The Masterpiece series is getting VERY expensive.

MP01 - Optimus Prime:
Issued twice. The first run was for Asia (2004). The second run was for the Chinese market only (2006).
MSRP: $100
2007 value: $170 (not shipped)

MP02 - Magnus:
Issued once. Nobody wanted this because it was a cheap repaint of MP-01. Wide spread negativity doomed this figure before it was released. It's now heavily desired due to its rarity.
MSRP: $100
2007 value: $150(not shipped)

MP03 - Starscream:
Issued once. Nobody, and I mean nobody liked the paint scheme on this. The MP line was supposed to capture toys in an accurate form. The sea / moss green color was god awful. This was the first MP figure to be done in all plastic too.
MSRP: $90
2007 value: $130(not shipped)

MP04 - Optimus Prime: Perfect Edition
The 2nd Asian release featured a transformable trailer. At the time, 2006, this was seen by the TF community as a quick cash scam. $170 was a STEEP MSRP.

Well, eBay pricing has exploded due to movie hype. This is the most accurate version of Optimus Prime ever made.

MSRP: $170
2007 value: $270 (not shipped)


MP05 - Megatron:
Issued once ... 2nd run slated for an October release. This figure was released around the time of the VT shootings. Because of this, an all new wave of "ZOMG" hit the US public. All toy guns had to be modified.

Megatron was shipped from Japan stateside, opened, and with an orange plug in the barrel. This was done to meet US import / sales regulations.

MSRP: $110
2007 value: $160 (modified), $180 (unmodified ... if you can even find one for sale)
2007, October value: $110

The only place you'll be able to find these is ToyNK. Every other online store pre-sold out.

MP06 Skywarp:
this will be released September 1st in Japan. He's available for preorder at BBTS.com and TFSource.com.

MSRP: $95





Alternatives ...


20th Anniversary Optimus Prime v2
This was released in 2006 as a filler item. Wrapped in TF Classics packaging, this differed from the v1 release in a few major ways.
- no battle damage
- anime blue windows
- akward blue gun
- display stand

Recently, Wal-Mart began to re-stock their stores with this toy. Since Hasbro blew forecasting on movie toy demand, WM needs to fill with anything ... so this resurfaced, after being clearanced out in March.

MSRP: $70
eBay: $50

Masterpiece Starscream USA edition
This is set for an October / November release at Wal-Mart. The figure is identical to the MP03 release, but will feature anime correct paint.

This is going to be an AWESOME release.

MSRP: $60