Via Weibo user 蓝色正午 we can share for you in-package images of Beast Wars Masterpiece MP-34S Shadow Panther and the Collectible Coin included with this figure.
The figure is a black repaint of previous MP-34 Cheetor which includes a new battle mask (homage to the original toy), a communicator arm band and multiple face. Shadow Panther is a homage to the old Takara Beast Wars D-7 Shadow Panther which was a straight repaint of the first BW Cheetor toy.
The box features Shadow Panther in both modes in the front, while the back is similar to Cheetor’s box showing poses and all the accessories. We have our first look at the collectible coin for these Masterpiece. A cool cover which resembles a black panther head.
Shadow Panther will be a Takara Tomy Mall exclusive. It’s scheduled to be released late in August 2018 for 8,000 yen. Click on the bar to see the mirrored images and then join to the ongoing discussion on the 2005 Boards!
Digger
I’d say it’s a pretty great figure. I actually like it much more than Cheetor.
Dinotrap
I picked him up for the full price when he was first released and have no problems with him. He's fun and a very nice update for the character, might snag myself a second copy for that price
captainfantasy
Shadow Panther on sale for $74.99 at TF Source for Memorial Day Weekend. Not a huge BW fan but I like the look and don't have Cheetor. Is he worth it?
Paco Grande
Just chiming in to make sure you know that the Cheetor reissue that just came out has the mould upgrades from Shadow Panther like the shoulders and tighter joints all around. I got mine from Amazon Japan for a great price but I have no idea if it’s still available for that price. I would assume no, but you should check.
1BLD
I got Shadow Panther this week, because with Megatron imminent, I really wanted a Cheetor who didn't feel like trash.
And Shadow Panther feels so, so much better. In a first for me, I transformed him into a robot and that's how he's been since Wednesday. In some ways, I know that SP is actually built better (like the shoulders, the swivel there is smooth and not at all scary, unlike Cheetor), but I'm leaving Cheetor as a cat, and SP as a robot action figure so things like the waist tab and the shoulder drop don't wear out.
So far as new bits go, the communicators are nice to have (and can be used by Cheetor, no issue), while I don't think the mask works- it feels a little flat, like it should have more of a beak/snout. I think the chrome does it a slight disservice as well, since sculpt wise I could see it as a kind of skull mask. Speaking of faces, the standard set work surprisingly well despite the lack of remolding. I didn't like the neutral face especially on Cheetor, but it and the smirk work nicely for this Predacon.
I'm not happy that I felt the need to buy Shadow Panther to get a Cheetor who didn't feel like trash, but I at least got a solid version of the figure, and one which definitely feels better than my Cheetor ever did. Now I just have to never transform him, and hope that just being an action master isn't too much to ask of the mold, long term.
InsaneJester17
Why on Cybertron did no one make a Ravage head for this? That's the only way I would pick this guy up.
stad
Because a lot of people – for whatever reason – will read the reports, and start passing it along as if it's a common occurrence, and often word it as if it happened to them as well.
Sam
Well I don't know how you can 'exaggerate' breaking – in the cases of the people it happened to it obviously happened. But yeah, a lot of people whose 34S didn't break obviously don't feel the need to come online to report that.
In any case, I'm ordering the MP-34 reissue from Amazon Japan, since they have the best return policy in case of a QC issue like this still happening with Cheetor.
Gamerlingual
Unless it’s MPM6 Ironhide. No way those flops are exaggerated
Afterburner
The issues are almost always exaggerated. Glad to confirm that's the case as I too would like to give this figure a shot when I have some extra funds.
Gamerlingual
May have to give this one a shot, then. Got all other Beast Wars MP and variants. Thanks, guys.
PoweredConvoy
No issues here.
Dinotrap
I haven’t had a single issue with mine, I’ve transformed him enough times to forget how many times I actually transformed him, and he’s still in mint condition
Definitely going to pick up another one for beast mode display
Gamerlingual
Ok. So the frequency of breaking, is it exaggerated?
Verno
He sure does look good. I'm still torn about whether to pick him up or not. Maybe when we get a look at Grimlock and Lazorbeak.
mcart
Yup
Gamerlingual
Anyone else own this guy and he is still in one piece?
PoweredConvoy
I called him being the first. Easy redeco .
Digger
Lol damn yeah.