COUNTDOWN: Transformers Overgear – 5 things to talk about!

The All Japan Model Hobby Show took place last week, and it’s fair to say it was chock full of exciting toy reveals!

Chief amongst those in terms of capturing internet attention, at least for Transformers fans, is undoubtedly a first proper look at the fledgling Overgear line from TakaraTomy, with two new toys unveiled in grey resin prototype form! We still don’t know much about this project, but let’s take a closer look at the details so far.

#5: The character choices seem loosely based on the 2007 movie

One thing we did learn for definite at the hobby show was which characters would be first released as part of Overgear, with the two robots identified as OG-01 Ironhide and OG-02 Blackout! Although the designs shown are exceptionally different, that’s quite clearly a nod in the direction of the 2007 movie, especially in the case of the Decepticon helicopter, which is very definitely inspired by the classic Bayformers design. Ironhide is a little more unusual in that regard, with some other influences potentially thrown in (which we’ll chat through in a moment). Still, it does leave us wondering if this line will continue to return to the movieverse well for character choices, or if it might mix it up a bit in the future.

#4: It’s all about ‘realistic mecha design’

There was plenty of commentary about the aesthetic of these new toys, and rightly so. At a time when so many Transformers designs seem to opt for more unencumbered ‘kibble-free’ humanoid forms, Overgear is very much swinging in a different direction, giving us robots that unapologetically wear their kibble with pride and feature a more ‘old school’ vibe versus the norm. Indeed, TakaraTomy has stated that Overgear is all about ‘realistic mecha design’, harkening back to the idea of real robot lines like Mobile Suit Gundam or Super Dimension Fortress Macross in many ways. They’re robots that genuinely look like they’re formed out of transformed vehicles, and are noticeably less anthropomorphic in their way. It’s a fascinating new direction for Transformers, offering the fresh take many of us have been crying out for!

#3: The colour schemes are unknown so far

With just grey resin prototypes shown off thus far, there’s no indication of what the colour schemes will be for these two new toys just yet, but one can perhaps take a bit of a guess. Assuming the 2007 influence remains strong, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Blackout decked out in a military-style grey of some kind, akin to his big-screen persona. Equally, Ironhide could well be a sultry black to reference his live-action equivalent. However, it’s also possible that TakaraTomy will take a very different route there, considering the varied look of the robot mode in particular.

#2: We also don’t really know how big or complex these toys will be

Photo credit: hobby.dengeki.com

Likewise, one big question on everyone’s lips is just how big the new toys are going to be, and how complex! After all, these are the two main factors that will also determine the price, something many collectors are understandably already quite nervous about. For what it’s worth, whilst Ironhide and Blackout appear to be highly intricate at first glance, I’m not entirely convinced they’re as complicated as they appear. They indeed feature an exceptional amount of moulded detail, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to a significantly higher parts count, and elements such as the hand design put them in mind of a scale akin to a Masterpiece carbot, perhaps. Ultimately, time will tell on this score, but worries that these might end up being majorly expensive top-tier releases may be unfounded.

#1: They’re giving off serious nods to other eras of Transformers

Photo credit: hobby.dengeki.com

OK, as well as the apparent 2007 movie reference, it’s fair to say that plenty of fans have noticed some unmistakable vibes relating to other eras of Transformers besides. For one thing, there’s a distinct G1 Whirl and Roadbuster flavour going on, as many were quick to point out. Equally, some of us have noted the two toys bear more than a passing resemblance to Energon Ironhide (known as Roadbuster in Japan, for what it’s worth) and Bulkhead, especially with the alternate form choices, but also the style of the robot modes in many ways. If they released OG-01 Ironhide in blue and red, then it certainly wouldn’t be too surprising, let’s put it that way! Equally, other fans have cited anything from Armada Cyclonus to Dark of the Moon Skyhammer as potential influences here. Indeed, TakaraTomy may have opted for a blended influence of sorts, leaving us completely intrigued to see more before too long!

So that’s our list! Are you excited about Overgear?

TTFN