Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3
Thursday, November 29th, 2018 6:39PM CST
Category: Toy NewsPosted by: william-james88 Views: 34,295
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There has been a lot of talk recently concerning Transformers Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 and its 50,000 Yen MSRP (which basically means about $350 USD from Japanese retailers when all is said and done). Is it worth it, is it not, when is too much too much, and most importantly can this toy live up to that? Well we are one step closer to finding out today since we finally have some colour images. These were found on BBTS (who is currently no longer taking preorders).
In these we see all the accessories Optimus comes with, which does not seem as exorbitant when compared to what MP10 came with (and still seems less in number than what Ironhide came with). As expected, the Starscream accessories are just the shoulder pylons and not actual wings. We see the trailer and it does not seem to have more functionality than the one that came with MP-10. It can seat 4 MP carbots when open. We see Prime in many different poses too, all in colour.
So, what do you think? Is he as beautiful as you imagined? Do you think that alternate head he comes with looks like he is wearing a ninja scarf? Will you be preordering this guy asap? Let us know!
In these we see all the accessories Optimus comes with, which does not seem as exorbitant when compared to what MP10 came with (and still seems less in number than what Ironhide came with). As expected, the Starscream accessories are just the shoulder pylons and not actual wings. We see the trailer and it does not seem to have more functionality than the one that came with MP-10. It can seat 4 MP carbots when open. We see Prime in many different poses too, all in colour.
So, what do you think? Is he as beautiful as you imagined? Do you think that alternate head he comes with looks like he is wearing a ninja scarf? Will you be preordering this guy asap? Let us know!
Credit(s): BBTS
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Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996088)
Posted by william-james88 on November 29th, 2018 @ 6:43pm CST
Posted by william-james88 on November 29th, 2018 @ 6:43pm CST
I will be honest guys, even if money was not an issue, I am not that impressed. I think I even preffer MP10, simply because he has less panel lines. And I realize I am not that big a fan of that cartoon deco.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996090)
Posted by Burn on November 29th, 2018 @ 6:49pm CST
Same. This just doesn't seem that great.
Posted by Burn on November 29th, 2018 @ 6:49pm CST
william-james88 wrote:I will be honest guys, even if money was not an issue, I am not that impressed.
Same. This just doesn't seem that great.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996091)
Posted by Ironhidensh on November 29th, 2018 @ 6:51pm CST
Posted by Ironhidensh on November 29th, 2018 @ 6:51pm CST
So, with all the arguing back and forth, I thought I'd share my thoughts on why myself and so many others find this price to be ridiculous.
There has been an argument made that Takara is charging more because it costs them more, not just inflating for the sake of inflating. That just doesn't hold water for me.
See, MP 36 Megatron cost about $200. It is still, to date, the most complex MP Takara has made. Prime 44 is the same size, and you can clearly see from the pictures that he in no way is more complex than Megatron. Prime is a very comparable figure to Megatron, and should cost around the same. Yes, Prime comes with a trailer and a lot of accessories, but so did Megatron. Do you really think Prime's add ons are worth $250 extra? Hell no. Also, we have the 3rd Party market to compare too. Their production costs are greater than Takara's. Its why those figures cost so much. Many of them are the same level of quality as official product, if not better in many cases. Takara has skyrocketed the price in comparison. Not to mention other high end collectors lines in Japan form other companies, that do more with less.
Long story short, there is no realistic or market based reasoning for this massive price mark up, other than Takara simply wants to charge more. And that is fine. Its how a free market works, non of us are being forced to buy it. Just don't say that the price is justified in any other way, its not. This is a cash grab, same as Dinobot was. Dinobot is a far inferior figure compared to Megatron, and cost more. I thought I could live with it for the ability to have a premium Dinobot figure, but it just keeps eating at me. I'll be putting mine on eBay this week. With that, the already ridiculous price of BW Megatron, and now this ludicrous Prime price, I think I'm out of the official MP game, and that really sucks. I love MP figures, but I will not be taken advantage of like this.
The real kicker for me in all of this? I want this figure. It looks simply amazing, and I am one of the lucky ones here who can afford this price. But I can't justify it by any means. I have two little boys, and we have started trying to teach them the value of money. How can I do that with a straight face when I waste money on something like this? Answer: I can't.
Oh well, we move on.
There has been an argument made that Takara is charging more because it costs them more, not just inflating for the sake of inflating. That just doesn't hold water for me.
See, MP 36 Megatron cost about $200. It is still, to date, the most complex MP Takara has made. Prime 44 is the same size, and you can clearly see from the pictures that he in no way is more complex than Megatron. Prime is a very comparable figure to Megatron, and should cost around the same. Yes, Prime comes with a trailer and a lot of accessories, but so did Megatron. Do you really think Prime's add ons are worth $250 extra? Hell no. Also, we have the 3rd Party market to compare too. Their production costs are greater than Takara's. Its why those figures cost so much. Many of them are the same level of quality as official product, if not better in many cases. Takara has skyrocketed the price in comparison. Not to mention other high end collectors lines in Japan form other companies, that do more with less.
Long story short, there is no realistic or market based reasoning for this massive price mark up, other than Takara simply wants to charge more. And that is fine. Its how a free market works, non of us are being forced to buy it. Just don't say that the price is justified in any other way, its not. This is a cash grab, same as Dinobot was. Dinobot is a far inferior figure compared to Megatron, and cost more. I thought I could live with it for the ability to have a premium Dinobot figure, but it just keeps eating at me. I'll be putting mine on eBay this week. With that, the already ridiculous price of BW Megatron, and now this ludicrous Prime price, I think I'm out of the official MP game, and that really sucks. I love MP figures, but I will not be taken advantage of like this.
The real kicker for me in all of this? I want this figure. It looks simply amazing, and I am one of the lucky ones here who can afford this price. But I can't justify it by any means. I have two little boys, and we have started trying to teach them the value of money. How can I do that with a straight face when I waste money on something like this? Answer: I can't.
Oh well, we move on.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996093)
Posted by Hellscream9999 on November 29th, 2018 @ 7:52pm CST
I think whomever does the mp knockoffs is gonna have a field day with this release
Posted by Hellscream9999 on November 29th, 2018 @ 7:52pm CST
Ironhidensh wrote:So, with all the arguing back and forth, I thought I'd share my thoughts on why myself and so many others find this price to be ridiculous.
