New Images for Takara MP-39 Masterpiece Sunstreaker Showing Transformation Scheme

Looking good.

I'm stoked it has the same head reveal as the generations figure. That figure had the perfect reveal with his head rising up from his chest and the ears popping out like rays of a rising sun.
Now we just need a 3rd party to make a way better head than this official version.

I like the look overall with the transformation and body in both modes, but I HATE the head sculpt. I lean towards more detailing in the Masterpiece series versus the 'cartoon' look. To me, the original toy had the best head for 'Streak by far. I never understood people wanting a cartoon look to a character. Animation back then was deliberately simplified to reduce time and money in the cells, but wasnt meant to be an exact image of each character. Masterpiece means just that....a masterpiece. The detailing should be crazy intricate in every aspect.

I don't have any of the G1 MPs, just Optimus Primal and Cheetor from BW, but I really, really like the look of Sunstreaker, also I had the episode "Hoist Goes Hollywood" on tape when I was a kid so that alien mask really takes me back.

The figure is looking good but I'm really missing the gun hand, yes I'm aware it wasn't in the cartoon.

Hoffrod wrote:I like the look overall with the transformation and body in both modes, but I HATE the head sculpt. I lean towards more detailing in the Masterpiece series versus the 'cartoon' look. To me, the original toy had the best head for 'Streak by far. I never understood people wanting a cartoon look to a character. Animation back then was deliberately simplified to reduce time and money in the cells, but wasnt meant to be an exact image of each character. Masterpiece means just that....a masterpiece. The detailing should be crazy intricate in every aspect.

100% agree!

I agree too. I want MP to look like real G1 Transformers. Sunstreaker looks like a cartoon. I can't stop seeing a 2D cartoon. Fun for Transformers Animated, but this is MP. Exact, beautiful realistic, off the screen to real life (but minature) G1 figure, not exact cartoon figure.

Hoffrod wrote:I like the look overall with the transformation and body in both modes, but I HATE the head sculpt. I lean towards more detailing in the Masterpiece series versus the 'cartoon' look. To me, the original toy had the best head for 'Streak by far. I never understood people wanting a cartoon look to a character. Animation back then was deliberately simplified to reduce time and money in the cells, but wasnt meant to be an exact image of each character. Masterpiece means just that....a masterpiece. The detailing should be crazy intricate in every aspect.

I agree with this whole heartedly. And what is odd is that they do exactly that... in car mode. So you have this gorgeous looking real life car with intricate details which of course ends up in several parts of the robot mode but then you have a deliberately cartoony head that just clashes with all the more detailed alt mode parts.

Do you expect them to release a different version with a less cartoony head in the future? Sideswipe got another release with more accurate colors, right? Which still looked like 80-90% the same.

TK415 wrote:Do you expect them to release a different version with a less cartoony head in the future? Sideswipe got another release with more accurate colors, right? Which still looked like 80-90% the same.

We've seen them go from a realistic version to a cartoon-ish repaint (Sideswipe, Red Alert), but not the other way around. Right now their only interest is either cartoon accuracy or G1 toy accuracy, but they seem to have lost interest in real-world accuracy some time ago.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

TK415 wrote:Do you expect them to release a different version with a less cartoony head in the future? Sideswipe got another release with more accurate colors, right? Which still looked like 80-90% the same.

We've seen them go from a realistic version to a cartoon-ish repaint (Sideswipe, Red Alert), but not the other way around. Right now their only interest is either cartoon accuracy or G1 toy accuracy, but they seem to have lost interest in real-world accuracy some time ago.

Emerje

But they do give us the option to have his alt mode be real world accurate, though I believe that had to be done inorder to get the licence. Just saying there is still some real world accuracy at play somewhere.

I think we are all on the same page. While I love that we DO have a cartoon accurate head, it's so different from the crisp, pointy, technical original design. If ANY figure gets released with an alternate face and head to make it toy accurate, it should be this one.

I mean, this IS the first transforming character ever designed. (per discussions and reveals at Botcon.) Sunstreaker truly deserves a masterpiece release that pays homage to the toy mode in addition to the toon model.

All that said, I think it's interesting how they included a street legal mode, but I know I'd never display like that. We have the yellow repaint of Sideswipe if we want a yellow Lambo. This is all about the super mode. Hoping that doesn't compromise the design too much.

MGrotusque wrote:Now we just need a 3rd party to make a way better head than this official version.

This is my 1 major gripe with the figure. I got Sideswipe now, and I kinda want to get Streaker at some point to go with his brother, but the head is just... cartoon accurate was really not the way to go this time around.

If it weren't for the head, I would consider placing a pre-order now. I'm gonna try to wait it out though, the brothers lambo need to unite

gothsaurus wrote:I mean, this IS the first transforming character ever designed. (per discussions and reveals at Botcon.)

Small caveat: first transforming real world vehicle ever designed. There were transforming toys before him, he's the first car to do it.

