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. 

Transformers with tactical designs and sharp, hard-edged aesthetics are on the move.

 -First of all, could you tell us how the new Transformers series, TRANSFORMERS OVERGEAR, came about?

Amano-san: First, there was momentum within the department to create a new Transformers series. We explored various ideas, including reviving the real-vehicle series after more than a decade. During this process, the concept of combat-oriented vehicles with realistic mechanics began to take shape, though not under any existing licence, and that forms the broad background. 

 I also had a strong desire to create new Transformers with fresh designs and proposed several concepts. One of these was a project to “redesign Transformers with tactical designs.” It received a positive response within the department, so we refined the concept and thought, “Let’s develop this into a full-fledged project.”

-Ironhide and Blackout were selected as the first characters in the series, what led to the choice of these two in particular?

Amano-san: First, as we developed the OVERGEAR project, we refined both the design aesthetic and overall concept. During this process, we explored several ideas, such as, “We want to release this character with this design.” When it came to deciding which characters would appear in the first and second waves, we felt that Ironhide the Autobot best embodied OVERGEAR’s play concept, so we chose him. As for Blackout, he’s a character I’m particularly fond of. Early in the planning process, I made a rough CAD model and showed it to my team, saying, “With this concept, we can make Blackout look really cool.” I think that was the deciding factor (laughs). 

-These two figures perfectly capture the tactical feel of OVERGEAR with their realistic designs.

Amano-san: That’s right. Also, since one is a ground vehicle and the other an air vehicle, we felt the balance of power would work well. 

-With the launch of the new “OVERGEAR” series, are new settings and storylines being created for each character?

Amano-san: Yes. An entirely new setting has been created for “OVERGEAR.” You may have caught a glimpse of the series’ gritty, high-stakes world in the full CG promotional video released on the 6th February. Additionally, the printed materials included with the toys allow fans to explore the characters’ backgrounds and storylines in greater detail. 

Each toy comes with a confidential document that complements the story and background, a blueprint-style spec sheet listing weapons, vehicles, character details, and a confidential paper folder to store these items. 

There’s also an “OVERGEAR” logo sticker included, sized to fit inside a smartphone case. 

-“OVERGEAR” begins with the Decepticons having seized control of society and the Autobots are the resistance.

Amano-san: To match the design style, the world of “OVERGEAR” is deliberately gritty. The theme of this series is “disguise and stealth.” 

Transformers can disguise themselves as Earth vehicles, and in some series, even appear human. “OVERGEAR” builds on this ability: the Decepticons exploit it to assert control, while the Autobots use it for covert resistance. 

The Decepticons also employ Pretenders to manipulate human society from the shadows, with the latest vehicles and technology at their disposal. With the humans being exploited, those who become aware of this oppression join forces with the Autobots to form a resistance. However, since the Decepticons control key industries, the military, and intelligence networks, the Autobots transform into ordinary Earth vehicles to operate covertly.

-So, are Ironhide and the Resistance locked in a prolonged struggle? 

Amano-san: The Autobot Resistance comprises several military units, and for this series we’ve created a new background story where Ironhide belongs to the Third Unit, “RED LIGHTNING.” 

While operating as a resistance force, they conceal themselves from the Decepticons by disguising their vehicles as those of a private security company. Besides the Third Unit, several other military units operate across different locations. 

-I have a question about the designs. Each vehicle mode features a tactical style, but are they intended to replicate real-world vehicles as part of the design concept?

Amano-san: That’s right. While these aren’t licensed vehicles or aircraft, we were mindful of creating “realistic vehicles that would not be out of place in the real world.” Ironhide’s design was inspired by a super-sized American pickup truck, customised with six wheels, a metal mesh replacing the windshield for combat readiness, and additional armour on the sides, reminiscent of a vehicle customised by a private security company. 

Blackout’s design draws inspiration from various attack helicopters. When placed side by side in vehicle mode, Blackout is noticeably larger than Ironhide. 

On the other hand, when comparing their robot modes, the height difference shrinks to roughly the length of a head. This is due to their transformation styles: Blackout uses a folding transformation, while Ironhide uses an unfolding transformation. As a result, their similar heights in robot mode become an intriguing feature. 

-Having seen the prototype, I feel that Ironhide’s Autobot emblem is designed to be as discreet as possible, which reinforces the stealthy impression mentioned earlier.

Amano-san: That’s right. In vehicle mode, the Autobot and Decepticon emblems on both figures are concealed. 

We positioned them so they aren’t visible, in keeping with the OVERGEAR world concept of camouflage and concealment. 

-Blackout’s array of tactical markings also distinguishes him from Ironhide. 

Amano-san: Blackout is equipped with the latest weaponry, so we’ve added various detailed markings, such as caution labels. It’s quite rare to see Transformers with this level of detail, isn’t it?

-One of the highlights of the robot mode design is its high level of detail. I got the impression that it combines the mechanical intricacy of live-action films with the heroic flair of Japanese robot anime. 

