Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust Full Colour Images
Monday, September 8th, 2014 12:05PM CDT
Categories: Toy News, Sponsor NewsPosted by: Va'al Views: 22,928
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The second piece of technicolour news from our site sponsor Kapow! Toys is for another Takara Tomy Masterpiece Transformer: MP-23 Smokey McWheelPants Marlboor Wheeljack Exhaust, the extensive redeco and remold of MP-20 Wheeljack. Mirrored images below, including a nice closeup of the head sculpt!
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Posted by shajaki on September 8th, 2014 @ 12:15pm CDT
Posted by Hero Alpha on September 8th, 2014 @ 12:42pm CDT
Posted by RhA on September 8th, 2014 @ 12:43pm CDT
Posted by Optimizzy on September 8th, 2014 @ 12:49pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on September 8th, 2014 @ 12:59pm CDT
Cuz it's a brand new character never been given a TF toy until now.Optimizzy wrote:Im totally unfamiliar with this character.
The deco and remolding, however, are based on a variant of the Diaclone toy that would become G1 Wheeljack. A variant that had a different head and with colors and endorsement decals that promoted Malboro cigarettes, but with the word intentionally misspelled as "Marlboor". Hence, the figure was referred by fans as "Marlboor Wheeljack" for years until this toy finally gave it an official TF name.
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on September 8th, 2014 @ 1:21pm CDT
(Kids, do no smoke!)
Posted by Va'al on September 8th, 2014 @ 1:34pm CDT
SW's SilverHammer wrote:Thanks to MP Exhaust, all Transformers can enjoy the great taste of Marlboor (totally not Marlboro). Cigarettes for everyone!
(Kids, do no smoke!)
Not sure if I'm the first one to notice, I'm sure I'm not, but the sponsor logo on the front spoiler does not say Good Year.
It says Good Flavor.
(Seriously, don't smoke, kids!)
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on September 8th, 2014 @ 1:49pm CDT
Va'al wrote:SW's SilverHammer wrote:Thanks to MP Exhaust, all Transformers can enjoy the great taste of Marlboor (totally not Marlboro). Cigarettes for everyone!
(Kids, do no smoke!)
Not sure if I'm the first one to notice, I'm sure I'm not, but the sponsor logo on the front spoiler does not say Good Year.
It says Good Flavor.
(Seriously, don't smoke, kids!)
"Year, 1945, Exhaust is awarded the key to Iacon, by the Cybertronian senate for spreading the joys of shmoking to people of all walks of life. 9 in 10 mnemosurgeons recommend Marlboor; mmm "healthy" *cough*. So what does the future hold for Exhaust, who knows, but you can find him anytime in Kaon as both a spokesman and as a huge fan of the gladiatorial games! The smart money's on that plucky young go-getter Megatron.
(Kids do not smoke seriously now, it's a bad idea.)
Posted by Optimizzy on September 8th, 2014 @ 3:56pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Cuz it's a brand new character never been given a TF toy until now.Optimizzy wrote:Im totally unfamiliar with this character.
The deco and remolding, however, are based on a variant of the Diaclone toy that would become G1 Wheeljack. A variant that had a different head and with colors and endorsement decals that promoted Malboro cigarettes, but with the word intentionally misspelled as "Marlboor". Hence, the figure was referred by fans as "Marlboor Wheeljack" for years until this toy finally gave it an official TF name.
ugh. I really don't know whats more irritating: A marlboor wheeljack turned into a new character that nobody really asked for turned into a masterpiece or that many of you seem excited.
Don't take it personal please, to each his own, but I get irritated at the "quick buck" mentality sometimes. Acid Rain and Sunstorm masterpieces are examples of that to me. Same with this. I expect "one of a kind" quality with masterpiece and it just seems like a more expensive version of everything else.
forgive me. in a bad mood.
Posted by datguy86 on September 8th, 2014 @ 4:21pm CDT
Optimizzy wrote:Sabrblade wrote:Cuz it's a brand new character never been given a TF toy until now.Optimizzy wrote:Im totally unfamiliar with this character.
