Maybe the blue tint process used on MP44 can be used? Something more opaque. I would not like to see green instead of blue. And don’t care to be able to clearly see Spike in the driver’s seat. Can't really see him in Optimus so...

 

Might not change anything, this just may be a response as to find out how much is actually missing, which they totally would have lost track of shipping stuff out this week if stolen property is the problem.

 

MP-44 has separate pieces of plastic for the windows. From what I can tell, Bee’s windows aren’t separate from the yellow painted plastic. That yellow-on-dark-blue combination may end up looking nastier in person than you’re hoping.

 

True dat. It’ll probably even make the clear blue bits that are painted yellow look off.

 

I received an email from Amazon a few days ago confirming the delay. I was looking forward to getting it in a week but oh well.

 

Personally I don't mind the delay. I have a backlog of masterpiece figures to catch up on. Two months isn't too far off. Looking forward to getting me grubby mitts on this little guy soon tho

 

The delay might be related to logistics given the incidents in HK. I don't think it's because of Takara sprucing up the QC issues.

 

Sam on Twitter

 

Does he come with a lab coat and WJ's "bomb"? 

 

Ah I'm afraid not! The photographer added those items.

 

Major bummer!

Original Takara MP Grimlock came with his "meido san" cosplay (apron, glasses and serving tray included). Sure hope that lab coat is included too!We can always hope 

 

He looks so cool and nearly spot on to the animation! There's just something about his chin that puts me off... Regardless, the more pictures I see, the more I'm considering grabbing him.

 

From another site, I read that the USA version of him will have some decals to offset the Autobot sigil on his plates "I heart NY" (that's trademarked?) I wonder if the JP version has the "heart" as the default part of the license plate's fonts?

Noted too that there are a lot of "Gears" on said site concerning this figure. Takara isn't forcing them  to buy BB anyways. 

 

Positive thing is that KO will fix all the problems.  

 

More from Sam on Twitter

 

whoops, you're in the wrong thread

 

Now THIS is Bumblebee! Wow, just wow! Best photos of Bee thus far!

Three exclamation marks in one post? Yes, just because I can! OK, make that four.

 

The USA release is exactly the same as the normal Japanese release, except it has a black sleeve around the box with English text. The sticker sheet is included with all Bees. That specific sticker is to redo the license plate as it appeared in that one episode. See the Masterpiece news on the frontpage here for a photo of the whole sticker sheet.

 

Those exclamation points are 100% justified man!!!!!

 

With these latest shots, I can finally put my finger on exactly why the face sculpt (and the sculpt and articulation of the whole figure, and honestly, all of the "new direction" MPs imo) work so well for me.

It isn't that they are perfect recreations of any single animation cell, or even an average of different looks from different episodes. It isn't even that they perfectly recreate the official reference models. Rather, it's that they capture the essence of the animation models while actually being animated, in motion. As if the moment captured in the sculpt anticipates and subtly suggests further motion beyond that moment. Like there's kinetic energy stored in it, just about to perpetuate the animated movement beyond that point.

That slightly open-mouthed face plate is the best example of what I mean. It isn't perfectly one to one accurate for any given animation frame or cell you can find anywhere, be it in screenshots or even by pausing episodes to create your own images. But it just BLEEDS G1 toon Bumblebee captured in the middle of an animating, moving facial expression as depicted back then. The articulated poses as well as the shape of the legs and arms accomplish the same thing, that sense of anticipation of further movement. Every pose I've seen him placed in, even just standing there casually, has that effect.

That takes this to a whole different level of craft and artistry imo. To take a 35+ year old animation, and reference so closely in both modes not just a 1:1 faithful adaptation of a given moment, but to breathe a sense of animated life into the molds. That's just insane.

That is, dare I say, a masterpiece. Kibble be damned.

(As always just my opinion, but this is the positive discussion topic after all.)