The demise of Toys R Us led several fans to question what the fate of the Masterpiece Transformers line would be in the US, and we have an answer for you here. It seems that the Masterpiece line might be going the route of other niche pop culture collectibles and will be offered through channels such as Diamond Comic Distributors – meaning that you may soon be able to pick up the next Masterpiece Transformer at the same time as you pick up your pull list.
The first Masterpiece Transformer getting this treatment is MP-17+ Prowl. The animation version of Prowl is solicited in Diamond’s latest edition of Previews, and looks to be identical to his Japanese release. He’s also been previously solicited on Entertainment Earth, suggesting he’s not going to be a Diamond exclusive item.
According to the solicit, the figure is set to hit comic shops in September, the same month as the Japanese release.
Could this be the future of the Masterpiece line in the US and other releases formerly planned as Toys R Us exclusives? Time will tell – as will the potential for this to make Masterpieces more available to some parts of the fandom.
almightymaximus
Transformers Masterpiece MP-17+ Prowl has been spotted at Go! Calendars, Games & Toys retail store in Connecticut for 94.99 USD.
franpincho
Finally got Prowl at a sale price at a local store.
These two look beautiful together. Can’t wait for Hound.
View attachment 28264856
RIP.
Paco Grande
That’s good to know for people that collect MISB. Thanks for the info!
omegafix
Mine was.
Paco Grande
Is the inside Takara box taped shut?
omegafix
yes the original Takara box is inside
Nighthawkblack
That's where mine came from.
RKillian
Well now we know why it's taking so long for "Takara" MP-20+ to come in stock at BBTS.
Nighthawkblack
I thought I was getting the JP one.
Paco Grande
Yes the original Takara box is inside from what I’ve read. If you’re a MISB collector why wouldn’t you get the Takara version with the nicer box? Although in this case I think you could remove that outer box and display the nicer box inside. But I have no idea if the inner box is taped too. Check the Masterpiece appreciation thread. Someone just got this version and they could probably tell you for sure if the inner box is taped.
Nighthawkblack
I just got mine and it looks like it's the actual box. I'm wondering if anyone opened theirs, is there a nice TT box inside or do we just get this turd box. I don't open mine so I'm hoping someone can chime in.
View attachment 28246107
BWfan86
Interesting- maybe the Takara box is within THAT box? Seems easier to slap a sticker on it if they really want the hasbro logo on there than go through the trouble of creating a whole new box or an outer box
Sam
Yeah, with the giant uneven sellotape on the bottom – I think it's gotta just be a cover.
Paco Grande
Isn’t it bizarre that there’s no artwork or pics on the box? If that’s the whole box and it’s just the tray inside that’s a serious lack of effort! Hopefully the Takara box is inside.
Sam
Huh, that matches the leaked box-art we saw a while back. I always thought it was just a sleeve, but I didn't think it would cover (or replace?) the whole box.
I wonder if they'll go the same route with MP-43 and MP-44 for their Hasbro releases.
About time the Hasbro version of this came out anyway!
Paco Grande
I just spotted these pics on EBay.
Is this the Hasbro release packaging?? Is the original Takara box inside with artwork etc.?
View attachment 28147904
View attachment 28147903
jackisking
I dont know if it would be exclusive, as since there is no TRU the best distribution option is amazon. Its probably the best vehicle to release mainline stuff
BWfan86
Amazon is just is bad with exclusive stuff as well unfortunately. If I had a choice, I think hts would be the way to go as long as they impose a limit on how many each person can purchase
jackisking
Well its probably a good chance the general releases would wind up on amazon anyway.
BWfan86
Meh; waiting for Hasbro MPs was always stressful anyway given how quickly the ones that were reasonably priced sold out and were scalped (ex. grimlock, soundwave, mp10 mold, starscream). At least with Takara releases, you don’t have to worry about them selling out near immediately and hoping for a restock scalpers won’t beat you to