Have a good weekend Mike. I have Phoenix . Takara is looking good .I will have to see how it is when it comes out. it does look cleaner. I really like the knees.
As soon as I saw the price, I was on board. I was not expecting it to be that reasonable, especially right now. He's definitely my favorite Transformer ever and while I'm happy with Phoenix and Siege Jetfire, I can never have enough of this guy.
Like you, cartoon accuracy is always a must with me. I just pulled the trigger tonight and pre-ordered from TF Source. I already have Siege Commander which I love but Skyfire has been a favorite of mine since childhood and this is one case where two figures is twice as nice. Awesome review as always. 👍
Sky Fire has a more accurate design, but I think Phoenix has greater detailing with a more modern design. The painting on Sky Fire's head looks cheap, while the individual colour pieces on Phoenix make it look cleaner. I also like the metallic parts behind the transparent windows on Phoenix. I think that gives it a more robotic look. The only thing I don't like about Phoenix is that his head looks small due to his broad shoulders. It might look more proportioned if they had sloped shoulders like with the Takara version. Now that I've seen Takara's, I'm going with Fans Toys.
Takara we have enough Autobots right now, give them a break and catch up on the freaking Decepticons!!!! Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Reflector, Galvatron, Devastator, Menasor, Insecticons, Bruticus, Coneheads 3.0!! WE NEED MORE DECEPTICONS!!!! 😡😡
Goodness! gracious Mike! I don't really understand why we think Exactly same! i posted an pic on IG saying the same thing! is the Takara MP-57 a FT-10 Phoenix killa. Great video!💖
I always wanted to get Phoenix, but he was just too expensive to get. It’s funny how a Takara Masterpiece figure is LESS than third party. I thought it would go for at least $300, but it’s even cheaper than MP-44. I put a preorder deposit on it already. I’ll be able to compare it to Siege Jetfire, which is already an amazing figure in my masterpiece collection. Someone in another video called it a mini masterpiece, and I completely agree. I’ve used it as a stand-in and he surprisingly looks good. I think that’s gonna be a competition, ironically. I’m looking forward to when this guy is released and I’ll have a proper Masterpiece Jetfire. Still keeping Siege, but he’ll be replaced on my shelf nonetheless.
@@UnChannelDuVulpineX Yeah, but I was expecting this guy to be at that price point. I mean, I know I said he would be at least $300, but he’s HUGE and has cool accessories (Which have a tendency to inflate the price 😠). And I’m talking about 3rd Party figures, which are normally cheaper than official masterpiece depending on the character. And these are when going up against the new line of masterpiece figures, and MP-44 is a big example. The bot alone is more than 200 US dollars, around the 250 price point, while the other offerings like Magic Square and Transform Element have their takes significantly less. There’s also Masterpiece Starscream, which the official costs $269.99, and the other offerings from third party are cheaper. MP-51 Arcee is $150, and I paid $87 for Azalea. To the best of my knowledge, I think Grimlock and Soundwave are the only ones that the officials are cheaper than third party. I don’t know about the official Grimlock, but MP-02 Soundwave is like under $230 today while Acoustic Wave is $260. MP-13 Soundwave with all the cassettes is $280, which is $100 cheaper than getting the full set from Robot Paradise/FansToys. Though, you are paying for premium with FansToys, so the price is pretty understandable. Sometimes. To be fair, a lot of third party figures are characters Takara hasn’t done, so it’s not easy making so much of a comparison. These days, though, Takara has put out expensive figures that have a cheap feel. I know I hear some of the official stuff breaking on people, like Beast Wars Megatron and Dinobot, and even MP-44 Optimus. I think even Hound had QC issues as well. So far, Starscream was a step up, so I hope this continues with Jetfire, especially having the same price point. The new Takara masterpiece figures, though, have been decreasing in quality. Starscream, though, has become excellent, but others had either QC issues or low quality in paint. Or both (MP-44). I just hope this version of Jetfire doesn’t have those and is a solid figure worth the price. With that price, I’m expecting this guy to be good. He better feel like a quality figure. Takara better not disappoint again.
Been waiting for this video. Thank you! Having just recently gotten around to looking for one of these, this release was perfect timing. I had decided that I liked the FT but I didn’t like the price, so I was keeping an eye on Japanese stores for a reasonably priced Siege version. Now having seen MP-57 and these comparisons, I chose to pre-order the TT version. Between FT and TT, I like the TT much better. I like the proportions and seeing them side by side make the screw holes on FT so distracting.
The thing with FT stand is it only works with a few figures and didn’t make any figures that came out after work with it and it’s extremely crappy quality. I bought it and got rid of it the day after. Recommend TMreviews video if you’re still interested.
Tough call. A look I don't like that much but with better articulation. But really Skyfire is such a beast on the shelf that I'm not sure he'll balance or fit on the shelf in one of the more dynamic poses. Oddly enough they seemed to go with the usual large MP hand articulation. The perpendicular pins at the base of the fingers was something that was (IIRC) first used in Phoenix and is still the best design IMO for full articulation when a toy has hands big enough for the pins.
If you don’t have any jetfire, go for the Takara. As we know Fanstoys phoenix is now expensive and no longer the price it was. The thing I prefer about the Fanstoys is the non chrome/silver face. If you have Fanstoys and this isn’t a must have character, then stick to Fanstoys. Personally the bot mode is key for me.
FT Phoenix has short thigh syndrome - ergo, disproportionately high knee pivot; and this affects the look of any dynamic pose. This new MP57 has its knee pivots placed at proportionate height. MP57 wins for me all the way.
@@tydiriumhanger1320 Interpretation of a character is to each his own, but I will point out G1 Jetfire's techspec Bio and how this reflected in the G1 cartoon. So if you look it up, you'll see that he has a mere 6/10 for Strength and a 4/10 for Endurance. Doesn't mean he's weak, but it does mean he isn't that strong for his tall physique. And I feel that FT Phoenix fans often choose to ignore that - even if it's their right to interpret Skyfire as a natural born warrior. The bio, techspecs and cartoon events however, illustrate Skyfire at best, as a swift flyer who excels at skilled actions of concise accuracy but prone to damage. At "worst" in battle context, a frail gentle giant. So, in that sense, Phoenix's styling conveys a character much more in line with Siege Jetfire than the actual G1 Skyfire character.
