I collect both Takara and FansToys as separate collections. I justify this like collectors who by two figures for Robot and Alt mode. Being that I collect both lines mean that I can appreciate both aesthetics without plunging into the fanboy wars. That being said for me when I look at my Fanstoys as a whole I have a great sense of accomplishment with how many characters are represented and the diversity of the sizes including Omega. But when you have a Takara MP collection together the 'POP' of the lineup is undeniable. The vibrant colors and Toon aesthetic is truly what (if you were playing with Transformers in the 80s) we wish we had growing up. To sum up my honest feeling about both lines. My Fanstoys collection makes me feel like a snob that feels like I have a high-end collection that's valued. My Takara MP makes me feel joy and excitement that I have the representation of the characters I grew up with finally in physical form. Takara MPs move my soul more.
This is something I have never understood about Fans Toys collectors. They love Fans Toys because they're toon accurate but, when something else is more toon accurate or when Fans Toys is going with as more stylized look, they always say the exact same things over and over again. When they're more toon accurate, they compliment the toys as being better because of the toon accuracies. However, when it's not, then it's something else altogether like paint and build quality. Personally, I'll collect whatever I want regardless of it's Fans Toys, MMC, X-transbots or Takara Tomy. If I like the character, I'm buying and that's it. I've got Fans Toys Soundwave (2 of them), Cyclonus, Trailbreaker, Galvatron, Kup, Springer, Cliffjumper Jazz and Astrotrain. I didn't care for Skyfire so I didn't buy him but, I loved the Takara Tomy version so I bought that. It's very simple to me, if you like the toy, and if you can afford them, then buy it. If not, then don't as they're your collection. I like my Masterpieces to look toon accurate so I get the ones that's toon accurate and pass on the ones that's not.
I collect both Takara and FT and display them as separate collections. I dont even put faction stickers on my FT. I just enjoy their products as a company so buy whatever they release. Takara fills my toon accuracy itch and FT fill my premium feel heavy bot itch
man takara feels so cheap at Fantoys price but i do get wgat ya sayin i passed on the takara trailbreaker and hoist not gonna pay that price but ill get the ko of em
I am one of the ones who am selling Phoenix because I want the hyper toon of this one (and I'm very happy with it), but the Fanstoys version looks FAR more heroic. If Skyfire/Jetfire was more like Optimus Prime rather than a scientist, then FT Phoenix captures that character wonderfully. It's an awesome piece. But for me, I preferred Siege Jetfire over Phoenix for the toon aesthetic (but got rid of it and re-bought Phoenix because it was too small). For me, this is exactly what I wanted...but I can't imagine anyone who isn't wanting the 80's toon look line for line feeling the same way.
@@kup98ss49 Lol. I appreciate it, but this is way better. I just liked the Siege JetFire’s more toon accurate chest and face back when it came out when an actual MP version wasn’t even on the horizon. It was a really fun figure though! That and the Siege Omega Supreme were some of the best HasTak has made in a long time.
@@LatenightLyle tbh I dont want all my Autobots to look too heroric, besides they're the underdogs they're not suppose to be warriors. I'm okay with the exceptiion with some but not all.
the MP captures the essence of the character to me way more than the fans toys. i dont think the FT is bad but it kinda feels like a generic robot soldier cosplaying as jetfire. theres something about the cartoon jank that really sells the "this is such and such character" to me. but its entirely personal preference of course
Yes, it was in 2 episodes…Season 1 Plague of Insecticons and Season 2 Day of the Machines. Skyfire goes into this mode to drop off his fellow Autobots before Transforming.
I'm quite happy to have multiple versions of the same character. I don't entirely understand the "I can only have one version of this character and must dispose of any alternates". If I like a character, I just buy variants.
Same happens to me. I hate Starscream because of its über-toon accuracy, but this one I like that he looks weird and awkward. I guess I have those features associated to this character.
I guess I don’t understand why it HAS to be one way or the other. I have and love Phoenix, and I bought and am waiting on MP57. Phoenix is fantastic for what it is trying to be. So is MP57. The line for collectors has always been those that enjoyed the toon more than the toys prefer the toon look. Those that enjoyed the toys more than the toon are inclined to a less toon aesthetic. I may be wrong, but I’d be willing to bet that the older the collector, the more toon they like it. I’m on the upper end of age for a G1’er. I’m 48. I’d love to know if this theory is plausible. I’m sure there are older collectors that hate the toon look just like there are younger collectors that love it, so I know this theory doesn’t encompass everyone.
I’m 20 and I love the toon aesthetic it’s great and I know that’s an option and not many people like the toon look and I get but when there is an great figure infront of them they crap on it cuz they think 3rd party is all that and that’s not true takara make some great figures just like Skyfire and the trailbreaker and the skids mould and like the new mp-53+b diaburnout just great build quality and great price and lots of accessories and I have fans toys stuff as well as takara and the ones I have in my collection they are both great companies i just hate it when people crap on takara like I said they just great figures at times just like fans toys and nothing is perfect I get but just don’t hate on everything when takara are actually making good figures now they have fixed paint quality and plastic quality..and that’s all I have to say and say whatever u want to say back to me feel free too and have an great day/evening/night bye. :)
@@TheD4rKwrld I agree with a lot of what you say except the “not many people like the toon look”. I’d say more do than don’t. Otherwise TT and Fanstoys wouldn’t be doing toon. I don’t think Bobby is hating on Takara, as he is a fan. He just dislikes the toon look. Like I said if I had to bet, Bobby, and others that share his opinion on “toon” enjoyed the toys more than the show.
Late to this toon vs toy thing, but I don't like it when toon accuracy is done due to limited technology back in the 80's. For example, the black patch on the back of starscream in cartoon, which is clearly due to the G1 toy itself not having a correct piece of gray plastic that can serve as the joint without breakage. That is like saying while we have better technology to make better fuel, we are still going to add impurity to the product so that you would have the occasional engine blowout just like in the 60s and 70s. I bet very few would appreciate that kind of accuracy, and same here.
