Video Review - Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-24 Star Saber

I know this figure has rabid supporters, but I just don't like it. Looks too much like a vehicle the Power Rangers would ride around in, looking for Putties to beat up before flipping off Rita Repulsa...

Oh, hell yeah! Right around 2:30, there's the ports in the feet to join to Victory Leo! Now we just need to keep buying MPs until they make him- in about 12 years.

If they modernized Star Saber for the Masterpiece line like they did Starscream I would be interested in this but as it is, it looks like a box of Fruit Loops.

Scud wrote:If they modernized Star Saber for the Masterpiece line like they did Star Scream I would be interested in this but as it is, it looks like a box of Fruit Loops.

I'm sorry, i don't see the resemblance to John Cena at all.

Desslok2201 wrote:Oh, hell yeah! Right around 2:30, there's the ports in the feet to join to Victory Leo! Now we just need to keep buying MPs until they make him- in about 12 years.

I may have experienced a mini stroke when I saw those possible connection pieces in the feet for Victory Leo. I hope we don't have to wait 12 years.

I predict that this Masterpiece figure will be transformed more times than the rest of my MP collection combined.
The articulation is mad!
This thing is truly astounding.

Finally did the "preorder" for Star Saber on The Chosen Prime. Ten minutes later... order was shipped!

God bless TCP!

Convoy wrote:

Desslok2201 wrote:Oh, hell yeah! Right around 2:30, there's the ports in the feet to join to Victory Leo! Now we just need to keep buying MPs until they make him- in about 12 years.

I may have experienced a mini stroke when I saw those possible connection pieces in the feet for Victory Leo. I hope we don't have to wait 12 years.

I predict that this Masterpiece figure will be transformed more times than the rest of my MP collection combined.
The articulation is mad!
This thing is truly astounding.

I'm really floored by the little details on this one. The sword storage, even the detaching arm on the back of SS's head, screams design excellence. I love MP Magnus, but this has the little flourishes that put it on the level of MP-01. I was excited for this before, but this is better than I anticipated.

Desslok2201 wrote:

Convoy wrote:

Desslok2201 wrote:Oh, hell yeah! Right around 2:30, there's the ports in the feet to join to Victory Leo! Now we just need to keep buying MPs until they make him- in about 12 years.

I may have experienced a mini stroke when I saw those possible connection pieces in the feet for Victory Leo. I hope we don't have to wait 12 years.

I predict that this Masterpiece figure will be transformed more times than the rest of my MP collection combined.
The articulation is mad!
This thing is truly astounding.

I'm really floored by the little details on this one. The sword storage, even the detaching arm on the back of SS's head, screams design excellence. I love MP Magnus, but this has the little flourishes that put it on the level of MP-01. I was excited for this before, but this is better than I anticipated.

My sentiments exactly. This guy has all the bells and whistles and is simply feature packed. That claw clip that can be hidden away blows my mind along with all the Saberblade options. Shield/stand, hidden missiles, die cast galore.
If MP Star Saber starred in The Ring he would be the character to crawl out of the TV.
Yeah! Just yeah!

I am so glad this figure shows so much more thought into its design compared to MP-01 or MP-10. With this fig, the Autobot leaders that received the Masterpiece treatment is now up to 3. Now if Takara will fight the temptation to stop making crappy OP figures and concentrate on the Masterpiecing other Autobot leaders, I will be guaranteed to be broke for many years to come.

Video review was great. Enjoyed seeing the toy get transformed and the gimmicks shown.

Thought the video reviewer went too fast showing off the articulation. Spent more time playing with the swords.

Would have liked to see some size comparisons with other Masterpiece toys.

Think a 3rd party might release a Masterpiece Victory Leo toy faster than Takara.

Hoping the trend of the bigger Masterpieces keep coming.

Super Megatron wrote:I am so glad this figure shows so much more thought into its design compared to MP-01 or MP-10. With this fig, the Autobot leaders that received the Masterpiece treatment is now up to 3. Now if Takara will fight the temptation to stop making crappy OP figures and concentrate on the Masterpiecing other Autobot leaders, I will be guaranteed to be broke for many years to come.

Why you no want more Decepticon leaders? We only have two if you count Starscream and his short stint in the episodes he declares it and in the movie until he dies. On the flip side we have Autobots, Optimus (twice), Rodimus, Magnus, and Grimlock (in the comics I believe.)
MP Super Megatron with a retool into Ultra Megatron might be a pipe dream. But what about MP Galvatron, Skorponok, Overlord, Deszarus, and Shockwave?

