COUNTDOWN: 12 Transformers toys to be excited about in 2024

Before we begin, let’s remember to say ‘Happy New Year’!

Yes, 2024 is now upon us, and it’s going to be a BIG one. As the 40th anniversary of the Transformers brand, you know the powers that be have all kinds of celebratory plans cooking behind the scenes. We’ve already seen some of what’s on the way, of course, but I suspect it’s barely the tip of the iceberg.

That said, let’s look at twelve confirmed and revealed Transformers toys that we’re already well excited for in 2024! No third-party or licensed stuff today, just straight-up HasTak goodness all the way!

#12: Masterpiece MP-44S Optimus Prime

Surprisingly, this is only our third outing of the MP-44 design in what will now be almost half a decade (yes, really!). Still, at least 44S promises to bring us the much-desired vintage toy-styled Masterpiece Optimus Prime so many of us have been hoping for ever since MP-36+ Megatron landed in 2018. In truth, this one has been met with a bit of an underwhelming reception online, not least because many collectors feel it doesn’t push the aesthetic hard enough, opting for optional decals instead of tampos and forgoing a retooled head in favour of a straight-up repaint approach. It’s a shame because it all leaves an inescapable feeling this could have been so much more, yet dare I say, there’s still plenty to be excited for all the same. After all, it’s a great design that definitely deserves another outing and still looks superb with its new silver stripe and popping yellow peepers.

#11: Premium Finish Nemesis Bridge Set

Your anticipation for this release may largely be predicated on whether or not you picked up the original Siege releases (or indeed any of the various repaints) of these three toys when they were first released almost six years ago! Yet there’s no denying an innate appeal in seeing such designs newly decked out with TakaraTomy’s ‘Premium Finish’ flourish, as it’s already proven to bring out the very best in the various examples given the treatment thus far. Besides, plenty of collectors (myself included) skipped these designs the first time around, so now’s a great opportunity to appreciate them in lush new form, all complete in one handy box set and with a new take on the purple Decepticon throne thrown in.

#10: MP-56+ Riggorus

Continuing the tradition of TakaraTomy rigorously (eh? EH?) mining every depth of Diaclone for inspiration, it’s a delight to see such pre-Transformers homages are not dead and done in the Masterpiece line (proving recent examples such as the ludicrously numbered MP-53+B Dia Burnout wasn’t a fluke). Even better, ‘Riggorus’ is sporting some obvious retooling from the original release of the mould, including a newly designed toy-styled noggin and even slapping on a pair of Hoist legs to bring it more in line with the vintage original figure. Besides, ‘Yellow Trailbreaker’ has been a bizarrely underutilised concept in Transformers thus far, so it’s a thrill to see it dusted off here, now with an identity of its own.

#9: MP-58 Hoist

As if being summoned by the mere mention of his name, we also have a high-end take on classic 1985 dadbod dude Hoist coming up shortly, so those legs will definitely be getting a workout in 2024! After many, many unofficial attempts at the character, it looks like TakaraTomy has pumped this one full of their usual creativity to deliver what will hopefully be the definitive version thus far. I can’t deny that my feverish anticipation for it is somewhat tempered purely because of how well-trodden this ground already feels. Still, I fully expect this figure to deliver when in hand, especially as the photos of it look incredible thus far.

#8: Legacy Tigerhawk

Now, for one that has already made it into some hands but remains a firm attraction for the rest of us in ’24! Tigerhawk was no doubt one of the most undercooked bits of the last days of the Mainframe Beast Wars cartoon, but that hasn’t dwindled people’s appreciation for the character or, indeed, the toy design at all, so this modern Legacy overhaul has undoubtedly landed with a fair dose of enthusiasm. Taking the weird and wonderful cues of the original but working in some welcome new ideas and a popping anime-accurate colour scheme, I fully expect this one to be present on a few year-end ‘best of’ lists in twelve months’ time.

