Transformers: Masterpiece series
Transformers: Masterpiece series is a subline of the Transformers series by Hasbro and Takara. The Masterpiece series consists of redesigned toys of famous characters in the Transformers: Generation 1 toy line. The Masterpiece toys are larger, more detailed, more complex to transform, and more poseable than their original Generation 1 versions, but their appearances have been kept as close to the original cartoon characters as possible.
The Masterpiece toys are usually only released in Japan by Takara, and imported to other countries, such as the United States and Europe. As a result, the packaging and instructions are usually only in Japanese.
Toys
- MP-01: Convoy (Optimus Prime)
- Released in 2003. Includes ion blaster, energon axe, Matrix of Leadership, miniature Megatron in gun mode complete with STOCK, scope, and silencer, and cardboard trailer for his vehicle mode.
- MP-02: Ultra Magnus
- Released in 2004. Redeco of MP-01 Optimus Prime. Includes rifle, energon axe, Matrix of Leadership, miniature Megatron in gun mode complete with stock, scope, and silencer, and cardboard trailer for his vehicle mode.
- MP-03: Starscream
- Released in 2006. Includes arm-mounted guns, decals, detachable missiles, a small figurine of Doctor Arkeville, and a display stand.
- MP-04: Convoy (Optimus Prime)
- Released in 2006. Same as MP-01 figure except this version includes a plastic/die-cast metal trailer for his vehicle mode.
- MP-05: Megatron
- Released in 2007. Includes fusion cannon/gun mode scope, laser pistol, energy sabre, energy mace, and Kremzeek mini figure.
- MP-06: Skywarp
- Released in 2007. Redeco of MP-03 Starscream. Includes arm-mounted removable guns, decals, missile accessories, a small figurine of Doctor Arkeville, and a display stand.
- MP-07: Thundercracker
- Released in 2008. Redeco of MP-03 Starscream. Includes arm-mounted removable guns, decals, missile accessories, a small figurine of Doctor Arkeville, and a display stand.
- MP-08: Grimlock
- Released in 2009. Includes Energo sword, the intelligence-transfer device from The g1 episode "Grimlock's New Brain," and beverage tray from the G1 episode "Madman's Paradise."
Re-releases
The MP-01 Optimus Prime figure was re-released twice in the United States. The first re-release was repainted to show battle damage. Both re-releases also had their smokestacks replaced to conform with United States toy standards.
The MP-03 Starscream figure was re-released as a Wal-Mart exclusive. It was repainted to accurately reflect his appearance in the American cartoon series The Transformers, and the mold was slightly modified. A similar version of this figure was also released by Takara.
Accessory sets
Additional accessories for the Masterpiece figures have been produced by independent companies. TFC Toys has produced a crown and cape for Starscream, based on the character's coronation scene in The Transformers: The Movie. Import produced a Roller component for the MP-04 version of Optimus Prime. JustIToys produced a silencer and stock for Megatron's gun mode. iGear has produced an upgrade kit for Grimlock including a gold crown, a Maccadam's Old Oil House cup, and a miniature Thrust in jet form.