I love FT's Phoenix. The Takara one looks good except for one thing and I hope it's just the pictures, I don't like the shiney face. I find it off-putting. But other than that, this version looks great.
Fanstoys makes 3rd Party Tranformers, now Takara is making 3rd Party Macross LOL... kidding aside, thanks for this review, I'm looking forward to getting my copy of this Battroid, I mean Jetfire, I mean Skyfire 😁
Most likely gonna stick with my FT Phoenix. I remember when I FINALLY got him. Had to wait for the re--release cause I refused to pay the secondary market markup. Taking him out the box I was like, this is a figure. Takaras is definitely more toon but not enough for me to swap out.
Phoenix looks good just articulation on the ankles and legs is horrible. A stance is about all u can do with it. As for TT version, I think it’s going to be a hit. Seems like it’s reasonably priced too. When is the Virtus review coming up? Want to see that comp with FT
Wow. Long time coming...but I do believe Takara has finally made an excellent figure. Welcome back Takara. Let's continue with this direction Edit: Yeah I'm picking this up
1. Unless they replacef the ratchet in that craptastic stand from the MP52 mold with something that actually *WORKS AS INTENDED*, the stand's gonna be even MORE useless and a break risk. 2. Odds are it's MP44 levels of painted. On the other hand, that's the first place the QC can go horribly wrong...and it largely has for Prime, Bumblebee 2.0, (not Blackarachnia), Hound, Leo Prime (not Nemesis cuz he wasn't painted) and the MP52 Seekers; dunno about Tigatron, Arcee, or Nightbird. 3. Better than "Phoenix"? Not if Takara's still in their current M.O. of build quality and materials, which haven't been great since MP36, and absosmurfinlute trash since MP44. The QC has to literally be FLAWLESS; anything less could doom it to failure.
I only recently got into figure collecting. So for someone like me that prefers to buy new, the Takara is the dafualt winner since i can actually buy it
As far as the potential KO goes, they could use Phoenix colors and get really close. As for me, I am definitely getting. The biggest MP to date? Yeah not missing that, and NOT selling my Phoenix either. Maybe if I had two I would sell, but with this, whichever is better bot mode, the other will have to go alt. Right now, Uncle Hasbro’s offering looks very threatening to FT. Damn that’s hard to say lol
This guy looks awesome. He would look even better next to my G1 JETfire 🤓 11:40 The “half-transformed” mode , for me, has always been a nod to the Guardian mode that the Valkyrie fighters had on Robotech. Jetfire.. Skyfire.. whatever his name was, was such a blatant carry-over that he was a must-have for us fans of both series. I will concede that he was initially called Skyfire in the comics, and his debut episode was called, “Fire in the Sky”, so I had initially called him Skyfire too. When he was called Jetfire in the toy commercial I was like, “No! It’s Skyfire!” Eh.. we’re all such nerds. They’re both right🤓
Showz has a video up. I'm not parting ways with Phoenix, I love his heroic proportions. That said, MP Skyfire is a must have as he is quite toon and his jet mode just scratches that nostalgic itch...wish they opted for a Windcharger and Brawn minis...awesome to have options!
I have the fanstoys but I do like the toon look and straight lines of the Takara bot mode.. vehicle looks almost the same. Hopefully takara adds enough metal.
I do think it looks better than FT, but that's pretty subjective. I don't care much about "Skyfire" the CC one is big enough and good enough for my MP representation. Now if it was a Macross toy style Jetfire. I don't know I could get excited about that. I'd at least buy a KO of a Toyetic modern Jetfire. This looks good, it's just not something I want.
Meh. Still no waist swivel. Whats the difference. But with TTs track record, my skepticism knows no bounds. I got Pheonix for 250 literally the other day. Everyone jumping on the bandwagon probably just missed on Pheonix which is their fault. And toon accuracy looks goofy. And Gerwalk? I mean if you want Robotech what you doing here? Silly. I preordered it but I have a feeling it's getting sold. Call it a hunch.
Every time TH posts a video, the world gets a little dumber. A product "killer" is a competing product that erodes the sales of the top selling item. FT's Phoenix was released in 2017, and has seen numerous re-issues by both the original company and a licensee. All items have sold thru. No matter how good the Takara Skyfire is, it can't kill the sales of a product no longer on the primary market. Fans Toys already made their money. The profits can't be undone retroactively. Can Takara's Skyfire be the superior version? Maybe, but that will largely be a subjective debate.
I'm not seeing any Phoenix below $300. Looks like it usually does on eBay to me. It seems to me like you just want this to be better than Phoenix. I actually do too. But I'm not seeing it in looks or cartoon accuracy. The only thing TT has on Phoenix is gimmicks. Given TT QC record, I'm not buying until I see some reviews.
@@tydiriumhanger1320 bought the silver legged MP Prime knock off with the improvements and have no complaints....the head was too hard to remove so i sold the extra heads but it's cool.....no way i'm paying anywhere near these insane prices
I think it looks good, but I am going to keep my Phoenix over this one. First I like the little extra details on Phoenix (translucent red on the hips, translucent cockpit, extra detailing on the arms). Second, something feels off to me when I look at the legs. They seem almost too thin to support the upper body, but it could just be the pics we got. Third, I don't really go for the "in-between" modes. I keep them in either bot or alt mode. Finally, I already have Phoenix, and with things the way they are I don't know that I can justify $270 to "upgrade" a figure I already consider good in my collection. If this were a bot filling a hole or replacing a bad 3P offering, sure. BUT all that said, for those who pick this up, ENJOY your purchase! I can't wait to actually see the comparisons. Who knows, maybe I will be proven wrong in the end.
Takara face sculpt looks awful. FT nailed it and even though they should have released alt faces / macross helm with other figures, the standalone figure itself just looks better than Takara's and I have no doubt the material quality will ALSO be superior.
I dont think so. MP-57 Skyfire may have many features to justify its price point, but FT Phoenix is made of sturdy materials, diecast and heft. I doubt Skyfire can compete with that and slightly smaller. I am keeping Phoenix, one for sentimental value with my wife's passing and bought another just to display in alt mode.
Skyfire bests Phoenix in every way except the face. I thought no one would be able to beat Phoenix but Takara has seemingly done it. Skyfire even managed to be cheaper than what I paid for the Phoenix reissue.