The deco and remolding, however, are based on a variant of the Diaclone toy that would become G1 Wheeljack. A variant that had a different head and with colors and endorsement decals that promoted Malboro cigarettes, but with the word intentionally misspelled as "Marlboor". Hence, the figure was referred by fans as "Marlboor Wheeljack" for years until this toy finally gave it an official TF name.
ugh. I really don't know whats more irritating: A marlboor wheeljack turned into a new character that nobody really asked for turned into a masterpiece or that many of you seem excited.
Don't take it personal please, to each his own, but I get irritated at the "quick buck" mentality sometimes. Acid Rain and Sunstorm masterpieces are examples of that to me. Same with this. I expect "one of a kind" quality with masterpiece and it just seems like a more expensive version of everything else.
forgive me. in a bad mood.
Problem is, the uses for a Wheeljack MP mold are severely limited. You got Wheeljack, Smoke-Filled Delicious Wheeljack aka Exhaust, and Slicer. That "quick buck" mentality is what is going to pay for the extremely one-off MP Sunstreaker (hopefully) down the road. Because guess who Sunstreaker gets a redeco as? No one.
Hopefully Takara will prove me wrong and do a Diaclone Sunstreaker version named Nemo.
Posted by shajaki on September 8th, 2014 @ 5:04pm CDT
isnt this even i higher level of "one of a kind"? not only are we getting MP G1 cars, but we're getting versions of them that were the original inspirations for them. thats pretty special to me. and i bet theres enough diaclone fans, MP completists, and maybe even average fans that will like this enough to make it sell.Optimizzy wrote:ugh. I really don't know whats more irritating: A marlboor wheeljack turned into a new character that nobody really asked for turned into a masterpiece or that many of you seem excited.Sabrblade wrote:Cuz it's a brand new character never been given a TF toy until now.Optimizzy wrote:Im totally unfamiliar with this character.
The deco and remolding, however, are based on a variant of the Diaclone toy that would become G1 Wheeljack. A variant that had a different head and with colors and endorsement decals that promoted Malboro cigarettes, but with the word intentionally misspelled as "Marlboor". Hence, the figure was referred by fans as "Marlboor Wheeljack" for years until this toy finally gave it an official TF name.
Don't take it personal please, to each his own, but I get irritated at the "quick buck" mentality sometimes. Acid Rain and Sunstorm masterpieces are examples of that to me. Same with this. I expect "one of a kind" quality with masterpiece and it just seems like a more expensive version of everything else.
forgive me. in a bad mood.
i feel they wanted to get this mold out here, and fast. because WJ's not even released yet and we have his repaint already solicited. and i think theyre just stalling for the one we really want, which will knock the wind out of MP20's sails: MP20A. ill bet my next cheque that they make a cartoon (or "anime") accurate MP20, but they cant even hint at that yet otherwise who would buy MP20?
whats my basis for this theory? bluestreak, silverstreak, and the possible blue bluestreak (diaclone). which seems a lot more likely now that we see exhaust am i right?
Posted by Convoy on September 8th, 2014 @ 5:24pm CDT
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on September 8th, 2014 @ 5:33pm CDT
Convoy wrote:Wasn't this the one MP mold they didn't have to worry about a redeco for? (I mean, for which they didn't have to worry about a redeco?) Maybe they didn't have to worry this time because they had it planned?
It's indeed the Wheeljack mold. And all of the primary retools were planned from the start I think. The likes of Sunstorm, Tigertrack and G2 Lambor can be considered "gambles": options kept open for a later date. Given Exhaust's obscurity, he could have been a gamble, but with the success of the line TakaraTomy probably felt confident enough to include him in the main line and not as a limited exclusive. What also helped that decision is that G1 mold was only used once and that the original toolings are confirmed lost so a proper reissue is out of the question.
