New Images of MP-39 Masterpiece Sunstreaker

360 view really showcases how bad the backpack is from all sides

Backpack isn't so bad when you consider what a backpack is.

Ravage XK wrote:Backpack isn't so bad when you consider what a backpack is.

Or compared to other recent figures. I think 'streakers is very well done.

The backpack is a bit... I believe the word is 'yikes'. But aside from that and some colour choices and the fact I personally don't like the head he looks great!

Hot dang he looks awesome. Backpack = win. I prefer it to Hot Rodimus' just because the intakes are forward from the back of the backpack compared to Hot Rodimus' wing being on the back of the backpack. If you get what I'm saying.

REGARDLESS! Bought. Glad I played the long game. Maybe that's what I'll do from now on.

Backpack looks alright. Sunstreaker in general is a pretty ugly character despite what he thinks of himself. Never liked his head design either. One of the worst of all the Autobot cars.

Carnivius_Prime wrote:Backpack looks alright. Sunstreaker in general is a pretty ugly character despite what he thinks of himself. Never liked his head design either. One of the worst of all the Autobot cars.

That's just straight up crazy talk man......

Would someone please explain to me where the "I hate back packs" way of thinking originated. Is it derivative of the Bayverse? Or the G1 cartoon?
I just don't get it. 98.6% of every Transformers toy I have handled/owned over the last 32 years has a pack pack of some kind. To me it just comes with the territory. I mean I guess I could think of a few that are over the top or cumbersome, but what exactly do those who dislike back packs expect?

I'm not trying to be an asshat. It's a criticism that never crossed my mind until I entered the fandom and heard it from others.

Sunsurge has a backpack but nowhere as big as that one

Bumblebee21 wrote:Sunsurge has a backpack but nowhere as big as that one

Doesn't really answer my question Bee. So you dislike this back pack because it's too big?

Does the general disdain for back packs come from the idealistic pursuit of screen accuracy?

He did have a bit of a "backpack" in the cartoon, anyway.
Sometimes it was drawn compact something less.





Nothing severe as this guy...





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OK. Even Jazz and Sideswipe have their wind shilds on their pack in those drawings. which I consider to be a back pack.

And that reminds me Cyber P. Suntreaker's pack is really kind of one of those iconic details for the character. Like the Seekers shoulder vents, or the Datsons' door wings.

So then I ask again, where does the criticism of back packs come from? Just trying to wrap my mind around it.

And not to beat the poor dead horse, but by golly I love the over all silhouette of Sunstreaker, but the head just kills it for me. PLEASE Takara, do some Diaclone homage with a toy accurate head and will buy it with out hesitation.

Look at most of the deluxe bees.that's a backpack.

This just does look clean to me.

Where do the hate over buttflaps come from

Bumblebee21 wrote:Look at most of the deluxe bees.that's a backpack.

This just does look clean to me.

No. I think that is a fair criticism. But it seems like the existence of a back pack at all, seems to put off a lot of folks.

Bumblebee21 wrote:Where do the hate over buttflaps come from

That was going to be my next question!

Cobotron wrote:

Bumblebee21 wrote:Look at most of the deluxe bees.that's a backpack.

This just doesn't look clean to me.

No. I think that is a fair criticism. But it seems like the existence of a back pack at all, seems to put off a lot of folks.

Bumblebee21 wrote:Where do the hate over buttflaps come from

That was going to be my next question!

Depends on how messy it is as well.


This one has an Autobot symbol for a butt flap.

I think it started with mp-22

It's like kibble (and arguably it IS kibble, but let's not split hairs for now). It's fine and arguably necessary in moderation, but it's when it goes into excess that it becomes a problem. Most of us like Prowl having door wings or Starscream proudly displaying his wings in Robot mode, right? Helps to make them good designs. But I doubt we'd like them that much if all the vehicle mode parts integrated into them were hanging off them; like how a lot of the lazier Beast Wars figures (especially in Neo) are just generic robots with animal parts hanging off them rather than actually using animal parts as part of their body.