If you like the ultra-toon look, it will be best. If you like the buffed up badass Fan Toys look, it will not be best. While I see both as great figures, I'll stick to the Fan Toys because I prefer the more "heroic" look.
If Phoenix's chest didn't protrude as much, I would have gone for it. There are merits to both, and I consider them equal. Also, the fact that TT's is 'only' $270 is astounding - that's as much as Starscream, despite the accessories and size of the figure. Also, I know this isn't relevant to this video, but Virtus has turned out to be really disappointing - mainly due to the chest. It doesn't tab in, and there are a bunch of gaps.
As someone who's looking @ it from the outside (Really don't care for Jetfire) I still prefer Phoenix as it has more or a heroic look vs TT Toon look. I don't think TT looks bad whatsoever,might be one of TT best looking MP's to date IMHO. Also TT probably has the articulation beat vs the FT. @ the end of the day it's a win-win for all of us as we can own a Jetfire now w/o selling a kidney lol.
I wonder if the little mini Jazz could be a hint to a MP version of him coming in the future. Takara has been known to do things like that. Like when MP-44 came with Starscream's head, people speculated a remastered MP Starscream was around the corner and they were right
I don't trust Takara anymore as far as plastic quality.. especially on a large figure.. ..but it does look slumpy and depressed.. do I want a fig like that when I already have one that looks badass??? I don't go to look at my figures to see the biggest G1 Autobot all down and out. In a nutshell I think Takara missed the mark.. I don't want exact tune accuracy I want what I remembered you know a heroic version of what was in the cartoon
@@tydiriumhanger1320 Maybe so. Depends how hot a seller he is. Phoenix prices should drop in the second hand market from $350-400 for new ones out of China to under $300 here soon. Competition always drives prices down. Second hand Phoenix is already getting cheaper on eBay and more than usual are up for sale already. That didn't take long at all. 😉 Takara is really making life for Fans Toys difficult as of late with the Trailbreaker and Skyfire announcements. Particularly Trailbreaker being FT still doesn't have it available just yet. Expect to see an announcement from Takara any day now for Hoist coming early next year. If I was Takara My focus would be adding the rest of the original 6 Mini bots into the fold along with getting the last of the first release Autobot cars in Jazz and Mirage ro Market. Then to come back around to 2.0 Versions of Sideswipe, Redalert and the Datsun 280ZX molds along with the Ironhide and Ratchet molds that are getting long in the tooth. Also some cone Heads based loosely of the MP-52 designs. Enough there to keep them busy for the next 2-3 years. If I ran Fans Toys my focus would be getting Blitzwing Deadend and the other Aerial bots completed and to market ASAP.
So this is going to be much like Hotrod, Hound and Arcee. I think that in the end, people should hold onto their FT versions. They have held on and resurged on their value.
I picked up a Phoenix in excellent condition on Ebay for $190 last week, box and everything. I'm still buying Takaras and making a decision when I actually receive him as whom will b my difinitive Skyfire. However, Phoenix is an great choice if you plan to stay with him.
I'm keeping the Fans Toys and I'm skipping the Takara. What we should be discussing is the price point, when you compare the prices between MP-57 and MP-44 it seems Takara decided to drop the price point, I hope this means they will stop overpricing their MP TF action figures. Third party companies like FT have been steadily increasing their price points to a ridiculous degree so it makes sense for a well established and economically stronger competitor like Takara Tomy to fight them on that turf. I'm sure Takara Tomy can easily down price every TF action figure they release and still make a profit ending up by utterly destroying the competition allowing them to steadily raise the prices back afterwards.
this is why perspective is a mofo. I can’t see how anyone can like the Takara, since in my eyes it is ugly. Toon accurate, but ugly. It also doesn’t seem to better than their Siege version other than having small bots being able to fit in certain parts and coming with the figure. But others see it as nice and better than FansToys and like what’s been shown. Perspective is amazing, and if others like it, that’s totally good. I just don’t see it better than Phoenix though.
Takara is King (most of the time). Anyone who thinks FT looks better has obviously never watched the cartoon. The coolest part is now we know what MP Jazz is gonna look like.
I never liked Phoenix. I wanted Xtb to take a stab at it cuz he never looked right to me especially the face sculpt. Had chances to get him many times over the last two years and each time didn’t pull the trigger so I am glad to see the Takara one which I never chose over a third party toy til now but yeah he just looks right. Still love ft but not for skyfire
I don't mind the copying. But sometimes it gets old playing the waiting game with Hasbro Takara. It's like how they're bidding their time putting out garbage Arcee figures... and once a 3rd party gets her right, in comes Hasbro Takara like a vulture to copy the engineering and design.
Sticking with my Phoenix. Takara bots feel cheap to me these days. Probably have felt this way ever since Hound was released, long ago. Their train bots look awful compared to Moon Studios…. Takara feels more like a KO Transformers company compared to say, Fanstoys.
I like the more toon accurate look. Unfortunately, Phoenix is one of the few Fanstoys I’ve dished out the cash for. If a KO actually comes out, I might sell my Phoenix. That way even if I don’t get all my money back from the original purchase I could still come out of it on top.
I think Phoenix is cool, I have always thought FT is overpriced. And I it's rare for me to like their designs. With Phoenix I felt it was over priced as well... Yeah Takara is 270, but has much more accessories. So yeah Jetfire is one of my favorites... Never got the Phoenix, definitely getting this.
Sadly, those pesky Bandai and HG lawyers seems to mean we can't get a Jetfire that actually looks aerodynamic. I have yet to see an alt mode as cool as the original G1 version.
Already sold Phoenix. Can’t wait for this more articulated Skyfire. Hopefully the material and build is good - which seems to be Takara’s weak area. I’m sure the engineering will be amazing, and the figure will be super fun to mess with. Not to mention it already looks more alive than Phoenix. So it all comes down to the build.
