Masterpiece Thundercracker 2.0 First Image

Okay I need it.

An easy pass, doubly so since I already invested quite a lot on the MP-11 mold, getting all available Seekers in "show" colors (and MP-11T was particularly pricey, given its limited release).

This is a pretty predictable release, yet deep down I was still hoping for more variety for Decepticon MP figures - I could even do with an Autobot repaint of some sort (like a G1 Barricade from the Bluestreak mold), but at this point I can only hope that Coneheads won't follow the inevitable Skywarp repaint straight away.

I mean, honestly once I have a show-accurate Starscream, I only need a show-accurate Soundwave, then all my MP Decepticons will match. Who else from the first 2 seasons of the show did the ‘Cons have, without counting combiners?

I think the Insecticons would be cool in the Cartoon style. Hopefully Astrotrain and Blitzwing.

But what I’d really like to see would be some Movie/Season 3 Decepticons.

Nemesis Maximo wrote:I mean, honestly once I have a show-accurate Starscream, I only need a show-accurate Soundwave, then all my MP Decepticons will match. Who else from the first 2 seasons of the show did the ‘Cons have, without counting combiners?

I think the Insecticons would be cool in the Cartoon style. Hopefully Astrotrain and Blitzwing.

But what I’d really like to see would be some Movie/Season 3 Decepticons.

After Studio Series Devastator, I've still little shards of hope left for his G1 counterpart in the MP line. Still I reckon chances are pretty slim, although before moving to season 2 or 3 I'd really like to see the Reflector trio.

Oof, we all knew this was coming, but this means an almost $700 investment for this trio, it feels kind of silly at this point, what the mp line has become when the wfc trilogy has been knocking it outta the park at infinitely better price points

angtre wrote:

Nemesis Maximo wrote:I mean, honestly once I have a show-accurate Starscream, I only need a show-accurate Soundwave, then all my MP Decepticons will match. Who else from the first 2 seasons of the show did the ‘Cons have, without counting combiners?

I think the Insecticons would be cool in the Cartoon style. Hopefully Astrotrain and Blitzwing.

But what I’d really like to see would be some Movie/Season 3 Decepticons.

After Studio Series Devastator, I've still little shards of hope left for his G1 counterpart in the MP line. Still I reckon chances are pretty slim, although before moving to season 2 or 3 I'd really like to see the Reflector trio.

Question would be, how best to package reflector? A boxset would make sense but the price it would carry...that would be the deal breaker. From a design point of view, the cost should be downplayed by having them combine into one alt mode but as this is Takara we're talking about, its going to be expensive...

ZeroWolf wrote:Question would be, how best to package reflector? A boxset would make sense but the price it would carry...that would be the deal breaker. From a design point of view, the cost should be downplayed by having them combine into one alt mode but as this is Takara we're talking about, its going to be expensive...

I always figured it as a boxset. The single figures shouldn't be that big, given show proportions and the alt-mode, which I expect to be on scale. I'd say its cost shouldn't exceed much the likes of MP Shockwave or Soundwave. Or at least I surely hope so.

Yup...gonna get him. Gonna stop at Acid Storm.

angtre wrote:

ZeroWolf wrote:Question would be, how best to package reflector? A boxset would make sense but the price it would carry...that would be the deal breaker. From a design point of view, the cost should be downplayed by having them combine into one alt mode but as this is Takara we're talking about, its going to be expensive...

I always figured it as a boxset. The single figures shouldn't be that big, given show proportions and the alt-mode, which I expect to be on scale. I'd say its cost shouldn't exceed much the likes of MP Shockwave or Soundwave. Or at least I surely hope so.

I agree. The bots themselves wouldn't be very big or complex and the camera mode can't be any bigger than 1:1 scale to a real camera, which could actually be a bit of a hurdle. Even screen caps don't help, they usually appeared in scenes where everyone was out of scale. I would say anything bigger than Bumblebee and smaller than an Autobot car would be safe. That said a box of three would probably be around $200+ since they'd have to include all the parts and weapons and maybe a working flash depending on Takara Tomy's mood. It's hard to predict since there isn't anything else like it.

