He is probably one of the most anticipated figures left of the line to come out. There has really been no official word on Hasbro of where or how they will release him, but they say they are trying. Though we do have Takara already coming out with him and preorders are selling quick.

So which one do you get? Me personally? I prefer Takaras version. I also suggest to go for the import of this version just because who knows what will happen on Hasbros end. Look at Arcee already. Good gravy!!!

But let the pics decide which version you like best!

Main differences:

• The faces and "facial hair"
• Tan plastic, main body color are different shades
• The gold paint is more gold on Takara and has more of a greenish tint on Hasbro
• Red versus a peach color, orange red paint apps on arms and body
• Takara has a silver paint job on side tail fins, where the "missiles" hang on
• Black vs Purple CON symbol on chest
• Gold vs Purple CON symbol on side panels by the side wings
• The black plastic on Takara is more flat vs glossy. Takaras black is more like the black on Voyager Grimlocks arms
• Heli-blades are more flat black and have a contrast on the blades vs Hasbros glossy blades

Tail Rotor:
Takara on the left and Hasbro on the right. The tan plastics are of different shade from each other. Also Takaras disc red is, well more red and metallic where Hasbros disc is more of an orange-red. Almost a peach color if you will.
These 2 different colors, the red and peach, follow through each figure as well.




Alt. modes:
Hasbro






Takara






Bot mode:
Hasbro





Takara:




Comparisons:


The blades and contrasts:


The wings:


Color if tan, reds and gold difference:


Black differences on guns, arms, hands and feet:



Well that pretty much sums it up!

 

I want a Blackout. But if he doesn't get released in the US I do not think I can spend $50+ shipped on a voyager barely taller than a deluxe. Thank you for the review!!!

 

I like Hasbro's red much better, as well as the accurate eyes. And on the Takara version , the purple insignia on the side of the helicopter doesn't blend..stands out way too much. To me the only advantage of the Takara one right now is the painted moustache.

Still, I have the Takara one on pre-order..I want this bot bad, one way or another.

 

The only thing I like on the Hasbro version over the Takara version is the show-accurate eyes, but I can paint those myself. The takara version wins out for me.

 

nice pics and comparison.
Blackout appeared on the show for how many seconds?

 

Not many. Maybe, if you stretch, a minute.

 

turn the second left into a right  

 

haha thanks!

 

Looking nice, and similar enough overall that I'd be happy enough with either version. The only strong preference I have is for the beady eyes of the Hasbro version, but that's easy enough to change regardless of which version I get.

 

Wow, I'm really liking the Takara version.

 

Nice pictures as usual, thanks  

Aside from the mustache and chest symbol, I think the Hasbro version stacks up just fine. I like the brighter red on that one, as the overall contrast is better. It's more striking.

How sure are we that the 'stache will remain unpainted if Hasbro ever does release their version?

 

Takara version want.

 

Great pics. I actually like the smaller eyes on the U.S. version but the colors look great on the Japanese version too.

This whole, are they gonna release them or not thing has got me racking my nerves from a mostly anticipation standpoint.

I want these last few TFA figures so bad but am I gonna have to get the Japanese versions in the end or what?

My Animated collection is one of the beefiest of my TF collections and i'm super happy with all of them. Theyr fun to collect.

 

I think I'll save for Universe/Generations but fond wishes to all who want this.

 

Anyone know where can I still preorder the Takara version?

 

I agree, I think the little red pupils give him a lot more personality.

Personally I can wait and see if this guy comes out over here. As far as TFA figures go, I'm more interested in getting me an Arcee and Rodimus.

 

I like them both. I just want one.

 

Hey thanks for these shots...looks awesome. I hope to get a hold of one somehow!