Seibertron.com Energon Pub Forums

News Credits: 11 · by **primalxconvoy** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 3:26 pm

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:
primalxconvoy wrote:
AllNewSuperRobot wrote:Hindsight being what it is but, if so many people hadn't literally thrown money at the blatantly overpriced MP-44. HasTak might have given pause to the price hikes of the MP line.

"So many people"? Almost everyone I know in my (real-life) TF-collecting circle of chums didn't bother getting it, due to the price, QC issues, aesthetic choice (compared the VERY popular MP10), etc.

If that circle refers to people in the range of four or five figures. That makes it an effective metric, for a collector line. I do a lot of sourcing figures. MP-44 was one of a small handful of MP's consistently sold out across multiple outlets. By the same token, the few available on the secondary market have an insane mark-up. Yet, they too also sell. Indicative of demand. Subsequently, since the first month or two after MP-44 was released. I see a lot of used MP-10's appear on the secondary market.

primalxconvoy wrote:The price hikes, amongst other things, were due to a shrinking market. Takara shed most surplus fans (interested in the previous aesthetic for MPs) and concentrated upon a smaller, but consistent "hardcore G1/toon aesthetic" demographic of older Japanese collectors. I think this moved into alignment with them then largely abandoning spending more money on extensive repaints of CHUG figures (to share such costs with Hasbro) and concentrating their "hardcore domestic collectors' line" more MPs, similar to how Bandai does with their (IMO, absurdly overpriced) collectors' figures (Gundam metal builds, Macross, etc).

The distinction being, prices always rise. That is the nature of retail. But there were certain milestones wherein the price leapt to a far higher level than it's contemporaries. From the Beast Wars line, Blackarachnia is the prime example. Yes, Megs and Dinobot are very expensive. But unlike BA, they aren't more expensive than figures bigger and better made than them (within the line). That hike, which they tried to justify with the inclusion of a stand.

An opportunity presented itself. Both Takara and Hasbro seized upon it and MP-44 was sold for the price he was. Conversely, MP-49 was released with what was probably a more honest mark-up (and better knees, apparently). Those that buy into the idea the trailer covered the price difference between them...

In the absence of a "like" button here, that's an interesting POV. Thank you.

News Credits: 1642 · by **D-Maximal_Primal** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 7:25 pm

I am going to be very curious about the price, he looks huge

News Credits: 11 · by **primalxconvoy** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:24 pm

https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810133452/

Google Translation:

-

"* This product will be sold exclusively at TAKARATOMY MALL in Japan. Cannot be canceled after ordering

See more product description

Selling price :

The

38,500 yen (tax included)

Earned points: 350 points In stock: ◎ In stock Release date: Late January 2023

Item No .: 4904810133452 Manufacturer: TAKARATOMY Brand: Transformer Package size: W490 x H410 x D160mm Target age: 15 years old ~"

Original Japanese:

※この商品は、国内ではタカラトミーモール限定で販売いたします。ご注文後のキャンセルはできません

商品説明をもっとみる

販売価格 :

38,500円（税込）

獲得ポイント :350ポイント在庫 :◎在庫あり発売日 :2023年1月下旬

商品番号 :4904810133452メーカー :タカラトミーブランド :トランスフォーマーパッケージサイズ :W490×H410×D160mm対象年齢 :15歳～

MyFigureCollection.net collection · by **Emerje** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:41 pm

I'm impressed. He looks great, he's roughly 14" tall, and that price is much lower than people were fearing. Once the local tax is removed and the great exchange rate is calculated it'll be closer to $250, maybe even less. I'm going to guess Hasbro prices him at $299.

Emerje

News Credits: 4683 · by **william-james88** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:42 pm

Come see the images for this epic reveal of MP-57 Masterpiece Skyfire / Jetfire.The pics come from Dengeki Hobby which has become the place where Takara reveals their Masterpiece figures. While people were quick to assume that this figure was related to the Siege figure, it is a completely new mold with different detailing, a different transformation, different scale and different functionality. Unlike with the Siege figure, there is no "greebling", all the surfaces are very smooth, like the cartoon. Also, the different faction symbols are plates. There is the option for different wing configurations and a visor accessory to make him more toy accurate. And we have a bunch of playset features with openings and boarding areas for mini Jazz, Wheeljack and Optimus Prime figures, which attempt to give a mass shifting effect for the vehicle mode. This is a TTMall exclusive, which means it will not have the regular discounts at Japanese retail. The Price is 38500 Yen (around $300) including Japanese sale tax.

Check out the sponsor news articles posted within the next 7 days to see when it becomes available at your preferred online retailer.

by **Stormshot_Prime** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 10:02 pm

Love how that little Optimus has arm and knee articulation.

News Credits: 322 · by **chuckdawg1999** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 10:35 pm

I never thought we'd see this and due to being a Takara Tomy Mall exclusive I'll never have it.

MyFigureCollection.net collection · by **Emerje** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:00 pm

Damn, missed the part about it being a TTM exclusive. That's dumb, I wonder what their excuse is? Repaints of expensive MPs is one thing, but a huge new figure with no real repaint potential? Seems like a lot of wasted potential. Guess we'll all be at the mercy of whatever Hasbro's arbitrary price is, hopefully not over $300.

Emerje

News Credits: 383 · by **Bounti76** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:02 pm

chuckdawg1999 wrote:I never thought we'd see this and due to being a Takara Tomy Mall exclusive I'll never have it.

Every online retailer will carry it in the U.S., though. It won't be hard to get.

by **GrangerPerry** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:09 pm

I’m so shocked! This might be my favorite masterpiece so far! I’m glad they realized they can paint intricate details on mini figures not leaving their face blank like the human figures. And where’s my MP Jazz you tease!

