Transformers: Masterpiece

Transformers: Masterpiece is a sub-line of the Transformers series by Hasbro and Takara/Takara Tomy. The Masterpiece series consists of redesigned toys of famous characters in the Transformers: Generation 1 toy line, as well as the live-action film series. The line's toys are larger, more detailed, more complex to transform, and more posable than their original versions, but their appearances have been kept as close to the original on-screen characters as possible.

Fiction

Unlike Transformers toylines such as Binaltech, Alternity and Henkei! Henkei!, the Masterpiece line does not have its own unique fiction, as the figures represent highly detailed versions of characters already seen in existing Transformers fiction, such as cartoons and comic books. The exceptions are the e-Hobby releases of MP-01B Convoy Black Version, MP-03G Starscream Ghost Version and MP-09B Black Rodimus Convoy, which include pack-in comic books not provided with the more general releases of these figures. The stories in the comic books detail the nature and origin of the characters they shipped with. MP-10 Convoy Mode "EVA" also has its own fictional backstory as a crossover with the Rebuild of Evangelion series.^[1]

Takara/Takara Tomy releases

MP-1: Convoy (Optimus Prime)

Released in 2003. Includes Ion Blaster, Energon axe, Matrix of Leadership, miniature Megatron in gun mode complete with stock, scope and silencer, cardboard trailer for his vehicle mode, and collector's card which is unique to the Japanese release. This toy is made predominantly of die-cast metal. The vehicle mode is a red flat-nose truck which has a chromed grille, working suspension and wheels with rubber tires, and a hitching point at the rear for the cardboard trailer (or other compatible trailer). The robot mode features extensive articulation, including individual fingers, wrists, elbows (with a piston feature), biceps, shoulders, knees and hips, a head with a large range of motion, and a suspension feature in the feet, with additional pistons. Communicator panels on each wrist show Bumblebee and Starscream, and a button on the back of his head moves his mouthplate, to simulate talking. Opening the chest reveals the Matrix of Leadership, which can be illuminated via an LED bulb in the Matrix's container and a toggle switch near the toy's head. To recreate the proportions of Optimus Prime's tapered torso as seen in the cartoon, the figure uses a second false truck grille in robot mode, which is hidden away in vehicle mode.

MP-1: Convoy (Gold Version)

With the exception of the tires, fingers and antennae, this Japanese lucky draw figure is vacuum-metalized entirely in gold (the fingers and antennae are cast in a flat gold plastic). It comes in a box of the same style as the regular version, with the only distinguishing feature being some of the lettering changed to gold. It includes the same accessories and weapons as the original; a gold Ion Blaster, gold Megatron gun (with flat gold hilt and stock), gold Matrix shell with clear blue crystal, and translucent orange Energon Axe with gold hilt. The actual number produced is unknown, but believed to be no more than 20.^[2]

MP-1B: Convoy Black Version

Released in 2009 as an e-Hobby exclusive redeco of the MP-1 figure in black, retaining all the accessories of the original release, although with a revised collector's card.^[3] While the color scheme is frequently used for evil counterparts of Optimus Prime, this version is still depicted as an Autobot. However, rather than being a version of Optimus Prime himself, the comic included with the figure indicates that he an "Eldedroid"; a mass-produced drone unit made in the image of Optimus Prime in order to strike fear into the Decepticons, and equipped with the same black armor upgrade as his T.H.S.-02B form. The comic also reveals that there are 21 of the drones, and that most of them are controlled by the sleeper agent, Flip Sides.

Prior to its release by e-Hobby, the MP-1B figure also suddenly became available through Hong Kong sellers with a name plate in place of the comic book. No differences between the e-Hobby release and so-called "Hong Kong Version" release have been identified; the comic book and name plate were added outside the box in their respective releases.

