Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found
here.
Top 5 Megatron toysUnlike
Optimus, Megatron has not had a consistent alt mode or look. While that has lead to various interpretations, which were usually standouts of any particular line, they were all beautifully flawed at the same time. Many, including today's picks, miss the mark by just a little to be the sublime toy they all have the potential to be. It was hard for the Seibertron team to come up with a list and in a way, we ended up with the bottom five of a top ten list and realized there never was a perfect Megatron toy. So, while each toy will have a blurb from me or another member of Seibertron, it shall also have a one line statement detailing the flaw that makes it just miss the mark. Any toy labeled as Megatron was eligible for this list. Also, while we had to rank them, these can pretty much occupy any spot on the list.
5. Transformers G1 1984 MegatronThis is easily one of the most complex G1 toys out there and the alt mode is just perfect. So perfect that it is not allowed for Hasbro to reissue in fear that the authorities might mistaken it for a real gun and act accordingly. I ordered mine from Japan and it was held up in customs longer than any other item I ever imported and it is the only item I know for a fact was opened thanks to the government's reseal sticker proudly displayed on the packaging. The greatness in the alt mode doesn't end with its looks but it is modular too. You can add a scope, a silencer and a stock to recreate the look of the Walther pistol used in the 60's show, The Man From U.N.C.L.E. The Japanese version could also fire pellets. The fun doesn't end there. After one of the most satisfying transformations of the G1 era, you can use these extra add on pieces to build a battle station for your robot. And even though these are just the accessories, the Japanese version still found a way to make that station fire pellets. There is just a bunch of playability here (you can even accommodate smaller figures to sit in the battle station and man it) and the solid G1 die cast just feels great when handling the toy. With no exaggeration, this G1 toy is even better than the Masterpiece version since it accomplishes a perfect alt mode while still providing a solid and intuitive stress free transformation and a robot that is not flimsy in the least and can stand on his own two feet. - William-James88
The Flaw: The robot mode is problematic, with it's lack of decent proportions and articulation. It also does not look too much like the show model and has some parts placed in inappropriate places.
4. Transformers Robots In Disguise Megatron (Gigatron)The RID figure has made its mark on the fandom so indelibly that it came back in the IDW comics as a 'new' character, is still being messed around with in terms of the multiple modes and what it can and cannot do, and is pretty much its own thing. Always. - Va'al
In my opinion one of the best transforming toys of all time. Yes, not all his modes are very good, but the double-headed dragon mode and the goddamn claw mode are all you really ever need. And the robot mode is BEAUTIFUL, not to mention poseable. - Delta Magnus
The Flaw: none of the modes seem to be his definitive alt mode and some of the alt modes are just ridiculous and differ very little from one to the other (Griffin and One Headed Dragon for instance).
3. Transformers Animated Leader MegatronOh Baby now this really encompasses the beauty of the entire Transformers Animated line. This figure replicates the animated style of a sleek yet powerful looking robot with minimal kibble in both distinct modes while still providing a simple and intuitive transformation. It is also a love letter to Megatrons of the past (G1 and
Super Megatron for instance) while also being his own new take on the character. Finally, I love how Hasbro took advantage of having Megatron be one of the only two leader class molds of the line to truly convey his presence and imposing stature in the show. - William-James88
The Flaw: Partforming replaces what could have been a more complex transformation and his ratcheted thighs make it impossible to give him the perfect standing pose.
2. Transformers Beast Wars Transmetal 2 Megatron (Dragon Megatron) GalleryAll Beast Wars Megatron toys are awesome in their own way (
until one of them breaks of course) and it seemed like the designers kept upping their stakes with every iteration. First he was a gorgeous purple Tyrannosaurus and gave the robot a tyrannosaurus head and tail for hands. Then they made that Tyrannosaurus metallic, Mecha Godzilla style and freed up his hands. And finally, when the character turned into a prophetic agent of Satan, they switched the Tyrannosaurus for a glorious Red Dragon of ancient myth and realized their folly of freeing up both his hands and instead made one of his hands the head of a fire breathing dragon! This toy has it all: you can puppeteer the head of the dragon and it's segmented scale neck, he can shoot fire missiles from his mouth, you can flap his gorgeous asymmetrical wings and lock them when spread out, the Transformation is unique and as complex as any beat former since, plus the robot has a spark chamber which has a pilot seat for his spark and, lastly, you can give the dragon roller skates. - William-James88
The Flaw: There is some awkwardness to his robot mode, like that giant tail attached to the back of his head. He also has a few breakage points though nothing as bad as the Hasbro Transmetal Megatron.
1. Transformers Henkei and Classics MegatronClassics is the closest that most collectors had to get an updated version of a gun Megatron, both in funky funky colours and toned down deco, with added NERF resemblance (never a bad thing). - Va'al
Technically, there is no better modernized version of a gun Megatron out there. The proportions are great here and he scales perfectly with his deluxe underlings. Plus, he has an impressive transformation making him the perfect example of how to do a
shellformer correctly. I understand that the deco can be problematic, even if it could be interpreted as an
homage to the Megatron Action Master figure. However, Takara comes to the rescue here by giving you not one but two awsome deco choices. You can either have him in his standard G1 deco or go full updated neo G1 style with black and orange highlights.- William-James88
The Flaw: that right fist, which has no articulation, ends up looking very awkward when his cannon is pointed.
Honorable mentions: Beast Wars Megatron, Generations Leader, Generations War of Cybertron, DOTM Voyager, Armada, Energon and RTS Legion.