New Stock Images for Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-20+ Wheeljack

I'm not a huge fan of this "plus" redeco: I don't like the disappearance of the "Lancia" writing at all.

While it certainly didn't appear in the original cartoon, it's a matter of over simplification: I don't mind my Masterpieces having a little more detail than the average figure, given their cost.

Definitely prefer the original edition, it was already cartoon-accurate; this one is too literal in my opinion. Wheeljack transforms into a specific car, and his pattern was simplified for animation and that works great there. I like that the Masterpiece Autobots look like real-world cars in alt-mode. But overall it's nice, too.




They still haven't fixed the canon arm so it could bend like in the original stock photos...

Lol, they put the car mode pics at the very end in hope that all those robot mode pics seduced you already. Also, nice homage to arms micron wheeljack in car mode.

Cyberpath wrote:

Click to enlarge.

Ha, "loving" the emperor's new clothes. He looks especially naked when compared to a full repro kit.

They still haven't fixed the canon arm so it could bend like in the original stock photos...

Not sure if I follow. Pretty sure he can pull off that pose,, mine has anyway

william-james88 wrote:Lol, they put the car mode pics at the very end in hope that all those robot mode pics seduced you already. Also, nice homage to arms micron wheeljack in car mode.

I was thinking CW, but UW is spot on in the worst way.

carytheone wrote:

They still haven't fixed the canon arm so it could bend like in the original stock photos...

Not sure if I follow. Pretty sure he can pull off that pose,, mine has anyway

Not as much as in the original stock photos, I'm sure. Somewhere between the prototype and final product they cut costs and limited its swing range. I even opened it to see.

Perhaps it's why they didn't tab it all the way into his shoulder in the new stock photos.





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Cyberpath wrote:

carytheone wrote:

They still haven't fixed the canon arm so it could bend like in the original stock photos...

Not sure if I follow. Pretty sure he can pull off that pose,, mine has anyway

Not as much as in the original stock photos, I'm sure. Somewhere between the prototype and final product they cut costs and limited its swing range. I even opened it to see.

Perhaps it's why they didn't tab it all the way into his shoulder in the new stock photos.

Ahhhhh..... so I see. I've never noticed that before. I did noticed that when the cannon was tabbed all the way in, tilting it up un-tabs it a bit. Still seems to pull an acceptable angle though.

Is no one gonna comment on the Ludacris price point for this lesser detailed release than the original it's nearly double!!!

Edit post - okay so most retailers have dropped the price by about 3000 yen, which is still about 1500 yen dearer than the original release but a hell of a lot better than the original asking price for this. A lot more reasonable but still hard to justify.

I couldn't be happier about this. He's the one I've been whining about since they first conceived this "+" line. Absolutely spot on

Ended up ordering one off AmiAmi. The car mode isn't great (even if it is accurate), but it fixed one of my chief complaints about the original, namely all the whit parts stuck to his arms. His arms look a lot better now and overall it's a good looking figure.

I wonder if Hasbro will be releasing this one like they are Prowl?

Emerje

Turn-arounds from Takara's website --






















Comparison --

Emerje wrote:Ended up ordering one off AmiAmi. The car mode isn't great (even if it is accurate), but it fixed one of my chief complaints about the original, namely all the whit parts stuck to his arms. His arms look a lot better now and overall it's a good looking figure.

I wonder if Hasbro will be releasing this one like they are Prowl?

Emerje

He should, we should be getting official confirmation soon.

Straight from Takara Tomy's website we have some brand new shots of MP-20+ Wheeljack!

These accompany the latest stock images from Amazon Japan as we reported here.

Thanks to Seibertron User, Cyberpath, we've been informed of Turn Around shots for this more cartoon accurate deco of masterpiece Wheeljack. The shots allow us a glimpse of the figure at new angles.



















Cyperpath has also put together an image showing a comparison between this MP-20+ and the previous release MP-20 (Taken from Seibertron's own gallery) in both robot mode and car mode.



