More Images of Transformers Masterpiece MP-38 Beast Wars Convoy (Supreme Commander Version)

Notice how these pics show how to store the accessories on the Weapon Rack that attaches to his back.

Sabrblade wrote:Notice how these pics show how to store the accessories on the Weapon Rack that attaches to his back.

I noticed.

the only actual new image is number 4, showing off how to store the mutant mask and other accessories on his back, with the blue tab seen in images previously.

that tab on his back was originally placed there for Generations Rattrap, they just found another stupid use for it

VioMeTriX wrote:that tab on his back was originally placed there for Generations Rattrap,

Officially? There was no advertisement for the peg in any of MP-32's instructions or packaged feature pics.

i dont know if it was official or an abandoned gimmick, but rattrap does peg in

VioMeTriX wrote:i dont know if it was official or an abandoned gimmick, but rattrap does peg in

So does anything with a peg hole that size. Plus rattrap doesnt even work well sicne that peg is only on onf of his arms, making him off centre. It wasnt made for him, thats just a theory fans came up with because they were puzzled and grasping for straws.

But now we actually know what its for, its for this extra gear. It was that all along. What happened is that Takara had 2 releases in mind but wanted to use the same mold for cost purposes.

Its like Power Ranger megazord toys, many are released with ports that appear useless and then a year later you realize its to go with a new toy that just got released.

A thought just occurred to me. If Takara were to eventually make a Masterpiece version of Burning Convoy from the mold and give a letter to one of the mold's two ID numbers, I'd imagine that they would choose to give "MP-38" a letter (like "MP-38B") instead of "MP-32", since it was this Legendary Supreme Commander version of the character who turned into Burning Convoy in the movie.

william-james88 wrote:

VioMeTriX wrote:i dont know if it was official or an abandoned gimmick, but rattrap does peg in

So does anything with a peg hole that size. Plus rattrap doesnt even work well sicne that peg is only on onf of his arms, making him off centre. It wasnt made for him, thats just a theory fans came up with because they were puzzled and grasping for straws.

But you want him to be offset otherwise he wouldn't be able to see over Primal's shoulders.

But now we actually know what its for, its for this extra gear. It was that all along. What happened is that Takara had 2 releases in mind but wanted to use the same mold for cost purposes.

I'm not entirely sold on that being the original purpose. The original figure could have used weapon storage as well so why not include it then if that was the original purpose? Why use a blatantly obvious 5mm peg and require an extra part rather than better integrating the weapon storage as a feature of the figure like we've seen on other MPs? For that matter he still has that port on his arm that hasn't been officially explained (though the speculation is probably accurate) and probably wont be at this point, but it goes to show that Takara Tomy built things into the figure that they weren't sure how to utilize.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

william-james88 wrote:

VioMeTriX wrote:i dont know if it was official or an abandoned gimmick, but rattrap does peg in

So does anything with a peg hole that size. Plus rattrap doesnt even work well sicne that peg is only on onf of his arms, making him off centre. It wasnt made for him, thats just a theory fans came up with because they were puzzled and grasping for straws.

But you want him to be offset otherwise he wouldn't be able to see over Primal's shoulders.

Looking over Primal's shoulder isn't what Rattrap did whenever he rode on Primal's robot mode back as a flying passenger. He instead always kept to the middle of Primal's back, looking over the backpack kibble located directly behind Primal's head, far above Primal's shoulders.

My mistake, though I don't think being just a few millimeters offset changes much.

Emerje

I gotta wonder, how many here who already got MP-32 feel compelled enough to double dip on this movie version?

I myself am contemplating double dipping on this but am not yet fully committed to it. My reasons for even considering double dipping on are A) to further show my support for Beast Era MPs, and B) because it's a figure of another onscreen rendition of the character, based on this:



And is a close enough match to his RobotMasters appearance:




But at the moment, I've yet to feel that those are reason enough to get a whole other MP of Primal in a body and form that aren't quite drastically different enough from MP-32, and fictionally-speaking, it technically is still the same body and form as MP-32, just with artistic liberties utilized to better reflect the original toy's deco.

If you want my advice, consider the possibility of MP Lio Convoy (he was one of options of the poll that yielded Star Saber), possible redecos, and MP Burning Convoy.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:If you want my advice, consider the possibility of MP Lio Convoy (he was one of options of the poll that yielded Star Saber), possible redecos, and MP Burning Convoy.

Burning Convoy is what I was hoping for as the first reuse of the MP-32 mold. Had we gotten that instead of this, I'd be all over that Infernape.

But since it isn't, I'm not as inclined towards double-dipping on this figure as I would be for Burning Convoy.

And, to be frank, I'm starting to not expect there to be that many more BW MPs to come in the near future, with Cheetus and maybe one redeco of that mold being the end of it for the time being.

Sabrblade wrote:But at the moment, I've yet to feel that those are reason enough to get a whole other MP of Primal in a body and form that aren't quite drastically different enough from MP-32, and fictionally-speaking, it technically is still the same body and form as MP-32, just with artistic liberties utilized to better reflect the original toy's deco.