#7: G.I. Joe x Transformers Soundwave Dreadnok Thunder Machine

Here’s another toy that’s already dropped in some areas yet remains a key feature of many a 2024 wishlist! Let’s start by acknowledging that not everyone is convinced by the GI Joe x Transformers Collaborative efforts thus far. Still, for many of us, they strike the perfect chord between slavishly recreating the classic Joe vehicles of yesteryear in a way that makes these transformable efforts a bit extra special. It’s the perfect solution for fans of both franchises who don’t necessarily have the space for an additional collection! In any case, Soundwave looks to be loads of fun, bringing the Thunder Machine back to life in fine form and even featuring another spin on the Masterpiece Ravage mould! Personally, I can’t wait for this one and hopefully more of the same besides.

#6: ‘Retro’ Blaster & Soundwave

A classic music-themed double act for this next entry! These two vintage Transformers toys have been re-used more times than most over the years, so there’s a danger we’re veering somewhat into well-worn territory as far G1 reissues go here. Still, given how great they are and the significant makeover involved for their newest outing, there’s plenty to anticipate here. Besides, the current crop of ‘Retro’ G1 reissues has already proven worthwhile, and there’s no doubt both designs look spiffing with their bold and beautiful cartoon-styled presentation! Familiar they may already be, but there’s life in the old dogs yet.

#5: MPG-06 Trainbot Kaen

It’s hard to believe we will soon receive the sixth and final entry in the Masterpiece Gattai Trainbot roster. What began with MPG-01 Shouki in 2022 has been a wild ride for collectors of this line-up, with one hit after another on our journey towards the rail-ready form of their Raiden combined mode. There’s every danger that everyone will overlook Kaen’s individual merits in favour of swiftly smashing the set together as a Big Man, but fortunately, he looks to be rocking plenty of chonky charm to capture your attention and give him the proper time of day.

#4: MP-59 Rhinox

It’s been eight years (what?) since Masterpiece started folding in Beast Wars designs to its line-up, and in all that time, several names have felt enormously conspicuous by their absence. Chief amongst those is ol’ Big Green himself, the Maximals’ most level-headed triple threat, Rhinox, who is finally set to arrive in 2024. To say this one appears to have been worth the wait is an understatement, as it’s the very embodiment of a cartoon-accurate stab at the character and appears decked out with a super-fine finish. Let’s hope this paves the way for Rattrap and more to get the same treatment.

#3: Legacy Magmatron

I was already quite amazed by Legacy Magmatron when he was first unveiled. Then I saw the thing up close and personal with my own eyes at London’s MCM Comic Con last year, and this thing instantly shot right up towards the top of my most anticipated list for 2024. Its sheer size and girth cannot be understated, as it boasts the sort of presence a ridiculous dinosaur turducken nightmare of this kind truly deserves. I’m already a big fan of the classic 1999 toy, but this might give that a serious run for its money (and that’s not a sentiment I express lightly). In any case, I fully expect this one to deliver the goods!

#2: Legacy Tidal Wave

Do I really need to explain why this figure is so exciting? I mean, just *look at it*. It’s a mahoosive hyper-detailed Titan class take on one of the more distinctive and enduring original Transformers designs of early 2000s, bringing the character to life at a scale which feels truly appropriate. Even better, it appears Tidal Wave won’t rely solely on being just ‘A Big Toy’ to win you over, as it’s also crammed full of fun features and what looks to be a detailed finish to boot. Watch out for this one making a sizeable splash before too long!

#1: Missing Link Convoy

There could be no other choice to top this list. Without a single lick of hyperbole, Missing Link Convoy is perhaps the most significant Transformers toy of the last twenty years, arguably picking up a baton of nostalgia that began with 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime and bringing it back full circle. Whether you already know and love the vintage figure is almost immaterial, as there’s plenty here for old and new fans alike. The iconic (and I used the word in the truest sense) design has been overhauled with a wealth of updated articulation and features, but all done in a manner that feels respectful to what came before: a true modern love letter to the earliest days of the franchise. Moreover, this release represents plenty of potential for what could be next, with further recreations of classic ’80s toys no doubt in the offing. Believe the hype.

So that’s our list! Which toys are you most excited about in 2024?

TTFN