The Energon Pub

[Ravage XK]

Just opened mine. The colour is fantastic, it's a really glossy red. I see no paint errors.

The storage/gun platform is nice too, despite being simply a tray.

[Hellscream9999]

Just gonna leave this here:

[Cobotron]

I love a 12 minute review.
The old war dog can't get here soon enough.
Come on SAL. Pick up the pace!

[galvatron00]

I love a 12 minute review.
The old war dog can't get here soon enough.
Come on SAL. Pick up the pace!

I'm just waiting to see if mine comes with a certain red ladybot MP as well!!

[Amelie]

I'm just waiting to see if mine comes with a certain red ladybot MP as well!!

Team Fortress. Transformers edition. Red Team

Ironhide - Heavy
Sideswipe - Soldier
Bumblebee - Spy
Road Rage - Sniper

[fenrir72]

Mine should be here tomorrow. I absolutely love the character but I'm not too excited for the figure due to the hip kibble and window forearms.

What's wrong with the window forearms? I think they look at least okay, if not awesome!

Ironhide never had window forearms so it's an eye sore because the character never had them. It's just annoying when other mps were very clean and this one seems rushed and thrown together. Since the mp line began this is the one I've been waiting for and I'm really disappointed.

It's better there than somewhere else... (like on his hips or something.) In other words, you do you, and me do me.

Well as a massive fan of the character who was a pivotal character to have a lacklustre representation in comparison to some lesser characters it's disappointing.

Remember, it doesn't have to be 100 percent g1 accurate. Relax, take a deep breath, and remember that g1 is only one version of Ironhide, and he can wear a tool belt if he wants to. The only part I actually hate is the butt wheels, but other than that he's pretty damn good.

You're missing the point. Lesser characters have gotten a better job done on them than what Ironhide and ratchet have received. It is massively disappointing.

I think, before calling a product lackluster you could at least handle it personally first. Then judge the product as a whole. Images alone can't give you the actual feel. Just saying.

Depends on how long you have been playing with, handling, and collecting transformers. After 30+ years, I'm a pretty good judge on what I'll think of a figure off of pics alone.

Two words. MP Bumble.

Been in the game too, 30 yrs +. Same like doing a cursory evaluation of a disaster area or an injured patient, 1st look gives some idea but it isn't always prudent to base an intervention on first impressions. Also, PC monitor images just like cameras have this weird effect of rendering a subject not photogenic when in hand it is. Same with the colors. Legends Springer, Sandstorm and others have a different appearance in color compared to the images online.

[galvatron00]

Mine should be here tomorrow. I absolutely love the character but I'm not too excited for the figure due to the hip kibble and window forearms.

What's wrong with the window forearms? I think they look at least okay, if not awesome!

Ironhide never had window forearms so it's an eye sore because the character never had them. It's just annoying when other mps were very clean and this one seems rushed and thrown together. Since the mp line began this is the one I've been waiting for and I'm really disappointed.

It's better there than somewhere else... (like on his hips or something.) In other words, you do you, and me do me.

Well as a massive fan of the character who was a pivotal character to have a lacklustre representation in comparison to some lesser characters it's disappointing.

Remember, it doesn't have to be 100 percent g1 accurate. Relax, take a deep breath, and remember that g1 is only one version of Ironhide, and he can wear a tool belt if he wants to. The only part I actually hate is the butt wheels, but other than that he's pretty damn good.

You're missing the point. Lesser characters have gotten a better job done on them than what Ironhide and ratchet have received. It is massively disappointing.

I think, before calling a product lackluster you could at least handle it personally first. Then judge the product as a whole. Images alone can't give you the actual feel. Just saying.

Depends on how long you have been playing with, handling, and collecting transformers. After 30+ years, I'm a pretty good judge on what I'll think of a figure off of pics alone.

Two words. MP Bumble.

Been in the game too, 30 yrs +. Same like doing a cursory evaluation of a disaster area or an injured patient, 1st look gives some idea but it isn't always prudent to base an intervention on first impressions. Also, PC monitor images just like cameras have this weird effect of rendering a subject not photogenic when in hand it is. Same with the colors. Legends Springer, Sandstorm and others have a different appearance in color compared to the images online.

I can't wait for him to arrive, or for this pyramid to grow further! FWIW, I've found that the MP figures disappoint me far less than any of my CHUG/Movieverse figures have.

[chuckdawg1999]

First, Masterpiece with the most hate has to be the original MP Rodimus Prime. When you have a toy that can induce rectal leakage every time you move a joint there can't be anyone else.