9:52 when disconnecting this part where Bobby had to use a spudger, I hope new buyers would refer to the video of MP-57 by Golden Zhen 少主狸 on youtube. It's in Chinese but there are machine-translated captions. The clip biting onto the panel is shaped like a G and using force could accidentally break the clip. 13:00 minute mark on his video explains how the clip works.
You’re so right about preferring inspired by the cartoon. I definitely prefer it to not be too toon accurate. No waist swivel or ab crunch is unforgivable. Great review.
Great video. He did do the G walk in the cartoon. I think in two episodes. The backpack near the bottom isn't fully transformed. It can be pushup past the white square part near the jet exhaust. You will have to split the backpack and then push it up then close the backpack. Be blessed
I agree with you 100% on the design "toon" accuracy! YES, sometimes, 2D designs just don't translate well to toy form. The proportions are a bit off in my opinion, very wonky, and very overpriced. But it is what it is and if it pleases some collectors and works for their collection, hey, cheers all around ;)
I agree Fanstoys, Takara tomy masterpiece, X-transbots and DX9 (Omega Supreme) are the Ones I Love. I forgot about Generation Toys, GIGAPOWER for they're (DINOBOTS) and Maketoys for they're Conehead Seekers
I love Skyfire and this is what Skyfire is in my mind. This is one figure I don’t mind him with those toon proportions. The flaw is the jet mode…I don’t mind those gaps but those chest pieces are too far out and should have been more streamlined rather than juts out way too far. Overall, I’m very happy. A solid figure at a great price unlike MP-44.
Nice review. The backpack is mis-transformed at the bottom. You have to push it up while it is split apart. It is frustrating though. When finished it is all red at the bottom with no white showing. I do enjoy him but I do think they could have included an addition face was a little more chiseled or heroic. I will be display the mini figs with my WFC Ark along with the ones that came with Janssen
I have both, but only because I love the character. That being said, Jetfire to me, will Always be a VF1-S Valkyrie. I loved the look of the G1 toy, that toy, got me into Robotech.
Sold my Phoenix before this even arrived. When it arrived I was even more happy with how it looks in hand than the pictures. Great figure! I'm going for a super toon look for my collection and have been swapping pieces out as needed as new ones come out.
Personally, to me, I want my Masterpiece figures to be as close to toon accurate as possible. I feel like that's the whole concept of the line. Offer a high-end collector's item of that particular design of the character. There's nothing wrong with wanting stylized versions of the characters, and there's separate lines for that niche. Honestly, collect what you like or fits your collection more. I personally like this figure, and I'll pick one up eventually. Just that $300 price tag is a bit hard to swallow. Rather, drop $300 on this figure than Star Lean, though.
Good times for you, then. Lots of us see the Sunbow cartoon as just one of many G1 TF fictions, and undebatably the worst of all (if you don't count japanese weird sh|t). Zero care, all cheapness and laziness. But it was on TV, so lots of people saw it. It was the only gateway at the time, and as a kid you just gulp down on whatever they throw at you, but when you dive a little into any comic book, classic or recent, for example, you soon understand how flawed the cartoon is and how badly it has aged. I can get the nostalgia value, though, so I'm happy for you lot, but really LOTS of us see the toon accuracy as something negative because of the "dontgiveacrap"-ness it's based upon. Glad we all have options out there.
@@MonoSimio While other incarnations have come and gone over the years, the populairty of the G1 cartoon and OG marvel comic is the reason transformers still exists. I'm convinced of that. The Netflix series was horribly written. Overly dramatic. "...THE WARRR..." OMG so bad. People only watched that because the characters look like the original ones.
It's interesting how there is a lot of interior details that are fully mechanical, but that just clashes more with the plain outer shell. I think that if this had the detail of the Fans Toys Phoenix, it'd go a lot further. Oh well, it's not a masterpiece, but at least I have the Siege Jetfire. Which goes the opposite direction in terms of sculpted detail, lol.
I'm on the same page with everything you said. When it was first announced, I was excited and pre-ordered it. Over the next several months, I kept looking at photos, and my enthusiasm just kept dropping. Finally, a couple of months ago I realized it wasn't for me and canceled. Now I'm thinking if I find a FT Phoenix for a good price, I'll get it, or I'll wait and see if FT ever re-releases it
If I didn't own the FT Phoenix I would be happy with this one but since I own FT Phoenix and I like it quite a lot (even with the limited articulation) I couldn't care less for this version. Thanks for the review Mr. Skullface.
Backpack isn't transformed correctly. FYI. The bottom part slides upward more to cover the white parts. Easier to do before you slide the entire backpack up.
I love the hypertoon aesthetic,which is why I sold my Fanstoys Phoenix, but I collect mostly DECEPTICONS, (and a couple of punk @ss autobrats)so it wasn't that hard of a choice for me, but I definitely understand u saying that it looks plain especially when that autobrat logo isn't there...thanx 4 the review
I got me Takara and am also keeping my Fanstoys, because I like Skyfire. I can't have too many Skyfires. I have enough Skyfires I could just do a Skyfire shelf now if I wanted.
Nice review, as always, I just fast forward through the transformation. I like to hear your thoughts more than seeing you transform it. I like the Bot Mode in the Takara over Phoenix and reason why is mainly the chest area. I like the angular detail of Takara, were Phoenix is just a straight line across to the shoulders. And one thing I was disappointed in Phoenix is that his chest is hollow. You can see the gap spaces and see a little of the hollowness inside. Now I do prefer Phoenix's jet mode over Takara. That Phoenix jet mode is just so big and beautiful. I don't collect 2 of each figure, but this will be the exception.