There has been an argument made that Takara is charging more because it costs them more, not just inflating for the sake of inflating. That just doesn't hold water for me.
See, MP 36 Megatron cost about $200. It is still, to date, the most complex MP Takara has made. Prime 44 is the same size, and you can clearly see from the pictures that he in no way is more complex than Megatron. Prime is a very comparable figure to Megatron, and should cost around the same. Yes, Prime comes with a trailer and a lot of accessories, but so did Megatron. Do you really think Prime's add ons are worth $250 extra? Hell no. Also, we have the 3rd Party market to compare too. Their production costs are greater than Takara's. Its why those figures cost so much. Many of them are the same level of quality as official product, if not better in many cases. Takara has skyrocketed the price in comparison. Not to mention other high end collectors lines in Japan form other companies, that do more with less.
Long story short, there is no realistic or market based reasoning for this massive price mark up, other than Takara simply wants to charge more. And that is fine. Its how a free market works, non of us are being forced to buy it. Just don't say that the price is justified in any other way, its not. This is a cash grab, same as Dinobot was. Dinobot is a far inferior figure compared to Megatron, and cost more. I thought I could live with it for the ability to have a premium Dinobot figure, but it just keeps eating at me. I'll be putting mine on eBay this week. With that, the already ridiculous price of BW Megatron, and now this ludicrous Prime price, I think I'm out of the official MP game, and that really sucks. I love MP figures, but I will not be taken advantage of like this.
The real kicker for me in all of this? I want this figure. It looks simply amazing, and I am one of the lucky ones here who can afford this price. But I can't justify it by any means. I have two little boys, and we have started trying to teach them the value of money. How can I do that with a straight face when I waste money on something like this? Answer: I can't.
Oh well, we move on.
I think whomever does the mp knockoffs is gonna have a field day with this release
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996095)
Posted by ScottyP on November 29th, 2018 @ 8:22pm CST
The head is an improvement and the articulation looks to be as well, but the rest looks like a regression.
Posted by ScottyP on November 29th, 2018 @ 8:22pm CST
It looks incomplete, but given these are color pictures I don't expect much to change on it between now and its release, if anything. Very disappointing given the price tag.Burn wrote:william-james88 wrote:I will be honest guys, even if money was not an issue, I am not that impressed.
Same. This just doesn't seem that great.
The head is an improvement and the articulation looks to be as well, but the rest looks like a regression.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996099)
Posted by DeathReviews on November 29th, 2018 @ 8:56pm CST
Posted by DeathReviews on November 29th, 2018 @ 8:56pm CST
Sorry - but unless that figure is made out of solid GOLD, it ain't worth no $350....
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996100)
Posted by Black Bumblebee on November 29th, 2018 @ 8:57pm CST
Posted by Black Bumblebee on November 29th, 2018 @ 8:57pm CST
Do I like the look of the figure? Sure. Am I going to spend $400+ on it? Heck no. There is absolutely no freaking reason for it. I got my MP10 for $99 at ToysRUs, and even then I thought the price tag was high as I was pretty happy with my original MP1 Optimus.
It's a pretty figure, and if I had lots of money and I saw it for $100 I "might" buy it. But for me, for my collection... I just don't need it. It won't bring me hundreds of dollars of enjoyment. And at the end of the day, that's what matters.
It's a pretty figure, and if I had lots of money and I saw it for $100 I "might" buy it. But for me, for my collection... I just don't need it. It won't bring me hundreds of dollars of enjoyment. And at the end of the day, that's what matters.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996106)
Posted by TulioDude on November 29th, 2018 @ 9:52pm CST
Posted by TulioDude on November 29th, 2018 @ 9:52pm CST
I like the all red cab.
Not on a rush to own this,but it is cool
Not on a rush to own this,but it is cool
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996108)
Posted by Manterax Prime on November 29th, 2018 @ 9:57pm CST
Posted by Manterax Prime on November 29th, 2018 @ 9:57pm CST
"Is he as beautiful as you imagined?"
No, quite the opposite. He's as bland and boring as I imagined.
That mess of a back section in truck mode doesn't help either.
No, quite the opposite. He's as bland and boring as I imagined.
That mess of a back section in truck mode doesn't help either.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996113)
Posted by TheForgottenTaxi on November 29th, 2018 @ 10:28pm CST
Posted by TheForgottenTaxi on November 29th, 2018 @ 10:28pm CST
Wait, I thought yesterday's report was that it was $440? Now it's $350? That's a lot closer to reasonable, if still pretty ridiculous.
Anyway, as far as the actual photos go... it looks pretty good?
Loving: The head sculpt (I didn't realize how much I wanted this particular Prime head sculpt until laying eyes on these photos), the colors, the legs, the articulation.
Not Loving: The backpack, the smokestacks extending down past the shoulders (I realize this is cartoon accurate, but I think it looks like butts), and the side of the cab proportions, particularly the awkward "interior" bit -- seriously, if you're not going to do the interior well, just skip it.
Also: Am I the only one completely over elaborate accessories that reference a single episode of the cartoon? Nice Starscream parts. I'm going to maybe put them on once, take a picture, then have to figure out somewhere to store them for the rest of the time I own the figure. Megatron's Master Plan was my favorite episode as a kid, and I still see zero value in this.
Anyway, as far as the actual photos go... it looks pretty good?
Loving: The head sculpt (I didn't realize how much I wanted this particular Prime head sculpt until laying eyes on these photos), the colors, the legs, the articulation.
Not Loving: The backpack, the smokestacks extending down past the shoulders (I realize this is cartoon accurate, but I think it looks like butts), and the side of the cab proportions, particularly the awkward "interior" bit -- seriously, if you're not going to do the interior well, just skip it.
Also: Am I the only one completely over elaborate accessories that reference a single episode of the cartoon? Nice Starscream parts. I'm going to maybe put them on once, take a picture, then have to figure out somewhere to store them for the rest of the time I own the figure. Megatron's Master Plan was my favorite episode as a kid, and I still see zero value in this.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996114)
Posted by Supreme Convoy on November 29th, 2018 @ 10:37pm CST
Posted by Supreme Convoy on November 29th, 2018 @ 10:37pm CST
Whoa! This looks cool.
What is the Starscream head a reference to?
What is the Starscream head a reference to?
