TAKARATOMY CYBERTRON SATELLITE 'DARK GUARD' OPTIMUS PRIME! CAMPAIGN SPECIAL!

8:27 PM in Black Repaint, CYBERTRON SATELLITE, Japan exclusive, OPTIMUS PRIME, special edition, TAKARATOMY, Transformers Prime

 
Hi folks, just a quick update on yet another 'exclusive' release regarding Transformers. 

Dark Guard Optimus Prime is an exclusive release being offered by the Yodobashi Camera shops in Japan. The figure is a black and gold redeco of the popular Transformers Prime First Edition Voyager Optimus Prime mold which is  due for a release on December 1st, priced at 5,250 yen. The story of how Optimus Prime became the 'Dark' version, not Nemesis Prime, is translated from Takaratomy's site: 



''To save his comrades who are infected with Dark Energon, Optimus Prime had his body covered with Energon Defense Coating. This black coating is an alloy Ratchet created by analyzing and converting MECH's equipment, and is capable of shielding Transformers from Dark Energon or any biological weapons such as a virus. Optimus' mobility is reduced due to the added weight, but this is the only form he can guard himself from Dark Energon. 


Transformers Prime/ Copyright Hasbro Takaratomy 2012

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TakaraTomy Site Update: MP-13 & 14 New Pics!

10:18 AM in Japanese G1, MASTERPIECE, MP-13, MP-14, NOT YET RELEASED, Red Alert, Soundwave, TAKARATOMY

Hello folks! Really sorry for my tardiness.. been a busy week and took a couple of days off to relax and unwind. Noticed that Takaratomy had updated their website to include upcoming promo shots of the next two highly anticipated Masterpiece releases- Soundwave (MP-13) and Red Alert (MP-14).

These shots show off the various gimmicks on their respective packaging,  as well as the accessories and poseability of both Soundwave and Red Alert's excellent models.MP Soundwave has been delayed for a month from it's initial release date -- from end Dec 2012 release to a rough estimate till end Jan 2013. Personally cannot wait for adding both to my collection. 

Masterpiece/ Soundwave & Red Alert Copyright 2012 Takaratomy. Co. Japan 

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UPDATE: MORE TRANSFORMERS PRIME ARMS MICRON RELEASES DUE DECEMBER 2012~

10:42 PM in ARMS-MICRON, Japan exclusive, Leo Prime, Shockwave, TAKARATOMY, Transformers Prime, Ultra Magnus, YET TO BE RELEASED

Hi folks, WSX here bringing you another piece of collecting update that I am personally psyched about. Arms Micron releases scheduled for December 2012. brings some exciting new characters to the fold. 

Japanese toy company Takaratomy  has updated their website listings for three future Arms Micron releases: AM-27 Ultra Magnus (a redeco of the recently release Voyager Ultra Magnus with a new Arms Micron hammer), AM-28 Leo Prime (a redeco of Thundertron in colors resembling those of Lio Convoy from Beast Wars II, with a Micron companion resembling Moon, from the same show.) and AM-29 Shockwave 

Story linked and credited to Uber fan-site TFW2005. These Voyager class toys will retail for approx 4,200 Yen and the deluxe at 2,100 Yen. Steep prices, but totally worth the time as the decos are much more inspired compared to Hasbro's versions IMHO. Add to the fact that Arm Micron toys/ weapons are fun to assemble and play with, it lends more in terms of value -add playability to the figures themselves. Really looking forward to getting these added to my ever growing collection!

Arms Micron and Transformers Prime Copyright 2012 Tomy. all rights Reserved. 

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TAKARA TOMY'S FALL OF CYBERTRON TOYS- SHINIER AND MORE DESIRABLE!

11:46 PM in Collector's Edition, Fall of Cybertron, Japan exclusive, Metallic Repaint, TAKARATOMY, YET TO BE RELEASED

Hi peoples! Just a quick and exciting update which I'd thought I'd share with you guys. Recently announced and released ACTUAL, in-hand retail pictures from Takaratomy's  Transformers Generations:- FALL OF CYBERTRON toy-line which is slated to be the mainstay collector-centric line to get for the 2013. 