Convoy wrote:Why you no want more Decepticon leaders? We only have two if you count Starscream and his short stint in the episodes he declares it and in the movie until he dies.

And Soundave. He got to be leader in some of the UK comics, in which he was a really good leader.

Sabrblade wrote:

Convoy wrote:Why you no want more Decepticon leaders? We only have two if you count Starscream and his short stint in the episodes he declares it and in the movie until he dies.

And Soundave. He got to be leader in some of the UK comics, in which he was a really good leader.

Would like to see the next big Decepticon Leader Masterpiece toy be G1 Galvatron. Think the character is popular enough and well liked with fans to sell great.

Tsutsukakushi wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Convoy wrote:Why you no want more Decepticon leaders? We only have two if you count Starscream and his short stint in the episodes he declares it and in the movie until he dies.

And Soundave. He got to be leader in some of the UK comics, in which he was a really good leader.

Would like to see the next big Decepticon Leader Masterpiece toy be G1 Galvatron. Think the character is popular enough and well liked with fans to sell great.

Only if they can figure out how to make him far more Cartoon Accurate than any of his toys have ever been.

Sabrblade wrote:

Convoy wrote:Why you no want more Decepticon leaders? We only have two if you count Starscream and his short stint in the episodes he declares it and in the movie until he dies.

And Soundave. He got to be leader in some of the UK comics, in which he was a really good leader.

I knew I'd forget a couple without checking the wiki first. But it makes for better conversation. Do Bludgeon, Straxus, Jhiaxus, or Thunderwing count? And if we're getting technical and you want to count Starscream I guess he got two molds in the line too. (Three if you count Bayverse 'Screamer but he was never leader.)

Convoy wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Convoy wrote:Why you no want more Decepticon leaders? We only have two if you count Starscream and his short stint in the episodes he declares it and in the movie until he dies.

And Soundave. He got to be leader in some of the UK comics, in which he was a really good leader.

I knew I'd forget a couple without checking the wiki first. But it makes for better conversation. Do Bludgeon, Straxus, Jhiaxus, or Thunderwing count? And if we're getting technical and you want to count Starscream I guess he got two molds in the line too. (Three if you count Bayverse 'Screamer but he was never leader.)

I'd think Takara would want to just stick to molds of cartoon characters for now.

Tsutsukakushi wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Convoy wrote:Why you no want more Decepticon leaders? We only have two if you count Starscream and his short stint in the episodes he declares it and in the movie until he dies.

And Soundave. He got to be leader in some of the UK comics, in which he was a really good leader.

Would like to see the next big Decepticon Leader Masterpiece toy be G1 Galvatron. Think the character is popular enough and well liked with fans to sell great.

Not to mention the recent passing of Mr. Nemoy. Just makes it that much more of a collector's item.

Sabrblade wrote:

Convoy wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Convoy wrote:Why you no want more Decepticon leaders? We only have two if you count Starscream and his short stint in the episodes he declares it and in the movie until he dies.

And Soundave. He got to be leader in some of the UK comics, in which he was a really good leader.

I knew I'd forget a couple without checking the wiki first. But it makes for better conversation. Do Bludgeon, Straxus, Jhiaxus, or Thunderwing count? And if we're getting technical and you want to count Starscream I guess he got two molds in the line too. (Three if you count Bayverse 'Screamer but he was never leader.)

I'd think Takara would want to just stick to molds of cartoon characters for now.

Wasn't Ratbat another Decepticon leader that has an MP?

Tsutsukakushi wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Convoy wrote:Why you no want more Decepticon leaders? We only have two if you count Starscream and his short stint in the episodes he declares it and in the movie until he dies.

And Soundave. He got to be leader in some of the UK comics, in which he was a really good leader.

Would like to see the next big Decepticon Leader Masterpiece toy be G1 Galvatron. Think the character is popular enough and well liked with fans to sell great.

No interest in Dezaras/Deaths R Us?

Convoy wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Convoy wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:

Convoy wrote:Why you no want more Decepticon leaders? We only have two if you count Starscream and his short stint in the episodes he declares it and in the movie until he dies.

And Soundave. He got to be leader in some of the UK comics, in which he was a really good leader.

I knew I'd forget a couple without checking the wiki first. But it makes for better conversation. Do Bludgeon, Straxus, Jhiaxus, or Thunderwing count? And if we're getting technical and you want to count Starscream I guess he got two molds in the line too. (Three if you count Bayverse 'Screamer but he was never leader.)

I'd think Takara would want to just stick to molds of cartoon characters for now.

Wasn't Ratbat another Decepticon leader that has an MP?

Right, forgot about him.

