As the year drew to a close, the TFW2005 staff again paused to reflect on the new figures that graced our collections in 2014. With recent Hasbro changes that folded all collector oriented releases into a single line, many of the Age of Extinction movie figures that would have previously comprised a separate line were instead included in Generations. As a result, the Generations and Masterpiece lines collectively lead our 2014 selections.

Our picks were varied overall, with nearly forty molds making the list of at least one staff member. However, there were clear front-runners among those selected: Masterpiece Wheeljack, Masterpiece Bumblebee, Evasion Mode Optimus Prime (various decos), and Generations Jetfire. Wheeljack lead the way, making our lists sixteen times and being the top pick for four staff members. Nipping at his heels were Evasion Mode Optimus Prime (thirteen lists, five top picks) and Masterpiece Bumblebee (fifteen lists, three top picks), along with a very strong showing from Generations Jetfire (twelve lists, four top picks).

Below are some of the other trends from the figures that dominated 2014.

Never say never

2014 was once again a year that proved anything is possible within the current state of the Transformers franchise. Multiple figures that just a few years ago were deemed impossible to produce were released this year. First were Headmasters, which Hasbro had stated publicly in the past would be a long shot due to the possibility that kids render the toy useless by losing the headmaster. However, late in the year we received an IDW inspired Generations Brainstorm, complete with "Head Converts to Pilot" headmaster. The Transformers Collectors Club also got in on the action, pairing a remolded Energon Scorponok with a remolded G1 Fortress Maximus Spike headmaster in G1 Scorponok colors.

Secondly, although we've received fembots in the past, fans have never had as many available simultaneously as they did in 2014. Generations Windblade, Generations Arcee, Generations Chromia, and Robots in Disguise Strongarm were all readily available in late 2014. Well regarded Generations Arcee was particularly amazing, as no official transforming representation of G1 Arcee had ever been created. Collectors were treated to an updated version of the figure that Takara Tomy designer Hironori Kobayashi had first attempted as a fan contest entry for Botcon Japan 1998.

Also of note were the resolution of longstanding licensing issues that affected top picks Generations Jetfire and Masterpiece Bumblebee. Although collectors had received an update to the fan-favorite character in the form of Classics Jetfire, many clamored for years for a figure that was more faithful to the G1 Jetfire toy. This had long been impossible due to the original figure being licensed from another company's toy line. Likewise, Masterpiece Bumblebee defied all previous expectations of what was possible when it was announced that he would release with an accurate Volkswagen Beetle alt-mode. Volkswagen had rejected overtures from Takara Tomy and Hasbro in the past because they did not want to have their brand associated with "war toys". However, 2014 again proved that fans should "never say never", with both of these figures providing excellent updates to the original toys.

Masterpiece figures continue to set the gold standard for Transformers

Masterpiece figures continued to provide collectors with high-end transforming representations of G1 characters in 2014, churning out hit after hit in 2014. Notably, every Masterpiece release was included in the list of at least one staff member. The two primary releases for the year, Wheeljack and Bumblebee, dominated our lists as previously noted. As was the case last year, the only thing that can derail future Masterpiece releases are the elevated expectations of fans caused by the ongoing success of the line.

Mixed bag on quality

Not everything was rosy however, as 2014 continued to be a mixed bag in terms of manufacturing and design quality. Many noted that Leader class figures such as Generations Jetfire and Age of Extinction Optimus Prime felt light and hollow. In addition, widespread issues with figures like Generations Rattrap and Brainstorm breaking out of the box left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans. Conversely, late 2014 and early 2015 figures such as Generations Chromia, Arcee, and the first wave of the new Combiner Wars figures gave fans reason for hope with an immediately noticeable improvement in the feel and heft of the plastic being used.

Latecomers

Lastly, of note are the latecomers whose releases straddle two years. This year, promising late 2014 figures such as Masterpiece Ultra Magnus and early 2015 Generations Combiner Wars did not get into the hands of many staff members for consideration. Much as notable 2013 figures like Generations Rhinox and the Masterpiece Datsun brothers made the lists of staff members in 2014, expect to see more of these figures on the 2015 staff picks list.