I'll be totally honest. The articulation has driven me to the Takara. As much as could have been extra for articulation on the Takara, it completely destroys phoenix in this regard. Also am a toon aesthetic lover so it was an easy purchase for me and I'm selling phoenix. This is that polarising figure, if you love toon you'll almost have to love this. Fanstoys is too stylised in comparison
As soon as I started seeing the first pictures of this Jetfire... I felt like Phoenix was a lot better (for me). Seeing them side by side in this video... The Phoenix just looks so much better to me. I don't care about the better shoulder articulation in Jetfire, better ankles do matter somewhat since this is perhaps my biggest issue with Phoenix. I agree the jet mode looks unfinished and the robot mode does look somewhat unfinished to me too (but not as bad as jet mode). Jetfire's face might be more toon accurate, but I feel like the character just comes through so much better on Phoenix's. I will be keeping my premium finish Phoenix. IF I ever decided to get this... it won't be to replace my Phoenix, but to augment it. I could be wrong, but Phoenix seems to be a fair amount more sturdy to me... and Phoenix is the bigger toy! Jetfire just comes across as a bit wobbly. Phoenix is one of my favorite pieces in my collection, and I have him out right now hanging out with a YF-29 and a VF-29 from Macross. Previously, he was hanging out with all 3 MP-52 seekers. PS: LOL at "Starlean". I managed to get the ankles tight and sturdy on all my 3 MP-52 toys using pledge future shine. Don't use Krazy glue as it's messy and too viscous to get into the ankle joints pretty much at all. Using a q-tip, I dabbed a fair amount of pledge into each ankle, let each bot hang out for the first hour or so after the initial application on its back with the legs pointed up to help it better seep into the ankle joints. Then after a few days of standing with the pledge setting, the ankles are very stiff while still being articulate. Yeah, there should be no excuse for such expensive toys having such an obvious design flaw, but it is what it is and my workaround has been effective on all 3 days.
In jet mode my left wing seems to droop some. I noticed it on the right wing of this one. But love toon accurate robot mode. I actually have mine posed with the battle mask on..lol!
It DOES matter. The og figure was completely different from what we saw in the cartoon. I LOVED the skyfire cartoon design more than the jetfire toy/macross valkyrie
Great review. I have this figure and am really pleased with it. I can't disagree with most of the points made here (the jet mode is gappy, lack of a waist swivel/crunch is disappointing etc.), nevertheless, in bot mode I think it looks great. I'm not really a 'toon accuracy chaser' but this figure is exactly how Jetfire looks in my mind's eye - so it's a winner for me.
I am very happy with my FT Phoenix which I just picked up for $200 at a second hand vintage toy shop. I am assuming someone sold it to make room for this Jetfire Masterpiece so I am happy it created that oppurtunity for me.
I got my Takara and I'm selling my FansToys. I want toon, dork face and all, and now I have it. I do agree the jet is pretty gappy (and did you notice the "loading ramp" can't even deploy when resting on the landing gear). But he'll be a bot for my display anyway.
While the Takara one is more "toon accurate", the Fans Toys version to me is much better as it is what I got into Masterpiece Transformers in the first place for. It wasn't always about making the toys look as close to the cartoon as possible, but did a nice blend of cartoon and toy.
I had MP-57 Jetfire on preorder for a while before I decided I was happy with Phoenix. The Takara is pretty well done if you like the toon look, but most of my collection isn't toon-accurate and I'm OK with that. I want idealized versions of the characters I loved as a kid. I want them to look in toy form the same way I always imagined they'd look if they were real. The G1 animation was cheaply done and inconsistent from frame to frame so you HAD to use your imagination to make these characters work. Chasing after some non-existent "cartoon accuracy" is just silly and makes many of the toys look less interesting.
I feel he looks dumpy. Like there's a skyfire inside of an oversized skyfire costume. Next to Phoenix it's put to absolute shame. Phoenix has a heroic look to it. If there was no Phoenix this would probably be the best offering though.
So… What Skully could be forecasting is that Hasbro Pulse Shattered Glass Redeco Masterpiece Skyfire/Jetfire will, inevitably, be up for preorder… in 2023.
Fans Toys Phoenix is 1992 Charles Manson shirt/spandex shorts Axl Rose and the Takara is like 2013 dumpy/mustache/weird hat wearing Axl Rose. Sure, they both wrote Sweet Child O' Mine but only one is at fault for Chinese Democracy.
Love the review..all fair. I like toon accuracy but will still choose the one that looks better. For me it's Phoenix...still is toon accurate but they did take some liberties to make it look better
"I understand why you want it to look cartoon accurate, I just don't understand how you could possibly want it to look cartoon accurate." It's a shame that's too much text for a T-shirt, it's fucking hilarious.
I got mine and I do prefer him in robot mode, I am 100% cartoon-centric with no apologies. The plane mode I'm not thrilled about. Too boxy, generic looking and yes, rickety. I'll keep my Seige Jetfire in plane mode which is far superior. LOVE the little guys, esp. Prime. Never owned Phoenix, have zero interest in it. Cool, thorough review as always, no offense taken about opinions, bruh. There is something for everyone in our community.
I just got this figure and I gotta say I'm firmly in the camp that likes the way it looks, as I love figures that look like they literally walked straight out of the cartoon, whether it actually look good or dopey. I'm surprised that next to MP Skyfire, even the Magic Square version look "too heroic". I still appreciate all different versions of Skyfire I do have though (FT, NewAge, Magic Square, Hasbro Commander class), but looks-wise the MP is my favorite because it IS Skyfire where the other versions feel like stylized takes on Skyfire.
I have it too, one thing it also looks abit better if Bobby had lifted the head, as the head actually slides up on the neck join to give him a neck, rather than having it down flush giving him no neck. Giving him some neck (maybe not all the way up, but about 2/3 the way up) gives him a better look
Toon all the way! I fought the urge to buy Phoenix because it wasn't toon enough for me. There are things I'm not 100% happy with Takara's offering but it the closest we'll ever get so I'll take it.