Amazon Japan has graciously posted upcoming versions for Fall of Cybertron Combaticons aka Bruticus, Kickback, Sideswipe, Ultra Magnus, Fireflight, Starscream and Voyager releases of Soundblaster and Soundwave with 'Buzzsaw' and 'Lazerbeak' 'Cybertronian Discs'. 

Hand on heart, and gotta admit that these are indeed exciting times to be a Transformers aficionado, and Takaratomy has delivered once again, after taking some flak recently on skimping on the Quality Control of their products, which coincidentally has been in recent times, made in Vietnam- but I digress, and will most likely be picking these much more collector grade versions of their  rather bland and uninspiring Hasbro releases in the near future, which  coincidentally means as soon as these are available through the regular Japan-Hobby online-outlets. All credit must go toward uber-fan site TFW2005 for first posting the news for which inspired me to post this entry in the first place. :D 

Meantime, Pre-orders are up on several sites such as Robotkingdom, etoysjapan and BBTS, just to name afew--to those who are looking to secure their collector-grade toys!

Transformers FOC/ Generations Copyright 2012 Hasbro Inc. & Takaratomy. 

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Some Recent Acquisitions! Transformers Prime Deluxe toys!

8:41 AM in Deluxe, JUST BOUGHT, TAKARATOMY, Transformers Prime

Got a mini POL sometime last week! Loving the Prime Takaratomy packaging fro Bumblebee and Cliffjumper! More Japan only Arms Micron packaged stuff on the way! 

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TRANSFORMERS PRIME ARMS MICRON ( AM-01) OPTIMUS PRIME!

11:02 AM in ARMS-MICRON, Collector's Edition, JUST BOUGHT, Metallic Red Repaint, OPTIMUS PRIME, TAKARATOMY, Transformers Prime

SLIGHT UPDATE! BOUGHT THE TAKARA-TOMY TRANSFORMERS PRIME RID AM-01 OPTIMUS PRIME WITH HIS MINI-CON WEAPON WHICH CONVERTS INTO A ION BLASTER  OF SORTS. PRETTY DECENT DARKER BLUE AND METALLIC RED PAINT JOB, AND SOME MINOR TOUCH-UPS ESPECIALLY ON HIS FORE-ARMS (TRANSLUCENT PLASTIC, AGAIN?)   WILL HAVE TO BE DONE TO MAKE THIS FIGURE WHOLE AGAIN. ARRIVING SOMETIME SOON, MAYBE WITHIN THIS WEEK OR THE NEXT-- MEAN TIME, POSTING SOME PICTURES !!  CANNOT WAIT OT ADD THIS AND FIX -UP THE ARMS MICRON WEAPON TO MY COLLECTION! AWESOME! 

TRANSFORMERS PRIME AM-01/ OPTIMUS PRIME - COPYRIGHT TAKARATOMY 2012-

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Transformers Masterpiece MP-11 Starscream Ver. 2.0~

11:03 AM in Generation 1, MASTERPIECE, NOT IN COLLECTION, Potential Buy, Remake, Starscream, TAKARATOMY

It has finally been announced that orders for Takratomy's new Masterpiece- MP- 11- a retool and recolor of sorts of Starscream will be shipping out this week from Japan and other Asian countries. I should be getting this and doing a simple review  when I get mine in approx. 2 weeks time! Stay tuned!  Pics linked/credited to Robotkingdom.com 

Masterpiece 11, Starscream Copyright 2011-2011 Takaratomy. 

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TAKARATOMY TRANSFORMERS PRIME TOY COMMERCIAL!!

3:15 PM in 2012, ARMS-MICRON, Japan exclusive, Minor Repaint, TAKARATOMY, Transformers Prime, Yet To Arrive

Hiya peoples! Sorry for the slack in updating my blog...oh well, better late than never, right?! Anyway thought Id preview some TF: Prime goodness....starting with the toy commercial campaign to celebrate the new Transformers show .  Oh why couldn't toy commercials over here be as cool  as those from Japan?!

Takaratomy's Transformers Prime commercial, to coincide with the release of the anime series Fight! Robot lifeforms Transformers: Prime which is scheduled to be aired sometime next month, possibly mid April 2012. 

