I am not sure whether this thread should belong here, because my question falls both in the third party sub forum as well as the toys' forum. I am thinking of getting Ultra Magnus for my collection, but I am struggling about which version/brand to get. Takara has two versions of Ultra Magnus: MP 22 and the recently released MP 31. I know that KFC has two versions too. Which one is actually better? And did miss any other third party companies that have made Ultra Magnus as well?

 

As owner of both, I packed my KFC version away and never think about it. TT is a bit of a brick but is about perfect IMO. Not the most articulated offering but it looks and feels much better than Stacks.

 

Get MP31

 

That's not Ultra Magnus....looks cool though

 

MP-22. He is G1 Ultra Magnus in figure form, pure and simple. Citizen Stack takes too many creative liberties for my liking, plus it's an older KFC release so it may have QC issues.

 

MP31 is solid, has a fun transformation, and looks great next to MP10 in both modes. I would get him over KFC.

 

MP-22 is really the only option if you want ultra magnus, mp31 does not have his colours and stacks just isn't as good imho.
Get mp 22, he's not perfect but he is as perfect as we are likely to see for a long while.

 

I'm assuming you want one for your MP collection, in which case MP22 is your only viable option. Citizen Stack is far too big to go with anything and MP31 isn't actually Ultra Magnus but rather an updated rebranding of the Diaclone Powered Convoy toy. In the end though, go with what you like. Despite its flaws, I did like having DIA Stack (Powered Convoy repaint of Citizen Stack).

 

MP22 and KFC Dia Stack. So you have 2 molds and both look good.

 

Stack is cool. MP22 is worlds better.

Get the kfc hand upgrade for MP22 though, its worth the extra 15 bucks.

 

Mp22

 

MP22 here, I didn't like how the KFC version had the rear wheels of the cab not in the same line as the front wheels for transformation. looks like the rear wheels were sucked in. From the side not noticeable but from any other angle it would be clear to see.

 

If size doesn't matter to you, and money's limited: Check out Iron Factory's UM, it's pretty impressive for a legends scale. Then there's KFC's Citizen Stack, which I actually prefer over MP-22 because I don't like my figures to have diecast on'em (and if I remember correctly, because mine's in storage so it's been a while since I fiddled with it, but I believe the only diecast Citizen Stack has is the screws and pins holding him together- that's pretty much it) so if you're an all-plastic guy like me: KFC's Citizen Stack is great.

 

I haven't gotten any of them and I don't really think there will ever be a MP Ultra Magnus for me.
That said, if you're ok with the size, MP-22 is really nice.

 

That's the combo I have now, with KFC hands and X2 Toys' shoulder upgrades for MP-22, and the SXS head upgrade for DAI Stack. Both have pros and cons and to me, they're dead even.

MP-22
Pros:
G1 accurate
Diecast feet

Cons:
Butt-flap
Less articulated (no waist swivel); limited shoulder articulation without upgrade
"chubby" looking

DAI Stack
Pros:
IDW/Dreamwave inspired (if that's the look you prefer)
Good overall proportions
Great articulation

Cons:
Default face is meh
Hardly any paint
No diecast; light-weight
Busier look-more panel lining and details

If you go with KFC's Citizen Stack, just ensure you get the revised version which adapts some fixes. Dai Stack already has all the improvements. So first decide if you like the sunbow or diaclone colour scheme, then decide which aesthetics you prefer.

 

What about Ultimetal

 

I like Combiner Wars Magnus better than all of them (the Japanese version, to be specific, since it has better colours).

It's not an MP, obviously, but it's just such a fun figure, and a perfect representation of the IDW look if you're a fan of the comics.

 

You could always wait for an inevitable American release of MP UM. If and when they do one, I'd bed that they'll do it in toy colours (chromed grill, white gun) and not anime colours.

Also, about KFC/X-Transbots; they have a history of awful QC (breaking easily). AVOID them.

 

I've owned both but currently only have mp22. Diastack was ok to fill a void that TT had at the time. Now that TT has mp22, Diastack is no longer needed. It's too big and not at the same level of quality mp22 is. Even with any con's you throw in for mp22, it's still the better Magnus.