Interview: Overgear Developer Yūkiya Amano

Transformers: An Interview with the Developer of “OVERGEAR OG-01 Ironhide” and “OVERGEAR OG-02 Blackout” 

Translated & Interpreted by Jeremy Barlow © Soundwave's Oblivion 2026. 

“A heroic Transformer takes centre stage in a challenging world” By Yoshida Kōhei 

14th February 2026 

OVERGEAR OG-01 Ironhide
Scheduled for release late October 2026
Price: ¥17,600 

OVERGEAR OG-02 Blackout
Scheduled for release late October 2026
Price: ¥19,800 

The high-end hobby label T-SPARK, from Takara Tomy, will launch the “OVERGEAR OG-01 Ironhide” and “OVERGEAR OG-02 Blackout” action figures from the “Transformers” series in late October 2026. 

“OVERGEAR” is a new “Transformers” series built on the concept of “real mecha.” The figures transform from realistic vehicle modes into meticulously detailed robot forms. With a tactical design focus, the abundant weapon parts and universal joints offer a wide range of customisation options. 

The first figures in the series feature the Autobot Ironhide and the Decepticon Blackout. 

“OVERGEAR” follows the core premise that the Autobots, allied with humans, battle the Decepticons, who have secretly infiltrated Earth and seized control of state-of-the-art military bases and combat vehicles. 

Ironhide is usually disguised as a modified pickup truck operated by a private security company, but in emergencies he transforms into a soldier for the Autobot Resistance’s Third Unit, RED LIGHTNING. 

Blackout transforms from an attack helicopter into robot form. Operating through the Decepticons’ front organisation, the International Order Agency, he works to eliminate the Autobot Resistance.

“OVERGEAR OG-01 Ironhide” and “OVERGEAR OG-02 Blackout” will be on display at the exhibition event T-SPARK ZONE CORE 2026, taking place today, 14th February 2026, on the 10th floor of Akihabara Radio Kaikan in Akihabara, Tokyo. In this article, we spoke with Yūkiya Amano of Takara Tomy’s Hobby Character Business Division, Collector’s Department, about the appeal of “OVERGEAR OG-01 Ironhide” and “OVERGEAR OG-02 Blackout,” accompanied by photos of the prototypes. 

Interview: Missing Link Grimlock Developer

Transformers Missing Link C-12 Grimlock Developer Interview 

Translated & Interpreted by Jeremy Barlow © Soundwave's Oblivion 2026. 

Interview Date: 2nd February 2026 

Faithfully recreating the original toy design, right down to the chrome plating and screws. 

Scheduled for release in late July 2026
Price: ¥18,700

Takara Tomy’s high-end hobby label, T-SPARK, will see a release of Missing Link C-12 Grimlock from the Transformers action figure series in late July 2026, priced at ¥18,700.

As the 12th release in the Missing Link series of hypothetical reissues from the 80’s, Grimlock, the Dinobot Commander, makes his appearance.

Grimlock is the commander of the Cybertron mechanical dinosaur faction known as the Dinobots, who first appeared in the original Transformers Generation 1 (G1) series, Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers. In the animated series, Wheeljack, inspired by dinosaur fossils, created Grimlock along with Sludge and Slag. 

Initially portrayed as unintelligent and somewhat arrogant, Grimlock gradually grew into his role as a Cybertron warrior. In the series, he transforms from a mechanical Tyrannosaurus into a robot. 

Missing Link C-12 Grimlock faithfully recreates the 1985 Dinobot Commander Grimlock with a completely new sculpt, while preserving the original size, texture, and nostalgic appeal. It transforms from a mechanical Tyrannosaurus into robot mode. 

It features a premium design, with chrome-plated chest parts and translucent components in Tyrannosaurus mode. 

In this article, we spoke with a development manager from Takara Tomy’s Hobby Character Business Office, Collector’s Division, about the appeal of Missing Link C-12 Grimlock, accompanied by photos of the prototype.

Interview: MPG-19 Soundwave Developer

Transformers: Interview with the Developers of MPG-19 Soundwave & Condor

Translated & Interpreted by Jeremy Barlow © Soundwave's Oblivion 2026. 

The first release in the ‘Sound Wave Festival’ series is Soundwave, a flawless tribute to his classic cartoon design. 

Interview Date: 27th October 2025

MPG-19 Soundwave & Condor
Scheduled for release in late May 2026
Price: ¥24,200 

Takara Tomy’s high-end hobby label, T-SPARK, will release “MPG-19 Soundwave & Condor” from the Transformers action figure series in late May 2026, priced at ¥24,200.
The MPG series—centered on the themes of GATTAI (combination), GIANT, and GREAT—represents a new evolution of the Masterpiece (MP) line, the ultimate brand for transforming robot toys. Using the latest technology, it brings beloved Transformers characters to life like never before.
The 19th release in the series features Destron Intelligence Officer Soundwave along with his cassette companion Condor. This marks nearly a decade since the original MP-13 Soundwave debuted in 2013. Both figures faithfully recreate the colour scheme from the classic cartoon Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers.
Soundwave is the Destron Intelligence Officer, appearing in the original Generation 1 (G1) Transformers series, including the cartoon Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers. Loyal to the Destron leader, Megatron, he serves as his trusted confidant. Soundwave transforms from a cassette player into a robot, and deploys Cassetron, a cassette that transforms into a robot, to carry out espionage missions. This release includes Condor, a condor-type Cassetron.
In this article, we speak with a developer from Takara Tomy’s Collector Division, Hobby Character Business Office, about the appeal of MPG-19 Soundwave & Condor. We also showcase photos of the prototype and highlight the Soundwave Festival announced during the T-SPARK Live broadcast on September 25th.
Together, Soundwave & Condor faithfully bring the cartoon’s original look and feel to life.