Without further ado, please join us as we present the TFW2005 staff picks for 2014!

Also, be sure to check our our 2014 3rd party staff picks here!

 

axiom

Masterpiece Wheeljack

Runners up: Generations Jetfire,Evasion Mode Optimus Prime,Generations Cosmos,Generations Whirl,Generations Armada Starscream

Boardwise

MP Bumblebee

I've liked Bumblebee ever since I got that little mini-spy way back in 1984/5. I still have that original figure (though he's a little bit beat up) and when I heard he was going to be part of the MP line, I was happy, although a bit cautious. Was he going to be the same size as the other MP cars? Was he going to be tiny? When the pictures surfaced my doubts were put to rest. He looked great in my opinion. When mine finally arrived he was everything I wanted from a MP Bumblebee. Great VW Beetle mode, nice and involved transformation fun and loads of character in robot mode.
If this is the direction of the MP line, then long may it continue.

Runners up: Masterpiece Wheeljack, MP Ratbat (With Free MP Soundblaster), Bombshell, Crosscut

Deefuzz

MP-10 Masterpiece Convoy Mode "Eva"

An unlikely crossover and a truly polarizing toy, I was drawn to this immediately but its high price tag kept me at bay. Finally caving and paying the price for this guy I figured I would experience some sort of buyers remorse but it never came. In the short time I have had the toy I have messed around with it more than any Transformer I have purchased in years. Even if you aren't into Evangelion or know nothing of it, this is still an MP-10 figure which by itself is an amazing toy. Still super fun, possible, versatile, and just plain awesome...except this one has a paint job that just POPS!

The colors are incredibly striking and the figure just stands out on the shelf amongst all of the others. The attention to detail on the trailer, and the release specific updates to the paint job on both Roller and Spike really just add a nice touch to this limited run repaint. I can totally understand people not being into this because it really is a crazy crossover that is kind of "out there" but for me it really works on all levels and I can only hope we will get other Eva Unit repaints in the future. The release itself, along with my feelings for it after I finally got it in hand, really took me by surprise and that is a good thing.

Runners up: MP-12G Masterpiece Lambor G-2 Version, MP-21 Masterpiece Bumble, MP-20 Masterpiece Wheeljack, MP-13B Masterpiece Soundblaster (with Ratbat), Generations Cosmos with Payload

Jacer

Voyager Hound

With all the great figures we got this year in generations, my favorite actually belongs to the movie line. I wasn't too interested in Hound at first, but after finding him at a Walmart and seeing him in person, he instantly grew on me. I took him home and opened him up right away. I was surprised to how amazing Hound is as a figure. Hound has all the modern points of articulation you would expect, such as waist swivel, ankle tilt, double elbow. His transformation is excellent, and the use of the new plastic works really well on him. The mini arsenal Hound comes with really sells the figure even further with 8 weapons in total. With all the playability Hound has to offer he is my favorite figure of 2014 hands down.

Runners up: Generations Crosscut, Botcon Ginrai, Generations Brainstorm, Generations Arcee

Kraken

San Diego Comic Con 2014: Knights of Unicron, the Reunion Tour

Taking four deluxe moulds from what I consider the weakest and my least favourite of recent lines, chucking in two awesome Animated moulds, a hair metal makeover straight from the fevered nightmare of a Radicon exposed to too many paint thinners, and turning it all the way up to 11, my pick of 2014 is the rockingest box set ever produced. The SDCC exclusive, Knights of Cybertron Reunion Tour boxed set.

This is a set that truly split the fandom, a real Marmite of a boxed set that was seemingly either detested for being too far out of left field, or adored for daring to be different. Safe to say I fall heavily into the category of absolutely loving this set for it's full on, balls out gumption and originality. It was absolutely thrilling to see Hasbro take such a risk, and to flat out have a barrel full of fun creating a stunning homage to 80's glam rock stadium bands, costumes and all.

