The Energon Pub

[Desslok2201]

Seriously. I can't believe Hasbro has anything more than minimal input on MPs. If they did, they might try to get something out of them. Something more than a once a year presence at TRU. They might try releasing them online only to collectors, like Mattel did that last Voltron release. I can't imagine anyone actually waiting for Hasbro to release an MP- what do they have now, 5 or so?

[Railbomb]

Seriously. I can't believe Hasbro has anything more than minimal input on MPs. If they did, they might try to get something out of them. Something more than a once a year presence at TRU. They might try releasing them online only to collectors, like Mattel did that last Voltron release. I can't imagine anyone actually waiting for Hasbro to release an MP- what do they have now, 5 or so?

I'm waiting on Hasbro to release Magnus. I expect there to be something next year for the movie's 30th anniversary. Hopefully a complete release for Rodimus too. The characters that were actually in the G1 cartoon and not named (looking at you Acid Storm and Sunstorm) latter seem to fly off shelves around were I live. The only one that sat there for a while was YOTH Optimus.

[Desslok2201]

Seriously. I can't believe Hasbro has anything more than minimal input on MPs. If they did, they might try to get something out of them. Something more than a once a year presence at TRU. They might try releasing them online only to collectors, like Mattel did that last Voltron release. I can't imagine anyone actually waiting for Hasbro to release an MP- what do they have now, 5 or so?

I'm waiting on Hasbro to release Magnus. I expect there to be something next year for the movie's 30th anniversary. Hopefully a complete release for Rodimus too. The characters that were actually in the G1 cartoon and not named (looking at you Acid Storm and Sunstorm) latter seem to fly off shelves around were I live. The only one that sat there for a while was YOTH Optimus.

Maybe a Magnus release, but good luck on Rodimus. Actually, I can't see them doing anything for the movie anniversary, other than mentioning it at botcon. That would still be better than what they did for GI Joe on it's 50th- cancelling the line. My faith in the brand has gone overseas to TT

[Arctorro]

Well, this is my first MP since Megatron. I love it, and I love him. Saber is a very nice fit into my CLassics/Generations figures (I don't do toyline shelves) and the combined robot form is HUGE!! I can't wait to get some new Leaders to compare that thing.

I've decided to put SS with my Classics as well. He just doesn't feel like a MP figure to me, but is a great, and huge, Classics figure.

[fenrir72]

Seriously. I can't believe Hasbro has anything more than minimal input on MPs. If they did, they might try to get something out of them. Something more than a once a year presence at TRU. They might try releasing them online only to collectors, like Mattel did that last Voltron release. I can't imagine anyone actually waiting for Hasbro to release an MP- what do they have now, 5 or so?

I'm waiting on Hasbro to release Magnus. I expect there to be something next year for the movie's 30th anniversary. Hopefully a complete release for Rodimus too. The characters that were actually in the G1 cartoon and not named (looking at you Acid Storm and Sunstorm) latter seem to fly off shelves around were I live. The only one that sat there for a while was YOTH Optimus.

YOTH imho is a good Seasonal promotion but ditching Roller? Is the extra gold finish that expensive?

[fenrir72]

WARNING!!!

There is a little issue I found during the transformation of V-Star to Star Saber.

For those who own one. You can see that black button to release the Saber jet when combined to the V-star.

Well, when you detach him and begin the process of combining them to for Star Saber, please follow these tips very carefully.

Below the button are the hinges that fold up.

1. Slightly wiggle the panel loose downward before folding them up.
2. Give the panel a little gap before folding it up
3. In my version, some stress marks appeared on the hinge connections.
4. Rectified with the hair dryer fix but just to give you guys fair warning

Antennae issues

1, Both Sabers antennae have the tendency to pop out. Automatically! So be careful when handling them or they may get lost.

[SimianProphet]

It's not a bad figure, but it is a bit simple for a Masterpiece figure (though maybe I have just been spoiled by MP Magnus). Otherwise it is pretty cool. I do have two questions/concerns though:

Rough Transformations points- there are times when separating pieces, that it feels like they could break. In fact, I have yet to be able to remove the Star Saber helmet from the smaller figure without it actually sending the little yellow head crest piece (from smaller figure) flying! Anyone else having that problem, or know a solution?
Weapon/Parts Storage- there just does not seem to be enough places for everything to go. I have seen the small hilt can go under the backpack in V-star mode, but it would be nice to have a place for that in robot mode (when not in use), or a proper place for the shield to go when it is not being used as a stand, or for the Shield handle to go when it is being used as a stand. Has anyone found some more solutions for those?

Any thoughts?