Emerje

Right. Thanks for the details. I'm hoping everyone here in the thread knew what I meant. Yeah, we're on the same page.

Now, just mere weeks before it's release, we finally have some in-packaging photos of MP-39 Sunstreaker! The pictures, coming from an account over on Weibo, show the traditional, high-quality box that most MP releases come in. The packaging also shows off his articulation, accessories, and scale compairisons, like normal. Something interesting to note (and something that's shown in the photos) is that his front-of-box pose is inspired by his classic G1 packaging, something we haven't really seen in Masterpiece releases. It will be fun to see if this is a running change with MP packaging! Check out the photos mirrored below, and then tell us in the Energon forum if you'll be picking this figure up!







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Yes, I’ll be having on of these thank you.

I'm bummed there is no alternate G1 toy head. Hope a 3p will chime in with one of those in case we want to swap out.

I guess I'm the minority, but I'm cool with them looking more like the cartoon.

Oh don't get me wrong. That's my preference, BUT some of the other Masterpieces they've included both options.

gothsaurus wrote:Oh don't get me wrong. That's my preference, BUT some of the other Masterpieces they've included both options.

In several of those more recent cases like Inferno, Grapple, and BW Convoy it was because those toy-based faces were also seen in the cartoons.

bigcee66 wrote:I guess I'm the minority, but I'm cool with them looking more like the cartoon.

The whole purpose of the Masterpiece series is to make cartoon-accurate Transformers. The only reason why most figures aren’t 100% cartoon-accurate is because it’s technically difficult to pull it off for some characters. MP’s arent intended to make “good-looking” Transformers but to make them as cartoon-accurate as possible. They make the vehicle modes real-life accurate because of licensing obligations. That’s why the non-licensed alt-modes are cartoon-accurate as well.

I know this. Known this since 2003 which is why I'm not understanding the hate. To make these figures look like the animated versions and I think it's a slap in the face to knock such a feat as it wasn't drawn to represent a true transforming robot but to simplify the appearance of said robot.

Ironhide was figure of the year last year and it looked fantastic. My one complaint with Sunstreaker is the lack of a gun hand.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Ironhide was figure of the year last year and it looked fantastic. My one complaint with Sunstreaker is the lack of a gun hand.

SS never showed his "pile driver"/missiles in the show so too bad.

gothsaurus wrote:Oh don't get me wrong. That's my preference, BUT some of the other Masterpieces they've included both options.

Was wondering about that too but his face design in the anime was nailed almost immediately. Just like Lambor and the rest of the gang. (WJ excluded)

The Fuso boys, had differing face designs so OCD Takara gave us a bone (Grimlock only had one differing during SOS Dinobots so an exception?)

fenrir72 wrote:

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Ironhide was figure of the year last year and it looked fantastic. My one complaint with Sunstreaker is the lack of a gun hand.

SS never showed his "pile driver"/missiles in the show so too bad.

gothsaurus wrote:Oh don't get me wrong. That's my preference, BUT some of the other Masterpieces they've included both options.

Was wondering about that too but his face design in the anime was nailed almost immediately. Just like Lambor and the rest of the gang. (WJ excluded)

The Fuso boys, had differing face designs so OCD Takara gave us a bone (Grimlock only had one differing during SOS Dinobots so an exception?)

It all comes down to whatever appeared in the cartoon from MP-10 on. Grimlock being MP-8 falls outside that, so he had some toy-accurate detailing by virtue.
That's not to say there will never be a a toy-accurate Sunstreaker head, however expect that one to be used for the inevitable Diaclone-based retool called Spin-Out.

Yeah, I was thinking of that, too. I'm guessing we WILL see a toy accurate head for a red and/or police diaclone version. Hoping for both of those. Definitely two instant-buys for me.

I have appreciated it when Takara has given us both options in a set. It's fun to swap them out in the ole display as toy accurate one week... and cartoon accurate the next. Hope they do more of that. And if they don't, will be cheering when a 3P helps us out.

Thanks to long time site sponsor Robot Kingdom, we have some brand new images for the upcoming Masterpiece Sunstreaker figure! These brand new stock photos illustrate how the toy is packaged with his many accessories, including Chip and his wheelchair. They also show off his collector's coin, featuring a case based on the hood of a Lamborghini Countach, the car his alt mode is based on. Check out those (and even more) images down below, and tell us in the Energon Pub Forums if these new stock photos changed your mind at all in picking up this figure.
























Keep your Optics and audio sensors tuned to Seibertron.com for all the latest Transformers news and reviews!

I'm assuming Chip's wheelchair is going to be painted.

Because there's one guy you don't want it tick off, it's a the guy with the upper body strength to rip a floppy like paper.

zodconvoy wrote:I'm assuming Chip's wheelchair is going to be painted.

Because there's one guy you don't want it tick off, it's a the guy with the upper body strength to rip a floppy like paper.

I say no these pictures of Figure and chip figure are out of box package and looking at wheel chair it is all black

Glorious!

Oh Chip what ever became of you after season 2?