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996115)
Posted by Seibertron on November 29th, 2018 @ 10:45pm CST
Posted by Seibertron on November 29th, 2018 @ 10:45pm CST
Oh my god cartoon accuracy drives me f*****g crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where is the silver paint on the figure? What is with the dull flat grays? Why does Takara think they have to be so slavish to their perceived cartoon accuracy? Not what I want to spend $400+ on, let alone $200+!!! I have never ever wanted G1 cartoon accurate toys that are so slavish that they forget that the grays should represent silver in most cases or that the lack of details was to make it easier for the animators to HAND draw, neither of which should apply to "masterpiece" Transformers.
It definitely looks better in color, though the upper torso angled on the lower body looks really odd to me.
And before anyone says it, I get it ... if you don't like it, don't buy it. But I want to like it and I think the reasons for not liking it could easily be overcome with some appropriate changes and I don't like the idea of Takara double-dipping on these with a "cartoon" accurate color scheme first and then a more "toy accurate" color scheme later. Just come out with the best color scheme first and go from there.
It definitely looks better in color, though the upper torso angled on the lower body looks really odd to me.
And before anyone says it, I get it ... if you don't like it, don't buy it. But I want to like it and I think the reasons for not liking it could easily be overcome with some appropriate changes and I don't like the idea of Takara double-dipping on these with a "cartoon" accurate color scheme first and then a more "toy accurate" color scheme later. Just come out with the best color scheme first and go from there.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996116)
Posted by Hellscream9999 on November 29th, 2018 @ 10:47pm CST
No, it's $350 if you import it yourself, it'll be $450 to buy it from domestic retailers like bbts - unless I missed something
Posted by Hellscream9999 on November 29th, 2018 @ 10:47pm CST
TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Wait, I thought yesterday's report was that it was $440? Now it's $350? That's a lot closer to reasonable, if still pretty ridiculous.
No, it's $350 if you import it yourself, it'll be $450 to buy it from domestic retailers like bbts - unless I missed something
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996124)
Posted by william-james88 on November 29th, 2018 @ 11:37pm CST
Thats right, could not have said it better myself.
Posted by william-james88 on November 29th, 2018 @ 11:37pm CST
Hellscream9999 wrote:TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Wait, I thought yesterday's report was that it was $440? Now it's $350? That's a lot closer to reasonable, if still pretty ridiculous.
No, it's $350 if you import it yourself, it'll be $450 to buy it from domestic retailers like bbts - unless I missed something
Thats right, could not have said it better myself.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996125)
Posted by Colt on November 30th, 2018 @ 12:04am CST
Posted by Colt on November 30th, 2018 @ 12:04am CST
This does not look that good. His hips look off, and his backpack is distracting. His head is nice, just not $400 nice. Overall seems like a pointless figure especially considering we have MP-1 and MP-10.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996128)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on November 30th, 2018 @ 12:48am CST
Well, why do you even want a transforming Optimus at all if you only care about the robot mode? Much less this one that comes with so much stuff you've flat-out said you'll never use? I am honestly just baffled here. What do you get out of it? I am very confused here
In the case of a high-end transforming G1 Optimus, most would see the trailer as an essential part of the package.
Very. Much. Agreed. The "comic colors" Grimlock is dumb for the same reasons - black was represented by dark blue with black accents because that was the only way to give it any shading with the print tech of the time (plus too much black ink in one spot would soak through and tear the page). I think incorporating the disappearing tires is dumb as well because those too were a form of dumbing the design down for easier and cheaper animation.
Looking at this, they were so stupidly accurate to the animation limits it's amazing he doesn't have cel-shaded windows!
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on November 30th, 2018 @ 12:48am CST
Emerje wrote:He was also rare shown in robot mode with it and guess which mode I'll be displaying Optimus in? For the price they really should have come up with an alternative. Even the super expensive non-transforming Optimus Prime from Hot Toys came at two price points (with and without Starscream armor). If they can do it then so can Takara Tomy.
Well, why do you even want a transforming Optimus at all if you only care about the robot mode? Much less this one that comes with so much stuff you've flat-out said you'll never use? I am honestly just baffled here. What do you get out of it? I am very confused here
In the case of a high-end transforming G1 Optimus, most would see the trailer as an essential part of the package.
Seibertron wrote:Oh my god cartoon accuracy drives me f*****g crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where is the silver paint on the figure? What is with the dull flat grays? Why does Takara think they have to be so slavish to their perceived cartoon accuracy? Not what I want to spend $400+ on, let alone $200+!!! I have never ever wanted G1 cartoon accurate toys that are so slavish that they forget that the grays should represent silver in most cases or that the lack of details was to make it easier for the animators to HAND draw, neither of which should apply to "masterpiece" Transformers.
Very. Much. Agreed. The "comic colors" Grimlock is dumb for the same reasons - black was represented by dark blue with black accents because that was the only way to give it any shading with the print tech of the time (plus too much black ink in one spot would soak through and tear the page). I think incorporating the disappearing tires is dumb as well because those too were a form of dumbing the design down for easier and cheaper animation.
Looking at this, they were so stupidly accurate to the animation limits it's amazing he doesn't have cel-shaded windows!
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996129)
Posted by Cyberpath on November 30th, 2018 @ 1:00am CST
Why not? By now we all know the drill, ie, get the cartoon version or wait for the "plus" edition. Something for (almost) everyone.
The white on Optimus Prime represents chrome but I can understand why they made the thighs and pelvis white because it immediately evokes the character from the screen. Sunbow's Prime is my all-time favourite cartoon character. Years ago MP-10 was the closest thing to it; now this new figure is an even more "literal" representation of him, and I'm down for that.
The fact that like Inferno, his head can be switched between the more rounded design and the signature angular TOEI design is pretty neat. Makes fans of both styles happy. But I really want to see it from this angle --
Also, I sort of got the feeling he should be packed with more battle damage parts than just the head? There will probably be more stock photos later showing that, and him interacting with other characters, including a remake of the Sherman Dam fight with MP-36 Megatron.
Posted by Cyberpath on November 30th, 2018 @ 1:00am CST
Seibertron wrote:Oh my god cartoon accuracy drives me f*****g crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where is the silver paint on the figure? What is with the dull flat grays? Why does Takara think they have to be so slavish to their perceived cartoon accuracy? Not what I want to spend $400+ on, let alone $200+!!! I have never ever wanted G1 cartoon accurate toys that are so slavish that they forget that the grays should represent silver in most cases or that the lack of details was to make it easier for the animators to HAND draw, neither of which should apply to "masterpiece" Transformers.
