Quick answer: Masterpiece and Encore
In my previous post I talked about what Transformers to buy for pre-teens. But what do you buy for that big burly friend of yours who likes Transformers (and I’m not talking about myself)? Unless he’s some super hardcore fan (like me), you have two options. 
Transformers: Masterpiece
The Masterpiece line consists of new renditions of classic characters like Optimus Prime, Megatron, Grimlock, and Starscream, but made with exacting detail, diecast parts, incredible poseability, and lots and lots of accessories. It’s literally a toy for adults, and it’s sexy black box packaging makes no pretence about that.
The price ranges from $80 (for the smaller ones) to about $400 (for the out-of-production, older ones) per piece. Characters available to date include: Optimus Prime, Rodimus Prime, Grimlock, Sideswipe, Red Alert, Megatron, Starscream, Skywarp, Thundercracker, Soundwave, Ravage, Rumble, Frenzy, Laserbeak, Buzzsaw.
What makes Masterpieces the toy to buy for adults is the fact that the transformations are pretty complex. Not too complex to make you tear your hair out, but it requires just the right number of steps to give you a sense of accomplishment, without sacrificing the intuitive transformations that come with any well-designed Transformers.
Besides, as mentioned earlier, it’s just the right price for a boy toy.
There are two version – Takara or Hasbro. The Takara (Japanese) versions can generally only be found at China Square Central, at shops like Robo Robo, or online at sites like bigbadtoystore, whilst the Hasbro (American) versions can mostly be found in Toys R Us. But without a doubt, Takara has the sleeker, sexier packaging.
Personally, I prefer the Takara ones, especially since I prefer anime accuracy. At the end of the post is a list of toyshops that you can purchase these collectors items from.
Now, on to the next set of Transformers you can get for your big burly adult friend. Or lady collectors. They exist, I assure you.
Transformers: Encore
The Encore series comprises reissues of the original Transformers toys (dubbed G1, short for Generation One, which is… you get the idea). They’re very sought after because they are reproductions of the exact toys that your friend played with in the 1980s. Although they are kind of clunky and ugly in this day and age, they bring back childhood memories, a remembrance of a better age. So it’s not so much the toy that you’re buying, but nostalgia.
You can tell if it’s an Encore reissue (instead of it being an actual vintage toy) if there’s a black number in a yellow box on the bottom right. If you can read Mandarin, there’s also a “复刻版” on the top left hand corner. Also, it’s definitely cheaper than its vintage original! The toys range from $50 to $400.
$400? Why? Because they recently re-released the biggest Transformer ever made, Fortress Maximus! See the image below for details. This is every guy, every Transformers fan’s dream come true. You will score points with your friend if you get him one, even if he already has it, by sheer dint of the fact that you know who and what Fortress Maximus is.
Apart from Fortress Maximus, the next most expensive Encore toy probably tops out at about $200. So don’t worry about having to shell out $400 for anything else in the line.
Now, these toys are collectors’ items – meaning they’re not easy to find in stores. So where exactly can you get them? Here’s a list of shops that you can start with in Singapore, before moving on to eBay or other international toy sites.
5 Coleman Street
Excelsior Shopping Centre (next to Funan Centre)
#B1-17
Tel : 82883515
robo_robo_toyshop@yahoo.com.sg
roborobo@live.com.sg
gerard@roborobo.com.sg
Operating Hours: 1.30pm- 8:30pm from Mondays to Saturdays
1.00pm-7.00pm on Sundays and Public Holidays
Robo Robo is, in my opinion, the premiere Transformers toy shop in Singapore. They literally bring in every release, they have regular retail items in store, and the owner, Gerard (I bet you guessed that from the email) makes regular trips to Japan to bring back vintage items for sale.
Robo Robo also has one of the best prices, and I’ve stuck with Robo Robo as my shop of choice ever since I discovered that the place exists.
You can also subscribe to their mailing list to see what they have up for offer! They’re also located in a relatively central area (next to Funan) as opposed to the slightly more inaccessible China Square Central.
China Square Central
18 Cross Street
Singapore 048423
I’ve included a hyperlink to their website, although I have no idea why you would want or need to visit it.
China Square Central, or CSC as it is affectionately known to collectors here, houses many vintage toy shops on the first and second floor. Of note to me are U-Toys, Hing Hing Toy Crazi, and Very Cool Stuff, which house a number of esoteric items.
The best day to come to CSC is on Sunday, between 11am to 5pm, because that’s when there’s a flea market that sells 90% vintage toys. The other 10% are other vintage items like… coins.
If you can’t find it at the CSC flea market, you probably need to go to eBay. Or, you can try this website.
I’ve heard nary a bad thing about them, and they’ve got the best service of any online toy retailer. They’re a little pricey though, but you’re guaranteed of your item (in case there’s any trouble).
Have fun getting a toy for your big burly adult!
Leave a Reply