Bought some releases at USD$19 a pop, namely AM-04 Ratchet and AM-06 Skywarp- which has not had confirmation of a possible USA-Hasbro release. To add a sense of 'play-value' to the exclusive Japan only Transformers Prime toys, Takaratomy has decided to include a sleuth of ARMS-MICRON - Robot-to weapon mini cons which can combine and power-up to make more powerful weapons. Although self-assembled, and includes some stickers, it nevertheless makes it more interactive and worth the import prices paid. Cannot wait to get these to add to my collection! 

Transformers Prime and Arms Micro Copyright 2011-Takaratomy Co. Ltd. . 

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NEWLY RELEASED PICTURES OF ENCORE #22 TWINCAST AND #21 SOUNDBLASTER!

10:50 AM in 2012 Reissue, Encore, Generation 1, Japanese G1, Soundblaster, TAKARATOMY, Twincast

Hello folks! just a quickie update to say how pleased I am to be excited for the continuation of Takaratomy's Generation One homage sub line that is the Transformers: Encore series.

These next short days (to those living in Asia-Pacific region) will see the final distribution and release of two 'Cassette-trons', aka Encore #21 Soundblaster and Encore #22 Twincast. They come with  Great homages to the original releases, and they fixed the faces of the toys to fit their anime during the Headmasters continuity appearance! The pictures of the newly and soon to be released reissues are liked and credited to Hobbysearch.jp. 

Text linked / credited to user Powered Convoy from the Allspark forum: 

The latest Encore figures Soundblaster with Enemy and Wing Thing and Twincast with Nighstalker and Stripes!  These highly anticipated reissues feature modified versions of the the original Soundblaster (now with an all silver face plate, red eyes, and tampographed insignia symbol) and Twincast (with a yellow face, blue eyes, smooth tape deck, and tampographed insignia symbol) as well as new Cassettrons based on very obscure Cassettron related characters!  First up is Enemy, a red and dark blue redeco of Frenzy based on the old Transformer Radio and Voice Changer.  Next is Wing Thing, Action Master Soundwave's animal partner, who is presented as a black and orange redeco of Rat Bat.  On the side of the Autobots is Nightstalker, a black redeco of Steeljaw with Ravage's weapons, who was once partners with Ravage in a UK story.  Last but not least is Stripes, a orange and gray tiger redeco of Ravage with Steeljaw's weapons, who was presented in one of the original Transformers:  The Movie scripts.

Stripes: Blaster's preliminary Autobot cassette (which was) supposed to be part of the draft script in the 1986 Transformers animated movie. Idea was scrapped and he was (thankfully) eventually replaced by Ramhorn or Steeljaw.

-Nightstalker: a character in a Marvel UK exclusive text story. 'State Games' 

-Enemy: Homage to the Original Micorchange MC-01 version of Rumble/Frenzy 

-Wingthing: Soundwave's Action Master partner.

Verdict: Beautiful, vintage box-art. and the contents are perfect. What more can one ask for?!! Thus, I am buying TWO of each release! 

Encore/ Twincast/ Soundblaster Copyright Takaratomy 

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WING SABER TOYZ UPCOMING RELEASE: Tokyo toy Show Exclusive: Transformers United Takara TF United Set (-Limited-) Cybertron Prime & Megatron! Dark Beginnings! 「トランスフォーマー ユナイテッド DSオプティマスプライム サイバトロンモード＆DSメガトロン サイバトロンモード」が東京おもちゃショー２０１１のタカラトミーブースにて数量限定で販売決定！

2:31 PM in Black Repaint, Exclusive Repaint, June 2011, Limited, Megatron, not in collection, OPTIMUS PRIME, TAKARATOMY, Tokyo 2011 toyfair, TRANSFORMERS UNITED, War For Cybertron, YET TO BE RELEASED

  

Hi there people! Just a quick update for all to share! Basically, in conjunction with the imminent release of the new Transformer Live Action Movie that is Dark of the Moon, Takaratomy along with E-hobby Japan has decide to commemorate this momentous event  by releasing the 'Darkside' edition of the War For Cybertron  incarnations of Prime and Megatron. The premise for this is to showcase the 'negative' and or mirror versions of the aforementioned Cybertron Leaders, decked out in two really distinct color pallets. Optimus looks sharp in his 'Nemisis' black and teal scheme with red chest windshield/ while Megatron's combination of flat black and purple gives the Decepticon leader an air of being rather a more shady and deviant figure. 

