COUNTDOWN: 8 Megatron repaints for the upcoming SS86 figure!

Did you know, there’s a new Megatron figure on the way?

I only ask because the internet has been extraordinarily quiet about it, so I thought it might have slipped by you. In any case, a Studio Series SS86 offering of the Decepticon leader is soon to be a thing, with pre-orders now live! Oh, and it’s fair to say it looks pretty compelling.

Yet, being the rabid robot collectors we are, our brains are already turning towards the repaint potential involved. Just what other weird & wonderful colour schemes might we see such a toy released in? Today, here are eight possibilities, all of which have some precedent – although we’ve tried to keep it to examples that would retain the toy as the character of Megatron (instead of retooling it into someone else). Let’s get to it!

#8: Generation 2

With the upcoming figure’s new tank mode (and no, we’re not getting into that debate today!), many have naturally suggested the classic ’90s green and purple overhaul as a potential repaint down the line, and why not, eh? True, it wouldn’t be 1:1 in terms of the silhouette, as the vintage toy wore its vehicle kibble loud and proud in humanoid form, but it could still be a tempting prospect all the same. Given this idea has already surfaced on a 2020 Generations Selects overhaul of the Earthrise design, it doesn’t seem all that unlikely.

#7: Black Megatron

This concept actually stretches its roots all the way back to before Transformers was even a thing, as the classic Micro Change release of the toy that would become Megatron was offered in two alternate colour schemes: the now iconic shiny silver and a rather sultry black. It’s been referenced in various ways since, though rarely replicating the vintage pre-TF colour scheme exactly as it was (the 2001 Collector’s Edition ‘black Megatron’ added a lot more silver to the equation and lost the original’s blue inner legs, and most modern interpretations tend to opt for a more straightforward serving, such as the Super7 Reaction figure shown above). In any case, seeing the SS86 design dressed in dark tones could be a fun notion that pays homage to the character’s history in some manner, too.

#6: G2 Hero

Returning to Generation 2 for a moment, another option could be to recreate the 1994 Hero release, which retained the same basic shape as the much larger toy and incorporated a new air-powered missile launcher gimmick. Again, this general idea was visited for Generations Selects and the Earthrise mould, except that release was a homage to the unreleased green camo “Combat Hero” repaint, as opposed to the original’s purple and blue vibe. This toy was also released in Europe under the name Archforce, without the painfully ’90s “MEGATRON RULES” graffiti on its chest. Bonus points to a potential SS86 repaint if they can incorporate that!

#5: Reverse Convoy

Whilst we’re getting creative, what about this natty blue number, which would be another nod towards the classic G2 Hero mould, except in this case, it was a slightly retooled release from the Robot Masters line known as Reverse Convoy. Debuting in 2005, the idea at play is quite simple: Megatron has disguised himself as Optimus Prime (Convoy) to confuse the Autobots, and the classic toy features a double-head swap gimmick to that effect. The fictional element adds considerable complexity to the proceedings, but it’s a fun idea that could be made to work again on an overhauled SS86. Seems unlikely though!

#4: Platinum

We’ve done green, purple, black and blue so far, but what about red? After all, there’s precedent for it, thanks to this rather handsome 2016 Platinum 2-pack affair, which took the fantastic Classics mould and gave it a partly translucent crimson colour to gorgeous effect. There’s no in-depth fictional backstory being referenced here, though – this was a straightforward way of releasing the toy in a vibrant enough palette to suitably skirt the toy gun laws of the time; that it also happened to look fabulous is merely a happy accident. Sure, SS86 Megs is a tank now, but this could still be fun to see brought back, if for no other reason than it’s something a bit different.

#3: Shattered Glass

Shattered Glass is not everyone’s cup of tea, but regardless of how well you vibe with the whole parallel universe conceit, there’s no denying many of the toys look pretty fab all the same. The Megatron design first debuted as a Botcon 2008 exclusive before being revisited for a 2021 Generations toy, the latter of which incorporated a ton of retooling to ape the former’s flight mode. It’s hard to imagine the SS86 design going the same route, but who says it has to? Perhaps keep it as a tank, but incorporate that striking white, blue, red, and black colour scheme nonetheless.

#2: Generation 1 toy

Come on, this one feels like a sure-to-happen idea, no? After all, with the SS86 release being so overtly cartoon-accurate in its robot form, it leaves plenty of potential for a classic toy-styled repaint (or retool) to feel altogether unique, should it happen. Slap on a bit of silver, give it a ‘chest hair’ motif, include a few detailed red sticker embellishments here and there and consider an updated head design; job done. Sure, it won’t have the gun mode of the iconic 1984 toy, but considering how well the modern design hides its tank bits, it could still work.

#1: Marvel

Our final entry may not be the most significant overhaul in terms of colour or design, but boy, does it represent something we’d be absolutely thrilled to finally see happen. After all, though there have been plenty of nods towards a classic comic-styled Megatron over the years (we know what you were doing with that black helmet, Transformers One!), we’ve never had a truly accurate take on the idea in toy form, which feels like an oversight. With the recent revelation of Generations toys inspired by the page, could the notion be revisited soon? One can only dream.

So that’s our list! Which of these would you like to see happen?

TTFN