[fenrir72]

It's not a bad figure, but it is a bit simple for a Masterpiece figure (though maybe I have just been spoiled by MP Magnus). Otherwise it is pretty cool. I do have two questions/concerns though:

Rough Transformations points- there are times when separating pieces, that it feels like they could break. In fact, I have yet to be able to remove the Star Saber helmet from the smaller figure without it actually sending the little yellow head crest piece (from smaller figure) flying! Anyone else having that problem, or know a solution?
Weapon/Parts Storage- there just does not seem to be enough places for everything to go. I have seen the small hilt can go under the backpack in V-star mode, but it would be nice to have a place for that in robot mode (when not in use), or a proper place for the shield to go when it is not being used as a stand, or for the Shield handle to go when it is being used as a stand. Has anyone found some more solutions for those?

Any thoughts?

1. Do you mean removing the "Battle Up" helmet(?) from Saber? You need to do it carefully. I'm more worried with his antennae popping out.

2. The Shield is more like an uber awesome bonus as it only appeared once. Did not see Saber hang it on to his body anywhere in the anime.

3. Separating the body parts? Yup. Got the same feeling. Same with the nose cone which becomes the hilt of the sword.

4. The mini sword hilt is just a freebie as the original was just one single oversized sword hilt. This MP is indeed near anime accurate. Tomy implemented a sort of parts swapping like SOC.

[fenrir72]

The anime Victory was most likely released/developed at the same time as the toy was. Compared to the anime though, the face "battle up" mask was miles apart in the anime.

Been watching the Shout! DVDs with the most atrocious definition Toei could release but looking at how Starsaber was rendered in the anime......so proportional and well..............COOL/AWESOME! It makes me wonder how the animators rendered and foresaw what Star would look like? That was in 1988-90. That or Yuki is just one darn great engineer as he used the anime(?) to base what the MP robot incarnation would look like.

Also like how Yuki reversed of sorts the "Brain set" gimmick. "Courage" is more detailed, a bit poseable but the "face" is no longer possible to include unlike the original so the face is now in the chest cavity to be pushed up by the figure. Very ingenius!

Victory Leo and Dezaras Please?! To our Japanese TF voters, if there's a next vote please pick the badguy first? Saber really needs a Dezaras.

[Sabrblade]

The anime Victory was most likely released/developed at the same time as the toy was. Compared to the anime though, the face "battle up" mask was miles apart in the anime.

Been watching the Shout! DVDs with the most atrocious definition Toei could release but looking at how Starsaber was rendered in the anime......so proportional and well..............COOL/AWESOME! It makes me wonder how the animators rendered and foresaw what Star would look like? That was in 1988-90. That or Yuki is just one darn great engineer as he used the anime(?) to base what the MP robot incarnation would look like.

The 1988 cartoon animators made Star Saber's animation model based on the 1988 toy.

Also,

Been watching the Shout! DVDs

Beware the subtitle translation of that release.

[fenrir72]

The anime Victory was most likely released/developed at the same time as the toy was. Compared to the anime though, the face "battle up" mask was miles apart in the anime.

Been watching the Shout! DVDs with the most atrocious definition Toei could release but looking at how Starsaber was rendered in the anime......so proportional and well..............COOL/AWESOME! It makes me wonder how the animators rendered and foresaw what Star would look like? That was in 1988-90. That or Yuki is just one darn great engineer as he used the anime(?) to base what the MP robot incarnation would look like.

The 1988 cartoon animators made Star Saber's animation model based on the 1988 toy.

Also,

Been watching the Shout! DVDs

Beware the subtitle translation of that release.

Stakeout/Hori yeah, I try not to get cross eyed

But the animation model of Star Saber is an almost near exact copy of the MP version. Except for where the rear landing gear's location and the lack of a cockpit for Jean to ride on in the "Battle Up" helmet.

[Sabrblade]

But the animation model of Star Saber is an almost near exact copy of the MP version. Except for where the rear landing gear's location and the lack of a cockpit for Jean to ride on in the "Battle Up" helmet.

Because Yuki modeled the MP on the 1980s animation model, just as is done for every MP. What's the problem?

[megatronus]

But the animation model of Star Saber is an almost near exact copy of the MP version. Except for where the rear landing gear's location and the lack of a cockpit for Jean to ride on in the "Battle Up" helmet.

Because Yuki modeled the MP on the 1980s animation model, just as is done for every MP. What's the problem?

Especially keeping in mind that near-perfect accuracy is much easier to attain without the restrictions of an officially licensed vehicle mode.

[fenrir72]

But the animation model of Star Saber is an almost near exact copy of the MP version. Except for where the rear landing gear's location and the lack of a cockpit for Jean to ride on in the "Battle Up" helmet.

