Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack

Tuesday, February 25th, 2014 1:01PM CST

Categories: Toy News, People News, Interviews
Posted by: Va'al Views: 31,627

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Courtesy of the Snakas blog from Autobase Aichi, we are able to get a glimpse of a feature from issue 193 of Figure King, in which Takara Designer Shogo Hasui reveals some elements of the upcoming Transformers Masterpiece Wheeljack figure. Read on below for an attempted translation of the original, found here.

(The article also lists other highlights from the magazine, including a special Tomy licensed Transformers iPhone 5 case).

* The interpretation of Wheeljack's transformation was rather 'arcane' (new? innovative?).
* "Structure of the head and waist became great way stuffing"
* The removable shoulder cannon can be installed in the vehicle mode roof.
* The hand gun can be stored in the figure's 'underbody' (?).
* The wings on the robot's back are transformable, and do not need to be removed.
* Thansk to the Tomica branch of the company (model cars), the licensing was a lot easier to negotiate with car manufacturers.
* Color of the car mode is faithful to the actual vehicle. On the other hand, the robot mode colors are closer to the cartoon.
* Thanks to the sale numbers for MP- Lambor to Streak, they were able to add new parts to Smokescreen, and Wheeljack was developed without having to consider repurposing.
* The first three realistic cars of the Masterpiece line were supposed to become 'super cars'.

Credit(s): Snakas Blog

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Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553512)
Posted by Counterpunch on February 25th, 2014 @ 1:06pm CST

Cool. Sounds like the profitability of the Datsun bros helped this more one-shot character get produced.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553513)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 25th, 2014 @ 1:08pm CST

* The interpretation of Wheeljack's transformation was rather 'arcane' (new? innovative?).
* "Structure of the head and waist became great way stuffing"
* The removable shoulder cannon can be installed in the vehicle mode roof.
* The hand gun can be stored in the figure's 'underbody' (?).
* The wings on the robot's back are transformable, and do not need to be removed.
* Thansk to the Tomica branch of the company (model cars), the licensing was a lot easier to negotiate with car manufacturers.
* Color of the car mode is faithful to the actual vehicle. On the other hand, the robot mode colors are closer to the cartoon.
* Thanks to the sale numbers for MP- Lambor to Streak, they were able to add new parts to Smokescreen, and Wheeljack was developed without having to consider repurposing.
* The first three realistic cars of the Masterpiece line were supposed to become 'super cars'.

So, in a nutshell:

1) The transformation should be similar to the original toy, with a few surprising twists
2) Licensing of car models has gone through Tomica, which is like Hot Wheels to Mattel. That would mean Hasbro has no such luxury.
3) We shouldn't count of him being retooled at all (let alone into Sunstreaker), as they didn't have to take that into consideration

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553519)
Posted by Va'al on February 25th, 2014 @ 1:19pm CST

Yurp.

Does anyone with more Japanese than me (not that difficult) help decipher that second point about stuffing?

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553524)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 25th, 2014 @ 1:31pm CST

Let's see... Ah, I think it means that the design of the head and waist is such that it can be collapsed and tucked in in an ingenious way. That's me guessing though, I'll have have to owe you a definitive answer.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553527)
Posted by Va'al on February 25th, 2014 @ 1:34pm CST

That's what I thought it could be, too. But I can't phrase it in a satisfying way. Hmph.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553543)
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on February 25th, 2014 @ 2:22pm CST

Va'al wrote:That's what I thought it could be, too. But I can't phrase it in a satisfying way. Hmph.

I had a Japanese friend look at it and here's what she said: "The head and torso has a compressed structure". Makes more sense than Google, huh?

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553544)
Posted by Va'al on February 25th, 2014 @ 2:25pm CST

JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
Va'al wrote:That's what I thought it could be, too. But I can't phrase it in a satisfying way. Hmph.

I had a Japanese friend look at it and here's what she said: "The head and torso has a compressed structure". Makes more sense than Google, huh?

I can see clearly now, the rain has gone.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553545)
Posted by Mindmaster on February 25th, 2014 @ 2:27pm CST

Va'al wrote:
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
Va'al wrote:That's what I thought it could be, too. But I can't phrase it in a satisfying way. Hmph.

I had a Japanese friend look at it and here's what she said: "The head and torso has a compressed structure". Makes more sense than Google, huh?

