First Images of Box and Card for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime 3.0

oh man... that prototype is looking pretty rough.... I'm still shocked that EE and some other retailers are sold out, especially US/non-JP ones... that is a steep price... wonder if those retailers are hedging their stock so they don't have too many folks cancel and leave them with a bunch of stock. I feel that's what happened to BBTS and the Seekers/Conehead MPs.

Sold out pre orders mean nothing unless they are pre paid. The more pictures we get, the easier a pass this is. I’m very happy with my MS Light of Freedom,

I don't like its head - too toy-like, although it can be improved by the final deco - otherwise it's a nice (if expensive) model. Speaking of heads, where is Starscream's? It's the only new feature that I somehow envy, if I compare it to my MP-10.

Here’s how I feel about this. I have this on preorder and it’s going to be amazing but obviously super overpriced. I’m getting it to display next to MP-36. After this one I’m done with Masterpiece outside of beast wars. They’ve just gotten too expensive at this point. I’ll be going all in on siege to get the complete cast. Seems like the smart route at this point

Does he not have ankle tilt?

Beachjezus wrote:Here’s how I feel about this. I have this on preorder and it’s going to be amazing but obviously super overpriced. I’m getting it to display next to MP-36. After this one I’m done with Masterpiece outside of beast wars. They’ve just gotten too expensive at this point. I’ll be going all in on siege to get the complete cast. Seems like the smart route at this point

see, I find myself starting to share this same sentiment. with the relaunch of the MP line with mp10 prime and sideswipe, I pretty much vowed to get every mp release ever. But as time has gone by, and the price has gotten much higher, added to the design shift (less hybrid between perfect g1 toy and toon, and more g1 toon accurate using things like fake chests etc) and some questionable design choices (looking at you mp hot rod and v2 bee) I'm starting to find myself wanting to pass on more and more. Now I know this is primarily for the Japanese market, and maybe in Japan this is whats in demand from fans; I don't know. but me personally, I see no need for this. figure. does he look impressive, yes. is he spot on toon accurate? mostly. Does his vehicle mode look like a jigsaw puzzle? absolutely. But is he necessary? not at all. There are so many other characters that need representation and love in the mp line. spending resources and development time on rehashing existing figures that are already perfect masterpiece representations (imho) instead of working towards giving us the rest of the cast seems like a waste. Again, I know this is primarily for the Japanese market, and maybe there's no love over there for these characters. I know that was supposedly the case for the dinobots. But I still want to see MP insecticons, trailbreaker, mirage, gears, huffer, brawn, pipes, blaster, reflector, etc. and what about the Japanese series then? Jinrai, overloard, deathsaurus, or any combiner from any of them. And yes, I know theres a bazillian third party versions of these things out there... but there shouldn't have to be.

Would I pay $440 for another masterpiece prime when I already have mp 10? no
Would I pay $440 for a perfect masterpiece God Jinrai? good chance.
Am I still waiting for an official mp Victory Leo to complete my Star Saber. probably forever at this point.

Immortal Starscream wrote:

Beachjezus wrote:Here’s how I feel about this. I have this on preorder and it’s going to be amazing but obviously super overpriced. I’m getting it to display next to MP-36. After this one I’m done with Masterpiece outside of beast wars. They’ve just gotten too expensive at this point. I’ll be going all in on siege to get the complete cast. Seems like the smart route at this point

