Transformers Dramatic Capture Series: Jetfire Combine
Scheduled for release in late August 2026
Price: ¥15,400
By Yoshida Kōhei
Scheduled for release in late August 2026
Price: ¥15,400
By Yoshida Kōhei
Takara Tomy's high-end hobby label “T-SPARK” will release the Transformers “Dramatic Capture Series: Jetfire Combine” set in late August 2026.
The set includes Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, and Jetfire, a former Decepticon; both characters appeared in the film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The two figures will be released as part of the Dramatic Capture Series line.
The “Dramatic Capture Series” presents Transformers characters with a premium finish, packaged in sets designed to recreate memorable scenes from the films.
This release is based on the 2019 Transformers Studio Series figures SS-25 Optimus Prime and SS-26 Jetfire, featuring updated colouring designed to more closely reflect their on-screen appearances in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
In the film’s climax, Optimus Prime and Jetfire join forces when Jetfire sacrifices himself, allowing his body and parts to power up the resurrected Optimus Prime. This transformation creates Jetpower Optimus Prime, who then confronts Megatron and The Fallen as they attempt to destroy the Sun.
In this article, we speak with Yūkiya Amano of Takara Tomy’s Hobby Character Business Division, Collector’s Department, about the appeal of the “Dramatic Capture Series: Jetfire Combine,” alongside photographs of the prototype.
Let's go! The aim is to recreate the sense of weight and the high level of detail seen on screen.
-Could you tell us how these live-action Transformers figures were chosen for the “Dramatic Capture Series”?
Amano-san: Until now, the “Dramatic Capture Series” has primarily focused on the original Transformers G1 series. My concept for the series was to create an accessible entry point into Transformers toys that would appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers. By offering attractive product features such as the return of popular characters, items released in Japan for the first time, additional accessory parts, and premium finishes. For this reason, we have released sets featuring characters such as Optimus Prime and Megatron.
Following the release of “Dramatic Capture Series: Decepticons Part 2” in late February 2026, we revisited the concept behind the “Dramatic Capture Series.” During this process, we realised that we wanted to expand the line beyond the G1 era to include characters from the live-action films, cartoons, and other Transformer series.
That's how we decided to develop the “Dramatic Capture Series” around the live-action film series.
Amano-san: Until now, the “Dramatic Capture Series” has primarily focused on the original Transformers G1 series. My concept for the series was to create an accessible entry point into Transformers toys that would appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers. By offering attractive product features such as the return of popular characters, items released in Japan for the first time, additional accessory parts, and premium finishes. For this reason, we have released sets featuring characters such as Optimus Prime and Megatron.
Following the release of “Dramatic Capture Series: Decepticons Part 2” in late February 2026, we revisited the concept behind the “Dramatic Capture Series.” During this process, we realised that we wanted to expand the line beyond the G1 era to include characters from the live-action films, cartoons, and other Transformer series.
That's how we decided to develop the “Dramatic Capture Series” around the live-action film series.
-Of all the characters available, what was the deciding factor in selecting Optimus Prime and Jetfire from Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen?
Amano-san: I chose this combination because it is a classic and quintessential pairing. The scene in which Optimus Prime and Jetfire combine is not only one of the most dramatic moments in the live-action series, but the fact that the two can combine as a set also makes the product especially appealing. For that reason, I decided to feature Optimus Prime and Jetfire.
Amano-san: I chose this combination because it is a classic and quintessential pairing. The scene in which Optimus Prime and Jetfire combine is not only one of the most dramatic moments in the live-action series, but the fact that the two can combine as a set also makes the product especially appealing. For that reason, I decided to feature Optimus Prime and Jetfire.
-With regard to the sculpts, are there any improvements over the 2019 releases in the Transformers Studio Series line, specifically SS-25 Optimus Prime and SS-26 Jetfire?
Amano-san: The moulds remain unchanged with no modifications to the sculpt. However, in keeping with the characteristics of the “Dramatic Capture Series,” the colours have been revised, resulting in a notably more premium finish.