Emerje

Question why are people over at TFW dissapointed this Thundercracker diesn5 cobe with a small reflector?

william-james88 wrote:Question why are people over at TFW dissapointed this Thundercracker diesn5 cobe with a small reflector?

From the first episode of the cartoon.



Emerje

Emerje wrote:

william-james88 wrote:Question why are people over at TFW dissapointed this Thundercracker diesn5 cobe with a small reflector?

From the first episode of the cartoon.



Emerje

Thanks!

I don't know why, but I feel a small reflector would actually be one of the accessories that the actual Reflector would come with

Not shocked, but anyone who has a brain shouldn’t be. Looks nice but if prices are as high as they have been, I’ll just stick to my MP11 versions. I’ve never had a problem with them and I’d like to not drop $600+ on a new set of Seekers, especially since room is now a factor in my collection until I get out of the Army.

ZeroWolf wrote:I don't know why, but I feel a small reflector would actually be one of the accessories that the actual Reflector would come with

Yeah, plus it would set a strange precedence for for future Seekers. If Skywarp didn't come with some sort of tiny extra figure after Starscream came with Megatron and Thundercreacker came with Reflector a certain set of people would be outraged.

Emerje

Of course MP TC 2.0 is coming. But he'll never enter my collection of sealed TC because it will never, ever be cheap like the previous TC MPs.

As much as I like this mold, and I would like to have TC and SW with my MP's, there's no way I'm dropping that much $$$... In fact, if anything, I would probably wait for one of the coneheads, either Thrust or Dirge.
But having MP Megatron, Soundwave, Shockwave, and Starscream coming in this June, I can be happy with those..
And the more I think about it, I'm not even sure I'd be happy with 3/6 MP's in my collection being seekers...
It'll take something like a well-done Blitzwing or Insecticons to get me back into the MP game.
And I don't even love the Insecticons, but knowing they'd be smaller, at least they'd be way cheaper, and add a bit of visual variety size-wise.

Nemesis Maximo wrote: I only need a show-accurate Soundwave

How far off is MP-13 though? My friend who owns him, thinks he is perfect as is.

As far as Thundercracker, not surprised in the slightest. That is what this mold is for. We've discussed before in the general MP thread, how some of the smaller bots should be packaged in MP form. I'd agree Reflector should be a boxset. There is little point in them being individual releases. I also think the Insecticons should be a boxset also. Given their size.

Then again, considering what they are doing in the WFC line, isn't it time they started to do so with the Seekers too? A somewhat reduced price for an MP Conehead and/or Rainmaker boxset, seems reasonable. Even lowering the amount of accessories if need be.

Appart some sort of convention exclusive, who would buy what would be a 700$ or even 800$ boxset of a seeker trio?

There is a market for that, but it's damn limited. Such a set (with maybe some unique decos) shouldn't prevent the individual releases or it would be bad business.

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:

Nemesis Maximo wrote: I only need a show-accurate Soundwave

How far off is MP-13 though?

Just the kibble on the side of each leg.

-Kanrabat- wrote:Apart some sort of convention exclusive, who would buy what would be a 700$ or even 800$ boxset of a seeker trio?

There is a market for that, but it's damn limited. Such a set (with maybe some unique decos) shouldn't prevent the individual releases or it would be bad business.

I suppose that entirely depends on how much they should be valued. There was a recent pre-order announcement for 3P MP Raiden. Now they are six figures, price $110 each and $660 for the set. That is steep but for an MP Combiner team, palatable.

My personal view, this mold should naturally depreciate with each successive redeco. A MP Conehead/Rainmaker trio = $300-$450. They can/do get away with fleecing the fanbase with Prime, Starscream et al IE the AAA characters. I doubt that interest could be guaranteed with MP Blackout, Sandstorm or Wheezing Arrow.

william-james88 wrote:

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:

Nemesis Maximo wrote: I only need a show-accurate Soundwave

How far off is MP-13 though?

Just the kibble on the side of each leg.