MP-01L: Convoy Final Edition

Released in 2011, this version includes subtle revisions to the mold, which has otherwise remained unchanged through all previous uses. The changes include a correction to the alignment of the opening chest windows, which has been an issue since its original release, and the words "LAST SHOT" molded into the panels that form his robot-mode back and vehicle-mode lights. The figure's color-scheme is essentially the same albeit slightly brighter. The solicitations for the figure indicated that the included soundstage (like the electronic display stand included with 20th Anniversary DVD Edition Optimus Prime), which has voice clips from Genda Tessho, Peter Cullen's Japanese counterpart, would include a voice clip identifying the next figure in the Masterpiece line. The revealing voice clip was Convoy's announcement that he himself would be "reborn", which would eventuate in the form of a new-mold Convoy figure. As the name suggests, the release also saw the mold finally retired.

MP-2: Ultra Magnus

Released in 2004 as a redeco of MP-1 Convoy, retaining the original's articulation and features. While he carries the same accessories as Convoy, Masterpiece Ultra Magnus swaps his red and blue parts for white, resembling his "inner robot" form as depicted in Dreamwave's comic book series. In addition to the deco changes, the wrist communicator panels feature Optimus Prime on the right, and a waveform readout on the left. As with MP-1, the inner box can be folded into a cardboard trailer, this time resembling Ultra Magnus' car carrier. However, the trailer cannot form his "outer robot" armor. Unlike the MP-1 figure, MP-2 carries a black Ion Blaster rather than grey.

This figure was re-issued in 2008.

MP-03: Starscream

Released in 2006. Includes arm-mounted guns, decals, detachable missiles, a small figurine of Doctor Arkeville, a mounting clip to store the mini-Megatron (sold with all variants of Masterpiece Convoy) under the plane mode's nose cone, and a display stand. This toy's colors were selected to more closely resemble a real-life McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle rather than Starscream's depiction in the cartoon or original toy. The head features a face-switching gimmick, with a choice of straight-faced or smirking.

After prototype images initially surfaced in Japanese hobby magazines, the design went through some modifications. Most notably, some jet-mode parts were relocated to the robot mode's hips. Designer Shoji Kawamori explained that the redesign was intended to make the underside of the jet mode more closely match that of a real-world F-15E Strike Eagle.

MP-03: Starscream (USA Edition)

Released in 2008. After Hasbro released their own cartoon-accurate version of the MP-03 figure, Takara followed suit. For the most part, indistinguishable from Hasbro's version, Takara's "USA Edition" Starscream used the original unmodified MP-03 mold (as opposed to Hasbro's version, which was retooled to meet safety standards), added a Decepticon symbol to the nosecone and used a lighter detail wash. Additionally, Takara's 2008 Starscream version was sold in the same packaging as the Hasbro version, but with a sticker proclaiming "U.S. Edition" in Japanese in place of the "Wal-Mart Exclusive" label on Hasbro's.

MP-03G: Starscream Ghost Version

Released in 2010 as a version of the Starscream figure in translucent plastic. Originally rumored and then dismissed as a hoax, and represents Starscream's ghost as seen in two season 3 episodes of the original cartoon series, and one episode of Beast Wars, having been killed by Galvatron in the animated movie. While cast in translucent materials, the color scheme is based on Starscream's original cartoon and toy appearance, rather than the "real world" coloring of the MP-03 figure. The e-hobby release came with an exclusive comic.^[4]

MP-04: Convoy Perfect Edition

Released in 2006. Largely the same as MP-01 figure, except this version adds a plastic/die-cast metal trailer for his vehicle mode. The trailer opens up to reveal the gun pod and repair arm. It is designed to be able to hold a Binaltech/Alternators vehicle. Notably, there is no Roller included with the trailer. There are some minor differences in the deco on this version of the main Optimus Prime figure, with slightly bluer windows and Matrix crystal, and Megatron and Grimlock on his wrist communicators instead of Starscream and Bumblebee.

This figure was re-issued in 2009.