Let us know what you think of these new photos and if you're still planning on adding this new deco of Wheeljack to your collection in the comments below!

Stay tuned to Seibertron for all the latest news!

It's so greyscale that it could be placed lying next to Masterpiece "Sleep Mode" Optimus Prime. Face down, of course.

I got to say, I do prefer the colours on normal mp 20 but I don't collect based on the toon, so I'm glad that those who do, have an option that works better for them now.

If the interior of the vehicle mode vents are painted as they kinda look to be in those turn-around pics, then that means the vehicle mode isn't nearly as plain-colored as the initial images led us to believe, which is a good thing.

ZeroWolf wrote:Straight from Takara Tomy's website we have some brand new shots of MP-20+ Wheeljack!

Thanks to Seibertron User, Cyberpath, we've been informed of Turn Around...

Great pics. Also, Every Now and then I fall apart....

o.supreme wrote:

ZeroWolf wrote:Straight from Takara Tomy's website we have some brand new shots of MP-20+ Wheeljack!

Thanks to Seibertron User, Cyberpath, we've been informed of Turn Around...

Great pics. Also, Every Now and then I fall apart....

I fucking need you more than ever!

william-james88 wrote:

o.supreme wrote:

ZeroWolf wrote:Straight from Takara Tomy's website we have some brand new shots of MP-20+ Wheeljack!

Thanks to Seibertron User, Cyberpath, we've been informed of Turn Around...

Great pics. Also, Every Now and then I fall apart....

I **** need you more than ever!

Well I think it looks better than the original, especially the blue windshields...

Hasbro confirmed to Seibertron that the days of waiting for the Hasbro release of a Masterpiece figure is over. From here on out there is no more waiting, and anyone can get the same Masterpiece figure in the US on the same day as Takara is releasing theirs in Japan. Toysrus used to be the distributor of such Masterpiece figures, and now Entertainment Earth has stepped in to take that duty which we saw with Masterpiece Beast Wars Megatron and which we again with the latest release, MP 20+ Wheeljack Cartoon Version.

While it is not stated to be an exclusive to them, it is the only retailer offering the Hasbro release at the moment rather than importing the product from Japan. The toys will be the same, but the Hasbro release is said to have an extra sleeve on the box for English writing. This makes it the very first time Hasbro releases this mold. The price is $79.99 with free shipping and there are wholesaler discounts. The figure is being released in February 2019.

Here are additional descriptions from the listing:

Transformers Masterpiece Edition Wheeljack is back! The Autobot mad scientist comes complete with another one of his crazy inventions. With cartoon-specific detailing, Wheeljack looks just like he did in the cartoons from 1984 in his blue windows and colorful finish. Transforms from Lancia Stratos Turbo to robot and back again. Includes shoulder cannon and additional accessories. It's great for Generation One fans!

It'll be about $12+ less to import it.

However, it's a great for those that need this option, it's basically the same as the Japanese taxed price (about $83).

Emerje

Emerje wrote:It'll be about $12+ less to import it.

However, it's a great for those that need this option, it's basically the same as the Japanese taxed price (about $83).

Emerje

How can it cost about the same, and yet be $12 more expensive than importing (with associated costs)?

Emerje wrote:It'll be about $12+ less to import it.

However, it's a great for those that need this option, it's basically the same as the Japanese taxed price (about $83).

Emerje

I really wonder, who needs this option? Then again, lots of people order from BBTS and this is 5$ cheaper

Qwan wrote:

Emerje wrote:It'll be about $12+ less to import it.

However, it's a great for those that need this option, it's basically the same as the Japanese taxed price (about $83).

Emerje

How can it cost about the same, and yet be $12 more expensive than importing (with associated costs)?

Full MSRP plus tax is 9,180 JPY ($83) making $79.99 reasonably close to the Japanese price. But after the usual discounts from exporters (AmiAmi, HLJ, et al) it's closer 6,500 JPY (give or take) plus 800 JPY to 1,000 JPY for SAL shipping bringing it to around $68~ total or around $12 less than Hasbro's price.

