The Energon Pub

Takara has revealed a new Masterpiece Optimus Prime through a post on X. This Optimus Prime is their take on what the Masterpiece version of a current generations Optimus Prime would be. Now that gets confusing and disorienting since the generations toys, especially the SS86 ones, have been becoming mini masterpiece toys, being more and more faithful to the G1 cartoon. But Takara is going the other way, with basically seeing the Earthrise Optimus Prime toy as its own design, independent of G1 and giving it the Masterpiece treatment.

While the details don't line up perfectly, there are a lot of cues to that Earthrise figure, especially with the accessories and how they interact with ports on the body, something we don't see in Masterpiece figures. There's also cues to Convoy's Diaclone self with the shoulder cannon and there's a reference to Bayverse with the arm blades.

Preorders go up April 4th in Japan. You can check out the images of this new toy below.

If the thing isn't a bitch to transform, I'm interested. But I think I'll most likely wait for the inevitable Nemesis repaint.

Wow, a perfect example of a new toy I'd have no interest in, if not for all the accessories.

Has another Op ever come with both a G1 pure energy axe and a more WFC/Animated-ish largely metal axe?

Nice, should this become a subline of the Masterpiece one, maybe we'll see more detailed figures than most recent entries in the future. Although Megatron will probably come as a tank.

Takara... You got the touch... you got the power... to make people buy the same guy 4 times.

Also, there's something off about him... he looks very IDW-ey. The cab looks bit elongated.

I've skipped every MP Prime thus far, not seeing anything here making me want to spend 300 bucks.


Also, why does he have a Siege axe and RotB blades?

Overcracker wrote:Also, why does he have a Siege axe and RotB blades?

Why not?

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Overcracker wrote:Also, why does he have a Siege axe and RotB blades?

Why not?

Not saying he can't or should not have them, just curious why those particular accessories?

Why not say, RotF Hooks and CW engine guns?

What is the reasoning for them?

Or is it just because the look like cool accessories.

Overcracker wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Overcracker wrote:Also, why does he have a Siege axe and RotB blades?

Why not?

Not saying he can't or should not have them, just curious why those particular accessories?

Why not say, RotF Hooks and CW engine guns?

What is the reasoning for them?

Or is it just because the look like cool accessories.

I think "why not" is the only reason, really.

And it would be a cool idea to have an upgrade kit that would give him all of the weapons of all the "G1-ish" versions of Optimus. Including the smokestacks & roof-wind-guard guns from the Classic version!

angtre wrote:Nice, should this become a subline of the Masterpiece one, maybe we'll see more detailed figures than most recent entries in the future. Although Megatron will probably come as a tank.

Probably, but since this is a Japanese release it really can be anything they want it to be. Could even be a Triple Changer with both a tank and a gun mode, doesn't seem like anything is off limits since this is looking like the Transformers equivalent to the Diaclone line reimagining the original toys.

I'll probably end up buying this since it's Prime, but I don't know if I'm all in on yet another MP scale made to blend in with Generations scale when there's good enough Generations versions already. Do I really need an MPG Rodimus Prime when Commander class Rodimus is good enough and as unique? We'll see. Since Takara Tomy makes their non-Generations figures in China it's going to really come down to what Hasbro charges more than ever. Then there's the increase in shipping prices that I'm really feeling.

Emerje

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Overcracker wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Overcracker wrote:Also, why does he have a Siege axe and RotB blades?

Why not?

Not saying he can't or should not have them, just curious why those particular accessories?

Why not say, RotF Hooks and CW engine guns?

What is the reasoning for them?

Or is it just because the look like cool accessories.

I think "why not" is the only reason, really.

And it would be a cool idea to have an upgrade kit that would give him all of the weapons of all the "G1-ish" versions of Optimus. Including the smokestacks & roof-wind-guard guns from the Classic version!

Was thinking exactly that. The Wind vane and folding smokestack gun from that would have been cool too.

Bigger departure than I would have expected from the last decade of design direction for MP. Looks like it was designed for another line like AMT or something, then shoved into MPG? I like it. Don't love it, just like it. Certainly more interesting of a take than I expected for Convoy 4.0.

I'm curious as to what the scale is for this one. Is it MP-10/MP-44 sized? Or is it MP-60 sized? Or something else entirely?

djross2000 wrote:I'm curious as to what the scale is for this one. Is it MP-10/MP-44 sized? Or is it MP-60 sized? Or something else entirely?

A valid question because MP Ginrai is Generations scale.

djross2000 wrote:I'm curious as to what the scale is for this one. Is it MP-10/MP-44 sized? Or is it MP-60 sized? Or something else entirely?

If you use the 5mm port on this Prime's arm as a unit of measurement, this MPG-17 Optimus Prime is about 240mm tall which is about 9.5 inches. So it should be about the same size as MP-10.

