Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Toy Review: Transformers Masterpiece MP-36 Megatron


Review:  #375
Name:  Megatron
Brand:  Transformers
Allegiance:  Decepticon
Line:  Masterpiece
Year of Release:  2017
Size Class:  Masterpiece (MP-36)
Mold Status:  new

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS:


Ever since the second version of MP Optimus Prime was released, fans have been awaiting the updated version of Megatron, and finally, 15 numbered released later, we have Masterpiece MP-36 Megatron.


He comes in a very nice black box that's standard for the Masterpiece line, and this is one of the biggest boxes in the line yet, which is fitting for the Decepticon leader.


Inside, in addition to the figure, you'll find a bunch of accessories, of which it will be covered later.  As a list, you get:  three additional faces, stock, silencer, Key to Vector Sigma, headgear, laser dagger, energy mace, a damaged chestplate and a blaster.


You'll also get a card showcasing artwork on one side and tech specs on the other.


Finally, there is the instructions booklet, which is a proper booklet this time around, including prototype and design sketches on the back.  All in all, you get plenty of accessories in this package.

GUN MODE:


Being an interpretation of G1 Megatron, he transforms into a gun, an approximation of a Walther P-38 pistol.


While he lacks the chrome of MP-5, all the grey is painted and thanks to some die-cast parts, he is hefty in your hands.


He is smaller and more realistic in size to a real gun now, and holding him in your hands is comfortable.


As a byproduct of the complicated transformation, he has a lot of panel lines but that's easily forgiven considering the enormous challenge the design had to overcome in order to create two amazing modes.


The other neat thing is that the trigger works as it is spring loaded.  Due to transformation, he doesn't actually shoot anything.


In terms of size, he is easily bigger and heftier than a standard Deluxe or even a Voyager classed figure.  He compacts a lot in gun mode though so you may be surprised at how it expands so much in robot mode.


The scope slots onto the top via a series of clips and stays very securely there.


The stock slots into the rear of the grip, and the silencer slots tightly into the barrel.  The end result is a bigger and more impressive looking gun.


It looks really nice although if you have a clear display stand to prop it up, it makes Megatron look even more impressive.


Unfortunately, due to the barrel being painted, and the scope being a tight fit, there will be minor paint wear near the tip.  It's not too bad as long as you be gentle but just take note it won't be as pristine anymore.


An impressive gun mode, made all the more better when you realize that it did not compromise the robot mode at all.

TRANSFORMATION:

To be expected, Megatron has a complicated transformation, but the instructions are clear and there's nothing too tricky.  It will be confusing the first time around since there are a lot of small pieces that need to be manipulated to achieve the looks of both modes.  Pretty much everything about the transformation is impressive, from how the grip forms the legs, to the arms from the sides of the gun, to how the chest and head is cleverly hidden.  Perhaps even more impressive is how despite so many pieces, Megatron never once felt flimsy during transformation.  The only scary thing here is how tightly the hips are the first time around, as you need proper leverage and force in order to pull the hips apart.

ROBOT MODE:


One of the focuses in this second rendition of Masterpiece Megatron is a robot mode that's accurate to the G1 cartoon, which meant a bulkier robot.  The designer has succeeded and Megatron looks like he has just stepped out from your TV screen into real life.


Interestingly, despite all the panel lines in gun mode, and the explosion of parts during transformation, the robot mode is very clean.  Sure, the back is gappy but this is nothing and does not detract from the figure at all.


The default head is a grimace and the eyes are painted a shiny metallic red, which looks very nice.


Of course, here are a slew of comparisons with other figures.  First off is against MP-10 Optimus (Hasbro version featured above).  Megatron is slightly taller.


Now a comparison against MP-13 Soundwave (Hasbro version featured above) and MP-29 Shockwave.  Megatron is taller than both.


And lastly, is a comparison against Generations Combiner Wars Megatron (Leader), just for a reference against a "standard" figure.