I have Ironhide and let me just say, PICTURES DON'T DO IT JUSTICE! This is a fantastic figure in hand, and while I can see how some people would have issues with the hips, let me remind you this is Ironhide, not a ballet dancer.

Has anyone else noticed the G1 "Face" in the windshield? On the topic of G1, we're reaching a point now that Takara is going to start doing characters, whose animation models differ greatly from the original toys. Takara is basically creating molds from animation models, that used a liberal amount of cartoon "Magic." If you think Ironhide is bad, just wait for Cliffjumper.

[fenrir72]

First, Masterpiece with the most hate has to be the original MP Rodimus Prime. When you have a toy that can induce rectal leakage every time you move a joint there can't be anyone else.

I have Ironhide and let me just say, PICTURES DON'T DO IT JUSTICE! This is a fantastic figure in hand, and while I can see how some people would have issues with the hips, let me remind you this is Ironhide, not a ballet dancer.

Has anyone else noticed the G1 "Face" in the windshield? On the topic of G1, we're reaching a point now that Takara is going to start doing characters, whose animation models differ greatly from the original toys. Takara is basically creating molds from animation models, that used a liberal amount of cartoon "Magic." If you think Ironhide is bad, just wait for Cliffjumper.

This. It's MP BB again. I rest my case.

[Seibertron]

Do it!! I think he is going to be really good. can't remember a masterpiece receiving so much hate before.

Masterpiece Rodimus comes to mind, as well as Masterpiece Megatron. Both are design disasters.

[Seibertron]

One of the several things that irked me about Ironhide was his overall body length. His instructions show you to extend his legs which makes his legs in particular look too lengthy, especially when compared to his arm length. Keeping the legs how they were in vehicle mode without extending them looks much better proportionally and he seems to have just as much posability without extending the legs. Personal preference, but my Ironhide will probably stay short! It's a minor difference, but it's one I like.

If we can just figure out how to fix the sides of his torso, I think I'll be OK with him. And no that mod that is floating around is not what I want to do to mine. Too bad Takara didn't think of that!

EDIT: When you bend his legs at the knees when they are not extended, they will extend automatically. When you put him back in his "stationary" standing pose, the legs will need to be shorted again.

[fenrir72]

One of the several things that irked me about Ironhide was his overall body length. His instructions show you to extend his legs which makes his legs in particular look too lengthy, especially when compared to his arm length. Keeping the legs how they were in vehicle mode without extending them looks much better proportionally and he seems to have just as much posability without extending the legs. Personal preference, but my Ironhide will probably stay short! It's a minor difference, but it's one I like.

If we can just figure out how to fix the sides of his torso, I think I'll be OK with him. And no that mod that is floating around is not what I want to do to mine. Too bad Takara didn't think of that!

EDIT: When you bend his legs at the knees when they are not extended, they will extend automatically. When you put him back in his "stationary" standing pose, the legs will need to be shorted again.

Finally! The Ryan photo treatment!

Congrats on the haul!

[Cobotron]

Takara is basically creating molds from animation models, that used a liberal amount of cartoon "Magic." If you think Ironhide is bad, just wait for Cliffjumper.

This.

A few pages back I asked this...

Question:
Can anyone provide written documentation from Takara or one of their designers that legitimizes this mission of the MP line? Meaning what Hellscream posted above about real world alt modes and G1 toon accuracy. I'm just curious if this has been stated by Takara or is it something that has been extrapolated by us the fans.

No one answered, so I went digging myself. I read the 6 translated interviews I could find.

This was the best answer I could find...

H: I created them in the hope that they would supplement the memories. The toys in the 80s are not even close to the modern toys in terms of refinement, but I think the fans who followed Transformers back then used information obtained through various media such as magazines or the cartoon to supplement the image in their mind.
I believe MPs are meant to be the embodiment of that image. Neither making the cartoon version into a three dimensional form nor making it as realistic as possible is a good idea. The important thing for me has been to create a MP product through which you can meet yourself from the past, in which you can find a toy you have been dreaming of.

So I'm still open to input from anyone who has read something I haven't. But what I gather from what Mr. Shogo Hasui said, cartoon accuracy is not the main mission of the line. Tracks makes me doubt that though so, maybe it just differs from designer to designer.

Cartoon Ironhide could never work in three dimensions, He is a trick only achievable in two. Ironhide hasn't arrived yet, but I think this toy does exactly what Hasui described above, and in a way that conforms to an artistic aesthetic that was laid down 30 plus years ago.

And guys, one more thing. We have all been looking at these things for a long time now. Am I crazy to think that hip skirt panels are as old of an aesthetic feature as silver faces, head crests, and door wings?

