The Energon Pub

So, we are quite a ways in to the new "Masterpiece" standard, starting with MP-10 as the scale reference point (at least for robot modes). I think it's safe to say that the Masterpiece line has found its stride, and we won't be making any drastic scale changes again any time soon. So, where does that leave a few of the characters we got pre-MP-10? Namely, Grimlock, Hot Rod, and Megatron. Do we know what Takara's stance is on these older Masterpiece figures? Are they considered to be compatible with the new MP-10 standard? Megatron probably isn't, as he would tower over Prime, but Grimlock seems to be about the right size in terms of robot mode when compared to MP-10. I can't say much for Hot Rod or Rodimus as I don't have that MP figure (yet). Do you think Takara will give any of these earlier characters a "redo" like Optimus Prime and the seekers, or do they consider the book closed on them as far as "Masterpiece" representation goes?

I own only MP-01, MP-08, MP-09, and the YoTH version of MP-10. So I can't comment regarding the MP figures following MP-10. However, as far as MP-05, MP-08 and MP-09 are concerned, I think Megatron and Rodimus need to be redone. Grimlock is perfect as he is. If there were changes, the only one I would make is make him larger, perhaps the size of MP-22. Grimlock was bigger than Prime in robot mode, in both the comic and the cartoon, and a T-Rex is pretty damn big, according to archaeologists. I like my MP Rodimus, I own both the Takara and TRU versions. But I wouldn't mind a figure that transforms a little easier. I never had Megatron, not even just in hand, but I heard some horror stories.

Wolfman Jake wrote:Do we know what Takara's stance is on these older Masterpiece figures? Are they considered to be compatible with the new MP-10 standard?

I would say they aren't compatible. Notice that they are kept separate on Takara's website:

Old MP -- http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/products ... piece.html

MP Take Ⅱ -- http://tf.takaratomy.co.jp/toy/search/masterpiece/

As for whether or not they will redo Megatron, Grimlock and Hot Rod/imus Prime.. only Takara knows. :\ (Even if a new Megatron seems like a no-brainer.)

I agree that a new Megatron and Hot Rod are in order. Grimlock is still passable. At least he's not smaller than Prime now. I can live with equal stature for MP-8 and MP-10. MP-5 Megatron is too fragile, and too toy-inspired with his proportions. MP-9 Hot Rod/imus Prime just needs a total redesign. As I understand it, it was a very fragile figure due to design flaws. It would be great, however, to have an official statement from Takara. They don't have to give us a release schedule or anything, but to know that these characters are in the pipeline for a redo at some point would be helpful. I understand, though, that they might not do so until they are sure they are finished squeezing out every last cent from reusing these older, flawed molds.

Well, there is proof that Takara and Hasbro are trying to integrate most of these previous releases with the reboot. Firstly, you have this pic on MP 10. While I dont think it works, this definitely tells me that Takara is proud of this scale and that it cements Rodimus Prime as being part of the line (MP Rodimus Prime, not necessarily HotRod, who would be smaller). (and check out this news story from way way back: http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/first-images-of-takara-transformers-masterpiece-mp10-optimus-prime/21561/)



Then you have the new Hasbro MP numbering. Grimlock is MP 03. I found that odd at first, since he is MP 08. But Hasbro is trying to come up with their own update MP numbering and having Grimlock as MP 03 means that this is your definitive MP Grimlock and that he fits with the rest (and I feel he does, in robot mode at least).



MP 05 is the odd man out and MP 02 is technically obsolete.

However, this shot shows that you could use MP 05 with the modern ones:


Transformers Masterpiece Optimus Prime (MP-10) (Convoy) Gallery

I wouldn't hold my breath for another Rodimus Prime. Scales good enough with the MP-10 and later figures.

Grimlock is a tiny, teeny, nit-picky bit small now, but overall still works very well. The seekers got their update but the original MP seeker mold can clearly be put in place with the more recent MPs. Megatron, yes, needs an update and badly.

It's too bad Ironhide looks like such a stinker, there's been such great momentum from Takara Tomy on this for the past few years and it looks like the winning streak is set to end there.

Also, PSA, Takara releases before MP-10 are numbered MP-1, MP-2, MP-3, and so on. Hasbro releases starting with MP Acid Storm are MP-01, MP-02, and so on. This is a nifty shortcut for distinguishing them from each other, even though we only have MP-08 and MP-09 (whatever Hasbro makes those) until that outlives its go-forward usefulness.

william-james88 wrote:Well, there is proof that Takara and Hasbro are trying to integrate most of these previous releases with the reboot. Firstly, you have this pic on MP 10. While I dont think it works, this definitely tells me that Takara is proud of this scale and that it cements Rodimus Prime as being part of the line (MP Rodimus Prime, not necessarily HotRod, who would be smaller). (and check out this news story from way way back: http://www.seibertron.com/transformers/news/first-images-of-takara-transformers-masterpiece-mp10-optimus-prime/21561/)



Then you have the new Hasbro MP numbering. Grimlock is MP 03. I found that odd at first, since he is MP 08. But Hasbro is trying to come up with their own update MP numbering and having Grimlock as MP 03 means that this is your definitive MP Grimlock and that he fits with the rest (and I feel he does, in robot mode at least).



MP 05 is the odd man out and MP 02 is technically obsolete.

However, this shot shows that you could use MP 05 with the modern ones:


Transformers Masterpiece Optimus Prime (MP-10) (Convoy) Gallery

That shot of Prime vs Megatron gives me the TFA feel. Megs being the foreboding nigh invincible baddy.