The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed

Posted by El Duque Jul 12, 2014 at 10:58am CDT 31,916 views

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Courtesy of Amazon Japan we have the cover for the recently announced The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide. The 96 page book is schedule to release later this month on the 30th and retails for about $30.00. Check out the cover mirrored below, which features a really nice group shot of Masterpieces Optimus Prime, Ultra Magnus, Wheeljack, Sideswipe, Bumblebee, and Rodimus Prime.

Transformers News: Re: Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide available 7/30/2014

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Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by Amelie Jul 12, 2014

That photo really shows up how stupidly large HotRod is. Would love to see a V2 that was *just* Hotrod without all the crap about it also being Rodimus Prime. I know the original G1 Hotrod toy was huge compared to the original "diaclone" cast, but the few moments we do see Hotrod and Prime together in the movie - hes not that huge.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by El Duque Jul 12, 2014

Here's a quick follow up to our earlier cover reveal for the upcoming The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide, we not have a peek inside courtesy of AnimeAnime. The book is due to release July 30th for around $30.00 USD. Check out the preview mirrored below:

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by MGrotusque Jul 12, 2014

I think this book is completely unnecessary being that the internet exists and will give you comprehensive information and videos of these figures.
Not saying books are pointless these days just that in this particular application of information the internet wins.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by Downbeat Jul 12, 2014

I figure they're gonna reveal SOMETHING we don't already know about the masterpiece molds.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by ScottyP Jul 12, 2014

MGrotusque wrote:I think this book is completely unnecessary being that the internet exists and will give you comprehensive information and videos of these figures.
Not saying books are pointless these days just that in this particular application of information the internet wins.

I think that's a pretty meritocratic statement to make about the value of books. Printed media, to many, has a certain intrinsic value and a sense of permanence that data on the internet does not have. That's the market for this book, folks like me that absolutely adore printed, touchable, high quality information that doesn't have to be looked at through a screen. Books like this are not meant to replace information that can be found online, they're meant to be a fun, enjoyable resource that captures information at a moment in time and keeps it in one compact physical spot.

How much information that was hosted regularly ten years ago is just plain gone now? Like it or not, the data we spill online is not as permanent as often perceived. Sure, it won't burn up in a fire or be eaten by moths, but it's also subject to as many different varieties and whims of fate as a book is.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by Stormrider Jul 12, 2014

Cyberpath wrote:The page has been updated with the cover:

Bee looks so tiny in the picture. His price even with Spike is hard to justify.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by griftimus prime Jul 12, 2014

lol a bunch of pages with the same ten molds on each page.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by Dr. Caelus Jul 12, 2014

Masterpiece Transformers: So expensive, you'll pay $30 just to get the catalog.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by MGrotusque Jul 12, 2014

ScottyP wrote:
MGrotusque wrote:I think this book is completely unnecessary being that the internet exists and will give you comprehensive information and videos of these figures.
Not saying books are pointless these days just that in this particular application of information the internet wins.

I think that's a pretty meritocratic statement to make about the value of books. Printed media, to many, has a certain intrinsic value and a sense of permanence that data on the internet does not have. That's the market for this book, folks like me that absolutely adore printed, touchable, high quality information that doesn't have to be looked at through a screen. Books like this are not meant to replace information that can be found online, they're meant to be a fun, enjoyable resource that captures information at a moment in time and keeps it in one compact physical spot.

How much information that was hosted regularly ten years ago is just plain gone now? Like it or not, the data we spill online is not as permanent as often perceived. Sure, it won't burn up in a fire or be eaten by moths, but it's also subject to as many different varieties and whims of fate as a book is.

It's not a book. It's a catalogue. Also...i'm not denouncing "books" because the internet exists. I just think it's silly for this guide to exist in this format. Waste of good trees when it's all available on the interwebs in far more detail.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by Hero Alpha Jul 12, 2014

Amelie wrote:That photo really shows up how stupidly large HotRod is. Would love to see a V2 that was *just* Hotrod without all the crap about it also being Rodimus Prime. I know the original G1 Hotrod toy was huge compared to the original "diaclone" cast, but the few moments we do see Hotrod and Prime together in the movie - hes not that huge.