Not only were the figures themselves insanely and awesomely redecoed, but the set came with a couple of beautifully rendered mock tour posters, a faux vinyl album cover, backstage passes, and a Metroplex sized speaker array to really finish it off in style.

The only negative thing I can say about this set, is that it doesn't come complete with a revolving line up of drummers.

For those about to rock, I salute you! *Cue 10 minute guitar solo!*

Runners up: Evasion Mode Optimus Prime,Dinobot Scorn,Generations Crosscut

Lumpy

Masterpiece Wheeljack

In a year that was quite possibly one of the best, toy-wise, it was incredibly hard to narrow down a list for the "best of". Throughout the year I add figures to a list on my phone that I feel are the best, to avoid forgetting about the figures from the beginning of the year. This year, that list ended up with 14 figures that wowed me, but Masterpiece Wheeljack tops the list.

Over the last few years, Wheeljack has been a bumbling inventor with identity issues in DOTM, to a bonafide Wrecker (and very Drift influenced character) in Transformers Prime, and a Tracks repaint in Generations, but now we get the original Autobot mad scientist finding his roots.

The first Transformer ever seen in the G1 cartoon gets a masterpiece figure, and wow, what a masterpiece indeed! Nearly perfectly replicating the look so many of us grew up with into plastic form, I'm just stunned holding this figure in my hands. I don't have a G1 Wheeljack anymore, so I can't fully compare the two, but from what I recall last time I played with one, there's just a purely awesome feel to this figure that the G1 just can't compete with.

He poses well, looks great in both modes and has so much character to him. His transformation is fun and just complicated enough to not make me feel dumb while transforming him. This Dinobot creator really just fires on all cylinders from paint, design, transformation and all around look. And who can ignore that bitchin mustache that Wheeljack rocks under his faceplate! The Masterpiece line continues to be amazing and I can't wait to see what the future will bring.

Runners up: Botcon Flamewar, Generations Windblade, TFC TFSS Treadshot with Catgut, Generations Jetfire, Masterpiece Smokescreen

Matty

Age of Extinction Evasion Mode Optimus Prime

I cringed at the thought of another movie year when entering 2014. The Age of Extinction toy line was not highly anticipated by myself and many other fans could agree. To my surprise however, the Generations figures from the AOE line were extremely fun and solid releases, lead by the nod to Generation 1 fans: Evasion Mode Optimus Prime. Designed by TakaraTomy designer Hironori Kobayashi, who has plenty of track record with the Masterpiece toy line, this figure captures everything I love about Transformers: a unique transformation, great range of articulation, and easily affordable at roughly $20 USD (plus its many repaint opportunities). It’s a tough decision putting Evasion Mode Optimus Prime above the likes of Masterpiece Wheeljack (to date I've only lived vicariously through pictures of Bumblebee, although I'm sure it's worthy of a top spot), but the surprise of just how good this toy is left a lasting and strong impression.

Runners up: Masterpiece MP-20 Wheeljack, Generations Jetfire, Masterpiece Generation 2 Sideswipe, Generations AOE Drift

Mechafire

Generations Leader Jetfire

Generally speaking, I found 2014 to be a bit of a bore, being burned out and uninterested in most of the onslaught of movie product that was put out. Which is kind of a shame, seeing as how this year was the brand’s actual 30th anniversary, and I felt 2013 was somewhat stronger. Despite that, however, making this list was still a challenge, and that tells me the year was overall a success in the end - and in fact, the end of the year was when most of my top figures managed to slip in. At the top of this list resides none other than Generations Leader Jetfire! Make no mistake, the other figures on my list are excellent as well, but Jetfire is hands-down the one I’ve gotten the most enjoyment out of.

I'd been looking forward to this guy for a long time - ever since he was initially leaked. And boy, he did not let me down. Jetfire features a fantastic sculpt, a simple, yet satisfying and fun transformation, cool accessories, and solid construction. He is loaded with clicky joints and is pretty much able to hold any pose you put him in. His robot mode is extremely strong (he looks awesome just standing there on display!) and his jet mode is downright sleek and sexy. Speaking as someone who likes Classics Jetfire, this guy makes that figure look completely obsolete by comparison. And most important of all... he’s just FUN! Jetfire is the first Transformers toy in a while I've actually been carrying around with me like a little kid because he's so much fun to mess with and pose. While not without some faults (hollowness, etc.), his pros far outweigh his cons for me.