Likewise, a backpack helps round out the body shape and can become a good part of a character's profile; but if it's very large and it stuffs so many vehicle parts in there rather than those vehicle parts being integrated into the body or otherwise contributing to the robot mode in a positive way... it becomes a negative. It's all about moderation

OK, good answer K. Thanks.
I guess for me packs have never been an issue. I just see them as something that makes the function of transforming possible for the toys. But things like back packs, butt flaps, and even kibble have never bothered me. (how dare you slander BW Neo! )
But I agree on the moderation. there are plenty of packs that are excessive. Like a lot of movie toys that are trying to achieve screen accuracy, and just can't physically, in real time and space do so with out cheating.
The worst is when a back pack throws of a toys center of gravity and they can't even stand. Enter heel spurs!

Cobotron wrote:OK. Even Jazz and Sideswipe have their wind shilds on their pack in those drawings. which I consider to be a back pack.

And that reminds me Cyber P. Suntreaker's pack is really kind of one of those iconic details for the character. Like the Seekers shoulder vents, or the Datsons' door wings.

So then I ask again, where does the criticism of back packs come from? Just trying to wrap my mind around it.

And not to beat the poor dead horse, but by golly I love the over all silhouette of Sunstreaker, but the head just kills it for me. PLEASE Takara, do some Diaclone homage with a toy accurate head and will buy it with out hesitation.

I think for me, the hatred comes from these figures supposedly being Masterpiece figures. I understand that a backpack at times may be necessary, due to the engineering of the figure, but I don't think it should be there on a masterpiece level figure. They should have much cleaner backs, ideally. I usually get over it with time.

Cobotron wrote:Would someone please explain to me where the "I hate back packs" way of thinking originated. Is it derivative of the Bayverse? Or the G1 cartoon?
I just don't get it. 98.6% of every Transformers toy I have handled/owned over the last 32 years has a pack pack of some kind. To me it just comes with the territory. I mean I guess I could think of a few that are over the top or cumbersome, but what exactly do those who dislike back packs expect?

I'm not trying to be an asshat. It's a criticism that never crossed my mind until I entered the fandom and heard it from others.

I've always felt complaints like that exist to help people justify not buying the figure because they can't afford it.

Aren't we forgetting the fact that some of those backpack parts are from the turbo kit found in vehicle mode? Isn't the turbo assembly removable in vehicle mode? Not sure why SS isn't shown in bot form without that assembly.

SpaceKaseJase wrote:Aren't we forgetting the fact that some of those backpack parts are from the turbo kit found in vehicle mode? Isn't the turbo assembly removable in vehicle mode? Not sure why SS isn't shown in bot form without that assembly.

I was under the impression the bits folded out.

SpaceKaseJase wrote:Aren't we forgetting the fact that some of those backpack parts are from the turbo kit found in vehicle mode? Isn't the turbo assembly removable in vehicle mode? Not sure why SS isn't shown in bot form without that assembly.

That's why he has the backpack. Its not removable

If the parts fold out, then that would totally justify the backpack. Plus, at least it looks like it could be functional as opposed to a windshield hanging off the back.

Regarding backpacks. I think a good example was brought up earlier. MP-Hot Rod (new one) versus Sunstreaker. Hot Rod needed the backpack, and did the best it could with the car kibble. However, I'd argue he's been better done in the deluxe lines with both Titans Return and Animated.

Sunstreaker on the other-hand I don't get the hate. It's fairly compact, and gets it all tucked in rather well. Sure, he's got a but flap, but I think someone mentioned it was also a concession with Lambo (something to do with the hood).

Cobotron wrote:OK. Even Jazz and Sideswipe have their wind shilds on their pack in those drawings. which I consider to be a back pack.