[Ravage XK]

Last night I got a chance to transform Ironhide and now that I am over the fun of having something new to play with I can make my judgement on the figure.

The feel of the figure is unlike any other MP figure I have. It feels like a premium product but as you transform it I did get the impression that it could be fragile in places. Joints are generally pretty good but I will be very careful with the shoulders. There are a few little tabs that pieces click behind, I can see them breaking or wearing if you aren't careful. It is lighter than you would expect.

There is a slight difference in the red between some of the panels but it is very slight ( to my eyes anyway ). Not going to be an issue in bot mode but in alt mode you may notice it at the rear of the vehicle.

Its very stable, the feet do a great job of keeping the figure planted in place, their movement is limited somewhat but provided you don't want extreme leg positions you will be fine.

I can't think of anything I don't like about Ironhide. The hip pieces don't bother me, the wheels on his behind do look a little like buttons and its hard to un-see that once you realise.

I think it deserves a 9/10 as certain things could be improved but it looks so good and is fun to transform. My only gripe is he is too tall to fit in my display cases with the other Autobot cars, so he will have to stand on the shelf with Prime and be dusted every now and then.

[shajaki]

Takara is basically creating molds from animation models, that used a liberal amount of cartoon "Magic." If you think Ironhide is bad, just wait for Cliffjumper.

This.

A few pages back I asked this...

Question:
Can anyone provide written documentation from Takara or one of their designers that legitimizes this mission of the MP line? Meaning what Hellscream posted above about real world alt modes and G1 toon accuracy. I'm just curious if this has been stated by Takara or is it something that has been extrapolated by us the fans.

No one answered, so I went digging myself. I read the 6 translated interviews I could find.

This was the best answer I could find...

H: I created them in the hope that they would supplement the memories. The toys in the 80s are not even close to the modern toys in terms of refinement, but I think the fans who followed Transformers back then used information obtained through various media such as magazines or the cartoon to supplement the image in their mind.
I believe MPs are meant to be the embodiment of that image. Neither making the cartoon version into a three dimensional form nor making it as realistic as possible is a good idea. The important thing for me has been to create a MP product through which you can meet yourself from the past, in which you can find a toy you have been dreaming of.

So I'm still open to input from anyone who has read something I haven't. But what I gather from what Mr. Shogo Hasui said, cartoon accuracy is not the main mission of the line. Tracks makes me doubt that though so, maybe it just differs from designer to designer.

Cartoon Ironhide could never work in three dimensions, He is a trick only achievable in two. Ironhide hasn't arrived yet, but I think this toy does exactly what Hasui described above, and in a way that conforms to an artistic aesthetic that was laid down 30 plus years ago.

And guys, one more thing. We have all been looking at these things for a long time now. Am I crazy to think that hip skirt panels are as old of an aesthetic feature as silver faces, head crests, and door wings?

[Amelie]

And guys, one more thing. We have all been looking at these things for a long time now. Am I crazy to think that hip skirt panels are as old of an aesthetic feature as silver faces, head crests, and door wings?

I'm struggling with the hip panels, actually.

Wave 1

Prime - no
Prowl\Streak - no
Hound - no
Ironhide\Ratchet - no
Mirage - no
Jazz - no
Trailbreaker - no
Sunsteaker - no
Sideswipe - no

Megatron - no
Star...

you get the picture.

[DedicatedGhostArt]

[Amelie]

The good thing about a Church of Cobotron is at least we can ask questions and get real answers from him.

[DedicatedGhostArt]

The good thing about a Church of Cobotron is at least we can ask questions and get real answers from him.

Lol it won't do anthing for you spiritually though. I wonder what a Cobotron Bible would be like...

[Cobotron]

I durn funny MeMe

ME? No way sir. There's no way in the 7 hells I'm getting up that early on Sundee!

you get the picture.

Ya know. You're right. After a visual scan of the Collect-o-tron, I only came up with a hand full of examples. and certainly not G1 toys. Maybe I was seeing a broader scope of all Japanese robots in general. So, I AM CRAZY!
still not phased in the slightest by Ironhide's dress.

The good thing about a Church of Cobotron is at least we can ask questions and get real answers from him.

This you can be sure of my flock.

I wonder what a Cobotron Bible would be like...

I'm still open to anyone who wants to throw in some source reference, or 2 cents on my original question. I'm not necessarily trying to dispel the belief, I just want some pudding to stick my mind spoon in.

[DedicatedGhostArt]

Personally, just like I said before, I think the Masterpiece line is not to give us the most G1 accurate versions of characters, but rather the ultimate versions of characters. I am fine about Ironhide having pieces on his hips because I don't see him as the G1 characters, but rather as, put simply, "Ironhide".

