Transformers Masterpiece MP-12+ Sideswipe (anime colour edition) comparison

With Takara's push for more cartoon accurate Masterpiece figures, these "+" repaints are another easy way for them to justify a new repaint of an existing figure. They started with MP Red Alert, and now the latest is Sideswipe. I'm sure there'll be more repaints to come.

Overall, the choice of whether you pick up this new version will really depend on in which mode you prefer to display your Transformers, and whether you have the original release.

For a closer look, click through below to check out my review on the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel. Make sure to subscribe and stay tuned for my MP Sunstreaker review!

The box and contents should be all familiar to MP collectors. The revised coin is another nice addition to the coin collection too. It comes with all the accessories that have been included in a number of previous MP Lambor repaint releases.

The difference in bot mode is where the new anime colour really comes to the fore. The more cartoon accurate paint scheme blends in aspects that were broken up by difference colours in the original. For example, the white elbows and the black ankles make the arms and lower legs more seamless.

The biggest improvement for me however it actually the white glossy paint app on most of the white surfaces. The forearms, torso, thighs and feet all have a very nice glossy premium paint app. Coupled with the white plastic elbows and white plastic hip joints, the overall look in bot mode is much better than the original release.

However, the original itself is much better in the car mode. In its quest for cartoon accuracy, Takara made the new version with blue, more transparent glass, which only allows the interior of the car to show through. This ruins the look by clearly showing the feet through the windscreen. The original has very classy dark glass that hides the interior, and just makes the Lamborghini Countach mode look sleeker and classier.

It also has extra black detailing around the air intakes and grooves along the back and rear of the car. So it makes for a much more realistic car mode. The black wheels are also nicer on the original, whereas the new version has grey wheels so that the bot mode has the grey parts on the sides of the legs as he did in the cartoon.

So as I said, if you display your collection mostly in bot mode, then I would say MP-12+ is the better choice. But if you prefer the car modes, then I would pick up the original if you don't already have it. Either option, Takara has to make some compromise in the aesthetic in each mode, so at least they're giving collectors an option to pick up either.

This old MP-12 mold is ageing a little now compared to the amazing engineering of the newer releases, but it still holds its own fairly well. A great figure in the MP series, so pick any version up I say!

Transformers Masterpiece MP-25 Tracks

The day Takara releases a brand new mold into the MP line is a day celebrated by most Transformers fans. And this MP-25 Tracks release is no exception. Of course there are faults rightly pointed out by collectors, but by and large this figure is every bit a Masterpiece like the other cars before it.

For my full video review, click through to the Kool Kollectibles YouTube channel below and check it out :)

The packaging is the usual simple yet classy Masterpiece black box style, with nice photo art of the figure and accessories. Since I got this from the great folks at Robotkingdom, I also got the collector coin included, which is a very nice addition to the MP coin collection!

The set also comes with a flight stand to cater for the flight mode, and the mini-Blaster and Raoul figures straight out of the classic G1 cartoon episode. Great little touches there by Takara!

The standout feature of the car itself is how amazing that metallic blue deco looks in hand! The paint application was pretty much flawless on mine, and the way it rolls on the wheels is very smooth. The only issue I had with the alt mode was getting the little side mirrors to sit flush with the car door. I would've preferred that they were just molded in. But I think a bit of hot water or old hairdryer trick should make it sit in properly.

The flight mode also looks great, but I did have trouble pegging in the arms against the front sideskirt hole. I was more worried about scratching the paint than anything, but most other collectors have done it with no problems.

Pulling out the rear of the car was a little tricky at first, but it's one of the main components of the transformation and gets easier with time.

The flight stand works really well with joints that allow for a wide range of flight angles etc. Just be careful putting in and taking out the peg into the bottom of the car as the fit is pretty tight.

The transformation sequence is not overly difficult, but I always struggle with these MPs anyway. The most difficult parts were the rear at first, and then separating the front hood. The front is pegged in so tight the first time, a totally excessive amount of force is needed to pull them apart. I almost pulled my finger nails off doing it the first time, and many collectors have had the same issue.

The other faults with the transformation include the way in which the shoulder areas are pegged into the back of the body. They tend to become unpegged while posing, so just be sure to push them in tightly.

The backpack pegging into the side doors (or torso in bot mode) is also a little tricky, and depending on how you do it will determine how high the backpack sits above the head. If you peg it in right, it is quite secure and does not sit too high.

One step in the transformation that is missed by many collectors, myself included, is the rotation of the little blue hood piece near the ankles. This needs to be rotated to close the gap between the lower legs and ankles. It also allows the side and shin panels to peg in nicer. You can see in the group photo below that I have not rotated the blue piece, and so the gap near the ankles is more visible.

The other thing missed by some collectors is the head. The head is on a neck joint that needs to be pulled up past a click point. Then it will rest at that point without collapsing back into the backpack. Some have complained that the head is not stable, and it's just because they need to pull it up past that click point.

On the head sculpt, I think it's a perfect representation of the cartoon character, and one of the best in the MP line. Together with the other Lambor, Nissan, and Lancia molds, Tracks and this new Corvette mold fits in beautifully with the MP line.

Many collectors are still on the fence with Tracks. I was initially not overly impressed with the bot mode due to the issues I mention above. But after messing around with it for a while, the articulation and accuracy to the cartoon just wins you over!

The poseability is really one of the best out of the current group of MP cars, and when you think about it, the flaws are no more apparent than they are on the previous molds. I still think the Lancia mold design is the best and most elegant, but Tracks has some great design elements too.

So all in all, I think MP-25 Tracks is a fantastic addition to the MP line. If you're a G1 fan, then I think this is pretty much a must have to continue getting the cast of Autobot cars in this incredible MP line.

Click the link below to head on over to Robotkingdom and pick up this awesome Autobot Warrior for yourself! :)

Robotkingdom - Transformers Masterpiece MP-25 Tracks

Transformers Masterpiece - "Masterpiece Moments"

It's been a while since I went through my Transformers Masterpiece collection, and Maz from the TFSource forum inspired me with his term "Masterpiece Moment" to get my collection together.

So here's my video on what my "Masterpiece Moments" are with each of the figure molds. Each one has at least one awesome feature that I love!

Hope you can check it out, subscribe, like, and comment with what your personal "Masterpiece Moments" are!