Interview: Missing Link Ultra Magnus Developer

Transformers Missing Link C-10 Ultra Magnus Developer Interview 

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. 

-Please tell us about the process of bringing Missing Link C-10 Ultra Magnus to life as a fully realised figure. What were the key ideas behind its development, and why was Ultra Magnus chosen as the tenth entry in the Missing Link series? 

Developer: When Missing Link C-01 Convoy was released in February 2024 as the first entry in the Missing Link series, we didn’t yet have plans to develop Ultra Magnus. However, as the Missing Link series proved to be a success, we began looking to create a large-scale item to mark the milestone tenth release. In that context, Ultra Magnus felt like the ideal choice. Because the character makes direct use of the Convoy components from C-01, he was a natural fit for the series, and that ultimately led to our decision. 

- A question about the design: the Missing Link series is based on the concept of “a virtual reproduction of what might have existed in that era”, but were any new design elements or details added beyond the original version? 

Developer: We don’t see these as added details, because the Missing Link series is built around the idea of respecting the original design and drawing out its strengths rather than changing it. That said, as with other Missing Link releases, elements that were originally represented by stickers have been recreated as fully sculpted parts and painted. In doing so, we considered what those sticker details might have looked like if they had been realised as physical forms from the start, and interpreted them accordingly. In addition, some components have been separated to allow for more accurate paint applications. For example, parts of the helmet that were originally moulded as a single piece are, in the Missing Link version, produced as separate components that are painted individually before being assembled. This process allows for a higher level of precision and finish. 

-There’s a hidden emblem feature. Where is it located?
Developer: The secret emblem is positioned on the roof of the white Convoy, just as it was on the original version. 

-How did you decide on the colour scheme for this new Missing Link figure? 

Developer: Regarding the light blue areas, many original samples from nearly 40 years ago are believed to have faded over time, with some surviving examples also showing yellowing. Taking that into account, we chose a slightly more vibrant shade, based on our interpretation of what the blue would most likely have looked like when the figure was first released. 

-Another feature that wasn’t included in the original version is the Matrix, the symbol of a Cybertron leader. 

Developer: That’s right. The Matrix is included, and the way it’s stored follows the same gimmick used in Missing Link C-01 Convoy. However, because Ultra Magnus combines with the chest of the white Convoy-type robot, the original figure didn’t allow the Matrix to be replaced in robot mode, as seen in the movie. For this release, the chest protector can be removed, and the red armour beneath can be opened forward. The chest section of the C-01 cabin can then be opened to access the Matrix chamber. This means you can now replace the Matrix while in robot mode and even place a human figure in the pilot’s seat. The colouring of the Matrix has also been updated from the version that came with Missing Link C-01 Convoy. 

-Next, could you tell us about the articulation in robot mode? One notable feature of the Missing Link series seems to be the increased mobility of the limbs. 

Developer: First of all, the original arms were designed to move to some extent, so we added joints at the shoulders that allow them to swing left and right, as well as opening joints in the hands. For the legs, the original figure was mostly immobile. We wanted to enable poses similar to those shown on the original box art, so we added a clutch joint to the knee, which was originally a flat plate, allowing it to bend 90 degrees and move freely. The knee joint of the inner Convoy-type robot is positioned exactly at the base of Ultra Magnus’ leg. This means that when Ultra Magnus raises his leg, the Convoy-type robot has to bend at a reverse joint. To accommodate this, we created new leg parts based on Missing Link C-01 Convoy that bend at the reverse joint. This allows the outer Ultra Magnus figure to move naturally while the inner Convoy-type robot bends in sync. 

-Is die-cast metal used in the Convoy-type robot? 

Developer: Yes, die-cast is used in the same areas as in Missing Link C-01 Convoy. Additionally, although the original figure didn’t use die-cast for the outer armour, we’ve reinforced it this time. In particular, the red section of the chest is made from die-cast to increase its strength and durability. 

-Regarding vehicle mode, can it carry other Missing Link products or serve as a launch pad for the Airbots? 

Developer: The carrier section moves just like the original version, so it retains the same play features. It can also carry other Transformers figures, just as the original did. 

-Next, could you tell us about the transformation? You mentioned it follows the original version, so in addition to robot and vehicle modes, can it also be converted into a maintenance base or similar? 

Developer: Just like the original, it can be used as a maintenance base or command base. We’ve also reintroduced features that were left out of the original release but were present in the old Diaclone Powered Convoy, which served as the basis for Ultra Magnus. For example, the tyres that were on the back of the chest protector have been brought back, allowing it to roll. This feature was removed when the design became part of the Transformers series. By combining the protector and helmet parts, it can also be transformed into a “Protector Machine” form, which can be played with using a pilot figure to sit inside. 

-Now that this is part of the Missing Link series, have any new mechanisms been added to the transformation? 

