So I wasn't thrilled with what I saw with MP-32. Toon accuracy has never been my bag. While I loved the Beast Wars cartoon, I didn't love it for it's art. I knew then they were maxing out their CG capabilities. They did the best they could with what they had. But what that show really did best was tell a story.
Oh but man! I do love me those Beat Wars toys. I often refer to my OG Primal toy as my "Buzz Lightyear". He is hands down one of my all time favorite Transformers.
The beast mode sculpt On MP-32 is what bothered me, and the painted hair texture even more. When I saw the reveal of MP-38 Optimus Primal Legendary Leader Version, my interests were peaked. Although it still had that smooth
car dealership inflatable gorilla look to the beast mode, the new deco helped me see more of what I wanted to see. The toy. And the accessories sure helped that too. So I decided I'd give the old ape a try.
So let's get down to monkeying around!
I don't mind eating a little crow. This Masterpiece certainly exceeded my expectations.
This is my first time with this mold. So for me this isn't a rehash of what I already know. This is a real time first impression.
BACK OFF THE GLASS KIDS! The alpha is angry.
While I'm still not crazy about the beast mode, it is starting to grow on me. Poseability is OK, but the character that the different faces bring really help this mode become more enjoyable. Legendary Leader comes with one less face for each mode than 32, but the ones he comes with are still fun.
I do have some concern for the finish. He has this beautiful matte finish all over. I fear that it could wear quickly. Matte finishes like this love to show scratches and rubs. Especially in black. You definitely have to handle him gingerly. Keep those nails trimmed, and be careful with those clearances during transformation.
What does it really mean...... to have a spark?
BOT MODE!
Well now this mode just saved the day! The deco is so true to the original. The transformation was elegant, and not too complicated. I never liked the exposed mouth from the show. This version does come with the optional face, but the first thing I did was slap the muzzle on that monkey maw.
The inclusion of some of the OG toy gimmicks is great. I got pretty excited when I deployed those wrist rockets. He's got all the right weapons to put this homage to work for me.
But the very best accessories?
The mask and the morningstar! The mask is TOTALLY RAD!!!!
(Yaeh, I said rad) I lost the mask to my original Primal years ago. And miss it to this day. It looks so good on 38, I'm pretty convinced this is how I'll display him. What's interesting is it pegs into the back of his head, which has a translucent window, so the light-up eyes gimmick will still function.
What's AWESOME is the added gnarlyness you get by folding down the bot head antennas to form TUSKS!!!
Exhaust! Looks like you and my flail are gonna get in a little FACE TIME!
Another added feature over 32 is the weapon rack. You can still stow the separate blades in his back pack, but with this added piece, he can stash all the extras. The conjoined sword looks a tad ridiculous sticking out there, but the mask and flail storage is much appreciated.
Aside from the accessories, some of my Seiber-friends, much better versed than I in TF fiction and lore helped me with a few fun factoids that make Legendary Leader's release different from MP-32.
MP-38 is the first Masterpiece to be released as a Beast Wars 2 character. The box, instructions, and collector's card all sport the BW2 logo, as well as feature artwork from a very specific one-off anime titled, Beast Wars Special Super Lifeform Transformers. While I'm sure Takara wanted to reference the anime with their deco on 38, as they are increasingly needing to do these days, the artists at the studio responsible for the film were most likely directly referencing the original toy's design. Since I'm unfamiliar with this anime, when I look at 38, I obviously see the old, now classic Kenner/Hasbro deco.
Not bad for an old timer!
Will this Masterpiece version ever replace the original beast's warm fuzzy nest in my primate heart? NOPE! But, 38 is starting to build his own. If cartoon accuracy is your thang, then 32 is allllll-right. But if like me, the buck stops at the toys, 38 is a really great Masterpiece figure. Whether he is to replace the old one your Mom sold at that garage sale, or to be added to your Optimus Primal shelf, he's and outstanding transforming robot toy high-end collectible! It definitely scratched the itch on my silver back!
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