MP-04S: Convoy Sleep Mode

A redeco of the "Perfect Edition" version of Masterpiece Convoy, complete with trailer, released in July 2010. While superficially a black repaint, the main Optimus Prime robot is decoed in heavily darkened blue and red, with faded grays replacing the chrome and light grey parts, depicting the draining of color as seen in his death scene in The Transformers: The Movie. The trailer is cast entirely in clear plastics, with only the tires not being translucent. The figure is limited to 2010 units in Japan, with each identified by "Serial number in Japan: xxxx/2010" on their character card, however additional units are available in other markets, with some indicating "C1 - xxxx/2010" on their card and others having no card at all. When the figure is transformed into robot mode, the lower left half of the torso has a molded battle damage piece from the fight with Megatron in which he stabbed Optimus Prime in lower left chest. This release is part of Takara Tomy's "Welcome to Transformers 2010" campaign, which celebrates the Japanese version of the third season of the original series (which was set in the year 2010, rather than 2006 as in the U.S. version).^[5]

MP-05: Megatron

Released in 2007. Includes light-up Fusion Cannon/gun mode scope, energy mace, energy saber (used to slice Optimus Prime's abdomen during their fight in The Transformers: The Movie), laser pistol (used to fatally wound Prime in the same fight) and Kremzeek mini figure. An intricate version of Megatron, in scale with Masterpiece Convoy/Optimus Prime, which transforms into an oversized Walther P38. Like Masterpiece Convoy, this version of Megatron is designed to replicate his appearance in the animated series; for example, relocating the gun barrel to his back rather than under his left arm, shifting the trigger parts that were originally between his legs to the inside of his thighs, and incorporating a collapsible chest to recreate his animation model's proportions. The figure, however, does not come with a silencer and stock for the gun mode.

As Masterpiece Megatron resembles a realistic, if oversized, weapon, U.S. regulations require it to be sold with an orange plug in the barrel. Australian laws classify the figure as a replica firearm, with some states allowing ownership only if the owner is a member of a registered weapons collector's club, and others banning ownership entirely.^[6]

MP-05G Megatron (Gold Ver.)

Released in December 2014 by TakaraTomy through Hasbro Asia, this gold redeco of the MP-05 mold commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the Transformers franchise in Japan.^[7] It includes a non-transforming camera accessory, representing Reflector.^[8]

MP-06: Skywarp

Released in 2007 as a redeco of MP-03 Starscream. Starscream's face-switching gimmick was modified for Skywarp, with the alternate face now a snarling expression.

MP-07: Thundercracker

Released in 2008 as a redeco of MP-03 Starscream. His alternate face is a growl.

MP-08: Grimlock

Released in 2009. Includes Energon Sword, the intelligence-transfer device from the G1 episode "Grimlock's New Brain", and beverage tray from the G1 episode "Madman's Paradise". While the robot mode's left hand has fully articulated fingers, only the wrist and the thumb of the right hand are articulated. This is due to a lighting gimmick in the right hand which illuminates the blade of the sword or the barrel of the gun when placed in this hand and activated by a switch on the toy's right shoulder. The eyes in both the robot head and the dinosaur head can be switched between blue and red, depending on whether the owner prefers a look more consistent with the U.S. cartoon or the original Diaclone toy. This toy was reissued in January 2014 with a collectors coin accessory that transformed into a crown and a rubber flame accessory that attached to Grimlock's sword.

MP-08X: King Grimlock

Released in 2009 as a Toy MarketHobby exclusive. Packaged in a comic book-style box and adding a crown in place of the original version's apron, tray and glasses accessories, this version uses coloring more reminiscent of his comic book appearance, with blue in place of the original version's black, and shinier silver and gold details.

MP-09: Rodimus Convoy (Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime)

Appearing first as design sketches in a Japanese magazine, and then later as a prototype at CybertronCon China, Masterpiece Rodimus Convoy is a new-mold figure joining Takara Tomy's "Welcome to Transformers 2010" promotion. Prototypes have shown the robot and vehicle modes, both closely resembling Rodimus Prime's appearance in the original animated series, as well as the trailer's Mobile Defense Bay mode. Gimmicks include retractable binoculars, spinning saw blade and the Matrix of Leadership, but the figure's main feature is the ability to transform into the robot and vehicle modes of both Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime. The transition between the two incarnations of the robot mode involves rotating the face plate and extending the legs, while the two vehicle modes incorporate unique front ends, just as the original toys had differing hoods and windshields. This figure was released in January 2011. Photos of the transformation sequence in Million Publishing's "Generations 2010" magazine revealed that the unique Rodimus Prime vehicle mode appearance is achieved by folding a false cab section, concealed within the trailer, over the Hot Rod car after it has been inserted (front-first) into the trailer. The Hong Kong release comes with a black display case with a windowed front and a reflective foil interior, along with a commemorative Rodimus Prime coin.

