In Hand Images and Video Review for MP-39 Masterpiece Sunstreaker

"Leakin' lubricant!"

Emerje

needs a bigger backpack. this one is WAY too small.

william-james88 wrote:Several fans have been able to get MP-39 Masterpiece Sunstreaker from online retailers before his release in official Japan, December 29th. That means we have some in hand images and our first video review. Both are from TF fan Dinobot Grimlock. He has split his video review into 4 parts, and all can be found below. They deal with the transformation, the car mode, the robot mode as well as a look at comparisons and the accessories.

Dinobot Grimlock also has several in hand images comparing this masterpiece toy to his brother, Sideswipe. It is impressive to see how similar in look and size both cars are and yet they are completely different toys. Does this toy seem worth his higher price point than the previous autobot cars? Let us know if you will be getting this toy and what your thoughts on him are in the discussion.

Stop the presses! He's got a butt flap!

Okay...............So is it safe to say that Hasbro stopped making Generation's figures that are even half the quality of figures likes these in order to better sell MP figures?

YoungPrime wrote:Okay...............So is it safe to say that Hasbro stopped making Generation's figures that are even half the quality of figures likes these in order to better sell MP figures?

no way, all their current gen toys are waaay better than the crap they were putting out in 2012. And hasbro makes no money from mp sunstreaker so I dont really get it.

Transformation doesn't look as bad as I thought and everything tabs into place that needs to. Can't wait to get my hands on it, really surprised some places got it before Amazon Japan.

Thank you Drew (Dinobot Grimlock) for putting these together! You did a good job on your first try at one of these videos

I've been interested in Sunstreaker ever since he was first announced, and your videos have made me even more interested.. I'd say he's definitely worth the higher price.

YoungPrime wrote:Okay...............So is it safe to say that Hasbro stopped making Generation's figures that are even half the quality of figures likes these in order to better sell MP figures?

When did Hasbro ever make Generations figures half as good as an MP at less than 1/5 the price? I think people would have been expecting more from MPs if that were the case.

Emerje

So,after some comparing of shipping rates and higher domestic costs..... I canceled my HLJ preorded, and went on and bought this from Chosen Prime. I was also picking up Takara Legends Kup, so I qualified for free shipping. What I would have paid for shipping from HLJ (I don't have patients for slow, cheap options) I broke out only paying about five or so extra bucks. Worth it to have Sunny in hand by the weekend.

Ironhidensh wrote:So,after some comparing of shipping rates and higher domestic costs..... I canceled my HLJ preorded, and went on and bought this from Chosen Prime. I was also picking up Takara Legends Kup, so I qualified for free shipping. What I would have paid for shipping from HLJ (I don't have patients for slow, cheap options) I broke out only paying about five or so extra bucks. Worth it to have Sunny in hand by the weekend.

Congrats!! I just cancelled my pre-order from TransformerLand, so they'll have at least one extra when they get them in stock!! Maybe I'll pick him up someday, just not any time soon.

From @Alfes2010 --

I never realized how unhappy the standard face of both of those bots look. And then I realized they are wearing a frowny face on their chests!!

Ironhidensh wrote:So,after some comparing of shipping rates and higher domestic costs..... I canceled my HLJ preorded, and went on and bought this from Chosen Prime. I was also picking up Takara Legends Kup, so I qualified for free shipping. What I would have paid for shipping from HLJ (I don't have patients for slow, cheap options) I broke out only paying about five or so extra bucks. Worth it to have Sunny in hand by the weekend.

I'm going to be patient. Sunstreaker got caught up with Legends Perceptor, Slugslinger and Bumblebee, so shipping is already going to be up there so I may as well just wait a month for Megatron as well.

Just got Sunny out if the box. Haven't tried to transform yet, just played with car mode a bit.



Even still, this guy is gonna be in the high class of MP figs. I'm very, very impressed.

Ironhidensh wrote:Just got Sunny out if the box. Haven't tried to transform yet, just played with car mode a bit.



Even still, this guy is gonna be in the high class of MP figs. I'm very, very impressed.

I'm pleased with mine, but have noticed that the passenger side rear-view mirror gets caught in the leg easily during transformation, and seems to be at risk of breaking if I'm not incredibly gentle.