I can see clearly now, the rain has gone.

Seriously, we need a speaker of Japanese on the staff. It would help us out by the butt-tons.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553551)
Posted by kirbenvost on February 25th, 2014 @ 2:38pm CST

The Tomica thing makes so much sense! No wonder they were able to get these licences so easily. It doesn't bode well for those hoping for Hasbro releases, but this is a great insight for everyone importing. Takara shouldn't have trouble getting the licenses for most of the Autobots at all if they can negotiate using their existing licences.

Really cool to hear that the success of the early releases is helping finance future ones as well.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553553)
Posted by Va'al on February 25th, 2014 @ 2:44pm CST

Mindmaster wrote:
Va'al wrote:
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:
Va'al wrote:That's what I thought it could be, too. But I can't phrase it in a satisfying way. Hmph.

I had a Japanese friend look at it and here's what she said: "The head and torso has a compressed structure". Makes more sense than Google, huh?

I can see clearly now, the rain has gone.

Seriously, we need a speaker of Japanese on the staff. It would help us out by the butt-tons.

A reader would suffice, to be fair. But yes.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553555)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 25th, 2014 @ 2:55pm CST

Fellow Transformers fan SydneyY to the rescue!

- MP Wheeljack's colour scheme in vehicle mode is close to the real car, but he tried to make the robot mode's colours as close to the cartoon as possible.
- WJ's shoulder cannon can be attached to the car roof.
- WJ's Wings on the back do not require detaching when transforming.
- Thanks to Tomica (Tomy's Hot Wheels size, real vehicle base toy car series) it has become much easier to negotiate with car manufacturers. (I assume easier than when dealing with them as Takara, since Tomy has long-established connections thanks to Tomica)
- The sales of MP Lambor to Streak were excellent, and as a result, Smokescreen could have additional parts, and Wheeljack could be developed without considering re-purposing the mould.
- The first 3 real vehicle MPs were meant to be "Super Cars".

I guess they aren't listed in the same order as those in the above post from Autobase Aichi, huh. :oops:

Nor are all nine of the points included here (only six). But I think we can guess what the other three mean:
* The interpretation of Wheeljack's transformation in this toy is probably unique, creative, and original.
* JelZe already covered the "stuffing" one.
* The handgun can be stored on the underside of the car.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553556)
Posted by Va'al on February 25th, 2014 @ 3:02pm CST

Er.. yes. That's what I said in the main post, I don't see major differences, really.. :-?

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553606)
Posted by Stormrider on February 25th, 2014 @ 10:01pm CST

Va'al wrote:Yurp.

Does anyone with more Japanese than me (not that difficult) help decipher that second point about stuffing?

Wheeljack's head and waist will make a good Autobot stuffing for your roast chicken.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553621)
Posted by Samsonator on February 26th, 2014 @ 1:00am CST

"Structure of the head and waist became great way stuffing"

"Great Way Stuffing" I like this... it's no "SEND THE BOOKS" (for those of use who've been here long enough to remember that one) but it's still great. I think I'mma adapt that to describe Shellformers... since you stuff the robot inside. "Big Convoy: Great Way Stuffing."

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553623)
Posted by Va'al on February 26th, 2014 @ 1:21am CST

Hah! I like that one.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553632)
Posted by Mykltron on February 26th, 2014 @ 3:30am CST

But I want some great way stuffing. I was hoping it was one of the accessories.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553649)
Posted by Venoose1 on February 26th, 2014 @ 6:56am CST

* The first three realistic cars of the Masterpiece line were supposed to become 'super cars'.

Any ideas?

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553650)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 26th, 2014 @ 6:58am CST

Venoose1 wrote:
* The first three realistic cars of the Masterpiece line were supposed to become 'super cars'.

Any ideas?

For what? They already are supercars.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553749)
Posted by Agent-539 on February 26th, 2014 @ 3:17pm CST

Deathscythetransform wrote:its stupid to put this thingy as an exclusive, since it was seen only once. that lunchbox is just a piece of plastic...

Hero Alpha wrote:I do hope they add Chip Chase.

keep hoping. we got a green/gray, blue, white and black versions of doc arkeville, and a lime-green pilot for acidstorm.
we got nothing with the cars.

I would love to have chip, but it would be to good to be true.

Well, to follow that cab, we only saw both versions of Sideswipe's pile drivers once and Red's head sparks once as well.