Release details: Transformers United [Dark Side Optimus Prime VS Dark Side Megatron] Set

       Remark: Tokyo Toy Show 2011 Exclusive

       Estimate Retail Price (shipping included): RM200-RM228 / 5,000 Yen

       Release Date: 20 June ( to be shipped after Tokyo Toy show 2011) 

This release was first reported on the web-blog of Malaysian toy seller Famitoys sometime as recent as the middle of April 2011, and is available from most online retail stores. Not estimated as to how many of these 2-pack sets will be distributed come the day of the Tokyo Toy Fair 2011, but as usual, these will no doubt be scalped on other online sites in the near future. E-hobby will be taking a limited number of pre-orders especially for their Japan-based customers. Paid a decent sum for this and cannot wait to get it and add these awesome renditions in my collection!   

Pics linked and credited to Takaratomy/ -E-hobby  Japan All rights reserved. 

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WING SABER TOYZ UPCOMING RELEASE: TRANSFORMERS MASTERPIECE (MP1L) CONVOY FINAL EDITION [- トランスフォーマー マスターピース MP-1L コンボイ最終生産 !!]

1:24 PM in Convoy, Final Edition, MASTERPIECE, PRE-ORDER, TAKARATOMY, Yet To Arrive, YET TO BE RELEASED

Hey folks! Just a quick update since this is the New Year! Happy Rabbit Year 2011.  Finally caved in and pre-ordered what has been touted as the final hoorah of this truly landmark Masterpiece toy which has been released unprecedented times ever since its inception way back in 2004. It was a solid introduction in the whole Masterpiece genre, one which has spawned countless of  ''Editions'' of the beloved Transformers Leader and uber good guy: Convoy aka Optimus Prime. 

SAYONARA FOR GOOD?

Search Tags : Takara Tomy Transformers

Product Name	Transformers Masterpiece MP-1L Convoy Final Production (tentative name)[Takara Tomy]
Item Code	TOY-RBT-1332
Manufacturer	Takara Tomy
Release Date	late Mar-2011
Original Title	Transformers
Copyright	(C)TOMY
Specifications	Package: windowed sack box w/ sound stage
Details	Final Production bonus: Sound stage with newly recorded voices of Tessho Genda, first voice actor of anime Convoy.

This mould seems to be going so strong that even Takaratomy themselves cant resist a final dig at re-releasing this so-called 'Final Edition' to us unsuspecting collectors. I did own the original version, never with the uber-trailer, but it was sold off sometime ago to fund my G1Vintage toys addiction...So what does one get with this current and latest release?! Apparently just a shinier paint job and extra voice-activated display stand with a gleaming Autobot insignia just like the Hasbro 20th DVD Edition..Kinda underwhelming to be honest, but there are some shots which show that there are no significant additions to the whole set-- trailer included or not. Personally it's the mould itself which make it worth the import price alone. Bought it off from Etoysjapan, payment is 1/5 fraction of the total cost of just under USD100. 

FINAL THOUGHTS: 

I'm getting this release as a direct replacement for the one which I sold off. This is for completists only, and hopefully more details would be revealed in the coming months before it's release sometime in March 2011. A trailer would be sweet, but at the retail price of 10,000 Yen, its a safe bet to assume that we just receive the bare-bones minimum of the hulking and super weighty (2kgs!) Autobot leader. B+ 

All pics are linked credited to Amiami/tfwiki/  Amazon Japan/ tformers.com  & ehobby

Convoy and Masterpiece Copyright Takaratomy & Hasbro 

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WING SABER TOYZ UPCOMING RELEASE: TRANSFORMERS UNITED UN-13: AUTOBOT WARRIOR TRACKS (UN-13 オートボットトラックス)!