I haven’t tried to scroll back that far. But if that doesn’t work you should be able to use the search feature to find certain content. Is there anything you’re looking for specifically? Maybe I could help
This isn't about what WE think he should look like. This what he is supposed to look like. Anything different? He wouldn't be Jet/Sky Fire. He would be something else.
It was a bit ironic when I got the Hasbro Jetfire when I was a kid and put it next to my Robotech Macross Super Valkyrie model 😉 Even Hasbro wasn't into "Cartoon accuracy" when it came to the toy back in the day. The Robotech gimmicks felt like a tongue in cheek nod to that history. I do agree it does look unfinished, hopefully they can polish it because If I want a Jetfire I want it to look more cartoon accurate just on the fact that it was a fly in my cornflakes as a kid to have a transformer that looked more like my other favourite mech collection.
I'm not sure why you have an issue with them adding the walker mode? The original G1 figure had it so it makes sense to add it. It also adds value for macross fans, hence the visor inclusion.
He does go in gerwalk in the cartoon😌 but yeah I love him as you know and never looked Phoenix but can still see your side of things even though I got in the game much later so my options were mostly the toon ones. Just pops way more to me and pleases my OCD haha
To be honest, the proportions do look at bit off, but then again, like you said, it is very cartoon inspired, but it is still a great figure nonetheless.
I got the Fans Toys because I figured Takara would never do a Skyfire, but the price for the MP was too much for me to get another Skyfire, so I stick with FT, only, don’t care about toon accuracy that much, and I went back to look at Fans Toys Phoenix review and my comment and somehow I scrapped enough together to afford it…but don’t want to try that again, happy with FT
As I said with Toyworld Devastator. It doesnt look like the cartoon, but it looks like I remember the cartoon being. I am fine with FT phoenix or whatever his name was. I may pick up a Ko of this one for its jet mode with the tiny bots. Thats the only reason I would want this.
I want toon as long as an accepts one isn’t already in my collection. I have Phoenix in my collection but not selling to buy the Takara one cause the Phoenix is good enough for me. Now if I don’t have a character in my collection, most recently Soundwave, I went for the Voice Ripple over the Takara one cause it was more toon accurate. Again I won’t replace a figure in my collection due to cost of these figures just for a minor aesthetic update. If these were $50 figures I would replace everything for toon.
I don't care for it either. I think both legend options look better. The gerwalk option is in one, maybe 2 episodes. You also didn't show the G1 nods to the backpack splitting (both modes). I think it helps make it look cooler. I'm passing on this. I appreciate you taking a look at it.
nice, and i think this is the biggest failure of Takara. it should be a perfect alternate mode and a good Robotmode cartoon accurate, but this i think is not good.
Great point, if you want toon sell your fanstoys. Sorry to stray but I had a similar conversation about the new Masterverse figs and the gentleman said they look better so I said sell your classics motu. Got no answer
Considering how absolutely beautiful of a toy the original Takotoku Macross Valkyrie was and how wonky and weird the Sunbow Skyfire character model was I look at these and shake my head at what might have been. The Macross design is just iconic and amazing and the knowing that we will never get an updated MP scale modern version of that toy is kind of heartbreaking. Skyfire's design is ugly, the jet mode is awful and looks like something a blind shoemaker would build out of lego. Fanstoys did a good enough job that it sits on my season 1 shelf and needs no update. If someone could please take the modern high end Valkyrie designs and upscale them to 150% size I would be so happy. This toy holds as much nostalgic value to me as the Xtransbots Autobot spike.
Just saying, the leg mode happened "in that one " episode, lol, like takara likes to add. Yeah, it's a wink wink to the robotech figure. But, like you said, nobody cares really.
Развлечения
I collect both Takara and FansToys as separate collections. I justify this like collectors who by two figures for Robot and Alt mode. Being that I collect both lines mean that I can appreciate both aesthetics without plunging into the fanboy wars.
That being said for me when I look at my Fanstoys as a whole I have a great sense of accomplishment with how many characters are represented and the diversity of the sizes including Omega.
But when you have a Takara MP collection together the 'POP' of the lineup is undeniable. The vibrant colors and Toon aesthetic is truly what (if you were playing with Transformers in the 80s) we wish we had growing up.
To sum up my honest feeling about both lines. My Fanstoys collection makes me feel like a snob that feels like I have a high-end collection that's valued.
My Takara MP makes me feel joy and excitement that I have the representation of the characters I grew up with finally in physical form. Takara MPs move my soul more.
This is something I have never understood about Fans Toys collectors. They love Fans Toys because they're toon accurate but, when something else is more toon accurate or when Fans Toys is going with as more stylized look, they always say the exact same things over and over again. When they're more toon accurate, they compliment the toys as being better because of the toon accuracies. However, when it's not, then it's something else altogether like paint and build quality. Personally, I'll collect whatever I want regardless of it's Fans Toys, MMC, X-transbots or Takara Tomy. If I like the character, I'm buying and that's it. I've got Fans Toys Soundwave (2 of them), Cyclonus, Trailbreaker, Galvatron, Kup, Springer, Cliffjumper Jazz and Astrotrain. I didn't care for Skyfire so I didn't buy him but, I loved the Takara Tomy version so I bought that. It's very simple to me, if you like the toy, and if you can afford them, then buy it. If not, then don't as they're your collection. I like my Masterpieces to look toon accurate so I get the ones that's toon accurate and pass on the ones that's not.
I collect both Takara and FT and display them as separate collections. I dont even put faction stickers on my FT. I just enjoy their products as a company so buy whatever they release. Takara fills my toon accuracy itch and FT fill my premium feel heavy bot itch
man takara feels so cheap at Fantoys price but i do get wgat ya sayin i passed on the takara trailbreaker and hoist not gonna pay that price but ill get the ko of em
I am one of the ones who am selling Phoenix because I want the hyper toon of this one (and I'm very happy with it), but the Fanstoys version looks FAR more heroic. If Skyfire/Jetfire was more like Optimus Prime rather than a scientist, then FT Phoenix captures that character wonderfully. It's an awesome piece. But for me, I preferred Siege Jetfire over Phoenix for the toon aesthetic (but got rid of it and re-bought Phoenix because it was too small). For me, this is exactly what I wanted...but I can't imagine anyone who isn't wanting the 80's toon look line for line feeling the same way.