Rodimus Prime was that much bigger than Hot Rod and in scale with Optimus. And I think the masterpiece is of Rodimus.?

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by Seibertron Jul 12, 2014

ScottyP wrote:
MGrotusque wrote:I think this book is completely unnecessary being that the internet exists and will give you comprehensive information and videos of these figures.
Not saying books are pointless these days just that in this particular application of information the internet wins.

I think that's a pretty meritocratic statement to make about the value of books. Printed media, to many, has a certain intrinsic value and a sense of permanence that data on the internet does not have. That's the market for this book, folks like me that absolutely adore printed, touchable, high quality information that doesn't have to be looked at through a screen. Books like this are not meant to replace information that can be found online, they're meant to be a fun, enjoyable resource that captures information at a moment in time and keeps it in one compact physical spot.

How much information that was hosted regularly ten years ago is just plain gone now? Like it or not, the data we spill online is not as permanent as often perceived. Sure, it won't burn up in a fire or be eaten by moths, but it's also subject to as many different varieties and whims of fate as a book is.

Yes indeed ... and on that note I just ordered this book from Amazon Japan earlier today. Looking forward to adding it to my Japanese book collection. There is always something cool to learn from these books.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by TimothyR Jul 13, 2014

MGrotusque wrote:I think this book is completely unnecessary being that the internet exists and will give you comprehensive information and videos of these figures.
Not saying books are pointless these days just that in this particular application of information the internet wins.

i agree that it's unnecessary.. but for different reasons.

i think it's just too early in the line for a book like this.. i mean, at least give us a definitive megatron or galvatron before something like this.

i REALLY REALLY hope there are some hints towards the future and maybe a hint as to what's next.

also, i'm surprised they aren't showing screen grabs from the G1 show since they (hasui) specifically stated that they're based primarily off of the cartoon and the real world vehicle.

this is still cool.. i just think it's too early.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by Amelie Jul 13, 2014

Moonshot wrote:I think the masterpiece is of Rodimus.?

Debatable. There isn't a single part of Rodimus Prime's alt-mode that doesn't have to be attached as some sort of accessory. Its HotRod. With an exchangeable face and a leg extending gimmick. The Winnebago mode relies on a removable cab and trailer. The actual Car-mode is massive compared to the other MPs

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by durroth Jul 13, 2014

hotrod just looks off in general compared to the others for some reason. it's not even his size, he just stands out as having a different aesthetic. it's kinda weird.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by Convoy Jul 13, 2014

durroth wrote:hotrod just looks off in general compared to the others for some reason. it's not even his size, he just stands out as having a different aesthetic. it's kinda weird.

Wasn't the same guy who was responsible for Hot/Rodimus also responsible for designing MP Megatron who also has a stand out aesthetic?

If I could read this book I would totally buy it.
On that note, I'll be here waiting on the internet for news on what secrets the book might hold.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by Sabrblade Jul 13, 2014

This book contains never-before-seen content such as early design sketches, dropped concepts, prototypes, behind-the-scenes interviews and anecdotes with the designers...

Yeah, totally stuff that can already be found readily available online! >:oP

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by Hero Alpha Jul 13, 2014

Amelie wrote:
Moonshot wrote:I think the masterpiece is of Rodimus.?

Debatable. There isn't a single part of Rodimus Prime's alt-mode that doesn't have to be attached as some sort of accessory. Its HotRod. With an exchangeable face and a leg extending gimmick. The Winnebago mode relies on a removable cab and trailer. The actual Car-mode is massive compared to the other MPs

If I am not mistaken though the masterpiece figures are based on robot mode scale first and alt second from G1 cartoon. So Rodimus is in scale with Optimus, if he were Hot Rod he would be shorter. The cartoon didn't consider his "trailer/camper" thing with robot mode.

Re: The Transformers Masterpiece Official Guide Cover Revealed (view post)

Comment by mooncake623 Jul 15, 2014

New details on the Transformers Masterpiece series guidebook have been posted on Amazon Japan Along with a picture of the cover, we also get a sneak peak at what we'll see inside. Along with staff interviews with Takara-Tomy we are also expecting to see a lot of unused design sketches and prototype pictures.