Triple Takeover Toycast

The Transformers fandom was recently rocked by the tragic passing of legendary voice actor Peter Cullen, who famously provided the iconic voice of Optimus Prime for over forty years. We've already expressed our appreciation for the man himself in a dedicated minisode, but now we're back to celebrate his legacy in a different way — by selecting some of our favourite Optimus Prime toys from over the years. And boy, are we spoilt for choice.

Right from the earliest years of the brand, Optimus Prime has had some of the best toy designs to his name — be they from...

It's a busy old time for new Transformers toys currently, but don't let that stop TakaraTomy. Now they're back with New Legends, a fresh spin on their Japanese equivalent to the Generations line, promising plenty of fun redecos and retools alongside the occasional new moulds and other surprises too. Today, we're here to see what it's all about.

After the hugely popular collector-focused fare found in the original Legends line of the 2010s, New Legends promises much of the same — and then some. Built as a spin-off-of-sorts from the celebrated 40th Selection Lio Convoy release, there's already an...

Another year of TFNation has come and gone, as the Triple Takeover team celebrates the biggest event of the UK Transformers social calendar with the usual positive vibes. We've just about recovered from the weekend, and now we're here to recap the experience — from the hauls to the guests to the many random events that took place throughout.

Despite still being extremely tired, we're delighted to relive the highs of TFN 2026, which was — as ever — a hugely positive event from start to finish. With legendary composer Vince DiCola in attendance for an unforgettable (unless you're Liam) Saturday night...

We're back for a seventh round of Hidden Gems, our popular format where each of us nominates a figure from Transformers history that we feel has been rather overlooked by the fandom at large and now deserves a little more attention. And today, the choices are more unusual than ever before.

From movie-styled Masterpiece fare to Mini-Cons and early examples of cross-brand collaborative projects, everyone brings something hugely different to the table for discussion this time. It makes for a particularly eclectic episode, spanning wildly different eras and design philosophies, united only by the sense that each...

Way back at the turn of 1980, years before Transformers became a thing, Takara led the way forward for transforming robot toys with Diaclone — all about non-sentient mecha piloted by one-inch figures. The most well-known examples are from the Car Robots subline that would find new life as robots in disguise, but today we're exploring the fantastically old-school sci-fi fare of the earlier years.

Prior to churning out realistic vehicles and recognisable car models, Diaclone was all about big, over-the-top futuristic spacecraft and bases that became modular robots, all operated by a team of Dia-nauts versus their alien op...

With the World Cup in full swing, sports mania is at fever pitch across the globe right now — yet Transformers tie-ins with sport have been surprisingly few and far between over the years, despite some obvious potential. Today we're looking at the various tries made so far, and the open goals that remain untapped by the toymakers.

Sixo has finally relented (against his better judgement) and allowed Liam to have the sports episode of his dreams. From Takara's Sports Label line in the mid-2000s to modern-day collaborative attempts such as the recent NFL and soccer-themed figures, th...

Between Hasbro and TakaraTomy, there has been a significant volume of new Transformers product of late — so much so that many collectors are forced to pick and choose through practicality if nothing else. Between mainline Generations, Studio Series, MPG, Missing Link, reissues, Collaborative releases, and much more, it's a great time to be a fan. But what has tickled our fancy more than anything else in the first six months of 2026?

Today, we're taking turns to choose one toy — all of which were very definitely released this year! — that we each feel represents the pick of the crop t...

Imagine a world where Transformers Armada never happened and the brand had gone a completely separate route. Back in the early 2000s, that was almost the case. After the smash success of Beast Wars and the hugely divisive follow-up that was Beast Machines, Hasbro originally planned a third era — one that would build on the existing direction and pave further towards fusing the technological and organic themes prevalent at the time. This was the series that never came to be. This was Transtech.

Although never fully realised and ultimately abandoned well before fruition, plenty of details about Tr...

With Missing Link Ironhide having just been fully unveiled, there's a lot to talk about. Perhaps more than any other release in the TakaraTomy line, this one has defied fan expectations and delivered something that no one could have predicted by entirely reimagining the classic toy from the ground up. The result feels in the spirit of a vintage design, but much more in the style of the character's fictional portrayals from over the years. But what did we make of it all?

On the one hand, it's not hard to see where the inspiration has come...

Released at a time when Transformers were already firmly on the wane after six years on toy shelves, 1990's Action Masters were Hasbro's attempt at 'rebooting' the line by bringing back familiar A-list characters and delivering them in more 'action figure' style. The concept was inherently divisive from the start: they're Transformers that don't transform. For a brand built entirely around transformation, this felt to some like abandoning the core premise.

