I know I'm in the minority of a Transformers collector here, but wanted to share my latest that Sarah got me as an early birthday Present. I'll also update with the others I own as I get pictures.

The Masterpiece Transformer line started in Japan several years back and they've always been pretty expensive to import, but luckily Hasbro has released most of them here in the States as well with the exception of a few repaints. The most recent release is the T-Rex that any kid who grew up in the G1 era would instantly recognize, Grimlock.

These figures are quite a bit larger than their originals and come with much more detail and difficult transformations. Grimlock's transformation is the closest of any of these to match the original. I found it very easy where I know the original toy very well.

A in depth review and loads more photos can be read here

DAGOBAM he looks a bit like my mate -

Joe_O wrote:

DAGOBAM he looks a bit like my mate -

I'd hate to see how big Trypticon would be if they made a masterpiece of him.

"TRYPTICON SMASH, TRYPTICON HUNGRYYYYYYYYY"



I want a masterpiece trypticon..

Cool stuff Shawn i used to collect transformer's back in the day.
I think i still might have some go-bot's from my childhood up in my paret's attic somewhere.
Dan.

Very cool! I do have to ask though, what is up with the crown on the other site? I don't ever remember Grimlock having a crown.

If and when they release a masterpiece soundwave, I might be in trouble!

RebelChris wrote:

Very cool! I do have to ask though, what is up with the crown on the other site? I don't ever remember Grimlock having a crown.

If and when they release a masterpiece soundwave, I might be in trouble!

I think it has to do with Grimlock being a T-Rex which is considered king of the dinosaurs. In the original movie one of his lines is "Me Grimlock no bozo! Me KING!" and apparently in the comics in an issue he was declared king or something. I was always into the cartoon more than the comics as a kid, so I'm not exactly sure.

I agree completely about a Masterpiece Soundwave and it wouldn't surprise me if he is on the list. The one for next year is Rodimus Prime/Hot Rod. The Takara version gets the trailer (Rodimus) and Hasbro is releases him without the trailer. (Hot Rod)

Awesome Shawn, really like it mate.

Just looked on ebay and I'm tempted, Megatron looks real good.

Do you have a list of the Masterpiece range?

burnsy wrote:

Awesome Shawn, really like it mate.

Just looked on ebay and I'm tempted, Megatron looks real good.

Do you have a list of the Masterpiece range?

Megatron is a nice one and the only Takara one I own since they can't release him here now. I read the other day that he was getting a rerelease again in Japan so import prices might come down a bit again if they are high. I believe mine was around $80 but that was when they were pretty abundant.

I think this list covers them all so far.

Takara:

Optimus Prime (Several Releases with the latter including a trailer)
Ultra Magnus (White repaint of Prime)
Nemesis Prime (Black Repaint of Prime)
Starscream (Green color)
Thundercracker
Skywarp
USA Starscream (Cartoon Colors)
Megatron
Grimlock
Grimlock (Toy Hobby Edition)
Rodimus Prime (Next Year)

Hasbro:

Optimus Prime (20th and 25th anniversary editions with slightly different paint apps)
Starscream (G1 Colors Wal-mart exclusive)
Skywarp (Wal-mart exclusive)
Grimlock (TRU exclusive)
Hot Rod (Next Year)