And the fact that I’m enjoying what I consider to be the inferior version of this mold so incredibly much just makes me immensely excited for the Takara release. After how good this toy turned out, I can't wait to see more Generations Leaders!

Runners up: Generations Deluxe Arcee, Masterpiece Bumblebee, Generations Deluxe Armada Starscream, Masterpiece Wheeljack, Generations Legends Cosmos

optimusfan

Generations Arcee

I was all set to make my fan boy pick on this one. Generations Cosmos came out and pretty much crushed every previous Hasbro and third party version of the character, comedic over-sized Hulk fists aside.

However, my pick changed late in the year with the release of Generations Arcee. I had some trepidation prior to receiving this figure. The deluxe price point has become quite the mixed bag the past years, with otherwise sharp figures like Rattrap, Waspinator, and Megatron being marred by inconsistent or downright defective manufacturing.

My fears were immediately and completely erased upon getting Arcee in hand. Along with her wave-mate Chromia (and Combiner Wars figures that I omitted from consideration as they are technically 2015 figures), the build quality on Arcee is a noticeable and welcome step up from other recent releases. The plastic feels great and durable, despite of Arcee's slender build. Although I prefer (and have preordered) the more cartoon accurate Takara release and I think the swords are a bit of a throwaway accessory, there's no doubt that this is the Arcee figure we've waited nearly 30 years for. As someone who happily purchased the overpriced iGear Delicate Warrior because of the belief that Hasbro would never release a G1 styled Arcee, I'm glad to be proven wrong by a figure that outclassed iGear's effort in nearly every respect.

Runners up: Generations Cosmos,Masterpiece Bumblebee,Masterpiece Wheeljack,Botcon Scorponok

ORIO

Chromia

I'm giving it up to the ladies this year. While all the masterpiece figures are outstanding, it's not surprising that they're the badasses each year. I love them too, but my collection is primarily classics/generations based and that's why I've decided to focus on this lovely blue bike bot. Chromia is an extensive remold of a toy I had not owned previously, but she's got poseability for days and a killer, unique head sculpt. Plus, she can hold her gun with both hands!
Runners Up: Masterpiece Wheeljack, Masterpiece Bumblebee,Generations Scoop and Generations Swerve

Razerwire

Masterpiece Wheeljack

Growing up, I loved the character of Wheeljack but always felt the G1 figure fell short as a good representation of the cartoon design. Enter Masterpiece Wheeljack. My expectations were not only met, they were astounding exceeded. THIS was the Wheeljack I've waited thirty plus years for! It is the one MP figure I simply am in constant awe with. He instantly brings me back to my happy childhood days.

Runners up: Masterpiece Ultra Magnus,Masterpiece Bumblebee,Masterpiece G2 Sideswipe,Masterpiece Soundblaster & Ratbat,Generations Jetfire

Seawing

Generations Jetfire
This was a pretty tough decision for me this year because I felt that there were many potential winners to choose from. In the end it came down to MP Wheeljack and Generations Jetfire (which won by a hair). Both figures look great in either robot or alt mode; have innovative and fun transformations; and have great posability so you can be guaranteed they will look great on any shelf. I am also aware of Jetfire's faults such as the visibly hollow forearms, lack of wrist swivels, and the red chromed accessories. It also would have been nice if the rear landing gear wheels could have been able to fold away instead of sticking out of the side of his legs. Eventhough Jetfire is far from flawless, the one thing he has that MP Wheeljack doesn't is versitility. I can choose to dispkay him as either an updated G1 toon or an updated G1 toy. Yes, the Classics Jetfire that was released in 2006 had the same capability to choose between toon or toy design, but I feel that the designers did a much better job of designing the Generations figure to look good no matter how one wants to display it. Generations Jetfire is a fine addition to anyone's collection.

