The Transformers: Masterpiece: Difference between revisions

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==Scale and rate of releases==
==Scale and rate of releases==
The Masterpiece G1 line began with Optimus Prime and variants of the mold ([[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]], Prime with [[Combat Deck (G1)|Combat Deck]], etc) before moving on to the [[Seeker (body-type)|Seeker]]s and [[Megatron (G1)|Megatron]]. This encompassed the first six years of the toyline. Unfortunately, the Prime mold was huge in comparison to the other characters, 2009's Grimlock was slightly undersized compared to the Seekers, and 2010 consisted of more redecos of previous molds.
The ''Masterpiece'' line started at a slow pace in 2003, with new molds being released every two years or so, and with [[redeco]]s/[[retool]]s being released in-between. The figures that were released back then were exclusively of the larger main characters, and [[scale]] wasn't very consistent due to price constraints and their large size, with the results being that figures of certain huge characters (such as Grimlock) were too short compared to other characters they were meant to tower over (such as Convoy).


In 2011, the line can be considered to have been rebooted; first with [[Hot Rod (G1)|Rodimus Prime]], and followed with a new-mold Optimus Prime scaled to Rodimus's height (as well as providing an overall better robot-mode aesthetic). This was followed by a extensively remolded "Coronation" [[Starscream (G1)|Starscream]], and the rate of releases increased significantly in 2012/2013, with characters being designed to the new scale. In this 2-year span, Takara released no less than 13 new characters: [[Sideswipe (G1)|Sideswipe]], [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundwave]] (and 5 of his minions), [[Sunstorm (G1)|Sunstorm]], [[Red Alert (G1)|Red Alert]], [[Tigertrack]], [[Prowl (G1)|Prowl]], [[Bluestreak (G1)|Bluestreak]], and [[Smokescreen (G1)|Smokescreen]], while Hasbro added [[Thundercracker (G1)|Thundercracker]] and [[Acid Storm (G1)|Acid Storm]] to the mix. At least 5 characters (2.5 new molds) are scheduled for 2014: [[Wheeljack (G1)|Wheeljack]], [[Bumblebee (G1)|Bumblebee]], G2 Sideswipe, [[Soundwave (G1)|Soundblaster]] (with new mold [[Ratbat (G1)|Ratbat]]) and an [[Ultra Magnus (G1)|Ultra Magnus]] (redeco of Prime) with combining trailer.
With the release of a new tooling of Convoy in 2011, the line was rebooted, featuring a smaller, more consistent scale based on MP-09 Rodimus Convoy, and a ''significant'' increase in releases per year. Rather notably, ''Masterpieces'' of the smaller characters were introduced.
 
In addition, Grimlock and "Coronation" Starscream were re-released for the Asian market in 2013.


==Sublines==
==Sublines==

Revision as of 19:24, 3 January 2014

The Transformers: Masterpiece (トランスフォーマー マスターピース) is a toyline of collector-focused toys that are mostly based upon classic Generation 1 toys, but manufactured with today's advanced engineering techniques. Masterpiece Transformers tend to be very expensive, with an average price of 10,000 yen (approx. $118.30), and with Grimlock's cost purportedly rising to 13,000 (approx. $153.79). Currently (2013), the Masterpieces appear more frequently with a handful being released yearly.

Though the Masterpiece line is largely developed by Takara/TakaraTomy with the Japanese market in mind, several releases have been made available in Australia as Target and Toys R Us-exclusives, distributed by Hasbro Australia. A few have also been released in the U.S. at Walmart and ToysRUs.

Scale and rate of releases

The Masterpiece line started at a slow pace in 2003, with new molds being released every two years or so, and with redecos/retools being released in-between. The figures that were released back then were exclusively of the larger main characters, and scale wasn't very consistent due to price constraints and their large size, with the results being that figures of certain huge characters (such as Grimlock) were too short compared to other characters they were meant to tower over (such as Convoy).

With the release of a new tooling of Convoy in 2011, the line was rebooted, featuring a smaller, more consistent scale based on MP-09 Rodimus Convoy, and a significant increase in releases per year. Rather notably, Masterpieces of the smaller characters were introduced.

Sublines

Two sub-lines have emerged, one designated as MP-B## based upon the Brave franchise (not covered in this wiki), and another with the designation MPM-# to represent live-action film series Transformers (see below).

Products

Generation 1

Standard products

Special editions

Live-action movie series

Hasbro versions

Design

Hironori Kobayashi was the designer on the first nine Masterpieces that Takara/TakaraTomy released, from MP-01 Masterpiece Convoy/20th Anniversary Optimus Prime to MP-09 Rodimus Convoy. Shogo Hasui took over the reigns from MP-10 Convoy version 2 through at least the end of 2013 (MP-19 Smokescreen). His involvement in the forthcoming Wheeljack, Bumblebee and Ultra Magnus is unknown at this time. Japanese Hobby magazine reported that Kobayashi would retake the design role back in 2014.

Masterpiece Star Saber, is being designed by Hisashi Yuki in order for the other Masterpieces to be released on schedule.

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