The recent Encore figures weren't the only Transformers to go up for pre-order last night. The Masterpiece line continues to grow with Convoy (Optimus Prime) getting his usual repaint and Soundwave getting additional cassettes that he can deploy into battle.

MP-10 is back in black, dropping the Autobot insignia for the Decepticon one. I would like to see more Decepticons in the Masterpiece line but not like this. Interestingly, Black Convoy will not include a trailer which is a shame. A matching black trailer would have been nice to swap with the original MP-10 for some G2 variety. MP-10B Black Convoy sans the trailer will be retailing for the lower ¥11,000 price and will be available in March, 2013.

The snazzier part of the Masterpiece pre-orders is the double pair of cassettes that Masterpiece Soundwave will be getting. Joining Laserbeak will be MP-15 Rumble and Jaguar (Ravage) and MP-16 Frenzy and Buzzsaw. I don't even have Masterpiece Soundwave but I went and pre-ordered MP-15 because the black and red of "Rumble" (blasted name flipping) along with Jaguar are an easy buy for me. Each set is retailing for ¥4,200 with MP-15 coming out in February, 2013 and MP-16 following in March, 2013. Makes me wonder if we'll see a Ratbat when Soundblaster is released (you know it'll happen!).

Again, it's a great time to be a Transformers fan. ...though it's also an expensive time. Will any of these Masterpiece figures become a part of your collection?

[Pre-order Black Convoy at HobbyLink Japan | Hobby Search | AmiAmi | Big Bad Toy Store | TFsource]
[Pre-order Rumble and Jaguar at HobbyLink Japan | Hobby Search | AmiAmi | Big Bad Toy Store | TFsource]
[Pre-order Frenzy and Buzzsaw at HobbyLink Japan | Hobby Search | AmiAmi | Big Bad Toy Store | TFsource]