Top 5 Best Transformers Masterpiece Toys

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Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers and for this special occasion, we have a guest columnist, Shajaki, who is a Masterpiece Completionist. These are his 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 we hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here. Take it away Shajaki!

Top 5 Best Transformers Masterpiece Toys

With more than 60 Transformers Masterpiece Toys to choose from between Hasbro/TakaraTomy and exclusives from each, it's no simple task to widdle it down to a top 5. But I tackled it head first and made (what I'm sure will be) some controversial choices. Agree or disagree, let us know in the discussion forum! Now without further ado, let's get rollin!

#5 MP-03 Starscream



Am I crazy? I don't think so. Everyone is surely saying "Y U no MP11?" and I'll tell you why: it's more functional. After handling every version of MP11 thus far, and while aesthetically superior I find it very fiddly. I've also handled every version of MP03 aside from the Ghost, and they are all solid as a rock.

The MP03 Starscream is something truly unique with cartoon accuracy being totally set aside for real world aesthetics. MP03's jet mode is incredibly sleek, and fits together like a puzzle. And while his bot mode is not what we wanted (or were teased with) is functional and appealing. Also, consider this: with the obvious shift in priorities for the MP line since #10, we may never see an addition like this again. Your move fandom!

#4 MP-08X King Grimlock



If MP Grimlock gets an update (ala size correction to MP10) ask yourself: what could actually be improved? He has quite the luxury not having to conform to an officially licensed product like a Lamborghini, because both modes are perfect. Take a G1 Grimlock and give him modern engineering, and you've got MP08.

King Grimlock here is like the Rolls-Royce of Grimlock's. Forget the comic homage (or don't since it's amazing) as that head to tail silver paint is phenomenal. Not to mention that EVEN richer gold chrome, orange/clear bladed sword, and crown (at the time only available with the X variant). Anyone who is a fan of the mold or Marvel Comics, should snatch up the reissue of X while it's still available because you won't regret it!

#3 Hasbro MP-02 Soundwave



While the red eyed TakaraTomy Soundwave is more accurate and enough of a reason to import based on such (for me anyways since I have issues), Hasbro's simply can't be beat for the sheer fact that he came with EVERY cassette. And yes I'm ignoring you Ratbat cause you were late to the party. Also, those yellow toy accurate eyes are actually quite fetching.

Soundwave has a huge cult following, so getting the MP treatment was long overdue. And boy did they ever knock it out of the park. His bot mode feels like it was one of the most un-hindered in the line, having the an incredible range of motion and posability. Though I guess it helps that all he has to do it transform into a rectangle, but MAN what a rectangle! If he weren't so expensive I bet people would use MP Soundwaves to build their houses with instead of bricks. It's a solid figure, and that would be one solid house.

This is Soundwave's moment, but did I mention the cassettes? They're terrific.

#2 MP-21 G2 Bumblebee



Boy was this spot hard to decide on. It was between Bee here and G2 Sideswipe, and ultimately Bee won simply because I think the figure (in both modes) was executed better. Anyways, how long were fans waiting for a newer than G1 Volkswagen Bumblebee? Forever? Give or take. Either way, I think we can all agree that the wait was worth it. And to be treated to another helping of G2 makes me ecstatic and hopeful for future re-purposing of MP figures (perhaps this was the true intent of the Amazon face plate?).

Now I've heard every complaint under the sun for this figure. He's to small, car mode isn't "chibi" cartoon accurate, he costs to much, why is Daniel/Spike/jetpack there, ect. What I haven't heard however, are many complaints from people who have him in hand because once you have him in your grubby paws you just can't put him down. His transformation is S-L-I-C-K. Car mode is solid, faithful to the real deal and impressive. His bot mode is shockingly expressive. He is able to pull of almost any pose you can imagine. Trust me when I say pictures don't do him just, you gotta play with one. Put aside your scale issues and enjoy this toy!

#1 MP-18B Bluestreak



It's an exciting time to be a part of this hobby. Is anyone aware of the fact that a Blue Bluestreak has never officially existed in Transformers cannon? Sure there's been a Binaltech and Kreon's, but not much else outside of that. Even E-Hobby who's known for throwing the Diaclone love around never gave us a blue Bluestreak. Many fans have seen the blue fella in catalogs, box art, and old time Diaclone pics. But this is the first time that the blue Datsun has been recognized by Hasbro/TakaraTomy.

Blue is the most perfect and prettiest color there is. Scientific fact.
I'm being cheeky of course, but can you argue that this figure doesn't look stunning in these colors? The figure itself is a marvel. Alt mode is a perfect Datsun, and bot mode is inspiring. Many people even think he is the quintessential Autobot (what with his noggin being the Autobot symbol) cause when you think Transformers, it's hard not to picture one of those Datsun brothers. The only negative thing I can say is that his arms are a little hindered by the hood chest. But it's hardly a complaint since everything looks exactly how it should. Posability is a dream, especially those legs and feet. If you look at other recent attempts (Classics/Henkei) the rear of the car becomes the feet, but cheating while doing so by having an actual foot underneath. This MP uses the bottom of the car as a foot, just like the G1 toy and cartoon model. And not only that, they have an INCREDIBLE range of motion.

Perfect modes + Posability + Blue = Winner.
It's just math folks. But wait a sec... this list doesn't end here?!

#1 MP-24 StarSaber





That's right folks. Two number ones, it's a tie!
StarSaber's awesomeness shocked me and I would be remiss if he were not included. But he's not simply included, he shares the #1 spot because he is an engineering marvel. So much so, that it's difficult to even describe as I know I'll miss something.

In the interest of total transparency, I'll tell you that I have no emotional attachment to this character and know next to nothing about him as I've seen very little of the Japanese G1 cartoons. Hopefully this demonstrates how much this figure impressed me. But I assume many of you are like me but not an MP completionist and passed on him, which is a shame. This big guy has two robot modes, two jet modes, a "base" mode, and an adorably tiny Brainmaster. I would have been impressed if the figure was simply Saber (the smaller bot) with the Brain of Courage, because that Brainmaster gimmick is outstanding. Then you add the super robot mode to the mix and with that he takes the cake. So folks, I implore you: even if you just have a passing fancy in this figure, take the plunge. The fan service and attention to detail TakaraTomy provided for this figure is unprecedented. If this is the incredible result of fan polls, hopefully we see more of them in the future!

Honorable Mentions:



MP10 Convoy- He doesn't make the list... because he pretty much IS the list. Besides it's only a top five (or six) and I need room!
MP20 Wheeljack- He receives so much praise, but I have a huge point of contention. MP's are supposed to be as close to "anime" accurate as can be, and I'm betting that was all sacrificed for vehicle realism to satisfy Lancia. If there were a MP20A, he'd make my list!
MP22 Ultra Magnus- Amazing figure that I personally love, but has limitations. Not to mention, I can't deal with that now.

In closing, the Masterpiece line (especially post MP10) is a force to reckoned with. Absolutely amazing figures have been produced, and there's been a tonne of fan service as well. Money is the name of the game and we all know that more variants means more money to fuel the machine, but I feel they've really gone above and beyond. From Headmasters Soundblaster, to Marvel Comics Grimlock, to Diaclone Tigertracks, to G1 cartoon one-timer Acid Storm, how can anyone not be happy? I'll say it again, it's a great time to be a part of the hobby. Enjoy your toys folks!