In addition, the set includes the left and right energy swords, which were not included with SS-25 Optimus Prime. These accessories were previously available with SS-05 Optimus Prime (released in late April 2018), which will allow fans to recreate action scenes from the film.
Amano-san: The moulds remain unchanged with no modifications to the sculpt. However, in keeping with the characteristics of the “Dramatic Capture Series,” the colours have been revised, resulting in a notably more premium finish.
In addition, the set includes the left and right energy swords, which were not included with SS-25 Optimus Prime. These accessories were previously available with SS-05 Optimus Prime (released in late April 2018), which will allow fans to recreate action scenes from the film.
-Please could you explain the careful approach taken to the premium finish colouring, which is one of the product’s most distinctive features?
Amano-san: With regard to the colouring, the aim was to create the “ultimate Optimus Prime” in the Voyager Class size category, featuring a flame design with a white pinstripe border.
This design was previously used on the Leader Class “Buster Optimus Prime”, released in 2009. It was a product I greatly admired at the time, so I was determined to bring the same white pinstripe flame pattern to the Voyager Class version as well.
Amano-san: With regard to the colouring, the aim was to create the “ultimate Optimus Prime” in the Voyager Class size category, featuring a flame design with a white pinstripe border.
This design was previously used on the Leader Class “Buster Optimus Prime”, released in 2009. It was a product I greatly admired at the time, so I was determined to bring the same white pinstripe flame pattern to the Voyager Class version as well.
-Are the moulded parts being finished in colours that closely replicate their appearance in the film?
Amano-san: Yes, we also re-evaluated the moulded colours. The red was adjusted to strike a balance between depth and vibrancy, while the blue was made a deeper shade. Whereas SS-25 Optimus Prime used a brighter blue, this time we selected a darker navy tone to better reflect my interpretation of the character’s appearance in the film.
In addition, we placed particular emphasis on achieving a strong sense of colour harmony when assembled as Jetpower Optimus Prime.
The rear section in vehicle mode, which also forms the soles of the feet in robot mode, was originally moulded in grey for SS-25 Optimus Prime. For this release, however, it has been changed to black moulded plastic, with the surface finished in silver paint. The sole of the foot becomes part of the shin in combined mode, and I felt that leaving it grey would make it look too much like “Optimus Prime’s feet.”
By changing it to black, I aimed to make it feel more like a component of Jetfire’s equipment. In this case, the black colouring prioritises the combined form, and this approach is only possible because the product is released as a set.
In addition, we placed particular emphasis on achieving a strong sense of colour harmony when assembled as Jetpower Optimus Prime.
The rear section in vehicle mode, which also forms the soles of the feet in robot mode, was originally moulded in grey for SS-25 Optimus Prime. For this release, however, it has been changed to black moulded plastic, with the surface finished in silver paint. The sole of the foot becomes part of the shin in combined mode, and I felt that leaving it grey would make it look too much like “Optimus Prime’s feet.”
By changing it to black, I aimed to make it feel more like a component of Jetfire’s equipment. In this case, the black colouring prioritises the combined form, and this approach is only possible because the product is released as a set.
-Even in vehicle mode, the colour separation appears highly detailed. For instance, are the blue components moulded as separate pieces?
Amano-san: This section is moulded in grey and then painted blue. The flame pattern is also carefully applied to the inner sides of the legs in robot mode.
Amano-san: This section is moulded in grey and then painted blue. The flame pattern is also carefully applied to the inner sides of the legs in robot mode.
As a further detail, the flame design is applied to the rear wheel arches in vehicle mode. Although the truck in the film does not display the pattern in this orientation, we ensured that when transformed into robot mode, the flame design appears on the legs just as it does on screen.
-What are the colour scheme specifications for Jetfire?
Amano-san: Jetfire’s moulded grey has been changed to a blue-grey tone. This was a deliberate decision to better reflect the strong blue-green colour grading seen throughout the film. The cockpit windows in vehicle mode have also been repainted in a blue-green metallic finish.
Amano-san: Jetfire’s moulded grey has been changed to a blue-grey tone. This was a deliberate decision to better reflect the strong blue-green colour grading seen throughout the film. The cockpit windows in vehicle mode have also been repainted in a blue-green metallic finish.