see, I find myself starting to share this same sentiment. with the relaunch of the MP line with mp10 prime and sideswipe, I pretty much vowed to get every mp release ever. But as time has gone by, and the price has gotten much higher, added to the design shift (less hybrid between perfect g1 toy and toon, and more g1 toon accurate using things like fake chests etc) and some questionable design choices (looking at you mp hot rod and v2 bee) I'm starting to find myself wanting to pass on more and more. Now I know this is primarily for the Japanese market, and maybe in Japan this is whats in demand from fans; I don't know. but me personally, I see no need for this. figure. does he look impressive, yes. is he spot on toon accurate? mostly. Does his vehicle mode look like a jigsaw puzzle? absolutely. But is he necessary? not at all. There are so many other characters that need representation and love in the mp line. spending resources and development time on rehashing existing figures that are already perfect masterpiece representations (imho) instead of working towards giving us the rest of the cast seems like a waste. Again, I know this is primarily for the Japanese market, and maybe there's no love over there for these characters. I know that was supposedly the case for the dinobots. But I still want to see MP insecticons, trailbreaker, mirage, gears, huffer, brawn, pipes, blaster, reflector, etc. and what about the Japanese series then? Jinrai, overloard, deathsaurus, or any combiner from any of them. And yes, I know theres a bazillian third party versions of these things out there... but there shouldn't have to be.

Would I pay $440 for another masterpiece prime when I already have mp 10? no
Would I pay $440 for a perfect masterpiece God Jinrai? good chance.
Am I still waiting for an official mp Victory Leo to complete my Star Saber. probably forever at this point.

So we are on the same page sir. I’m only getting this because I feel I owe it to mp-36 to have his buddy next to him. I’ll have mp-10 with the rest of the autobots and Apollyon with my MP deceptions. With siege looking good enough at this point I’m going to be using that to get the complete cast!

I’m looking into these pop culture shock statues that are up for preorder - Optimus and soundwave. I might use these for my toon accurate or higher end needs. They are cheaper than MP at this point and look better for sure.

I agree with the new Megs we needed “final battle” Prime

i dont know about anybody else but despite the price the more i see of this the more i want it

Im in the more i see the more i want camp too!

william-james88 wrote:This toy is scheduled to come out in November 2019 and several retailers are already sold out of preorders even with the $440 price tag over at Entertainment Earth.

Well, I'm pretty sure that "insane" price tag won't stop the sales. Especially if once the figure finally get in hands, the quality match the price.

Even if it's a different fandom, I can draw a parallel to doll collecting.
Click here for the PICTURE.
The Dollfie Dream Hatsune Miku were limited at 39 units each for the event and sold at 650$US and 660$US each. Not counting the 55$US of shipping and sureshot custom taxes.

Those dolls sold in less than 20 minutes! And I'm one of the "lucky" buyer.

So, yeah, all preorders of the 440$US Optimus already sold out? I'm not surprised. At least that Optimus will be way less limited than a Dollfie so everyone will have his/her chance in due time. Will I'll be buying one?
Well, maybe. I'll wait for the reviews first.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

william-james88 wrote:This toy is scheduled to come out in November 2019 and several retailers are already sold out of preorders even with the $440 price tag over at Entertainment Earth.

Well, I'm pretty sure that "insane" price tag won't stop the sales. Especially if once the figure finally get in hands, the quality match the price.

Even if it's a different fandom, I can draw a parallel to doll collecting.
Click here for the PICTURE.
The Dollfie Dream Hatsune Miku were limited at 39 units each for the event and sold at 650$US and 660$US each. Not counting the 55$US of shipping and sureshot custom taxes.

Those dolls sold in less than 20 minutes! And I'm one of the "lucky" buyer.

So, yeah, all preorders of the 440$US Optimus already sold out? I'm not surprised. At least that Optimus will be way less limited than a Dollfie so everyone will have his/her chance in due time. Will I'll be buying one?
Well, maybe. I'll wait for the reviews first.

and wait to see if there are any cracking crotch pieces or anything else that might break

Ultra Markus wrote:and wait to see if there are any cracking crotch pieces or anything else that might break

Yeah, first, scratched up mp-36's, then rid convoy being a mess and having to be recalled, now, mp-43's purple plastic problem - not to mention, hosts of qc issues in between; tt is not having a great run of luck convincing me these items are gonna be worth the price they're asking

Hellscream9999 wrote:

Ultra Markus wrote:and wait to see if there are any cracking crotch pieces or anything else that might break

Yeah, first, scratched up mp-36's, then rid convoy being a mess and having to be recalled, now, mp-43's purple plastic problem - not to mention, hosts of qc issues in between; tt is not having a great run of luck convincing me these items are gonna be worth the price they're asking