Runners up: Masterpiece Wheeljack, AOE Voyager Hound, Masterpiece Bumble (Bee), AOE Evasion Mode Optimus Prime, Generations Rhinox

Sentinel

Takara-Tomy Movie Advance Evasion Optimus Prime

I'm always impressed with some well thought out and ingenious engineering and despite the fact that I broke off the chest piece straight out of the box, Evasion Mode Optimus Prime accomplished just that and more and is hands down my favorite official figure of the year.

This version of Optimus takes a character that's been done so many times throughout the course of the last seven years and makes him new and exciting again. We finally get the classic G1 flat-nosed truck for alt mode for which everyone has been pining, but also somehow it miraculously changes into the Movie Prime bot mode we've come to expect and love. In fact, this is such an impressive mold that it has been recolored no less than eight times, not quite a record in the Transformers universe, but still worth noting.

It's my favorite figure for the year simply because it's so much fun to transform back and forth between bot and alt. I find myself picking it up and messing with it constantly. It's such a fun little figure and as an added bonus even came with a shotgun for DOTM Voyager Megatron. I mean, what else could you even want out of a figure?

Runners up: Takara-Tomy Movie Advance Armor Knight Optimus Prime, Takara-Tomy Generations Rhinox, MP-21 Masterpiece Bumblebee, Transformers: Age Of Extinction Voyager Class Hound, MP-20 Masterpiece Wheeljack

Shibamura_Prime

Rescue Bots Optimus Primal

No lie, this was my favorite toy seen at Toy Fair this year and getting him this summer he did not disappoint. His construction is sturdy, the sculpt is awesome and his gimmicks work really well. His auto transformation is pretty simple but it's a ton of fun popping him in and out of that Truckasaurus Rex alt mode.

Runners up: Masterpiece Wheeljack,San Diego Comic Con 2014 Kreon Class of 1984 Boxed Set,San Diego Comic Con Age of Extinction Generation 1 Dinobots,Generations Sky Byte

Shin Densetsu

Generations Jetfire

Jetfire was a figure I thought we would never see a redo of in Generations. The Classics 2006 voyager Jetfire was up there as an all time favorite. However it wasn't perfect. I wanted a more aggressive, fighter jet sculpt(specifically the cockpit). I wanted bicep swivels as thigh swivels. I wanted the cockpit deco to match the G1 toy. A battle mask that didn't look like an oversized helmet.

On all those counts, Generations Jetfire delivered. Gone is the awkward Classics Jetfire/Astrotrain leg articulation. Even better, Jetfire this time is a leader class figure(yes not as big as previous movie leaders but substantially bigger than voyager Jetfire). The battle mask is much more form fitting and proportionate. Ratchet joints all over the place(though I feel bad for those of you who have received Jetfires with loose hips, that's a factory oversight that shouldn't happen).

Leader Jetfire isn't perfect. Some parts are hollow. Gun placement in fighter isn't ideal. I find the deco to be somewhat lacking. I do think it's cool that it's obviously meant to be an evolved form of voyager Jetfire though(you can tell by the wing stripes). Chrome wasn't needed. I wish the red paint was darker. I wish the wings were more like Classics Jetfire's. Classic Jetfire had the better armor, wings and deco in my opinion.

When Jetfire appeared on Monzo's unearthed listings from Hasbro's customer service site, I had confused optimism. I thought it would be nothing more than a ROTF Jetfire repaint. The trend has been smaller figures recently so I thought there'd be no way we would get an all new leader Jetfire figure. So this was the surprise of the year for me. Whatever I took issue with on voyager Jetfire has been rectified on the leader. For those of you who want a modernized Skyfire for your Classics/Generations figures, this is the figure to get(in bot mode it looks more like Skyfire while in jet mode, voyager Jetfire looks more like Skyfire).