Some people get some MP's that don't collect MP like Prime of Megatron and Skyfire would have been one but took accuracy is not how it looks but the FT is how we imagine it. But for me the truth is that the Siege looks better to me and I like the extra surface detail. So Takara's biggest competition might be their own product.
before i got ft, i was tempted to just get the siege one, and looking at this one, ya siege just looks better and i have ft and i think it looks better to
I feel RIPPED OFF, and he's not even out yet. 270. I balked at the Joe SkyStriker for 230 and REFUSED to buy that on principal. In 2011, you could have bought 8 SkyStrikers for that price. I have passed on almost every single OG MP. Either they were GROSSLY OVERPRICED aka Price Gouging, or they were FUGLY, such as the MP 52 SEEKERs. Instead, I preferred to pick up K Os for reasonable prices, usually less than half the price. This just goes to show how much mark up and PROFIT aka GECKO Like GREED TT and H make off you the consumer. This is the FIRST OG MP I am buying. I think I will grow to regret my STEW PIDITY when the K O comes out for less than half the cost. This means I am the DumAs doesn't it? LOL. SHAME! SHAME!! SHAME!!! Thanks for the early take. It does have many positives, wish and for obvious reasons understand why they didn't include a proper OG Toy Head, it's just the GROSS PRICE they want.
Nope. FT Phoenix is so close to perfect, that this is unnecessary. I thought the Skids and Trailbreaker are unnecessary as well. BTW the KO is rumored to be released almost at the same time as the Takara….
I really dislike the Takara version, it is just ugly to me. The proportions seem off for a heroic looking toy, while the fanstoys looks beefier and more imposing.
@@tydiriumhanger1320 aesthetics aside, I genuinely don't think that the Takara will be better than Fanstoys, material and buildwise. Now you can prefer the look of the Takara one, that is fine, of course. I am just not getting replacing my Fanstoys Jetfire any time soon. 😉
I think that TT has FT beat with this one. Especially the articulation is way better. But for €300+ i also think that FT is still a great figure (money isn’t growing on my back 😉) Great vid, cheers
For me, 3rd party is only a placeholder for official. Once the prototype was shown for Skyfire, I sold my Phoenix. I’d do the same for any other 3rd party I have.
I agree with a lot of this, but just gonna say, the bible character models were not always what we saw on the cartoon. Also, that still for Fire in the Sky is a horrible reference. Looking at later episodes, Skyfire looked WAY better, especially the two-three episodes we saw him in the second season.
If anyone finds the TT version ugly it’s their own subjective opinion. But I would surmise that you didn’t like the character in the first place because this is very spot on. You can always get a repaint or a custom paint job to tone down the matte toon look. I personally look at the design and this design is very faithful to the original character. And what’s even better, I know that it will have amazing articulation. TT is king of posable toon accurate MPs. Butterfly joints anyone?
Takara Skyfire is beautiful and a cartoon dream come to life! Got my preorder in and can’t wait for it to come in!
It truly is a cartoon dream come to life!
Have a good weekend Mike. I have Phoenix . Takara is looking good .I will have to see how it is when it comes out. it does look cleaner. I really like the knees.
Takara will do many things better than FT and will be fun to compare
As soon as I saw the price, I was on board. I was not expecting it to be that reasonable, especially right now. He's definitely my favorite Transformer ever and while I'm happy with Phoenix and Siege Jetfire, I can never have enough of this guy.
I am with you Will befun to see Daca, Siege, G1, Phoenix and Takara all compared together
I've been holding out on buying Phoenix for a while and it looks like that was a good choice.
Sometimes waiting is the best tactic
I'm still keeping both my Fans Toys and Siege Skyfire.
I do plan to purchase G1 Masterpiece Skyfire👍
Love this.. It will win the VS. Wars.. Great vid 🌟🤓
That will be a fun time comparing this with all other versions
Like you, cartoon accuracy is always a must with me. I just pulled the trigger tonight and pre-ordered from TF Source. I already have Siege Commander which I love but Skyfire has been a favorite of mine since childhood and this is one case where two figures is twice as nice. Awesome review as always. 👍
I love animating my Jetfire I can’t wait to get a hold of the Takara one… as soon as I do it’s Stop Motion time 🎬📸🎞️‼️
This will be my first Masterperiece Transformer. I can't wait to jump in.
Congrats hope Takara delivers on this release
Sky Fire has a more accurate design, but I think Phoenix has greater detailing with a more modern design. The painting on Sky Fire's head looks cheap, while the individual colour pieces on Phoenix make it look cleaner. I also like the metallic parts behind the transparent windows on Phoenix. I think that gives it a more robotic look. The only thing I don't like about Phoenix is that his head looks small due to his broad shoulders. It might look more proportioned if they had sloped shoulders like with the Takara version. Now that I've seen Takara's, I'm going with Fans Toys.
Takara we have enough Autobots right now, give them a break and catch up on the freaking Decepticons!!!! Astrotrain, Blitzwing, Reflector, Galvatron, Devastator, Menasor, Insecticons, Bruticus, Coneheads 3.0!! WE NEED MORE DECEPTICONS!!!! 😡😡
Most definitely! Takara did it right!! 🔥
It looks on point!
Goodness! gracious Mike! I don't really understand why we think Exactly same! i posted an pic on IG saying the same thing! is the Takara MP-57 a FT-10 Phoenix killa. Great video!💖
Heck yes great minds do think alike and Takara seems to deliver with this release
I always wanted to get Phoenix, but he was just too expensive to get. It’s funny how a Takara Masterpiece figure is LESS than third party. I thought it would go for at least $300, but it’s even cheaper than MP-44. I put a preorder deposit on it already. I’ll be able to compare it to Siege Jetfire, which is already an amazing figure in my masterpiece collection. Someone in another video called it a mini masterpiece, and I completely agree. I’ve used it as a stand-in and he surprisingly looks good. I think that’s gonna be a competition, ironically. I’m looking forward to when this guy is released and I’ll have a proper Masterpiece Jetfire. Still keeping Siege, but he’ll be replaced on my shelf nonetheless.
All Masterpieces are cheaper than MP-44.
@@UnChannelDuVulpineX Yeah, but I was expecting this guy to be at that price point. I mean, I know I said he would be at least $300, but he’s HUGE and has cool accessories (Which have a tendency to inflate the price 😠). And I’m talking about 3rd Party figures, which are normally cheaper than official masterpiece depending on the character. And these are when going up against the new line of masterpiece figures, and MP-44 is a big example. The bot alone is more than 200 US dollars, around the 250 price point, while the other offerings like Magic Square and Transform Element have their takes significantly less. There’s also Masterpiece Starscream, which the official costs $269.99, and the other offerings from third party are cheaper. MP-51 Arcee is $150, and I paid $87 for Azalea. To the best of my knowledge, I think Grimlock and Soundwave are the only ones that the officials are cheaper than third party. I don’t know about the official Grimlock, but MP-02 Soundwave is like under $230 today while Acoustic Wave is $260. MP-13 Soundwave with all the cassettes is $280, which is $100 cheaper than getting the full set from Robot Paradise/FansToys. Though, you are paying for premium with FansToys, so the price is pretty understandable. Sometimes.