Amano-san: The proportions are certainly heroic and modern. In terms of detailing, we’ve incorporated an industrial feel with elements such as frames, ribs, and pipes. There’s a reason for this. When Transformers scan Earth vehicles, they record not only the exterior but also the internal structure, so we thought that, to some extent, this design would be reflected in the Transformers’ bodies. 

-Regarding articulation, could you tell us which aspects you focused on for the transformation mechanism and the limb articulation in robot mode?

Amano-san: The movable parts we prioritised were the wrists. One of this series’ key themes is handling a variety of weapons, so, for example, we added articulation to Ironhide’s wrists to allow him to hold a knife and other weapons naturally. 

If you look closely at the handgun included with Ironhide, you’ll notice that the grip is moulded at a slight angle. This is designed to mimic the hold of a real handgun. When holding it, you can tilt the wrist slightly forward to achieve a natural grip. 

-By contrast, larger weapons, such as the assault rifle included with Blackout, don’t have an angled handle to aid the grip.

Amano-san: Another design consideration was ensuring a seamless integration between vehicle and robot modes, allowing as much vehicle functionality and equipment as possible to be utilised in robot mode.

This design reflects the concept that Earth-based electronic devices, such as cameras, sensors, and radar, can be treated by Transformers as extensions of their physical and sensory capabilities. 

Wouldn’t it be amazing if radar could process electrical signals more effectively than humans, and be used intuitively, almost like a sixth sense? 

Blackout is equipped with a high-performance radar controlled by a weapons system, with the sensors that sit on the nose in vehicle mode relocating to the chest in robot mode. I designed it imagining how it would accurately assess enemies and the battlefield situation to direct operations (laughs). 

In Ironhide’s case, smoke emitters and sensors can be mounted on the roof in vehicle mode, but these are positioned beneath the chest when transformed into robot mode. The lights are also arranged so that most face forward in robot mode, allowing them to function as headlights that illuminate the path ahead. 

-Next, let’s talk about the gimmicks. One of the highlights of OVERGEAR is the ability to attach a wide variety of weapons, but how many ports does each figure feature?

Amano-san: That’s right. First of all, OVERGEAR uses both 5mm and 3mm ports. Most previous Transformers models only featured 5mm ports, but this time we’ve added 3mm ports to allow the attachment of smaller weapons and equipment. There are around 30 ports in total, which can be used in both vehicle and robot modes. 

In addition, to match this, the weapons themselves also have 5mm and 3mm axes and ports. This allows for customisation, for example, adding lights to an assault rifle. 

-The inclusion of universal ports means you can swap out the weapons, enhancing play value.

Amano-san: Of course. As the series expands, the range of play will broaden, letting you enjoy more creativity. Also, within the storyline, the Autobots develop their weapons by capturing Decepticon equipment and reverse-engineering them, so they follow a common standard. 

When this was incorporated into the toys, a uniform standard, such as the 5mm peg, was established, allowing Autobots to use Decepticon weapons and Decepticons to use Autobot weapons. The concept is that when the 5mm peg is inserted into the wrist or another port, the weapon, and any attached scopes or cameras, connects to the Transformer, who can then control them freely. 

The series name “OVERGEAR” refers to a heavily armed state, in which weapons and equipment are attached across the entire body, and to the universal standard technology for armaments that makes this possible. This is underpinned by sensory augmentation through equipment such as the sensors mentioned earlier, as well as the ability to reconfigure weapons using universal standards shared by both factions. 

-With regard to the transformations, how complex are they? 

Amano-san: I think anyone who has handled Transformers or other hobby toys will be able to transform these smoothly. The level of difficulty feels similar to that of the current series, “Age of the Primes” and “Studio Series.” Since we are developing the design and engineering simultaneously, we’ve aimed to create a transformation that isn’t overly challenging. 

-Could you tell us the key points of focus and the challenges you faced while developing “OVERGEAR OG-01 Ironhide” and “OVERGEAR OG-02 Blackout”?

Amano-san: As expected, the most challenging part was designing entirely new vehicles and robots while recreating their backstories. For example, we began by asking, “What makes Ironhide, Ironhide?” From there, it was difficult to determine how far we could take the new design. We aimed to strike a balance that retained the essence of Ironhide’s character. On the other hand, Blackout is quite bold, designed in a way that makes you wonder, “Is this really Blackout?” 

Both figures share the same design concept, yet the balance and proportions are entirely different for each character. 

-I see. You can clearly notice the difference in balance in the design of each robot mode’s head.

Amano-san: That’s right. Ironhide has a traditional Transformer face, while Blackout’s design retains a more tactical aesthetic. 

In addition, both figures feature light-piping, so their eyes illuminate when exposed to light. 

-Will this continue to be the distinguishing feature between the Autobots and Decepticons?

Amano-san: Rather than striving for a set standard within each faction, we may see Decepticons who retain distinct personalities, or Autobots with entirely different, more tactical designs. 

-Finally, could you share a closing message for our readers? 

Amano-san: We hope you’ll look forward to future developments, including the third and fourth instalments. 

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the first two: “OVERGEAR OG-01 Ironhide” and “OVERGEAR OG-02 Blackout.” 

-Thank you very much

Original Interview: Hobby Watch Website