Runners up: Masterpiece Ultra Magnus, Swerve, Evasion Mode Optimus Prime,Toys R Us Exclusive Masterpiece Prowl

SilverOptimus

Transformers: Age Of Extinction Voyager Class Hound

2014 was a movie year and the best figure of the line (without a doubt) goes to Transformers: Age Of Extinction Voyager Class Hound. Both his vehicle mode and robot mode has nearly no kibble showing. Both modes are movie accurate and there is a reason for that; Hound is the robot that went through least amount of changes from Concept Art to final movie version, as far as we know. The transformation is fun and easy. But the main highlight is the plethora of weapons which comes with his packaging. The weapons store away magnificently in Hound’s vehicle mode, unlike previous unsuccessful attempts (I’m looking at you DOTM Stealth Force Gimmick) and the Robot mode incorporates them in a spectacular manner. The toy designers have been really faithful to this movie Ironhide replacement and have definitely showed a lot of care an attention to deliver this masterpiece. Yes, my figure of the year goes to our new one-man-army; Transformers: Age Of Extinction Voyager Class Hound.

Runners up: Transformers: Age Of Extinction Deluxe Class Scorn, Transformers: Age Of Extinction Voyager Class Optimus Prime (Evasion Mode), Transformers: Generations Deluxe Class Windblade (Fan Built Bot), Transformers: Age Of Extinction Deluxe Class Drift, Transformers: Generations Deluxe Class Rattrap

Smashs

Evasion Mode Optimus Prime

Of all the purchases I've made this year, this is the one I can't seem to keep my hands off of. I currently own six versions of this mold, and with any luck that number will jump to eight soon. With the various interpretations of Optimus we've had over the past 30 years, this figure sums up two of the most polarizing.

I've chosen Takara's AD-02 version as my favorite because out of the box he's near perfect. Innovative transformation, mass shifting that rivals FE Bulkhead, and visually iconic in both modes make this my favorite figure of 2014. Combine all that with numerous paint options, at various price points, means he's in the sweet spot for collectors from all walks. Evasion Mode Optimus is a joy to display, pose, modify, and transform. I look forward to having this guy within arms reach for a long time.


Runners up: MP-21 Bumble, SDCC 2014 Kreon Class of 1984 Boxed Set, MP-22 Ultra Magnus, MP-20 Wheeljack, Generations Jetfire, Generations Arcee

Sol Fury

Masterpiece Bumblebee

Top spot for me was a hard one to call, as it ultimately came down to two excellent releases, Masterpiece Bumblebee and Generations Leader Jetfire. In the end, I went with Masterpiece Bumblebee. Jetfire had a lot going for him - he's a solid release, with great details and is a lot of fun, but Bumble pulled off being the outright definitive update of the Bumblebee I grew up watching in the cartoon. The VW Bug alt-mode is simply fantastic as a likeness, and the transformation is incredibly well done, being the right mix of intuitive and complex. The fact he comes with a transformable exo-suit Daniel is simply icing on a particularly delicious cake. With that in mind, Masterpiece Bumblebee is my toy of the year.

Honorable shout-out goes to the entire Generations line, which has been hit after hit this year and has had lots of great releases.

(For those crying "why no Masterpiece Wheeljack", he's a great figure, just not a character I felt a solid connection to, and Ultra Magnus actually arrived after I'd written this - if I'd had him or the Combiner Wars before this were written they'd certainly be on here - so look forward to hearing more about them next year!)

Runners up: Takara-Tomy Movie Advance Evasion Optimus Prime,Generations Arcee,Generations Brainstorm,Masterpiece Generation 2 Sideswipe,Generations Jetfire

Superquad7

MP-20 Masterpiece Wheeljack

This was a very tough choice, but only between two figures. Both Masterpiece Bumble and Wheeljack hit some of the same sweet spots: they're the first two Transformer that we ever see on the show; they're two of the first toys we ever received; they're both great characters; and they've both gotten Masterpiece toys made this year that captures everything great about them. The winner between two great Masterpiece figures for me is: Masterpiece Wheeljack. This toy captures everything magical about the toy, the character, the actual car it represents, as well as having a great fusion of toy and show counterpart.