To be fair, a lot of third party figures are characters Takara hasn’t done, so it’s not easy making so much of a comparison. These days, though, Takara has put out expensive figures that have a cheap feel. I know I hear some of the official stuff breaking on people, like Beast Wars Megatron and Dinobot, and even MP-44 Optimus. I think even Hound had QC issues as well. So far, Starscream was a step up, so I hope this continues with Jetfire, especially having the same price point.
The new Takara masterpiece figures, though, have been decreasing in quality. Starscream, though, has become excellent, but others had either QC issues or low quality in paint. Or both (MP-44). I just hope this version of Jetfire doesn’t have those and is a solid figure worth the price. With that price, I’m expecting this guy to be good. He better feel like a quality figure. Takara better not disappoint again.
@@Wildstrike277 Very well written, sir.
Takara priced it right and is ready to compete with 3P these days
@@UnChannelDuVulpineX what about MP04
Been waiting for this video. Thank you!
Having just recently gotten around to looking for one of these, this release was perfect timing. I had decided that I liked the FT but I didn’t like the price, so I was keeping an eye on Japanese stores for a reasonably priced Siege version. Now having seen MP-57 and these comparisons, I chose to pre-order the TT version.
Between FT and TT, I like the TT much better. I like the proportions and seeing them side by side make the screw holes on FT so distracting.
Good point about the Screw holes yet another improvement by Takara
I am going to get him, but will not let go of Phoenix .
I'm definitely Team Phoenix, but I will purchase the Takara version also.
Interesting to compare both in person
The thing with FT stand is it only works with a few figures and didn’t make any figures that came out after work with it and it’s extremely crappy quality. I bought it and got rid of it the day after. Recommend TMreviews video if you’re still interested.
I do not really use stands because most are displayed in bot mode
@@tydiriumhanger1320 yeah dracula is the only figure I regularly put on his stand in bot mode
Tough call. A look I don't like that much but with better articulation. But really Skyfire is such a beast on the shelf that I'm not sure he'll balance or fit on the shelf in one of the more dynamic poses.
Oddly enough they seemed to go with the usual large MP hand articulation. The perpendicular pins at the base of the fingers was something that was (IIRC) first used in Phoenix and is still the best design IMO for full articulation when a toy has hands big enough for the pins.
Man that siege Jetfire is hard to beat
If you don’t have any jetfire, go for the Takara. As we know Fanstoys phoenix is now expensive and no longer the price it was.
The thing I prefer about the Fanstoys is the non chrome/silver face.
If you have Fanstoys and this isn’t a must have character, then stick to Fanstoys.
Personally the bot mode is key for me.
FT Phoenix has short thigh syndrome - ergo, disproportionately high knee pivot; and this affects the look of any dynamic pose. This new MP57 has its knee pivots placed at proportionate height. MP57 wins for me all the way.
“A” stance is as cool as I can get my FT Phoenix to look lol. Sucks cause ur absolutely right, trying to pose with those legs 🤦♂️
Takara hit the perfect aesthetic for skyfire and great articulation
@@tydiriumhanger1320 Interpretation of a character is to each his own, but I will point out G1 Jetfire's techspec Bio and how this reflected in the G1 cartoon. So if you look it up, you'll see that he has a mere 6/10 for Strength and a 4/10 for Endurance. Doesn't mean he's weak, but it does mean he isn't that strong for his tall physique. And I feel that FT Phoenix fans often choose to ignore that - even if it's their right to interpret Skyfire as a natural born warrior. The bio, techspecs and cartoon events however, illustrate Skyfire at best, as a swift flyer who excels at skilled actions of concise accuracy but prone to damage. At "worst" in battle context, a frail gentle giant. So, in that sense, Phoenix's styling conveys a character much more in line with Siege Jetfire than the actual G1 Skyfire character.
I have a feeling the 3 mini auto bots that comes with this will be the most sought after pieces
Heck yeah dude
This does look great
I almost always go with official and definitely will here
Yep it looks to be the winner in this battle
There is a video out about how the faction chest pieces interchange. It's a slide on clip type style
I'm going to wait for the ko
I love FT's Phoenix. The Takara one looks good except for one thing and I hope it's just the pictures, I don't like the shiney face. I find it off-putting. But other than that, this version looks great.
Yup I heard that too the files were sold ko is on the way.
That will be a game changer if it releases first
Fanstoys makes 3rd Party Tranformers, now Takara is making 3rd Party Macross LOL... kidding aside, thanks for this review, I'm looking forward to getting my copy of this Battroid, I mean Jetfire, I mean Skyfire 😁
I like x2toys version of skyfire the most.
Most likely gonna stick with my FT Phoenix. I remember when I FINALLY got him. Had to wait for the re--release cause I refused to pay the secondary market markup. Taking him out the box I was like, this is a figure. Takaras is definitely more toon but not enough for me to swap out.
He's worth every penny ❤️
I remember passing on Phoenix at first then regretting it! Now Takara is an entirely different situation these days
Yes it be better than phoenix. I have phoenix and because jetfire is not a character I need to buy again, I recommend the takara for anyone else.
Phoenix looks good just articulation on the ankles and legs is horrible. A stance is about all u can do with it.
As for TT version, I think it’s going to be a hit. Seems like it’s reasonably priced too.
When is the Virtus review coming up? Want to see that comp with FT
My Virtus has not shipped yet need to inquire about that
@@tydiriumhanger1320 hopefully u get it soon bro, u do really well with comparison vids.
Wow. Long time coming...but I do believe Takara has finally made an excellent figure. Welcome back Takara. Let's continue with this direction
Edit: Yeah I'm picking this up
Heck yes this one will be a win
@@tydiriumhanger1320 Indeed!!!
1. Unless they replacef the ratchet in that craptastic stand from the MP52 mold with something that actually *WORKS AS INTENDED*, the stand's gonna be even MORE useless and a break risk.
