Cunning. That's the one word I'd use to describe Takara Tomy's Transformers Masterpiece MP-36 Megatron. Cunning. Ever since I got my first Masterpiece MP-10 Optimus Prime – the perfect Optimus Prime toy to represent the perfect Generation 1 Optimus Prime – I always knew that he can't stand alone. He needed Megatron to complement him. I waited awhile before biting the bullet because MP-36 is quite a bit more expensive than MP-10. Now I know why.
In robot mode, Megatron looks cunning. He is highly pose-able, and truly truly looks like the original G1 Megatron from the cartoon, I immediately fell in love with him. He's got heft and he's so flexible. His face oozes the personality of the Decepticon leader, and just looks… Adorably cunning! Changeable face plates give Megatron even more expressions. His body is truly detailed and really resembles the G1 Megatron I knew and loved.
What makes MP-36 most cunning- His transformation to a gun! Talk about cunning… No I'd say it's almost wicked. Like Megatron himself. The transformation to a gun is no mean feat, and it's not for the faint-hearted. This is an expensive professional toy, so I read all about potential scuff marks, stuck gun nozzle, potential breakage, etc. Transformation from robot to gun mode is really complex, so to be honest, the paper instructions are totally useless to me. For that, I followed Optibotimus' Youtube video which was thoroughly helpful – it still took me about 45 mins plus to transform Megatron into his gun, but what an accomplishment I felt when I managed to finally do it! Whatever you do, don't force anything! I did have a very very (near invisible) minor scuff mark due to transformation, but to be honest, I treat the Masterpieces as toys and I want to transform them now and then, so I really don't mind some scuffs – call it Megatron's “battle scars”! I didn't buy these superbly crafted toys just to be displayed!
The gun feels so appropriate to my hands and again, the heft makes it feel… Expensive. The accessories are extremely well engineered too. The arm bit of the gun could be used as stand to either suspend Megatron, or in my case, I suspend the Gun! The only part that I think is actually flawed is the long barrel – the front black bit that connects to the nozzle. This is well documented – you do NOT want to push this thing right through or it may cause scratches and may not be easily removed. So I only lightly nudge it enough to stay, but I wouldn't risk forcing it on a toy that's hundreds of dollars.
Now, my MP-36 Megatron sits alongside my treasured MP-10 Optimus Prime. They belong to each other. They look good with each other, doesn't matter if it's truck vs gun or robot vs robot. They just look good together! Yes, so all in all, MP-36 is simply stunning. And like Megatron himself, definitely, categorically cunning. Highly recommended for Transformers G1 fans!