It definitely looks better in color, though the upper torso angled on the lower body looks really odd to me.
And before anyone says it, I get it ... if you don't like it, don't buy it. But I want to like it and I think the reasons for not liking it could easily be overcome with some appropriate changes and I don't like the idea of Takara double-dipping on these with a "cartoon" accurate color scheme first and then a more "toy accurate" color scheme later. Just come out with the best color scheme first and go from there.
Why not? By now we all know the drill, ie, get the cartoon version or wait for the "plus" edition. Something for (almost) everyone.
The white on Optimus Prime represents chrome but I can understand why they made the thighs and pelvis white because it immediately evokes the character from the screen. Sunbow's Prime is my all-time favourite cartoon character. Years ago MP-10 was the closest thing to it; now this new figure is an even more "literal" representation of him, and I'm down for that.
The fact that like Inferno, his head can be switched between the more rounded design and the signature angular TOEI design is pretty neat. Makes fans of both styles happy. But I really want to see it from this angle --
Also, I sort of got the feeling he should be packed with more battle damage parts than just the head? There will probably be more stock photos later showing that, and him interacting with other characters, including a remake of the Sherman Dam fight with MP-36 Megatron.
The blue piece it houses serves as a flight-stand. And the double barrel cockpit can detach from the trailer and run on a blue roller to reference "Fire in the Sky."william-james88 wrote:We see the trailer and it does not seem to have more functionality than the one that came with MP-10.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996132)
Posted by Regimus Prime on November 30th, 2018 @ 1:15am CST
Posted by Regimus Prime on November 30th, 2018 @ 1:15am CST
I’m normally in a rush to throw down my wallet and it’s hard earned contents to support any G1 themed Optimus product. This time, not so much, because frankly this cost too much. I’m still happy with my 20th Anniversary Optimus/MP-01 TRU Exclusive from 2004 and currently in the hunt for an unopened one since years ago I opened mine. If I’m lucky enough to snag one on eBay it will still cost less than MP-44. I’m even still ecstatic for my MP-10 TRU release that scales wonderfully with my other MP’s including the recent MP-36. At least MP-36 included the battle damaged face and chest plate to recreate their epic ‘86 movie battle. This MP-44 only includes the damaged head. At least give us a detailed damaged cab front and grill at this price point Takara. If I really need an animated G1 fix, I’ll save about $190.00 and stick with my pre-order of the Transformers Classic Scale Optimus Prime Statue from Pop Culture Shock 
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996133)
Posted by starfish on November 30th, 2018 @ 1:26am CST
Posted by starfish on November 30th, 2018 @ 1:26am CST
For me, the “toon-esque” designs are something I can take or leave. I did enjoy the old MP aesthetic which went for a more detailed look.
That said, the engineering on these guys is fantastic. It’s not such a hard trick to turn an officially-licenced vehicle into a well-detailed robot. But to turn a detailed vehicle into one with lots of flat surfaces - that’s pretty mind-blowing! Looks-wise, I couldn’t care less as to whether his leg wheels are visible or not. I loved the look of MP1, and his leg-wheels stared you right in the face.
But I’m far more interested in engineering and the ‘brain teaser’ aspect of MP transformers, the ingenuity and the “Wow” moments. MP Megatron is one of my all-time favourite figures - not necessarily because of his looks (although he does look great), but because his transformation, and the mental gymnastics the designers pulled off in order to get from one mode to the other.
I realise that different people want different things from their toys, and there were a lot of complaints about Megatron, Sunstreaker and Dinobot, to various extents. But speaking personally, the switch from ‘detailed cab’ to ‘flat-surfaces robot’ is an achievement and marvel in itself, irrespective of what the robot actually looks like.
But that’s just me - your mileage may vary!
That said, the engineering on these guys is fantastic. It’s not such a hard trick to turn an officially-licenced vehicle into a well-detailed robot. But to turn a detailed vehicle into one with lots of flat surfaces - that’s pretty mind-blowing! Looks-wise, I couldn’t care less as to whether his leg wheels are visible or not. I loved the look of MP1, and his leg-wheels stared you right in the face.
But I’m far more interested in engineering and the ‘brain teaser’ aspect of MP transformers, the ingenuity and the “Wow” moments. MP Megatron is one of my all-time favourite figures - not necessarily because of his looks (although he does look great), but because his transformation, and the mental gymnastics the designers pulled off in order to get from one mode to the other.
I realise that different people want different things from their toys, and there were a lot of complaints about Megatron, Sunstreaker and Dinobot, to various extents. But speaking personally, the switch from ‘detailed cab’ to ‘flat-surfaces robot’ is an achievement and marvel in itself, irrespective of what the robot actually looks like.
But that’s just me - your mileage may vary!
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996134)
Posted by Cyberpath on November 30th, 2018 @ 1:31am CST
Posted by Cyberpath on November 30th, 2018 @ 1:31am CST
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996135)
Posted by Amelie on November 30th, 2018 @ 2:41am CST
Posted by Amelie on November 30th, 2018 @ 2:41am CST
The proportions on this blow Mp10 away, especially with the articulation. Very impressed. I prefer the anime look as well and since they'll do a lavish toy accurate deco later - everyone that can afford the toy is a winner.
I just wish that person affording it was me...
:edit: I also hope y'all paying attention to that new Starscream head and storing your pennies for the V3...
I just wish that person affording it was me...
:edit: I also hope y'all paying attention to that new Starscream head and storing your pennies for the V3...
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996144)
Posted by Coptur on November 30th, 2018 @ 4:30am CST
Posted by Coptur on November 30th, 2018 @ 4:30am CST
I do like it more compared to MP10 but I outright refuse to pay that much.
If they want quick bucks and cash grabs why not announce:
- Clampdown
- Spin Out
- Hauler
- Detritus
- Slicer
- G1 inspired Barricade?!
If they want quick bucks and cash grabs why not announce:
- Clampdown
- Spin Out
- Hauler
- Detritus
- Slicer
- G1 inspired Barricade?!
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996147)
Posted by Amelie on November 30th, 2018 @ 4:41am CST
I think we can expect a Detritus, simply so Takara get two uses of the mold out, which now seems to be the minimum. The others I completely agree with... but... "Hauler" was actually yellow in the cartoon, so that might be a sticking point (but I'm sure it wouldn't stop them). If they're really looking to grab quick, big bucks - a new Seeker mold with a quick pump out of Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Sunstorm and Acid Storm would be very welcome.
