Masterpiece MP-36 Megatron Pre-order Roundup

Emerje wrote:

william-james88 wrote:If it is illegal, its illegal for a US corporation to import it and distribute it (like BBTS), not an individual. The japanese stores are not under US law and thus their distribution to us does not apply. The problem here is that its a US company acting as a secondary seller. You avoid that when you import.

Unfortunately HLJ DOES plug their toy guns. Both my MP Megatron and Encore Megatron had orange plugs on them. The MP had a rubber plug that popped right out, but the Encore had a hard plastic cap that was glued in. I don't know if they did it for the Chronicles 2-pack with DotM Megatron or not. It doesn't seem like AmiAmi or Hobby Search used plugs on their releases.

Emerje

Interesting, I dont use HLJ, since I usually find their prices higher than others (and I accumulate points elsehwere). I boght my reissue from the Jungle and it came without the orange tip. And I am also curious about the chronicles 2 pack. Did the ones bought through US dealers have the orange tip? Because that would be very telling as to what is "illegal" in the US.

I'm curious for an official statement from each retailer above. If one noted rubber insert, I'd choose them over one that was glued in.

Yesterday I had a great idea. With a small amount of retooling (ex.:new head,remove the gun barrel, and a recolor), this would make a great Browning. Actually, it would be the best Masterpiece figure where scale is concerned, since the figure's size is also around Browning's size.

Decepticon Stryker wrote:Yesterday I had a great idea. With a small amount of retooling (ex.:new head,remove the gun barrel, and a recolor), this would make a great Browning. Actually, it would be the best Masterpiece figure where scale is concerned, since the figure's size is also around Browning's size.

That would be way cooler, and would be a great way to get more use out of the mold

Hellscream9999 wrote:

Decepticon Stryker wrote:Yesterday I had a great idea. With a small amount of retooling (ex.:new head,remove the gun barrel, and a recolor), this would make a great Browning. Actually, it would be the best Masterpiece figure where scale is concerned, since the figure's size is also around Browning's size.

That would be way cooler, and would be a great way to get more use out of the mold

Plus it'd be the character's first figure.

Does anyone have any experience in removing an orange barrel plug? I can def live with it, but if there is some tried and true method to remove the plug I would appreciate any insight.

Decepticon Stryker wrote:

Hellscream9999 wrote:

Decepticon Stryker wrote:Yesterday I had a great idea. With a small amount of retooling (ex.:new head,remove the gun barrel, and a recolor), this would make a great Browning. Actually, it would be the best Masterpiece figure where scale is concerned, since the figure's size is also around Browning's size.

That would be way cooler, and would be a great way to get more use out of the mold

Plus it'd be the character's first figure.

Second, actually:


D-308 Browning

That said, he'd require a complete reshell. Megatron is a Walther P38, while Browning is an FN Model M1910, imported by the Browning Arms Company (hence the name).

If anything we'll get yet another Megaplex or Black Megatron, instead.

The domestic pre-order price is way to high for me, especially with the orange plug. I'll definitively look into other means.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:The domestic pre-order price is way to high for me, especially with the orange plug. I'll definitively look into other means.

Fully agree. I think most of us here will be looking at importing it through one of the Japanese stores. Someone remind me again if those stores will be inserting an orange plug? And if not, and US Customs discover it, what happens?

nycPrime wrote:

chuckdawg1999 wrote:The domestic pre-order price is way to high for me, especially with the orange plug. I'll definitively look into other means.

Fully agree. I think most of us here will be looking at importing it through one of the Japanese stores. Someone remind me again if those stores will be inserting an orange plug? And if not, and US Customs discover it, what happens?

The disclaimer quite clearly states that if customs finds one without a plug, you're likely not getting it...

I was able to get my pre-order completed on BBTS today. I'm really looking forward to this one after the abomination that was MP-5. My Apollyon was a decent substitute (minus the weak ball joints at the shoulder hinge that constantly allow the arms to pop off). Once I receive MP-36 Apollyon is Ebay fodder.

This has to be the best Megatron head and face-sculpt yet, official/unofficial.



I guess they couldn't make his barrel sit properly on his back though.



Also, cool, the markings on his chest are translucent, too. Like the blinking lights of one of his communication devices.




