MP11 Masterpiece Starscream V2 Review

Discussion in 'Transformers Feedback & Reviews' started by Shin Densetsu, Apr 4, 2012.

  1. Shin Densetsu

    Shin Densetsu I WILL DESTROY YOU Content Contributor Veteran

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Posts:
    52,165
    News Credits:
    33
    Trophy Points:
    442
    Likes:
    +52,693
    MP11 Masterpiece Starscream V2 Review
    [​IMG]

    MP11 Masterpiece Starscream V2 Review Part I - Fighter Mode - Introduction & fighter mode
    In 2011 we learned that TakaraTomy would be redoing a notorious Decepticon in the Transformers Masterpiece line, Starscream! The original MP3 Masterpiece Starscream release had a controversial debut. While initially designed by Kobayashi Hironori, it was revised by none other than Kawamori Shoji(of Macross fame). Kawamori himself was no stranger to Transformers as he had worked on the Diaclone line, and some of the Diaclone toys were later repainted for the Transformers line.

    Kawamori's revision of Kobayashi's original design could be seen as drastic to some. The F-15 alt mode adopted CFT(Conformal Fuel Tanks) which hid the robot mode parts, and 2 guns were molded on the front of the CFT's. The resulting look was that of a single seat F-15E Strike Eagle, instead of the F-15C that Kobayashi's original design resembled. Also added were optional Sidewinder missles mounted on rails. While fighter mode was seen as an improvement by some, the revised robot mode was shockingly different. Kobayashi's original design in robot mode resembled Starscream from the G1 cartoon. Kawamori went for another route, using skinnier legs with big chunks of the CFT's now resembling sword scabbards(but without swords).

    MP3 Starscream ended up being rather challenging to stand in robot mode, and the folding hinges near the wings were a source of concern. Breakages were reported on the 1st release and for some of the subsequent repaints. It wasn't at all like MP1 Convoy where quality control all around was superb. With MP3 you had to be more careful when posing and transforming.

    Since the release of MP3 Starscream, fans have often wondered, "why did Takara even let Kawamori change the MP3 design?". The legs were not only limited in mobility, and hard to stand, but the iconic look that Kobayashi interpreted was gone. For some fans, this was rectified with the release of iGear's KO seekers which do away with the "hip kibble" and have the lower half of the CFT's molded as part of the lower leg. However, some fans wanted to see something new, something...official. Something that went beyond just making alterations to a pre-existing mold.

    Enter MP11 Masterpiece Starscream V2. MP11 is likened to a revised version of Kobayashi's original design, without Kawamori's input/revisions. Add in coronation gear, like an articulated cape, and finally mold/paint MP Starscream in more G1-esque colors, and you have MP Starscream V2. To many fans, G1 Starscream was neither white nor green, he was grey. To date, this is the only MP Starscream molded in grey. It may not be completely cartoon accurate, but it's a lot closer to the cartoon than MP3 ever was. The color palette reminds me a lot of the one used on Henkei Starscream.

    One glaring omission is the lack of a display stand. This is disappointing. I suppose the trade-off was the coronation gear. Understandable, but being that each previous MP Starscream release came with a stand, I wish this came with one too.

    The fighter mode is sleeker, since it's based on an F-15C Eagle, and lacks CFT's. The drawback is that the robot mode parts are not hidden from the side.
    [​IMG] l [​IMG] l [​IMG] l [​IMG]

    The legs are not as streamlined with the underside(when viewed from the side) as MP3, but at the same time, MP11 does not look as "fat" as MP3 in fighter mode. MP11's fighter mode looks more toyetic but it doesn't really bother me. The underside doesn't stick out as bad as Classics Starscream and the 1st movie/HFTD leader Starscreams.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    The biggest thing I noticed was the lack of gaps. MP3 and some of the later repaints of it had gaps, especially where the windscreen meets the rest of the canopy, resulting in a crooked nose look. MP11 does not have that problem.

    MP11 has a wealth of panel lines scribed in but there is no weathering, no ink washes applied. It's a shame too, since the toy is predominantly molded in a grey plastic, and without the lines inked in, this just results in an even more toyetic appearance. I've read some comments from members who state that the lack of panel lines enhances the cartoon-based appearance, but to me, it just looks somewhat cheap without inked-in lines. This isn't a dark plastic like that used on Striker Optimus Prime, this is the grey plastic that fans usually complain about seeing on Hasbro releases. Inking in the panel lines brings out a lot of the subtle detail that otherwise wouldn't be seen well. For example, one of the reasons I dug my MP3 Walmart release was because the lines were inked in. Looked so detailed.

