COUNTDOWN: 14 Masterpiece repaints that outclass the originals (part 2)

We’re back for the second part of our look at some of the repaints in the Transformers Masterpiece line that are so good they outclass the original versions of the mould in each case. If you missed part 1, check that out first before continuing below!

 

#7: MP-37 Artfire

MP-33 Inferno was a pretty well-received figure overall. However, it landed smack in the middle of a transition period for the Masterpiece line, falling distinctly more on the slavishly cartoon-accurate side of things than collectors had were used to in prior years. One thing that won over most people was the engineering involved, with that foldaway ladder solution being the kind of black magic one doesn’t usually expect without ritual sacrifice. For my part, I think Inferno is positively stunning, but even then, he’s pipped to the post by the subsequent MP-37 Artfire repaint. As well as the blazing red, you now get some pristine painted white sections and eye-catching translucent blue windows, to say nothing of the gorgeously-detailed tampos all over his body. True, the new colour scheme makes him look like a Brit aboard after getting sunburnt in a tank top but still, he’s quite something.

 

#6: MP-25L Loudpedal

I’ll freely admit I debated including Loudpedal on this list, if only because I love all three versions of the MP-25 Tracks mould so much that honestly, I was reluctant to claim an outright favourite. The thing is, it’s hard to argue with the Diaclone-themed Decepticon not being a worthy victor in that regard, not least because of that brilliantly bonkers paint job. Shiny jet black body, vibrant purple windscreen, popping bright teal face with red eyes, all coupled with highlights of blue, green, red and pink. It should not work, yet it somehow steals the show. What makes it even better is how much of a deep cut this colour scheme proves to be, bringing to life the ultra-rare Finnish-exclusive pre-Transformers toy in glorious detail.

 

#5: MP-38+ Burning Convoy

I’ve little doubt this choice will cause some conversation, if only because this release is all kinds of WTF until you witness how glorious it is firsthand. Yes, it’s Optimus Primal cast almost entirely in translucent red plastic, with gold highlights and a set of lips that makes him look vaguely like Joey Tribbiani doing Japanese advertisement work but trust me, it’s a lot better than it sounds! It’s actually an elegant representation of the character’s brief powered-up form in the Beast Wars II mini-movie, and believe me, it quickly becomes apparent just how beautiful the colour scheme is as soon as you take the toy out of the box, to the point where it wasn’t at all long before he’d overtaken both the original MP-32 Optimus Primal and the MP-38 Legendary Leader version by my estimation. You may just have to trust me on this one, but truthfully, the only thing that could make it better would be an MP Flash Lio Convoy repaint to go alongside him.

 

#4: MP-31 Delta Magnus

What could be nicer than the original Ultra Magnus colour scheme? How about this almost palette-inverted take that flips the script both as a nod to the pre-TF Diaclone line’s Powered Convoy release but also the very earliest promos of the 1986 Transformers movie? That may be the one-and-only time we’ve observed this version of the character in animation but it’s still a thrill to see it brought to life in such stunning toy form. It’s not the first time we’ve seen such a homage, mind, with Takara’s own 2001 ‘movie preview’ reissue of the G1 Magnus toy paving the way, though the MP-31 figure does provide a proper name for it at long last. I’ll always adore regular Magnus, but it’s fair to say that, at least in this case, the Delta variant is a good thing indeed. 

 

#3: MP-18B Bluestreak

How much more do I have to say about blue Bluestreak? Well, quite a bit if you’d indulge me, but I can summarise it like this; MP-18B is the culmination of over thirty years of desire from so many Transformers fans; the ultimate sense of wish fulfilment in toy form. There may never have been a blue Bluestreak back in the day, despite the wealth of rumours, but now at long last, such a thing has come to pass in ultimate G1 style. This figure recreates both modes in captivating detail and even adds the clever touch of using MP-17 Prowl’s head sculpt for the ultimate toyetic twist. Top drawer stuff.

 

#2: MP-9B Black Rodimus

What could be better than one of the all-time classic Transformers character designs decked out in Masterpiece toy form but with a surprising new Decepticon-styled colour scheme? Well, not much, let me tell you, as MP-9B proves to be one of the most eye-searingly attractive toys in the Masterpiece line’s history. I’m well aware of this mould’s checkered history of quality control, and sadly, the black repaint isn’t exactly innocent in that department either. An ‘exploding knees’ feature is one gimmick that no one wanted, yet if you can find a replacement set for a spot of necessary surgery as I have, the cost of entry is more than worth it, as Black Rodimus is incredibly alluring in hand. The grey, the blue, the purple, the teal, the red eyes, the chrome, the black body, which is surprisingly sparkly up close… this is how you do an amazing repaint. I’m only more amazed that it hasn’t become a Transformers staple for Hot Rod re-releases ever since.

 

#1: MP-10 Convoy Mode “Eva”

So, what could top Black Rodimus? Well, come on, you can’t be too surprised, surely! Or perhaps you are because evidently, this Neon Genesis Evangelion-themed MP-10 recolour isn’t to everyone’s tastes, with some proclaiming it ‘gaudy’ or worse. Fortunately, I think that’s nothing but unadulterated pish. Yes, it is a lot to look at, but the resulting mix of colours and insanely premium finish is nothing shy of breathtaking to behold up close. Purple, neon green, orange and red may not sound like it would work on an Optimus Prime design, and yet somehow, MP-10 pulls it off with aplomb, to say nothing of the wonder that is the accompanying trailer. The mould has been through the wringer in terms of repaints since it was first released eleven years ago, and whilst they all have their merit, this is the absolute champion of them all. 

 
 
So, that’s our list! Which Masterpiece repaints are your favourites?

TTFN