Hence waiting for actual in-hand reviews. And not just one, but many. That's why I refuse to preorder it.
Beside, what's the actual point of preordering a WIDELY AVAILABLE MAINLINE ITEM? Like, seriously.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Hellscream9999 wrote:

Ultra Markus wrote:and wait to see if there are any cracking crotch pieces or anything else that might break

Yeah, first, scratched up mp-36's, then rid convoy being a mess and having to be recalled, now, mp-43's purple plastic problem - not to mention, hosts of qc issues in between; tt is not having a great run of luck convincing me these items are gonna be worth the price they're asking

Hence waiting for actual in-hand reviews. And not just one, but many. That's why I refuse to preorder it.
Beside, what's the actual point of preordering a WIDELY AVAILABLE MAINLINE ITEM? Like, seriously.

Might get sold out from all the places with a decent price. The vast majority of people who got a decent price on MP Dinobot, for instance, were the ones who preordered him.

william-james88 wrote:Might get sold out from all the places with a decent price. The vast majority of people who got a decent price on MP Dinobot, for instance, were the ones who preordered him.

Still, it's Optimus Prime we are talking about. I bet there will be plenty of units for everyone at "normal price" for a long while.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

william-james88 wrote:Might get sold out from all the places with a decent price. The vast majority of people who got a decent price on MP Dinobot, for instance, were the ones who preordered him.

Still, it's Optimus Prime we are talking about. I bet there will be plenty of units for everyone at "normal price" for a long while.

I am talking about the 20-30% off price, that sure wont last long at all.

william-james88 wrote:I am talking about the 20-30% off price, that sure wont last long at all.

If you mean the initial sales, yeah, sure. But those will be the first batch and a roll of the dice concerning potential issues. I'm not really hot to gamble.

Plus there's always a possibility of life changing or simple interests changing once the bill finally hit. I felt obligated to honor too many preorders I no longer wanted already...

Beachjezus wrote:I’m getting it to display next to MP-36.

While that's a good idea, you just know that there will be yet another MP Megatron on the way soon enough.

I’ll be going all in on siege to get the complete cast. Seems like the smart route at this point

That's what I'm doing for my G1 crew, I never did get MP fever, I have only a handful, representing characters I care about more than others.

As for MP-44, I agree that it's mainly a cash grab, but it is an improvement over MP-10 (which wasn't hard to do), and it looks damn good, but not worth $440. After all, in the end it's a plastic display piece. But to each his/her own. Honestly, I have the money for it, but I'm not getting it when it comes out, I'll wait a few months, even at the risk of the price going higher.

Has anyone else heard anything about the price going up to close to $500 USD? I haven't heard anything from Amazon Japan.

Not that I was gonna spend the money on him anyways, but he's not looking that great to me here. Too many panels, backpack is looking heavy, and the cartoon appeal only works in certain poses at certain angles imo.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Has anyone else heard anything about the price going up to close to $500 USD? I haven't heard anything from Amazon Japan.

Haven't really checked but I locked in a PO with Amazon JP a while ago. Pretty sure the all in price was in the high $300s.

Honestly, I want the jetpack for my MP Sideswipe, that's what i want

Wow! Such a beauty!!!

-Kanrabat- wrote:

william-james88 wrote:I am talking about the 20-30% off price, that sure wont last long at all.

If you mean the initial sales, yeah, sure. But those will be the first batch and a roll of the dice concerning potential issues. I'm not really hot to gamble.

Plus there's always a possibility of life changing or simple interests changing once the bill finally hit. I felt obligated to honor too many preorders I no longer wanted already...

In this particular case, the gamble is over $130, because thats the amount of savings the preorder gives you. Which isn't nothing. Plus, if you order from Amazon Japan and pay with credit card then you can return it if there is something wrong.

william-james88 wrote:In this particular case, the gamble is over $130, because thats the amount of savings the preorder gives you. Which isn't nothing. Plus, if you order from Amazon Japan and pay with credit card then you can return it if there is something wrong.