That, and I wouldn’t mind an MP Soundwave with actual hips.

william-james88 wrote:

AllNewSuperRobot wrote:

Nemesis Maximo wrote: I only need a show-accurate Soundwave

How far off is MP-13 though?

Just the kibble on the side of each leg.

Unless you got the Hasbro version, then you might not be satisfied with the yellow visor.

Emerje

TakaraTomy Mall exclusive MP-52+ Thundercracker.
https://takaratomymall.jp/shop/g/g4904810172611/

More new pics. https://hobby.dengeki.com/news/1159048/

Thanks to fellow Seibertronian Powered Convoy and others who contacted us, we got wind of Takara's official announcement of Transformers Masterpiece MP-52+ Thundercracker. This was done through the Dengeki Hobby site which posted loads of beautiful images showing the various accessories, poseability and "gimmicks" this release has in store. This figure will retail for 27500 Yen ($264.27 approximately), but that is one beautiful Thundercracker. I mean, that shot of his back is just gorgeous, especially when compared to how inelegant the previous seeker mold was in that regard.

For those waiting for a cheaper price on Amazon Japan, there won't be one since this is a TTMall exclusive. Which means that the only seller in Japan is TTMall and any seller in the US will be selling the Hasbro release instead which will be identical both in looks and price (give or take). Here are the accessories this release comes with:

Null Beam cannon (x2)
Replacement face (surprise) (x1)
Replacement face (smile) (x1)
Replacement face (ridiculous) (x1)
Effect parts (A) (x1)
Effect parts (B) (x2)
Effect parts (C) (x1)
Effect parts (D) (x1)
Adapter (x1)
Display base (base A) (x1)
Display (base B) (1)
Support (x1)
Character card (x1)
Instruction manual (x1)

The toy is coming out in September 2021.

Well this is a worst case scenario. Pulse price will probably be $265 like Starscream, if not $270. Shame because we got Screamer on Amazon Japan for under $200 or $225 shipped. Hopefully we'll get a better price on Skywarp.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:Well this is a worst case scenario. Pulse price will probably be $265 like Starscream, if not $270. Shame because we got Screamer on Amazon Japan for under $200 or $225 shipped. Hopefully we'll get a better price on Skywarp.

Emerje

The price aint so bad at BBTS

https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/ ... ils/147214

william-james88 wrote:

Emerje wrote:Well this is a worst case scenario. Pulse price will probably be $265 like Starscream, if not $270. Shame because we got Screamer on Amazon Japan for under $200 or $225 shipped. Hopefully we'll get a better price on Skywarp.

Emerje

The price aint so bad at BBTS

https://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Product/ ... ils/147214

I saw the Entertainment Earth ad and ended up ordering one there, came to $255 after tax and free shipping (BBTS would be $257 after tax and $4 shipping). I wonder why Thundercracker is so much cheaper from Hasbro this time around? Looking forward to seeing what the Pulse price ends up being.

Emerje

So if this is 52+, will Skywarp be 52B, 52-, or 52++? Prowl, Smokescreen, and Bluestreak all got their own numbers didn’t they? So why shouldn’t the Seekers? Why is the numbering so egregiously whack?

The numbers, WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

Nemesis Maximo wrote:So if this is 52+, will Skywarp be 52B, 52-, or 52++? Prowl, Smokescreen, and Bluestreak all got their own numbers didn’t they? So why shouldn’t the Seekers? Why is the numbering so egregiously whack?

The numbers, WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

Look away Nemesis! I can't lose another friend to the folly.

Nemesis Maximo wrote:So if this is 52+, will Skywarp be 52B, 52-, or 52++? Prowl, Smokescreen, and Bluestreak all got their own numbers didn’t they? So why shouldn’t the Seekers? Why is the numbering so egregiously whack?

The numbers, WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

I was going to post that about the numbers myself was Thundercracker and Skywarp given their own numbers when based off the mp11 mold?

One thing is sure.

Anyone who truly want or even barely want the newest MP Thundercracker should preorder ASAP. Because historically, that one always have some serious price hikes on the secondary market once it's officially sold out.

