Transformers Masterpiece MP-37 Artfire

For me, the Inferno and Grapple molds were pretty amazing efforts from Takara in terms of engineering design and G1 cartoon accuracy. So the inevitable mold repaint in Artfire was a no-brainer preorder for me despite me having no memory or nostalgia for Targetmaster Transformers.

This Artfire and Targetmaster sidekick Nightstick were originally a Japan exclusive repaint back in 1987 I believe. With Takara going back to their roots in Diaclone repaints and other homages to classic colourways, I could not resist!

Click through below for my full video review over on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel! :)

Box art is same usual style. The accessories aren't as numerous as Inferno and Grapple, but Nightstick is a decent stand-in. I preordered this from Amiami in Japan, so it did not come with the collector coin. I had thought the coins were no longer made since they changed to the silly little diecast figures. But it now looks like the coins are back, so I had to order the coin separately from eBay. And with the coins back, I'll be making future orders from Robotkingdom in Hong Kong where the coins are always included for free!

The biggest relief with this figure is that all the unique decals are tamped on, and not stickers! I was worried that they would include a sticker sheet like with Inferno and Shockwave, but thankfully Takara did the right thing!

And the overall quality of the decals is very well done! They add to the unique look and add nice little details over the figure. The figure looks great in bot mode, and I do like the metallic silver face plate. But I always display my repaint figures in vehicle mode.

And luckily he looks great in vehicle mode too! The use of chrome on various parts is nice, and there wasn't too much paint slop apart from a couple of minor scratches on mine. All in all, it's another great addition to the cast of repaint characters. Now I just hope they announce more of the Diaclone colours like Black Ironhide (and a red Sunstreaker once MP-39 comes out!)

Transformers Masterpiece MP-33 Inferno

It's always a great day when a new Transformers Masterpiece mold is released. And this new Inferno does not disappoint! Some collectors have complained about the bland cartoon-accurate paint app, but for me I think it's near perfect, with some ingenious engineering for the transformation sequence.

Click through below to check out my video review on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel! :)

As with Ironhide, MP-33 Inferno is nicely loaded with accessories and display options. Takara really have tried to cover all needs to cater for those loving a bit of cartoon accuracy or a bit of toy accuracy. Overall, it's a winning set for me!

The transformation is not overly complex, but has some awesome engineering worthy of "Masterpiece Moment" status for sure. The way in which the ladder folds away into the chest cavity and the way the shoulders rotate and clip into place are fantastic!

For me, this is the best looking Inferno representation out there. The other 3rd party options I think are nice alternatives, but do not really fit in with the overall MP aesthetic. MP Inferno on the other hand fits in perfectly! Cannot wait to get Grapple early next year now!

Transformers Masterpiece MP-14+ Red Alert Anime Color Edition

When this more cartoon accurate repaint of the original MP-14 Red Alert figure was announced, I was adamant that I would pass. But after seeing some more photos, I just couldn't resist. And in the end, I'm glad I went with it, as it certainly is a better repaint of the character in bot mode, which is how I display most of my Transformers Masterpiece collection.

Click through below to watch my full video review of the MP-14+ figure on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel.

The packaging and accessories are the standard fare for MP figures in the line. One thing to note is that the figure released just before Hasbro Asia was able to send out the associated collector coin. But Robotkingdom will be shipping them out to collectors that received their figure early, so you'll still get it, which is great!

The other thing to note accessories-wise is that the head piece for the sparks is given in an orange color as opposed to the blue on the original MP-14. This is at odds with the cartoon accuracy intent of the new figure since the sparks were blue in the cartoon! So if you want full cartoon accuracy, you'll have to use the sparks head piece from the first figure if you have it.

On it's own, the paint app is very well done, with minimal paint issues. The overall hue of the white is only dramatically greyer than the original when placed side by side. The original MP-14 has a very bright, stark white paint app, as you can see in the pics below. The new one is more cartoon accurate, but is very bland and grey in comparison.

For me, I would have to say that I prefer the original MP-14 paint app in alt mode. But after transforming into bot mode, I definitely prefer the new version.

It's great that the white parts are painted in the off-white colour as opposed to just unpainted grey plastic. The paint also has a nice glossy finish that gives a more premium look. The only areas that I would probably change would be the feet, where I think the silver on the original would still go nicely with the new figure, just to break up all the grey just a bit.

I do like the additional paint app on the forearms in bot mode that highlight the "CHIEF" text. The transformation is still not totally cartoon accurate in that the forearms are still one piece instead of having the outer part separate like it is in the cartoon. But the addition of the text is a decent enough compromise to highlight that area of the body.

Even the rear is very cartoon accurate with the grey parts along the back of the legs. The shoulder cannon also has a bit more paint app to make it more accurate.

In the end, if you don't have the original MP-14, then I think this MP-14+ release is the way to go. If you do have the original, it really comes down to how much you prefer cartoon accurate paint apps on your MPs. All the figures have some slight differences, but I guess the red thighs and other slight changes on the original do make it differ a bit more. Either way, both figures are nice additions to the MP line, and the new one will especially go well with the upcoming MP Inferno!