539

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553864)
Posted by Stormrider on February 27th, 2014 @ 7:55am CST

What is a super car? Does that mean race car? Or is it a 1980's G1 reference?

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553867)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 27th, 2014 @ 8:00am CST

Stormrider wrote:What is a super car? Does that mean race car? Or is it a 1980's G1 reference?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercar

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553878)
Posted by Stormrider on February 27th, 2014 @ 8:47am CST

Sabrblade wrote:
Stormrider wrote:What is a super car? Does that mean race car? Or is it a 1980's G1 reference?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercar

Thanks. Is the Fairlady considered a super car?

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553887)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 27th, 2014 @ 9:52am CST

Stormrider wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:
Stormrider wrote:What is a super car? Does that mean race car? Or is it a 1980's G1 reference?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercar

Thanks. Is the Fairlady considered a super car?

I guess it could be if it were made to be one or something. *shrugs*

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553915)
Posted by Stormrider on February 27th, 2014 @ 11:22am CST

Sabrblade wrote:
Stormrider wrote:
Sabrblade wrote:
Stormrider wrote:What is a super car? Does that mean race car? Or is it a 1980's G1 reference?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercar

Thanks. Is the Fairlady considered a super car?
I guess it could be if it were made to be one or something. *shrugs*

I agree, I don't perceive Fairlady as a super sports car but perhaps I am wrong. The reason I ask is because the designer mentioned 3 supercars, correct? If Fairlady is not included, is there another supercar he is referring to coming out in the future?

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553939)
Posted by GuyIncognito on February 27th, 2014 @ 12:30pm CST

Supercars are, by definition, very expensive and elite.

The Fairlady was an affordable sports car that's sold in the millions. It was used in racing, but I don't think it qualifies as a "supercar".

But if this was translated, then the original statement may not have meant supercar in the same way that we're interpreting it.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553942)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 27th, 2014 @ 12:36pm CST

Japanese Wikipedia identifies a Supercar (スーパーカー Sūpākā) basically the same as American Wikipedia.

"スーパーカー" is the term Autobase Aichi uses.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553943)
Posted by GuyIncognito on February 27th, 2014 @ 12:44pm CST

In that case, the Fairlady Z, a standard production car which was designed to be affordable by using parts from other Nissan cars, is pretty much the OPPOSITE of a supercar.

So what Supercars was he referring to? The Lamborghini obviously counts. I suppose the Lancia Stratos counts, too. (That's what Wheeljack is, right?)

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553944)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 27th, 2014 @ 12:53pm CST

GuyIncognito wrote:In that case, the Fairlady Z, which was designed to be an AFFORDABLE sports car by using parts from other Nissan cars, is pretty much the OPPOSITE of a supercar.

Maybe he meant that he designed the MP version of the Fairlady Z to be a custom-made Supercar version of the Fairlady Z. Maybe Teletraan I happened to come across and scan one that somebody had taken and customized into a Supercar Fairlady Z.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553950)
Posted by Stormrider on February 27th, 2014 @ 1:10pm CST

Either he broadly used the term supercar lumping Fairlady Z in it. Or he is referring to another unmade car. Well, unless he is including MP Rodimus. That is a super-duper car

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1553987)
Posted by Sabrblade on February 27th, 2014 @ 4:10pm CST

There's also the notion of how the Decepticon Micromaster Sports Car Patrol was known as the Autobot Micro Transformer Super Car Patrol Team in Japan, and that team consisted of a Mitsubishi X2S concept car, a 1988 Ford Probe GT Turbo sports car, a Chevrolet Corvette Indy sports car, and a Ferrari sports car.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1554529)
Posted by El Duque on March 2nd, 2014 @ 10:47am CST

Courtesy of Weibo user 北马伊斯力 we have of a couple of page images from Figure King 193 that give us a look at the design process for MP-20 Wheeljack. Its' always interesting to get a glimpse of the behind the scenes work that goes into these figures. Check out the images mirrored below.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1554640)
Posted by Stormrider on March 2nd, 2014 @ 6:23pm CST

does the missile launcher double to be the hypno ray device? They both look similar shape and size.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560543)
Posted by El Duque on March 26th, 2014 @ 11:00pm CDT

Amazon Japan has updated their pre-order for Takara Tomy's Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack with nice high res full color official images! Wheeljack is estimated to arrive in August. Check 'em out below!