Soon seen as having killed the franchise after they proved to be the last year of original series product in North America (even though it continued...

This episode is the opposite of our Hidden Gems discussion. Rather than bigging up amazing Transformers toys that nobody mentions, we're re-assessing former releases which are already well known — but not in a good way. These are the perceived stinkers, the Renford Rejects, the real bottom-of-the-barrel stuff. The toys that as soon as they're mentioned online, everyone will quickly jump in to give them a major kicking, swiftly pointing out in elaborate detail why they are just plain bad.

And it's not so much that we disagree with a lot of the points commonly made — it's more that...

Q-Transformers is a 2014 Japanese exclusive line centred around being both a homage to and a spin-off from Takara's own classic Choro-Q line of super-deformed cars (known as Penny Racers in the West). Except here, the central gimmick isn't a pull-back-and-go mechanism but the ability to transform from licensed-but-chibified real world vehicles into familiar robots in disguise characters. Plus, as the name suggests, they're super cute!

We examine what makes this line a real sleeper hit for collectors. Despite their tiny size and unparalleled accessibility on the aftermarket, the toys boast impressive levels of detail and paint far...

The general aftermarket value of second-hand Transformers items has skyrocketed in recent times, driven by what appears to be a collecting boom over the last five years or more. What was once a reasonably accessible hobby has become increasingly pricey, with even previously unloved releases now commanding premium prices. It's a hot topic that affects every collector, regardless of focus or budget.

We're here to establish whether such price hikes are justifiable — is this simply the market responding to genuine demand, or is the perceived value of certain items being artificially inflated to take advantage of increased in...

The so-called e-Hobby era has become a landmark of Transformers collecting for many fans. Running predominantly through the 2000s, the TakaraTomy-affiliated online store offered recolours of classic Transformers toys in weird and wonderful colour schemes — sometimes referencing Diaclone or Micro Change releases, occasionally diving into exceptionally niche corners of the brand's lore, and often just embracing pure creative experimentation.

What makes this period so fascinating is the dramatic shift in perception over time. Many of these toys weren't particularly appreciated when released, sitting plentifully available online for years before experiencing a swift and surprising renaissance. Today, individual e...

We've tackled the topic of head sculpts before, but tonight we're returning with a mission: to highlight specific examples that represent the absolute best the franchise has to offer. Whether it's modern era mainline, Japanese exclusive fare, classic Generations, or our beloved Beast Wars, we're unpacking what makes a great Transformers head sculpt and why their design is so integral to making toys work and feel memorable.

The choices we end up highlighting are all very different in style — spanning eras, size classes, and design philosophies — but they have one crucial thing in common: they're chock full of p...

Let it never be said that Triple Takeover doesn't enjoy a bit of beast. Having already done deep dives into the classic Kenner line and Takara's Beast Wars II, we're back for more — and this is where things get really weird, with 1999's Beast Wars Neo.

Tonight it's all about the Maximals: a crew of twelve toys that run the gamut from intriguing repaints and retools to flat-out Japanese exclusive oddities. Sixo guides Liam and Jason through the roster one figure at a time, discovering some of the more noteworthy alternate modes from the entire Beast era — not...

We first covered the beginnings of Transformers Generations toys with 2006's Classics line back in episode #16, but now we're back for the Takara equivalent: Henkei! Henkei! Transformers. This Japanese roster — which also spans parts of 2008's Universe line and literally translates to "Transform! Transform! Transformers" — is a jewel in the crown of mid-2000s robots in disguise.

Henkei! offered surprisingly varied — and often superior — repaint choices on already beloved moulds (including some which have arguably been unfairly maligned, as we'll discuss). It's a line of creative designs, intriguing transformations, and definite ingenuity, but coupled with Takara's attention to detai...

Collecting Transformers should be a joy, but what happens when it starts to feel like a chore? This episode tackles collector burnout — that creeping sense of being overwhelmed, stressed, or feeling obligated rather than excited by your hobby. It's a topic chosen by our patrons, and it's one we approach with honesty, care, and maybe a bit of catharsis.

Burnout can happen to any collector. The pressure to acquire everything new, the sheer volume of releases, lifestyle changes, mounting clutter, and that nagging guilt about figures still in boxes — it all adds up. What starts as passion can...

As another year of collecting draws to a close, the Triple Takeover crew sit down to reflect on the Transformers toys that defined 2025 for them.

Rather than chasing completeness or release lists, this episode focuses on personal favourites — the figures that made the biggest impression in hand, sparked the strongest emotional response, or simply reminded us why we enjoy collecting in the first place. From the long-anticipated Missing Link releases to standout modern designs and ambitious large-scale projects, it’s a year that offered a surprising amount of variety.

