Thanks to Loopaza Mega Store on Facebook we have scans of the Figure King Magazine #241 which includes a fantastic Takara Tomy Transformers Special.
This is a 26-page special with a look back at the history of Transformers in anticipation of next year’s 35th anniversary. Here’s what we get on these pages:
- 7 pages dedicated to the history of Prime/Convoy, starting from Diaclone Battle Convoy to present.
- 4 page feature on Studio Series with new photos (Leader Blackout can carry Scorponok on his back).
- MPM-5 Barricade (new photos) and MP-17+ Prowl (stock photos).
- Power of the Primes.
- Hero-X TF Marvel Comics reprints.
- 35th Anniversary (Masterpiece?) Convoy teaser.
- 2 page roundtable interview with designers Shogo Hasui, Hironori Kobayashi and Takashi Kunihiro. You can find a complete translation of this interview here, thanks to our 2005 Boards members Deruji, Sam and Timesynch.
We are sure you will really enjoy this Transformers special as much as we did. You can check out the mirrored images after the jump and then sound off at the 2005 Boards!
Gangu Stars
"We are sure you will really enjoy this Transformers special as much as we did."
The irony is of course that if you continue to cover, promote and front page scans of book like this, then you can only blame yourself when magazines like this fold.
PocoStig
I want to see these two side by side. Or even a stopmotion fight that would be cool.
tikgnat
I knew that.
(no I didn't)
oku
That's not a toy. It's 3D model from a game.
tikgnat
Is it just me, or does their POTP Rodimus have a much bigger wing than the Hasbro version?
Sam
I think one of the coolest things about this spread on Optimus is the look at the original Diaclone sketches for Battle Convoy:
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Similar vibe to the Diaclone Prowl and Diaclone Devastators:
Definitely a similar face and head sculpt going on.
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Interesting how they then refined that head:
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And suddenly we have Optimus Prime's iconic antennae.
Also, look at how futuristic the original trailer concept was!
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Imagine a trailer opening up to reveal that kind of playset. The one we got was great, but that asymmetrical design is on another level.
The original transformation scheme was a little more involved, too:
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Seems there was an option of the grill jutting out at an angle, and the roof of the cab folding down to become his chest. Suddenly the jutting out grill on MP-10 makes a lot more sense. The bumper would also pull out to complete his chest. They even wanted to fold his front tyres sideways out of the way, and his other tyres were meant to be in his feet rather than on the sides of his legs (like Magnus later had).
So cool seeing these old designs. And it really ties in the original prototypes for Battle Convoy:
Actar
God… They really love that pointing pose for movie OP.
primalxconvoy
Indeed. Ironic as Western publications are not scanned and shown in their entirety at most TF sites, and KO collectors are seen as "not supporting the IP holders".
As for me, due to all the content, I might try and buy it.
onnsake
Thanks very much for the scans.
Just saved me ten bucks.
Kenchanayoh
Does the staff at Hasbro get memos about how to make the toys look as terrible as possible, posing in awkward positions, so they can display the playability of the toys? Most of the time, they mistransform their own stuff and more their products look unappealing in their stock photos, usually with kids with creepy smiles.
combinerlover
Indeed it is
cj37a
I think it is coming, but this is the G1 golden age right now.
primalxconvoy
I think ANY better version of Clown-Trousers Prime would be appreciated. I'm still waiting for a decent version of Hotshot to come out, but I doubt it'll happen.
Lazerwave
Aw Man, I just gotta order a Blackout soon.
Did anyone notice Scorponok can attach on Blackout's back? Between the propellers.
TargetmasterJoe
…Does anyone kind of want a Masterpiece version of Armada Optimus Prime?
Truth be told, my real exposure to Transformers was Armada though I was so young, I wasn't aware of Armada's quality issues.
Still though.
primalxconvoy
For those with larger screens, I've combined the double pages back together. Hope this helps.
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[Wing_Saber-X]
I'd expect no less from Takaratomy.
cough* Hasbro could learn alot from Takara* cough
skywarp-2
That Grimlock is sick!!
jackisking
Oh I know it's the same, like @PoweredConvoy said they know how to pose and photograph it better.