Agreed. I am not double dipping. However, I might have been inclined to get this one instead of the previous release if only because I really like the toy accurate deco in robot mode (the nostalgia is intoxicating) and I feel I am getting more for my money with the mask and the accessory rack which makes use of the peg on his back.

But since I already got one, I aint getting the other (unless a great deal comes along like getting him for $40 or something).

I ordered MP-38 as soon as the pre-orders opened on AmiAmi. I don't have any problem double dipping on characters when they look different enough. I've got G2 Sideswipe and Bumblebee and "blue" Streak, as long as the changes are more extensive than, say, animated Red Alert I'm fine with buying the character again new.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:I ordered MP-38 as soon as the pre-orders opened on AmiAmi. I don't have any problem double dipping on characters when they look different enough. I've got G2 Sideswipe and Bumblebee and "blue" Streak, as long as the changes are more extensive than, say, animated Red Alert I'm fine with buying the character again new.

I'm the same. But in this case, MP-38 doesn't look as different from MP-32 to me as the G2 versions of Sideswipe and Bumblebee look from their G1 versions.

Not helping this is that, whereas the G2 versions are fictionally new forms for the two, MP-38's look is fictionally the exact same body and form as MP-32's form.

For me the fiction doesn't play a part in my decision, I just like having a version that looks different from MP-32. I'll probably have MP-38 displayed with the full face plate to closer match the original toy. Just wish he came with a new gorilla face option that matched the original toy, too.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:For me the fiction doesn't play a part in my decision, I just like having a version that looks different from MP-32. I'll probably have MP-38 displayed with the full face plate to closer match the original toy. Just wish he came with a new gorilla face option that matched the original toy, too.

Emerje

The angry gorilla face could serve a close enough approximation of the toy's angry gorilla face.

Emerje wrote:For me the fiction doesn't play a part in my decision, I just like having a version that looks different from MP-32. I'll probably have MP-38 displayed with the full face plate to closer match the original toy. Just wish he came with a new gorilla face option that matched the original toy, too.

Emerje

So, in other words, you'll have a show-accurate version, plus a "toy-accurate" version that's actually anime-accurate?

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Emerje wrote:For me the fiction doesn't play a part in my decision, I just like having a version that looks different from MP-32. I'll probably have MP-38 displayed with the full face plate to closer match the original toy. Just wish he came with a new gorilla face option that matched the original toy, too.

Emerje

So, in other words, you'll have a show-accurate version, plus a "toy-accurate" version that's actually anime-accurate?

Bingo! Though I consider the anime accuracy to be secondary to the toy accuracy.

I'll be entirely honest here, I'm actually more excited about 38 over 32, I'm just a sucker for updates of older figures. For G1 I can go either way, toy or cartoon accurate, but for most post-G1 lines I lean more towards toy updates since many of them are already pretty cartoon accurate (except for Beast Machines, would definitely prefer cartoon accuracy there). Beast Wars season 1 characters are really the only ones that are drastically different between toy and cartoon. BWII and Neo I'd probably want toy updates, I don't have any real love for the cartoony look, though I suppose they could maybe just include swapable beast heads.

Emerje

Site sponsor Robot Kingdom has uploaded some new images for the upcoming MP-38 Beast Wars Optimus Primal Supreme figure, and these images show off the packaging and the little bonus gift of a crate of bananas! These new images show that the packaging has both his robot and beast modes, and shows off his many features. The bananas, meanwhile, come in a crate humorously covered with warnings that the bananas are property of Primal and you shouldn't touch! Check out the new images, and let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Bananas as an accessory seems a little racist. Do you give the rat guy a bubonic plague accessory?

Well, you know what they say, you are what you eat.

well I'll take this news as a good sign that he will be release on time.

Optimum Supreme wrote:Bananas as an accessory seems a little racist. Do you give the rat guy a bubonic plague accessory?

Bubonic plague accessory? Don't be ridicurous...just throw him a piece of cheese. That'll work better

Slashercon wrote:

Optimum Supreme wrote:Bananas as an accessory seems a little racist. Do you give the rat guy a bubonic plague accessory?

Bubonic plague accessory? Don't be ridcurous...just throw him a piece of cheese. That'll work better

You watch, MP Dinobot will come with a little accessory that is like a piece of skin from his imposter that Megatron made in that one episode

This isn't racist, it's bananas.

Just to be clear, the bananas are not Standard. they only come with the hasbro asia release which japanese sellers cannot sell. Hence why these pics come from hong kong retailer, robotkingdom.

Oh, and speaking of that...

Just got my Payment Request from Amiami.
That gorilla is in full swing!

Cobotron wrote:Oh, and speaking of that...

Just got my Payment Request from Amiami.
That gorilla is in full swing!

Welcome to the jungle, we got fun and games
We got everything you want, honey we know the names
We are the people that can find whatever you may need
If you got the money honey, we got your disease

D-Maximus_Prime wrote:

Cobotron wrote:Oh, and speaking of that...

