Transformers Transform Element TE-03 Speed Star (Masterpiece Mirage) Version 2.0
The item comes shipped with an external brown box,
The package has the same back and front printout.
Do note that the set does NOT come with an instruction manual. Instead, Transform Element decided to use a QR code that will take you directly to a streaming video to show you how to transform this figure.
The “smiling” face plate is in a baggie packed next to the figure.
Before displaying the figure right out of the box, make sure to clean up a few mis-transformations first.
Make sure the backpack is flush and the blue area above it is folded down to help hold it in place.
Sigh… sometimes even with the blue portion folded down, the backpack still tends to fall out from time to time. I wish the joint was tighter.
Fold these white panels in to allow for wider leg clearance.
Since this is a Third Party, non-official item, it doesn’t come with a faction symbol. It’s best to get some stickers from Reprolabels/Toyhax.com to make this guy more “toon-accurate”. Alternately, you can also use “water slide decals” to make them look even more flawless (you won’t see the edges, unlike with stickers) but I’ve never really had the proper skills, or time (usually needs to be individually cut first) to work with those.
For water slide decals, most folks recommend the one from Ocean Studio. Here:
http://www.unclebillyshop.com/decals-poster/ocean-logo-decals.html
To apply stickers, I find the best way to stick the stickers on is to use the tip of a blade, or a flat, small-tipped object, this way you have more control over the application, as compared to using one’s stubby fingers. You can also use the blade to help gently peel off a corner of the sticker in case you didn’t center it right and need to re-apply.
Speed Star stands roughly 6.5 inches (7.5 if you factor the missile) and weighs 185 Grams.
Diecast parts include:
-Knee pads
-Feet
Hehe, I chuckled when I saw this. A la Fans Toys eh, Transform Element?
Before attaching the missile, make sure you are oriented properly, there’s a groove here that needs to align right into the launcher.
While the shoulder rocket launcher doesn’t fire, I think it’s really cool that TE managed to incorporate it into the transformation so you don’t have to take it off, except for the missile.
The shoulder rocket launcher is highly poseable. Very nicely done TE.
It’s too bad his hands can’t fully close, they do have separated index fingers though.
He comes with an alternate head which has no screws. The default head has screws for you to swap in the smiling face. I found removing the head from the ball joint a bit difficult so I just opted to leave the screwed head on.
“Sorry, Prime. The ship was…. full.”
Rubber tires. Too bad they don’t have the “Goodyear” logo or something close to it stamped on, like how it was with the Ocular Max Sphinx.
Double jointed elbows.
Ankle rocker joint
The ab crunch is there but it’s really hard to snap free from the lock. It’s also actually a dual ab crunch joint.
Be mindful not to lose the cap tip of the rocket launcher. There’s no way to clip it down. You will have to glue it in place using normal glue if you encounter this.
Yikes… Transform Element really goofed here. Some of the plastic piece colors don’t match. I think this is an issue with the V2 version of this figure. Tsk… Sloppy quality control.
There was an earlier release of this figure that was plagued with issues regarding the misassembled legs. The robot mode was fine but once you started transforming him, then you’ll have problems. So best to be sure which unit you’re getting before transforming this guy.
Mirage came from a life of privilege before the war, usually spending his days hunting turbofoxes with his fancy friends back on Cybertron. When the war between the Autobots and Decepticons came, he never fully believed in joining the Autobot cause, but joined mostly because the Decepticons were way worse. While initially several Autobots (namely Cliffjumper) never fully trusted him, he eventually gained their respect through various heroic actions in battle. Mirage primarily functions as a spy and intelligence operative for the Autobots.
Thanks to his electro-disruptor, he can cast illusions to alter his placement (make himself invisible) for up to six minutes, making him the perfect Autobot agent for intel gathering behind enemy lines.
He comes with his armor-piercing rocket-dart hunting rifle.
Shoulder rocket launcher
Comparison with the Ocular Max Sphinx Cel.
Overall, it totally blows away the 5-year older Ocular Max design for an MP Mirage in terms of sculpt and tightness of the joints. The tooling looks really good and it even manages to work the shoulder rocket into the transformation! Excellent engineering right there.
The are a few downsides here though, such as the mismatched colors on some pieces of plastic for the V2 version of this figure (the sides of the robot mode and inner ankles) but they’re not really noticeable until you see them while transforming the figure. Be wary of getting the V1 version since that had errors in the assembly right out of the factory with regards to the legs, possibly resulting in breakage. You can disassemble and reassemble the legs to correct the issue on that one though.
Transforming this figure can also be a pain, as the leg panels are very confusing to work with. I wish they kept it simple. Transforming the legs feel overly complex for what it is. So be sure to keep track of what you’re doing.
The lack of a manual can also be confusing too, as you don’t know what’s supposed to be included (or missing) in the package. This is further compounded by the fact that the box does not show pics of the actual toy anywhere (back and front of the box show the same artwork). I’m OK with Transform Element using a QR code to get you to view a video of the transformation and I think it’s actually clever, but they really should still include a manual of some sort in the box.
The shade of blue for this guy isn’t quite “screen-accurate” though. I wonder if TE will release a toon version later on?
It goes without saying though, even with these negatives, this is still my default MP Mirage for now. The Ocular Max version will be most likely displayed alongside this figure in vehicle mode forever.
Gold