News Credits: 11 · by **primalxconvoy** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:09 pm

I wouldn't be surprised if someone upscaled the Siege version, removed some surface details and called it a day for an easy "Fauxterpiece" KO...

News Credits: 4683 · by **william-james88** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:12 pm

chuckdawg1999 wrote:I never thought we'd see this and due to being a Takara Tomy Mall exclusive I'll never have it.

Just buy it from bbts or pulse like all other ttm exclusive. The hasbro release is even cheaper, only 260
https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/ ... ils/208223

News Credits: 11 · by **primalxconvoy** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:13 pm

william-james88 wrote:Come see the images for this epic reveal of MP-57 Masterpiece Skyfire / Jetfire.The pics come from Dengeki Hobby which has become the place where Takara reveals their Masterpiece figures.

Actually, the pics came originally from Takara Tomy Mall, if I'm not mistaken?

https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810133452/

News Credits: 322 · by **chuckdawg1999** » Thu Jun 02, 2022 11:44 pm

william-james88 wrote:
chuckdawg1999 wrote:I never thought we'd see this and due to being a Takara Tomy Mall exclusive I'll never have it.

Just buy it from bbts or pulse like all other ttm exclusive. The hasbro release is even cheaper, only 260
https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/ ... ils/208223

BBTS wants a non refundable deposit and I just can't do that. Their release is also a month later, maybe. BBTS release schedules have been spotty lately.

News Credits: 19 · by **blackeyedprime** » Fri Jun 03, 2022 12:37 am

Wow, might be one of the few transformers that is a bit too big for my liking (sieges height goes great with other autobot leaders in non scale height - mp starsaber, KFC citizen/magnus, star convoy, mp1 prime, ft grimlock).

The mini figures kind of feels like the effort they should have gone to for Unicron even if not at scale compared to the slugs.

It definitely won't replace my siege jetfire with siege being a nice toy but if I only had to have one, the MP is winning out. Thinking siege will be in vehicle mode and mp in bot mode much like I do with the others - except for the amount of space that will take up.

Also really nice to see an official toy being better than third parties for a change and not needing upgrades out of the box.

News Credits: 11 · by **primalxconvoy** » Fri Jun 03, 2022 12:43 am

blackeyedprime wrote:
Also really nice to see an official toy being better than third parties for a change and not needing upgrades out of the box.

Wait to see what KOs will come out..

News Credits: 19 · by **blackeyedprime** » Fri Jun 03, 2022 1:16 am

primalxconvoy wrote:
blackeyedprime wrote:
Also really nice to see an official toy being better than third parties for a change and not needing upgrades out of the box.

Wait to see what KOs will come out..

That and if its crotch doesnt self explode and parts can be moved with out breaking.

News Credits: 2 · by **Barricade.it** » Fri Jun 03, 2022 1:37 am

I hate that this figure has the wings attached to the backpack: the original Skyfire (like the Macross toy He was derivated from) has the wings on the reare of the chest, not on the backpack.

This gives to the alt mode a weird shape.

News Credits: 11 · by **primalxconvoy** » Fri Jun 03, 2022 2:37 am

blackeyedprime wrote:
primalxconvoy wrote:
blackeyedprime wrote:
Also really nice to see an official toy being better than third parties for a change and not needing upgrades out of the box.

Wait to see what KOs will come out..

That and if its crotch doesnt self explode and parts can be moved with out breaking.

Exploding crotch?

Care to explain, please?

News Credits: 19 · by **blackeyedprime** » Fri Jun 03, 2022 3:44 am

primalxconvoy wrote:
blackeyedprime wrote:
primalxconvoy wrote:
blackeyedprime wrote:
Also really nice to see an official toy being better than third parties for a change and not needing upgrades out of the box.

Wait to see what KOs will come out..

That and if its crotch doesnt self explode and parts can be moved with out breaking.

Exploding crotch?

Care to explain, please?

There was some reports of the swirly plastic on MP Beast Wars Megatrons groin area occasionally self destructing.

News Credits: 11 · by **primalxconvoy** » Fri Jun 03, 2022 3:46 am

blackeyedprime wrote:
primalxconvoy wrote:
blackeyedprime wrote:
primalxconvoy wrote:
blackeyedprime wrote:
Also really nice to see an official toy being better than third parties for a change and not needing upgrades out of the box.

Wait to see what KOs will come out..

That and if its crotch doesnt self explode and parts can be moved with out breaking.

Exploding crotch?

Care to explain, please?

There was some reports of the swirly plastic on MP Beast Wars Megatrons groin area occasionally self destructing.

Oh! I've never transformed mine either...

Hope mine is OK...

News Credits: 10 · by **Omegatron.** » Fri Jun 03, 2022 4:34 am

Barricade.it wrote:I hate that this figure has the wings attached to the backpack: the original Skyfire (like the Macross toy He was derivated from) has the wings on the reare of the chest, not on the backpack.

This gives to the alt mode a weird shape.

That's cartoon accuracy for you.

: TUD2_Skyfire_catches_Autobots.jpg (55.09 KiB) Viewed 40947 times

On a different note, I like that the backpack can split apart for toy accuracy.

News Credits: 6 · by **AllNewSuperRobot** » Fri Jun 03, 2022 4:41 am

Also note everyone: MP Jazz! There you go. Now you can stop asking

News Credits: 148 · by **Big Grim** » Fri Jun 03, 2022 5:07 am

Gotta admit, I'm really impressed! The overly smooth bodywork does not annoy as much on this guy for whatever reason. He just looks damned cool.

~ Grim