MP-09B: Black Rodimus Convoy

An e-Hobby Japan exclusive Decepticon redeco of the Masterpiece Rodimus Convoy figure in black with teal and purple flames. Released in October 2011.

MP-10: Convoy (Optimus Prime)

An all-new mold at a smaller scale than the MP-01 and MP-04 (and their variants). Convoy is approximately the same height as Rodimus Convoy in robot mode, more streamlined and less bulky - with the vehicle mode looking more like a real semi-trailer truck than the first Masterpiece figure. Convoy comes with his trailer, Ion Blaster (which folds and stores into a compartment in his back), a Roller unit and a Spike Witwicky mini figure. As with other toy incarnations of this character, the trailer opens to form a command center or a repair bay and can hold one Deluxe Class or Alternity vehicle. Released on Sept 22, 2011.^[9]

MP-10B: Black Convoy (Optimus Prime)

A Decepticon redeco of the MP-10 figure in black with red windows. Released in March 2013.

MP-10A: Convoy (BAPE Ver)

A green redeco of MP-10, this figure was sold exclusively at A Bathing Ape stores in Japan in November 2014.^[10][11]

MP-10 Convoy Mode "EVA"

A purple/green redeco of the MP-10 figure as part of a toy crossover with Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo. Roller is repainted green, while Spike is recolored with a NERV uniform. this figure was sold exclusively at Takara Tomy mall and official Evangelion stores in Japan in November 2014 with a limited production run of 1,000.^[1]

MP-10R Convoy (Red Camo Ver.)

Similar to A Bathing Ape's previously released green MP-10A exclusive, MP-10R is an all red redeco of the MP-10 Convoy mold with a camouflage print through it. Numbers were limited and required customers to buy a ticket in a lottery to get a chance to purchase the figure.^[12]

MP-11: Starscream

An all-new version of Starscream released in March 2012. The new figure includes remolded parts, which restores the MP-03 figure's original hip kibble-free design. Also included is a hologram pilot figurine, as well as the crown and coronation gear used in The Transformers: The Movie.

MP-11S: Sunstorm

Sunstorm is an Amazon Japan exclusive orange redeco of the MP-11 Starscream figure, including coronation accessories, but not the stand. Released in August 2012.

MP-11SW: Skywarp

The new MP-11 "Seeker" mold was redecoed into Skywarp, and released by TakaraTomy through the Hasbro Asia channel as an exclusive for China. Some controversy arose when it was announced by online sellers that the boxes they received had been opened after leaving the factory in order to add a Chinese language instruction booklet^[13] The figure does not include either the coronation accessories or the stand. Released in January 2015.

MP-11T: Thundercracker

A further redeco of the MP-11 mold, this time as Thundercracker, using lighter blues than Hasbro's release.^[14] Thundercracker is a TakaraTomy Mall exclusive. To be released in December 2015.

MP-11NR: Ramjet

In October 2015, teaser images appeared for a figure designated as MP-11NR for the character Ramjet, featuring significant remolding compared to the original MP-11 Starscream and all subsequent releases. In addition to the character's signature wings and a new "conehead" head, the thighs and chest are also different. The latter change hints that the remolding has altered the transformation process, due to the cockpit hinge now being at the waist instead of near the head. Ramjet is expected around March or April of 2016 as a TakaraTomy Mall exclusive.^[15]

MP-12: Lambor (Sideswipe)

In March 2012, Takara Tomy released a teaser picture of Lambor/Sideswipe being MP-12 of the Masterpiece line. The new figure retains his original Lamborghini Countach LP500S car mode and is officially licensed from Lamborghini. In addition, his car mode fits inside MP-10 Convoy's trailer. The Amazon Japan release of the figure includes a pair of chromed pile-drivers, reminiscent of those used by the character in the animated series, not available in the standard release.