That's nice for the issue part.

But it's the "no longer want" part that worries me. THAT'S the true gamble here. And one thing that I learned is if there is some doubt, better not buy the thing. No matter how good or how "cheap" it is. I made too many impulse purchases with buyer remorse this way.

I'm in the Amazon JP boat. I have a PO at a great price when compared to the domestic price. But it's still a lot and I'm not sure if I really want it. Doubtful the price will be any better in the near future. What to do?!?!

nycPrime wrote:I'm in the Amazon JP boat. I have a PO at a great price when compared to the domestic price. But it's still a lot and I'm not sure if I really want it. Doubtful the price will be any better in the near future. What to do?!?!

Easy. Balance the Wants VS Mehs. If the Wants win, even by the slightest margin, buy. If it's the Mehs, do not.

That's the method I now use to buy everything. Make me avoid either regrets to not getting the thing, or the buyer remorse syndrome.

The earlier news post said this guy was coming out in November but my Amazon jp is saying it will be delivered September 3rd? I bought 4 btw each at 322.99 shipped so excited I just hope no one regrets not picking up at that price! This is why I can’t back Unicron because they both fall on the same date so please reach out if OP was delayed to November because I’m torn

GrangerPerry wrote:The earlier news post said this guy was coming out in November but my Amazon jp is saying it will be delivered September 3rd? I bought 4 btw each at 322.99 shipped so excited I just hope no one regrets not picking up at that price! This is why I can’t back Unicron because they both fall on the same date so please reach out if OP was delayed to November because I’m torn

Four?

Amazon Japan says August 31, 2019. I think Sep 3-5 is the estimated time of arrival.

Cyberpath wrote:

GrangerPerry wrote:The earlier news post said this guy was coming out in November but my Amazon jp is saying it will be delivered September 3rd? I bought 4 btw each at 322.99 shipped so excited I just hope no one regrets not picking up at that price! This is why I can’t back Unicron because they both fall on the same date so please reach out if OP was delayed to November because I’m torn

Four?

Amazon Japan says August 31, 2019. I think Sep 3-5 is the estimated time of arrival.

Lo and behold, Hasbro release their version and it land on sale at Walmart for 90$.
...
....... Or not....

Those glory days are gone.

Update:

The (previously) most expensive single First Party figure has had a pricing update. Note, as his release is less than two weeks away, there is no deposit option.

£374.97 - Kapow Toys

£364.97 - An additional "non-mint box" reduced option via Kapow also. Although I imagine this one will be gone quickly.

£369.99 - via In Demand toys, although this pre-order is now out of stock.

Release Date: 1/9/19

Wow, a little more than a week!

I'll be waiting for the video reviews. Because I'm really not sure if the thing is worth half a canucks grand.

-Kanrabat- wrote:I'll be waiting for the video reviews. Because I'm really not sure if the thing is worth half a canucks grand.

It's not. If you want a ton accurate Prime, there are much cheaper and better looking options out there, if you know what I mean.

Ironhidensh wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:I'll be waiting for the video reviews. Because I'm really not sure if the thing is worth half a canucks grand.

It's not. If you want a ton accurate Prime, there are much cheaper and better looking options out there, if you know what I mean.

Oh, exactly. Plus the fact that I already have MP-01 and MP-10 already make that ONE MORE MP pretty frivolous.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

Ironhidensh wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:I'll be waiting for the video reviews. Because I'm really not sure if the thing is worth half a canucks grand.

It's not. If you want a ton accurate Prime, there are much cheaper and better looking options out there, if you know what I mean.

Oh, exactly. Plus the fact that I already have MP-01 and MP-10 already make that ONE MORE MP pretty frivolous.

