The Transformers Masterpiece line was originally created to produce figures based on characters’ most iconic look from G1 media, with some nods to the original G1 toys sprinkled throughout for good measure. While the line has given fans character staples like Optimus Prime and Starscream, it’s been interesting to see the line expand into C-list and D-list character territory. Now, it’s perfectly obvious that the only reason we’re getting characters that fit this description, like Acid Storm and Nemesis Prime, is due to the fact that they’re completely easy repaints to crank out to maximize mold usage. There’s no way a new, unique mold would ever be created for an obscure character, but if all it takes to get a character like, say, Acid Storm, in the line is to release the Starscream mold in green, then it’s a no-brainer. This is why we’re getting Masterpiece figure based on another member of Acid Storm’s crew, the Rainmakers. Sunstorm requires nothing special outside of a new paintjob to be a viable release for the line.
Sunstorm may be a G1 character, but he’s not one anyone was particularly asking for in the Masterpiece line. He has less than five seconds of screen time in the G1 cartoon, and he’s been mainly background scenery in the comics, so he’s never really been a major character by any means.
Check out the video below for some additional thoughts:
Sunstorm’s packaging is typical Hasbro Masterpiece packaging. What’s interesting here is that the figure pictured on the box is actually a different mold from what we get inside the box. What’s pictured is the old MP-03 Starscream mold rather than the newer, better MP-11 mold. Why this wasn’t corrected before release, I have no idea.
Takara released its version of Sunstorm last year to lukewarm reception. In fact, the Takara release seemed even more like a cash-grab of a repaint because it included Starscream’s coronation gear for some reason. Now, I’m someone who enjoys seeing obscure characters released in the line, but even I had been dragging my feet with getting him. When Hasbro announced they’d be releasing their own version of Sunstorm as a TRU exclusive, it was a relief because that meant we wouldn’t have to pay Takara prices to build our Decepticon ranks.
But then promo images popped up, and a collective “Eeeehhhhhhhh” was audible.
Sunstorm’s G1 cartoon appearances amount to little more than the shot above. He was more of an orange creamsicle color rather than the bright lemon color Hasbro has given us, but they took massive liberties with Acid Storm’s deco as well, so I guess Sunstorm is at least consistent with that execution methodology.
What we got, however, is Sunstorm decked-out in a very bright yellow with some red and white accents. The original promo images looked pretty terrible, and plenty of McDonald’s jokes were tossed around, but I think I’ve warmed up to him. There are aspects that I’ve come to be pretty fond of, like his head.
There’s nothing new about the sculpt, of course, but this is the first time a Seeker has been released in anything but a black “helmet.” The golden brown color of his helmet complements the bright yellow well, and I have a suspicion Hasbro was actually going for a gold color here rather than brown. Gold plastic has a tendency to disintegrate, so darker gold colors have been released over the years in an effort to sidestep that fragility, and that’s what I think we’re seeing here.
He comes with the signature Seeker stand with his name printed correctly, thankfully. Thundercracker wasn’t so lucky.
It’s typical to expect some slight deco changes from a Takara release to a Hasbro release, but in Sunstorm’s case, the changes were much more noticeable than what we’re used to. His lower legs are a rather obnoxious combination of white and red, which I think is based on his appearance in the recent video games. They seem incongruous with the rest of his design, but, thanks to the rest of his deco being so bright, this aspect is easy to ignore.
What’s really cool are the metallic flames on his wings and jet body. When the light hits it just right, it looks awesome. This is definitely something I think Hasbro did right. it’s subtle, but it adds so much to his deco and design.
Sunstorm and Acid Storm together. This is shaping up to be one brightly colored crew. I’m dying to see if Hasbro will finish off the Rainmakers next year.
Sunstorm’s alt mode offers nothing new outside of the deco. The metallic-yellow flames look great, as do the simple red accents on his wings. If you have any version of this Seeker mold, you know exactly what to expect.
Obscure characters like the Rainmakers aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, but, despite that, Sunstorm seems to be selling very well at Toys R Us, where he’s a store exclusive. it’s still a battle to get him in my area, which means I had to place an online order to get one. In hand, I like him a lot. he’s a great companion piece to Acid Storm, and I always like adding obscure characters to my shelves. Though, I’m not sure how “obscure” Sunstorm is since most fans are aware of the character, but he’s no Thundercracker or Ramjet, so I guess he’s “obscure” in comparison. If you’re lucky enough to find him on the shelves, give him a shot. You may find yourself liking him as much as I do. And his sticker price of $79.99 isn’t too bad for a Masterpiece figure.