They're going to get at least 3 of this Convoy out (anime, toy and black/sleep/nemesis), which is another reason I feel like the price is a little over the top. Its hardly like a one shot release.
Posted by Amelie on November 30th, 2018 @ 4:41am CST
Coptur wrote:If they want quick bucks and cash grabs why not announce:
- Clampdown
- Spin Out
- Hauler
- Detritus
- Slicer
- G1 inspired Barricade?!
I think we can expect a Detritus, simply so Takara get two uses of the mold out, which now seems to be the minimum. The others I completely agree with... but... "Hauler" was actually yellow in the cartoon, so that might be a sticking point (but I'm sure it wouldn't stop them). If they're really looking to grab quick, big bucks - a new Seeker mold with a quick pump out of Starscream, Thundercracker, Skywarp, Sunstorm and Acid Storm would be very welcome.
They're going to get at least 3 of this Convoy out (anime, toy and black/sleep/nemesis), which is another reason I feel like the price is a little over the top. Its hardly like a one shot release.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996150)
Posted by Coptur on November 30th, 2018 @ 4:51am CST
Posted by Coptur on November 30th, 2018 @ 4:51am CST
yeah that that's true Hauler is the same colour as Grapple.
Sometimes they retcon him to be green?
So maybe different head sculpt/original toy head sculpt and a tool for one of his hands. I know that's not much but it's something 'different'.
edit...i think grapple came with multiple heads so i guess he'll have to be green lol unless they can do something special
Sometimes they retcon him to be green?
So maybe different head sculpt/original toy head sculpt and a tool for one of his hands. I know that's not much but it's something 'different'.
edit...i think grapple came with multiple heads so i guess he'll have to be green lol unless they can do something special
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996152)
Posted by -Kanrabat- on November 30th, 2018 @ 5:13am CST
Posted by -Kanrabat- on November 30th, 2018 @ 5:13am CST
That's one amazing set but holy crap, the MP prices are getting more and more ludicrous as time go by. So that Optimus will be skipped. Mostly because I plan to get myself some other expensive toys so the space and budget cannot go for the MP line anymore. Plus I already have MP-01 and MP-10. That's more than enough for my collection.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996160)
Posted by blackeyedprime on November 30th, 2018 @ 6:47am CST
Posted by blackeyedprime on November 30th, 2018 @ 6:47am CST
If it was mainly die cast metal like MP01 then maybe, the correct lack of forearm stripes make me like this one a bit more thsn MP10 but I don't think a toy version would work with the lack of leg barrels (or more accurately things that no longer look like barrels) & hidden wheels wouldn't do it for me.
I'd be tempted for a battle damage movie version down the line but I can't even justify the price of Sunstreaker (or a £45+ KO of him!). Will be nice to work on the backlog that I'm missing but kind of sad with being priced out of future releases.
I'd be tempted for a battle damage movie version down the line but I can't even justify the price of Sunstreaker (or a £45+ KO of him!). Will be nice to work on the backlog that I'm missing but kind of sad with being priced out of future releases.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996163)
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on November 30th, 2018 @ 6:58am CST
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on November 30th, 2018 @ 6:58am CST
Nice proportions even if I'm not a big G1 fan. It certainly looks better than the other ones in that area. How much of the truck is actually used for the torso though, Chest looks different and the stripes in robot mode aren't on the truck at all. A lot of fakery? I don't mind that myself but I know SOME PEOPLE get annoyed with that sorta thing. 
Anyways yeah I can understand the crazy price putting even hardcore MP fans off. It doesn't even need all those silly accessories. Most of them will end up staying in the box, or hidden in a drawer or his trailer or something. I got KO of the MP Hot Rod and that frickin' stupid fishing rod annoys the heck out of me cos it don't even fit in my accessories drawer. =p
Anyways yeah I can understand the crazy price putting even hardcore MP fans off. It doesn't even need all those silly accessories. Most of them will end up staying in the box, or hidden in a drawer or his trailer or something. I got KO of the MP Hot Rod and that frickin' stupid fishing rod annoys the heck out of me cos it don't even fit in my accessories drawer. =p
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996166)
Posted by Emerje on November 30th, 2018 @ 7:11am CST
I enjoy transforming my Transformers, but I don't consider the trailer and essential part of his transformation. He isn't Motormaster, I can still transform him into a truck without the trailer. If I had a small collection with room to display trailers I'd be happy to have it, but for those of us with space constraints and large collections they're just going back into the box just like with MP-10 making them a big boxy money sponge.
Anyway, I think I'm going to pass and wait for reviews and then jump on the inevitable second run if it's any good. Money isn't an issue and the colored pics look good (these seem to be still hand painted so we'll get even better shots later), but I'm reminded looking at these new pics of something that really bothered me before.
That backpack is HUGE! That is not his jet pack, that's all leftover truck parts which the jet pack and Screamer parts attach to. Compared to this...
...that's pretty excessive and definitely not what most of us would consider an upgrade.
Emerje
Posted by Emerje on November 30th, 2018 @ 7:11am CST
ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:Emerje wrote:He was also rare shown in robot mode with it and guess which mode I'll be displaying Optimus in? For the price they really should have come up with an alternative. Even the super expensive non-transforming Optimus Prime from Hot Toys came at two price points (with and without Starscream armor). If they can do it then so can Takara Tomy.
Well, why do you even want a transforming Optimus at all if you only care about the robot mode? Much less this one that comes with so much stuff you've flat-out said you'll never use? I am honestly just baffled here. What do you get out of it? I am very confused here
In the case of a high-end transforming G1 Optimus, most would see the trailer as an essential part of the package.
I enjoy transforming my Transformers, but I don't consider the trailer and essential part of his transformation. He isn't Motormaster, I can still transform him into a truck without the trailer. If I had a small collection with room to display trailers I'd be happy to have it, but for those of us with space constraints and large collections they're just going back into the box just like with MP-10 making them a big boxy money sponge.
Anyway, I think I'm going to pass and wait for reviews and then jump on the inevitable second run if it's any good. Money isn't an issue and the colored pics look good (these seem to be still hand painted so we'll get even better shots later), but I'm reminded looking at these new pics of something that really bothered me before.
