The Energon Pub

News Credits: 251 · by **Mindmaster** » Mon Apr 28, 2014 7:10 pm

So, with my graduation looming around the corner (seven more weeks, goddammit!), I've been promised $200 as a gift. With that in mind, I'm conflicted by what I want. Although I wanted to get this year's BotCon box set, but $400 a pop is just too much, and it's something I can't justify it if it's the same price as the Primus package. So, after some thinking and some self-deliberation, I've boiled down to two options:

1) MP11 Starscream

Reason: Starscream's my all-time favorite (could you guess by my avatar, signature, and favorite character/toy?), and this sucker will be the centerpiece of my Starscream display. It even comes with a collector's coin! :grin:

2) Takara Generations Metroplex + TFCC 2013 freebie Depth Charge

Reason: I'd go for the general release with the one weapon, but basing this decision on BBTS's prices, the difference between the domestic release and the import release is so insubstantial that I might as well get the Takara version (more bang for your buck, literally!). As for Depth Charge, two reasons: I don't own any version of this mold (though I didn't want it as Terradive nor Dark of the Moon Space Case), and I want him to go along with the this year's soon-to-be-inbound TFCC freebie, Protoform X/Rampage.

I don't know which one I want more. :BANG_HEAD:

News Credits: 22 · by **Rodimus Prime** » Mon Apr 28, 2014 8:21 pm

Sounds like you have just a little more twinkle in your eye for Screamer. Based on my similar...affection for Rodimus Prime, and my driving urge to pick up everything Rodimus, I'd say go for Screamer. The pro for getting Metroplex and Depth Charge is that you're getting 2 characters. The 2 things I think you should consider are future price and availability. Which will go up/down in price mote likely? Can't tell for certain, but I think the MP-11 is only going to get higher. Another reason to get Starscream. Looking at the other MPs' availability on eBay, (not checked the online retailers) I think it's generally good to get them while you can. They might be around later, but you'll be paying more.

So bottom line, IMO go with Starscream.

News Credits: 127 · by **Counterpunch** » Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:37 pm

Starscream.

Better overall toy.

News Credits: 4 · by **craggy** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 12:53 am

MP Screamer does very little for me. Oh, sure, it does look pretty good in each mode, but for some reason that mold doesn't wow me like the other MPs have. I'd go for Metro and Depth Charge, especially if you're getting Protoform X as well. It'd be very cool to have new versions of those two arch-enemies, and Japanese Metroplex looks pretty sweet. I've yet to succumb to the Metroplex purchase that I know I'll end up making, but that's mainly because I've yet to see one on the shelves. If I could swing the extra cash for the import one I'd have already got it, but damn that box is ginormous in such a way that even I'm put off having it delivered to me.

News Credits: 251 · by **Mindmaster** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 11:43 am

So it's basically a 2:1 ratio, the majority clamoring for Starscream.

I've been kinda tilting toward Starscream, anyway...

News Credits: 10 · by **Trikeboy** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 12:01 pm

I have all the mentioned toys. If I had to give up two of them, it would be Metroplex and Depth Charge. Starscream is amazing.

News Credits: 251 · by **Mindmaster** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 12:14 pm

Make that 3:1.

Sorry craggy, you've been outvoted. :lol:

News Credits: 650 · by **ScottyP** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 12:49 pm

Get the Starscream. Extremely high quality and something you'll probably keep forever even if you get out of collecting in general.

News Credits: 100 · by **-Kanrabat-** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 8:37 pm

Personally, I have no reasons to ever want a 200$ MP-11 Starscream because... well... Look below.

However, if I had'nt TWO original MP Screamers, I'd be all over the MP-11 retool. If you don't own any of the original, go for it.

At a later date, get a Metroplex. It will be on clearance eventually, with all of the versions available. Finally, get Terradive already!