MP-12G: Lambor G2 Version

Repaint and slight remold of MP-12 Lambor in black with red windows as an homage to his Generation 2 incarnation. New features include double weapons formed from the large engine block that attaches to top, spiked wheels on shoulders, new face with grimace and G2 logo. Released in February 2014.^[16]

MP-12T: Tigertrack

An International Tokyo Toy Show 2013 exclusive, Tigertrack (sometimes transliterated as "Tigerjack") is a redeco of MP-12 Lambor in yellow with Red Alert's head sculpt, based a color scheme variant of the original Diaclone Countach toy that ultimately became Sideswipe/Lambor. The figure is also a direct homage to the first Tigertrack toy, a Transformers repackage of the Diaclone toy sold as a mail-order exclusive on Figure-Oh magazine in 2003. He comes with black versions of Sideswipe's piledrivers. Tigertrack was released in June 2013.

MP-13: Soundwave

In June 2012, Takara Tomy unveiled their prototype of Soundwave, which stays faithful to his original cassette recorder form. The figure comes with a transformable Condor/Laserbeak with translucent pink microcassette case, a clear Energon cube that can attach to his chest, a detachable display grid, a forearm scanner attachment and a new version of the Megatron gun originally offered in MP-01 Convoy/Optimus Prime. The Amazon Japan release gains an exclusive Energon cube accessory. Aside from holding up to three newer Masterpiece cassette robots, Soundwave's chest can also accommodate the original G1 cassettes. Laserbeak in bird mode can peg on Soundwave's left shoulder or forearm.

MP-13B: Soundblaster

Released March 2014, Soundblaster is a black repaint version of MP-13 Soundwave. His accessories include Ratbat, a cassette case, red energon cube & lid, purple display panel, concussion blaster, translucent red Megatron gun (consists of pistol, scope, silencer, & stock), and the sensor.

MP-14: Alert (Red Alert)

As with other G1 incarnations of the character, Alert/Red Alert is a white/red fire department redeco of Lambor/Sideswipe with a detachable light bar mounted on the roof. The figure features a blue spark effect part that attaches to the head, replicating the scene in the season 2 episode "Auto Berserk", where he suddenly went paranoid. To further differentiate the figure from Lambor/Sideswipe, Alert/Red Alert has faux-wheels molded on his shoulders, small circular pegs on the top of his chest, and a different helmet sculpt painted red instead of black, which is consistent with the character's slightly different cartoon animation model.

MP-14+: Alert (Red Alert) Anime Color Edition

A redeco of MP-14 in his anime colors.

MP-15: Rumble and Jaguar (Ravage)

Released on February 23, 2013, Rumble and Jaguar/Ravage are similar to Condor/Laserbeak with microcassette cases; both are designed to fit inside Soundwave.

MP-16: Frenzy and Buzzsaw

Released on March 23, 2013, Frenzy is a purple redeco of Rumble while Buzzsaw is a gold/black redeco of Condor/Laserbeak.

MP-17: Prowl

Released in September 2013, the new Prowl is faithful to the original toy's Nissan Fairlady Z patrol car form.

MP-18: Streak (Bluestreak)

As with other G1 incarnations of the character, Streak/Bluestreak is a silver/black redeco of Prowl minus the police light bar. Preview images indicate he also has his own unique head and a different waist panel. Released in September 2013.

MP-18B: Bluestreak

A redeco of MP-18 in blue and silver, resembling the original Diaclone toy.

MP-18S: Silverstreak

An International Tokyo Toy Show 2014 exclusive, completely repainted in silver more closely resembling the original Hasbro released Bluesteak toy.

MP-19: Smokescreen

Smokescreen was released in December 2013. The figure is a redeco of Bluestreak in blue and red with a substantially altered mold. A new rear spoiler, front bumper, remolded head, all new shoulder guns and the number "38" decals on the doors are just some of the differences.