Cool!

I'm working on a pictorial for you bums. Should be up in an hour or two.

So, I kinda feel like this guy is a bit of a sleeper MP. There really hasn't been a whole lot of excitement and build up for his release. At least, that's how I feel, and that's a shame. This guy is absolutely amazing. Seriously, I've only had him in hand for about 48 hours, but I'm ready to put his right at the top of the list of MP figures. Not only that, but its been a hot minute since we got a new carbot, so its nice to get back to that. Lets start of with the alt mode.


Takara really out did themselves this time. They packed a whole lot of awesome into a really small package. Sunny is a standard MP car size, and yet, along with being fully transformable to an amazing robot mode, he actually has two car modes. A standard Countach:





And a "Super Lambo":






Sunstreaker comes with two weapons, and the ability to store them both, at least in super mode. I don't think it works in "regular" Countach mode. Still though, a true MP needs the ability to carry or store its weapons while in alt mode, and Sunny passes the test.





Another neat little add on, you may remember in the original G1 cartoon, in the very first episode (or at least in one of the first parts of the first episode) the scene where Trailbreaker calls for back up, and Sunstreaker and Sideswipe answer the call. Sunny pops a little laser gun out of his backside, and blasts away at the Seekers chasing them. Yep, Sunny here can do that.



I was actually going to recreate the scene, but this little project was taking longer than I thought, and I didn't want to transform my MP Sideswipe and Trailbreaker, which is the sole reason you will see 'Breaker in a later photo.

Yes, Sunny is a truly beautiful car mode, and he still has one more really cool and neat feature: pop up headlights!



Its just a really neat and cool feature. It shows the effort, and dare I say, even love of character that obviously went into the design of Sunny. His doors and hood also open up like the real vehicle, but for me, it just exposes the inner workings of the toy. Nice, but not a huge feature for me. I really only have one gripe on car mode, and that is the plastic tires. God, how I hate the plastic tires. Yes, its a dead horse, but Imma keep beating that fucker.

Now done with alt mode, we move on to the main event, the robot. The transformation to bot mode is actually fun. With many MP style figures it can be a pain. An amazing one, but a pain still. I really don't think that with Sunny. Its fun and inspired. Honestly, words don't do it justice, you just need to experience it. Here is the glorious result:













Its very toon accurate. Maybe a little too much in spots. For my tastes, I would have appreciated a different head, but nothing is close to a deal breaker. He does have a bit of a backpack though, but I'm making peace with backpacks on MPs. In fact, I'm starting a little club.



He does look good though. He also comes with a lot of accessories. As mentioned, he had two guns:



That he can store in bot mode as well:





I find the leg storage and very neat little trick. He also, as is pretty standard by now with MP figures, comes with alternate faces:



He also comes with a Chip Chase in wheelchair figure, and that silly alien face from a season 2 episode:



When you stand him next to his brother Sideswipe, I feel he clearly stands out as the better looking figure, and not just in his own mind. I've felt for a while now that we need a new Sideswipe, and in my humble opinion at least, Sunstreaker really drives that home. Not that Sideswipe is a bad figure, but you can clearly tell the designers have learned a thing or two. Sunny also looks good with others:



A concern I read early in the thread mentioned his side view mirrors and the possibility of breakage during transformation. While I can see that, I had no difficulty changing him with out damage there. I think that clearance room was very much taken into consideration during design, and that every thing works just fine. If not, Takara has you covered as they have added a replacement set:



This is a very welcome habit that Takara has gotten into.



In conclusion, I have almost no complaints on this figure. Sunstreaker is an amazing work of art, and a worthy addition to any collection. I really can't recommend this figure enough.

Ironhidensh wrote:So, I kinda feel like this guy is a bit of a sleeper MP. There really hasn't been a whole lot of excitement and build up for his release. At least, that's how I feel, and that's a shame. This guy is absolutely amazing.

Perhaps it's the specific character. Or maybe the novelty just wore off. I'm waiting for mine to arrive!

Ironhidensh wrote:When you stand him next to his brother Sideswipe, I feel he clearly stands out as the better looking figure, and not just in his own mind.