Because Yuki modeled the MP on the 1980s animation model, just as is done for every MP. What's the problem?

There is no problem at all. My first post stated why the original animation model was not the exact copy of the original toy. You stated they were probably developed together. The MP Battle Up helmet is a near exact copy of the animation. Amazing is the least I can say.The original's face doesn't look at all like the animation. Yuki really hit the ball park with this MP.I have nothing but praises for it.

Now if I were OCD, I'd rant against its not having the extra cockpit.

[Sabrblade]

But the animation model of Star Saber is an almost near exact copy of the MP version. Except for where the rear landing gear's location and the lack of a cockpit for Jean to ride on in the "Battle Up" helmet.

Because Yuki modeled the MP on the 1980s animation model, just as is done for every MP. What's the problem?

There is no problem at all. My first post stated why the original animation model was not the exact copy of the original toy. You stated they were probably developed together. The MP Battle Up helmet is a near exact copy of the animation. Amazing is the least I can say.The original's face doesn't look at all like the animation.

The animators simplified the original toy's face (and most of its overall look) for the cartoon model, as simplifying the designs of the toys for animation was a common practice back then, dating back to the 1984 G1 years.

[fenrir72]

But the animation model of Star Saber is an almost near exact copy of the MP version. Except for where the rear landing gear's location and the lack of a cockpit for Jean to ride on in the "Battle Up" helmet.

Because Yuki modeled the MP on the 1980s animation model, just as is done for every MP. What's the problem?

There is no problem at all. My first post stated why the original animation model was not the exact copy of the original toy. You stated they were probably developed together. The MP Battle Up helmet is a near exact copy of the animation. Amazing is the least I can say.The original's face doesn't look at all like the animation.

The animators simplified the original toy's face (and most of its overall look) for the cartoon model, as simplifying the designs of the toys for animation was a common practice back then, dating back to the 1984 G1 years.

The initial F.Dery simplification is waaaaaaaaaaay different from the Japanese style of "simplification" It could already be seen in Headmasters onwards to Victory.

[Sabrblade]

But the animation model of Star Saber is an almost near exact copy of the MP version. Except for where the rear landing gear's location and the lack of a cockpit for Jean to ride on in the "Battle Up" helmet.

Because Yuki modeled the MP on the 1980s animation model, just as is done for every MP. What's the problem?

There is no problem at all. My first post stated why the original animation model was not the exact copy of the original toy. You stated they were probably developed together. The MP Battle Up helmet is a near exact copy of the animation. Amazing is the least I can say.The original's face doesn't look at all like the animation.

The animators simplified the original toy's face (and most of its overall look) for the cartoon model, as simplifying the designs of the toys for animation was a common practice back then, dating back to the 1984 G1 years.

The initial F.Dery simplification is waaaaaaaaaaay different from the Japanese style of "simplification" It could already be seen in Headmasters onwards to Victory.

The later series just kept closer to toy-accuracy than the earlier ones did. But the show designs were still made simpler than the toy designs. I really don't see how Star Saber's case is really all that different from any other who went from G1 toy --> G1 cartoon model --> MP toy.

[fenrir72]

But the animation model of Star Saber is an almost near exact copy of the MP version. Except for where the rear landing gear's location and the lack of a cockpit for Jean to ride on in the "Battle Up" helmet.

Because Yuki modeled the MP on the 1980s animation model, just as is done for every MP. What's the problem?

There is no problem at all. My first post stated why the original animation model was not the exact copy of the original toy. You stated they were probably developed together. The MP Battle Up helmet is a near exact copy of the animation. Amazing is the least I can say.The original's face doesn't look at all like the animation.

The animators simplified the original toy's face (and most of its overall look) for the cartoon model, as simplifying the designs of the toys for animation was a common practice back then, dating back to the 1984 G1 years.

The initial F.Dery simplification is waaaaaaaaaaay different from the Japanese style of "simplification" It could already be seen in Headmasters onwards to Victory.

The later series just kept closer to toy-accuracy than the earlier ones did. But the show designs were still made simpler than the toy designs. I really don't see how Star Saber's case is really all that different from any other who went from G1 toy --> G1 cartoon model --> MP toy.

My case is that for the MP and how in leaps and bounds it's transition to the toy is than the original. That the figure now actually looks like the character in the show. Back in the 90s, we either have to squint or use our



during playtime just to fantasize a scene or two.

Maybe it has come to the point that some of us here are kind of spoiled already and take for granted how modern engineering techniques have virtually turned our "action" figures near identical analogues of their animated incarnation.

