Alright, so I've decided within the last month that I'm going to start collecting Transformers. This will be my first foray into the hobby since I was a little one about 15-20 years ago.

As a side project, I also want to have all of the accurate MP figures. In my eyes, that's:

Megatron
Optimus Prime
Starscream
Thundercracker
Skywarp
Grimlock

I know they've released various Optimus', and a Ghost Starscream, but I'm really only interested in the most accurate G1 representation. As well as one figure per character.  

After deciding this, I've noticed that there are often times a US and foreign made version of most MP figures. So my question is simple; well hopefully.

Which version of each MP figure is the most G1 accurate? I know I saw a green Starscream, which completely boggled my mind. But if they did a limited release, I can kind of understand the logic there.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Optimus: MP-04 has the trailer. Any of the US editions have shortened smoestacks to meet safety standards and no trailer.
Starscream: US Walmart Exclusive or Takara "USA Edition"
Skywarp: The Takara Version comes with decals you can apply, but I believe Hasbros have them tampo'd
Grimlock: Either one, The Hasbro Version might be easier to find since it hasn't been released yet...it doesn't have the apron, tray and bow tie the Takara version has but those accessories are arguably throwaways. The Hasbro version has a crown included and some slight modifications done to the teeth and claws to round them off in order to meet safety standards.

Thundercracker and Megatron only have Takara releases.

Edit: Oh yeah and the green Starscream was the original Takara MP-03 Starscream. Wasn't any more limited than any of the others...their intention was to make it more 'real life inspired'. Glad I waited for Hasbro's version, "Greenscream" still looks awful to me.

 

TAK mp-04 Prime
Has SS
TAK Cracker
TAK Skywarp
TAK Megatron
TAK Grimlock.Each Grimlock has different g1 accessories

Ghost SS and Sleep Prime are season 3 and both are beautiful.


Magnus and Nemesis are there if you don't mind Repaints

 

Excellent. This is exactly what I was looking for.

Thanks.  

 

In case graymer is not aware, I'd like to note that you can get longer stacks separately to replace the short ones on the US version. They are not hard to switch out. Thought I'd mention this in case you find a deal on one.

Also, the Decepticon symbols on the wings of the US versions of Starscream and Skywarp are printed in opposite directions.

 

You and I have had the same idea. Hope your wallet is ready.   I got a fairly decent-priced Prime on eBay, but the SS and Megs figures almost never go below $100.   Definitely keeping an eye out for the US Grimlock.

EDIT: And not five minutes later, I score a pretty good Starscream deal. Megatron, however ... yikes.

 

you're most likely not going to get a megs for less than 100, if you do, it's been handled by an idiot, and broken lol

 

I can't beleive I forgot that detail since I just barely got the long Repro stacks for my 20th Anniversary Op like two months ago! Very simple to change and they're like $10 shipped from eBay.

 

get the MP04 Prime and Hasbro walmart Starscream. for the rest get the takara tommy versions.

 

 

*twist* *fold* *SNAP*


FFUUUUUUUUuuuuu

 

laftoys.com still has some MP Megs (modded) for $100. I havent priced them in a while (got mine a few years back), but that seems like a decent price. I have heard it is pretty easy to get the plug out too.

 

Well, it was my birthday this week and I actually was able to score MP Megs fully modded. It was over $100, but was a gift from family chipping in.

I'm not necessarily in a rush to get this done, but I can certainly tell that some are more affordable than others.

 

I feel ya on the no rush part. I think I have been putting off MP-02 for about 18 months. Should have jumped on it during the BBTS sale a few weeks ago, but decided on the MP-01B instead. After I knock that one out, it is on to a few of the more pricey ones.

 

I think you've gotten some great advice so far.

I just thought I'd chime in and say "welcome" to the TF hobby  

 

If you are going for G1 accuracy on the MP Seekers, I would recommend the USA/Hasbro versions of Starscream and Skywarp (although there is a animation coloured Takara Starscream as well). I would guess that it is only a matter of time before a Hasbro MP Thundercracker emerges (I am waiting for that one!). He will probably show up to fill a gap in the MP line between new designs. In general, the Hasbro MP Seekers are more G1 cartoon accurate, while the Japanese Takara versions are more 'realistic'.

 

the takara g1 accurate starscream is the one i got, less "burning" on the tail of the plane, and has the decepticon logo on the nose

 

The original Hasbro MP Prime has battle damage on it as well. I purchased both original Takara and Hasbro MP Primes. I loved the battle damage so I kept it and got some longer stacks put on. I was able to pick up a set of chromed pewter stacks many years ago for about $30 so I never have to worry about them breaking. Most people like the clean Takara version but not me.