Posted by Sabrblade on September 8th, 2014 @ 5:34pm CDT
I guess that the didn't have to plan for a reuse of this mold but are still doing so anyway is a sign of their confidence in this mold's upcoming success.Convoy wrote:Wasn't this the one MP mold they didn't have to worry about a redeco for? (I mean, for which they didn't have to worry about a redeco?) Maybe they didn't have to worry this time because they had it planned?
Posted by Rogueknight on September 8th, 2014 @ 5:59pm CDT
http://tfwiki.net/wiki/File:G1_Slicer_toy.jpg
Posted by megatronus on September 8th, 2014 @ 6:30pm CDT
Posted by shajaki on September 8th, 2014 @ 9:39pm CDT
*literally laughed out loud*megatronus wrote:
Posted by K2vox on September 8th, 2014 @ 11:04pm CDT
Posted by Bumblevivisector on September 8th, 2014 @ 11:24pm CDT
Am I the only one who looked into this new visor and immediately saw the potential for the coolest black-repaint ever?
Namely, 2016's Joe/TF crossover: Masterpiece Snake-Eyes!
...
...
...and if they gave him a sword, that'd be cool for Slicer right?
Okay, nevermind...
Posted by Va'al on September 9th, 2014 @ 1:50am CDT
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Convoy wrote:Wasn't this the one MP mold they didn't have to worry about a redeco for? (I mean, for which they didn't have to worry about a redeco?) Maybe they didn't have to worry this time because they had it planned?
It's indeed the Wheeljack mold. And all of the primary retools were planned from the start I think. The likes of Sunstorm, Tigertrack and G2 Lambor can be considered "gambles": options kept open for a later date. Given Exhaust's obscurity, he could have been a gamble, but with the success of the line TakaraTomy probably felt confident enough to include him in the main line and not as a limited exclusive. What also helped that decision is that G1 mold was only used once and that the original toolings are confirmed lost so a proper reissue is out of the question.
I think the biggest part that proves all of the above is the ID for the figure: it's not MP-20E or S, it's a straight-up number following Bumblebee (21) ad Ultra Magnus (22). So remold, yes. 'Variant', no.
Posted by Cyberpath on September 9th, 2014 @ 3:23am CDT
Also, HQ photos from Amazon Japan; click to enlarge:
Looks like these were digitally decoed.
Posted by fenrir72 on September 9th, 2014 @ 4:33am CDT
Posted by WildclawPrime on September 9th, 2014 @ 8:15am CDT
Posted by Optimizzy on September 9th, 2014 @ 8:22am CDT
datguy86 wrote:
Problem is, the uses for a Wheeljack MP mold are severely limited. You got Wheeljack, Smoke-Filled Delicious Wheeljack aka Exhaust, and Slicer. That "quick buck" mentality is what is going to pay for the extremely one-off MP Sunstreaker (hopefully) down the road. Because guess who Sunstreaker gets a redeco as? No one.
Hopefully Takara will prove me wrong and do a Diaclone Sunstreaker version named Nemo.
That makes a lot of sense but I'm still irritated by it. I mean, maybe they shouldn't spend time designing transforming shoes and 20 year old game consoles and put that money into masterpieces and maybe thow wouldn't have to try to get a few sales on an obscure character. I like the loom of exhaust. It's neat they created a character to match Marlboro wheel jack but it's not a character I want a "masterpiece" of if you get my meaning. Sunstreaker on the other hand, is.
Posted by megatronus on September 9th, 2014 @ 8:51am CDT
Optimizzy wrote:datguy86 wrote:
Problem is, the uses for a Wheeljack MP mold are severely limited. You got Wheeljack, Smoke-Filled Delicious Wheeljack aka Exhaust, and Slicer. That "quick buck" mentality is what is going to pay for the extremely one-off MP Sunstreaker (hopefully) down the road. Because guess who Sunstreaker gets a redeco as? No one.
Hopefully Takara will prove me wrong and do a Diaclone Sunstreaker version named Nemo.
That makes a lot of sense but I'm still irritated by it. I mean, maybe they shouldn't spend time designing transforming shoes and 20 year old game consoles and put that money into masterpieces and maybe thow wouldn't have to try to get a few sales on an obscure character. I like the loom of exhaust. It's neat they created a character to match Marlboro wheel jack but it's not a character I want a "masterpiece" of if you get my meaning. Sunstreaker on the other hand, is.