10:33 AM in G1 HOMAGE, Japan exclusive, JUST BOUGHT, NOT IN COLLECTION, TAKARATOMY, Tracks, Yet To Arrive

Hi there folks! Really sorry for the lack of updates on my blog. Making up- 'tracks'-ahem for lost time, so today I am proud to feature another cool toy which has yet to arrive, but have already purchased, to be added in my burgeoning collectibles shelve. This was not really an impulse buy per say, but one that has been in the works ever since word came out that TAKARA-Tomy would release a much more superior paint scheme (G1 Flame Deco!) and shiny deep blue- both solid finishes to their Transformers United (@Reveal The Shield / ''RTS'') line-up that is UN-13: Autobot Warrior Tracks, this purchase was a non issue for me. I am not slagging off Hasbro Inc, for their less than inspiring release of the Turbo Tracks incarnation, but we serious collectors are accustomed that anything or most of the time- toys released for the Japanese collectors market always almost tends to be highly sought after. 

TRACKS IS BACK, BABY!

BIO: 

''If there’s one thing AUTOBOT TRACKS loves, it’s himself. In his opinion, nothing is quite so fine as the glint of sunlight of his perfectly polished chrome, or the looks humans give his sweet paint job as he rolls by. He’s no coward, but he avoids battle all the same, if only to protect his precious body from getting scuffed or, even worse, dented.''

TAKARA-TOMY TRIUMPHS! 

The folks at Takaratomy have basically chosen to stay rooted to the G1 inspired re-deco for UN-13 Autobot Warrior Tracks. I can safely say that this release is the most definitive release that most fans have been clamoring for. The aesthetic differences are right off the bat- are glaringly obvious. The 'tribal' tattoo-inspired flames for the RTS version of Tracks is pretty messy on the hood. Add to the usage of rub-sign stickers for the Autobot symbol on his roof/ robot chest, and it makes the toy look rather dull-- But obviously, Hasbro's niche market caters for the casual collectors and their numero uno target audience: KIDS.  

I can understand fully the reasoning behind the much more generic releases, as to maximize their distribution and sales scope.  

ROBOTKINGDOM ROCKS! 

Getting stuff from HK-based toy company and distributer, Robotkingdom is pretty hassle free and convenient in terms of reasonable shipping cost. I recommend buying from them if you wish to complete the collection gap of your beloved Transformers figures.  The fact that they are based in Hong Kong makes it the more better to receive your stuff and shipment is pretty safe and accurate. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

For collectors who don't mind paying the extra USD $12 or so to get a much more accurate and shiny representation of the Tracks mould. It's even got the bonus and very dubious but highly G1-centric 'flying-car' mode. Awesome. Highly recommended! 

All pictures linked, credited to TFW2005 member Masabon,  Amazon Japan.com/ Takaratomy/ Hasbro/ ToyWorld-HK.

Tracks and Transformers Copyright Takara & Hasbro 

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WING SABER TOYZ SPECIAL: - TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED = トランスフォーマー アニメイテッド TA33 ロディマス = HOT RODIMUS! ELITE COMMANDER!

10:34 PM in Exclusive Repaint, JUST BOUGHT, Rodimus Prime, TAKARATOMY, Toys'r'Us Release, TRANSFORMERS ANIMATED

Hi there boys and girls! Welcome, welcome to yet another random post and blog of the passionate Transformer and toy collector Adam aka WingSaberX!  Today we are looking at specifically, the brilliant and intuitive Transformers Animated timeline, where the wise creator of the animation models- (the uber talented Mr.Derrick J. Wyatt ) -- has made this incarnation of the Hot Rodimus Character into a real team-player and  a tough as nails type of leader. He's got a bow and Energon arrows for a weapon! Talk about channeling  a 'Robin-Hood' archetype! Far from the indecisive, whining  and inexperienced portrayal in the original Transformers series.  Just stopped off one of my favorite haunts for scouring a great buy- Amcorp Mall flea market. Had no particular reason to go there other than to try and find another decently priced buy (Am winding up my purchases of Vintage Japanese Transformers for the time being till the year is up! and just focusing on neat little releases that is much more easier on the wallet! LOL!  ) and get one of the most eagerly anticipated Animated releases to grace the market.  

The text taken below from wikipedia and out of box toy pictures are linked and credited to Amiami Japan! 