I hear an oversized siege jetfire is on the way. You may want that.
I’m going to have to pass on this one & keep animating my Phoenix 🎬📸🎞️🎥
@@kup98ss49 Lol. I appreciate it, but this is way better. I just liked the Siege JetFire’s more toon accurate chest and face back when it came out when an actual MP version wasn’t even on the horizon. It was a really fun figure though! That and the Siege Omega Supreme were some of the best HasTak has made in a long time.
@@LatenightLyle tbh I dont want all my Autobots to look too heroric, besides they're the underdogs they're not suppose to be warriors. I'm okay with the exceptiion with some but not all.
the MP captures the essence of the character to me way more than the fans toys. i dont think the FT is bad but it kinda feels like a generic robot soldier cosplaying as jetfire. theres something about the cartoon jank that really sells the "this is such and such character" to me. but its entirely personal preference of course
"Cartoon jank" is a perfect way to put it, I love that stuff too. 😅
The gerwalk mode is actually in the toon. One time I believe. Saw it last week for the first time. This thing def looks the part in bot mode for sure.
Yes, it was in 2 episodes…Season 1 Plague of Insecticons and Season 2 Day of the Machines.
Skyfire goes into this mode to drop off his fellow Autobots before Transforming.
Yep, Transformers Generation 1, Season 2 Episode 9 "Day of the Machines". Skyfire goes to Gerwalk to land on that platform.
I'm quite happy to have multiple versions of the same character. I don't entirely understand the "I can only have one version of this character and must dispose of any alternates". If I like a character, I just buy variants.
must be nice to be White's and preivilaged
I'm not a big fan of the simple toon aesthetics but i do like the weird proportions. It makes him look a bit more distinguished and alien to me.
Same happens to me. I hate Starscream because of its über-toon accuracy, but this one I like that he looks weird and awkward. I guess I have those features associated to this character.
The autobots took a chance because they needed the air support ...
I guess I don’t understand why it HAS to be one way or the other. I have and love Phoenix, and I bought and am waiting on MP57. Phoenix is fantastic for what it is trying to be. So is MP57. The line for collectors has always been those that enjoyed the toon more than the toys prefer the toon look. Those that enjoyed the toys more than the toon are inclined to a less toon aesthetic. I may be wrong, but I’d be willing to bet that the older the collector, the more toon they like it. I’m on the upper end of age for a G1’er. I’m 48. I’d love to know if this theory is plausible. I’m sure there are older collectors that hate the toon look just like there are younger collectors that love it, so I know this theory doesn’t encompass everyone.
I’m 20 and I love the toon aesthetic it’s great and I know that’s an option and not many people like the toon look and I get but when there is an great figure infront of them they crap on it cuz they think 3rd party is all that and that’s not true takara make some great figures just like Skyfire and the trailbreaker and the skids mould and like the new mp-53+b diaburnout just great build quality and great price and lots of accessories and I have fans toys stuff as well as takara and the ones I have in my collection they are both great companies i just hate it when people crap on takara like I said they just great figures at times just like fans toys and nothing is perfect I get but just don’t hate on everything when takara are actually making good figures now they have fixed paint quality and plastic quality..and that’s all I have to say and say whatever u want to say back to me feel free too and have an great day/evening/night bye. :)
@@TheD4rKwrld I agree with a lot of what you say except the “not many people like the toon look”. I’d say more do than don’t. Otherwise TT and Fanstoys wouldn’t be doing toon. I don’t think Bobby is hating on Takara, as he is a fan. He just dislikes the toon look. Like I said if I had to bet, Bobby, and others that share his opinion on “toon” enjoyed the toys more than the show.
Late to this toon vs toy thing, but I don't like it when toon accuracy is done due to limited technology back in the 80's. For example, the black patch on the back of starscream in cartoon, which is clearly due to the G1 toy itself not having a correct piece of gray plastic that can serve as the joint without breakage. That is like saying while we have better technology to make better fuel, we are still going to add impurity to the product so that you would have the occasional engine blowout just like in the 60s and 70s. I bet very few would appreciate that kind of accuracy, and same here.
Damn he looks gorgeous n like he just walked outta the TV from the cartoon 😅... Beautiful... TAKARA... always setting the bar
9:52 when disconnecting this part where Bobby had to use a spudger, I hope new buyers would refer to the video of MP-57 by Golden Zhen 少主狸 on youtube. It's in Chinese but there are machine-translated captions. The clip biting onto the panel is shaped like a G and using force could accidentally break the clip. 13:00 minute mark on his video explains how the clip works.
Thanks
You’re so right about preferring inspired by the cartoon. I definitely prefer it to not be too toon accurate. No waist swivel or ab crunch is unforgivable. Great review.
Even though different scales, I prefer the NewAge Jetfire for both modes. I have my MP in bot mode with his quasi Macross look and I dig that.
Great video. He did do the G walk in the cartoon. I think in two episodes. The backpack near the bottom isn't fully transformed. It can be pushup past the white square part near the jet exhaust. You will have to split the backpack and then push it up then close the backpack. Be blessed
He did the gerwalk as he used the ramp.
Got mine for 225 USD. Love it. Gerwalk mode was in episode 'Day of the Machines' by the way.
I watched the '86 movie just recently again. I don't want cartoon accuracy, I want what I imagined it to be. Great review BTW
I agree with you 100% on the design "toon" accuracy! YES, sometimes, 2D designs just don't translate well to toy form. The proportions are a bit off in my opinion, very wonky, and very overpriced. But it is what it is and if it pleases some collectors and works for their collection, hey, cheers all around ;)
agreed, it looks very unfinished, not a first for Takara/Hasbro
I agree Fanstoys, Takara tomy masterpiece, X-transbots and DX9 (Omega Supreme) are the Ones I Love.
