MP-34S Undercover Agent Shadow Panther (Beast Wars)
Function: Undercover Agent
Height: 2.3m (In Robot Mode)
Weight: 1.5t (In Robot mode)
Profile:
A Destron Undercover Agent who transforms into a black leopard; in beast mode
he runs the land at such speed that he can only be described as a “black
bullet”. He was modelled to resemble the Cybertron warrior Cheetus; he has
unfairly preyed upon many a Cybertron by utilising this appearance. His black
body includes a stealth effect leaving him undetectable to radar allowing him
to make surprise attacks from the shadows. Together with his abilities as a
spy such as being able to infiltrate bases, this Destron Warrior is a
terrifying prospect.
STR...7.0; INT...6.0; SPD...8.0; END...9.0; RNK...4.0; CRG...8.0; FBL...7.0;
SKL...7.0
Other Resources:
Overview
MP-34S Shadow Panther was a Takara Tomy Mall exclusive in Japan, released
August 2018 for 8,000 Yen. Shadow Panther is based on the Japanese exclusive
figure from Takara's Beast Wars series which was released in October 1997
retailing for 1,500 Yen. The original Shadow Panther was later made available
through Hasbro's online collectors shop in 2000 and it sold for $19.99.
Screenshot of HasbroCollectors.com
The original Shadow Panther was a straight repaint of Cheetus (Cheetor),
coloured black to resemble a panther and is the only Destron who is a mammal
with the other Destrons transforming into reptiles or insects. A black panther
is either a jaguar or a leopard; Shadow Panthers original collectors card
describes him as a black leopard. He isn't just a straight black recolour, the
panthers face has grey accents. In robot mode he is a striking mix of black,
silver and yellow colours.
MP-34S Shadow Panther is the first Destron Beast Wars figure and was an
obvious release to follow
MP-34 Cheetus. The front of the box shows Shadow Panther in robot mode in the same pose as
the box art from the original 1997 release, albeit the guns have been
reversed. The collectors card even has the original CG art rather than
original artwork which is a nice throwback. Just like the original Beast Wars
figure, MP-34S is a straight repaint of Cheetus, however unlike the original
which looks like a generic big cat, Shadow Panther looks like a black cheetah
(thanks to the accuracy or the beast modes). Although leopards and cheetahs
both have spots (leopards rather have rosette markings), leopards are also
smaller than cheetahs and much bulkier.
Shadow Panther is packaged in beast mode and comes with three new accessories.
There are 2 new chromed "Comlink" accessories (from the episode "The Web" /
"Cheetus' Crisis"), one for robot mode and one for beast mode. Finally there
is the "Panther Eye" which is based on the mutant head from the original
Shadow Panther. The same optional head / face accessories also come with
Shadow Panther.
As mentioned in panther mode, Shadow Panther looks like a cheetah but has a
striking look with the jet black colour scheme and the brush effect silver
accents on the body. Compared to my MP-34 Cheetus, Shadow Panthers joints are
much tighter, maybe too much. The forelegs on my Cheetus are loose and can
make posing in beast mode awkward whereas this is not a problem with Shadow
Panther. You can swap the beast mode heads with the three provided as well as
being able to take out the eyes from each of the heads and mix them about for
different expressions.
Transformation to robot mode is simple enough if a bit harder due to the
stiffness of the figure, especially with how fragile it feels and you don't
want to force anything. The sliding waist section with the silver crotch piece
is especially tight. The shoulders on Shadow Panther have been remoulded to
make them clip in much better than MP-34 Cheetus.
I was impressed with how well MP-34 Cheetus looked like his animation model
and Shadow Panther is no different. Although he was not in the cartoon he is
still impressive in robot mode. Just like the original D-7 Shadow Panthers
colour scheme is a mixture of black, silver and yellow and certainly stands
apart from MP-34.
Unfortunately when I transformed my copy back into beast mode the robot modes
right arm broke off, or rather fell off. I'd heard of a few reports of the
yellow plastic being brittle and shoulders breaking so I knew I had to take
precautions. I started on the right arm and used a thin piece of plastic to
pry open the right shoulder slowly and carefully and as it was released the
arm fell off. I separated the left shoulder and there wasn't a problem.
As the arm fell off I don't think this was caused by me separating the
shoulder, maybe the new clip on the shoulder caused pressure on the joint as I
transformed this initially into robot mode? Please note this was the second
time I'd transformed this figure. I transformed it into robot mode in 2018 and
it sat on my shelf in robot mode until I took photographs of it earlier this
month (May 2020).