2. Odds are it's MP44 levels of painted. On the other hand, that's the first place the QC can go horribly wrong...and it largely has for Prime, Bumblebee 2.0, (not Blackarachnia), Hound, Leo Prime (not Nemesis cuz he wasn't painted) and the MP52 Seekers; dunno about Tigatron, Arcee, or Nightbird.
3. Better than "Phoenix"? Not if Takara's still in their current M.O. of build quality and materials, which haven't been great since MP36, and absosmurfinlute trash since MP44. The QC has to literally be FLAWLESS; anything less could doom it to failure.
I have high hopes for quality my Starscream was solid and this should be also
takara more toon, FT more heroic. you like it you win
I only recently got into figure collecting. So for someone like me that prefers to buy new, the Takara is the dafualt winner since i can actually buy it
Yes it is more fun to get these brand new but if you get a deal used works for me
As far as the potential KO goes, they could use Phoenix colors and get really close.
As for me, I am definitely getting. The biggest MP to date? Yeah not missing that, and NOT selling my Phoenix either. Maybe if I had two I would sell, but with this, whichever is better bot mode, the other will have to go alt. Right now, Uncle Hasbro’s offering looks very threatening to FT. Damn that’s hard to say lol
Takara was the king and now taking back that crown
not gonna spend 270$ to replace for what might be a slight improvement, at best.
This guy looks awesome. He would look even better next to my G1 JETfire 🤓 11:40 The “half-transformed” mode , for me, has always been a nod to the Guardian mode that the Valkyrie fighters had on Robotech. Jetfire.. Skyfire.. whatever his name was, was such a blatant carry-over that he was a must-have for us fans of both series. I will concede that he was initially called Skyfire in the comics, and his debut episode was called, “Fire in the Sky”, so I had initially called him Skyfire too. When he was called Jetfire in the toy commercial I was like, “No! It’s Skyfire!” Eh.. we’re all such nerds. They’re both right🤓
Showz has a video up. I'm not parting ways with Phoenix, I love his heroic proportions. That said, MP Skyfire is a must have as he is quite toon and his jet mode just scratches that nostalgic itch...wish they opted for a Windcharger and Brawn minis...awesome to have options!
I have the fanstoys but I do like the toon look and straight lines of the Takara bot mode.. vehicle looks almost the same.
Hopefully takara adds enough metal.
Takara forgot Diecast exists LOL
@@tydiriumhanger1320
Maybe is a way to keep Grimlock from munching on them.
I do think it looks better than FT, but that's pretty subjective. I don't care much about "Skyfire" the CC one is big enough and good enough for my MP representation.
Now if it was a Macross toy style Jetfire. I don't know I could get excited about that. I'd at least buy a KO of a Toyetic modern Jetfire. This looks good, it's just not something I want.
Yes it looks great and many collectors will be happy with Fanstoys and pass on this
Meh. Still no waist swivel. Whats the difference. But with TTs track record, my skepticism knows no bounds. I got Pheonix for 250 literally the other day. Everyone jumping on the bandwagon probably just missed on Pheonix which is their fault. And toon accuracy looks goofy.
And Gerwalk? I mean if you want Robotech what you doing here? Silly.
I preordered it but I have a feeling it's getting sold. Call it a hunch.
Can’t wait to see the KO
That will be interesting
Every time TH posts a video, the world gets a little dumber. A product "killer" is a competing product that erodes the sales of the top selling item. FT's Phoenix was released in 2017, and has seen numerous re-issues by both the original company and a licensee. All items have sold thru. No matter how good the Takara Skyfire is, it can't kill the sales of a product no longer on the primary market. Fans Toys already made their money. The profits can't be undone retroactively. Can Takara's Skyfire be the superior version? Maybe, but that will largely be a subjective debate.
Which do you prefer?
Looks wise it's better than phoenix, other than the face that is. But will the build quality beat FT? probably not.
I feel the TT seekers are solid or at least mine was so this could be similar
I'm not seeing any Phoenix below $300. Looks like it usually does on eBay to me. It seems to me like you just want this to be better than Phoenix. I actually do too. But I'm not seeing it in looks or cartoon accuracy. The only thing TT has on Phoenix is gimmicks. Given TT QC record, I'm not buying until I see some reviews.
as usual, i'll wait for the superior knock-off for $100
Ha I might have to do the same
@@tydiriumhanger1320 bought the silver legged MP Prime knock off with the improvements and have no complaints....the head was too hard to remove so i sold the extra heads but it's cool.....no way i'm paying anywhere near these insane prices
pre-ordered day 1
Me 2 this will be a great release
I think it looks good, but I am going to keep my Phoenix over this one. First I like the little extra details on Phoenix (translucent red on the hips, translucent cockpit, extra detailing on the arms). Second, something feels off to me when I look at the legs. They seem almost too thin to support the upper body, but it could just be the pics we got. Third, I don't really go for the "in-between" modes. I keep them in either bot or alt mode. Finally, I already have Phoenix, and with things the way they are I don't know that I can justify $270 to "upgrade" a figure I already consider good in my collection. If this were a bot filling a hole or replacing a bad 3P offering, sure. BUT all that said, for those who pick this up, ENJOY your purchase! I can't wait to actually see the comparisons. Who knows, maybe I will be proven wrong in the end.
Yep it is getting to where most releases are replacements and not worth it to everyone to swap out
Takara face sculpt looks awful. FT nailed it and even though they should have released alt faces / macross helm with other figures, the standalone figure itself just looks better than Takara's and I have no doubt the material quality will ALSO be superior.
Phoenix and MP are both getting KO’d as we speak
True this is the new trend for 2022
I dont think so. MP-57 Skyfire may have many features to justify its price point, but FT Phoenix is made of sturdy materials, diecast and heft. I doubt Skyfire can compete with that and slightly smaller. I am keeping Phoenix, one for sentimental value with my wife's passing and bought another just to display in alt mode.
Skyfire bests Phoenix in every way except the face. I thought no one would be able to beat Phoenix but Takara has seemingly done it. Skyfire even managed to be cheaper than what I paid for the Phoenix reissue.
The price is reasonable for Takara so crazy
How can I know yet love Takara but it could be cheap product also the Ko will come out maybe
Yes if the Ko is like $125 I will wish I waited
If you like the ultra-toon look, it will be best. If you like the buffed up badass Fan Toys look, it will not be best.