And that reminds me Cyber P. Suntreaker's pack is really kind of one of those iconic details for the character. Like the Seekers shoulder vents, or the Datsons' door wings.

So then I ask again, where does the criticism of back packs come from? Just trying to wrap my mind around it.

And not to beat the poor dead horse, but by golly I love the over all silhouette of Sunstreaker, but the head just kills it for me. PLEASE Takara, do some Diaclone homage with a toy accurate head and will buy it with out hesitation.

Oh, it wasn't criticism, just an observation. I think the toy looks good so far.

I just dont like backpacks when they are big, take away from a character`s shape and are the result of a lazy transformation. best example would be Voyager Sentinel Prime and HA Sideswipe. Sunstreaker looks fine and works well with the backpack rules I laid out.

Just noticed that the turn signals change for the turbo-mode, too.





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I'm still having a difficult time figuring out how all that turbo "kibble" gets hidden in car mode, especially the tail light panels. Looks like ladder magic to me. Makes me that much more excited to get him in Dec.

SpaceKaseJase wrote:I'm still having a difficult time figuring out how all that turbo "kibble" gets hidden in car mode, especially the tail light panels. Looks like ladder magic to me. Makes me that much more excited to get him in Dec.

The silver boosters rotate out from the side, I think the fin rotates around somehow.

I figured out how the tail light panels (with the holes) fold in. They flip outwards so they stick straight out from the back panel (the "holes" facing out). Then they fold down on an inside hinge almost 180 degrees. If you look at the pics, you'll notice a gap near the rear wheels in the bottom pic that is filled in the top pic.

Something that I heard mentioned on a podcast that I didn't think of before; MP Sunstreaker is a representation of one of the first, if not the first car to robot converting toys.

So, with this thing dropping next month, have we heard any updated news?

December 28, 2017.

I guess I will put Surgio on ebay. That is mighty impressive.

Ironhidensh wrote:I guess I will put Surgio on ebay. That is mighty impressive.

I'll say. I wasn't thrilled to begin with, but every new pic of him I'm warming up. To the point where I'm actually thrilled now.

Could this be the new ladder magic?

I must be one of the few not overly impressed. The car mode is a bit of a mess and the headsculpt looks apalling. Plus the price is obscene.

Black Hat wrote:I must be one of the few not overly impressed. The car mode is a bit of a mess and the headsculpt looks apalling. Plus the price is obscene.

How is the price obscene? It's only $20 more than the 3rd party ones, is officially licensed by Lamborghini, comes with more accessories and has functioning doors, headlights and hood.

steals_your_goats wrote:

Black Hat wrote:I must be one of the few not overly impressed. The car mode is a bit of a mess and the headsculpt looks apalling. Plus the price is obscene.

How is the price obscene? It's only $20 more than the 3rd party ones, is officially licensed by Lamborghini, comes with more accessories and has functioning doors, headlights and hood.

He's also only the size of MP Sideswipe, and yet costs a lot more, and he looks...questionable, especially in vehicle mode. He definitely doesn't fit in very well with MP-12.

Black Hat wrote:

steals_your_goats wrote:

Black Hat wrote:I must be one of the few not overly impressed. The car mode is a bit of a mess and the headsculpt looks apalling. Plus the price is obscene.

How is the price obscene? It's only $20 more than the 3rd party ones, is officially licensed by Lamborghini, comes with more accessories and has functioning doors, headlights and hood.

He's also only the size of MP Sideswipe, and yet costs a lot more, and he looks...questionable, especially in vehicle mode. He definitely doesn't fit in very well with MP-12.

I don't see what's so "questionable" about his vehicle and his price is more than Sideswipe because his transformation is a lot more in-depth which requires a much larger parts count.

He is about 85 or 87 bucks on HLJ. Only about 20 or so more than others in his size class. I can stomach that. It's not like the ridiculous 40 dollars more than Ultra Magnus for a far smaller toy that Dinobot is.

steals_your_goats wrote:I don't see what's so "questionable" about his vehicle

For comparison, here's what the real one looked like.