Even in other threads concerning previous and future MP releases, we get this "naaah not feeling this." or, "feet are too big" or "doesn't cook and do the dishes...."

The fact that Yuki also implemented molded colored parts to minimize paint wear (of course the wing parts are the only ones painted over).This MP is simply AMAZING!

[Sabrblade]

My case is that for the MP and how in leaps and bounds it's transition to the toy is than the original. That the figure now actually looks like the character in the show.

But... that's... that's how virtually all of the MPs are. The MPs are meant to look like the characters in the show that they represent. Convoy, Grimlock, the Seekers, Rodimus Convoy, Lambor, Soundwave, the Cassettrons, Alert, Prowl, Streak, Smokescreen, Wheeljack (save for his colors), Bumble, and Ultra Magnus all look like the show characters just like how Star Saber does.

[fenrir72]

My case is that for the MP and how in leaps and bounds it's transition to the toy is than the original. That the figure now actually looks like the character in the show.

But... that's... that's how virtually all of the MPs are. The MPs are meant to look like the characters in the show that they represent. Convoy, Grimlock, the Seekers, Rodimus Convoy, Lambor, Soundwave, the Cassettrons, Alert, Prowl, Streak, Smokescreen, Wheeljack (save for his colors), Bumble, and Ultra Magnus all look like the show characters just like how Star Saber does.

Nope. For the G1 Cars, they all look like the Studio Ox renders. Not the Floro Dery simplified versions. Convoy? A mix of the Studio Ox (save for the now hidden side wheels) and DW incarnation. Bumble is a whole different animal as a bit of the toy plus that wheel on his back more or less that circular decal on the original toy. Star Saber is like the Victory anime Star Saber himself. Handsdown. Again, my adulation is addressed to just Star Saber and the anime.

Masterpiece.....truly a masterpiece indeed. Worthy of taking your hat off to the engineers reponsible.

[Sabrblade]

My case is that for the MP and how in leaps and bounds it's transition to the toy is than the original. That the figure now actually looks like the character in the show.

But... that's... that's how virtually all of the MPs are. The MPs are meant to look like the characters in the show that they represent. Convoy, Grimlock, the Seekers, Rodimus Convoy, Lambor, Soundwave, the Cassettrons, Alert, Prowl, Streak, Smokescreen, Wheeljack (save for his colors), Bumble, and Ultra Magnus all look like the show characters just like how Star Saber does.

Nope. For the G1 Cars, they all look like the Studio Ox renders. Not the Floro Dery simplified versions. Convoy? A mix of the Studio Ox (save for the now hidden side wheels) and DW incarnation. Bumble is a whole different animal as a bit of the toy plus that wheel on his back more or less that circular decal on the original toy.

What of the others I mentioned? Grimlock, the Seekers, Rodimus Convoy, Lambor, Soundwave, the Cassettrons, Alert, Wheeljack (save for his colors), and Ultra Magnus?

[fenrir72]

My case is that for the MP and how in leaps and bounds it's transition to the toy is than the original. That the figure now actually looks like the character in the show.

But... that's... that's how virtually all of the MPs are. The MPs are meant to look like the characters in the show that they represent. Convoy, Grimlock, the Seekers, Rodimus Convoy, Lambor, Soundwave, the Cassettrons, Alert, Prowl, Streak, Smokescreen, Wheeljack (save for his colors), Bumble, and Ultra Magnus all look like the show characters just like how Star Saber does.

Nope. For the G1 Cars, they all look like the Studio Ox renders. Not the Floro Dery simplified versions. Convoy? A mix of the Studio Ox (save for the now hidden side wheels) and DW incarnation. Bumble is a whole different animal as a bit of the toy plus that wheel on his back more or less that circular decal on the original toy.

What of the others I mentioned? Grimlock, the Seekers, Rodimus Convoy, Lambor, Soundwave, the Cassettrons, Alert, Wheeljack (save for his colors), and Ultra Magnus?

Didn't I not answer that already? I go back to the last sentence of my statement. As this is primarily my 'bot crush on Star Saber.

[Insurgent]

Two friends that never met, but would have got on like a house on fire!

[Madeus Prime]

Figured I'd post this:

[Sabrblade]

Two friends that never met, but would have got on like a house on fire!

Oh, they eventually got to meet:

Figured I'd post this:

That. Is. AWESOME!

I think those sound bytes of "Cybertron senshi, TRANSFORM!", "Cybertron senshi, ATTACK!" etc. come from the Maxtrix-styled sound stand that came with MP-1L Convoy Last Production (itself a redeco of the stand that came with Hasbro's Classics 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime DVD Edition).