    What I did like(and was not expecting), was that the painted blue parts have a metallic finish. These parts include the vertical stabilizers(these stabilizers are molded in grey), forearms, and feet.

    The holo-pilot is a neat change. He will flop around in the cockpit unless you push him forward.
    [​IMG]
    I dig the inclusion of the holo-pilot since it gives fans something different from Dr. Arkeville. Plus, I dug how holo-pilots were used in the 2007 movie. To begin with, I'm a fan of piloted mecha and I dug the concept behind Diaclone, so I would rather have A pilot figure than none.

    The randome is painted grey, however it may be molded in blue. Some paint was scratched off on mine and I did see a darker color underneath. The radar within is painted in a nice metallic silver.
    [​IMG]

    The outer engine intakes can be positioned up or down:
    [​IMG] l [​IMG]
    Oddly enough, a port for the cannon on the F-15C is not molded on the wingroot of MP11.

    The airbrake is the same as on MP3, still has a chrome piston:
    [​IMG]

    Unfortunately, the only weapons MP11 comes with aside from the chest missles, are null-rays.
    [​IMG]
    While I definitely like the hinge system which enables them to stay on during transformation to either mode, I wish there were swappable, optional weapons. Something akin to what the original G1 Starscream had would be cool, like swappable bombs/missles.

    The engine covers can still be lifted to reveal the PW F100 engine details(actually opening the engine covers is necessary for transformation, as these engine parts are more than meets the eyes!):
    [​IMG]
    The ball jointed engine nozzles don't have as much range of motion as MP3's engine nozzles. Not a big deal but it is something I noticed when handling it.

    The landing gear are the same as on MP3, however the nose gear seems to move tighter, and the landing gear bay for the rear is completely different, as the lower legs of MP11 are completely new:
    [​IMG] l [​IMG]
    The rear landing gear seem to stay in place better than before.

    Overall, the fit and flushness of parts is good.The horizontal stabilizers don't feel as tight but seem to be made of a much more durable plastic than on MP3. The spine sticks out just a bit but not very noticeable. There are substantially less gaps when compared to MP3. This may not be as detailed, but it is a more solid fighter mode. Also, G1 Starscream was either an F-15A or F-15C(both single seaters), with no CFT's, just by those facts alone, MP11 is a more accurate(by G1 cartoon/toy standards) Masterpiece Starscream than MP3.

    There is some heft when picked up. It feels like a more detailed, main-line leader class figure. It does not feel fragile in fighter mode. While the fighter mode is pleasing, MP11 truly shines in another mode...
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Apr 5, 2012
    • Like Like x 2
  2. Shin Densetsu

    Shin Densetsu I WILL DESTROY YOU Content Contributor Veteran

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Posts:
    52,165
    News Credits:
    33
    Trophy Points:
    442
    Likes:
    +52,693
    MP11 Masterpiece Starscream V2 Review Part II - Robot Mode
    [​IMG]
    Ah yes. This is the way that MP3 ought to have looked, in the eyes of most fans. The biggest changes include the following:
    • New upper arms(more narrow)
    • New biceps(with socket for null-rays)
    • New lower legs(bigger, and with stabilizers attached)
    • New feet, front feet have a swivel at the top only
    • New torso parts
    • New head sculpt
    [​IMG] l [​IMG] l [​IMG]
    Transformation to robot mode is relatively easy(and easier than MP3). With the new parts, MP11 has a more balanced silhouette in robot mode. This actually results in a robot mode that is much easier to pose than MP3. No more attempts at finding a pose that can be maintained without toppling over. MP11 is easy to pose in robot mode and most importantly fun to pose.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    The head sculpt no longer features a smirk, but a confident, yet shifty look. The face is nowhere near as dark as initial images suggested, and looks quite good. It reminds me of the way Starscream was drawn in the Dreamwave comics.
    [​IMG]
    It is a bigger head than the head on MP3, however the sides are spring-loaded and fold in during transformation.

    The chest missles are retained but the ones on mine could've been painted a lot better. The apps look cheap:
    [​IMG]

    My only issue with robot mode is that the torso does not have a very secure connection to the waist. As such, moving the shoulders up/forward may result in the torso moving up with them. This issue was present on MP3 and its repaints. Surprised this wasn't fixed when it seems like just about everything else was.