That backpack is HUGE! That is not his jet pack, that's all leftover truck parts which the jet pack and Screamer parts attach to. Compared to this...
...that's pretty excessive and definitely not what most of us would consider an upgrade.
Emerje
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996169)
Posted by Agamemnon on November 30th, 2018 @ 7:28am CST
Hrm...interestingly, BBTS has removed the price (and even the ability to preorder) from their site. Maybe the fan backlash is having an impact?
Posted by Agamemnon on November 30th, 2018 @ 7:28am CST
william-james88 wrote:Hellscream9999 wrote:TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Wait, I thought yesterday's report was that it was $440? Now it's $350? That's a lot closer to reasonable, if still pretty ridiculous.
No, it's $350 if you import it yourself, it'll be $450 to buy it from domestic retailers like bbts - unless I missed something
Thats right, could not have said it better myself.
Hrm...interestingly, BBTS has removed the price (and even the ability to preorder) from their site. Maybe the fan backlash is having an impact?
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996170)
Posted by Hellscream9999 on November 30th, 2018 @ 7:42am CST
Well, depending on how much they're buying it from TT/hasbro asia for, they don't have to sell it for the msrp, they just have to sell it for more than they paid. Thing is though, if they do undercut the msrp all the other e-tailers would have to follow suit or lose all their business on this figure to the lowest price somewhere else
Posted by Hellscream9999 on November 30th, 2018 @ 7:42am CST
Agamemnon wrote:william-james88 wrote:Hellscream9999 wrote:TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Wait, I thought yesterday's report was that it was $440? Now it's $350? That's a lot closer to reasonable, if still pretty ridiculous.
No, it's $350 if you import it yourself, it'll be $450 to buy it from domestic retailers like bbts - unless I missed something
Thats right, could not have said it better myself.
Hrm...interestingly, BBTS has removed the price (and even the ability to preorder) from their site. Maybe the fan backlash is having an impact?
Well, depending on how much they're buying it from TT/hasbro asia for, they don't have to sell it for the msrp, they just have to sell it for more than they paid. Thing is though, if they do undercut the msrp all the other e-tailers would have to follow suit or lose all their business on this figure to the lowest price somewhere else
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996171)
Posted by ZeroWolf on November 30th, 2018 @ 7:42am CST
Robotkingdom have him listed for $369.99 currently which is only $20 more then self import price.
Posted by ZeroWolf on November 30th, 2018 @ 7:42am CST
Agamemnon wrote:william-james88 wrote:Hellscream9999 wrote:TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Wait, I thought yesterday's report was that it was $440? Now it's $350? That's a lot closer to reasonable, if still pretty ridiculous.
No, it's $350 if you import it yourself, it'll be $450 to buy it from domestic retailers like bbts - unless I missed something
Thats right, could not have said it better myself.
Hrm...interestingly, BBTS has removed the price (and even the ability to preorder) from their site. Maybe the fan backlash is having an impact?
Robotkingdom have him listed for $369.99 currently which is only $20 more then self import price.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996172)
Posted by Cyberpath on November 30th, 2018 @ 7:54am CST
Posted by Cyberpath on November 30th, 2018 @ 7:54am CST
A little concerned with the apparent complexity of the transformation, like how does the truck's grill end up inside his backpack in robot-mode? I hope it's all intuitive and flowing in-hand.
I remember how to transform all my MPs, but Megatron is the only one where I have to set time aside to transform.
I remember how to transform all my MPs, but Megatron is the only one where I have to set time aside to transform.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996173)
Posted by Cyberpath on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:03am CST
Posted by Cyberpath on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:03am CST
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996174)
Posted by Evil Eye on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:06am CST
"Now, Optimus, feel the power of my SUNBOW RAY!"
"Gah! My surface detail and paintjob! What have you DONE, Megatron!?!?"
In case you hadn't guessed, I'm not terribly thrilled. The extra articulation looks nice but everything else...yeesh. The dull as hell paintjob, the overall blandness combined with the excessive amount of hinges as a result of the unnecessarily complex conversion (thus giving this this unenviable status of "Too simplistic AND too greebly at the same time"), the backpack,the rear of the truck mode which makes MP-10's THICC rear section look reasonable, the no doubt obscenely horrible transformation, the lengths taken to make it accurate to something that couldn't even stay accurate to itself, and of course that PRICE. Dear Primus.
I'm normally pretty live-and-let-live with people's taste in toys but I seriously hope this bombs so that Takara reconsiders the direction they're taking the line.
Posted by Evil Eye on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:06am CST
Cyberpath wrote:
"Now, Optimus, feel the power of my SUNBOW RAY!"
"Gah! My surface detail and paintjob! What have you DONE, Megatron!?!?"
In case you hadn't guessed, I'm not terribly thrilled. The extra articulation looks nice but everything else...yeesh. The dull as hell paintjob, the overall blandness combined with the excessive amount of hinges as a result of the unnecessarily complex conversion (thus giving this this unenviable status of "Too simplistic AND too greebly at the same time"), the backpack,the rear of the truck mode which makes MP-10's THICC rear section look reasonable, the no doubt obscenely horrible transformation, the lengths taken to make it accurate to something that couldn't even stay accurate to itself, and of course that PRICE. Dear Primus.
I'm normally pretty live-and-let-live with people's taste in toys but I seriously hope this bombs so that Takara reconsiders the direction they're taking the line.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996175)
Posted by Amelie on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:10am CST
This feels much more agreeable. I'm sure after the dust has settled, we'll all chuckle at the $450 price tag that first came up....
Posted by Amelie on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:10am CST
ZeroWolf wrote:Robotkingdom have him listed for $369.99 currently which is only $20 more then self import price.
This feels much more agreeable. I'm sure after the dust has settled, we'll all chuckle at the $450 price tag that first came up....
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996177)
Posted by Hellscream9999 on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:15am CST
But aren't they based out of china? Won't you still have to pay a lot in shipping?
Posted by Hellscream9999 on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:15am CST
Amelie wrote:ZeroWolf wrote:Robotkingdom have him listed for $369.99 currently which is only $20 more then self import price.
This feels much more agreeable. I'm sure after the dust has settled, we'll all chuckle at the $450 price tag that first came up....
But aren't they based out of china? Won't you still have to pay a lot in shipping?