Will, there's a lot of people that simply don't trust or feel comportable importing themselves and would rather use a domestic online shop.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

Qwan wrote:

Emerje wrote:It'll be about $12+ less to import it.

However, it's a great for those that need this option, it's basically the same as the Japanese taxed price (about $83).

Emerje

How can it cost about the same, and yet be $12 more expensive than importing (with associated costs)?

Full MSRP plus tax is 9,180 JPY ($83) making $79.99 reasonably close to the Japanese price. But after the usual discounts from exporters (AmiAmi, HLJ, et al) it's closer 6,500 JPY (give or take) plus 800 JPY to 1,000 JPY for SAL shipping bringing it to around $68~ total or around $12 less than Hasbro's price.

Emerje

Ahh, I gotcha! Thanks for the explanation

Just an FYI, most retailers in Japan also have that discount, Amazon Japan as well. I have only ever seen that Japanese MSRP ever followed at takara tomy mall.

As for the preference of a domestic online retailer, i never really understood it myself since i figured anyone able to order online could do it anywhere, so why not choose the cheaper option.

william-james88 wrote:Just an FYI, most retailers in Japan also have that discount, Amazon Japan as well. I have only ever seen that Japanese MSRP ever followed at takara tomy mall.

No doubt, though given enough time I think we'll see the domestic price come down as well. Other stores are also carrying EE's exclusives, but for a flat $5 more (except for MP-43 Megatron which is the same price) on each one so there's room for sales and discounts later on. Either Hasbro is giving the best prices to EE or the other stores are getting theirs from elsewhere (Asia?).

As for the preference of a domestic online retailer, i never really understood it myself since i figured anyone able to order online could do it anywhere, so why not choose the cheaper option.

Me either, but we've both seen long time fans ask advice on ordering from Japan for the first time or choosing to buy from domestic shops over lower priced Japanese exporters. I think there's a belief that it's expensive to ship from Japan, but we know that doesn't have to be the case. Heck, sometimes the shipping from Japan is cheaper than what I can ship any package for within my own country.

Emerje

I just pre-ordered this from Amazon Japan the other day. If Amazon US picks it up then I'll go with them, but right now after shipping I doubt EE will be that much better.

I thought people may choose to get it domestically to avoid the hassle of knowing if they have to pay extra taxes or fees. In the UK we have to pay VAT on imports over a certain price (we can ask for it to be marked 'gift' or the seller will do that but it's a game of roulette as to whether you'll get caught and have to pay the taxes). Buying from a domestic supplier will mean that they will have sorted that out already and just added to the local price but I don't have to worry those things.

Well that's certainly a benefit of being American. No customs, no taxes, and no added fees. Some states expect a use-tax for online and out of state purchases, but it's done on an honor system. What we pay is our total, no surprises when they arrive.

Emerje

carytheone wrote:

Cyberpath wrote:

carytheone wrote:

They still haven't fixed the canon arm so it could bend like in the original stock photos...

Not sure if I follow. Pretty sure he can pull off that pose,, mine has anyway

Not as much as in the original stock photos, I'm sure. Somewhere between the prototype and final product they cut costs and limited its swing range. I even opened it to see.

Perhaps it's why they didn't tab it all the way into his shoulder in the new stock photos.

Ahhhhh..... so I see. I've never noticed that before. I did noticed that when the cannon was tabbed all the way in, tilting it up un-tabs it a bit. Still seems to pull an acceptable angle though.

Not enough.



It would have improved the flying poses, too.



Oh well. If I had a copy of the cannon I think I could tweak it, but otherwise I don't want to mess with it.

MP-20+ pre-orders --

WJ looks so nekid!

It's his Alitalia endorsements that make the the Lancia Stratos shine even more (just look at Sega Rally)similar to how Martini makes the Porsche 935 turbo iconic.