Redecos help fund the continuation of the line. That's just a fact.
If you look at the success of Exhaust as an indicator of how much human and financial capital Takara is willing to invest in the Masterpiece line in the future, suddenly it's existence is not only justified, but the future release of that Sunstreaker you want becomes that much more plausible.
Posted by ScottyP on September 9th, 2014 @ 8:58am CDT
Posted by BERSEKAEL on September 26th, 2014 @ 3:47am CDT
besides I pass, I prefer references based on the cartoon.
Posted by megatronus on September 26th, 2014 @ 8:18am CDT
BERSEKAEL wrote:Interesting, now I understand this colors:
besides I pass, I prefer references based on the cartoon.
Exhaust definitely doesn't homage TF:Prime Cyberverse, just the opposite.
Posted by Sabrblade on September 26th, 2014 @ 8:25am CDT
I think BERSEKAEL means that he understands what Cyberverse Wheeljack's colors were based on.megatronus wrote:BERSEKAEL wrote:Interesting, now I understand this colors:
besides I pass, I prefer references based on the cartoon.
Exhaust definitely doesn't homage TF:Prime Cyberverse, just the opposite.
Posted by megatronus on November 21st, 2014 @ 5:39pm CST
BBTS wrote:Hi - We wanted to update you about a new development in regards to your preorder of the Transformers Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust figure with coin from Takara. We were just contacted by a law firm on behalf of Marlboro & Phillip Morris USA. They informed us that the MP-23 Exhaust figure infringes on their trademark and trade dress for products marketed and sold in the USA.
The mark in question is generally shaped like this:
| |
|/\|
This mark is found on the hood/roof of the MP-23 car in red, and also in smaller green shapes on the left and right fenders. They are concerned because these marks cannot be used on products that could be intended for children as dictated by the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco_Ma ... _Agreement).
We must comply with the requests they have made in order to avoid legal action with Phillip Morris. We have removed the MP-23 listing from our website. Your preorders have been transferred to a generic unpublished listing in case the product is changed or modified before release and would no longer be infringing. If the product is not changed, we will cancel all preorders and we will not be able to sell this product.
We apologize for the trouble on this item.
Thanks!
Joel Boblit
President
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com
Posted by Seibertron on November 21st, 2014 @ 5:40pm CST
BigBadToyStore.com wrote:Hi - We wanted to update you about a new development in regards to your preorder of the Transformers Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust figure from Takara. We were just contacted by a law firm on behalf of Marlboro & Phillip Morris USA. They informed us that the MP-23 Exhaust figure infringes on their trademark and trade dress for products marketed and sold in the USA.
The mark in question is generally shaped like this:
| |
|/\|
This mark is found on the hood/roof of the MP-23 car in red, and also in smaller green shapes on the left and right fenders. They are concerned because these marks cannot be used on products that could be intended for children as dictated by the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tobacco_Ma ... _Agreement).
We must comply with the requests they have made in order to avoid legal action with Phillip Morris. We have removed the MP-23 listing from our website. Your preorders have been transferred to a generic unpublished listing in case the product is changed or modified before release and would no longer be infringing. If the product is not changed, we will cancel all preorders and we will not be able to sell this product.
We apologize for the trouble on this item.
Thanks!
Joel Boblit
President
http://www.bigbadtoystore.com
Join our discussion about this figure by clicking here!
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on November 21st, 2014 @ 5:50pm CST
So let me get this straight: TakaraTomy is allowed to sell Exhaust as is in Japan, but importing him into the US is a no-no?
Posted by megatronus on November 21st, 2014 @ 5:52pm CST
This is truly a bummer. I can see how PM might think these are for kids, but I hope they find these are adult collectibles, and cease their legal action against MP23 (or rather, the retailers carrying it).