Just got my Payment Request from Amiami.
That gorilla is in full swing!

Welcome to the jungle, we got fun and games
We got everything you want, honey we know the names
We are the people that can find whatever you may need
If you got the money honey, we got your disease

Ah, Dinobot's 2010 Hall of Fame theme song.

Loves the review and pics

I love that you love him as much as I love him and thought you'd love him

shajaki wrote:*apparent love*

You were right weren't you sir!

MUNKY COMMANDER BANANA-PANTS! I need an MP Primal but I'll probably get the toon deco, unless I am able to get the toy version off an import site for $80-$90. Funny, I have a strong dislike for the cartoon accuracy on the G1 MPs but I love it on the BW ones, I should elaborate on that at a later date.

Photobucket hasn't pooped on me yet, but it has been awfully troublesome lately. I'm sure I have plenty of time before I have that happen to me but I think a switch in image hosting is in order.

Cant say I agree with the author about toy accurate shiny finish for beast fur. It makes him look like an inflatable float at a parade. To each their own. By the way...Wheres the bananas he comes with?

I was also drawn to this version more than the original version. This was the first Masterpiece figure I've bought since the original MP03. I don't know if it was the colors or the weapons or a combination of both but I just had to own this version.

Well, I guess I did buy an MP Prowl but I really only wanted the Samurai Prowl that came with it and ended up selling MP Prowl a few days after I received it. I ended up getting Samurai Prowl for free that way since I made back the purchase price just by selling the MP Prowl.

Great review, bro! Did you have Henry Doorly in mind when you mentioned the glass?

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!

Rated X wrote:Cant say I agree with the author about toy accurate shiny finish for beast fur. It makes him look like an inflatable float at a parade. To each their own. By the way...Wheres the bananas he comes with?

Sorry X. Guess I didn't make that clear. The thing I like least about this fig is the smoothness of the body. I would have much preferred he have sculpted fur. But the paint apps and their shapes are what I see as totally like the OG toy.

And I think the bananas are exclusive to the Asia release, not the Japanese. Like all the other little die cast doo-dads that come with MP's, they're an Asia thing.

DecepticonFinishline wrote:Great review, bro! Did you have Henry Doorly in mind when you mentioned the glass?

Totally! Those poor gorillas get so pissed some times. Can you blame them though?

Are you kidding me, Takara!??! You couldn't bother to correctly translate 総司令官 (Sōshireikan) as "Supreme Commander", opting instead to go with the much less impressive, far more simplistic , inaccurate translation of "Leader"? That is so royally dumb, Takara.

Sabrblade wrote:Are you kidding me, Takara!??! You couldn't bother to correctly translate 総司令官 (Sōshireikan) as "Supreme Commander", opting instead to go with the much less impressive, far more simplistic , inaccurate translation of "Leader"? That is so royally dumb, Takara.

Their English isn't up to scratch, remember? Look at the titles for the Unite Warriors sets. Plus, the rough basic idea is still present.

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:Are you kidding me, Takara!??! You couldn't bother to correctly translate 総司令官 (Sōshireikan) as "Supreme Commander", opting instead to go with the much less impressive, far more simplistic , inaccurate translation of "Leader"? That is so royally dumb, Takara.

Their English isn't up to scratch, remember? Look at the titles for the Unite Warriors sets. Plus, the rough basic idea is still present.

"Legendary Leader" just sounds so stupid, though.

MP-38 is truly a masterpiece! That mask is srsly rad, so I get why you'd go with that mode for display, Cobo.

I actually prefer "Legendary Leader". Anyone can be a supreme commander, that's just a rank, but not everyone gets to be a legend.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:I actually prefer "Legendary Leader". Anyone can be a supreme commander, that's just a rank, but not everyone gets to be a legend.

Emerje

Anyone can be a "leader" too, there's like no uniqueness in that at all. But you gotta earn the much lauded "Supreme Commander" rank. Only reason Primal here's a "Legendary Supreme Commander" is cuz he's a revered history figure from the past when he appeared before a bunch of younger guys from generations after him, like how he himself viewed the original Optimus Prime.

Thing is though, Primal was never really a 'Supreme Commander' in the cartoon, was he? He just led a bunch of guys. He was never officially in any high position in the wider Maximal hierarchy -- experienced and good enough to lead a team, most certainly, but nothing more than Animated Optimus Prime. So the whole 'Supreme Commander' title being applied to him just always seemed... weird.

Kurona wrote:Thing is though, Primal was never really a 'Supreme Commander' in the cartoon, was he?

Japanese Primal (Convoy) was, which is who this toy is meant to represent, in his movie appearance before he powered up his Energon Matrix to become Burning Convoy.

Cobotron wrote:a really well done review, as well as getting all pictorial up in this female dog

I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......

Ironhidensh wrote:

Cobotron wrote:a really well done review, as well as getting all pictorial up in this female dog

I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......
I do not need another MP Primal.......

Keep tellin yourself that

Cobs, I'm glad you finally did get a version of this, and I am glad you love him. He does look better than the 32 to me as well!