Transformers Masterpiece Prowl

Toys R Us Masterpiece Prowl is nearly identical to the original Japanese version.  You can read my review of that here.

I need to point out that Hasbro sucks.  This toy is insanely overpriced, and to hide it they used an enormous box for a toy that is not much bigger than a deluxe toy.  I paid $80 for the Japanese version and this one was $70.  Look at the prices of previous Masterpiece USA releases compared to the prices from the online importers and you’ll find the USA versions run around 50% less.  That varies from toy to toy, but it is a significant savings to buy the USA versions up until now.  There is no way a price of $70 is warranted for this toy.  It should have been $50 at most.  I know that Hasbro’s response would be that Toys R Us sets the prices, but if the box wasn’t so big, maybe TRU wouldn’t have been able to get away with price gouging like this.

I strongly recommend spending a few bucks more and buying the Japanese version and letting these sit unsold on the shelves.  I know that won’t happen, but I wish it would.

There are only two small differences on the TRU version of Prowl compared to the original.

The word “POLICE” on his doors is  different.  I can’t exactly tell you why.  Perhaps the font is a slightly a different size.  Maybe one is painted on, while the other had the black put on leaving the white plastic showing in the letters.  I don’t know, but they look different to me.

The other difference is in his light bar.  The red translucent plastic on the TRU USA version is darker red than the Japanese version.

That’s it.  I was really hoping Hasbro would do this toy right and paint his police stripes on his shoulders, or at least include stickers, but of course, they did not.

Thanks for reading!