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560547)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 26th, 2014 @ 11:08pm CDT

Really hope they make a toon-accurate redeco later on since I really don't care for the real life car-accurate deco, but the mold itself looks fantastic.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560551)
Posted by mooncake623 on March 26th, 2014 @ 11:18pm CDT

So its done! they should ship this now

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560553)
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on March 26th, 2014 @ 11:20pm CDT

August cannot come soon enough.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560554)
Posted by Captain on March 26th, 2014 @ 11:30pm CDT

So does WJ look like this in G1? I don't remember the black windows?

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560557)
Posted by Sabrblade on March 26th, 2014 @ 11:36pm CDT

Captain wrote:So does WJ look like this in G1? I don't remember the black windows?

Nope!

This deco is based on the real life Lancia Stratos instead of Wheeljack's cartoon colors.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560560)
Posted by Captain on March 26th, 2014 @ 11:48pm CDT

That's what I thought. I hope at least Hasbro or Takara has the clear version windows. That black is a pass for me. :roll:

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560565)
Posted by Joetx on March 27th, 2014 @ 12:13am CDT

Captain wrote:That's what I thought. I hope at least Hasbro or Takara has the clear version windows. That black is a pass for me.

There will be a Hasbro version?

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560570)
Posted by BumbleDouche on March 27th, 2014 @ 1:02am CDT

Every time I see this, I think of Dr Smoov's "S.O.S. Wheeljack"
They need to release a version of this with a button for sound clips so we can hear him say "F@$# you Huffer!"

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560571)
Posted by megatronus on March 27th, 2014 @ 1:02am CDT

Joetx wrote:
Captain wrote:That's what I thought. I hope at least Hasbro or Takara has the clear version windows. That black is a pass for me.

There will be a Hasbro version?

We don't know if Hasbro will do one; they haven't released any of the (2) licensed cars to date. The next MP on their list is another Grimlock reissue.

At any rate, this deco doesn't look bad at all. Especially considering the original toy.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560581)
Posted by kirbenvost on March 27th, 2014 @ 1:36am CDT

I agree the windows could be a lot less dark, but otherwise he looks amazing. That fourth pic is so cool, almost like he just jumped out of the cartoon.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560582)
Posted by megatronus on March 27th, 2014 @ 1:38am CDT

kirbenvost wrote:I agree the windows could be a lot less dark, but otherwise he looks amazing. That fourth pic is so cool, almost like he just jumped out of the cartoon.

I think Prime is the only MP not to have tinted windows... I guess they're trying to hide their holo-drivers

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560595)
Posted by Samsonator on March 27th, 2014 @ 3:15am CDT

I know it's become something of a point of contention with some people, but for me, I love the vehicle Wheeljack was based on, so seeing it rendered so beautifully right down to the red rims on the wheels is fantastic.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560596)
Posted by Cyberpath on March 27th, 2014 @ 3:44am CDT

Looks great! Looking at the photos I can almost hear Chris Latta's voice.

The windshield are consistent with the other Autobot cars.

It appears that the "wings" are made from clear plastic as a homage to the G1 toy.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560604)
Posted by robotmel on March 27th, 2014 @ 6:15am CDT

Is this the official release or the KO..?

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560606)
Posted by DecepticonFinishline on March 27th, 2014 @ 6:27am CDT

The black is all dandy with me. I can even tolerate some of the excessive green.

My problem is with the bit of the hood still under windshield in bot mode. That is the biggest let down for me.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560607)
Posted by craggy on March 27th, 2014 @ 6:43am CDT

the wings and windscreen on the original (or at least the Classics Heroes version I got) were a bit cloudy/dark than completely clear, so that doesn't bother me on this guy. looks pretty great.

Re: Takara Tomy Designer Shogo Hasui Discusses Transformers Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack (1560612)
Posted by Stormrider on March 27th, 2014 @ 7:34am CDT

MegaDump wrote:Every time I see this, I think of Dr Smoov's "S.O.S. Wheeljack"
They need to release a version of this with a button for sound clips so we can hear him say "F@$# you Huffer!"

lol. I love Dr Smoov's impression of Wheeljack!

I am surprised that this has an August release date. They seem to be ahead of schedule with the painted prototype. This is going to be a long 5 month wait.

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