Though he does count as a cartoon character.

STngAR wrote: [color=#4000FF]Its not a bad looking figure. I still think it's a weird choice for an MP, but I stopped collecting MP's awhile back.[/color]

Why is it weird to do an Autobot Leader MP for the 30th anniversary?

They did one for the 20th anniversary (Convoy/Optimus), and another around the 25th anniversary (Grimlock), and another for the special 2010 promotional event (Rodimus). And with those guys already done, there's no more Autobot Leaders from 1984-1986 to make MPs out of, forcing Takara to having to choose post-1986 Leaders instead.

This figure and MP Exhaust are more suitable for the Japanese market or completists. I'll skip this one.

Waiting for an MP triple changer, MP Reflector, MP Ironhide, MP Jazz, MP Hound, MP Skyfire, etc.

STngAR wrote:Its not a bad looking figure. I still think it's a weird choice for an MP, but I stopped collecting MP's awhile back.

It's a result of a poll. What's strange about that?

huryochagi wrote:This figure and MP Exhaust are more suitable for the Japanese market or completists. I'll skip this one.

Waiting for an MP triple changer, MP Reflector, MP Ironhide, MP Jazz, MP Hound, MP Skyfire, etc.

Much obliged so more for us.

huryochagi wrote:This figure and MP Exhaust are more suitable for the Japanese market or completists. I'll skip this one.

Waiting for an MP triple changer, MP Reflector, MP Ironhide, MP Jazz, MP Hound, MP Skyfire, etc.

I dunno, I'm complete American and I kinda like him...so much so that I preordered, and watched his series to see why he was beloved by the fans in Japan. I can't disagree with them, He Rocks!!!

I'm waiting for a Victory Leo to complete with this MP Star Saber. Hopefully Takara is planning to do it. If not a fansproject Victory Leo is also cool!

Paid for mine but it hasn't shipped yet. Looking at the video my concern over holding the sword might be correct; you need to use an extender to hold it edge out, and it's very loose in hand. If they would've copied the way the sword blade attached to the nose cone on the original toy, this wouldn't be an issue. Then again the reviewer might not have had the sword handle pegged in right.

Another review! takara-masterpiece-mp-24-starsaber-t103651.php#p1665509

mine shipped out this morning. should be here within a few days

This figure is ok. Caveat: I have a G1 Star Saber and this feels like a "Classics" version of it that retained the same rough scale as the original. If you don't have a G1 Star Saber, prepare for immense fun, but if you do, be prepared to uh, well, know exactly what to do with this without instructions (aside from where to store the weapons).

Looks great, has a hell of a presence, poses well, has fun accessories, gimmick is perfect, flight stand functionality is a nice touch (though sliding out the shield piece that gets replaced with stand pieces was scary as hell the first time), but there's just something off. Maybe it's the lack of other MPs from this era of Transformers that makes it look out of place? Quite possibly, I'm also just spoiled by all these other recent MPs that had actual things they could do to make unique and interesting transformations that were genius upgrades to the originals that I didn't see coming. The original G1 Star Saber was so close to the show model in everything but articulation and proportions that I guess there wasn't but so much else that could be done.

Anyway, I really like it, I just don't love it like a lot of the recent MP releases.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Paid for mine but it hasn't shipped yet. Looking at the video my concern over holding the sword might be correct; you need to use an extender to hold it edge out, and it's very loose in hand. If they would've copied the way the sword blade attached to the nose cone on the original toy, this wouldn't be an issue. Then again the reviewer might not have had the sword handle pegged in right.

The sword and shield handle are a bit weird. They hold just fine when in right, but they just don't feel snug.


They're in there, and I have no fear of them falling out, but they also come out very very easily once you open the hands up. Guess it isn't a big deal at all, just worried a minor mold flash issue or two on some other pieces might cause some headaches.

NuclearConvoy wrote:

Scud wrote:If they modernized Star Saber for the Masterpiece line like they did Star Scream I would be interested in this but as it is, it looks like a box of Fruit Loops.

I'm sorry, i don't see the resemblance to John Cena at all.

I see no mention of potato salad in this thread.

Whoot Whoot! Preorder is in at BBTS! Mmm...tater salad

Thanks Scotty. It's funny but technically in sword fighting you're NOT supposed to hold the sword that tightly in your hand. There is supposed to be some wiggle room.

Finally! Mine's coming this Friday!

Got my shipping notice from HLJ - woot woot!

oooo errrr ...

Burn wrote:oooo errrr ...

I hope he doesn't stink....

Agamemnon wrote:

Burn wrote:oooo errrr ...