[Cobotron]

Personally, just like I said before, I think the Masterpiece line is not to give us the most G1 accurate versions of characters, but rather the ultimate versions of characters. I am fine about Ironhide having pieces on his hips because I don't see him as the G1 characters, but rather as, put simply, "Ironhide".

I not only like your answer Sill, I completely agree with it and even said something very similar somewhere else.
I really think it boils down to each individual designer. The first three cars, in my eyes, where very true to the toys with hints of cartoon inside. Those three cars were designed by Hasui, and then he also did Magnus. Who was lavishly cartoony in appearance.

[DedicatedGhostArt]

Personally, just like I said before, I think the Masterpiece line is not to give us the most G1 accurate versions of characters, but rather the ultimate versions of characters. I am fine about Ironhide having pieces on his hips because I don't see him as the G1 characters, but rather as, put simply, "Ironhide".

I not only like your answer Sill, I completely agree with it and even said something very similar somewhere else.
I really think it boils down to each individual designer. The first three cars, in my eyes, where very true to the toys with hints of cartoon inside. Those three cars were designed by Hasui, and then he also did Magnus. Who was lavishly cartoony in appearance.

I think it just depends a lot of how much the designer likes how the character looked in the cartoon or not. Tracks and Ultra Magnus were designed so similarly to the cartoon because it was so close to how the character SHOULD look in the designer's eyes. If the designer thinks how they looked in g1 WASN'T the ultimate version of the character, it only makes sense for them to make changes. Personally, the only part I don't like on Ironhide is the butt wheels, but even then those look fine on the Ratchet version. It's just the coloration that makes it look a certain way. All in all, the designer is the artist, and we should respect that. As long as the toy is good as a TOY, then it is a good figure. Personally I am on the designer’s side when it comes to the beer gut, because it fits both Ironhide’s and Ratchet’s personalities.

[megatronus]

Personally, just like I said before, I think the Masterpiece line is not to give us the most G1 accurate versions of characters, but rather the ultimate versions of characters. I am fine about Ironhide having pieces on his hips because I don't see him as the G1 characters, but rather as, put simply, "Ironhide".

I not only like your answer Sill, I completely agree with it and even said something very similar somewhere else.
I really think it boils down to each individual designer. The first three cars, in my eyes, where very true to the toys with hints of cartoon inside. Those three cars were designed by Hasui, and then he also did Magnus. Who was lavishly cartoony in appearance.

I think it just depends a lot of how much the designer likes how the character looked in the cartoon or not. Tracks and Ultra Magnus were designed so similarly to the cartoon because it was so close to how the character SHOULD look in the designer's eyes. If the designer thinks how they looked in g1 WASN'T the ultimate version of the character, it only makes sense for them to make changes. Personally, the only part I don't like on Ironhide is the butt wheels, but even then those look fine on the Ratchet version. It's just the coloration that makes it look a certain way. All in all, the designer is the artist, and we should respect that. As long as the toy is good as a TOY, then it is a good figure. Personally I am on the designer’s side when it comes to the beer gut, because it fits both Ironhide’s and Ratchet’s personalities.

I disagree with the 'ultimate version of the character' bit, unless you are implicitly admitting that G1 versions of Transformers characters - or representations that are darn close - are the ultimate versions of those characters.

Based on the interviews Cobo brought out, MP is clearly meant to homage G1, but in a more modernly accessible and beautifully designed way. It's what a G1 toy should be in the mind's eye. Which is fine... but Ironhide definitely does not have hip kibble in my mind's eye.

He looks pretty good and I anticipate enjoying him, but still... the hips annoy me. At this point, without having him in hand yet, that's the one thing that puts me off about him.

[LOST Cybertronian]

Here are some of my thoughts on Ironhide.

• The leg transformation is absolutely brilliant. I love the use of the panels to hide the wheels to try to get a little bit of that animation magic that Ironhide has going on.
  
• On the flip side, I don't care for how you kind of have to force some of those panels past tabs. Seems like a recipe for breakage.
  
• I don't like how the face swap gimmick is designed. Mine tends to pop off with the slightest pressure while transforming him.
  
• I love how compact he is in alt mode. There is no wasted space inside that van.
  
• The amount of accessories is insane. Lots of play value there.
  
• Wish the accessory storage tray/sled had flip out treads.
  
• The hip panels don't really bother me but he looks very strange from the back with the butt wheels and all. I am sure putting the wheels in the back comes from trying to achieve a little more of that animation magic with the lack of vehicle kibble on the animation model. I am sure an unlicensed company will come out with some sort of back piece add on.