COUNTDOWN: Everything on the way from X-Transbots (part 1)

Posted on November 1, 2021 by Sixo

Third party outfit, X-Transbots has been on a major roll of late! It seems like barely a day goes by without them unveiling some new, awesome project that they have in the works, or even providing a welcome update on something they’ve had in the pipeline for years. A lot of the new toys being teased have prompted numerous questions online though, in particular what they’re meant to represent, in some cases. So, to help make sure that you can keep track of everything, here is everything* on the way from X-Transbots right now, all presented in release date order!

*at the time of writing; there will probably be something new soon!

#47: MX-31 Paragon

Who is it? First Aid

Estimated release: Unknown

Kicking off the list, we have a few of the items that have been teased but not yet fully revealed, and consequently don’t have concrete release dates at the time of writing. First up is First Aid, aka Paragon, who of course represents the fan-favourite Autobot ambulance from their ongoing Protectobot crew. We’ve only just assessed the debut release of that set, with the second on the way soon, so hopefully this won’t be too far behind.

#46: MX-32 Jian

Who is it? Blades

Estimated release: Unknown

Next up in the Protectobots line-up is this guy, who of course represents the helicopter known as Blades. We’ve only really seen the vehicle mode thus far but it’s safe to say it looks quite spectacular, so fingers crossed for more of an update very soon!

#45: MX-34 Van Guard

Who is it? Hot Spot

Estimated release: Unknown

Whilst the idea of a full Masterpiece-style Protectobot set is exciting in its entirety, I’m sure I won’t be alone in saying that it’s the leader of the pack, Hot Spot that takes the top spot in terms of most anticipated, for me. We’ve not seen much of ‘Van Guard’ so far, save some very appetising vehicle mode renders and a tease of the robot mode’s back, but still, consider the appetite well and truly whet.

#44: MX-14T FLIPOUT YOUTH VERSION

Who is it? Wildrider (toy version)

Estimated release: October 2021

Now we’re into the arena of upcoming toys that have release dates (and are available for pre-order!), starting with this effort, which is the final figure needed for a full toy-styled Stunticon crew (well, kinda anyway… more on that shortly!). Some collectors have this figure in hand already so it shouldn’t be too long now.

#43: MX-17T TAIHO

Who is it? The police car from You’re Under Arrest / Taiho Shichauzo

Estimated release: October 2021

OK, this one is actually a reissue, having already been released, but with such a quirky take on the X-Transbots Skids mould coming up again, it’s definitely worth mentioning! Although not something that’s ever been seen in Transformers before, the vehicle mode is a reference to the police car from the manga-turned-anime series known as You’re Under Arrest (romanised as Taiho Shichauzo, hence the toy’s name), which focuses on two police officers from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Whether that’s a reference you appreciate or not, more police car robots are never a bad thing!

#42: MX-3+ ELIGOS METALLIC VERSION

Who is it? Cyclonus

Estimated release: November 2021

The character in question might be a bit more obvious here and yes, this is a toy that we’ve already seen, with the original version having been released some years back now. Yet still, the re-release of Eligos in a new metallic finish with additional paint (and some new accessories, including alternate faces!) is reason to celebrate, not least because it was a great design to begin with, and so the idea of it being upgraded is one I can get on board with.

#40: MM-7 HATCH TOY VERSION

Who is it? Tailgate (toy version)

Estimated release: November 2021

Another toy design we’ve already had before but coming back into stock soon is this toy-orientated take on XTB’s Hatch figure, a representation of 1986 Minibot Tailgate. This lad was never the biggest name in G1 but found new life in IDW’s More Than Meets the Eye, and I think makes an interesting accompaniment to some of the other toyetic MP-styled designs we’re seeing of late, not least of which is X-Transbots’ own Stunticons.

#40: MX-27 JANSSEN WITH BONUS

Who is it? Perceptor

Estimated release: December 2021

Our first big new mould with a confirmed release date is Janssen, their take on classic G1 scientist, Perceptor. The name of this figure is a clear reference to Zacharias Janssen, who many people credit with having invented the microscope (although that claim is also widely debated, but that’s a whole other topic!). Either way, this is one release that has certainly garnered a lot of excitement online, especially as it’s a fan-favourite character (especially after a big role in the 1986 movie and other media) who has only been done once before in MP-style with FansToys Tesla, and a lot of people weren’t very keen on that one! Still, FT has a redo on the way as well, but fingers crossed that XTB absolutely smash this release as it looks stunning from the current crop of promotional pics, and comes with loads of intriguing accessories, such as miniature versions of Brawn, Bumblebee & Perceptor himself, as a reference to the G1 cartoon episode, Microbots. Can’t wait.

#39: MX-33 JOCUND

Who is it? Groove

Estimated release: December 2021

Also coming up in December is the second in XTB’s Protectobot line-up, meaning it’s time to get into the Groove! This is one of those characters that squarely defies any sense of logical alternate mode scale but no matter, it’s one I’m certainly looking forward to (despite some mixed feelings on his predecessor). Also exciting to think that it’s another face we’ve yet to see realised in MP style, so however it turns out, it’ll be something new for your Autobot roster.

#38: MX-12BT GRAVESTONE TRAILER YOUTH VERSION

Who is it? Motormaster trailer / Menasor combined mode (toy version)

Estimated release: December 2021

The final entry for the December release schedule is the final component needed (after Flipout!) for a complete line-up of toy-inspired Stunticons, which means we’ll finally be able to assemble the combined form of Monolith (aka Menasor) with the classic 1986 look. As a whole, this set has been really something to see come to fruition, and no doubt that Big Man mode is something to look forward to. Bring it on!

#37: MX-11 LOCKE

Who is it? Kup

Estimated release: January 2022

Where to start, eh? Well, of course, Locke has already been released to an unfortunate reception after numerous collectors found the quality on offer to be severely lacking. To their credit, XTB took it all on the chin and acknowledged that the factory producing this release had majorly let them down, and that they would be offering an improved replacement free of charge to anyone affected. Cut forward to now and the toy is set to go on release from TFSource first thing in the new year. Let’s hope they’ve worked out all of the issues and that this one lands with more success!