Picked up both of these recently. Here are my thoughts and some photos. Honestly, both figures were not that impressive when I opened the box. But when I put them into display lighting conditions, wow, these figures are some of the most photogenic figures I own. They display beautifully. That yellow... just wow. Both MPs are essentially the same, just painted differently. Hasbro MP-05 Sunstorm and Takara MP-11S are both done in the newer seeker mould. I'm really not a fan of the old or the new seeker mould, but you get used to them. All in all, I have to say that Hasbro has done an excellent job of this figure. I found the figure to have very tight joints and a great representation of the Sunstorm character. The box is certainly misleading though. The picture shows a Sunstorm in the old MP-3 mould and also in a battle damage look. I here that was a custom art. Hasbro is getting lazy...sheesh! As far as quality differences, plastics wise and the feel of the figure, same. I do have to say the Takara figure has some extra paint apps but most were concentrated on the underside of the jet mode or arms. Hasbro does not paint the yellow plastic, whereas Takara has (see photo). It's really not that noticeable of a difference. Also, Takara has some extra Decepticon logos. By the way the Decepticon logos on the wings are facing the same way for both. Hasbro decided to go with the Takara logo orientation this time around. I prefer it this way, like the cartoon. The yellows are an exact match on both figures. Takara's figure is a more orange theme overall, whereas Hasbro is more yellow themed. Takaras main paint on the wing, transitions to orange whereas Hasbro is merely metallic paint in a flame effect on yellow plastic. It actually looks really nice and hardly noticeable. Takara also has a flame effect, but not on the wings and not done in metallic paint. They are on the arms and the white pieces beside the cockpit (in jet mode). The one thing I really like about the Hasbro version is finally I have some missile racks for Takara Sunstorm. They are a perfect match for him. Ok, let's get to the MacDonald reference for the Hasbro paint scheme. Personally, I just dont see it. I feel like a Big Mac all of a sudden though...But seriously, I do agree Hasbro could have chosen a better red, but whatever, still looks good to me. If I could change one thing on the figure it's I would not have the knees painted red. But that's just a minor nitpick. The yellow colour and the flame effects are the star of the show anyways. The brown head and null rays on the Hasbro is kind of a light bronze done in metallic paint, expect for the toes. Hasbro cheeped out and didnt do those in metallic paint, but neither did Takara. Overall,I think the brown/bronze paint apps work. I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking. Honestly, I can't fault the Hasbro figure based on lack of paint apps, considering its about $70 cheaper than MP-11S at the moment. It actually offers more paint apps in some areas and the metallic flame effect is nicer IMO. Which would I choose? Undecided still. Robot Mode
Takara MP-11S showing off his new missile racks A couple more detailed pics of some of the paint app differences and specifically the metallic paint on Hasbro Sunstorm. Also you will notice the huge QC oopsy on the red paint in the first picture right at the edge of the wing of my Hasbro Sunstorm.
Thanks for the comparison. I think if I ever feel inclined to get a Masterpiece Sunstorm, it'll be worth the extra cost to go for the Takara version. While I like the more subtle flame pattern on the Hasbro version's alt. mode, I think the Takara version has a significantly superior deco in robot mode; it just looks more Sunstorm-y than Hasbro's (I really don't like the red apps and especially don't like the brown head on the Hasbro version).
Thanks for the comparison - I have to give it to Habro for that fine looking flame detail in jet mode. A bit over with the reds in robot mode though. So.... Are you going to mix and match parts?
Nah, Hasbro MP just opted to go with lighter yellow, instead of the usual richer orange that other Sunstorm got. They applied orange as flames, but it should be orange to start with as base color. Putting 3 Hasbro Sunstorms together, to me the MP deco is a step back. I can overlook the red waist and knee pads but that brownish head color screams cheap.
Takara has the nicer bot mode, Hasbro has the nicer alt mode. But the bot mode of Hasbro is so bad that it loses the contest a thousand times over before the alt mode is even considered.
Just added some more pics paint app differences in the 3rd post above. It hopefully demonstrates better the metallic paint used on the Hasbro version. Also a paint QC issue on my Hasbro version is shown. The Takara version also had paint issues too, actually more.
The Takara truly wins this round by a mile. Its disappointing, because with Optimus, Soundwave, Grimlock and Prowl they had a really good streak going. The Hasbro version is just ugly and not in an awesome Sunstorm kinda ugly way.
Between both of these and the iGear Storm I feel like they're all just missing a little something. I guess I'll stick with my Storm (even though he's got a busted arm). Shame, as I can see the good in each one. I just can't justify the expense nor space spent on three versions of such an obscure character to start with. Especially when my main initial attraction to him was the eHobby orange color!
I really want an interview with the person who made the deco choice for the Hasbro release. I'm sure they'll spout some BS about being 'interesting for the kids' even though they aren't the intended audience for these. I was ready to buy one of these, I could look past the brown. But the goddamn ronald mcdonald paintjob from the waist down just destroys this thing. Wish I'd gone for Acid Storm instead.
I agree. too many times we collectors bitch and moan about "they shoulda" or "They coulda" but I would REALLY like to know the thought process that went into the final decision for this one. Im an MP completionist to an extent, but Im passing on this one SO HARD. If we got a designers "take" on why or what they seen or envisioned for this, it might change things for me. As it sits..I just wonder who in the hell green lit this for production the way it looks. Im happy for the ones that dig it..really. But for me, this is one of the ugliest transformers ive seen in a looong time. And if the MP market is aimed at ME, then I would like to know why they chose this final look. Done with different colors, Sunstorm COULD have been one of the coolest looking MP seekers yet. I like the flame job..just hate all the colors. Seriously..I don't think there is a color on that thing I agree with. Dave
Hasbro is hilarious... If they released a proper MP11 Starscream we would be pushing each other out of the way to get one.. Yet they give us Acid Storm and now Sunstorm? I agree with you guys, I would love to hear how these decisions get made!
If it were the same, or close to, the Takara deco, I would have bought it in a heartbeat. Love the look but not willing to shell out Takara price for a fourth version of this mold and a character I don't care about at all. But the appeal for me was the creamsicle look and this guy definitely doesn't have it. No sale.
I own both figures and I have to say I prefer Takara's overall. It's beautiful in both modes and it's very faithful to the onscreen appearance as well as adding some unique deco choices. The hasbro one has a nice alt mode and I do love the richer shade of yellow but what kills him for me is those horrible white legs with yellow feet. No way to justify that. I'm fine with the red on the knees because it's a reference to the Ehobby toy but those aweful legs are aweful. Still they both look great in person.
I don't know, Hasbro one doesn't look that bad to me. I like the black helmet on the Takara one, but if I ever feel inclined to purchase an MP Sunstorm, I might avoid the hassle and get the US one.
