COUNTDOWN: 10 wishlist Missing Link candidates

Great things are happening in Transformers right now, especially with Missing Link.

TakaraTomy’s new articulated G1 makeover line is essentially the stuff of collector dreams, delivering poseable versions of childhood favourites and dusting off classic designs that, in some cases, haven’t been used in almost forty years. Does it get much better?

Well, with rumours now swirling as to what might be next on the roster, we can’t help but consider all the many hopes that may soon become reality. So today, we’re ranking them: here are 10 of the toys we’d love to see happen in Missing Link before too long!

#10: Tracks

We could fill this whole list with classic Carbots. Still, even then, there are a few which stand out from the herd as being extra desirable! Tracks is without a doubt one of those, and not just because of that super sleek Corvette alternate mode (though it’s a big part of the draw, admittedly). Firstly, the original toy hasn’t been seen in blue since the days of the Commemorative reissue back in 2003, meaning it’s well overdue for a comeback. Secondly, it’s one of the most unusual designs of its class, packing in a ‘flight’ mode alongside its other features. And third, imagine the repaints this thing could offer, with red, black, and, dare we dream, yellow versions all a must-have.

#9: Shockwave

We should perhaps clarify that this is a pipe-dream list of projects, as in reality, we have no real way of knowing if the Shockwave design can be brought back for another outing of any kind (even in an “enhanced” form). Originally designed and released by ToyCo, the figure was licensed out numerous times, to say nothing of the many knock-offs that followed. Still, the rights have subsequently changed hands in the years since, and it’s not currently clear who exactly owns them, meaning it’s doubtful that TakaraTomy would be able to produce a new design based on this vintage release. A crying shame if that’s the case, because it would be a very welcome project otherwise.

#8: Jazz

Like Tracks, Jazz is one of those classic Carbots that stands out from the crowd, and not just because of how memorable the character was in fiction. The original toy is a thing of absolute beauty, and especially when complete with that glorious racing livery. Again, there have been reissues over the years, most recently Encore in 2008, but none of them has ever quite captured the majesty of the vintage release. For one thing, the face moulding has severely degraded over time, leaving re-releases, such as the 2002 Collection, looking a little strange by comparison. A Missing Link could restore Jazz to his 1980s glory, and throw many welcome repaints into the bargain (yes, we’re talking about the unreleased orange G2 version, and more besides!).

#7: Wheeljack

Some may be surprised to see Wheeljack on the list ahead of the likes of Jazz and Tracks, but there’s a very good reason in this case. Just as with the recently released Sunstreaker, a Missing Link take on the Lanica design would be the first time we’ve seen such a thing since its initial debut. Sure, there was a gold box Classics re-release in 1990, but in terms of actual reissues? Nada. The toy has been lost to time ever since, making it a notable absence in many collections, considering how hard it is to track down a pristine and non-yellowed vintage original. Again, though, there’s plenty of repaint potential with this one, not least of which is a certain Marlboro-themed Diaclone-inspired bad guy version. If only…

#6: Galvatron

Could a Missing Link Galvatron be about to happen? He did at least appear in the recent Generations book comic strip alongside the likes of Ultra Magnus, and if rumours are to be believed, the Autobot City Commander may be on the way soon. Sure, it may be the illustrators getting a bit creative with it all, but still, one can’t help but consider how exciting such a prospect would be, especially since this is one of the most nostalgic toys of the 1980s for many of us. Bonus points if they can recreate the electronic lights and sounds of the original (a rarity in Transformers, at the time), and especially if it can do that weird noise which can only be made by jamming the slider mechanism halfway between the advertised positions and creating the most ear-piercing screech known to humankind.

#5: Grimlock

In truth, the excitement here isn’t just for Grimlock (although yes, there’s plenty of reason to be hyped for the Dinobot commander himself, of course), but the potential for the rest of the team following suit should such a thing come to pass. Just imagine new versions of Slag, Sludge, Snarl and Swoop and tell me that wouldn’t be nothing shy of incredible, eh? After all, these toys have never been re-released since the 1990s, and even the most pristine vintage copies will now be showing their age. Then again, there’s tons of repaint potential to be had here – do we need to mention the G2 tiger stripe deco, for one?

#4: Megatron

It’ll never happen. Except perhaps it might… see, here’s the thing: whilst, yes, there was zero chance of Hasbro (& TakaraTomy) ever dropping a gun mode Megatron in a line like Studio Series (you may disagree with that decision, but it’s just reality – it was *never* going to happen), there’s nothing to really stop TakaraTomy doing precisely that for a Japanese collector-orientated release like Missing Link, given the very different laws and the well-established replica gun domestic hobby market. That’s not to say it *will* happen, but it’s an intriguing prospect either way, and one cannot help but think the powers that be must have considered how to tackle the franchise’s most notorious bad guy when approaching a line like Missing Link to begin with. Time will tell if they pull the trigger.

#3: Hot Rod

This one should need no explanation. The original is already the greatest Transformers toy of all time (facts), so now imagine the greatest Transformers toy of all time but with extra articulation. OK, now imagine explanation. The original is already the greatest Transformers toy of all time (facts!), so now imagine AND a hot pink cartoon-inspired repaint, and you surely have to see why this one needs to become a reality.

#2: Rodimus Prime

Part of me feels strange putting the elder alternative above his turbo-revving young punk persona, but I stand by this choice. While many wrote off the 1986 Rodimus Prime toy upon its release, I have always found it inspires a great deal of enjoyment. For one thing, I genuinely believe it’s the best representation of the futuristic Winnebago mode that we’ve ever seen in toy form, and the robot guise has tons of personality to boot. It’s really let down by one major drawback: a complete absence of joints or articulation in a toy that looks like it should have plenty of it. A Missing Link could therefore be just the ticket to prompt a collective reassessment of Rodimus, not to mention the gateway to many a welcome repaint down the line, too!

#1: Bluestreak

Again, the inspiration for this one should be obvious! In all the many decades of Transformers toys now, it’s criminal that not once – not ONCE! – has any version of the G1 Datsun mould been used to bring blue Bluestreak to life at long last. Back in the early internet days, rumours persisted such a thing might be real somewhere out there, and although we now know that to be not the case, it’s maddening to consider how no subsequent reissue or repaint has ever made it so. Sure, the vintage Diaclone toy exists, but considering the whopping price tag it commands (and how it’s essentially impossible to find one with non-discoloured panels), we can but pray a Missing Link gives us what we’ve all been wanting for the longest time imaginable. Oh, and sure, the other colours would be neat, too.

So that’s our list! What would your top choices be?

TTFN