You know what I actually want to see from this, now that I've had some time to let the design stew? Diaclone reboot material and build quality. I can only speak for Battle Convoy and the Gridman stuff, but it's on another level of precision and nicety that's well beyond any of my TF stuff from the past decade. Well, except for maybe AMT Rodimus. That quality level would be fine too.

I don't think most TF collectors would like the price that would come along with though, so it probably won't happen.

Pre-orders have begun for MPG-17 Optimus Prime Style Generation and it may not be the figure that many of us thought it was. The use of "Generation" in the name of this new ongoing aesthetic series makes it sound like the figure would be at the Generations scale like MPG-09 Super Ginrai, but it turns out that's not the case. Store listings are placing Prime at 245mm putting him closer in line with MP-10 and MP-44. Just when we think we have the MPG line figured out Takara Tomy finds new ways to make us question everything all over again.

As for the figure itself it promises to be a new combination of style and enjoyable transformation and fans will enjoy playing with. He also includes a small arsenal of weapons and a clear mount that allows him to carry most of his weapons on him in both modes. He's scheduled to be released in January 2026 in Japan and around March 2026 in the US. The price is going to be contentious, sitting at 24,200 JPY (currently about $165 USD) MSRP in Japan, though Japanese retailers have it considerably lower. For the US price Hasbro has it listed on Pulse for $175, but other popular US retailers are pricing him for as much as $200. Despite that, fans from the US buying from Japan may find that the cost of tariffs and higher shipping prices will likely be paying more than Hasbro's prices even with those Japanese retail discounts.

Details are as follows:

Bring the ultimate Transformers experience to your collection with Takara Tomy Transformers MPG-17 Optimus Prime Style Generation figure. This collectible Transformers action figure for adults features deco, details, and design elements that fans from every phase of the Transformers universe will love. Figure structure allows for easier conversion and freedom of movement for more dynamic poses. This premium Optimus Prime figure includes iconic accessories and comes in its original packaging with Japanese-language instructions.

• TRANSFORMERS OPTIMUS PRIME STYLE GEN: This premium Optimus Prime Transformers collectible figure features deco and details from across the Transformers universe. The ultimate Optimus Prime action figure for fans
• ICONIC CONVERSION FROM BOT TO TRUCK: Updated design for more intuitive conversion. Double rear tires make for a realistic vehicle mode and allow for complete conversion to robot mode with no extra parts
• PREMIUM ACCESSORIES: Comes with accessories inspired by scenes from across Transformers entertainment, including an Energon axe, a laser rifle, 2 Energon blades, Matrix of Leadership, and more
• HIGH ARTICULATION FOR DYNAMIC POSES: Transformers figure is fully jointed and highly articulated, allowing for intricate poseability in action poses
• ORIGINAL PACKAGING AND INSTRUCTIONS: This Transformers action figure comes with original packaging and Japanese-language instructions
• CHARACTER CARD: Comes with a Japanese-language character card

Will you be adding this new version of Optimus Prime to your collection or are you finding the price prohibitive? Let us know in the Energon Pub forums!

That Optimus is cool and all, but unless it's a random repaint à la DK-Guard, a new MP mold should be based on something represented in some media. A MP cannot be an OC, something that Optimus kinda is.

I would have much rather have a Masterpiece Bludgeon complete with pretender shell than this.

If I do get this, I am gonna wait to see if we get some sort of cool odd repaint. Love the swords and siege axe

So tempted.

Hobbysearch have it at a great price, 19800JPY. Even when factoring taxes and shipping, it will be cheaper than buying it from Age 3 & Up, or Pulse.

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/11188241

I don't LOVE this but I don't hate it. I haven't gotten an OP since MP-1. All I want is an MP-44 without the trailer. Not an MP-44S, just a regular ass MP-44. This might do the trick.

Syclone wrote:I don't LOVE this but I don't hate it. I haven't gotten an OP since MP-1. All I want is an MP-44 without the trailer. Not an MP-44S, just a regular ass MP-44. This might do the trick.

This will not do it. Both molds are completely different beasts. MP-44(s) is for cartoon accuracy, while this new MPG is like a "super toy." If you want cartoon accuracy, get the MP-44S or it's K.O equivalent. If you want awesome, go for MPG.

Still, you should have gotten a MP-10 since a long while. This Optimus was the best for almost a decade. You should try go get one. Maybe one of the random special repaint?

This is, what the 5th iteration of Masterpiece Optimus/Convoy? Here I am still waiting for Jazz.

He is on display at this week's Shizuoka Hobby Show (Japan).

Back after a very long hiatus… but I was torn about this new Masterpiece Optimus as we recently got one. This IMO is an MP-10 2.0.