The exposed engine isn't a stock option, it's something Takara likely came up with on their own. The only really noticeable new panel lines I can see are the ones over the front wheels and before the back wheels, and maybe one under the doors, all of the others are accurate and no more than what the "third party" versions have.

And if you import him the price is actually less than the "third party" version. You can pre-order one off AmiAmi right now for about $82. And since he's a car the shipping should be under $10 via SAL.

Emerje

R &D eats much of the cost! But hey, just 9140Y! 29% tax free off retail price! Compared to Dinobot costing 21340Y, still 29% off SALES TAX, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Sunstreaker needs to move a minimum of 10000 to make a profit. Takara is probably taking a hit and will compensate by bulk (Kind of like a PS4 sells cheaper than actual cost of manufacture (offset by software sales)

fenrir72 wrote:R &D eats much of the cost! But hey, just 9140Y! 29% tax free off retail price! Compared to Dinobot costing 21340Y, still 29% off SALES TAX, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

Sunstreaker needs to move a minimum of 10000 to make a profit. Takara is probably taking a hit and will compensate by bulk (Kind of like a PS4 sells cheaper than actual cost of manufacture (offset by software sales)

Can you please stop with the whole tax thing? It's unnecessary and everyone knows why you keep bringing it up. It's pretty and childish.

Also where are you getting these numbers from? As far as I know Takara doesn't release p&l for every figure they sell so you're just making it all up. Your failed attempts to get people to sympathize with a toy manufacturer under the false pretense of bankruptcy are just becoming cringeworthy. If you want to buy it then great, but it. But stop trying to force it down everyone else's throats.

fenrir72 wrote:R &D eats much of the cost! But hey, just 9140Y! 29% tax free off retail price! Compared to Dinobot costing 21340Y, still 29% off SALES TAX, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cheaper.

The others were right, your immaturity isn't going to stop and you can't accept that you don't know what you're talking about. Whatever, it's obvious you'd rather act like a child and I don't particularly like kids that much. Black listed.

Emerje

from poster "arbit" of http://www.macrossworld.com/mwf/topic/4 ... facturing/

Finally some figures to grab on in the JP setting so food for thought nice to know.

According to arbit:

"I thought that we could share our real data here to get to the bottom of it.

I will start with these responses I received from a premium toy manufacturer that is often discussed on this board. I wont name them for confidential reasons, but suffice it to say they are a medium level premium brand, not the best, not the worst:"


"What is the licensing fee: For the licensing cost, it will be ~4-6% of selling price in Japan.

What is the manufacturing cost: Depends on item, but ~55% of selling price will be the production fee (including prototype charge)

How many units have you manufactured of different items? MOQ 3,000-5,000 pcs. If too cheap item, 10,000 pcs is necessary.

How many units do you need to sell to be profitable? if over 3,000 pcs, nearly all items we can start to get profit"

Obviously nowhere near Hb and Takara levels.............

Fen, it's enough already.

Fellow Seibertronian Cyberpath sent us some scans of the newly released Japanese Transformers Generations 2018 book which feature the upcoming Takara MP39 Masterpiece Sunstreaker.
We see multiple angles of his vehicle mode as well as how it converts into its super countash mode.

We also get a detailed look at the transformation. However, as detailed as it is, it still isn't fully clear how certain elements take form, such as his fake chest, with his chest changing from a real windshield to a fake one from one picture to the next.

The scans also show us concept sketches of Sunsteaker and his accessories such as his alien head.
This toy is to be released December 28, 2017.

The scans were from 北马伊斯力's Weibo page. Enjoy the images below!

Looking good.

I'm stoked it has the same head reveal as the generations figure. That figure had the perfect reveal with his head rising up from his chest and the ears popping out like rays of a rising sun.
Now we just need a 3rd party to make a way better head than this official version.