I forgot about Generation Toys, GIGAPOWER for they're (DINOBOTS) and Maketoys for they're Conehead Seekers
I love Skyfire and this is what Skyfire is in my mind. This is one figure I don’t mind him with those toon proportions.
The flaw is the jet mode…I don’t mind those gaps but those chest pieces are too far out and should have been more streamlined rather than juts out way too far.
Overall, I’m very happy. A solid figure at a great price unlike MP-44.
Nice review. The backpack is mis-transformed at the bottom. You have to push it up while it is split apart. It is frustrating though. When finished it is all red at the bottom with no white showing. I do enjoy him but I do think they could have included an addition face was a little more chiseled or heroic. I will be display the mini figs with my WFC Ark along with the ones that came with Janssen
I have both, but only because I love the character. That being said, Jetfire to me, will Always be a VF1-S Valkyrie. I loved the look of the G1 toy, that toy, got me into Robotech.
Sold my Phoenix before this even arrived. When it arrived I was even more happy with how it looks in hand than the pictures. Great figure! I'm going for a super toon look for my collection and have been swapping pieces out as needed as new ones come out.
I agree that the toon look looks very goofy. He looks like a muscular oversized gnome. Toon accuracy doesn’t mean that it looks better.
Personally, to me, I want my Masterpiece figures to be as close to toon accurate as possible. I feel like that's the whole concept of the line. Offer a high-end collector's item of that particular design of the character. There's nothing wrong with wanting stylized versions of the characters, and there's separate lines for that niche. Honestly, collect what you like or fits your collection more. I personally like this figure, and I'll pick one up eventually. Just that $300 price tag is a bit hard to swallow. Rather, drop $300 on this figure than Star Lean, though.
I love the toon esthetic.
It's WHY i'm in the hobby Honestly.
Good times for you, then. Lots of us see the Sunbow cartoon as just one of many G1 TF fictions, and undebatably the worst of all (if you don't count japanese weird sh|t). Zero care, all cheapness and laziness. But it was on TV, so lots of people saw it. It was the only gateway at the time, and as a kid you just gulp down on whatever they throw at you, but when you dive a little into any comic book, classic or recent, for example, you soon understand how flawed the cartoon is and how badly it has aged. I can get the nostalgia value, though, so I'm happy for you lot, but really LOTS of us see the toon accuracy as something negative because of the "dontgiveacrap"-ness it's based upon. Glad we all have options out there.
@@MonoSimio
While other incarnations have come and gone over the years, the populairty of the G1 cartoon and OG marvel comic is the reason transformers still exists.
I'm convinced of that.
The Netflix series was horribly written.
Overly dramatic. "...THE WARRR..." OMG so bad.
People only watched that because the characters look like the original ones.
It's interesting how there is a lot of interior details that are fully mechanical, but that just clashes more with the plain outer shell. I think that if this had the detail of the Fans Toys Phoenix, it'd go a lot further. Oh well, it's not a masterpiece, but at least I have the Siege Jetfire. Which goes the opposite direction in terms of sculpted detail, lol.
I'm on the same page with everything you said. When it was first announced, I was excited and pre-ordered it.
Over the next several months, I kept looking at photos, and my enthusiasm just kept dropping. Finally, a couple of months ago I realized it wasn't for me and canceled.
Now I'm thinking if I find a FT Phoenix for a good price, I'll get it, or I'll wait and see if FT ever re-releases it
Great review Bobby
I might stick with fans toys
And congrats on the 15 days
Haven't heard too many QC problems with Jetfire. That's a good sign to me
I don't get how it doesn't have a waist swivel when they figured it out on the mainline release
Skyfire such an under rated autobot cartoons and comics . I want to see the real skyfirr in a movie
If I didn't own the FT Phoenix I would be happy with this one but since I own FT Phoenix and I like it quite a lot (even with the limited articulation) I couldn't care less for this version.
Thanks for the review Mr. Skullface.
I like my TFs to look like I remember them looking. Not how they actually looked.
Backpack isn't transformed correctly. FYI. The bottom part slides upward more to cover the white parts. Easier to do before you slide the entire backpack up.
I think a bunch of people that say they want "toon" dont know what that means BC they seen the show in a loooooooooooooong time
Gotta say, my man, I am completely on the same page as you on almost all of your takes. Oh for the MP-13 days...
Bobby "I was disappointed there wasn't a break" Face!
this figure is a easy pass for me, but still wanted to hear your thoughts on it, good job!
Can't wait for the KO later this year hopefully and compare to my Fanstoys version in person.
I love the hypertoon aesthetic,which is why I sold my Fanstoys Phoenix, but I collect mostly DECEPTICONS, (and a couple of punk @ss autobrats)so it wasn't that hard of a choice for me, but I definitely understand u saying that it looks plain especially when that autobrat logo isn't there...thanx 4 the review
I got me Takara and am also keeping my Fanstoys, because I like Skyfire. I can't have too many Skyfires. I have enough Skyfires I could just do a Skyfire shelf now if I wanted.
Bobby: The thrusters!
Finally an honest review on the "jet" mode.
Great looking mold.
Can't wait for the improved 4th party version.
Phoenix is going to Jet mode
Nice review, as always, I just fast forward through the transformation. I like to hear your thoughts more than seeing you transform it. I like the Bot Mode in the Takara over Phoenix and reason why is mainly the chest area. I like the angular detail of Takara, were Phoenix is just a straight line across to the shoulders. And one thing I was disappointed in Phoenix is that his chest is hollow. You can see the gap spaces and see a little of the hollowness inside. Now I do prefer Phoenix's jet mode over Takara. That Phoenix jet mode is just so big and beautiful. I don't collect 2 of each figure, but this will be the exception.