The broken shoulder
Although the figure is broken, luckily the updated shoulder clip holds the arm
firmly in place in robot mode so you could never tell the figure was broken
and it still maintains the same articulation. In beast mode as the arm plugs
in, to the other arm it holds in place. If both shoulders broke it would be a
different story.
Broken shoulder reattached
I would certainly urge caution when transforming this figure and looking at
the broken joint it is very thin plastic. I'm hoping this is not a widespread
issue but this is still a fantastic figure, it is just disappointing for me
that an expensive figure could fall apart so easily.
Translations
The Japanese exclusive toy, an Undercover Agent created to resemble the
Cybertron Cheetus has arrived in the Masterpiece series!! Following the
release of the original Cheetus, he was repainted and turned into “D-7 Shadow
Panther,” and just like the original “D-7 Shadow Panther,” this is a repaint
of MP-34 Cheetus along with new accessories. His beast mode is a black
leopard. The black body with glowing red eyes is not only the same as the
original, but you can also replicate the original box artwork depicting eyes
with pupils by replacing the eyeballs. Tampograph printing has been applied to
reproduce the beautiful coat of hair on the body. Transforms from a stylish
and graceful beast mode into a heroic robot form, despite being a Destron!!
The colouring replicates the original and with black and silver accents, this
dark hero is reborn. Like Cheetus, optional faces are included. It also comes
with a beast mask, a feature present in the early Beast Wars series. This is a
new sculpt, Shadow Panthers special equipment called the “Panther Eye”. It was
created as a detachable accessory. The Comlink used by Cheetus in the third
episode of the animated series has been included as a bonus accessory!! Not
only can this be used on Shadow Panther but also MP-34 Cheetus. The toy from
the exciting 90’s Beast Wars is now in the state of the art Masterpiece
series.
Shadow Panther (Beast Wars) (Translated from the instruction
pamphlet)
Function: Undercover Agent
Height: 2.3m (In Robot Mode)
Weight: 1.5t (In Robot Mode)
Profile:
Transformers evolved into Beast Wars with the concept of robots transforming
into animals, utilising ball joints for fully posable figures. Along with the
charming full CG cartoon “Beast Wars: Super Lifeform Transformers”, the toys
were a massive hit in Japan. With Beast Wars products flying off the shelves
an original character was planned for release in Japan, this was “Shadow
Panther”. Shadow Panther transforms into a jungle dwelling black panther, this
Destron Undercover Agent is known for looking nearly identical to a certain
well known Cybertron. However, despite the fact he looks like the heroic
Cybertron Warrior Cheetus, he is cold hearted and ruthless. It is said that he
likes to make surprise attacks using unfair means. He was also sold with his
rival Rhinox in the “Wilderness Showdown” VS Set. Shadow Panthers special
equipment is the “Panther Eye”. It is a beast mask gimmick in robot mode which
in Japan, was not really advertised as a feature. In order to replicate this,
the beast mask is now a separate accessory which needs attaching to the robot
head. He is also equipped with the same weapons as the original. You can now
enjoy this latest updated Masterpiece phantom character. Although Shadow
Panther was a domestic-only character who wasn’t in the animation, later on a
toy was released overseas named “Tripredacus Agent”. In the overseas comics,
this character was based on “Shadow Panther”.
STR...7.0; INT...6.0; SPD...8.0; END...9.0; RNK...4.0; CRR...8.0; FPR...7.0;
SKL...7.0
Weapon: Shadow Mist (Translated from the instruction pamphlet)
A gun which is built into his abdomen. It sprays a poisoned mist which jams
enemies sensors effectively blinding them. Incredibly effective and well
suited for Shadow Panther who enjoys despicable surprise attacks.
Weapon: Panther Shot (Translated from the instruction pamphlet)
This is Shadow Panthers hidden laser shotgun. Not only powerful, it also has a
rapid fire function; there have been many Cybertron warriors who have been
overwhelmed by his barrage of shotgun fire in the dark. He quickly assumes a
shooting stance when he transforms into robot mode, the gun itself transforms
from his tail.
Item: Comlink (Translated from the instruction pamphlet)
A bracelet communication device developed by Rhinox. This was the only
prototype that allowed long range communication on an Energon rich planet.
Cheetus was ordered to carry out a field test but it broke in battle. The
communication device owned by Shadow Panther could be a duplicate created by
Tarans.
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