I've been looking forward to this figure. Classics Megatron is a darn good update of G1 Megatron, sadly limited in color choices by current toy gun laws. Back when it first came out, I was hoping that there would be a Japanese version in colors closer to G1. Just because I can, I'll be a little more exhaustive in this review. And because I'm a designer and enjoy packaging, I'll note some details about that as well. Megatron comes packaged in robot mode. A picture of the pistol is below him, along with the number D-01. The box is mainly cube-shaped, with the left front corner at an angle. The original G1 Transformers logo runs along that side. The back has what I assume to be the bio and specs. Obviously, I can't read the Japanese text, but the numbers aren't the same as the Classics version. Differences (assuming the stats are in the same order, which may or may not be the case) - Speed, Classics 6, Henkei 4. Endurance, Classics 10, Henkei 8. Courage, Classics 10, Henkei 9. Skill, Classics 7, Henkei 9. All other stats are 10, and are identical on both versions. To get really detailed (since I can, and if you're bored you can always jump ahead ) here are the G1 Megatron stats. ST 10, INT 10, SP 4, END 8, RNK 10, CR 9, FP 10, SK 9. Meaning the Henkei version matches the original stats more closely than the classics version. One side of the box has a three step depiction of Megatron transforming, and the other side advertises Optimus, Bumblebee, Grimlock (lots of chrome!), Mirage and Starscream. And despite my earlier lack of interest in most of the Henkei line due to similarity with Classics, I have to admit that Starscream and Mirage both look quite good. I may be buying more than just Megatron. Onwards and upwards. Time to actually open the box. One thing I like about the few Japanese figures I've purchased is that the packaging is generally devoid of twisty ties. There's an inner and outer plastic case that holds Megatron in place, meaning he's easy to remove, and will be easy to store in the packaging, which appeals to me as a collector. Cut a little tape, and he's out. The colors are definately much more Megatron than the Classics version. The base color is a warm grey, with lots of black, and some red trim. The Decepticon symbol on the cannon is chromed purple. The "hatch" on the chest that opens to hide the head is also chromed, and the 'con symbol is darker than the one on the cannon. The mold itself is probably identical to the Classics version, and shares the primary weakness of that mold in that it's back heavy. Balancing Megatron is a little tricky, but not too difficult. There are a couple of ways to review this figure. One is to compare it to Classics Megatron. But since both are a remake of the original, I took that one out for comparison as well. Now there's no doubt the "fusion blaster" nerf gun isn't as cool as the real-world Walther P-38. But having Megatron turn into a gun of any sort for the first time since the original is great in my book, even if it is a fantasy pistol. The purple and green of the classics version work fairly well together in my opinion, in a garish, non-Megatron sort of way. Henkei Megatron looks worlds better. The gun is mainly a metallic silver, with black handles and scope and red trim. No orange safety caps here. The Henkei color scheme is a reasonable attempt to mimic the original, at least as much as it can be mapped onto a totally different mold and transformation style. Classics and Henkei Megatron both owe a lot of their appearance to the cartoon/comic Megatron as much or more than the original toy. I paid $39.00 plus 8 shipping for Henkei, so around $47.00 for a $20.00 figure. It's a bit steep, but worth it to get the much better color scheme. It's too bad we couldn't have gotten this color scheme domestically, but at least it was released somewhere. Overall, if you're willing to splurge a bit, and like Classics Megatron, Henkei Megatron is worth the extra money. If you're a G1 fan, but don't like Classics Megatron color scheme, you might still like the Japanese version. If you just don't like the mold, don't bother, because that's identical. No remolding that I can find. It's a good Transformer (if a bit of a shell-former), a good homage, and the more accurate color scheme really is an improvement.
I must admit, you're selling me on this one too. Maybe if I see one at TFCon or Auto Assembly for a good price I'll get one. It's not just the silver, it's the black and the red too. The whole deco and the extra details really appeal to me.
Yeah, this guys is awesome. Everyone who desires an updated gun Megatron should get this version hands down (though, I do understand the limitations that Hasbro has on releasing toy guns and such... just sayin' that this is more likely to make the gun-nuts happy).
Damn, these (nice) photos are really to the advantage of Henkei Megs, I'm really tempted to replace my Hasbro's one now Maybe if I find it for cheap I'll bite.
Had you already reviewed Megatron? I did a search for a thread but couldn't find one, or I wouldn't have started a new one. I plan to keep both of mine. No replacements.
i find henkei megs okay-ish. hes an improvement from his classics version, but not as good a jump as classic to henkei astro. but at least you get a mini comic.
Astrotrain does look good, I have to admit. But the Classics version looks good too, so I'm not as tempted to get the Henkei version. Megatron was a must though.
I feel pretty much the same way. (got both versions at this point). Henkei looks way more geewun, which is a really important thing to be made available for those that waqnt that, but I find the Classics version equally, and in some aspects more striking in its own way. It still looks like G1 Megatron to me, just in a different way. I will say Henkei looks cooler in gun mode to me, with all that silver paint on the shell cover.
for me its because one way or the other, classic/henkei megs still looks like a toy gun. meanwhile, while classic astro has more realistic colors, the darker colors of henkei bring out the mold details better. its always been a prob for white color plastic, the luminosity of the white plastic washes out the detail. but i digress. this is not to say henkei megs isnt a good purchase. but it gives consideration in a situation where you have to choose either one, which is hopefully not the case. i recommend both, but i wouldnt recommend henkei megs higher than henkei astro.
I got my Henkei Megs on Friday, and I've been playing with him nonstop... while I was not at ALL attracted to MegaNerf, I'm LOVING this mold. It looks like a cool, futuristic gun, AND a really solid bot...this is what he should have looked like to begin with -- damned safety laws! Anyways, a little tip I'd like to pass on: If any part of the silver "Wings" get scratched up for any reason (mine arrived with a few worn edges from the packaging) touch them up using one of the metallic silver sharpies. It matches flawlessly!
Well, I saw Henkei Megatron for cheap, so I got him. While he's not my favorite Megatron (Animated Leader Megs gets that title, probably for all time), he's definately a fantastic figure, and a rather faithful update of the G1 Megatron character. He looks great with the Classics characters, and just screams G1 Megatron. There's really not much else to say, he's a fun figure, and looks great in any display, and fun to play with as well. The chromed Decepticon emblem on the cannon/sight really shines for me.
He's a pretty cool figure. I did a video review of him recently: YouTube - Transformers Henkei Megatron Review
don't know, i don't think he's any better then classics, but i do agree he is a good figure, how ever, the flat gray on it, kind'a looks bland, would of been nice if they had had matched it with the rest of the toy too, so it doesn't look as out of place. i may still get one though, but not for a while, since i already have this toy, just the classics version.
i saw pics of henkei and classics megs..the classics one is full of purple...thats just not a megatron-like color.. lol the henkei one looks much better...im getting it next week oh, and which megs is on the left..in ur 3 figure comparison?