I'll be totally honest. The articulation has driven me to the Takara. As much as could have been extra for articulation on the Takara, it completely destroys phoenix in this regard. Also am a toon aesthetic lover so it was an easy purchase for me and I'm selling phoenix. This is that polarising figure, if you love toon you'll almost have to love this. Fanstoys is too stylised in comparison
Why does your FT Skyfire have red stripes on the forearm? Mine doesn't and it's first release.
As soon as I started seeing the first pictures of this Jetfire... I felt like Phoenix was a lot better (for me). Seeing them side by side in this video... The Phoenix just looks so much better to me.
I don't care about the better shoulder articulation in Jetfire, better ankles do matter somewhat since this is perhaps my biggest issue with Phoenix. I agree the jet mode looks unfinished and the robot mode does look somewhat unfinished to me too (but not as bad as jet mode).
Jetfire's face might be more toon accurate, but I feel like the character just comes through so much better on Phoenix's.
I will be keeping my premium finish Phoenix. IF I ever decided to get this... it won't be to replace my Phoenix, but to augment it.
I could be wrong, but Phoenix seems to be a fair amount more sturdy to me... and Phoenix is the bigger toy! Jetfire just comes across as a bit wobbly.
Phoenix is one of my favorite pieces in my collection, and I have him out right now hanging out with a YF-29 and a VF-29 from Macross. Previously, he was hanging out with all 3 MP-52 seekers.
PS: LOL at "Starlean". I managed to get the ankles tight and sturdy on all my 3 MP-52 toys using pledge future shine. Don't use Krazy glue as it's messy and too viscous to get into the ankle joints pretty much at all. Using a q-tip, I dabbed a fair amount of pledge into each ankle, let each bot hang out for the first hour or so after the initial application on its back with the legs pointed up to help it better seep into the ankle joints. Then after a few days of standing with the pledge setting, the ankles are very stiff while still being articulate. Yeah, there should be no excuse for such expensive toys having such an obvious design flaw, but it is what it is and my workaround has been effective on all 3 days.
In jet mode my left wing seems to droop some. I noticed it on the right wing of this one. But love toon accurate robot mode. I actually have mine posed with the battle mask on..lol!
Best jetfire brick ever 😂
There is an episode where Skyfire does the "walker" mode. He kicks his legs down to land in a field. It isn't just an homage to Macross.
With this figure, cartoon accuracy doesn't matter since the figure was first (Macross mold).
It DOES matter.
The og figure was completely different from what we saw in the cartoon.
I LOVED the skyfire cartoon design more than the jetfire toy/macross valkyrie
Great review.
I have this figure and am really pleased with it. I can't disagree with most of the points made here (the jet mode is gappy, lack of a waist swivel/crunch is disappointing etc.), nevertheless, in bot mode I think it looks great.
I'm not really a 'toon accuracy chaser' but this figure is exactly how Jetfire looks in my mind's eye - so it's a winner for me.
I am very happy with my FT Phoenix which I just picked up for $200 at a second hand vintage toy shop. I am assuming someone sold it to make room for this Jetfire Masterpiece so I am happy it created that oppurtunity for me.
Might try to pick up those lil guys separately on ebay or something, MP figures for my TMNT shelves
I got my Takara and I'm selling my FansToys. I want toon, dork face and all, and now I have it. I do agree the jet is pretty gappy (and did you notice the "loading ramp" can't even deploy when resting on the landing gear). But he'll be a bot for my display anyway.
Maybe i missed it and if i did then its my mistake but i didnt see you show it wi the the Macross/robotech face?
While the Takara one is more "toon accurate", the Fans Toys version to me is much better as it is what I got into Masterpiece Transformers in the first place for. It wasn't always about making the toys look as close to the cartoon as possible, but did a nice blend of cartoon and toy.
I can safely say this isn't for me, I've got my phoenix and I'm happy with it.
I had MP-57 Jetfire on preorder for a while before I decided I was happy with Phoenix. The Takara is pretty well done if you like the toon look, but most of my collection isn't toon-accurate and I'm OK with that.
I want idealized versions of the characters I loved as a kid. I want them to look in toy form the same way I always imagined they'd look if they were real.
The G1 animation was cheaply done and inconsistent from frame to frame so you HAD to use your imagination to make these characters work. Chasing after some non-existent "cartoon accuracy" is just silly and makes many of the toys look less interesting.
I feel he looks dumpy. Like there's a skyfire inside of an oversized skyfire costume. Next to Phoenix it's put to absolute shame. Phoenix has a heroic look to it. If there was no Phoenix this would probably be the best offering though.
I think you missed his actual shoulder joint and are using a transformation joint (I haven't handled this figure so I'm not sure).
So… What Skully could be forecasting is that Hasbro Pulse Shattered Glass Redeco Masterpiece Skyfire/Jetfire will, inevitably, be up for preorder… in 2023.
Fans Toys Phoenix is 1992 Charles Manson shirt/spandex shorts Axl Rose and the Takara is like 2013 dumpy/mustache/weird hat wearing Axl Rose. Sure, they both wrote Sweet Child O' Mine but only one is at fault for Chinese Democracy.
Great review though. Like the objective versus subjective recommendation!
What are your thoughts on this vs the Leader class version?
Love the review..all fair. I like toon accuracy but will still choose the one that looks better. For me it's Phoenix...still is toon accurate but they did take some liberties to make it look better
"I understand why you want it to look cartoon accurate, I just don't understand how you could possibly want it to look cartoon accurate." It's a shame that's too much text for a T-shirt, it's fucking hilarious.
8:20 when you haven’t seen the cartoon
There was 1 episode where he appeared in the “walker” mode. Once. Regardless, I think Phoenix looks better. But I settled for Siege.
