The Energon Pub

[transformers_va]

The pop-up headlights are a very nice touch - looking forward to having this guy on display.

[william-james88]

I actually really like the cw version, foremost for the head (actually all the figures in wave 4 had crisp, gorgeous headsculpts, come to think about it)

I dont feel Ironhide did.

[Deathsanras]

Looks better than Sunsurge and Spinout in every way.
I had hoped they'd figure out something for the chest, but if TakaraTomy can't figure out how to do it, I guess it can't be done. Turning the roof inside out is a nice touch/way to do it, instead of wholesale new parts.
Lesson learned: never bother with 3P. TakaraTomy does it better every time. Shockwave, Megatron, Coneheads, Ratchet/Ironhide, Grapple/Inferno, Ultra Magnus, Bumblebee...
Looking forward to the red and police versions, especially how they're integrated into the G1 roster (per LoudPedal, Delta Magnus, Exhaust).

[Kurona]

snip snip translation snip snip

Article edited to include the interview, thank you

I'm excited to hear that they're still doing Beast Wars MPs and that they're alternating between those and G1. Also interesting to hear that while due to proportions they couldn't actually make the roof the chest, they done the next best thing and integrated some of the roof into the chest.

[SW's SilverHammer]

Damn Mp sunstreaker is on of the prettiest masterpieces in awhile. Though i really want to see how it looks in red.

[william-james88]

There are situations where a part needs to transform 3 times in a certain direction, the parts count as a result is overwealming compared to were we started off with Lambor and the others.
This is amazing as I've been able to articulate Sunstreakers ankles in such a way where he can balance on one foot. This will not be limited to Sunstreaker, I plan to design more Masterpieces to posses this ability.

I am not a fan of this part. I really like Lambor and Wheeljack because the transformation was complex but clean and while he had many moving parts, there was still a chunky feeling to it, especially in the upper torso. It gives him a real solid took too, same with Wheeljack. I would take that over having to fold a panel in 3 different ways to improve articulation. There are som parts of sunstreaker that end up looking like a mess here (the back pack, and the inner legs). there is a definite sacrifice being made here, and it seems to be for articulation's sake, which I dont really care for. I never felt MP Wheeljack or Lambor lacked in articulation.

Looks better than Sunsurge and Spinout in every way.
I had hoped they'd figure out something for the chest, but if TakaraTomy can't figure out how to do it, it can't be done.

As the interview says, the chest still being made up of the roof, only inside out and I find that is very comforting. So only the windshield would be fake, which I am ok with. Kinda like how MP 10's grill is fake which is fine since they look so diferent in both modes.

[wilcosu35]

And another instant buy for me

[Cyberpath]

I am not a fan of this part. I really like Lambor and Wheeljack because the transformation was complex but clean and while he had many moving parts, there was still a chunky feeling to it, especially in the upper torso. It gives him a real solid took too, same with Wheeljack. I would take that over having to fold a panel in 3 different ways to improve articulation. There are som parts of sunstreaker that end up looking like a mess here (the back pack, and the inner legs). there is a definite sacrifice being made here, and it seems to be for articulation's sake, which I dont really care for. I never felt MP Wheeljack or Lambor lacked in articulation.

Always felt like Sideswipe could have used forward ankle-tilts and back head-tilt.

And now that we have official Takara stands, a port.




It's amazing how they were able to create a very poseable cartoon-accurate robot-mode for Sunstreaker and at the same time pull-off an accurate Lamborghini mode with doors, hood and headlights. All in one toy. Transformers are awesome.

[galvatron00]

It's amazing how they were able to create a very poseable cartoon-accurate robot-mode for Sunstreaker and at the same time pull-off an accurate Lamborghini mode with doors, hood and headlights. All in one toy. Transformers are awesome.

They went for it with both modes, and visually, it looks amazing! I'm really excited for this guy and the potential for Jazz in the future now!

[Desslok2201]

That interview was really exactly what I wanted to hear. I was at one time worried that the BW MPs would take over and squeeze out the G1, but if they are going to do both and alternate releases, terrific. Bringing more people onboard the MP train will keep it going longer, and it has the bonus of giving my wallet a break. I also love that they are going to keep filling out the season 1-2 roster, and can't wait to see more minibots. From this article and other recent news, I'd say we now know the next 5 MPs- Sunstreaker Red, Police Type, Hoist, Trailbreaker and Dinobot. Sounds like a good lineup

[Kurona]

I'm confused; did I skip over a bit in the article? Why's everyone thinking Trailbreaker/Hoist will be next; is it just because of the whole "Season 1 Autobot Cars focus" thing? In that case why not Jazz, Mirage or another Minibot?
And... why Hoist first instead of Trailbreaker?