This figure also goes beyond that just being a good representation of "WHEELJACK.". The transformation is complicated enough to be clever without being messy. It's great in both modes, and it's fun going back and forth. This figure just captures everything I like about a Transformers toy as well as being an exemplary example of what the Masterpiece line is all about.

Runners up: MP-21 Masterpiece Bumble, Generations Brainstorm, Generations Autobot Whirl, Generations Sky Byte

SydneyY

TakaraTomy Movie Advanced Nemesis Prime (TF Expo)

AoE toys in general were pleasant surprise for me. When the photos started surface they didn't excite me much, but in hand many of they are well designed and thought out. Evasion Mode Optimus is simply awesome. Looks great in both modes and easy yet not too simple transforming process.
This mould in black/teal deco with a faceplate? I hadn't hunted down a toy for a long time like this. Worth every ¥ I had to cough up.

Runners up: TakaraTomy Generations Armada Starscream, Masterpiece Bumble

thenatureboywoo

Leader Jetfire

So many cool Transformers this year. From the AoE Voyagers to the generations minibots, to the "Thrilling 30" deluxes, to the toys I caught up on getting in recent years. It was a good year collecting for me personally. All these cool figures, a shout out to chrome deluxe Silver Knight Optimus Prime, but it came to down AoE voyager Galvatron and Jetfire. Between the two, I ultimately chose Jetfire. I never got the voyager classics Jetfire so I have been waiting a while for this character. I feel that I am one of a few people that dig the red chrome on this dude's superparts. It just adds something to the figure for me. The battle mask is cool, but his face is really awesome. I had a few tense moments transforming him but once I got him into jet mode I was blown away, the jet mode is killer. He is a good size in his bot mode to display with the rest of my classics. I dig him.

Runners Up: Generations Rhinox, Evasion Mode Optimus Prime, Legends Gears, Legends Cosmos, AoE Voyager Galvatron

Tony_Bacala

MP-21 Masterpiece Bumble

As I get older, my tastes get a bit more refined and purchase choices along with them. MP-21 was a perfect modern upgrade for a classic character, and it was done with the full Volkswagen license. This is a figure I never thought I'd see, and I am happy he finally dropped. Posing this little guy along side MP-10 Prime is really a centerpiece of my Transformers shelves. Yes there are some issues in size etc, but that is minimal IMO. Classic VW bee with a toon feel in robot mode, a little complexity in transformation, bad ass. Tops for the year hands down in this old-timer's eyes.

Runners up: Masterpiece Wheeljack, Generations Jetfire, Generations Sky-Byte, Generations Rattrap, Kre-O Grimlock Unleashed

Vangelus

Evasion Mode Optimus Prime

Nothing prepared me for the surprise of a legitimate love-letter to the spirit of the movie lines, within the FOURTH movie line. Aside from being a really fun and playable Voyager toy, unhampered by gimmicks or any simplification, Evasion Optimus literally takes the original live-action trilogy robot mode and has it transform into the original Generation 1 alt-mode (minus a smokestack). And to top it off, he includes a long-requested shotgun accessory for one of the best Dark of the Moon figures...YEARS AFTER THE FACT. Adding in a number of well-done redecos, like Farmageddon or the extremely rare Nemesis version, along with DX9's add-on armour set, and this figure finishes off its qualities with way more potential for variance than I'd attribute to any movie Optimus Prime toy.

Runners up: Masterpiece Bumblebee,Generations Legends Cosmos,Scorn,Armada Starscream,Generations Jetfire

XJunky

MP-21 Masterpiece Bumble

It took 11 years of Masterpiece figures before Tak/Tomy gave us Bumblebee and it was absolutely worth the wait. When I took this figure out of the box it feels like I plucked Bee right out of the 1984 cartoon. The vehicle and bot modes are spot-on, with a transformation sequence that is easy to complete without being over simplified. Bee nestles in with the rest of the G1 crowd of my MP figures perfectly. The addition of a transformable Spike in exosuit really put this over the top for me in terms of nostalgia-splosion. I’ve wanted an affordable exosuit figure of Spike since I was a kid.