While I see both as great figures, I'll stick to the Fan Toys because I prefer the more "heroic" look.
If Phoenix's chest didn't protrude as much, I would have gone for it. There are merits to both, and I consider them equal. Also, the fact that TT's is 'only' $270 is astounding - that's as much as Starscream, despite the accessories and size of the figure.
Also, I know this isn't relevant to this video, but Virtus has turned out to be really disappointing - mainly due to the chest. It doesn't tab in, and there are a bunch of gaps.
Skyfire is a great value considering the size. Where did you get Virtus from I am still waiting on mine
@@tydiriumhanger1320 Local retailer. I live in Hong Kong.
I kind of want to get it just to display it as the toy display
It will be fun to have both and you can display both modes
They both look great, but I like the broader shoulders of the FT over the slightly sloped shoulders of the TT, and that’s pretty much it! 🤷♂️
With all the options there is something for everyone
it looks good but im happy with phoenix
These days there will be less and less collectors swapping out
As someone who's looking @ it from the outside (Really don't care for Jetfire) I still prefer Phoenix as it has more or a heroic look vs TT Toon look. I don't think TT looks bad whatsoever,might be one of TT best looking MP's to date IMHO. Also TT probably has the articulation beat vs the FT. @ the end of the day it's a win-win for all of us as we can own a Jetfire now w/o selling a kidney lol.
There will be a window of great deals for Phoenix
Both looks good. But Takara's has more accessories
Takara does load up on accessories
I wonder if the siege Jetfire was the base for the mp?
That is a curious release and back then I felt Siege would work on an MP shelf there may be similarities
I wonder if the little mini Jazz could be a hint to a MP version of him coming in the future. Takara has been known to do things like that. Like when MP-44 came with Starscream's head, people speculated a remastered MP Starscream was around the corner and they were right
That might be a great way to hint at us what is on the way
I'm not sure if I'm missing something here but BBT's description of Jetfire says he's 19 inches tall or am I just missing something???
BBTS sometimes give packaging dimensions and it can be confusing
@@tydiriumhanger1320 that makes sense thanks for the response brother keep up the great work💪🏻
I have the FT and WFC versions, so I don't need this one. Will I still get this one? Ehh, maybe.
Yep there are so many great options but this one may still be best
I don't trust Takara anymore as far as plastic quality.. especially on a large figure.. ..but it does look slumpy and depressed.. do I want a fig like that when I already have one that looks badass??? I don't go to look at my figures to see the biggest G1 Autobot all down and out.
In a nutshell I think Takara missed the mark.. I don't want exact tune accuracy I want what I remembered you know a heroic version of what was in the cartoon
FT does look more heroic than the toon and that is why options are great
We'll get a KO for 175 or less later and the current prices for Phoenix will drop. Supply and demand is always in effect. 🙂
Yep the KO will probably be less than $150 and then a $90 sale LOL
@@tydiriumhanger1320 Maybe so. Depends how hot a seller he is. Phoenix prices should drop in the second hand market from $350-400 for new ones out of China to under $300 here soon. Competition always drives prices down. Second hand Phoenix is already getting cheaper on eBay and more than usual are up for sale already. That didn't take long at all. 😉
Takara is really making life for Fans Toys difficult as of late with the Trailbreaker and Skyfire announcements. Particularly Trailbreaker being FT still doesn't have it available just yet. Expect to see an announcement from Takara any day now for Hoist coming early next year.
If I was Takara My focus would be adding the rest of the original 6 Mini bots into the fold along with getting the last of the first release Autobot cars in Jazz and Mirage ro Market. Then to come back around to 2.0 Versions of Sideswipe, Redalert and the Datsun 280ZX molds along with the Ironhide and Ratchet molds that are getting long in the tooth. Also some cone Heads based loosely of the MP-52 designs. Enough there to keep them busy for the next 2-3 years.
If I ran Fans Toys my focus would be getting Blitzwing Deadend and the other Aerial bots completed and to market ASAP.
I can hear Jobby screaming all the way here in Australia, about Skyfire not having a waist swivel.
Ha that will be a fun one to watch
So this is going to be much like Hotrod, Hound and Arcee. I think that in the end, people should hold onto their FT versions. They have held on and resurged on their value.
Takara seems to be easier to get especially with the KOs and Fanstoys seem harder to come by over time
Can takara really use a gerwalk feature is thst is a feature of Macross and might be looped into the Harmony Gold’s mess?
They can call it mid level transformation LOL
I picked up a Phoenix in excellent condition on Ebay for $190 last week, box and everything. I'm still buying Takaras and making a decision when I actually receive him as whom will b my difinitive Skyfire. However, Phoenix is an great choice if you plan to stay with him.
Great deal even cheaper than the original release!
I'm keeping the Fans Toys and I'm skipping the Takara.
What we should be discussing is the price point, when you compare the prices between MP-57 and MP-44 it seems Takara decided to drop the price point, I hope this means they will stop overpricing their MP TF action figures.
Third party companies like FT have been steadily increasing their price points to a ridiculous degree so it makes sense for a well established and economically stronger competitor like Takara Tomy to fight them on that turf. I'm sure Takara Tomy can easily down price every TF action figure they release and still make a profit ending up by utterly destroying the competition allowing them to steadily raise the prices back afterwards.
this is why perspective is a mofo. I can’t see how anyone can like the Takara, since in my eyes it is ugly. Toon accurate, but ugly. It also doesn’t seem to better than their Siege version other than having small bots being able to fit in certain parts and coming with the figure. But others see it as nice and better than FansToys and like what’s been shown. Perspective is amazing, and if others like it, that’s totally good. I just don’t see it better than Phoenix though.
It is toon accurate and if you spend decades chasing a certain look it is finally here! Fanstoys does look good but less like the animation
Takara is King (most of the time). Anyone who thinks FT looks better has obviously never watched the cartoon. The coolest part is now we know what MP Jazz is gonna look like.