[william-james88]

I'm confused; did I skip over a bit in the article? Why's everyone thinking Trailbreaker/Hoist will be next; is it just because of the whole "Season 1 Autobot Cars focus" thing? In that case why not Jazz, Mirage or another Minibot?
And... why Hoist first instead of Trailbreaker?

Please tell us as much as you can on the Future of Masterpiece?


Beast Wars & G1 are being released alternately since both parties are in different purchasing demographics seperated by age and so on. The release pattern has been thanks to you. We have managed to capture the age that was playing at the time of the show being broadcast and would like to keep the fever of waiting away by releasing more Beast Wars.
I want to distinguish between the 4x4 designs of Hoist and Trailbreaker in the meantime for the G1 fans, which will be troublesome.

[Kurona]

I'm an idiot >_>

Still, doesn't necessarily means they're next; just that that part of the process is being worked on and it's a specific one they decided to bring up.

[Desslok2201]

Hoist and Trailbreaker are specifically mentioned, in a "here's what I'm working on now" context. And as far as I knew, seasons 1&2 were essentially released at the same time in Japan, so they wouldn't necessarily think of Trailbreaker first.

[william-james88]

I'm an idiot >_>

Still, doesn't necessarily means they're next; just that that part of the process is being worked on and it's a specific one they decided to bring up.

Sure, but since its the only specifically mentioned ones, its what fans have grabbed on to, understandably so.

[Desslok2201]

I'm an idiot >_>

Still, doesn't necessarily means they're next; just that that part of the process is being worked on and it's a specific one they decided to bring up.

That may be, but as Jazz was never mentioned, I'd put money on Hoist/Trailbreaker first.

[Deathsanras]

can't wait to see more minibots.

And the thing with the Minibots is that Gears, Brawn and Huffer didn't have legitimate vehicle models. So, only Cliffjumper and Windcharger are limited by licensing.
And if they're really doing S1+S2, then there's also Seaspray, Powerglide, Warpath, Beachcomber and Cosmos to do.

[Desslok2201]

I'm good with all of them. I'm not a Bumblebee fan, but his MP transformation is awesome. I'd love to see what they could do with Huffer

[Sabrblade]

Yeah, that makes more sense. Although, given takaras recent track record, I do believe that they will have alternate head options with this figure.

Inferno and Grapple had alternate head accessories because they each had two different head designs in the cartoon. Sunstreaker only have one head design in the show, so his MP gets multiple faces instead.

[Kurona]

I think much like Tracks with Loud Pedal, we'll get the toy-accurate head on the eventual Diaclone repaint.

[Sabrblade]

It would be amazing if a red Sunstreaker MP reflected the OMAM character of Spin-Out, right down to his being an Autobot cook "fuel preparation specialist" COOK!

[Wolfman Jake]

He looks pretty good, but I worry that next to his less ridiculously cartoon accurate brother Sideswipe he'll look slightly off. Also, the buttflap is a bit of a shame (though I hear that's a sacrifice that had to be made to get Lamborghini to not get their panties in a bunch).

Lamborghini wanted the butt flap? Why would that be so? I never pegged them for a bunch of prudes. "No robo-butt will show on any of our licensed products!"

[Evil Eye]

He looks pretty good, but I worry that next to his less ridiculously cartoon accurate brother Sideswipe he'll look slightly off. Also, the buttflap is a bit of a shame (though I hear that's a sacrifice that had to be made to get Lamborghini to not get their panties in a bunch).

Lamborghini wanted the butt flap? Why would that be so? I never pegged them for a bunch of prudes. "No robo-butt will show on any of our licensed products!"

Lambo are VERY anal about how their cars are depicted- I think they had an issue with the hood having a split for transformation. The buttflap covers that up in car mode.

[Wolfman Jake]

He looks pretty good, but I worry that next to his less ridiculously cartoon accurate brother Sideswipe he'll look slightly off. Also, the buttflap is a bit of a shame (though I hear that's a sacrifice that had to be made to get Lamborghini to not get their panties in a bunch).