Kind of impressive how Megatron and "battle damaged" Megatron are one and the same figure.

Fellow Seibertronian Cyberpath has shared with us a new batch of stock images of the recently revealed Takara Tomy Transformers Masterpiece MP-36 Megatron, featuring a number of new looks at the second version of the Decepticon / Destron leader! Via Loopaza Toy Store, we have another comparison with MP-10 Optimus Prime, a look at the accessories (including faces, Key to Vector Sigma, weapons, and the mind control helmet), shots in gun mode and with the scope cannon mode, and more - check them all out mirrored below!

I was waiting for a perfect Megatron 2.0, Takaratomy made it.
It looks just like Megatron in Sunbow The Transformers G1 cartoon.
It comes so to see with all the accessories of the famous Megatron/Optimus Prime battles in the Sunbow The Transformers G1 cartoon/movie. I hope they including his hand circle saw blade from the Sunbow The Transformers G1 Season 1 cartoon.

Now an MP-10 3.0 Optimus Prime where the waist/upperlegs colors are white, the symbols on the waist are medium yellow not translucent, the lower legs are total blue and the Wheels fold inside the lower legs, full hand articulation, led Light in his eyes/chesl to Light up matrix.

Now an MP-22 Ultra Magnus 2.0 where the waist can swivel, and the was flap can be fold on his back of the torso, full hand articulation.

Now an MP-27 Ironhide/MP-30 Ratchet 2.0 where the back wheels fold in the waist with an foldable plate over it, full hand articulation.

Now an MP-21 Bumblebee 2.0 where the underarms have an foldable plate to cover the hole in it, full hand articulation.

Now an MP-15 Rumble/MP-16 Frenzy with full hand articulation.

I known you Takaratomy engineers can do this, now do so.

I love how all the latest MP figures look like they fell out of an episode from the cartoon

This is the Megatron I been waiting for! I picked up Apollyon last year but when Maketoys announced their awesome version, as well as DX9 had a great likeness too, I said nah I think I'll hold to see if TakaraTomy actually comes through. Especially considering I've been with Masterpiece since MP-01 Convoy and I DID miss out on MP-05 (as well as MP-11 being 2 of the 3 masterpiece molds I missed out on so I preordered both of them instantly)

Dang it. Why does the Yen have to be so strong right now?!

CdogCdog4 wrote:This is the Megatron I been waiting for! I picked up Apollyon last year but when Maketoys announced their awesome version, as well as DX9 had a great likeness too, I said nah I think I'll hold to see if TakaraTomy actually comes through. Especially considering I've been with Masterpiece since MP-01 Convoy and I DID miss out on MP-05 (as well as MP-11 so I preordered both instantly)

im getting mightron
this one is too expensive.
i like it but not 230 expensive
they always come through some people just dont see that.
Rich S.

Bumblebee21 wrote:im getting mightron

I fully support that purchase Bumblebee21. $130 is easier than $230 all day erryday. I guess I'm in the minority but I've set a limit per figure for myself to $200, and the closest I've been is SDCC Fort Max at $190 shipped. I actually try to stay $150 or less, MP22 was $170 shipped when I got him.

So, for me, $230 is too much. $170? Maybe, but I would reaaaaaaaaaally have to convince myself I needed him more than my Apollyon or one of the others available. I'm aware he's the official, but the line is blurring for me in my old age.

itscramtastic wrote:Dang it. Why does the Yen have to be so strong right now?!

It's actually starting to decline once again. It's already back down to $1USD = 106.84JPY and continues to slip. Doesn't mean it wont rebound, we saw that back in July, though that was a sharp jump and this one has been more gradual. Still not as nice as this time last year when it was 123JPY.

Emerje

This is becoming an easier pass the more pictures we see. Takara has defiantly lost the title for best MP maker.

Maaaaan, it's looking so gooooood! Just wish it wasn't $200+. $150 would've been on point!

Mindmaster wrote:Maaaaan, it's looking so gooooood! Just wish it wasn't $200+. $150 would've been on point!