ZeroWolf wrote:

Nemesis Maximo wrote:So if this is 52+, will Skywarp be 52B, 52-, or 52++? Prowl, Smokescreen, and Bluestreak all got their own numbers didn’t they? So why shouldn’t the Seekers? Why is the numbering so egregiously whack?

The numbers, WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

I was going to post that about the numbers myself was Thundercracker and Skywarp given their own numbers when based off the mp11 mold?

No, they just got MP-11T and MP-11SW.

And I will say the same here as I said about Screamer. The chest (and the price!) just kills it for me. Too bad, TC has always been my favorite Seeker, love that blue. But I maintain the MP-11 mold was near perfection, and this is at best a lateral move.

MP-7 was the first Thundercracker and MP-11TC was the retooled one. Skywarp was MP-6 and MP-11SW.

Will be interesting to see what Skywarp version 2.0 is.

I have the Maketoys Skywarp and Thundercracker (Skycrow and Lightning). They're gorgeous. They have dicast (lots of it). They have waist swivels. They were 100 bucks each. 'Nuff said.

Very tempting!

Really wish this wasn't a TT Mal exclusive

xMXUx wrote:Really wish this wasn't a TT Mal exclusive

40$ is a deal breaker on a high end figure like this?

william-james88 wrote:

xMXUx wrote:Really wish this wasn't a TT Mal exclusive

40$ is a deal breaker on a high end figure like this?

Ha!

That's what we Canucks have to pay extra for anything from Hasbro Pulse. From a toothpick to a fridge.

Nemesis Maximo wrote:So if this is 52+, will Skywarp be 52B, 52-, or 52++? Prowl, Smokescreen, and Bluestreak all got their own numbers didn’t they? So why shouldn’t the Seekers? Why is the numbering so egregiously whack?

The numbers, WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

It's just how they do exclusives now, with a "+". For example, Sunstreaker is 39 and Cordon was 42, but Spin-out is 39+ as a TTM exclusive. No "+" has been sold at regular retail before and the only exclusive to get a unique number is MP-711, but that was more like a joke. They did use a letter for the Atmos Prime (10SL), but otherwise they've been sticking to the "+" since 2018. If Thundercracker is a "+" that might mean Skywarp will be retail.

Emerje

william-james88 wrote:

xMXUx wrote:Really wish this wasn't a TT Mal exclusive

40$ is a deal breaker on a high end figure like this?

Since I'm located in Switzerland, after shipping and taxes it's more like a $100-150 difference to Starscream

xMXUx wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

xMXUx wrote:Really wish this wasn't a TT Mal exclusive

40$ is a deal breaker on a high end figure like this?

Since I'm located in Switzerland, after shipping and taxes it's more like a $100-150 difference to Starscream

Ah.
I knew it was some Europe thing. You guys really get the short end of the stick when it come to imports.

Are Takara Tomy Mail exclusives on sale at Amazon.jp? Because for this here Canadian, it's always the cheapest option for Japanese exclusives. Especially when counting taxes and shipping.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/s?tag=seibertron00-22&k=transforme ... _nr_p_89_3

-Kanrabat- wrote:

xMXUx wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

xMXUx wrote:Really wish this wasn't a TT Mal exclusive

40$ is a deal breaker on a high end figure like this?

Since I'm located in Switzerland, after shipping and taxes it's more like a $100-150 difference to Starscream

Ah.
I knew it was some Europe thing. You guys really get the short end of the stick when it come to imports.

Are Takara Tomy Mail exclusives on sale at Amazon.jp? Because for this here Canadian, it's always the cheapest option for Japanese exclusives. Especially when counting taxes and shipping.

https://www.amazon.co.jp/s?tag=seibertron00-22&k=transforme ... _nr_p_89_3

They're not. But Amazon.jp isn't shipping to Switzerland anyways, so doesn't really matter. But yeah, collecting TFs over here really isn't an easy feat. I'm stuck importing pretty much anything from overseas, meaning spending $40 for a mainline deluxe is pretty much the norm

xMXUx wrote:They're not. But Amazon.jp isn't shipping to Switzerland anyways,

Are you sure about that? Check the box for "Allow international shipping" and see how it goes. The link I provided should have the box already checked.

