COUNTDOWN: More Collaborative Ideas for Transformers x M.A.S.K.

Just recently, I was speculating about one of the many ways Hasbro could bring back M.A.S.K. for a modern-day revival.

After all, with the current G.I. Joe x Transformers collaborative line paving the way, why couldn’t a similar approach be taken for another popular ’80s brand? Sure, M.A.S.K. may have all but disappeared from sight since its heyday, whereas Joe remains a popular and profitable prospect today, but otherwise, the building blocks are there!

Ok Hasbro here it is

MASK x Transformers Collaborative 5 point plan

1. 1:24 scale same as originals

2. As close as poss in vehicle mode so they practically slot in next to vintage line

3. Reissues of the original pilots

4. Rhino turns into Optimus Prime

5. Print money https://t.co/oUwB5buA0b

— Sixo (@SixoTF) March 6, 2024

This is a brand that Hasbro currently owns thanks to their acquisition of Kenner (via parent company Tonka) back in 1991. Just imagine a similar concept to the current Joe x Transformers collab line-up, with 1:24 scaled vehicles accurately depicting the original M.A.S.K. toys quite seamlessly, including reissues of the pilot minifigures, except this time they turn into your favourite giant alien robots. What’s not to love about the idea?

We’ve already pitched 6 of these ideas, but now here are 8 more potential M.A.S.K. crossovers, including which Transformers characters they could turn into. And yes, this is pure pie-in-the-sky stuff!

All M.A.S.K. toy photos are c/o Transformerland.com and all Transformers artwork is c/o Botchthecrab

#8: Condor

As the smallest release from the first year of M.A.S.K. back in 1985, it’s no surprise that Condor was also one of the most ubiquitous! Everyone knew someone on the playground who had one, and given it was just about the right size to be stuffed in a pocket, they were typically pretty well-loved, too! So any kind of revival wouldn’t feel complete without Condor, and, when you consider the lime green colour alongside the dual mode land-based vehicle and helicopter design, there is surely only one Autobot who could suitably take on the identity. He may have better things to do, but Springer is a shoo-in for this one.

#7: Meteor

Admit it. You took one look at the vehicle above, and instantly, your brain went in the same direction as mine, right? After all, a sleek white jet sporting super-stripey detail certainly seems like a perfect partnership with Air Guardian Jetfire, especially as Meteor boasts the right size and presence to do this legendary Transformers toy justice! Besides, there were precious few M.A.S.K. vehicles which took to the skies outside of their secondary ‘hidden’ modes, and with Jetfire being the rare early-doors flying Autobot of the robots in disguise world, it all seems pretty appropriate.

#6: Piranha

There’s an obvious temptation to make these match-ups based on colour, and whilst, yes, I freely admit that inspiration for this particular example first struck based on both parties being purple (and evil), when I got to thinking about it, the more it seemed to work! Sure, I initially considered throwing in series three’s Manta as an alternate form for the logic-loving Shockwave (if only because he was a car during Binaltech, and I kinda liked that!). Really, though, Pirahna is much more well-known as one of C.O.B.R.A.’s villainous vehicles, and there’s something about the curved lines and translucent purple windshields that makes this one work.

#5: Goliath

A classic third-year toy with one of the largest footprints of its contemporaries and a car-transporter vehicle form prominently featuring the colour blue? Yes, I’m describing both Goliath and Ultra Magnus, of course, although those are just some of the many reasons this mash-up feels surprisingly perfect the more you stop to think about it! Besides, the G1 Magnus mould was also partnered with an F1 car during its Diaclone days (that being the pre-Transformers red Mirage), so perhaps there’s even a way to incorporate such a nod in this pairing!

#4: Slingshot

Another series two entry here, and although Slingshot may not be in any way an ambulance (or medically-themed at all!), there’s still something about the design of the toy that can’t help but give me serious Ratchet vibes! Sure, the colour scheme once more serves as the primary inspiration, but the windshield design and body shape feel mostly on point in the bargain. Besides, the whole thing splits in half with the sides folding down to reveal hidden pop-out armament within – and yes, I’m talking about both of them again.

#3: Jackhammer

Full disclosure: I originally conceived Soundwave as being a decent fit for Switchblade (especially given that, you guessed it, they’re both blue!). Yet after realising how perfect the primary C.O.B.R.A. vehicle was for Decepticon big bad, Megatron, it was time to look elsewhere for his iconic communications-themed henchman. Jackhammer may not be the most obvious place to land, but consider that Soundwave has had similarly styled ground vehicle forms more than a few times before (most notably, the current Reactivate depiction feels in step here). Also, the various panel-folding pop-out features on Jackhammer could be modified to take account of the classic cassette partner gimmick without too much of a stretch of the imagination. And hey, if the C.O.B.R.A. vehicle not being blue is a sticking point… just make it Soundblaster, I guess!

#2: Stiletto

Despite hailing from M.A.S.K.’s somewhat divisive fourth series, Split Seconds, I felt duty-bound to include Sitletto on this list for several reasons. First, it’s a Lamborghini Countach, one of the coolest cars ever (come @ me). Second, it’s a super fun toy that fans of the series remember very fondly! Third, it’s ultra-desirable, with a nice mint and unyellowed vintage specimen being a true gem of the aftermarket. Oh, and fourth, I just recently got one myself!

My M.A.S.K. collection grows again! pic.twitter.com/10d0nBt46h

— Sixo (@SixoTF) March 24, 2024

OK, so I might be showing off just a smidge, but still, there’s no way this thing wouldn’t be a great fit for a Transformers collab line, especially with so many Countach-formers for you to choose from! I suppose the white finish would be an obvious fit for Cordon, but given he’s a relative no-name and such a collab typically requires a touch more star power behind it, the obvious fit is Sideswipe. Dream project? I think so.

#1: Boulder Hill

For our final entry, you knew it would be featured here eventually, right? Yes, every toy line in the ’80s had its one ridiculously massive playset toy (it was the law), and so it was with M.A.S.K. and Boulder Hill. Able to transform from an innocuous service station to a fully-armed defensive bunker, this thing was the envy of many children during its heydey and continues to maintain an almost legendary reputation even now. So, who better to exemplify the good guy’s main base and last line of defence than Metroplex? I have zero idea how this would even happen, and no doubt it’s real pipe dream stuff of the highest order, but admit it, you’re at least a tiny bit curious about it, aren’t you?

So that’s our list! Would you be interested in seeing any of these happen?

TTFN