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996178)
Posted by Hellscream9999 on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:17am CST
The new proportions look really nice, but mp-10 still seems like the more satisfactory transformer due to actually using the truck mode in bot mode
Posted by Hellscream9999 on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:17am CST
Black Hat wrote:Cyberpath wrote:
"Now, Optimus, feel the power of my SUNBOW RAY!"
"Gah! My surface detail and paintjob! What have you DONE, Megatron!?!?"
In case you hadn't guessed, I'm not terribly thrilled. The extra articulation looks nice but everything else...yeesh. The dull as hell paintjob, the overall blandness combined with the excessive amount of hinges as a result of the unnecessarily complex conversion (thus giving this this unenviable status of "Too simplistic AND too greebly at the same time"), the backpack,the rear of the truck mode which makes MP-10's THICC rear section look reasonable, the no doubt obscenely horrible transformation, the lengths taken to make it accurate to something that couldn't even stay accurate to itself, and of course that PRICE. Dear Primus.
I'm normally pretty live-and-let-live with people's taste in toys but I seriously hope this bombs so that Takara reconsiders the direction they're taking the line.
The new proportions look really nice, but mp-10 still seems like the more satisfactory transformer due to actually using the truck mode in bot mode
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996180)
Posted by Amelie on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:26am CST
I live in the UK. I end up paying for the shipping from China one way or the other at the end of the day...
How many people here are thinking of "gambling" on Hasbro taking this one up and going domestic in the hopes of a smaller price tag?
Posted by Amelie on November 30th, 2018 @ 8:26am CST
Hellscream9999 wrote:But aren't they based out of china? Won't you still have to pay a lot in shipping?
I live in the UK. I end up paying for the shipping from China one way or the other at the end of the day...
How many people here are thinking of "gambling" on Hasbro taking this one up and going domestic in the hopes of a smaller price tag?
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996183)
Posted by joevill on November 30th, 2018 @ 9:05am CST
Posted by joevill on November 30th, 2018 @ 9:05am CST
OK.... the photo with Starscream's head just convinced me to pre-order this!
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996185)
Posted by Octobotimus on November 30th, 2018 @ 9:10am CST
don't see how a starscream head is worth 400+ but ok.... personally think the 2 other 3rd party primes offer a better price to look ratio. better looking primes for less is better than this imo.
Posted by Octobotimus on November 30th, 2018 @ 9:10am CST
joevill wrote:OK.... the photo with Starscream's head just convinced me to pre-order this!
don't see how a starscream head is worth 400+ but ok.... personally think the 2 other 3rd party primes offer a better price to look ratio. better looking primes for less is better than this imo.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996186)
Posted by Amelie on November 30th, 2018 @ 9:20am CST
Posted by Amelie on November 30th, 2018 @ 9:20am CST
The $400+ price point seems to be turning this into one of the most divisive releases ever. Statues in the past went easily over this level, but "Masterpiece" is one of the longest running Transformers lines ever, not a small offshoot that only the most dedicated and wealthy collectors get into.
I'm not sure how well the idea of a 'mainstream' line being shifted into the 'elite' category feels right now. Part of me thinks 'its expensive to make them, so it should cost more', but on the other hand, the Masterpiece line is cool because its relatively accessible and one of those things that as collectors we can all get behind and discuss playing with, rather than seeing a select few owning it online and going 'coo - I wish I had that'.
I'm not sure how well the idea of a 'mainstream' line being shifted into the 'elite' category feels right now. Part of me thinks 'its expensive to make them, so it should cost more', but on the other hand, the Masterpiece line is cool because its relatively accessible and one of those things that as collectors we can all get behind and discuss playing with, rather than seeing a select few owning it online and going 'coo - I wish I had that'.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996189)
Posted by joevill on November 30th, 2018 @ 9:34am CST
Posted by joevill on November 30th, 2018 @ 9:34am CST
It's a new figure, Starscream Prime!!!
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996190)
Posted by william-james88 on November 30th, 2018 @ 9:35am CST
I dont know if you noticed this, but maybe not because I bet it would irritate you and you would have metioned it. In the cartoon, they would not give the cab the silver stripe from the toy when in alt mode, leaving it all red (most of the time). But that stripe was always left in the robot mode. So they recreated that dumb design error here, heaving out the stripe in alt mode. So the toy goes out of its way to technically makes no sense and represent animation laziness.
It said he would come with another battle damage piec and it does, it includes a pat of his abs where Megatron hurts him in the 86 movie.
Posted by william-james88 on November 30th, 2018 @ 9:35am CST
Seibertron wrote:Oh my god cartoon accuracy drives me f*****g crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Where is the silver paint on the figure? What is with the dull flat grays? Why does Takara think they have to be so slavish to their perceived cartoon accuracy? Not what I want to spend $400+ on, let alone $200+!!! I have never ever wanted G1 cartoon accurate toys that are so slavish that they forget that the grays should represent silver in most cases or that the lack of details was to make it easier for the animators to HAND draw, neither of which should apply to "masterpiece" Transformers.
It definitely looks better in color, though the upper torso angled on the lower body looks really odd to me.
I dont know if you noticed this, but maybe not because I bet it would irritate you and you would have metioned it. In the cartoon, they would not give the cab the silver stripe from the toy when in alt mode, leaving it all red (most of the time). But that stripe was always left in the robot mode. So they recreated that dumb design error here, heaving out the stripe in alt mode. So the toy goes out of its way to technically makes no sense and represent animation laziness.
Cyberpath wrote:Also, I sort of got the feeling he should be packed with more battle damage parts than just the head?
It said he would come with another battle damage piec and it does, it includes a pat of his abs where Megatron hurts him in the 86 movie.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996203)
Posted by no-one on November 30th, 2018 @ 10:02am CST
Posted by no-one on November 30th, 2018 @ 10:02am CST
Now that I'm looking at these new color images on a PC, has anyone else noticed how odd the hand/wrists connections look?
Everybody enjoys a little cosplay form time to time.
joevill wrote:It's a new figure, Starscream Prime!!!
Everybody enjoys a little cosplay form time to time.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996206)
Posted by william-james88 on November 30th, 2018 @ 10:04am CST
Robot kingdom is always cheaper. By the way, BBTS is not selling at MSRP by choice. If they could sell for less they could. But as it is, they cant buy directly from Takara. Takara only sells to Japanese retailers, they cant sell transformers outside Japan since Hasbro owns the brand in ever other market.