MP-20: Wheeljack

Released in August 2014, this figure is a faithful redesign of the original toy's Lancia Stratos race car form, complete with the original Alitalia livery.^[17]

MP-21: Bumble (Bumblebee)

Released in November 2014, this new figure retains his original Volkswagen Beetle form and is officially licensed from Volkswagen. Bumble/Bumblebee comes with a laser gun, an interchangeable "smiling" faceplate, and a spare tire case that fits on his back like in the original animation lineart. Also included is a Spike Witwicky figure in an exosuit that transforms into a micro car, as seen in The Transformers: The Movie.^[17][18] An Amazon.com Japan exclusive version includes a collector's coin and a battle mask that resembles the head sculpt of the original G1 toy.

MP-21G: Bumble G2 Version

A redeco of the MP-21 figure in metallic gold, this figure swaps the Spike Witwicky figure with a rocket pack.

MP-21R: Bumble Red Version

A redeco of the MP-21 figure in red, as an homage to the original G1 toy being available in this color.

MP-22: Ultra Magnus

Released in December 2014. Faithful to the original 1986 animation design, this figure in vehicle mode carries up to four Deluxe-sized Autobot cars. While the cab section heavily resembles MP-10, it does not transform into a white Convoy/Optimus Prime, but is integral in transforming the car carrier into Ultra Magnus. In contrast to the original 1986 toy's chrome bumper, the cab section has a cartoon-accurate red bumper. The front half of the head can detach to reveal a white head that resembles a white Convoy/Optimus Prime, and the standard face plate can be swapped with a screaming face. The figure comes with a pair of alternative hands to hold a Matrix of Leadership (but does not come with the Matrix itself) and figurines of Spike and Daniel Witwicky.

MP-23: Exhaust

Released in March 2015 and re-released in October 2015. Exhaust is a redeco of MP-20 in red/white Marlboro livery with a different head sculpt. The figure is based on a variant of the original Diaclone Wheeljack toy, with some design tweaks to avoid trademark issues. Accessories include an Immobilizer unit.^[19][20]

MP-24: Star Saber

Released in March 2015, Star Saber was voted by fans as the Masterpiece figure to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Transformers franchise in Japan.

MP-25: Tracks

Released in 2015, this figure will retain the original G1 toy's Chevrolet Corvette C3 form.^[21] Included in the package are a display stand for the car's flight mode, a miniature Blaster in boombox mode, and a non-articulated Raoul figure from season 2 episode 25.^[22]

MP-26: Road Rage

A red remold of MP-25 in red with a feminine robot sculpt. The figure is an homage to Tracks' original Diaclone incarnation.

MP-27: Ironhide

An all-new mold of the Autobot character, first announced at the 2015 Tokyo Toy Show. Unlike the original G1 toy, this figure transforms into a robot that is closer to the animation art while retaining his Nissan Cherry Vanette mode. Accessories include two face plates and different arm attachments, as well as a display tray to hold the accessories.

MP-28: Hot Rodimus

An all-new mold at a smaller scale than MP-09, this version of Hot Rodimus is accurate to the original line art from The Transformers: The Movie. Included with this version are the hand saw and fishing pole as well as his two guns, all of which were featured in the film. The figure has a small chest compartment that can hold the "Matrix of Leadership" of MP-10.

MP-29: Laserwave (Shockwave)

True to the original G1 design, this version of Shockwave will include a battery/backpack, and feature a light up hand and eye. He will include a display stand, and additional interchangeable hands in clear and opaque/grey. His alternate form will be that of a Cybertronian handgun. He will be on the same scale as the Masterpiece Soundwave.

MP-30: Ratchet

A redeco and slight retool of MP-27.

MP-31: Delta Magnus

A redeco of MP-22 in his Diaclone colors.

MP-32: Beast Convoy (Optimus Primal)

The first Masterpiece figure based on the Transformers: Beast Wars franchise. Announced at the 2015 Tokyo Toy Show, Gorilla Convoy will be released in 2016 to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Beast Wars in Japan.