Oh come on, this is totally not what it's really gonna cost - unless they're factoring the labor to put in the plugs - this would be, like, the 4th time (at least) in recent releases where they inflate the prices to move 3rd party stock, because they know that once the mp hits, almost no one is going to want the 3rd party figures. They did it with Grapple (I believe), Inferno, and Shockwave, and maybe others too, I bet the price will go down a bit before he comes out.

Bumblebee21 wrote:

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Well... that looks really awesome! The battle damage is a nice touch, and the actual figure itself looks amazing!

truly deserves the title of masterpiece. hasnt been one like that since mp-10

Soundwave ?

SunbowTransformersG1 wrote:I was waiting for a perfect Megatron 2.0, Takaratomy made it.
It looks just like Megatron in Sunbow The Transformers G1 cartoon.
It comes so to see with all the accessories of the famous Megatron/Optimus Prime battles in the Sunbow The Transformers G1 cartoon/movie. I hope they including his hand circle saw blade from the Sunbow The Transformers G1 Season 1 cartoon.

Now an MP-10 3.0 Optimus Prime where the waist/upperlegs colors are white, the symbols on the waist are medium yellow not translucent, the lower legs are total blue and the Wheels fold inside the lower legs, full hand articulation, led Light in his eyes/chesl to Light up matrix.

Now an MP-22 Ultra Magnus 2.0 where the waist can swivel, and the was flap can be fold on his back of the torso, full hand articulation.

Now an MP-27 Ironhide/MP-30 Ratchet 2.0 where the back wheels fold in the waist with an foldable plate over it, full hand articulation.

Now an MP-21 Bumblebee 2.0 where the underarms have an foldable plate to cover the hole in it, full hand articulation.

Now an MP-15 Rumble/MP-16 Frenzy with full hand articulation.

I known you Takaratomy engineers can do this, now do so.

Uhhh...sure, they could. But...I don't think they would.

CdogCdog4 wrote:

Bumblebee21 wrote:

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Well... that looks really awesome! The battle damage is a nice touch, and the actual figure itself looks amazing!

truly deserves the title of masterpiece. hasnt been one like that since mp-10

Soundwave ?

Any of the Datsuns?

Put's shivers in my spine! It even has that brain control thingie helmet.

Cobotron wrote:

CdogCdog4 wrote:

Bumblebee21 wrote:

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Well... that looks really awesome! The battle damage is a nice touch, and the actual figure itself looks amazing!

truly deserves the title of masterpiece. hasnt been one like that since mp-10

Soundwave ?

Any of the Datsuns?

Wheeljack?!

Cobotron wrote:

CdogCdog4 wrote:

Bumblebee21 wrote:

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Well... that looks really awesome! The battle damage is a nice touch, and the actual figure itself looks amazing!

truly deserves the title of masterpiece. hasnt been one like that since mp-10

Soundwave ?

Any of the Datsuns?

Or IH, Shockwave, WJ, UM and Hotrod.

itscramtastic wrote:

Cobotron wrote:

CdogCdog4 wrote:

Bumblebee21 wrote:

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Well... that looks really awesome! The battle damage is a nice touch, and the actual figure itself looks amazing!

truly deserves the title of masterpiece. hasnt been one like that since mp-10

Soundwave ?

Any of the Datsuns?

Wheeljack?!

Primal?

Sigma Magnus wrote:

SunbowTransformersG1 wrote:I was waiting for a perfect Megatron 2.0, Takaratomy made it.
It looks just like Megatron in Sunbow The Transformers G1 cartoon.
It comes so to see with all the accessories of the famous Megatron/Optimus Prime battles in the Sunbow The Transformers G1 cartoon/movie. I hope they including his hand circle saw blade from the Sunbow The Transformers G1 Season 1 cartoon.

Now an MP-10 3.0 Optimus Prime where the waist/upperlegs colors are white, the symbols on the waist are medium yellow not translucent, the lower legs are total blue and the Wheels fold inside the lower legs, full hand articulation, led Light in his eyes/chesl to Light up matrix.

Now an MP-22 Ultra Magnus 2.0 where the waist can swivel, and the was flap can be fold on his back of the torso, full hand articulation.

Now an MP-27 Ironhide/MP-30 Ratchet 2.0 where the back wheels fold in the waist with an foldable plate over it, full hand articulation.