From Phamduc (says it's a pre-release copy) --

In-hand pix of MP-20+ --




That windshield is.. very blue.

I had completely forgotten about this. Got my payment notice the other day from HLJ. Sadly, I haven't decided if I'm gonna ship him solo, or leave him in warehouse for another purchase.

Ironhidensh wrote:I had completely forgotten about this. Got my payment notice the other day from HLJ. Sadly, I haven't decided if I'm gonna ship him solo, or leave him in warehouse for another purchase.

Guess it goes to show how uninterested people are in this.

My advice is to wait till you get something else from there. That way you can get combined shipping for both. Waiting a little can save you a few bucks I guess

I paid for mine today from Amazon Japan, with a 300 yen credit I got this for around $58. I can't wait.

Thanks to blogger higekumatoytoy, we now have an extensive gallery of Masterpiece 20+ “anime” Wheeljack, complete with a hefty slice of comparison shots with the original MP-20 “realistic” deco and a group shot of MP20+ with MP12+ and MP17+. The over all effect is much tidier in robot mode, but the lack of detailing might deter some fans. We have mirrored some images below, but the full gallery can be found via this link.









Have you already pre-ordered yet (or better still – has it arrived?), is the anime look simply too minimalistic for a double dip? Let us know your thoughts here on the Energon Pub at Seibertron.com.

I really prefer the detail and color pallet of the original MP-20. This one just feels so bare. This gallery makes me wish I had picked up the first one when it was readily available. I encountered the same thing with Sideswipe. By the time I realized I wanted him, there was only the low res Sunbow version on the market.

The lack of detail is pretty jarring in the vehicle mode, but I really like how clean he looks in robot mode. If I were going to pick him up (which I still might), I think I'd prefer this version.

+1 for greatly preferring the original. In addition to preferring the greater detail, I greatly prefer silver and clear on the head and wings to grey and slightly different grey.

Yet another showing that (IMO) proves that the mix of cartoon and detail is far, far superior to this anime accurate only guff. They really are saving me a lot on money these days.

At least its a very different deco than the original, making its existence more worthhile (compared to sideswipe's).

It's very different but solely because they took so much away!

Eek. That's nasty. Even aside from the heresy that is stripping away the car decals, replacing the metallics with flat greys just looks so bad. It's a classic case of cartoon literalism gone too far.

There's no way I would make this a habit, but I might buy this as a curiosity. I don't like most of these "cartoon-accurate deco" figures, but my love of all things Wheeljack might sway me this time. It'd have to be on sale or at some kind of discount, though, because I'd never pay more for this than I did for the original. I mean, what takes more effort, designing and lining up all those stripes and sponsor logos or doing "mostly white with a few color accents?"

Glarryg

I’ve always been confused why people call these the ‘anime’ version. For the sticklers isn’t Sunbow based in the US??

For the record, the blogger is Alfes2010, Higekumatoytoy is merely the URL for the blog.

GrangerPerry wrote:I’ve always been confused why people call these the ‘anime’ version. For the sticklers isn’t Sunbow based in the US??

The animation work was outsourced to several studios in Japan and Korea (common practice too). For Transformers, Toei and AKOM are the two best known (though the latter is more notorious for its errors). Also, in Japan any animated cartoon is called "anime", be it domestic or imported. We just narrowed down the definition

It's funny... as much as I think I prefer the toy accurate version (or some kind of nice hybrid)... You put those together in a group shot and it just FEELS right. I don't mind double dipping. Looks good.

Of course, best case is when Takara can fudge both out of the same toy with some parts and head/face swapping (ala Grapple and Inferno)

All things considered, the animation "+" shelf is getting pretty filled out. Now if we can just get them to stop doing repaints and full-blown character reduxes long enough to crank out Trailbreaker, Hound, Mirage, Jazz and Cliffjumper I'll be a happy man. (Okay, yeah, and Skids, Hoist, Huffer, Windcharger, Gears, Brawn, Reflector, Hotlink...)