    Coronation gear
    The shoulders each have a tab that the coronation shoulder pads plug into:
    [​IMG] l [​IMG]
    These tabs can move as to not hinder shoulder articulation.

    The coronation shoulder pads also feature tabs that flip up as to not hinder shoulder articulation:
    [​IMG]

    After plugging the shoulder pads in, clipping the articulated cape on, and crowning MP11 Starscream, the end result is:
    [​IMG]
    MASTERPIECE KING STARSCREAM!

    The cape has 2 hinges down the middle, and is mounted on a clip by 2 ball joints. The clip itself has detents which lock it into position on either side:
    [​IMG]

    Overall the coronation gear is a lot of fun. Adds a lot of personality to an already worthwhile figure. I like how the cape is made of plastic, as it has hinges which enable it to be posed. It can be heavy for the ball joints if you pose the cape straight up. However, by working the hinges and swivel, you can find ways to keep it up.
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Apr 5, 2012
    • Like Like x 2
  3. Shin Densetsu

    Shin Densetsu I WILL DESTROY YOU Content Contributor Veteran

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Posts:
    52,165
    News Credits:
    33
    Trophy Points:
    442
    Likes:
    +52,693
    MP11 Masterpiece Starscream V2 Review Part III MP3 VS MP11 brief showdown & conclusion
    [​IMG]
    MP3 has a crooked nose, MP11 doesn't. An F-15 Eagle with a crooked nose doesn't look right. You can also tell, the crookedness wasn't planned! It's a design flaw on MP3(though not as bad on some releases).

    Fighter mode:
    [​IMG]
    This may be up to personal preference. Despite not having inked in panel lines like MP3, MP11 is molded/painted in G1 cartoon colors, and as stated earlier, MP11 lacks the CFT's of MP3, therefore, is a more accurate representation of G1 Starscream. The sleeker look of MP11 helps.

    Robot mode:
    [​IMG]
    While MP3 features 2 faces, 1 of which with Starscream's iconic smirk, it also feaures skinnier legs than MP11 and the notorious hip kibble. Meanwhile, MP11 features just 1 face sculpt that means business, a color palette closer to G1, is substantially easier to stand/pose, and is fully compatible with the new coronation gear. MP11 also feels more solid, substantially more durable, not as fragile, and has way better range of motion for the legs(especially since it lacks the hip kibble of MP3).

    Fighter mode may boil down to personal preference(some of you may like the F-15C Eagle more than the F-15E Strike Eagle), but MP11 shines in robot mode and is the better figure than MP3. It's more playable, a lot less worrisome to handle, and looks more iconic.

    So was MP11 worth buying? I would say yes, however, I would think about it if you already have any incarnation of MP3. If you handle your Transformers a lot and like posing them, MP11 is a good figure to pick up. The latter holds true especially if you found MP3 to be a pain in the ass to transform and pose in robot mode. MP11 is much easier to transform from either mode. It's a lot easier to transform than ROTF Leader Optimus. For example, on ROTF Leader Optimus there are some areas where I would just get stuck for a few minutes...to more. Not so with MP11. I'd even say Alternators/Binaltech Smokescreen was tougher to transform. If you dig alt modes and just leave your Transformers on display most of the time, you might be content with MP3. MP3 arguably only outshines MP11 in fighter mode, mainly due to the CFT's that Kawamori added on to disguise the robot mode parts, and the inclusion of Sidewinder missles. Another noticeable aspect is the fact that MP3 has panel lines inked in. MP11 has nearly all of the same panel lines scribed in but without being inked in, therefore looks more plain on the surface. While this can be easily rectified with a thin Gundam marker, I'd be remiss to leave that out of the review. However, in every other way, MP11 is the superior figure.

    EDIT: warning about Gundam markers:

    ONLY USE THE BRUSH MARKERS MEANT FOR PANEL LINES TO INK IN THIS FIGURE, THE REGULAR FINE LINE GUNDAM MARKER IS OIL-BASED, TOO THICK AND NOT FORGIVING. THE BRUSH MARKERS ARE WATER BASED AND EXCESS IS EASILY WIPED OFF.
     