Ironhidensh wrote: I've felt for a while now that we need a new Sideswipe, and in my humble opinion at least, Sunstreaker really drives that home. Not that Sideswipe is a bad figure, but you can clearly tell the designers have learned a thing or two.

And they have a bigger budget now. Sunstreaker costs twice as much as MP-12 Sideswipe did.

Part of Hasui's vision was to make less prominent characters at "affordable" prices. As the line's popularity grew, so have the prices (and with it the poseability/accessories/etc.)

As of writing this, still happy with Sideswipe. Wish Red could be upgraded though, to better reflect his model somehow.

How's the chrome so far?

Well, Takara's MP-39 Sunstreaker is finally upon us, the long lost brother to MP-12 has finally made it to collector's hands! And this figure has dazzled several Seibertron members, one of whom wrote us a great pictorial review of the figure.

Friend of the site and Masterpiece extraordinaire Ironhidensh has written us this awesome review of the new Masterpiece from Takara, or as he calls it, a "sleeper MP". You will find below his thoughts on the figure in robot mode, car mode, Transformation, and overall how much fun it is.

If a video review is more your style, feel free to check out our Previous video review.

Without Further ado, take it away Densh!

Ironhidensh wrote:




So, I kinda feel like this guy is a bit of a sleeper MP. There really hasn't been a whole lot of excitement and build up for his release. At least, that's how I feel, and that's a shame. This guy is absolutely amazing. Seriously, I've only had him in hand for about 48 hours, but I'm ready to put his right at the top of the list of MP figures. Not only that, but its been a hot minute since we got a new carbot, so its nice to get back to that. Lets start of with the alt mode.


Takara really out did themselves this time. They packed a whole lot of awesome into a really small package. Sunny is a standard MP car size, and yet, along with being fully transformable to an amazing robot mode, he actually has two car modes. A standard Countach:





And a "Super Lambo":





Sunstreaker comes with two weapons, and the ability to store them both, at least in super mode. I don't think it works in "regular" Countach mode. Still though, a true MP needs the ability to carry or store its weapons while in alt mode, and Sunny passes the test.






Another neat little add on, you may remember in the original G1 cartoon, in the very first episode (or at least in one of the first parts of the first episode) the scene where Trailbreaker calls for back up, and Sunstreaker and Sideswipe answer the call. Sunny pops a little laser gun out of his backside, and blasts away at the Seekers chasing them. Yep, Sunny here can do that.



I was actually going to recreate the scene, but this little project was taking longer than I thought, and I didn't want to transform my MP Sideswipe and Trailbreaker, which is the sole reason you will see 'Breaker in a later photo.

Yes, Sunny is a truly beautiful car mode, and he still has one more really cool and neat feature: pop up headlights!



Its just a really neat and cool feature. It shows the effort, and dare I say, even love of character that obviously went into the design of Sunny. His doors and hood also open up like the real vehicle, but for me, it just exposes the inner workings of the toy. Nice, but not a huge feature for me. I really only have one gripe on car mode, and that is the plastic tires. God, how I hate the plastic tires. Yes, its a dead horse, but Imma keep beating that ****.

Now done with alt mode, we move on to the main event, the robot. The transformation to bot mode is actually fun. With many MP style figures it can be a pain. An amazing one, but a pain still. I really don't think that with Sunny. Its fun and inspired. Honestly, words don't do it justice, you just need to experience it. Here is the glorious result:














Its very toon accurate. Maybe a little too much in spots. For my tastes, I would have appreciated a different head, but nothing is close to a deal breaker. He does have a bit of a backpack though, but I'm making peace with backpacks on MPs. In fact, I'm starting a little club.



He does look good though. He also comes with a lot of accessories. As mentioned, he had two guns:



That he can store in bot mode as well:





I find the leg storage and very neat little trick. He also, as is pretty standard by now with MP figures, comes with alternate faces:



He also comes with a Chip Chase in wheelchair figure, and that silly alien face from a season 2 episode:



When you stand him next to his brother Sideswipe, I feel he clearly stands out as the better looking figure, and not just in his own mind. I've felt for a while now that we need a new Sideswipe, and in my humble opinion at least, Sunstreaker really drives that home. Not that Sideswipe is a bad figure, but you can clearly tell the designers have learned a thing or two. Sunny also looks good with others:



A concern I read early in the thread mentioned his side view mirrors and the possibility of breakage during transformation. While I can see that, I had no difficulty changing him with out damage there. I think that clearance room was very much taken into consideration during design, and that every thing works just fine. If not, Takara has you covered as they have added a replacement set:



This is a very welcome habit that Takara has gotten into.