I hope he doesn't stink....

I wondered how long it would take someone to say that.

Finally got mine after a two-day delay from the Post Office. What an incredible figure is all I can say. A Victory Leo better be on its way is all I can say. It would certainly boost Star Saber up from my top ten Transformers of all time to a spot in the top five.

Burn wrote:oooo errrr ...

IMGP2322.JPG

Slight deviation, did you also receive Exhaust already? Is it from hlj too like SS?

My Starsaber supplier btw is a local shop. Option to purchase or not the coin.

Mindmaster wrote:Finally got mine after a two-day delay from the Post Office. What an incredible figure is all I can say. A Victory Leo better be on its way is all I can say. It would certainly boost Star Saber up from my top ten Transformers of all time to a spot in the top five.

Him and Dezaras.

fenrir72 wrote:Slight deviation, did you also receive Exhaust already? Is it from hlj too like SS?

Never ordered Exhaust, have no interest in an obscure character that is really just pandering to the hardcore collectors.

Burn wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:Slight deviation, did you also receive Exhaust already? Is it from hlj too like SS?

Never ordered Exhaust, have no interest in an obscure character that is really just pandering to the hardcore collectors.

So... you don't want TT to pander to you?

Burn wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:Slight deviation, did you also receive Exhaust already? Is it from hlj too like SS?

Never ordered Exhaust, have no interest in an obscure character that is really just pandering to the hardcore collectors.

I asked because, SS which came out much later, well arrived earlier. Wonders never cease.

megatronus wrote:So... you don't want TT to pander to you?

I'm more casual these days than hardcore.

fenrir72 wrote:I asked because, SS which came out much later, well arrived earlier. Wonders never cease.

SS was released last week (which is why I said to the postie I was surprised to see the box), wasn't Exhaust this week?

Burn wrote:

megatronus wrote:So... you don't want TT to pander to you?

I'm more casual these days than hardcore.

fenrir72 wrote:I asked because, SS which came out much later, well arrived earlier. Wonders never cease.

SS was released last week (which is why I said to the postie I was surprised to see the box), wasn't Exhaust this week?

I did some inquiries at hlj and it seemed that Exhaust was the one that got released first. My local supplier didn't get his Exhaust batch yet. But SS just arrived today.

Maybe I should chalk it up to the bigger guy got the shipment priority first.

Burn wrote:

Agamemnon wrote:

Burn wrote:oooo errrr ...

I hope he doesn't stink....

I wondered how long it would take someone to say that.

My Burn, what a big box you have.

Story time.
I got my Star Saber from HLJ a few hours ago and it's pretty awesome! Unfortunately it had obviously been previously opened (double tape in all the right places) and transformed (paint missing from the wing tips and one V-Star arm put back wrong). Not a real big deal because the tape was going to be cut and the wing tip paint was going to rub off anyway. (I happen to transform my Transformers. The ironing is delicious.) But it kind of soured the excitement as I went through all the paces looking for, 'what's broken? why was this guy returned already?'
Minor paint blemishes aside, very minor, I haven't found anything wrong with it.
The End

Star Saber is SUCH a transforming Gundam and I have no problem with that. The little Yuki Brain of Courage is the pilot in the Saber jet and fits in the chest just like a Gundam pilot and he merges with the V-Star completing the look.

I don't have the original Victory Saber (wish I did) to compare against but the die cast in Star Saber's feet are totally connection ports.
I cannot wait for Victory Leo.
Gimme now!

Got mine today, all I've fooled around with is Saber and that's just because of how awesome the figure is. One complaint I have is how the arms/hands are molded. They end in a slight curve that's not noticeable until you put the Saber gun in one of the hands. Saber unfortunately cannot hold the blaster straight with out bending the arm oddly. The left hand can hold it slightly better but if you're going cartoon accurate, Saber always held the gun in its right hand; at least from what I've seen. I've yet to try the sword since I've never seen Saber hold it, but I can say right now that the lack of ball jointed wrists is a crime, since that will limit the type of dynamic sword poses you can do. Tomorrow V-Star! Speaking of which I find it funny that no reviewers I've seen thus far have pulled out the battle station mode. Yes it's just the V-Star doing the splits but it's almost a trademark of Transformers from this era. Also I thought it was interesting to see an early design of SS that looked like it heavily drew from Macross. Apparently either way Star Saber was going to draw from one Bandai property or another.

Burn wrote:SS was released last week (which is why I said to the postie I was surprised to see the box), wasn't Exhaust this week?

I got my payment request for both Exhaust and Star Saber on the same day which was last Thursday.