Lamborghini wanted the butt flap? Why would that be so? I never pegged them for a bunch of prudes. "No robo-butt will show on any of our licensed products!"

Lambo are VERY anal about how their cars are depicted- I think they had an issue with the hood having a split for transformation. The buttflap covers that up in car mode.

Oh, I see it now. The front hood of the car is pushed up into the backpack in robot mode, but not all the way up, unfortunately, leaving a little "flap" in the form of the top of the hood, nearest the windshield, sticking out below. At least it's not too visible from the front of the robot mode.

Any idea yet on the yellow spoiler? Do the spoilers become the inside of the lower legs in robot mode? If so, I guess that's a reason why the spoiler isn't chromed, though it would have been fine with me if they were, as it would have emulated the sticker detail from the G1 toy. Yes, I know the aim now is for cartoon accuracy, but I'm sure many fans would let that go and appreciate the reasons why it was done and why it doesn't really "detract" from the look of a "Masterpiece" version of Sunstreaker either.

[Cobotron]

I'm gonna chime in as a part of the toy accuracy crowd, Like Diem said "freedom of speech" and junk.
Believe it or not, and while vastly out numbered, there are many fans who's nostalgia lays solely with the toys. I am one of the few. I had Mirage and Bluestreak before I ever saw the show, and even at 9 years old when I saw the show, I was sourly disappointed at what I saw. It didn't stop a 30 + year love affair with these robots and their design. I don't have the same affair with Shogun Warriors, or Gundam, or any of the other Japanese robot toys I've dabbled in over that time.

When I held MP Silverstreak in my hands for the first time it had an effect on me I'd never felt before. My favorite robot toy of all time given to me in the most beautifully updated package beyond what I could of imagined. I was hooked. Yes it pulled some cues from the cartoon, but his design was 90% toy. His form, his engineering, it was wonderful.

Japan is a culture steeped in tradition. Tradition permeates everything they do. Their social behavior, business, and even art. I consider robot design to be art and they do too. When the MP line started, it was paying homage to the years of design and the designers that came before them. Why would they suddenly decide to pay homage to designs that are dumbed down simplifications of a mastered form? IF I designed the first Diaclone car Robots and saw those cartoon models I would have been nothing short of insulted.
Well the only answer I can think of is because there is a huge audience for it. And that proof is in the pudding. They wouldn't be doing it if there wasn't a demand.

Earlier today I was rapping with itscramtastic elsewhere, and I stated I'm done with MPs and their uber toon direction, but I've thought more about it since then. I'm not done, I'm just going to be more selective. Here's why...

I think much like Tracks with Loud Pedal, we'll get the toy-accurate head on the eventual Diaclone repaint.

Takara is obviously headed down the cartoon accuracy path, but they know there are the fans out there who go for the toy accuracy, and the Diaclone homages, and with every release we see re-issues that cater to these fans. Loud Pedal's Head. Art Fire's Decals. Primal's second release (can never remember all the fine print and titles slapped on that guy). Clamp Down. Exhaust. And on and on. I am 100% sure Takara will do a release of Megatron that is toy accuracy heavy. That's the one I will buy.

Everything about Suntreaker looks great to me. Except his head. And to me a Transformers head is the ultimate pinnacle in what makes a Transformer a Transformer. It's the designs signature. It's where all the tradition lives. Sooooooo.... Give me the Diaclone Patrol Car deco with a toy accurate head, and I will eat that **** up until I can't eat another bite.
But sadly, there will be no Sunstreaker in my collection. Which sucks. Because I like Sunstreaker.

The good news is, there is and will be something out there for every fan and what ever angle their nostalgia takes.

In Seibertron's defense, I sympathize with him. He has an obligation to his business, the website, and us, the fans to buy this toy he doesn't like and take wonderful photos of it for the world's enjoyment. I'd be upset too. MPs aren't cheap! Thanks for taking another one for the team Ryan. You're a real sport and we love you for it!

End Editorial.

And...
You guys left out one the best Streaker head sculpts of the last several years!
This one!

Q-Transformers Sunstreaker Gallery
Even this cutsie cartoony design got his head just right. Down to the awesome wing/fin/horn thing-a-ma-jings.