COUNTDOWN: 15 3PMP projects to watch out for! (part 2)

Despite the occasional naysayer proclaiming otherwise, it doesn’t appear as though the unofficial ‘third party’ Transformers scene is going to slow down any time soon. If anything, there’s more product available right now than ever before and some amazing new projects on the horizon too!

So today, I’m counting down my top picks for some of the most exciting stuff currently in the pipeline, all ranked in order of just how much I’m looking forward to them! I’ve only chosen releases with a current pre-order available (otherwise FansToys and X-Transbots would be all over this…) that are set to be released during the next three months or so.

Be sure to check out part 1 in case you missed it.

Let’s get on with the enablement!

 

#12: Alien Attack Kimera & Manticore

Who is it? Dark of the Moon Crowbar & Crankcase

Estimated release: August 2022

Another set of Alien Attack reveals and although these fall a little further along in terms of release schedule, I felt I had to include them here. The third party scene is often berated for not being creative enough with character choices but I don’t imagine anyone saw MP-style Dreads in their future, did they? Regardless, these two look absolutely ridiculous in all the right ways so once again, let’s hope Alien Attack delivers the goods.

 

#11: X-Transbots Commander Stack

Who is it? Ultra Magnus

Estimated release: June 2022

It’s always a weird feeling to see a 3PMP release of a character that’s been done in the official Masterpiece line already. Particularly in cases like this when TakaraTomy’s effort is so good, to the point where it’s hard to imagine how another attempt would legitimately improve on it. In what might be seen as a bold strategy, XTB has even swung fairly close to MP-22’s design in a number of regards (they could’ve mixed it up by going for a white-Prime-in-armour-type deal, for one thing), although with a few small but seemingly important tweaks to try and top it. I’ve already heard a lot of ‘no buttflap’ chatter for one thing. Anyway, I’m looking forward to this, even if I’m slightly sceptical of it replacing my beloved MP Magnus on the shelf. Time will tell.

 

#10: Dream Star Slingshoot

Who is it? Superion / Aerialbots

Estimated release: March 2022

Another thing some collectors often say they’re bored of is overly slavish cartoon-inspired G1 designs, so it’s hard not to feel like that’s the crowd Dream Star are shooting for with Slingshoot and company! After all, these are most definitely Aerialbots unlike any you’ve seen before, with striking new designs and an aesthetic a world away from traditional G1. I’m absolutely intrigued by this one and simply cannot wait to see more soon!

 

#9: X-Transbots Fast & Fury

Who is it? Runabout & Runamuck

Estimated release: June 2022

If you’re a Generation 1 3PMP collector then you’ll be aware the roster of characters left to be realised is growing increasingly slim. I’m not suggesting there isn’t still ground to cover but at this point, it feels like a genuine thrill whenever any company steps out of the shadow of ‘bots who have already been attempted at least once before, if only because it’s something a bit fresh! So it is with these lads from XTB, the first take on a Masterpiece-styled pair of Battlechargers. I can’t wait to see how these come to life and how they’ll fill out my Decepticon ranks.

 

#8: Moon Studio Radiatron

Who is it? Raiden / Trainbots

Estimated release: March 2022

Unless you’ve been living under an abandoned railway arch of late, you’ll be aware TakaraTomy is finally bringing us the first official Masterpiece combiner – Raiden! Still, that hasn’t been enough to deter Moon Studio from cracking on with their own take on the character, pumping out tidy-looking Trainbots like they’re going out of style. We’re two releases into this set although the other four are set to arrive soon – let’s hope they’re more on time than most trains, eh?

 

#7: X-Transbots Fioravanti, Yaguchi & Maedas

Who is it? Omnibots

Estimated release: June 2022

The Omnibots are one of the best little-known corners of G1, with three exceptional vintage toys all boasting stunning vehicle forms as well as rather peculiar attack modes. They’ve yet to be brought up-to-date in either the Masterpiece or Generations lines so far, leaving them as a real curio of modern collecting. Maybe that’s why XTB’s set is looking so impressive but whatever the case, I simply cannot wait to check them out, along with the many, many recolours already teased.

 
 
So that’s part 2! Be sure to check out part 3 next.

TTFN