Now an MP-21 Bumblebee 2.0 where the underarms have an foldable plate to cover the hole in it, full hand articulation.

Now an MP-15 Rumble/MP-16 Frenzy with full hand articulation.

I known you Takaratomy engineers can do this, now do so.

Uhhh...sure, they could. But...I don't think they would.

UM can't be done unless a new mold for his die-cast torso. As for Rumble/frenzy.the fists are too small, same with the other suggestions.......not practical.

Ironhidensh wrote:This is becoming an easier pass the more pictures we see. Takara has defiantly lost the title for best MP maker.

Oh, you'll change your mind ID

Emerje wrote:

itscramtastic wrote:Dang it. Why does the Yen have to be so strong right now?!

It's actually starting to decline once again. It's already back down to $1USD = 106.84JPY and continues to slip. Doesn't mean it wont rebound, we saw that back in July, though that was a sharp jump and this one has been more gradual. Still not as nice as this time last year when it was 123JPY.

Emerje

Well that's good to know.

Ironhidensh wrote:This is becoming an easier pass the more pictures we see. Takara has defiantly lost the title for best MP maker.

I agree with you, but I don't think they've lost the title as they are the originators of the line AND the intellectual property. Have the 3rd Party figures really become less complicated enough (re: excessive tabs/locking parts) to take over the title? If I'm basing it on my lone experience with Apollyon, no. When I get Hanzo I'll chime in further

Cobotron wrote:

CdogCdog4 wrote:

Bumblebee21 wrote:

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Well... that looks really awesome! The battle damage is a nice touch, and the actual figure itself looks amazing!

truly deserves the title of masterpiece. hasnt been one like that since mp-10

Soundwave ?

Any of the Datsuns?

i revise the statement
i wasnt thinking i was excited by him.
i guess my statement could go for mp2.0's
does mp-28 count as 2.0 since mp-08 was rodimus prime
as im writing y'all keep chiming in about this post,hold on jeez im typing.

Hellscream9999 wrote:I bet the price will go down a bit before he comes out.

the price will go down but its not going to go down that much.it might go down $30 but its not going to go down $60 like most people want

itscramtastic wrote:

Bumblebee21 wrote:im getting mightron

I fully support that purchase Bumblebee21. $130 is easier than $230 all day erryday. I guess I'm in the minority but I've set a limit per figure for myself to $200, and the closest I've been is SDCC Fort Max at $190 shipped. I actually try to stay $150 or less, MP22 was $170 shipped when I got him.

So, for me, $230 is too much. $170? Maybe, but I would reaaaaaaaaaally have to convince myself I needed him more than my Apollyon or one of the others available. I'm aware he's the official, but the line is blurring for me in my old age.

im glad im not the only one.especially the size of the figure. that is nowhere near the size of takaras fort max which is worth 200+ because of the size.then its a toy too and not many toys are worth most asking prices.thats what some people forget these are TOYS.get what you feel you can justify and what you feel you want.just because its official doesnt mean you have to get it. unless you are a completionist like shajaki. ik im going to get some hate from that

itscramtastic wrote:Dang it. Why does the Yen have to be so strong right now?!

I am so proud of you Cram. I am proud of all our level headed smart and educated Seibertronian breathren.

We see the price and while we all don't like it, we get it. None of us are blaming takara of price gouging (at least not more than any other figure). We all know why it is costing us this much and are now contemplating our options rather than wining.

I know it may sond random to write this but as a news guy I search across the web for news and I have never come across so much vitriol than the reaction to the price on this guy, elsewhere online. People don't even realize that it's only costing us more now because of the exchange. The price itself is comparable to what MP-10 was back in 2011.

My research in prices (since I wanted to give some people benefit of a doubt, which was a mistake) revealed that back in 2011, MP-10 was on preorder at BBTS for $249. And thats 2011, there has been some inflation in the 5 years since (as proof by deluxes increasig in price stateside). Starscream was $159 in 2012 (Kanrabat was right, that was expensive then). But since then, the exchange rate was in the state's favour so thigns were more affordable. Plus Hasbro released their more affordable versions of said 2 toys (and Soundwave). Added to how humans easily forget and you get the vitriol I saw as a result.