Just get the cel-shaded seige one, it'll be loads better and is technically he most screen accurate cuz of the cel-shading paint style

Hellscream9999 wrote:Just get the cel-shaded seige one, it'll be loads better and is technically he most screen accurate cuz of the cel-shading paint style

The only thing that is a dealbreaker for me about the Siege voyager is the huge panel that make a "baseball cap" on the truck and a huge backpack for the bot. If some 3P or Shapeway guy made a replacement part, I may consider it.

In-hand pix of MP-44, from several sources --







































(Now I'm worried about his antennas.)




















Yikes! I'm used to SIEGE figures, this looks scary complicated in comparison.








Whoa..





























Here's a demo of how his pelvis works when the thighs are pushed upwards --
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1wN3Digo7e/

Oh Gawd! He has a robo-peen! I will focus exclusively on this to otherwise trash this figure for all eternity!

sol magnus wrote:Oh Gawd! He has a robo-peen! I will focus exclusively on this to otherwise trash this figure for all eternity!

I dont see a robo peen anywhere.

william-james88 wrote:

sol magnus wrote:Oh Gawd! He has a robo-peen! I will focus exclusively on this to otherwise trash this figure for all eternity!

I dont see a robo peen anywhere.

Yeah, look at his mid-section around the big yellow button.

Now, bear in mind I'm making a joke about a non-issue (like Megatron's so-called "Robo-Vagina").

I think he's doing it in jest of complaints about mp 36 having a robogina

Dick jokes aside, I just can't seem to overlook that giant backpack. For a figure that cost THREE TO FOUR TIMES the price of MP-10, this is simply unforgivable.

I'll be this guy and will too 3P for my "toon accurate" Optimus. This will ironically be way cheaper. The fact that I won't have to buy another trailer that take too much room also help.

No matter what you won’t buy it. We get it. You’ve been making this point for awhile now. The horse is dead. No need to keep beating it do you think?

Thanks to a new post to by TFND on Facebook's member Robin Lee we have a veritable convoy of new details and images for the new MP-44 Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece Optimus Prime 3.0! This is one mean Masterpiece coming with a bevy of accessories including Sideswipe's jetpack, new blast effects for said jetpack, a Starscream head and air intake shoulder mounting 'disguise' harkening back to the G1 cartoon episode Megatron's Master Plan Part 1, the iconic axe, ion rifle, spare faces to reflect greater cartoon show accuracy and poor Prime's smashed up mug from his battle with Megatron (MP-36's matching battle damage) from the 1986 animated movie. I'm out of breath and that's barely covering half the features this thing comes with. He even comes with an audio soundbox feature with newly recorded lines by the character's original Japanese voice actor Tesshō Genda!































Along with the truckload of MP-44 images we have some images of the new collector pin that Prime comes with and the MP=44 packaging. These images come via the new post to Robotkingdom.








And in our last little bit of MP-44 news for today we have a brief animation of how the retractable pelvis armor works when Prime's leg is raised. This was posted to Instagram by Ocar Lan. Just click the link to head over and watch how it works.

Hope you enjoy all the views of this true Masterpiece. Make sure to share your thoughts in the forum and stay tuned to Seibertron for the ultimate in Transformers news!

Man, that thing really does look beautiful. If there wasn't a certain planet expense coming up shortly I would totally bite. Maybe they'll do a later run with less accessories at some point. One can hope at least.

And special thanks to Cyberpath for the heads up on these images!

I'm excited for this

Perusing Facebook this evening, this news crew member came across a link to a YouTube video that contains some VERY interesting and unexpected news. From its announcement, Masterpiece Optimus Prime 3.0 was only ever confirmed to have voice clips, newly recorded, from his original Japanese voice actor, Tesshō Genda. However, this recently posted video, from YouTube channel ThreeStar Star, demonstrates that not only does he include clips from Transformers voice acting legend Peter Cullen, but he also includes.... well, watch the video and find out!



While the inclusion of English voice and sound clips hasn't been officially confirmed, it certainly looks as though they'll be part of the figure. We'll likely find out soon, as MP-44 is set to be released in Japan on Saturday.

What do you think, Seibertronians? Does this up your desire to get this figure? Let us know in the forums below!