Surely if you wanted ultimate G1 accuracy you would buy a bandai DX VF-1
I got mine and I do prefer him in robot mode, I am 100% cartoon-centric with no apologies. The plane mode I'm not thrilled about. Too boxy, generic looking and yes, rickety. I'll keep my Seige Jetfire in plane mode which is far superior. LOVE the little guys, esp. Prime. Never owned Phoenix, have zero interest in it. Cool, thorough review as always, no offense taken about opinions, bruh. There is something for everyone in our community.
Jesus he looks huge in your hands.
I just got this figure and I gotta say I'm firmly in the camp that likes the way it looks, as I love figures that look like they literally walked straight out of the cartoon, whether it actually look good or dopey. I'm surprised that next to MP Skyfire, even the Magic Square version look "too heroic". I still appreciate all different versions of Skyfire I do have though (FT, NewAge, Magic Square, Hasbro Commander class), but looks-wise the MP is my favorite because it IS Skyfire where the other versions feel like stylized takes on Skyfire.
I have it too, one thing it also looks abit better if Bobby had lifted the head, as the head actually slides up on the neck join to give him a neck, rather than having it down flush giving him no neck. Giving him some neck (maybe not all the way up, but about 2/3 the way up) gives him a better look
I’m surprised you never reviewed the Siege Jetfire
Toon all the way! I fought the urge to buy Phoenix because it wasn't toon enough for me. There are things I'm not 100% happy with Takara's offering but it the closest we'll ever get so I'll take it.
bobby walker mod does play a part it has to do with robotec and the law suit that he went threw for g1
Can’t access your Patreon past 2019. Not sure if it’s just me or is that happening to everyone. Anyone else? Thanks
I haven’t tried to scroll back that far. But if that doesn’t work you should be able to use the search feature to find certain content. Is there anything you’re looking for specifically? Maybe I could help
This isn't about what WE think he should look like. This what he is supposed to look like. Anything different? He wouldn't be Jet/Sky Fire. He would be something else.
Ide love creative original designs
It was a bit ironic when I got the Hasbro Jetfire when I was a kid and put it next to my Robotech Macross Super Valkyrie model 😉 Even Hasbro wasn't into "Cartoon accuracy" when it came to the toy back in the day. The Robotech gimmicks felt like a tongue in cheek nod to that history. I do agree it does look unfinished, hopefully they can polish it because If I want a Jetfire I want it to look more cartoon accurate just on the fact that it was a fly in my cornflakes as a kid to have a transformer that looked more like my other favourite mech collection.
It is ok. I like the seige one more. I see Bobby looking into Buzzworthy Bumblebee Origins Jazz very soon.
I'm not sure why you have an issue with them adding the walker mode? The original G1 figure had it so it makes sense to add it. It also adds value for macross fans, hence the visor inclusion.
I’m keeping both 🤷♂️
He does go in gerwalk in the cartoon😌 but yeah I love him as you know and never looked Phoenix but can still see your side of things even though I got in the game much later so my options were mostly the toon ones. Just pops way more to me and pleases my OCD haha
To be honest, the proportions do look at bit off, but then again, like you said, it is very cartoon inspired, but it is still a great figure nonetheless.
Wait, so this thing has no waist swivel?
I got the Fans Toys because I figured Takara would never do a Skyfire, but the price for the MP was too much for me to get another Skyfire, so I stick with FT, only, don’t care about toon accuracy that much, and I went back to look at Fans Toys Phoenix review and my comment and somehow I scrapped enough together to afford it…but don’t want to try that again, happy with FT
phoenix is my favorite fanstoys figure but it’s back in its box hanging out with daca kronos in the closet.
As I said with Toyworld Devastator. It doesnt look like the cartoon, but it looks like I remember the cartoon being. I am fine with FT phoenix or whatever his name was. I may pick up a Ko of this one for its jet mode with the tiny bots. Thats the only reason I would want this.
I want toon as long as an accepts one isn’t already in my collection. I have Phoenix in my collection but not selling to buy the Takara one cause the Phoenix is good enough for me. Now if I don’t have a character in my collection, most recently Soundwave, I went for the Voice Ripple over the Takara one cause it was more toon accurate. Again I won’t replace a figure in my collection due to cost of these figures just for a minor aesthetic update. If these were $50 figures I would replace everything for toon.
Boy looks like David Byrne in the big suit
I don't care for it either. I think both legend options look better. The gerwalk option is in one, maybe 2 episodes. You also didn't show the G1 nods to the backpack splitting (both modes). I think it helps make it look cooler. I'm passing on this. I appreciate you taking a look at it.
I won't have a Jetfire until someone makes the newage mold into a MP scale.
Side switcher?
nice, and i think this is the biggest failure of Takara. it should be a perfect alternate mode and a good Robotmode cartoon accurate, but this i think is not good.
I’ll stick with Ft. I can see this getting ko soon.
My Pheonix is in NO danger of losing his spot on my shelf....I'm sorry, but this just looks beyond horrible to me.
I think I like the WFC Siege best. There should be a vs. on that.
Great point, if you want toon sell your fanstoys. Sorry to stray but I had a similar conversation about the new Masterverse figs and the gentleman said they look better so I said sell your classics motu. Got no answer
Considering how absolutely beautiful of a toy the original Takotoku Macross Valkyrie was and how wonky and weird the Sunbow Skyfire character model was I look at these and shake my head at what might have been. The Macross design is just iconic and amazing and the knowing that we will never get an updated MP scale modern version of that toy is kind of heartbreaking. Skyfire's design is ugly, the jet mode is awful and looks like something a blind shoemaker would build out of lego. Fanstoys did a good enough job that it sits on my season 1 shelf and needs no update.
If someone could please take the modern high end Valkyrie designs and upscale them to 150% size I would be so happy. This toy holds as much nostalgic value to me as the Xtransbots Autobot spike.
Just saying, the leg mode happened "in that one " episode, lol, like takara likes to add.
Yeah, it's a wink wink to the robotech figure. But, like you said, nobody cares really.