Transformers Masterpiece MP-18 Streak

Nowadays there are so many Transformers lines to choose from, so many characters to collect. But up until the Masterpiece line, I was not interested in other lines besides the original G1. Those were the toys and characters I grew up with. The Masterpiece toys changed that for me, and made me want to collect these new High-end Transformers toys. Since the start of The Masterpiece line in 2003, it is known for its engineering, show accuracy and (dis)playability. Something that I always wanted in the original G1 toys.

Original animation model - robot mode

The first Masterpiece I recently acquired was Streak (aka Bluestreak). He was originally released on 26 October 2013. It is a redeco and retool of MP-17 Prowl, who was created as the original mold. Number 2 of the three Datsun (now known as Nissan) Brothers, after Streak came Smokescreen. He transforms into an official licensed Nissan Fairlady 280Z-T. The toy features an extensive black and metallic silver paint. The color scheme is very much like the cartoon animation. Streak lacks die-cast parts, and his tires are cast in hard plastic. That's the case with all the smaller Masterpiece cars.

Original animation model - alt mode

In vehicle mode Streak can fit inside MP-10 Convoy’s (Optimus Prime) trailer. Since the release of MP-10 the figures are made in scale with each other.

  
Accessoires

He comes with his laser gun, which can be held in both hands. When in car mode, the rifle can also mount onto his roof. A pair of built-in Electro Bolt shoulder cannons can be deployed in robot mode.

With the release of MP-12 Lambor, Amazon.co.jp started to add exclusives to the new Masterpiece releases.

If you purchased Streak in Japan through Amazon, you would get toy-accurate missile launchers. To make Streak look more like its G1 toy counterpart. The launchers can be placed on his shoulder cannons, as well as tab onto the rear sides of his vehicle mode. Although they are not spring-loaded, as was the case with the G1 launchers.

Speaking of toy accuracy, there is also a Tokyo Toy Show 2014 exclusive MP-18S, Silverstreak. It is a redeco of MP-18 Streak in toy-accurate colors.

 

Original G1 toy from 1984

Next to the Amazon exclusive launchers, there was also a collector's coin included with the release of MP-18. The coin itself identifies him as Bluestreak. 

Transformers Asia commemorative coin

 
When I bought Streak, it was well after the release, so there was no coin or Amazon exclusive included. I managed to get a coin separately, through ebay. Because I'm sort of a completionist. If I collect something, I want it as complete as possible. But I also go for cartoon accuracy, so I have no real urge to get the Amazon launchers yet. Maybe in the future I will change my mind about it, who knows. 

Streak is my first real introduction to the Masterpiece line. Of course I had seen numerous of YouTube videos and pictures online. But to have it in hand, really is something different, it really amazes me. The cartoon accuracy, the poseabilty and engineering on the toy is really spot on. This is the best representation of Bluestreak. The only thing I can say about the toy is the difficulty to transform it. And with that the fear of breaking such a beautiful but expensive piece of art.