MPM-13 Blackout and Skorponok
The Transformers Movie Masterpiece segment sets out to deliver the highest tier of accuracy, detail, and articulation. These figures often consist of over 50 points of articulation, 80+ steps of transformation, and receive upwards of 200 paint operations. Due to the complexity of these items, they require an extensive kickoff and additional stages throughout the development process in partnership with our counterparts at Takara Tomy. This was the first Movie Masterpiece figure that I have had the opportunity to work on, so I was thrilled to work alongside Tomo Tatsumi.
MPM was a unique undertaking from a design standpoint, as there were a number of additional stages for fine-tuning the character. Studio Series set the bar high for this character, but Tomo quickly identified a number of areas that he wanted to improve upon in order to deliver better articulation, a more screen accurate bot form, a complete vehicle mode, and finally be able to deliver a 6 bladed turbine.
In addition to these improvements, we wanted to ensure that the weaponry and accessories matched those used on screen. In the film we see Blackout utilize dual miniguns, along with a pulse cannon deploying from the center of the chest. We also wanted to introduce blast effects to the MPM line, and Blackouts weaponry was the perfect way to do this.
We got to work on finding an appropriate scale for the character, knowing from studio height charts that Blackout’s head would be slightly shorter than Starscream’s, while his upper back would be taller. The scale of this figure looks massive against the Studio Series but feels perfectly at home amongst his MPM Decepticon faction members.
The figure is loaded with premium joints, some very clever engineering, and die-cast pieces to add significant heft to the overall design. The transformation, which at first can seem like a very daunting task, is actually very rhythmic, as it utilizes a lot of symmetry as you collapse and fold parts into the hull. In the end, it delivers a near-seamless representation of the Sikorsky helicopter.
For me, where this figure really shines is with the deco. There were so many fine details that we were able to apply making each of the modes more visually appealing. I truly enjoyed the task of combing through Blackout’s scenes frame by frame looking for subtle nuances to introduce to this figure. All of the screen-used MH-53’s unique markings, lights, warnings, and insignias to make their way onto this version of the character. We were also able to treat a significant amount of the exposed robot parts with metallic dry brushing to accentuate the sculpted detail.
Decepticon Blackout
Blackout’s bot mode is loaded with articulation, fine textures, painted mechanical working, weathering, and never before used details. We tried pulling out all the stops to set this figure apart from the Studio Series release. There are so many exposed tech panels, where we were able to apply metallic washes and dry brush effects, while also highlighting some copper details. Every piece of dark exposed metallic plastic was treated with some level of weathering to capture the distressed appearance from the film.
The detailing that I was most excited for the on the robot mode was the subtle additions to the face (yellow pinstriping over the eyebrows) along with the “NO STEP” printed on the tops of his hands, as you see him reaching for the server unit inside of the base.
As we make our way to the weaponry, this Blackout is geared up. The figure includes dual mini guns which can be utilized in both robot and vehicle modes, along with a rotating chest port to reveal the chest cannon that he uses in the Airforce base. Additionally Blackout includes 2 all-new PVC blast effects which use our 3mm post system and can be plugged into any of these weapon locations.
This figure features his screen-accurate arm-mounted rotor blades, with a rotating top surface to alternate between the two appearances used in the film.
Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low
Blackout’s alt mode is based on a licensed Sikorsky MH-53 Pave Low helicopter (USAF REG 4500X), and is the most accurate representation to date. It features a fully enclosed fuselage, a functioning cargo ramp (to store Scorponok) articulating tail fin, rotors, fuel rod, and landing gear.
Did I mention that this helicopter is massive? 21.5 inches long vs the Studio Series release at 17.5” and it has the ability to stow on deck like a real MH-53.
The alt mode also features green tinted overhead windows to help cut down on the glare for the pilots, yellow emergency window release gaskets, and painted cabin windows along the full hull. From all the latch releases, danger, pilot markings, lighting, and engine pin striping, I did my best to capture everything that we see in the film. There were so many compelling fine details that we discovered while sifting through thousands of Maya texture files, and it was great to see them applied to this helicopter.
Decepticon Skorponok
You can’t have Blackout without Scorponok. A great companion piece, with a die-cast torso to add some heft to the character. Scorponok stows nicely into the rear storage compartment of the helicopter.
His body is equipped with 13 points of articulation, and he gets a good amount of bronze metallic paint to help accentuate his sculpted detail. At 5.5” long he’s a pretty sizable addition to the pack.