In conclusion, I have almost no complaints on this figure. Sunstreaker is an amazing work of art, and a worthy addition to any collection. I really can't recommend this figure enough.

I feel a lot of MPs look naked starting with MP Magnus since they wanted to make them be ultra cartoon accurate; sure, that's Takara's goal, but I like the more realistic look of Sideswipe and Prowl.

If there's one persons opinion I value on this site when it comes to figures, it's Ironhidensh, more so when it comes to MP's because I know he can be more of a 3P guy.

So for a 3P guy to endorse a TakaraTomy figure, that's a good thing. Might have to bite the bullet and get him sent earlier than I planned.

I had a grand total of two superfluous issues with sunny when I opened him today.
1. Chip doesn't peg into his wheelchair.
2. Autobot symbol buttflap.

Takara actually molded the "Countach" logo in him is AMAZING! Lambor just had tampos!

Also, it's best to suspend judgement until you actually have the item inhand as not all product are photogenic at the getgo.

fenrir72 wrote:Also, it's best to suspend judgement until you actually have the item inhand as not all product are photogenic at the getgo.

You go right ahead and do that, I however, am more than happy to take Ironhidensh's word on such things.

Burn wrote:You go right ahead and do that, I however, am more than happy to take Ironhidensh's word on such things.

And just like that, the power of friendship has made your collection even better

Burn wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:Also, it's best to suspend judgement until you actually have the item inhand as not all product are photogenic at the getgo.

You go right ahead and do that, I however, am more than happy to take Ironhidensh's word on such things.

Use negative hyperbole in describing product you haven't handled first then heap high hosannas once in your hands. Kind of like being guilty first and prove yourself innocent later.So being biased is a good thing now.

Got it! (Reminds me of MP Megs' paint chipping off the moment he was taken outta the box...... )

fenrir72 wrote:

Burn wrote:

fenrir72 wrote:Also, it's best to suspend judgement until you actually have the item inhand as not all product are photogenic at the getgo.

You go right ahead and do that, I however, am more than happy to take Ironhidensh's word on such things.

Use negative hyperbole in describing product you haven't handled first then heap high hosannas once in your hands. Kind of like being guilty first and prove yourself innocent later.So being biased is a good thing now.

Got it! (Reminds me of MP Megs' paint chipping off the moment he was taken outta the box...... )

Bias? How am I bias?

Let me put this in simple terms.

I value Ironhidenshs opinion over anything that spews from your mouth for the simple fact, he can talk pros and cons, you seem intent to just tow the party line and tell everyone to buy official.

I won't be wasting any further time explaining myself to you.

Burn wrote:If there's one persons opinion I value on this site when it comes to figures, it's Ironhidensh, more so when it comes to MP's because I know he can be more of a 3P guy.

So for a 3P guy to endorse a TakaraTomy figure, that's a good thing. Might have to bite the bullet and get him sent earlier than I planned.

Burn, you legit made me blush......

I really hate to encourage anyone to pay extra shipping charges, but this figure is really something. Its like after they made the new Megatron, they sat down and said "how do we top this?" The answer was Sunny.

The 'butt flap' doesn't bother me, as it isn't intrusive or obvious, like Ultra Magnus's.

Plus, how many people actually display their Transformers with their backs facing the front?

Burn wrote:Plus, how many people actually display their Transformers with their backs facing the front?

I actually play with my toys, thank you very much.

Seeing all the praise, and now owning Sideswipe, I'll think about Sunny. He may take a while to actually buy, but if he's still in stock sometime down the road, I may get him when I have some money and more interest

Word of warning with MP Sunstreaker, his alt mode windshield is held on by two thin blue clips that are designed to be slid onto a wedge piece should it come off. However those clips are so thin that they begin to weaken and snap quite quickly, as I found out with mine when transforming him back to his alt mode and one of the blue clips snapped off, it's disappeared somewhere on a blue carpet so I've had to use hobby glue to keep the windshield in place and leave him mistransformed for the time being.