There's many Amazon.jp vendors that don't ship to Canada either, but if I check the box, it filter them out.

Emerje wrote:

Nemesis Maximo wrote:So if this is 52+, will Skywarp be 52B, 52-, or 52++? Prowl, Smokescreen, and Bluestreak all got their own numbers didn’t they? So why shouldn’t the Seekers? Why is the numbering so egregiously whack?

The numbers, WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

It's just how they do exclusives now, with a "+". For example, Sunstreaker is 39 and Cordon was 42, but Spin-out is 39+ as a TTM exclusive. No "+" has been sold at regular retail

Sideswipe mp12+ was not exclusive.

https://www.hlj.com/transformers-master?utm_source=seibertron.com&=&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news%20post ... e-tkt97595

Neither was wheeljack.

So further evidence that the numbers mean nothing.

william-james88 wrote:

Emerje wrote:

Nemesis Maximo wrote:So if this is 52+, will Skywarp be 52B, 52-, or 52++? Prowl, Smokescreen, and Bluestreak all got their own numbers didn’t they? So why shouldn’t the Seekers? Why is the numbering so egregiously whack?

The numbers, WHAT DO THEY MEAN?

It's just how they do exclusives now, with a "+". For example, Sunstreaker is 39 and Cordon was 42, but Spin-out is 39+ as a TTM exclusive. No "+" has been sold at regular retail

Sideswipe mp12+ was not exclusive.

https://www.hlj.com/transformers-master?utm_source=seibertron.com&=&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=news%20post ... e-tkt97595

Neither was wheeljack.

So further evidence that the numbers mean nothing.

I said since 2018 so really only Wheeljack is the standout. I wish he was still listed on Takara Tomy Mall, then I could maybe tell if there was something special about his release that made him a non exclusive "+". TFWiki lists him as a "Special Edition".

Emerje

-Kanrabat- wrote:

xMXUx wrote:They're not. But Amazon.jp isn't shipping to Switzerland anyways,

Are you sure about that? Check the box for "Allow international shipping" and see how it goes. The link I provided should have the box already checked.

There's many Amazon.jp vendors that don't ship to Canada either, but if I check the box, it filter them out.

I just checked again with your link just to be sure. And as you can see the official TT store on Amazon does not ship to Switzerland unfortunately
I always get the following message when I want to check out:
We are unable to ship non-digital items from amazon.co.jp to this shipping address.
Please choose a shipping address that is not in the Swiss Customs Union to proceed. Some restrictions may still apply depending on the item.

You can also visit Amazon EU websites (.de, .fr, .it, .es, .co.uk) to access millions of products available for delivery to the Swiss Customs Union.

xMXUx wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:

xMXUx wrote:They're not. But Amazon.jp isn't shipping to Switzerland anyways,

Are you sure about that? Check the box for "Allow international shipping" and see how it goes. The link I provided should have the box already checked.

There's many Amazon.jp vendors that don't ship to Canada either, but if I check the box, it filter them out.

I just checked again with your link just to be sure. And as you can see the official TT store on Amazon does not ship to Switzerland unfortunately
I always get the following message when I want to check out:
We are unable to ship non-digital items from amazon.co.jp to this shipping address.
Please choose a shipping address that is not in the Swiss Customs Union to proceed. Some restrictions may still apply depending on the item.

You can also visit Amazon EU websites (.de, .fr, .it, .es, .co.uk) to access millions of products available for delivery to the Swiss Customs Union.

Well, that suck big time. I wonder if it's all of Europe who can't import anything from Amazon.jp? Regardless, it have to do with complicated international laws and such.

Last hope for you is to pay a wee bit more and go through a proxy seller. I never used them so I can't tell if it will work for you so eh, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The last link I had in my bookmarks no longer work so you'll have to look for one up.

Up for preorder at Age 3 & Up:

https://www.agesthreeandup.ca/collectio ... racker-2-0

Better price at RobotKingdom:

https://www.robotkingdom.com/mp52plus.html

For Canadians, it will depend on customs and shipping price to know what is the better deal.