Megatron has his fusion cannon on his right arm.  If you have some batteries, there are actually some light effects.


Once again, all the grey is painted on, which makes it all the more important to be careful during transformation since parts will rub against each other.


His feet are die-cast which helps stabilize the figure in a lot of poses, the ratcheted ankles help.


There are a variety of gimmicks thanks to his numerous accessories.  First off, his head can be swapped, and if you take off the head, you're treated to sculpting underneath that replicates the x-ray sequence in the original film.


The first alternate face Megatron has is an open mouthed angry/shouting face.


This face is perfect for firing poses.


The second alternate face is a smiling/gleeful face.


This face is perfect for poses showcasing the cruel and sadistic nature of Megatron.


Finally, there is his damaged face and battle-damaged chestplate, based from the original movie.


Swapping the chestplate is easy since it slots up and down into place, and even with only two pieces swapped out, it completely changes the look of the figure.


In terms of weapons, naturally he has his fusion cannon, but he also comes with a blaster.


Like with most Masterpiece figures, the handles of the weapon has pegs which correspond to slots in Megatron's hands, and it's actually easier to slot in than a lot of the other figures.


You can also take the clear effect part from the laser dagger to create a shooting effect for the blaster, which is a neat use of the piece.


The blaster is also a nice piece to compliment the battle-damaged look.


Next weapon is the energy mace, which is cast in purple clear plastic but doesn't feel fragile, thankfully.


A slight annoyance is that you need to detach one of Megatron's hands in order to then slot the mace in its place instead.  Would have preferred the hand rotate back into the forearm and the mace's handle attaching to a peg there.


The chain means that you can't have poses where Megatron is in mid-swing.


However, that problem is solved when you swap out the chain for an articulated piece with three joints.


You can have an epic looking clash of Megatron vs Optimus.


Then you have the mind-control headgear.


The headgear easily slots onto Megatron's head.


It is a bit of a superficial accessory since it's probably something you'll try once and then pack it away, never to be used again.


The same goes for the Key to Vector Sigma as something that you'll use once and then never again.


Megatron can hold it in his hand, the Key is made of die-cast plastic.  Megatron's hands are also very well articulated, with separate joints for the index finger, thumb, and the rest of the fingers as one piece.


Finally, there is the laser dagger, which comprises of two pieces, the handle and the blade itself which is transparent purple plastic.


He can hold the dagger in either hand.  The hands have wrist articulation as well as some up/down movement thanks to transformation.


But wait!  There's more!  If you thought the stock and silencer were useless in this mode, then never fear as there are various uses for it.  The first is that you can combine the scope and silencer into a "telescopic laser cannon", which actually is similar to AOE Lockdown's head cannon (but Megatron's came first).


You can rearrange the stock to become a stand, which is pretty awesome and a practical use for the piece.


Via a series of joints for the stand, you can have Megatron in a flying pose too.  The stand attaches via a peg and also a grip onto Megatron's crotch, and it is very tight to attach and detach.


Lastly, and this is one of the best use of the pieces, you combine the stock, scope and silencer into Megatron's "particle beam cannon".


It comes complete with two handles for Megatron to hold onto when he uses it.


As mentioned, Megatron holds together well in robot mode, and does not feel at all fragile.  Even when posing him, pieces don't detach.


All of Megatron's major joints are ratchets so he can hold most dynamic poses.  His footprint is large and since he is effectively kibble-less, nothing gets in the way of his limbs.


An impressive robot mode since it replicates the bulky look perfectly, with does not feel hollow or gappy at all.  The excellent articulation and various gimmicks make Megatron a fun figure to fiddle with.

OVERALL:


MP-36 Megatron is one of the most impressive feats of engineering yet for the Transformers line.  From a realistic gun to a well proportioned and unhampered robot mode, this version of Megatron is truly a Masterpiece and the best rendition of the character yet.  Megatron is definitely one not to be missed.

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For other Transformers reviews, have a look at this page.

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And here are the rest of the photos taken for the review, but not used.










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