Yep we may be getting Jazz one day
I never liked Phoenix. I wanted Xtb to take a stab at it cuz he never looked right to me especially the face sculpt. Had chances to get him many times over the last two years and each time didn’t pull the trigger so I am glad to see the Takara one which I never chose over a third party toy til now but yeah he just looks right. Still love ft but not for skyfire
I passed on Phoenix the first time but finally caved in during reissue
@@tydiriumhanger1320 the face sculpt just looks off to me for whatever reason. I even like the commander skyfire face mold more
I don't mind the copying. But sometimes it gets old playing the waiting game with Hasbro Takara. It's like how they're bidding their time putting out garbage Arcee figures... and once a 3rd party gets her right, in comes Hasbro Takara like a vulture to copy the engineering and design.
Sticking with my Phoenix. Takara bots feel cheap to me these days. Probably have felt this way ever since Hound was released, long ago. Their train bots look awful compared to Moon Studios…. Takara feels more like a KO Transformers company compared to say, Fanstoys.
There are good points to both versions but Takara is really losing the Trainbot battle
I like the more toon accurate look. Unfortunately, Phoenix is one of the few Fanstoys I’ve dished out the cash for. If a KO actually comes out, I might sell my Phoenix. That way even if I don’t get all my money back from the original purchase I could still come out of it on top.
That is one way to make the numbers work
I think Phoenix is cool, I have always thought FT is overpriced. And I it's rare for me to like their designs. With Phoenix I felt it was over priced as well... Yeah Takara is 270, but has much more accessories. So yeah Jetfire is one of my favorites... Never got the Phoenix, definitely getting this.
I will order from fans toys after sells a phenix rifle to use with the official……
That will be the best of both worlds
Sadly, those pesky Bandai and HG lawyers seems to mean we can't get a Jetfire that actually looks aerodynamic. I have yet to see an alt mode as cool as the original G1 version.
True will be really hard to get an accurate Jetfire
I bought the Soul Of Chogokin VF-1J as a modern Jetfire.
@@UnChannelDuVulpineX The problem is that they're not readily available in the States. Only extreme markup on imports.
@@danieljeyn9847 True, it's the same here. I could only get one sent from Japan for twice what the Japanese would have paid.
Already sold Phoenix. Can’t wait for this more articulated Skyfire. Hopefully the material and build is good - which seems to be Takara’s weak area. I’m sure the engineering will be amazing, and the figure will be super fun to mess with. Not to mention it already looks more alive than Phoenix. So it all comes down to the build.
You got ahead of the crowd and bet you got more out of Phoenix selling early
Some people get some MP's that don't collect MP like Prime of Megatron and Skyfire would have been one but took accuracy is not how it looks but the FT is how we imagine it. But for me the truth is that the Siege looks better to me and I like the extra surface detail. So Takara's biggest competition might be their own product.
Yeah, I'm good with the CC one. I'm not a huge Skyfire fan. If it was an updated Macross style Jetfire, I'd definitely get the KO.
before i got ft, i was tempted to just get the siege one, and looking at this one, ya siege just looks better and i have ft and i think it looks better to
True this will entice many casual collectors to the MP Skyfire
I don’t understand seige line. Horrible looking
I'm not ipressed with the Takara version in any way. The proportions and design just seem wrong to me. My Phoenix is safe on my shelf.
I feel RIPPED OFF, and he's not even out yet. 270. I balked at the Joe SkyStriker for 230 and REFUSED to buy that on principal. In 2011, you could have bought 8 SkyStrikers for that price. I have passed on almost every single OG MP. Either they were GROSSLY OVERPRICED aka Price Gouging, or they were FUGLY, such as the MP 52 SEEKERs. Instead, I preferred to pick up K Os for reasonable prices, usually less than half the price. This just goes to show how much mark up and PROFIT aka GECKO Like GREED TT and H make off you the consumer. This is the FIRST OG MP I am buying. I think I will grow to regret my STEW PIDITY when the K O comes out for less than half the cost. This means I am the DumAs doesn't it? LOL. SHAME! SHAME!! SHAME!!!
Thanks for the early take. It does have many positives, wish and for obvious reasons understand why they didn't include a proper OG Toy Head, it's just the GROSS PRICE they want.
I am curious what the KO price will be
Nope. FT Phoenix is so close to perfect, that this is unnecessary. I thought the Skids and Trailbreaker are unnecessary as well. BTW the KO is rumored to be released almost at the same time as the Takara….
Both of them have no waist swivel so nope. Takara can give their jetfire better articulation but fanstoys looks better
This will boil down to individual preference
I really dislike the Takara version, it is just ugly to me. The proportions seem off for a heroic looking toy, while the fanstoys looks beefier and more imposing.
That is why options are great and they both look good for different reasons
short answer: no.
long answer: noooooooooooooooooooo
LOL or YEEESSSSSS!
@@tydiriumhanger1320 aesthetics aside, I genuinely don't think that the Takara will be better than Fanstoys, material and buildwise.
Now you can prefer the look of the Takara one, that is fine, of course. I am just not getting replacing my Fanstoys Jetfire any time soon. 😉
I think that TT has FT beat with this one. Especially the articulation is way better.
But for €300+ i also think that FT is still a great figure (money isn’t growing on my back 😉)
Great vid, cheers
ShowZ has preorders and should be cheaper than US retailers
For me, 3rd party is only a placeholder for official. Once the prototype was shown for Skyfire, I sold my Phoenix. I’d do the same for any other 3rd party I have.
You probably got a better price also
I agree with a lot of this, but just gonna say, the bible character models were not always what we saw on the cartoon. Also, that still for Fire in the Sky is a horrible reference. Looking at later episodes, Skyfire looked WAY better, especially the two-three episodes we saw him in the second season.
If anyone finds the TT version ugly it’s their own subjective opinion. But I would surmise that you didn’t like the character in the first place because this is very spot on. You can always get a repaint or a custom paint job to tone down the matte toon look. I personally look at the design and this design is very faithful to the original character. And what’s even better, I know that it will have amazing articulation. TT is king of posable toon accurate MPs. Butterfly joints anyone?
So true Takara is hitting the Toon directly and seriously works for Skyfire! Great articulation at that
Takara has no waist swivel
That would be a negative
Phoenix killer? Lmao 🤣
Takara is far away from it buddy. IMO
It has to tilt forward to stand up do to backpack weight… PASS!
Well it is great but not perfect
Mini Miester? WTF..?
I do not know figures someone would know why they used that name
Meister is the Japanese name for Jazz.
FT fan boys can’t be objective to save their life lol
LOL that is true and hard to give Takara a chance