So, middlemen buy wholesale from Takara and ship to BBTS and everyother retailer outside japan. That added middleman and shipping cost plus import cost means these toys always cost more locally.
Robotkingdom deals with hasbro Asia, who we know has its own releases of Takara products. So they can sell for cheaper.
But the shippng from china (which you guys can verify) will be about $50-60 at least so you end up at the same spot. There is no way out of that crazy price range right now.
If someone wants him cheap, you HAVE to wait to see what Amazon Japan sells him for, which will be around $350 USD. And then you have to pay shipping and import fees (which change depending on where you live).
The alst time Hasbro was cheaper was with Starscream many moons ago. Since then, its been just as expensive or more expensive.
Here is Hasbro release of Beast Wars MP Megatron for $320. A Hasbro release of Prime would be $450, since they are matching MSRPs.
https://www.entertainmentearth.com/prod ... on/hse4006
Posted by william-james88 on November 30th, 2018 @ 10:04am CST
ZeroWolf wrote:Agamemnon wrote:william-james88 wrote:Hellscream9999 wrote:TheForgottenTaxi wrote:Wait, I thought yesterday's report was that it was $440? Now it's $350? That's a lot closer to reasonable, if still pretty ridiculous.
No, it's $350 if you import it yourself, it'll be $450 to buy it from domestic retailers like bbts - unless I missed something
Thats right, could not have said it better myself.
Hrm...interestingly, BBTS has removed the price (and even the ability to preorder) from their site. Maybe the fan backlash is having an impact?
Robotkingdom have him listed for $369.99 currently which is only $20 more then self import price.
Robot kingdom is always cheaper. By the way, BBTS is not selling at MSRP by choice. If they could sell for less they could. But as it is, they cant buy directly from Takara. Takara only sells to Japanese retailers, they cant sell transformers outside Japan since Hasbro owns the brand in ever other market.
So, middlemen buy wholesale from Takara and ship to BBTS and everyother retailer outside japan. That added middleman and shipping cost plus import cost means these toys always cost more locally.
Robotkingdom deals with hasbro Asia, who we know has its own releases of Takara products. So they can sell for cheaper.
But the shippng from china (which you guys can verify) will be about $50-60 at least so you end up at the same spot. There is no way out of that crazy price range right now.
If someone wants him cheap, you HAVE to wait to see what Amazon Japan sells him for, which will be around $350 USD. And then you have to pay shipping and import fees (which change depending on where you live).
Amelie wrote:Hellscream9999 wrote:But aren't they based out of china? Won't you still have to pay a lot in shipping?
I live in the UK. I end up paying for the shipping from China one way or the other at the end of the day...
How many people here are thinking of "gambling" on Hasbro taking this one up and going domestic in the hopes of a smaller price tag?
The alst time Hasbro was cheaper was with Starscream many moons ago. Since then, its been just as expensive or more expensive.
Here is Hasbro release of Beast Wars MP Megatron for $320. A Hasbro release of Prime would be $450, since they are matching MSRPs.
https://www.entertainmentearth.com/prod ... on/hse4006
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996209)
Posted by ZeroWolf on November 30th, 2018 @ 10:09am CST
Those hands do look really weird now that you have pointed that out.
Posted by ZeroWolf on November 30th, 2018 @ 10:09am CST
carytheone wrote:Now that I'm looking at these new color images on a PC, has anyone else noticed how odd the hand/wrists connections look?joevill wrote:It's a new figure, Starscream Prime!!!
Those hands do look really weird now that you have pointed that out.
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996212)
Posted by no-one on November 30th, 2018 @ 10:19am CST
Posted by no-one on November 30th, 2018 @ 10:19am CST
Weird andZeroWolf wrote:Those hands do look really weird now that you have pointed that out.carytheone wrote:Now that I'm looking at these new color images on a PC, has anyone else noticed how odd the hand/wrists connections look?
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996223)
Posted by ZeroWolf on November 30th, 2018 @ 10:48am CST
Posted by ZeroWolf on November 30th, 2018 @ 10:48am CST
Hot on the heels of these official new images of MP-44, we now have another new image which shows Prime leaping into the air firing his gun, a pose ripped out of the 1986 Transformers The Movie. The image was found on a Japanese blog site. Thanks to fellow Seibertron user, Cyberpath for bringing this to our attention. According to the blog, the image is an advertisement put out by Takara Tomy Mall in a magazine.The image shows that the ¥50,000 price listing was indeed correct and is the MSRP for is. It is with mentioning that that price may see up to a 30% reduction once its Amazon Japan listing goes up, so it may be worth keeping an eye there. However, shipping will cost extra and its unknown at this point if it will be shipped to places outside of Japan.
We have mirrored the image for your convenience below.
We also have another preorder up for MP-44, this one couresty of site sponsor, RobotKingdom.com .
The pre order here is listed at $369.99 which is one of the best yet but does not factor shipping which could increase it to $450+ depending on where you are as it is
Shipping from China.
Are you on the fence about this release? Let us know in the Energon Pub and stay tuned to Seibertron for all the latest news and reviews. You
We have mirrored the image for your convenience below.
We also have another preorder up for MP-44, this one couresty of site sponsor, RobotKingdom.com .
The pre order here is listed at $369.99 which is one of the best yet but does not factor shipping which could increase it to $450+ depending on where you are as it is
Shipping from China.
Are you on the fence about this release? Let us know in the Energon Pub and stay tuned to Seibertron for all the latest news and reviews. You
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996235)
Posted by ThunderThruster on November 30th, 2018 @ 11:12am CST
Clampdown already exists as MP-14C, uness you want an animation style figure of a character that was never in the 'toon?
Posted by ThunderThruster on November 30th, 2018 @ 11:12am CST
Coptur wrote:If they want quick bucks and cash grabs why not announce:
- Clampdown
Clampdown already exists as MP-14C, uness you want an animation style figure of a character that was never in the 'toon?
Re: Official Colour Images Finally Released for Masterpiece MP-44 Optimus Prime Ver 3 (1996254)
Posted by Regimus Prime on November 30th, 2018 @ 12:20pm CST
Ok, after looking at these comparison shots I may need a second job and MP-10 will be going back in his packaging.
Posted by Regimus Prime on November 30th, 2018 @ 12:20pm CST
Cyberpath wrote:
Ok, after looking at these comparison shots I may need a second job and MP-10 will be going back in his packaging.
