The Energon Pub

by **Metal Monkey** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 8:37 pm

I couldn't find this question. I am sure it has been answered, but don't know.

What are the exact differences between the Masterpiece releases. Takara version, Universe Version(walmart exclusive?), and the repaints that are in the plastic packaging instead of the boxes like the Takara versions.

I know that the graphics are different on some of them. I would like to know the differences are for MP-01 to MP-08. I don't think they have variants for all of them, but I am unsure. I want to buy the best quality and most G1 accurate. For example..Takara Starcream is that greenish/blueish color...then they have the repaint, but is quality the same. Also is the plastic packaging good for repackaging or is it like the leader class movie ones? Thank you in advance.

News Credits: 3 · by **Kibble** » Fri Nov 20, 2009 9:05 pm

Someone might be willing to list out every last difference of every version, but I'll only give you a summary.

Optimus Prime:
Avoid DVD Optimus Prime. 20th Anniversary is okay, but has short smokestacks. Your best bet is just getting MP-04 with the trailer. I believe MP-01 is just MP-04 without the trailer.

Starscream:
Best bet is getting the Walmart one or the Takara USA Edition. It's G1 colors as opposed to the blue-ish one that is MP-03. The difference between the WM and Tak-USA is apparently some added "weathering" on the Tak-USA. IMO you should just look for whichever is the better deal between those two as they're very comparable otherwise.

Skywarp:
See this thread.
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=60591

News Credits: 11 · by **kirbenvost** » Sun Nov 22, 2009 1:04 am

MP-03's really more green than blue.

You know, you could always check Seibertron's galleries and see the differences for yourself.

by **Metal Monkey** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:35 am

Ya I have seen the "visual" differences for the most part. I got the Wal-mart Skywarp. I am happy with it. It does need some repaint though. The stripes are wrong. I am much happier with the MP Seeker mold than I thought I would be.

I know these differences with the Hasbro Skywarp vs the Takara:
1. The Hasbro one doesn't have the ugly alt face. It has SS's.
2. Eyes are yellow instead of Red.
3. Had purple tailfins and stripes already on it.
4. A dull black vs Glossy black
5. The Dr. Aklevill (Please excuse this if I am wrong) is all black instead of black with a white coat.
6. 40+ dollars cheaper.

I think that's all I noticed with SW.

Can someone tell me what version of Starscream is weathered? There is 4 Versions I have seen of SS.
1. Takara Blue/green color
2. Hasbro white<--universe MP?
3. Seeker ones made after a certain time that has the "pectorials" swapped?
4. Hasbro white weathered?<--Universe MP?

Also does anyone know a walmart that has Starscream? Will they be out for the Christmas season?
Thanks,
Metal

News Credits: 3 · by **Kibble** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:56 pm

Starscream was released a year or two ago...you won't find it in a retail store anymore. You'd probably have to get it online. I can't find conclusive info on the exact difference in the weathering, but from what I gather, the differences are relatively minor. I believe the two are very comparable...one isn't vastly superior to the other, if at all. And the chest intake issue was with Thundercracker, not Starscream

News Credits: 11 · by **kirbenvost** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 6:37 pm

Metal Monkey wrote:Can someone tell me what version of Starscream is weathered? There is 4 Versions I have seen of SS.
1. Takara Blue/green color
2. Hasbro white<--universe MP?
3. Seeker ones made after a certain time that has the "pectorials" swapped?
4. Hasbro white weathered?<--Universe MP?

Also does anyone know a walmart that has Starscream? Will they be out for the Christmas season?
Thanks,
Metal

Glad you like Skywarp. Unfortunately he's right about Starscream, they're no longer available at regular retail stores. You would have to look online, or if you have specialty collector shops in your area, there's a chance you could find one there.

As for the versions, there are only 3. The 4th 'non-weathered' version must have been a custom fan-made job, as it is possible to remove the weathering with enough care and effort.

MP-03 is the original green Takara release.

Next came Hasbro's Classics/Universe edition, classic Starscream colors/white with the weathering, and the pointed wing and tail tips were also dulled for this release, I believe.

Third was Takara's "US Edition" Masterpiece Starscream. Essentially the same as Hasbro's but with slight differences in the weathering and a sticker on the box denoting "US Edition". I'm not sure if it retains the sharper points of the original or not.