Masterpiece Transformers

Back in mid March, two more additions to the Masterpiece family were released in Japan - MP-23 Exhaust (a Decepticon repaint of MP-20 Wheeljack) and MP-24 Star Saber (the winner of the fan choice Masterpiece vote). Due to shipping issues as a result of multiple pre orders, I left my order to ship last and over the weekend the order finally arrived (along with a couple of extras)

Don't Smoke Kids!

First, MP-23 Exhaust.
This release caused many issues, with Takara having to re-do the decoration on the car a few times before release (leading to delays). With the clear reference in the decoration of the car to Marlboro cigarettes, the company behind Marlboro stepped in and threated lawsuits due to the design breaching copyright. As a result, many retailers where unable to secure stock through regular supply channels with Hasbro Hong Kong unable to stock this item. Thankfully I had no issues with my regular Japanese supplier.
Sadly, being an obscure repaint, this Masterpiece has no real place in the collection. Sure the Deception MP side is in desperate need of reinforcements, but there are so many other original characters to be done before looking at repainting a toy - however at the same time understand why it was done.

Second, MP-24 Star Saber
Winner of the Japanese only fan poll for the 30th Anniversary of Transformers in Japan, Star Saber is the leader of the Autobots in the Japanese only Victory series. Having not grown up with this character in my child hood, this Masterpiece release doesn't have some of the emotional impacts that 1984-1986 characters have when they are released. In saying that, the toy looks fantastic and since I did import two, I do plan on eventually opening one and adding it to the Masterpiece "shelf".

Joining the parcel, was the final Transformers Adventure toy I wanted, but was unable to secure a pre-order, TAV-07 Roadblock. Being a construction vehicle, he is of course given a Constructicon green colour. This is the first release of the Generations Scoop (as released in the USA) in Japan, and serves as a Decepticon filler for the Adventure toy line, given that no real toys for the Decepticons on the show exist yet.