We talk through what made figures like...

IDW artist Nick Roche returns to Triple Takeover to talk Transformers Generations: Thrilling 30 — the 2013–2014 toy line — and the unusual creative journey that links Sandstorm and Springer.

Nick discusses supplying an original Sandstorm concept to Hasbro, how that design eventually became a finished toy, and how it was later retooled into Springer — released first, and coincidentally based on Nick’s own comic design for the character as seen in IDW’s Last Stand of the Wreckers.

Along the way, the conversation drifts (as it tends to with Nick) into nostalgia, collecting, community, and the realities of working acro...

The Transformers Collectors’ Club (TFCC) and Figure Subscription Service (TFSS) are front and centre this week as we delve into one of the most fascinating — and at times frustrating — eras in Transformers collecting.

We were never members ourselves (thanks, geography!), but that didn’t stop us getting FOMO from afar. Today we're diving into the toys, the distribution choices, the aftermarket drama, and the nostalgia surrounding a club that often felt just out of reach for anyone outside the US.

From brilliant figures and wild character choices to eye-rolling shipping costs and maddening accessibility issues, we explo...

Studio Series has been a cornerstone of modern Transformers collecting since its debut in 2018 — but what exactly does the line represent today?

Originally conceived as a celebration of the live-action movies, Studio Series has steadily expanded its remit. With characters from The Transformers: The Movie (1986) now sitting alongside Bayverse designs, the line’s identity has become broader — and occasionally more ambiguous — than first intended.

In this episode we take a step back to examine how Studio Series has evolved, how collectors have responded to its changing focus, and where the line might realistically head next. This dis...

Some Transformers comic panels stick with you forever — and not always for the right reasons.

In this episode we take a look at some of the most memorable moments in Transformers comics, focusing on panels that shocked, unsettled, or simply refused to be forgotten. From unexpectedly brutal imagery to moments that still make us wince, it’s a tour through the darker and more infamous corners of the franchise’s comic history.

This topic was suggested by our patron Duggertron, and it quickly grew into a full-length discussion — so join us as we explore the panels t...

What would the perfect new wave of Transformers Generations toys look like… if we all played by the same rules?

In this episode we have some fun assembling our ideal Generations lineup, taking turns to select characters across a full spread of size classes. With four Deluxes, two Voyagers, plus picks for Leader, Commander, and Titan, we attempt to look beyond the familiar G1 comfort zone — with varying degrees of success...

Suggested by our patron Andy Gold, this discussion quickly becomes a mix of wish-list thinking, creative loopholes, and good-natured rule-bending as we debate what real...

What are some of the most overlooked Transformers toys — and do they really deserve to be forgotten?

Following a recent Patreon poll, we’re back for a sixth round of Transformers 'hidden gems', with each of us nominating a figure from across the brand’s history that we think deserved a little more attention than it received at the time.

In theory, we’re looking beyond the usual G1 favourites… though, as ever, sticking to that brief proves easier for some than others. Expect plenty of nostalgia, spirited defence of underappreciated toys, and a few familiar l...

The number 113 has become a recurring motif in James Roberts’ Transformers comics — most notably throughout More Than Meets The Eye and Lost Light. But where did that fascination come from?

For our own episode 113, we’re joined by James Roberts himself to explore the inspiration behind those references, tracing them back to issue #113 of the original Marvel UK Transformers comic. From there, the discussion follows the story through to issue #120 and its conclusion in the 1987 annual, unpacking why this particular run left such a lasting impression.

It’s a thoughtful look at influence, continuity, and the deep...

Partsforming is one of the most controversial aspects of Transformers design, despite being present since the very beginning of the brand in the 1980s.

In this episode we take a closer look at why partsforming remains such a divisive topic among collectors. With modern designs often prioritising integrated transformations and cleaner silhouettes, we discuss how expectations have shifted over time — and why detachable parts continue to spark debate.

From play value and accuracy to practicality and frustration, it’s a thoughtful conversation about one of Transformers’ most persistent design flashpoints.

—

Enjoying the show...

TFNation has been and gone for another year, and the (very tired) team sit down to reflect on the many highs — and hauls — from Europe’s largest Transformers convention.

In this episode we talk through standout moments from the show, and the inevitable post-con exhaustion that follows a packed weekend of toys, panels, and catching up with fellow fans. But with energy levels running low, the real question is whether Liam can make it through the conversation at all.

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at h...

San Diego Comic-Con always brings a wave of new Transformers reveals — and this year was no exception.