THE DEFINITIVE RODIMUS PRIME?!

Transformers Animated

Rodimus Minor/Rodimus Prime

Autobot
Japanese name	Rodimus Convoy
Sub-group	Deluxe Vehicles
Function	Cavalier
Rank	8
Partner	Optimus Prime
Motto	"Actions speak louder than words."
Alternate Modes	Futuristic Muscle Car that is a cross between a 2008 Dodge Challenger and a 1969 Ferrari Daytona
Series	Transformers: Animated
English voice actor	Judd Nelson
Japanese voice actor	Hiroya Ishimaru

Rodimus Minor is a character who appeared in season 3 of the Transformers Animated series. He is an homage to the Generation 1 version of the characterHot Rod.^[2] He wields an energon bow-and-arrow weapon of his own design.^[3] On March 31, 2009, Derrick J. Wyatt, lead Transformers Animated Character Designer posted an image of Rodimus' vehicle mode, which is described as a futuristic muscle car that is mostly based on a 2008 Dodge Challenger with some elements of a 1969 Ferrari Daytona. This was revealed at the 2009 BotCon where Hasbro released an action figure of Rodimus Minor. It showed that the 2008 Dodge Challenger parts of Rodimus' vehicle mode were mostly based on the back, top, and sides of the vehicle, while the 1969 Ferrari Daytona parts were found in the front of the vehicle, most notably, the headlights.

Actor Judd Nelson, who originally voiced Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime in The Transformers: The Movie reprised his role as this character.

Rodimus Minor leads an Autobot crew consisting of Red Alert, Ironhide, Hot Shot and Brawn.

TRANSFORM AND ROLL OUT!

Transformation of this toy is pretty simplistic, nothing too complex. Just flip out both doors to reveal his arms, and rotate and swivel upwards and click into place, releasing his fists. Next,  release the foot peg and divide the legs from his underside- Next, just lift his hood up to reveal his head, in addition to flipping his front engine to show his Autobot insignia. Clip the back car top and flip up his spoiler, tabbing it firmly into place. Bring his legs downwards and rotate his hips to the front, and then Second last step, then you must clip in the side of the lower legs into each pegs to straighten and extend a pair of (rather spindly looking) legs! finally, his side exhaust pipes that at are on his thighs are lifted upwards and clipped into place to finish the Rodimus robot mode. Thanks Peaugh!

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[edit]

Fun Publications

Rodimus's biography was printed in issue #24 of the Transformers Collectors Club magazine. He is described as a young prodigy, the "chosen one", who is

 expected to become the next Magnus in record time.

===================================================

[edit]

Animated series

Rodimus was seen in the season 3 "Transwarped" special, leading his team in defending a Space Bridge from Strika's "Team Chaar". His team was overwhelmed, and Rodimus is infected with Cosmic Rust, courtesy of Oil Slick, putting him out of commission. According to Derrick J. Wyatt, Rodimus is back on Cybertron de-rusting. He can later be seen on Cybertron cheering for Optimus Prime and his crew for defeating the Decepticons in "Engame, Part II".

================================================

[edit]

Toys

Animated Rodimus Minor was released in the US as a Toys "R" Us store exclusive long after the series went off the air in 2010.^[4] The figure comes with an Energon bow and arrow and the figure's vehicle mode engine block can be flipped to show the Autobot insignia.^[5] In Japan he was released in metallic finish, and also in a clean plastic version ala the Animated 'Sons of Cybertron' two-pack release with the Deluxe mould of Cybertron Optimus Prime.

==========================================================

FINAL SAY:


The packaging for all Japanese toy releases is always showcases a neat design and alot of cool graphics. I like the way these 'toys' -- so called -- are presented at the back of the packaging showing a realism of an action / battle poses.  The Takaratomy repaint in his signature and shiny maroon colors are sharp and very interesting, but not really surprising since the recent trend of toys released have always had a touch of panache and collectability on them. Get this toys for your TF: Animated collection, only because of his G1 homage in his  both his robot and car mode. 
Oh, and shiny paint rocks! A+

Transformers Animated Rodimus Copyright Hasbro and Takara 2010

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