    Attached Files:

    Last edited: Nov 27, 2013
    • Like Like x 3
  4. dkr7

    dkr7 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2010
    Posts:
    2,330
    News Credits:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    262
    Likes:
    +682
    very nice review, only one thing, pull those intakes forward :p  can't wait to get mine
     
  5. Sentinel

    Sentinel TF Museum Curator Moderator

    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2005
    Posts:
    9,627
    News Credits:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    337
    Location:
    Kansas City, Missouri
    Likes:
    +2,981
    Very nice review. Unfortunately for me, I am a Masterpiece completist and I am sure that despite the fact I fully intended to skip this "redundant" version of SS, I am sure I will be picking it up, due in no small part to your review. Dammit... :banghead: 

    That more accuarate grey really does look awesome, and the redesigned head is much better than the MP-03 version.
     
    Last edited: Apr 5, 2012
  6. nelodiavolo

    nelodiavolo Transformer Nerd

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2010
    Posts:
    758
    News Credits:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    147
    Likes:
    +4
    I'm a HUGE SS fan, and I planned to skip this version since I have MP Walmart SS w/coronation kit, Ghost SS, MP-03 "GreenScream", and Hasbro Skywarp. I'm up to my eyes in MP seekers! But I HAD to look at this review. Its decided, I am getting this....

    thanks! :) 
     
  7. Shin Densetsu

    Shin Densetsu I WILL DESTROY YOU Content Contributor Veteran

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Posts:
    52,165
    News Credits:
    33
    Trophy Points:
    442
    Likes:
    +52,693
    No problem man.

    I have Walmart Starscream, Ghostscream, Thundercracker, and Walmart Skywarp, and I'm still glad I picked MP11 up.

    I started inking mine in with a Gundam thin black marker too.
     
  8. adambman

    adambman Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2010
    Posts:
    1,834
    Trophy Points:
    177
    Likes:
    +1
    Mind: read.
    Review: informative.

    Haha, well done Shin - this is something I've been considering picking up and your review certainly tips me more to the affirmative. Or more of a priority at least lol; I really want to get behind the now dubbed MP 2.0 line, adn unlike MP-10, which I also want, this would easily fit in my Pile of Loot for the budget limit. I should make a move either way as soon as BBTS get my TCC Runabout in. Then there's a Unicron to consider and at least one United Stepper down the line - the latter can wait.

    With that much at least in mind perhaps my intent to get MP-11 sounds like a foregone conclusion haha. Really glad you reviewed it next to the Hasbro deco, I wonder if this will help cement fans' decisions to buy or not respectively or change more minds either way. What I liek about the figure, to name a few things, is that it is a cleaner figure overall; I like resourceful touches such as the engine area components being used in the transformation, the obvious hip kibble fix and more to my eye how good it is that the air intake fairings are an example of cleaning things up just by addressing some fiddly or fragile play elements instead of dumbing the transformation down.

    The deco is also clean and to the point. Perhaps a large block of grey to some but it lets the sculpted details speak for themselves. The dominance of one colour reminds me of some comments made over United Grapple - too much yellow in his case. To which I thought that while this may be true for some while a figure's under the spotlight, that sort of thing tends to make them sit well visually within a collection of related figures. I suspect the same will be true for those who can imagine or indeed collect a good number of upcoming and as yet unforseen Masterpiece releases. That is, if this Starscream looks too grey on his own, there should be some more seekers along before too long to amend that. ;) 
     
  9. [Wing_Saber-X]

    [Wing_Saber-X] Takara Fanboy Collector

    Joined:
    May 24, 2004
    Posts:
    27,318
    News Credits:
    37
    Trophy Points:
    412
    Likes:
    +16,901
    Great review, Shin! Pics are magnificent and really shows what this MP release is all about! :D 
    Good news: My supplier mentioned April 18th release date here where I'm at! :rock 
     
  10. CyberShadow

    CyberShadow Wheeljacks Lab

    Joined:
    Sep 21, 2008
    Posts:
    7,314
    News Credits:
    5
    Trophy Points:
    332
    Location:
    Singapore
    Likes:
    +1,170
    Twitter:
    Excellent review! Its nice to hear an unbiased, in hand review and comparrison. Thank you for taking the time to do this.
     
  11. EightiesKid

    EightiesKid G1 archivist

    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2011
    Posts:
    2,695
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    292
    Likes:
    +315
    Terrific detailed review. I had planned to pick this up but wanted to see some reviews first after getting burned on MP-9. I'llbe putting in my order very soon. From yourreview it sounds as id theconparison vetween MP-11 and MP-3 is similar to the conparison between MP-10 and MP-1, the newer version is more functional, moreanime accurate, easier to transform and pose. Sounds awesome.
     