Looks good. But they should have tampoed the Lamborghini emblem.

Stupid question, cause I know we got Spike with Optimus, and now Chip with Sunstreaker, have they done a Carly yet? Officially that is.

Rodimus Knight wrote:Stupid question, cause I know we got Spike with Optimus, and now Chip with Sunstreaker, have they done a Carly yet? Officially that is.

Nope.

In fact, no official toy of Carly of any kind has been made yet.

How in the name of holy fuck did The chosen prime get this dude in stock before HLJ?????????

Ironhidensh wrote:How in the name of holy **** did The chosen prime get this dude in stock before HLJ?????????

That's indeed odd because HLJ is usually one of, pissibly the first to get new MP's.
What's also odd is that there are some irregularities about the release date.
The main MP list on TFWiki http://tfwiki.net/wiki/The_Transformers:_Masterpiece (scroll down) mentions 22-12, but if you click on the Sunstreaker link http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Sunstreaker_(G1)/toys#Masterpiece it says 28-12.

wilcosu35 wrote:What's also odd is that there are some irregularities about the release date.
The main MP list on TFWiki http://tfwiki.net/wiki/The_Transformers:_Masterpiece (scroll down) mentions 22-12, but if you click on the Sunstreaker link http://tfwiki.net/wiki/Sunstreaker_(G1)/toys#Masterpiece it says 28-12.

Simplest explanation: Whoever edited the release date on one page forgot to also do so on the other page.

Several fans have been able to get MP-39 Masterpiece Sunstreaker from online retailers before his release in official Japan, December 29th. That means we have some in hand images and our first video review. Both are from TF fan Dinobot Grimlock. He has split his video review into 4 parts, and all can be found below. They deal with the transformation, the car mode, the robot mode as well as a look at comparisons and the accessories.

Dinobot Grimlock also has several in hand images comparing this masterpiece toy to his brother, Sideswipe. It is impressive to see how similar in look and size both cars are and yet they are completely different toys. Does this toy seem worth his higher price point than the previous autobot cars? Let us know if you will be getting this toy and what your thoughts on him are in the discussion.

"Leakin' lubricant!"

Emerje

needs a bigger backpack. this one is WAY too small.

william-james88 wrote:Several fans have been able to get MP-39 Masterpiece Sunstreaker from online retailers before his release in official Japan, December 29th. That means we have some in hand images and our first video review. Both are from TF fan Dinobot Grimlock. He has split his video review into 4 parts, and all can be found below. They deal with the transformation, the car mode, the robot mode as well as a look at comparisons and the accessories.

Dinobot Grimlock also has several in hand images comparing this masterpiece toy to his brother, Sideswipe. It is impressive to see how similar in look and size both cars are and yet they are completely different toys. Does this toy seem worth his higher price point than the previous autobot cars? Let us know if you will be getting this toy and what your thoughts on him are in the discussion.

Stop the presses! He's got a butt flap!

Okay...............So is it safe to say that Hasbro stopped making Generation's figures that are even half the quality of figures likes these in order to better sell MP figures?

YoungPrime wrote:Okay...............So is it safe to say that Hasbro stopped making Generation's figures that are even half the quality of figures likes these in order to better sell MP figures?

no way, all their current gen toys are waaay better than the crap they were putting out in 2012. And hasbro makes no money from mp sunstreaker so I dont really get it.

Transformation doesn't look as bad as I thought and everything tabs into place that needs to. Can't wait to get my hands on it, really surprised some places got it before Amazon Japan.

Thank you Drew (Dinobot Grimlock) for putting these together! You did a good job on your first try at one of these videos

I've been interested in Sunstreaker ever since he was first announced, and your videos have made me even more interested.. I'd say he's definitely worth the higher price.

YoungPrime wrote:Okay...............So is it safe to say that Hasbro stopped making Generation's figures that are even half the quality of figures likes these in order to better sell MP figures?

When did Hasbro ever make Generations figures half as good as an MP at less than 1/5 the price? I think people would have been expecting more from MPs if that were the case.

Emerje

So,after some comparing of shipping rates and higher domestic costs..... I canceled my HLJ preorded, and went on and bought this from Chosen Prime. I was also picking up Takara Legends Kup, so I qualified for free shipping. What I would have paid for shipping from HLJ (I don't have patients for slow, cheap options) I broke out only paying about five or so extra bucks. Worth it to have Sunny in hand by the weekend.

Ironhidensh wrote:So,after some comparing of shipping rates and higher domestic costs..... I canceled my HLJ preorded, and went on and bought this from Chosen Prime. I was also picking up Takara Legends Kup, so I qualified for free shipping. What I would have paid for shipping from HLJ (I don't have patients for slow, cheap options) I broke out only paying about five or so extra bucks. Worth it to have Sunny in hand by the weekend.

Congrats!! I just cancelled my pre-order from TransformerLand, so they'll have at least one extra when they get them in stock!! Maybe I'll pick him up someday, just not any time soon.

From @Alfes2010 --