Also kicking off 2026 for Takara Tomy is a major change to the Transformers series. It is the biggest change since the retirement of the Masterpiece series and the introduction of the new MPG series in 2021. The Masterpiece series, focusing on movie-inspired collectible figures, Masterpiece Movie, or MPM, has been retired, too. In its place is a new line called Masterpiece Movie Next, or MPMN. I know, it’s just the same old wine in a new bottle, along with a longer reference designation.
Along with the introduction of Masterpiece Movie Next [JP] comes not one but two debut figures: Transformers Masterpiece Movie Next MPMN-01 Sideswipe, and Transformers Masterpiece Movie Next MPMN-02 G1 Sideswipe, which is a nod to Sideswipe’s red colorway from the G1 era. Not going to lie. It may not be screen accurate because of the color, but man, a red Corvette Stingray Concept is hot!
MPMN-01 Sideswipe [JP] is based on his appearance in Revenge of the Fallen, transforming from a properly licensed Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Concept into a robot whose ankles are literally tires. That alone already tells you Takara Tomy was feeling brave. The transformation is full, clean, and very Masterpiece-level serious. He comes with Cybertronium blades that can mount on both arms, two hand cannons, and a pair of effect parts to recreate his ridiculous high-speed roller dash scenes.
Then there is MPMN-02 [JP], which is basically the same Sideswipe, but dipped in classic G1 red. Same Corvette, same transformation, same weapons, same roller dash parts. The only real difference is the color, and that is enough to make half the fandom argue on the internet for at least a week.
Style-wise, Masterpiece Movie Next is supposed to be more refined than the old MPM, focusing on easier transformation, better proportions, cleaner details, and joints that actually want to pose instead of fighting you. No leftover parts, no weird backpack of shame, just a full transformation that looks intentional.
Both figures are scheduled for release in late September 2026, each going for 14,850 yen [JP] (tax included in Japan) (about US$94).
Images: Takara Tomy [JP].