News Credits: 60 · by **fenrir72** » Tue Apr 29, 2014 10:43 pm

Solomonic choice indeed. I'd go for Starscream too (but you won't regret getting Metroplex too (mine is the Tomy version)

News Credits: 119 · by **megatronus** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 12:06 am

That's some tough decision making you've got to do.

Echoing what others have said, I think MP-11 Starscream is the way to go. If you weren't a Screamer fan, it would be more 50/50, but your devotion to the character puts it over the edge, I think. The reissue is glorious, and worth it.

Also, why Takara Metroplex? I think the choice would be much harder if you were choosing between MP-11 and the ACG-Con Metroplex that BBTS has on sale for $200. I have the Hasbro & Takara versions of Metroplex already, but will probably (more like definitely) pick up either the ACG or SDCC version at some point. Why? It's not the 2 guns. It's not the decoys. It's not the combination of dark grey Hasbro-deco legs & nice Takara-deco chrome. It's the BEAUTIFUL BOX:

As I said, this thing is on sale right now at BBTS... once it hits clearance designation, it's going to be bought HARD (by me).

News Credits: 60 · by **fenrir72** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 12:18 am

@megatronus

Need your input if the reports are true that the SDCC labels have some trouble sticking to the figure. Accurate or false reports?

News Credits: 119 · by **megatronus** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 7:35 am

fenrir72 wrote:@megatronus

Need your input if the reports are true that the SDCC labels have some trouble sticking to the figure. Accurate or false reports?

I don't have the SDCC/ACG version just yet, just the mainline releases from either company. Once I do have the SDCC or ACG version, I'll be more than happy to let you know.

News Credits: 650 · by **ScottyP** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 8:54 am

fenrir72 wrote:@megatronus

Need your input if the reports are true that the SDCC labels have some trouble sticking to the figure. Accurate or false reports?

Kind of. In some spots they're a nightmare, mostly any curved or angled surfaces where you have to bend or curl the sticker, and in others they go on just fine. If you use good "sticker Hygiene", that is, apply them with tweezers and a toothpick making as little hand contact as possible with the adhesive, you'll have some trouble but not a ton.

None of mine have fallen off here several months later, but were I to handle the toy a lot they probably would in a couple places, like the black crotch sticker and some of the angled red top of torso ones.

News Credits: 119 · by **megatronus** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:02 am

ScottyP wrote:
fenrir72 wrote:@megatronus

Need your input if the reports are true that the SDCC labels have some trouble sticking to the figure. Accurate or false reports?

Kind of. In some spots they're a nightmare, mostly any curved or angled surfaces where you have to bend or curl the sticker, and in others they go on just fine. If you use good "sticker Hygiene", that is, apply them with tweezers and a toothpick making as little hand contact as possible with the adhesive, you'll have some trouble but not a ton.

None of mine have fallen off here several months later, but were I to handle the toy a lot they probably would in a couple places, like the black crotch sticker and some of the angled red top of torso ones.

From what I understand, using low heat (a hairdryer on the low setting for a couple seconds) when applying stickers really helps the them stretch and conform to curves.

News Credits: 461 · by **mooncake623** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:21 am

megatronus wrote:That's some tough decision making you've got to do.

Echoing what others have said, I think MP-11 Starscream is the way to go. If you weren't a Screamer fan, it would be more 50/50, but your devotion to the character puts it over the edge, I think. The reissue is glorious, and worth it.

Also, why Takara Metroplex? I think the choice would be much harder if you were choosing between MP-11 and the ACG-Con Metroplex that BBTS has on sale for $200. I have the Hasbro & Takara versions of Metroplex already, but will probably (more like definitely) pick up either the ACG or SDCC version at some point. Why? It's not the 2 guns. It's not the decoys. It's not the combination of dark grey Hasbro-deco legs & nice Takara-deco chrome. It's the BEAUTIFUL BOX:

As I said, this thing is on sale right now at BBTS... once it hits clearance designation, it's going to be bought HARD (by me).

