Post by mpchi on Feb 20, 2021 3:38:45 GMT -5
Aside Haslab Unicron and a couple high end non-transforming TFs, haven't really bought any MPs or the cheaper Hasbro/Takara mainline for a few years. Due to the recent Unicron release news, it got me looking up what is their latest offerings. Man, am I surprised by this "Studio Series 86" line that is very G1 focused and based on the 1986 animated movie. With Jazz looking really good, and Hot Rod is downright a $30 downscaled but better MP design in a lower quality line. In fact, it has a much nicer proportion, way smaller backpack, and way more streamlined transformation than the MP-28 Hot Rod. While not all the releases are homeruns, there are quite a few that really piqued my interest, and got me came out of semi-retirement from TF collecting. Hasbro/TakaraTomy really stepped up the game, probably being pressured by 3rd party products, to really push their quality to this new level. This Studio Series 86, as well as some of the better entries in "Earthrise" & "Kingdom" series are some of the best G1 styled mainline TFs they've ever made. Worth take a second look, even if you may have gotten tired of buying these cheap TFs for years. I am very impressed by what I've seen.
Light our darkest hour...
Found an image for a comparison with MP-28 Masterpiece Hot Rod. You can see that while Studio Series 86 Hot Rod doesn't have the paint and detail finish, the overall proportion is a lot better. Shoulders sit nicer, head doesn't look small, the chest shape and size a lot more natural with the tapering and not oversized, and everything is very neat and clean. If only TakaraTomy can slightly retool it into an MP, it would be the definitive Hot Rod they have ever made by far. Though re-releasing MP Hot Rod for the 3rd time is less likely (he is no Prime or Starscream LOL), and a KO company might jump on this before you know it, just to make a quick buck.
Light our darkest hour...
Found an image for a comparison with MP-28 Masterpiece Hot Rod. You can see that while Studio Series 86 Hot Rod doesn't have the paint and detail finish, the overall proportion is a lot better. Shoulders sit nicer, head doesn't look small, the chest shape and size a lot more natural with the tapering and not oversized, and everything is very neat and clean. If only TakaraTomy can slightly retool it into an MP, it would be the definitive Hot Rod they have ever made by far. Though re-releasing MP Hot Rod for the 3rd time is less likely (he is no Prime or Starscream LOL), and a KO company might jump on this before you know it, just to make a quick buck.