The Transformers: Masterpiece
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, the Masterpieces appear to be on a bi-yearly rotation with a new one being released in the spring or the fall.
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-exclusives, distributed by Hasbro Australia.
Several sub-lines have emerged, one designated as MP-B## based upon the Brave franchise, and another with the designation MPM-# to represent live-action film series Transformers.
Products
Generation 1
Standard products
-
MP-1 Convoy
(2003) -
MP-2 Ultra Magnus
(2005) -
MP-3 Starscream
(2006) -
MP-4 Convoy Perfect Edition
(2006) -
MP-5 Megatron
(2007) -
MP-6 Skywarp
(2007) -
MP-7 Thundercracker
(2008) -
MP-8 Grimlock
(2009) -
MP-9 Rodimus Convoy
(2011) -
MP-10 Convoy
(2011) -
MP-11 Starscream Coronation Version
(2012) -
MP-12 Lambor
(2012) -
MP-13 Soundwave
(2012)
Special editions
-
-
MP-8X King Grimlock
(2009) -
MP-1B Convoy Black Version
(2010) -
MP-3G Starscream Ghost Version
(2010) -
MP-4S Convoy Sleep Mode
(2010) -
MP-1L Convoy Last Production
(2011) -
MP-09B Black Rodimus Convoy
(2011) -
MP-11S Sunstorm
Live-action movie series
-
MPM-1 Starscream
(2010) -
MPM-2 Bumblebee
(2010)
Hasbro versions
Hasbro has released many Masterpiece toys in their own markets as part of other toylines, often with changes in colors and accessories.
- Masterpiece Convoy was released as 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime outside the Japanese market.
- Masterpiece Starscream was redecoed in cartoon-accurate colors and released under the Classics banner. TakaraTomy would then release this same toy in Japan as a "USA Edition", featuring reduced weathering details and an additional faction symbol.
- Masterpiece Skywarp was released as part of the Universe toyline as a Wal-Mart exclusive. It was redecoed to resemble the original Generation 1 toy and came with Starscream's alternate faces instead of the new ones used for the TakaraTomy release.
- Masterpiece Grimlock was released as a Masterpiece toy and a Toys"R"Us exclusive. Its deco was also slightly changed to resemble the original toy and it came with King Grimlock's accessories.
- Masterpiece Rodimus Convoy was released as a Toys"R"Us exclusive in the 2010 Transformers line. It has a different color layout based on the original Hot Rod toy, lacks the trailer and comes with Targetmaster Offshoot.