In addition, tampo printing has been applied to the underside of the wings. In the film, markings are visible on the vertical stabiliser during the combined form. As this detail was not included on SS-26 Jetfire, we added tampo printing to the wing undersides to create the impression that the tail section transforms accordingly.
Overall, this product incorporates numerous painted details, all carefully designed with the combined form in mind.
-Let's talk about articulation in robot mode. Since this release uses the same mould as SS-25 Optimus Prime and SS-26 Jetfire, I understand there may not be any major differences. However, with the increased number of painted parts this time,could there be paint wear or chipping caused by movement during articulation.
Amano-san: Paint has been kept to a minimum on moving parts and on areas that may come into contact with one another in robot mode.
Amano-san: Paint has been kept to a minimum on moving parts and on areas that may come into contact with one another in robot mode.
However, as there are fine tampo-printed details such as the flame patterns, please handle the figure with care during play.
-How difficult is the transformation?
Amano-san: SS-25 Optimus Prime and SS-26 Jetfire are among the more complex releases in the Studio Series. Both require approximately 40 transformation steps, so they may feel somewhat challenging to some users.
-It can also combine to form Jetpower Optimus Prime, so although the transformation process is somewhat lengthy, you will likely enjoy the dramatic change in profile from vehicle mode to robot mode.
-When developing the “Dramatic Capture Series: Jetfire Combine,” were there any particular challenges? You have previously focused on the G1 series, and as this is your first release based on a live-action film, were there any differences in your approach?
Amano-san: Our approach has been quite different. In this series, I have been responsible for everything from “Dramatic Capture Series: Cybertron Chase” (released in late August 2025) through to the current release. With the G1 line, however, the goals of significantly increasing the level of paint application and faithfully reproducing the on-screen appearance were not always fully compatible.
Amano-san: Our approach has been quite different. In this series, I have been responsible for everything from “Dramatic Capture Series: Cybertron Chase” (released in late August 2025) through to the current release. With the G1 line, however, the goals of significantly increasing the level of paint application and faithfully reproducing the on-screen appearance were not always fully compatible.
For example, simply replicating the colours from the cartoon could result in a rather flat appearance, reducing the sense of premium finish.
I also faced challenges when interpreting the grey tones depicted in the cartoon, deciding whether to use standard grey, pearl grey, or silver.
Similarly, for window-style areas, I had to determine whether to leave them as solid paint as shown in the cartoon, mould them as clear parts, or apply silver paint to the reverse side of the clear plastic. It was a process of refining the specifications to capture the look of the animation while still maintaining a premium finish.
This product, being based on a live-action film with a much broader colour palette, was developed with the philosophy of achieving the closest possible match to the on-screen appearance within the constraints of limited paint application.
-Are there any plans to expand the “Dramatic Capture Series” further into live-action film releases?
Amano-san: While I can’t share specific details at this time, we are certainly considering future developments. We also have a strong desire to expand not only the G1 line, but other series as well under the “Dramatic Capture Series” banner.
Looking ahead, we hope to include both G1 and live-action film titles within the series. Additionally, we would like fans to look forward to releases such as “Dramatic Capture Series: Cybertron Chase” (released late August 2025) and “Dramatic Capture Series: Decepticons Part 1” (released November 2025), which feature premium paint applications and, in some cases, characters previously unreleased as toys in Japan.
-Finally, could you share a closing message for our readers?
Amano-san: We are confident that this product will be enjoyed not only by fans who support the “Dramatic Capture Series,” but also by fans of the live-action films. We plan to release more Transformers products based on the live-action films, not just the anime. Of course, we also intend to continue expanding our anime offerings, including the G1 series. Please look forward to future developments. -
Amano-san: We are confident that this product will be enjoyed not only by fans who support the “Dramatic Capture Series,” but also by fans of the live-action films. We plan to release more Transformers products based on the live-action films, not just the anime. Of course, we also intend to continue expanding our anime offerings, including the G1 series. Please look forward to future developments. -
-Thank you very much
Original Interview: Hobby Watch Website
No comments:
Post a Comment