sound too expensive to me...

bruticus1978 wrote:I studied the differences between a lot of the Masterpieces on tfwiki to figure out what version I'd prefer.

I prefer the Takara versions of Grimlock (MP-08) and Convoy (MP-10) myself. I am not to fond of all the US TRU versions. I purchased the US TRU version of Rodimus Prime/Hot Rod only because I was able to get it cheap, but I prefer the lighter gray of the Takara version really.

bruticus1978 wrote:Ok, I have been looking at prices for both MP-8 and MP-10 (Hasbro version). Grimlock is around 300 and Prime is 200. Are these prices too high? Is it possible to still find a Prime at TRU anymore or has it been too long? Just for reference, how much were both these figures when they hit the stores?

As a new, small collection minded fan, I'm kinda doing the same shopping around you are, so...I only know much of the stuff you know.

Hasbro's MP-10 Prime, started out briefly at $99 I think...but quickly was bumped to $119.00. I think it ended up at $129.00, before they were all gone. I have no idea if Hasbro will produce another run. For now, I don't see it "re-appearing" unless they do produce more. Perhaps someone in "the know" can say whether or not they are all sold out, but it surely appears so.

The TRUs in my area had a couple of mp-10's, but I was broke and they sold out so fast, they were all gone a month before the holidays and never reappeared. You can register at the TRU website to be notified when more are in stock...I believe they still have the product listed. Perhaps enough emails about it will prompt another production run. ?? I have no idea how that works.

As for pricing, Hasbro's MP10 should cost you around $150, as that's a $30 profit margin for the scalpers who took the risk buying them all up. Beyond $150, I feel is too much. Of course most of them are selling for $170 or so right now...so...it's not as horrible as...

Grimlock

He's overpriced at $300, but it's supply and demand. I'd say $200 is a great price for him, but as there's no logical reason another MP of him will be produced anytime soon, I'd say up to $250 would still be acceptable, if you really want a Grimmy. Beyond $250 (which is where they're all priced right now) is just rape, but I'd wager there are victims lining up. In the end, any item is worth whatever someone is willing to pay for it.

Obviously all Takara versions will be quite a bit more expensive, as they've been imported at SOME point in their history and as such, someone wants to recoup that cost....not to mention that they're a bit more in demand for "cartoon precise" collectors, and their rarity as well.

If you don't need them in NEW/Unopened condition, by all means, look for used/opened ones from other collectors.

DinobotSix: That's actually a pretty good idea. All my purchases for G1 figures have been new/unopened, but since the Masterpiece line is geared for us adult collectors, then "used" figures should only have been handled and transformed probably a few times and posed on a shelf.
I just need to "cure" myself of the need for the minty fresh box and new figure smell.

I wish MP's were more affordable. I remember for the first Movie, Leader Class figures were $50. That seems about right to me for a plastic toy.

$200+ for Soundwave an his minions is a hard pill to swallow.

Sorry to sound so negative...good luck to anyone wanting to collect them!

bruticus1978 wrote:I just need to "cure" myself of the need for the minty fresh box and new figure smell.

lol. I feel ya!

Even if it's opened, I still like to have the packaging for the nifty artwork and for posterity.
Most collectors probably will still have their packaging for masterpiece level purchases.

Either way, good hunting to ya!

warzon3 wrote:I wish MP's were more affordable. I remember for the first Movie, Leader Class figures were $50. That seems about right to me for a plastic toy.

$200+ for Soundwave an his minions is a hard pill to swallow.

Sorry to sound so negative...good luck to anyone wanting to collect them!

No worries warzon3.
It IS quite expensive. =\

Takara's Soundwave for US buyers I feel is overpriced at launch (due to import costs and retailer mark-up). Even though I'd love to get one, I think I'm going to hold off for hopes of a Hasbro one in the fall at it's requisite lower price point. I also don't care for stickers...so I'm more toward Hasbro releases on that issue anyway.

MP-10 is a must have. but please take my advice, if you can afford the takara version get it. i have 2 of them and 3 hasbro versions (2 of wich have panels that will not fit or lock in properly). just from a quality standpoint on MP-10 id go with takara version. otherwise i wish you luck in your future masterpiece endeavors, and feel free to ask us anything.

Ok, BBTS has MP-10 (Takara) available for 300. Is that a decent price for the Takara version?

Get the hasbro version. It's better and even Ebay prices will be cheaper then $300 on BBTS

mooncake623 wrote:Get the hasbro version. It's better and even Ebay prices will be cheaper then $300 on BBTS

Which is better is extremely debatable. I like what Hasbro did with the eyes and the lights on top of the truck mode, but their blue on the hands, head and legs sucks in my opinion and doesn't look like Prime in the G1 cartoon, movie or the toy. Takara's does.

$300 is too much to pay though. Upon release, it was around $250 so if you're determined to shell out the extra $ for the Takara version, shop around.

If you don't mind (or even like) the coloring used on the Hasbro version, then that will save you some $, though I don't know if he can be found at retail any more, so the actual difference in price between the two versions on ebay may be closer to one another than the retail prices were.

xyl360 wrote:

mooncake623 wrote:Get the hasbro version. It's better and even Ebay prices will be cheaper then $300 on BBTS

Which is better is extremely debatable. I like what Hasbro did with the eyes and the lights on top of the truck mode, but their blue on the hands, head and legs sucks in my opinion and doesn't look like Prime in the G1 cartoon, movie or the toy. Takara's does.

$300 is too much to pay though. Upon release, it was around $250 so if you're determined to shell out the extra $ for the Takara version, shop around.

If you don't mind (or even like) the coloring used on the Hasbro version, then that will save you some $, though I don't know if he can be found at retail any more, so the actual difference in price between the two versions on ebay may be closer to one another than the retail prices were.

debatable indeed a quick head swap would resolve the issues for you. for me I'm OK with the blue. also you're right about the retail thing. I don't think I've ever spotted one on retail with months of searching since he was released.. good thing i was able to secure one from TOYRUS.COM. I blame this on the overordering of Masterpiece thundercrackers at my local TRUS (times SQ TRUS) there must still be 20 of them there.... I suspect they did not order MP PRIME at all.