MP-M01: Starscream

Released in December 2010 as a redeco of Hasbro's Leader Class Starscream from the Transformers film series. Unlike the Hasbro version, this figure sports the regular Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor camouflage of the first film instead of the tattoos seen in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

MP-M02: Bumblebee

Like the MP-M01 Starscream, this is a redeco of a figure from Hasbro's 2010 toy line - specifically, the Battle Ops Bumblebee. Changes from the Hasbro version include chrome painted rims, an uncolored right hand and additional paint applications. The redeco is slightly similar to the Costco exclusive Battle Ops Bumblebee gift set.

Hasbro releases

20th Anniversary Optimus Prime

The MP-01 Optimus Prime figure was released twice in the United States. The first version in 2004 was almost identical to the Japanese release, but had black "battle damage" details applied and shortened smokestacks to comply with United States toy standards; however, the product photography on the box depicted it with the Japanese version's longer smokestacks. It initially shipped with a gray Ion Blaster; however a running change replaced this with a black blaster. The inner box is designed to resemble the combat deck interior of Optimus Prime's trailer.

ToyFare magazine named 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime number one on their list of "100 Best Toys Ever Made".

20th Anniversary DVD Edition Optimus Prime

The 2006 U.S. release of Masterpiece Optimus Prime occurred in conjunction with the 20th anniversary DVD release of The Transformers: The Movie. While it did not have the first version's battle damage, it used a lighter shade of scarlet, had gray grilles and smokestacks instead of chrome, a blue Ion Blaster, yellow details on the gun and head, and came with an electronic display stand with pre-recorded sound clips; however none of the clips were recorded by Peter Cullen. Like the previous U.S. version, its smokestacks were shortened compared to the Japanese versions. As it was sold in "Classics" packaging, it technically falls into the Classics toyline.

Masterpiece Starscream

The MP-03 Starscream figure was released as a Walmart exclusive in 2007, in "Classics" packaging. It was repainted to accurately reflect his appearance in the U.S. cartoon series, albeit with a black wash applied, and the mold was slightly modified for safety reasons. A similar version of this figure was also released by Takara Tomy as a "USA Edition".

Masterpiece Skywarp

Part of the Transformers: Universe toy line, the MP-06 Skywarp figure was released by Hasbro in 2009 as a Walmart exclusive, with a color scheme more consistent with the U.S. cartoon series. For obvious reasons, Skywarp is released without Starscream's coronation gear. Unlike the Japanese version, Hasbro's uses the same pair of faces as Starscream.

Masterpiece Grimlock

The MP-08 Grimlock figure was released by Hasbro as a Toys "R" Us exclusive in 2010. The deco is primarily based on the MP-08 release, but ships in dinosaur mode rather than robot mode as both the Japanese releases do, includes MP-08's gun and sword, omitting the waiter accessories and transfer helmet, while adding the crown from the MP-08X version. Hasbro reissued this figure in Summer 2014 to coincide with the premiere of Transformers: Age of Extinction and designated it as "MP-03" in a new Masterpiece lineup for the international market.

Masterpiece Rodimus Prime

The U.S. release of MP-09 Masterpiece Rodimus Convoy by Hasbro does not come with the detachable trailer, but is offered with his Targetmaster partner Offshoot (renamed from Firebolt due to trademark issues) and a remold of Optimus Prime's Matrix of Leadership, which does not fit in his chest. Like the Takara Tomy version, a smaller Matrix that fits in his chest is also included. While the Japanese version is based on the animation design, the Hasbro redeco bears a closer resemblance to the original G1 toy. Parts of the figure's legs have been re-engineered after owners of the Takara Tomy version complained that the joints of the leg plates broke off easily. First offered for purchase at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con International, Masterpiece Rodimus Prime is a Toys "R" Us exclusive.

Masterpiece Optimus Prime

At BotCon 2012, Hasbro confirmed the U.S. release of MP-10 Convoy as the new Masterpiece Optimus Prime, to be sold as a Toys "R" Us exclusive. Like the Japanese version, this release comes with the trailer, the Matrix of Leadership, a Roller unit (molded in blue instead of silver), an energy axe and a Spike figure.