Do we know if anything's happening on Takara's end? They've been careful to obtain official vehicle licenses, and I'm surprised they didn't clear MP23 with PM before proceeding (I know it's a different situation, but still). Maybe they thought they were in a safe(-ish) grey area?
Posted by Sabrblade on November 21st, 2014 @ 5:53pm CST
Well, remember when retailers had difficulty being allowed to legally sell MP-5 Megatron without first having to put an orange tip on it?JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Wow, their lawyers are smart cookies.
So let me get this straight: TakaraTomy is allowed to sell Exhaust as is in Japan, but importing him into the US is a no-no?
Posted by Jelze Bunnycat on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:01pm CST
Sabrblade wrote:Well, remember when retailers had difficulty being allowed to legally sell MP-5 Megatron without first having to put an orange tip on it?JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Wow, their lawyers are smart cookies.
So let me get this straight: TakaraTomy is allowed to sell Exhaust as is in Japan, but importing him into the US is a no-no?
It's that all over again... And only because Japanese law is more relaxed than US law
Posted by fenrir72 on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:03pm CST
Do you now need an ID to buy one? Sounds like MP-05 again only worst!
Posted by SW's SilverHammer on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:05pm CST
Posted by Cyberpath on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:06pm CST
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:12pm CST
Posted by Gallifreyan Autobot on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:14pm CST
Posted by LOST Cybertronian on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:23pm CST
Posted by Robogeek1973 on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:25pm CST
Still....this sucks for anyone buying these from a U.S seller, because you just know that if they're getting ahold of one store, the others are soon to follow.
Posted by Burn on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:32pm CST
fenrir72 wrote:Good f#ckn' LORD!
Do you now need an ID to buy one? Sounds like MP-05 again only worst!
Worse? Are you required by law to get a license and a lockable cabinet to keep Exhaust like I'm suppose to with Megatron?
Posted by Mr_Autobot411 on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:36pm CST
i didnt have issues with mp-05, other then he sucks!
Posted by Bumblevivisector on November 21st, 2014 @ 6:53pm CST
(Linked rather than embedded, cuz it's arguably NSFW)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDHVsyA9zBw
And as always happens with this sort of thing, an attempt to protect children from something that only adults really give a crap about misfires (thought in this case it's rather indirect), making a toy potentially harder to obtain, thereby elevating it to holy grail status in the minds of hundreds of adult collectors. I've never watched so much as a minute of Breaking Bad, but as of now, I'm actively seeking out that one Walter White figure so that when I finally get my MP Smokey, he'll have a bag of toy meth ready to go in his driver's seat.
Oh, and TRU's ReAction Figure section damn well better bring out the gimp!
Posted by MGrotusque on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:05pm CST
I don't know. I do know that i had some dough set aside at bbts for this guy.
Posted by Rated X on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:09pm CST
Chimungmung to the rescue !
http://chimungmung.com/product_info.php ... ts_id=2044
It's sad how broke people will come out of the woodworks to make a quick buck on a lawsuit. It's proof that their not making that much money if they found the time to attack BBTS over a Japanese import. Hopefully recreational Canibus gets legalized nationwide within 5 years and bankrupts the tobacco industry.
Posted by Stormrider on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:10pm CST
JelZe GoldRabbit wrote:Wow, their lawyers are smart cookies.
So let me get this straight: TakaraTomy is allowed to sell Exhaust as is in Japan, but importing him into the US is a no-no?
Lol. This figure, again, is going to become the elusive figure that fans are going to want now.
megatronus wrote:Do we know if anything's happening on Takara's end? They've been careful to obtain official vehicle licenses, and I'm surprised they didn't clear MP23 with PM before proceeding (I know it's a different situation, but still). Maybe they thought they were in a safe(-ish) grey area?
Takara stepped in some shit with this one. I think Takara felt they could get away with the paint scheme without looping in Marlboro since the paint job is not an exact match. (The red paint color is off and "V" angle is rounded, not pointed). I wouldn't be surprised if Marlboro is looking its rights outside the U.S.
Posted by MGrotusque on November 21st, 2014 @ 7:12pm CST