Interview: Missing Link Ultra Magnus Developer

Transformers Missing Link C-10 Ultra Magnus Developer Interview 

Translated & Interpreted by Jeremy Barlow © Soundwave's Oblivion 2026. 

8th September 2025 

Scheduled for release in late March 2026 

Price: ¥27,500 

Takara Tomy’s high-end hobby label, T-SPARK, is set to release Missing Link C-10 Ultra Magnus from the Transformers action figure line in late March 2026. The figure will retail for ¥27,500. City Commander Ultra Magnus marks the tenth entry in the Missing Link series, which imagines and recreates designs that could have existed during the original era. Ultra Magnus is a Cybertron warrior who appeared in the Transformers (G1) series. Known for his fairness, unwavering resolve and bravery, he serves as the trusted second-in-command to the newly appointed Cybertron leader, Rodimus Prime. 

In the series, Ultra Magnus transforms from robot mode into a transporter truck vehicle mode. Missing Link C-10 Ultra Magnus is a completely new sculpt that faithfully recreates the 1986 release City Commander Ultra Magnus (G1 version), preserving the original scale, texture and nostalgic feel of the era. In addition to transforming into a Convoy-type robot that forms the truck section, it can combine with the carrier section to become a large robot standing approximately 262mm tall. The carrier section itself can transform into multiple formations, including a maintenance base, command base and mobile operations base. In vehicle mode, it can also carry other Missing Link figures (sold separately). 

In this article, we take a closer look at prototype images and speak with a member of the development team from Takara Tomy’s Hobby Character Business Division, Collector’s Department, to explore the enduring appeal of Missing Link C-10 Ultra Magnus. Nearly 40 years on, Ultra Magnus has been brought to life once again as a fully realised figure, combining the spirit of the original Diaclone with the latest in modern engineering. 

Interview: Ittoku Kuwazu

Interviews: Ittoku Kuwazu 

Translated & Interpreted by Jeremy Barlow © Soundwave's Oblivion 2024. 

Interview from Figure King 320 (October 2024) 

“I'm aiming to replicate the exact style I saw in the movie.” 

Brave Commander Development Story 

Ittoku Kuwazu (Development Manager) 

Ittoku Kuwazu joined Takara Tomy in 2015 after studying moulding technology at a technical university. Following his time in the production department, he requested to join the Transformers team. His first project was Studio Series 86 Jazz. As noted in this interview, he is now primarily responsible for MPG development, taking over from Kojin Ono. 

Swindle BT-09 (Binaltech, 2004)

BT-09 Destron Supply Soldier Swindle
● Function: Supply Soldier
● Transformation: Jeep Wrangler TJ Custom
One of the first wave of evil Binaltech soldiers resurrected from the 'Bad Production Incident,' caused by the Destrons' takeover of the Binaltech Project. A specialist in black market trading and weapons manufacturing, he developed a modified Cosmic Rust tactical weapon and was responsible for triggering the Binaltech Project, which affected numerous Cybertron warriors. Although he appears to have a friendly and easy-going personality, he is actually an extremely greedy, self-centred opportunist. He added his own name to the top of the list of candidates to gain a Binaltech body, overriding the injured who should have been given priority.
STR...5; INT...9; SPD...5; END...6; RNK...6; CRG...5; FPR...7; SKL...10

Tech Spec values are taken from Hirofumi Ichikawa's initial notes

Meister BT-08 (Binaltech, 2004)

 

Profile (Translated from the Character Card) 
BT-08 Cybertron Lieutenant Meister
● Function: Lieutenant
● Transformation: Mazda RX-8
Well-versed in Earth's culture and trusted as Commander Convoy's right-hand man, Meister was one of the few members of the Cybertron Earth Command to escape the ravages of Cosmic Rust. However, to carry out a top-secret investigation crucial to the survival of the Binaltech Project, his consciousness was transferred to a transformable body made by Mazda. This provided him with a more discreet appearance and GT System-compatibility, resulting in his rebirth as a new Binaltech warrior. In conjunction with his partner, a replica automaton, he utilises his superior intelligence to execute dangerous missions with style.
● Weapon(s): Photon Rifle, Flamethrower
STR...5; INT...9; SPD...7; END...7; RNK...8; CRG...9; FPR...5; SKL...10

Tech Spec values are taken from Hirofumi Ichikawa's initial notes