Year of the Horse Masterpiece Optimus Prime

A redeco of Masterpiece Optimus Prime was released in 2014 to commemorate the Year of the Horse.

Masterpiece Thundercracker

Released Stateside in August 2012, Masterpiece Thundercracker is a Toys "R" Us Exclusive that uses the new Seeker design first seen on Takara's MP-11 Starscream. Unlike the Japanese figure, however, Thundercracker comes packaged similar to the other two Hasbro Masterpiece Seekers and includes the common display stand of MP-03, MP-11's "hologram" pilot [coated in silver vac metal] and a blue clip for MP-01's Megatron accessory. For obvious reasons, Thundercracker is also released without Starscream's coronation gear. His paint scheme loosely follows the Generation One cartoon but includes what many refer to as "tattoos" of fellow Decepticon Reflector and "Sonicboom" artwork on his tailfins. Despite the packaging's claim, Masterpiece Thundercracker does not come with an alternate head. The instructions included are for the original MP-03 mold and do not reflect the changes included by the MP-11 update to the Seeker mold.

Masterpiece Acid Storm

Announced at the 2013 New York Toy Fair, Masterpiece Acid Storm is a green and black redeco of MP-11 Starscream. He is sold as a Toys "R" Us exclusive and is designated as "MP-01" in a new Masterpiece lineup for the international market.

Masterpiece Soundwave

Announced at the 2013 New York Toy Fair, Hasbro's version of MP-13 Masterpiece Soundwave is repainted in a lighter shade of blue and features a yellow visor, closer to the original G1 toy colors. In addition, he comes packaged with all five cassettes. The figure is a Toys "R" Us exclusive and is designated as "MP-02" in a new Masterpiece lineup for the international market.

Year of the Goat Masterpiece Soundwave

A redeco of Masterpiece Soundwave was released in 2015 to commemorate the Year of the Goat. This mold includes all accessories that the Hasbro release came with. Molded in clear plastic with "Metallic burnt orange" painted accents. The included cassettes are also molded in completely clear plastic with the exception of Rumble and Frenzy's pile drivers which have a metallic red and blue paint applications respectively. Box art appears to be of comic book influences.

Masterpiece Prowl

Masterpiece Prowl is a Toys "R" Us exclusive release of the MP-17 figure and is designated as "MP-04" in a new Masterpiece lineup for the international market.

Masterpiece Sunstorm

Masterpiece Sunstorm is a yellow redeco of MP-11 Starscream. He is sold as a Toys "R" Us exclusive and is designated as "MP-05" in a new Masterpiece lineup for the international market.

Masterpiece Bluestreak

Masterpiece Bluestreak is a Toys "R" Us exclusive release of the MP-18 Streak figure and is designated as "MP-06" in a new Masterpiece lineup for the international market.

Masterpiece Starscream

Officially revealed at the 2015 San Diego Comic Con, Masterpiece Starscream was released as a Toys "R" Us exclusive on October 1, 2015 and is designated as "MP-07" in a new Masterpiece lineup for the international market. This version of Starscream uses the MP-11 mold and features a blue nosecone accurate to the original Generation 1 toy. Instead of the coronation gear, this version favors the base and stand featured with the Hasbro variations of the MP-11 mold.

Masterpiece Bumblebee & Spike Witwicky

Hasbro released Takara Tomy's MP-21 Masterpiece Bumble as MP-08 Masterpiece Bumblebee & Spike Witwicky in August 2016 as a Toys "R" Us exclusive. This release lacks the battle mask accessory. The box cover art displays an improperly transformed Bumblebee figure, with the car mode's hood panel protruding over the figure's waist. The reaction of some collectors noted a significantly higher price than the original Takara version; historically, Hasbro Masterpiece releases have typically been less expensive than the original Takara Tomy product.

References

External links

• Transformers: Masterpiece Official Site (Japanese)
• Transformers: Masterpiece series at Transformers Wiki
• Ben Meyer's Lucky Draw "Gold Masterpiece Optimus Prime"
• Transformers: Masterpiece galleries at Seibertron.com
• Transformers: Masterpiece galleries at TFW2005.com