Here’s to you, Hasbro & Tak/Tomy! I eagerly await Magnus, Star Saber and the rest of the 2015 releases!

Runners up: Masterpiece Wheeljack, Generations Rattrap, Generations Brainstorm,Takara-Tomy Movie Advance Evasion Optimus Prime

 

Looks like Evasion Mode Optimus takes the cake.

 

I'd agree with MP Wheeljack. In fact he is my figure of the year, I've transformed him more times than any of the third parties I own. And I am not even a Wheeljack fan.

 

i loved how tony summed it up with "the older i get, the more refined my toy purchases are". i found it so true and i am seeing it more and more as i get older. my tf collection is slowing down becase alot of the mainline stuff is meh at best. enter mp's like the glorious bee and jackie (and soon to own magnus) and i still feel very confident and happy about my tf future.

toy of the year: tie- mp bb and wj

 

Given how many sing the praises of Jetfire, maybe I'll make it a point to pick him up in the future.

 

MP Bumblebee, MP Wheeljack, Generations Jetfire and Evasion prime, all superb choices and exceptional toys. Well done chaps, great picks  

All the best
Maz

 

Just a request, but could you change it to "Figure of the year" rather than "Toy of the year"? I'm probably alone, but MPs shouldn't really be considered toys, since they're sold for collectors at collector prices and...just aren't really toys.

Anyway, glad to see Hound on the list. Much better than EM Prime IMO.

 

Masterpieces are toys for adults.  

 

Evasion Mode OP!  

It's nice to see some love for Movie toys

 

We kind of treaded this last year, but to keep it short, MPs will remain included and won't be split off. That's also why we include a top 5 to expand it more.

 

I don't mean split it off, I just mean call it "figures of the year" instead of "toys".

 

Semantics, it isn't a big deal nor worth a change.

 

For myself it just has to be generations Arcee. I kept fearing that this figure wouldn't get released but it did, YAY! Gotta give hasbro credit for having the balls to release a pink figure in a boys toy line.

I kinda feel this way too, more along the lines of pricepoint and availability for kids though. With that being said, these are two great transformers.

Runners up: Generations Rhinox (got mine this year), Whirl, Brainstorm and of course Leader Jetfire.

 

Regardless of what we call it, the list is intended to celebrate the staff's top Transformers of the year. Calling them figures vs toys isn't going to change the fact that Masterpiece is included in the list, and that most people consider all Transformers "toys".

Also, I can only speak for myself but I suspect price point is taken into account when coming up with these lists. I know I wouldn't include a Masterpiece figure if I didn't feel it was delivering enough value at its price point. Arcee and Cosmos were both top picks for me due to the value they offer at their price point, which for me was higher than that offered by the Masterpiece releases this past year.

 

In no particular order, I have to give it to Jetfire, Evasion Optimus, Voyager Hound, Armada Starscream, Cosmos, Arcee, and Deluxe AOE Drift.

And is it just me, or when Hasbro tackles a charecter, they destroy 3rd parties. Case in point, Arcee and Springer...

 

No mention of Skrapnel? Of the, like, 3 non-Kreons I bought, he had to be my favorite.



*realizes how unimpressive that sounds*

 

I really like Evasion Prime, and I like AOE Hound even though neither made my top 5. I also bought Drift for $5 at TFCon Chicago from Gogdog's table and was thrilled with him at that price. He was definitely better than my (admittedly low) expectations.

In terms of value for your dollar I tend to agree. Hasbro's Arcee beats iGear's Delicate Warrior in every significant way for me, but most notably in the value proposition. Arcee vs Azalea is another matter as they represent different incarnations of the character, and Azalea's more sophisticated engineering and lower price compared to Delicate Warrior make the comparison more muddled.

I think the same thing applies with Springer. Defender still makes a better G1 Springer in my book in terms of scaling with other deluxes and aesthetics, but obviously Hasbro's Springer is a better IDW representation and a far better value proposition.