In this episode we break down the latest announcements from SDCC, including reveals from Age of the Primes, Studio Series, and beyond. From initial reactions to broader thoughts on direction and design, we talk through what stood out, what surprised us, and what these reveals might signal for the future of the brand.

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com

Join the co...

1989 was a year of major change for Transformers, introducing two very different new directions for the toy line — Micromasters and Pretenders.

Having already explored one half of that shift, we now turn our attention to the Pretenders. Strange, colourful, and often divisive, these toys have become something of a cult favourite over time. But how were they actually received when they first appeared?

In this episode we look back at the context surrounding their release, the reactions they sparked, and how perceptions of the line have shifted in the years since. Chosen by our patrons, it...

Transformers Missing Link is back in the spotlight as we dig into the latest speculation and assess what might be coming next.

With names like Ultra Magnus, Galvatron, and even Metroplex entering the conversation, we weigh up the rumours, the likelihood of future releases, and what Missing Link could realistically look like as it continues to evolve. And, of course, we’re joined by our own Missing Link, Maz, to help guide the discussion.

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com

Studio Series SS86 Megatron has finally arrived — and few Transformers releases in recent memory have sparked quite as much discussion.

From early rumours through to the official reveal, nearly every aspect of this figure has been debated, dissected, and argued over. In this episode we work through the controversy, the design decisions behind the toy, and why reactions have been so strong, considering what SS86 Megatron represents for the line as a whole.

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com

J...

'Hidden gems' returns, as we once again shine a spotlight on Transformers toys we think deserved far more attention than they received at the time.

In this episode each of us brings a pick to the table, celebrating overlooked figures from across the brand’s history and making the case for why they’re worth a second look. And while the intention is to look beyond the usual G1 favourites, sticking to that brief proves — as ever — a little more flexible than planned.

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find sh...

Our exploration of individual years in Transformers toys continues, this time focusing on the 1989 Micromasters.

One of the biggest resets in the original line, Micromasters brought a new scale, new play patterns, and a surprising amount of personality. In this episode we look at why these mini marvels were such a bold shift at the time — and why they’ve become such a fondly remembered part of late-G1.

Along the way, we also attempt to answer the important question: just how many Micromasters does Jason actually own?

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more t...

Following the Scramble City combiners of the previous year, 1987 introduced the Technobots and Terrorcons with a fresh take on a familiar design.

In this episode we look at Computron and Abominus, two combiners that have grown into fan favourites over time. From their individual components to their combined forms, we discuss what sets each team apart and why opinions remain so divided when it comes to choosing a favourite.

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com

Join the conv...

The announcement of MPG-17 means a fourth Transformers Masterpiece Optimus Prime is on the way — but what actually sets it apart from the versions that came before?

In this episode we look at how the Masterpiece line has approached Optimus Prime over the years, using MPG-17 as a jumping-off point to discuss design philosophy, changing expectations, and how the line has evolved since its beginnings in 2003.

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com

Join the conversation with us on Dis...

The early 2000s marked the beginning of a major wave of nostalgia for Transformers — one that has continued ever since. A key part of that resurgence was Takara's 2002–2006 The Transformers Collection series, often referred to as the “book box” reissues.

In this episode we take a closer look at what made these G1 re-releases feel so special at the time. From presentation and packaging to timing and accessibility, we explore why The Transformers Collection played such an important role in reshaping how classic toys were revisited and celebrated.

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than me...

Despite being one of the formative Transformers toy lines of the pre-movie mid-2000s era, Takara’s Robotmasters is now largely overlooked by many collectors.

In this episode we take a deep dive into the 2004 line, exploring its unusual mix of concepts, characters, and execution. Along the way we uncover a handful of genuine highlights — and a few moments that raise a smile — as we reassess where Robotmasters fits within Transformers history.

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com

Join the...

It’s our 100th episode extravaganza, so naturally we aimed high and invited back two of our all-time favourite guests. When that fell through, we somehow ended up with James Roberts and Nick Roche instead.

Jokes aside, the pair kindly helped us mark the milestone with an in-depth and genuinely brilliant discussion of IDW’s The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers (2010) — one of the most celebrated Transformers comic stories ever published. We dig into its origins, themes, and lasting impact, as well as what made the series resonate so strongly with fans then and now.

—

With the recent reveal of Liokaiser as a HasLab project, the whole subject of Transformers crowdfunding has come up for debate once again.

HasLab campaigns promise ambitious, high-end figures that might never exist at retail — but they also come with long waits, high price points, and plenty of passionate discussion among fans. So what are the real pros and cons of this approach to getting toys made?

In this episode we break down how HasLab works, why characters like Liokaiser end up in this space, and whether these crowdfunded releases genuinely represent good value for mo...