Developer: With this Ultra Magnus, the toes of the inner Convoy-type robot can fold backwards to allow for a deeper knee bend. The underside of the feet can be opened, and the toes rotate 180 degrees into the space created when the lower leg section folds up. This raises the position of the Convoy-type robot’s toes, allowing the knee to bend a full 90 degrees without interference. 

-Regarding gimmicks, the original figure had a spring-loaded missile launch feature. Has this been included? 

Developer: The missile launch feature was included in Missing Link C-01 Convoy, but as the Missing Link series evolved, we had to take modern safety standards into account. For this reason, we decided to standardise the design so that the spring-loaded missiles do not actually fire. This version of the missile can still be attached and removed, allowing for imaginative play, even without the launching gimmick. 

-How difficult is the transformation process? 

Developer: One of the great things about the Missing Link series is that it’s just as easy to transform as the original Transformers. We’ve kept the same simple and straightforward transformation experience as the original figures. 

-I see. So even people new to the Transformers series should find Missing Link C-10 Ultra Magnus easy to transform. 

Developer: That’s right. We designed it to be user-friendly and easy to handle. 

-This time round, Deerstalker from the old Diaclone series is included. Have any new features been added to coincide with the figure being fully realised in Missing Link? 

Developer: The concept behind Missing Link is to “bring out the appeal of the original toy,” so we aimed to revive as many functions as possible that existed in the old Diaclone era but were omitted when the design became part of the Transformers series. As part of that, we’ve brought back Deerstalker, the Buggy Robo from the old Diaclone line, allowing everyone to experience the “true playability” the product originally offered. The colouring and character design have been updated to match Ultra Magnus, and while the original Diaclone version transformed piece-by-piece, the Missing Link version uses modern technology to transform fully. I think people will be surprised when they actually get their hands on it. You can place a pilot figure inside the buggy, and it can even be posed in robot mode. 

-There are joint holes in the hands and other parts. Does that mean it can hold accessories, like Ultra Magnus’ Super Blaster Gun? 

Developer: That’s correct. In addition to the hands in robot mode, there are also joint holes in the chest, so the buggy can be equipped with weapons like Ultra Magnus’ Super Blaster Gun. Additionally, there’s a 3mm hole on the back in robot mode for a stand, allowing you to display the figure in a dynamic pose using a separately sold figure stand. 

-As the developer, what were the key points you focused on for this product? 

Developer: It’s a small detail, but in the original version, the arms combined in the middle to form the upper section of the carrier mode. When transforming into robot mode, the arms extend outward, but the bases of the missile launchers on each shoulder were slightly offset, so the left and right sides weren’t aligned. This was something we wanted to improve. In the Missing Link version, we’ve made the missile launcher shoulder positions uniform. By adding a movable joint to the missile launcher and adjusting the positioning, the left and right sides now line up perfectly. 

 -Certainly, the misalignment of the left and right sides is noticeable when you actually hold the figure. 

Developer: That’s right. In the anime, the missile launchers were positioned at the left and right front of the carrier in vehicle mode. While the original figure allowed them to be mounted at the front, it didn’t allow side placement. For Missing Link, we added a joint that lets the launchers be mounted on the side, recreating a silhouette that’s closer to the cartoon model. We were very conscious of designing Missing Link C-10 Ultra Magnus as if it were the “original” reflected in the cartoon. 

-Were there any challenges you faced during development? 

Developer: One example is Ultra Magnus’ eyes, which are hollow so you can see the head of the inner Convoy robot. This feature has been part of the figure since the original release and is a distinctive characteristic of the product. We deliberately preserved it, keeping this element exactly as it was to retain one of the original figure’s strengths. 

-Technically, adjustments could be made, but you deliberately stuck to the original. The television advert that aired at the time had a red glow effect, did you ever consider recreating that? 

Developer: During development, we did briefly consider the red glow effect from the advert. We thought about whether we could implement it, but ultimately decided to keep the figure true to the original design as a straightforward product. 

-The proportions are almost the same as the original, but it still has a level of coolness that only a toy can have. 

Developer: That’s right. We wanted people to see that the old toy designs were already very cool, so we focused on preserving as much of that charm as possible. 

-The previously released SS-119 Ultra Magnus had a design close to the anime, but I get the impression that the original figure is full of fun as a toy. 

Developer: That’s right. Recreating the cartoon look was certainly one of our goals, but we also wanted this figure to be enjoyed as one of the original origin toys. We aimed for this balance with this product. 

-Finally, do you have a message for our readers? 

Developer: The Missing Link series has been releasing products steadily, and we’ve now reached a major milestone with Ultra Magnus. In addition, Missing Link C-01N Nemesis Prime is scheduled for release in February 2026, which you can consider a preview of the upcoming Destron lineup. We plan to actively expand the Destron offerings from here, so we hope fans will look forward to what’s coming next. 

-Thank you very much

Original Interview: Hobby Watch Website