Be really careful when transforming him since even the lightest amount of force can cause those clips to snap easily.

kurthy wrote:

Burn wrote:Plus, how many people actually display their Transformers with their backs facing the front?

I actually play with my toys, thank you very much.

So ... you like to check out robo-butts then?

Quantum Surge wrote:I feel a lot of MPs look naked starting with MP Magnus since they wanted to make them be ultra cartoon accurate; sure, that's Takara's goal, but I like the more realistic look of Sideswipe and Prowl.

I 100% agree, and toss in Wheeljack as well. I'm not a fan of the less detailed cartoon look either. Ultimately, I want the cartoon look but with toy or manga detailing. Sunstreaker REALLY needs his G1 toy head or at least at a minimum he needed the side vents where the yellow "ears" are. However, since his head is on a simple ball joint, I have a feeling they might give us that head piece with a red Diaclone version of this toy at some point.

Great toy, I'm not a fan of the fake chest syndrome that Sunstreaker and Dinobot have, but they pulled off the fake chest really well, so I'll give it a pass. Plus I don't know how else they'd do their chests if they didn't cheat and if you didn't want the goofy chests both of their original toys had.

Just to clarify, I'm looking for the extra "real world" detailing from the toys or manga, not the smooth panels we've been getting since Ultra Magnus.

One thing I love with Transformers toys is when we get treated to a new method of transforming a figure. I really like how Sunstreaker was designed so that his "flip out" hands don't leave a hole in the underside of his forearms, which was a big problem with Masterpiece Bumblebee who was left with gaping holes on the interior sides of his forearms. It's a shame they weren't able to execute this solution on Bumblebee. I will happily take this solution going forward on any Transformers toy so as to avoid the forearm-hole-where-the-fist-was problem.

Overall, I think Sunstreaker is a fantastic figure ... just wish he had his more detailed toy or Classics Universe Sunstreaker head.

Mine arrived today! Some initial thoughts. MP-39 looks as perfect as possible in all modes. There's no one quite in Takara's league when it comes to Masterpieces.

Paint looks great. Articulation's as good as always, maybe even a step up in some areas. I like the new feature that they've included in most recent figures where the head can move forward, in case you're looking up at the figure, like if it's standing on a high shelf. (Tracks has it, Ironhide/Ratchet, Inferno/Grapple, Megatron and now Sunstreaker.)

Transformation was frustrating, but they usually are the first time. Hope to master it after some practice. Good thing that there are step-by-step demos on Youtube 'cause the manual's so complex.

I actually like that Takara has started to edit down the robot greeble, instead drawing detail from the cartoon and transformation seams and whatever other by-product of this kind a toy. But I do think they should tampo the car's emblems. What's up with leaving out the Lamborghini bull after including symbols on previous cars? It really doesn't take away from the cartoon-accuracy or whatever.

The doors, hood and light poppin is fun. As well as the option to switch between the hot rod mode and the real-world Countach.

And I do like the plastic tires, they make a "vroom" sound + I don't have to worry about rubber rut.

Anyway, I have every "Trans-Europe Express" Autobot on my desk right now.

Ironhide's jet effects are also compatible with Sunstreaker's pack.

Really nice catch, Cyberpath. The head movement forward is a really nice touch. (I also love it when figures can look up 90°, so you can do a flying pose with them looking forward.) EDIT: and the jets! That makes the backpack quite a bit more acceptable.

Seems like they are making great decisions regarding transformation, plastic tires, tampos, etc.

BUT I can't help but think I'd love to see a more toy accurate release (seeing that they are doing the same for Sideswipe, Red Alert, etc.) which might feature alternate head and more greebling on chest (three notches), front of legs, and other very-flat places.

I think Takara just overshot with the cartoon look. I think they could back off 10% and give a nice compromise with a LITTLE bit more detail from the toys.

Burn wrote:If there's one persons opinion I value on this site when it comes to figures, it's Ironhidensh, more so when it comes to MP's because I know he can be more of a 3P guy.

Same, though his opinion doesn't really sway me away from buying a figure since our tastes and standards are different, but I know if he likes it then it must be a worthwhile figure.

Hopefully my Sunstreaker will arrive next week (along with MP Black Convoy).