  12. Rijie78

    Rijie78 Vinyl junkie.

    Joined:
    Feb 17, 2008
    Posts:
    2,032
    News Credits:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    262
    Likes:
    +273
    Useful review, thanks. The feet (or rather the lack of ankle articulation) still kill it for me - but I wonder if it's possible to get a balljoint in there; or even to transplant the front of the mp3 lower leg onto mp11..
     
  13. wildfly

    wildfly Fermenting pork tube.

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2009
    Posts:
    14,950
    News Credits:
    35
    Trophy Points:
    337
    Location:
    Over There
    Likes:
    +2,068
    This review just made my toy slush fund $170 lighter.

    Thanks, i think?
     
  14. Incepticon

    Incepticon |-+-|

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2006
    Posts:
    17,138
    News Credits:
    13
    Trophy Points:
    387
    Likes:
    +12,262
    Fantastically detailed review - thank you so much.
     
  15. knoted

    knoted Resistor Transistor

    Joined:
    Feb 13, 2009
    Posts:
    6,676
    News Credits:
    4
    Trophy Points:
    337
    Likes:
    +4,659
    Awesome review, awesome toy.

    The sculpt changes, the colouring....they all just ' work' for me, whereas all previous versions didn't do it for me :/
     
  16. TCJJ

    TCJJ 125% Tank Engine

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2008
    Posts:
    7,269
    News Credits:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    347
    Location:
    Island of Sodor
    Likes:
    +7,588
    Hmm, it's an interesting one. I was really keen on getting MP-11, but I'm not so sure now. I won't argue that he looks great, but I also think he looks cheap. Sure, I could do a black wash or panel lining (or both) of my own, but the fact that it isn't done from the get-go..... I just can't stand that on a figure that costs so much. It feels like TakaraTomy just took the easy way out.

    I also prefer the white to the grey. Personal preference. I don't dislike the grey, I just prefer the white, even though I know some people are of the opposite mindset.

    Anyway, it was a good, informative review.
     
  17. webz

    webz Banned

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2006
    Posts:
    5,932
    Trophy Points:
    211
    Likes:
    +19
    Ebay:
    I'm torn... I really like my Walmartscream. I actually like the darker arms, the grittier look. The lack of hip kibble is my biggest draw to MP11. The MP3 Starscream just looks more mischievous and evil to me. MP11 looks too much like cartoon Starscream, which brings to mind images of the cartoon's whiny imbecile, rather than the comics' cunning manipulator. This will be on my list next to MP10... I'll pick it up on a sale, but not paying full import price.

    Hopefully Takara will redo Megatron as a legitimate design. G1 Megatron never had a decent licensed toy. The skinny, awkward legs, oversized mullet, and unfortunate placing of the trigger made the 80's toy look horrible. Masterpiece Megatron had too many engineering issues, so I refrained from purchasing.
     
  18. GUIGUI

    GUIGUI Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2005
    Posts:
    696
    News Credits:
    2
    Trophy Points:
    237
    Likes:
    +106
    [​IMG]
    You didn't transform the hands right. The back of the hands are supposed to show in jet mode, not the sides. MP3 must have the hands disposed the same way.

    Could you show a picture of the below of MP3 and MP1 in jet mode, with the hands transformed correctly?

    One last question: can the MP11 Coronation gears be put on the MP3 figure?
     
  19. DPrime

    DPrime Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2011
    Posts:
    6,578
    Trophy Points:
    287
    Likes:
    +1,288
    Ebay:
    Great review - I got mine yesterday, and agree with almost all of this.

    The only thing I want to point out is the whole panel lines thing. I'm not convinced they should be as obvious as they are on the Walmart version - not at that scale, anyway.

    Compare some of the pics Shin took to these:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Yeah, if you walk up to an F-15 the lines might be very obvious, but that's 1/1 scale. In the end, of course, toss it up to personal preference. It does "trick" the eye into thinking it appears more realistic, so I can see why people like them, but I don't think it's actually more accurate.
     
  20. DJCHARTERS

    DJCHARTERS Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2007
    Posts:
    1,844
    News Credits:
    6
    Trophy Points:
    297
    Likes:
    +286
    god that F-15 looks sexy. i dunno i was about to bite on mp-11 untill i saw these pics. i can now see what people meant about the grey colour. i just dunno which ones to get now.