That box is beautiful! so is the Transformer GI Joe crossover box from 2013. I brought it and I decided I don't need anything from it so I'm selling everything besides the box =X Love these exclusive boxes... :grin:

News Credits: 119 · by **megatronus** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:42 am

mooncake623 wrote:That box is beautiful! so is the Transformer GI Joe crossover box from 2013. I brought it and I decided I don't need anything from it so I'm selling everything besides the box =X Love these exclusive boxes...

LOL! The SDCC boxes are just so display worthy/oriented. I probably wouldn't even remove Metroplex from the box...

News Credits: 251 · by **Mindmaster** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:56 am

Right, do the general consensus is Starscream. Rad! :DANCE:

And megs (can I call you that?), the reason I'd prefer Takara's Metroplex over Hasbro's is because, as I mentioned before (I think), the price for Hasbro's and Takara's over at BBTS is a mere difference of $10. If I'd go big with Metroplex, then paying an extra $10 for a snazzy deco and a second weapon is totes worth it.

News Credits: 650 · by **ScottyP** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:05 am

-Kanrabat- wrote:Personally, I have no reasons to ever want a 200$ MP-11 Starscream because... well... Look below.

However, if I had'nt TWO original MP Screamers, I'd be all over the MP-11 retool. If you don't own any of the original, go for it.

You may have heard this before, but MP-11 is well worth it even if you have the original twice over. It's a massive improvement.

by **SJ21** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:10 am

Starscream.

News Credits: 119 · by **megatronus** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:20 am

Mindmaster wrote:Right, do the general consensus is Starscream. Rad!

And megs (can I call you that?), the reason I'd prefer Takara's Metroplex over Hasbro's is because, as I mentioned before (I think), the price for Hasbro's and Takara's over at BBTS is a mere difference of $10. If I'd go big with Metroplex, then paying an extra $10 for a snazzy deco and a second weapon is totes worth it.

Pay me right, and you can call me whatever you want, sugarplum.

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

The question isn't Takara vs. Hasbro, it's Takara vs. ACG/SDCC. BBTS has a used Takara Metroplex for $160, but a new one would put you back $170. Now, you might be the type of person that disposes of boxes, in which case, the convention exclusive version may not be for you. But for an extra $30 over Takara 'Plex, you get that beautifully epic box, as well as the additional 'gated' display option once you take him out of the box. =P~

News Credits: 241 · by **Jelze Bunnycat** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:43 am

Like my vote counts, but I'd have gone for Metroplex and Depth Charge. I don't collect Masterpieces (for shame!), Metroplex is on the list and the Terradive mold was made for Depth Charge. Eh, your rules, your money

News Credits: 10 · by **gavinfuzzy** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:44 am

If you already own the G1 coloured MP-03, I'd say go with metroplex.

Else, go with Mp-11.

MP-11 is a great toy, and a great starscream piece. However, if you own the previous version, there is something just as appealing as a huge citybot.

News Credits: 4838 · by **william-james88** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 3:13 pm

If this would be your first MP Starscream or MP seeker, than that is the better option. IMO of course

News Credits: 100 · by **-Kanrabat-** » Wed Apr 30, 2014 4:49 pm

ScottyP wrote:
-Kanrabat- wrote:Personally, I have no reasons to ever want a 200$ MP-11 Starscream because... well... Look below.

However, if I had'nt TWO original MP Screamers, I'd be all over the MP-11 retool. If you don't own any of the original, go for it.

You may have heard this before, but MP-11 is well worth it even if you have the original twice over. It's a massive improvement.

Honestly, I'd REALLY love to have MP-11. I would keep my MP-03 Ghost, for sure. However, should I sell my original G1 colored MP-03? I'll have to free the spot in my MP Screamers display cubicle and MP-11 is expansive as hell. I'd like to pay at least half the cost of MP-11 using the money of my old MP-03. Is that possible?