Jazz – G1, Reveal the Shield (2010) & United (2011)
11 Starscream
Starscream – G1, Classics (2006), Universe (2009), Henkei (2008), United (2012) & Poneley
Extra: Classics-Henkei Optimus Part 2
10 Afterburner
Afterburner – Combiner Wars (2016) & Unite Warriors (2016)
I generally like some of the elective color choices Hasbro used on their version of the Technobots but I am not a fan of the Halloween-ish theme on Hasbro Afterburner.
9 Prowl
Prowl – G1, Universe (2008) & Henkei (2008)
The differences between the Hasbro and Takara versions are minor and mostly revolve around the use of some chrome. The Henkei version uses chrome on the rear spoiler, shoulder cannons and gun. I prefer the black gun on the Hasbro version.
7 Soundwave
Soundwave – G1, Titans Return (2016), Legends (2016) & Poneley Edition
The extra bits of color and different color scheme on the chest compartment make the Hasbro version superior to the Takara edition. In this instance, Takara’s slavish adherence to cartoon color accuracy does not benefit the figure.
I am indifferent to the color of the visors too because I think both colors work. I do have a slight preference to the banana yellow on the leg of the Takara edition over the lemon color on the Hasbro version.
6 Scattershot
Scattershot – G1, Combiner Wars (2016) & Unite Warriors (2016)
The remolding on the chest of the Takara version clinches it as the definitive Scattershot in my mind. I also like the color choices on the lower legs.
The Hasbro version more closely resembles the color scheme on the original figure. I like the colors on the chest piece but still falls short because of its lack of remolding.
5 Ironhide
Ironhide – G1, Universe (2008), Henkei (2008) & Poneley Edition
There is a lot to like (and dislike) in both versions of this Ironhide mold.
Ironhide Hasbro Universe. The black on the forearms and legs really pops and makes this version stand out. Unfortunately the blue face really ruins it. I also prefer the clear headlights on the Takara version over the blue ones on the Hasbro edition.
Ironhide Takara Henkei. Takara contuously designs their figures to resemble the animated versions and this follows that pattern. Evidence of this is on the grey shoulders, which look okay. The best feature of this version is the yellow accents on the panels. Takara re-released this mold later in a exclusive boxed set. That version is not included here because it uses the same paint scheme.
Ironhide Poneley Edition. This is my version and the uses the best elements of the other two. It does not mirror the G1 animation color scheme but I think the black really helps the design pop. The yellow accents are a small but absolutely necessary detail.
4 Pounce & Wingspan
Pounce & Wingspan – Hasbro [Titans Return 2017]vs Takara [Legends 2018]
I really dig the color choices on both sets but the Hasbro versions have a slightly more interesting visual color scheme.
3 Megatron
Megatron – G1, Classics (2005), Henkei (2008), United (2010) & Platinum (2016)
The color choices on all four versions look great but my favorite remains the Takara United version because it resembles G1 the most.
Megatron Hasbro Classics. The colors definitely invoke a comic book Joker/Green Goblin aesthetic and that’s not a bad thing. I think a small improvement would be to replace the orange elements with yellow.
Megatron Hasbro Platinum Edition. When Hasbro decided to re-release this design I think they wisely chose to give it new colors and these new colors look great. They actually make me think of Beast Wars Megatron’s red dragon form and I wonder if that was the intent. I might be a bigger fan of this revision then the original.
Megatron Takara Henkei. The color scheme evokes G1 Megatron but with added flourishes of red. I have mixed feelings on some of these red highlights. I think the red on the shoulders and wrist gauntlets make the design too busy and takes away from an overall clean look. Although I do like the red on the barrel of the arm cannon, feet and “wings.”
Megatron Takara United. The best color scheme of the bunch. I can’t think of anything I would like to change on it.