Emerje

Burn wrote:

kurthy wrote:

Burn wrote:Plus, how many people actually display their Transformers with their backs facing the front?

I actually play with my toys, thank you very much.

So ... you like to check out robo-butts then?

Doesn't everyone?

Just had to do a fist bump photo after the repairs were completed

I have to admit my very first reaction to Sunstreaker after I got him into robot mode was "eh". Transformation was kind of a pain but that's because I refuse to use instructions. I like to figure it out myself with only the packaging images as a guide. But after holding him for longer than a few seconds and fiddling around with him I started seeing what everyone else was saying. This guy is crazy poseable and just all around fun. Having played around with him for the better part of an evening I can honestly say he's one of my favorite MP's.

The only thing I really don't like is the conversion from regular car to super car. I assume it's because I've only transformed him completely one time and haven't mastered it but the tail light covers are super annoying to flip around on mine and the whole back end conversation is a bit cumbersome. But like I said that could very well just be my fault.

bigcee66 wrote:I guess I'm the minority, but I'm cool with them looking more like the cartoon.

I'm not slavishly devoted to it, but I don't have a problem with it, either. MP-10 was a good compromise to this.

I got my Sunstreaker and good googa mooga is he complicated to transform. You almost might want to get two of them to enjoy the car mode, because my take on contant transformation is that he will get loose and degrade more quickly than perhaps others would. I give him a 4 out of 5 stars.

Mine are pretty much statues that occasionally change poses, anyway.

For those interested here's my review of Sunstreaker

Regarding the cartoon or toy quandary, I think there is a sweet spot where you give each one a nod... and where extra parts (like the grille on Inferno) or alternate heads or faces can deliver for BOTH types of fans... (or those like me who like to switch their display between the two styles.) I hope Takara can lean that direction as much as humanly possible.

Maybe their red and police Sunstreakers can sport some toy accurate heads that can possibly be released on an upcoming more-toy-accurate issue of Sunstreaker. (one with smoke/clear windows instead of blue)

I finally got my MP-39 Sunstreaker last night, and he is absolutely delightful! The extra articulation is welcome, and he looks great in car, super car, and especially (and most importantly) robot mode. This is quite the evolution for the Masterpiece line. I've got high hopes for Jazz, Hound, Trailbreaker, and Hoist now.

As for Sideswipe, I've seen people pining for a new version of him, to "better match" Sunstreaker. What would you really change mold-wise besides adding better articulation, though? Honestly, Sideswipe looks almost perfect in terms of screen accuracy, especially the "Anime Color" edition, despite a few funny proportions like his wide chest, which is a constraint of the transformation and vehicle mode scale. I'd much rather see Takara push forward with the rest of the Season 1 and 2 cast, including more of the minibots, than revisit a character already released by implementing small improvements.

@WolfMan Jake - I wholeheartedly agree that I'd rather Takara forge ahead.

Sideswipe is already excellent. While there have been a few advancements, the thought of making one with the hood all chopped up to try to make it thinner, etc. doesn't appeal to me. Current version is close enough... looks great in both modes (close enough to toy and toon) and is – maybe as important — fun to play with and transform. I hope they don't lose sight of that important note.

The Ark crew is at the top of my list. Stoked for all those you mentioned, and also anxiously awaiting Mirage, the Minibots... not to mention Reflector, Insecticons, and other Dinos. Here's hoping.

Have to say, though, the first wave cars are at the top of my list.

I think Sideswipe is still good.

Incidentally, someone made an interesting looking custom (that retains its ability to transform - with partforming though?), check it out --











More pix.

gothsaurus wrote:The Ark crew is at the top of my list. Stoked for all those you mentioned, and also anxiously awaiting Mirage, the Minibots... not to mention Reflector, Insecticons, and other Dinos. Here's hoping.

I forgot all about poor Mirage. We need him too! Dang, there is still a loooong way to go to fill out even Season 1 roster characters in Masterpiece form.

Damn that custom is awesome! I like Sideswipe and his repaints but I often feel that he is too "easy" for an MP. Like I can basically do the transformation blind folded in 20 seconds. Can't say the same thing about any of the others I own (especially Megatron who is the only MP I actually need the instructions for).