But none here and thats awesome. So now that we are done with that, lets look at our options for getting this at the best price and what it means as a sacrifice.

This damn toy is more comlicated than any other though. For others (ultra magnus and skywarp for instance), waiting for the Hasbro version might be viable. It could never happen, but its more likely that it does rather than it doesnt, and figures that big will be cheaper when released locally (we only get screwed with the smaller items like cars). But Megs will never be available from Hasbro so we cant wait for that.

The other usual option is buying this off a japanese site to save on money. In this case, I estimate at least a potential saving of $40 USD when preordering this toy in Japan (more if you pay up front). But once again there is that damn orange plug issue. I am personally confident that this toy wouldnt be stopped or seized by customs if it didnt have an orange plug, since they did once pick out my G1 reissue when it was coming in, inspected it, and sent it on its way to me. BUT 1) I am in Canada and 2) I wouldnt want people blaming me if it does get seized. So while I dont think I will have trouble importing this guy, I admit it is reckless and I dont suggest everyone follow my lead. However, HLJ does provide an orange plug and while they arent the cheapest option, they are a cheaper option still so it could be a good in between.

And the last bit of advice for paying less is just to wait. I am thinking of waiting for a few reasons. The reissues announced at the same time give me the idea that Megs will be reissued later (maybe 2 years from now) and hopefuly then the exchange will be n our favour again. Also, by waiting I can see if this toy is any good. While i am a big fan of Takara, its not like all their MPs are winners and looking back I would have much preffered waiting an extra year to see what the real opinion on Tracks was once the recency effect wore off. While i love Megatron and want Megatron, I want a good toy too. And preordering early to get the best discount means I can be stuck with a bad toy.

So I have decided I will wait. I want to wait for a review and if he is sold out, fine I will wait for a reissue (or a HLJ sale).

Sorry for the long post, I hope it was of help to anyone.

itscramtastic wrote:

Cobotron wrote:

CdogCdog4 wrote:

Bumblebee21 wrote:

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:Well... that looks really awesome! The battle damage is a nice touch, and the actual figure itself looks amazing!

truly deserves the title of masterpiece. hasnt been one like that since mp-10

Soundwave ?

Any of the Datsuns?

Wheeljack?!

Dammit, that was gonan be my line. I still beleive that he is the best MP carformer yet.

Ironhidensh wrote:This is becoming an easier pass the more pictures we see. Takara has defiantly lost the title for best MP maker.

At least they remain Defiant!

Bumblebee21 wrote:the price will go down but its not going to go down that much.it might go down $30 but its not going to go down $60 like most people want

He will be available for about $160 plus shipping at Japanese stores, possibly available for $180 shipped (shockwave was surprisingly chea to ship, less than $20). And HLJ has excellent customer service so people can buy from them with the same confidence as an american retailer. They cater specifically to us.

takaras fort max which is worth 200+ because of the size.

I dot think size is relevant to price. I personally dislike giant transformers because their size usually limites their complexity. Would you justify spending $100 on YOTH Starscream because he's huge?

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?siteid=0&pub=5574891718&campid=5336631220&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FSupreme-Starscr%20...%20Sw5cNYEjB4%3C%2Fa%3E%3F

william-james88 wrote:

itscramtastic wrote:Dang it. Why does the Yen have to be so strong right now?!

I am so proud of you Cram.

WJ in the houuuuuuuuuuuse!!

william-james88 wrote:I am proud of all our level headed smart and educated Seibertronian breathren.

You really let the oxygen outta my tank there..

william-james88 wrote:*A very good read, but still snipped*

I'll definitely be waiting this guy out if I decide to pick him up. That reissue of Starscream though, with coronation gear? Hmm....

I'm in love, it's awesome, I want it, but 200+ for it? Wow. That's going to take me a bit to try to get it. Ouch.

Hot damn, I'm not normally a Masterpiece collector, but this is one sexy Megatron. He looks fantastic.

Ironhidensh wrote:Takara has defiantly lost the title for best MP maker.

I'm damn close to joining that stance but then Takara unleash the voodoo magic of Inferno and Grapple's hiding ladder/crane. Don't get me wrong, I love FansToys Dinobots (looking forward to their Grimlock), Perceptor and Shockwave, MakeToys Inferno and Defensor but Takara MP is almost always better to me. Megatron, Shockwave and Inferno are the exceptions thus far. I still want TT's Grapple.

Most of the 3rd party I've bought have been great. Only one I don't like is BadCube's Wardog. Just crazy overly engineered. Clever, yes but not enjoyable in any way to transform. Plus his left arm snapped off with zero real pressure. Eventually got a replacement part but never getting a BadCude again.

pricey as hell but i'll get it... TBH tho the accessories are always a nice touch, if they left them all out and the price was reduced i'd be happier as at the end of the day, most of those accessories end up in storage and aren't displayed...

I don't suppose that any of you here are familiar with the Swiss gun laws?
I would love to get Megs from Anime Export (like I do with all my Takara figures), but I'm really not sure if that could get my in trouble because of customs
Any sort of input would be greatly appreciated

xMXUx wrote:I don't suppose that any of you here are familiar with the Swiss gun laws?
I would love to get Megs from Anime Export (like I do with all my Takara figures), but I'm really not sure if that could get my in trouble because of customs
Any sort of input would be greatly appreciated

Here's what I want to know, are there any issues with a gun-type robot that shows up in robot mode? I don't THINK they'll ship this guy in alt-mode, and from what I remember MP5 didn't ship in alt mode (neither did Apollyon), yet most of the G1 versions and re-issues did ship in alt mode which can cause an issue with customs. We don't know how it's gonna be in the box yet, but if it's in robot mode does it actually NEED the orange plug?

My only real complaint with this figure is all the flat grey plastic. No silver paint ANYWHERE? Either that's a sacrifice to keep cost down, or cartoon accuracy taken too far.

itscramtastic wrote:

xMXUx wrote:I don't suppose that any of you here are familiar with the Swiss gun laws?
I would love to get Megs from Anime Export (like I do with all my Takara figures), but I'm really not sure if that could get my in trouble because of customs
Any sort of input would be greatly appreciated

Here's what I want to know, are there any issues with a gun-type robot that shows up in robot mode? I don't THINK they'll ship this guy in alt-mode, and from what I remember MP5 didn't ship in alt mode (neither did Apollyon), yet most of the G1 versions and re-issues did ship in alt mode which can cause an issue with customs. We don't know how it's gonna be in the box yet, but if it's in robot mode does it actually NEED the orange plug?

The only figure that I have that would sorta qualify for that is MP Shockwave. But since he turns into a space-gun-thingy and is colored purple, they're not really comparable. But I had absolutely no trouble getting him.
Megs on the other hand, I could see being a problem even when he comes in robot mode, since that'll most likely show his gun mode as well...

Bounti76 wrote:My only real complaint with this figure is all the flat grey plastic. No silver paint ANYWHERE? Either that's a sacrifice to keep cost down, or cartoon accuracy taken too far.

Cartoon accuracy taken too far.

william-james88 wrote:

Bounti76 wrote:My only real complaint with this figure is all the flat grey plastic. No silver paint ANYWHERE? Either that's a sacrifice to keep cost down, or cartoon accuracy taken too far.

Cartoon accuracy taken too far.

It's what's keeping me from getting this figure right away. I'm gonna wait to see what the next release looks like. Even if it takes 3 years.

I'm bummed I can't ride the hype train with y'all, but please wave to me as you go by!

I think many of us are waiting. I just want to know if he is fun to transform.

itscramtastic wrote:

xMXUx wrote:I don't suppose that any of you here are familiar with the Swiss gun laws?
I would love to get Megs from Anime Export (like I do with all my Takara figures), but I'm really not sure if that could get my in trouble because of customs
Any sort of input would be greatly appreciated

Here's what I want to know, are there any issues with a gun-type robot that shows up in robot mode? I don't THINK they'll ship this guy in alt-mode, and from what I remember MP5 didn't ship in alt mode (neither did Apollyon), yet most of the G1 versions and re-issues did ship in alt mode which can cause an issue with customs. We don't know how it's gonna be in the box yet, but if it's in robot mode does it actually NEED the orange plug?

what do all the mps have on the front of their box.
the alt mod.
what is megs alt mode
BOOM!!!!