The Transformers Collectors’ Club (TFCC) and Figure Subscription Service (TFSS) are front and centre this week as we delve into one of the most fascinating — and at times frustrating — eras in Transformers collecting.We were never members ourselves (thanks, geography!), but that didn’t stop us getting FOMO from afar. Today we're diving into the toys, the distribution choices, the aftermarket drama, and the nostalgia surrounding a club that often felt just out of reach for anyone outside the US.From brilliant figures and wild character choices to eye-rolling shipping costs and maddening accessibility issues, we explore how the TFCC shaped collector culture during a very unique period for the brand — and why it inspired equal parts love and confusion.So sit back and join us for a fun but honest look at the highs, lows, and “you had to be there” moments of the Transformers Collectors’ Club.This episode began life as a commission from our patron, Siege Maximo.—Chapters0:00:00 Intro0:04:58 Sponsors: TFSource & Valart Studio0:09:21 What Is the Transformers Collectors’ Club?0:13:46 TFCC Distribution Woes0:19:47 The Aftermarket Implication0:28:52 Why Were the Toy Choices So Intriguing?0:32:24 TFCC’s Influence on Modern Generations0:41:25 Customer Service Drama?0:49:25 Favourite TFCC Toys0:56:42 TFCC Conclusions1:06:31 Patreon Q&A—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Studio Series has been a cornerstone of modern Transformers collecting since its debut in 2018 — but what exactly does the line represent today?Originally conceived as a celebration of the live-action movies, Studio Series has steadily expanded its remit. With characters from The Transformers: The Movie (1986) now sitting alongside Bayverse designs, the line’s identity has become broader — and occasionally more ambiguous — than first intended.In this episode we take a step back to examine how Studio Series has evolved, how collectors have responded to its changing focus, and where the line might realistically head next. This discussion began life as a commission from our patron Ross — thanks for the great topic — so join us as we explore one of the most interesting sub-lines in modern Transformers collecting.This episode began life as a commission from our patron, Ross.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Some Transformers comic panels stick with you forever — and not always for the right reasons.In this episode we take a look at some of the most memorable moments in Transformers comics, focusing on panels that shocked, unsettled, or simply refused to be forgotten. From unexpectedly brutal imagery to moments that still make us wince, it’s a tour through the darker and more infamous corners of the franchise’s comic history.This topic was suggested by our patron Duggertron, and it quickly grew into a full-length discussion — so join us as we explore the panels that left a lasting impression, for better or worse.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
What would the perfect new wave of Transformers Generations toys look like… if we all played by the same rules?In this episode we have some fun assembling our ideal Generations lineup, taking turns to select characters across a full spread of size classes. With four Deluxes, two Voyagers, plus picks for Leader, Commander, and Titan, we attempt to look beyond the familiar G1 comfort zone — with varying degrees of success...Suggested by our patron Andy Gold, this discussion quickly becomes a mix of wish-list thinking, creative loopholes, and good-natured rule-bending as we debate what really makes a great Generations release.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
What are some of the most overlooked Transformers toys — and do they really deserve to be forgotten?Following a recent Patreon poll, we’re back for a sixth round of Transformers 'hidden gems', with each of us nominating a figure from across the brand’s history that we think deserved a little more attention than it received at the time.In theory, we’re looking beyond the usual G1 favourites… though, as ever, sticking to that brief proves easier for some than others. Expect plenty of nostalgia, spirited defence of underappreciated toys, and a few familiar lines being quietly blurred along the way.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
The number 113 has become a recurring motif in James Roberts’ Transformers comics — most notably throughout More Than Meets The Eye and Lost Light. But where did that fascination come from?For our own episode 113, we’re joined by James Roberts himself to explore the inspiration behind those references, tracing them back to issue #113 of the original Marvel UK Transformers comic. From there, the discussion follows the story through to issue #120 and its conclusion in the 1987 annual, unpacking why this particular run left such a lasting impression.It’s a thoughtful look at influence, continuity, and the deep cuts that helped shape some of the most celebrated Transformers comics of the modern era.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Partsforming is one of the most controversial aspects of Transformers design, despite being present since the very beginning of the brand in the 1980s.In this episode we take a closer look at why partsforming remains such a divisive topic among collectors. With modern designs often prioritising integrated transformations and cleaner silhouettes, we discuss how expectations have shifted over time — and why detachable parts continue to spark debate.From play value and accuracy to practicality and frustration, it’s a thoughtful conversation about one of Transformers’ most persistent design flashpoints.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
TFNation has been and gone for another year, and the (very tired) team sit down to reflect on the many highs — and hauls — from Europe’s largest Transformers convention.In this episode we talk through standout moments from the show, and the inevitable post-con exhaustion that follows a packed weekend of toys, panels, and catching up with fellow fans. But with energy levels running low, the real question is whether Liam can make it through the conversation at all.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
San Diego Comic-Con always brings a wave of new Transformers reveals — and this year was no exception.In this episode we break down the latest announcements from SDCC, including reveals from Age of the Primes, Studio Series, and beyond. From initial reactions to broader thoughts on direction and design, we talk through what stood out, what surprised us, and what these reveals might signal for the future of the brand.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
1989 was a year of major change for Transformers, introducing two very different new directions for the toy line — Micromasters and Pretenders.Having already explored one half of that shift, we now turn our attention to the Pretenders. Strange, colourful, and often divisive, these toys have become something of a cult favourite over time. But how were they actually received when they first appeared?In this episode we look back at the context surrounding their release, the reactions they sparked, and how perceptions of the line have shifted in the years since. Chosen by our patrons, it’s a chance to revisit one of the most distinctive — and misunderstood — chapters in late-G1 Transformers history.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Transformers Missing Link is back in the spotlight as we dig into the latest speculation and assess what might be coming next.With names like Ultra Magnus, Galvatron, and even Metroplex entering the conversation, we weigh up the rumours, the likelihood of future releases, and what Missing Link could realistically look like as it continues to evolve. And, of course, we’re joined by our own Missing Link, Maz, to help guide the discussion.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Studio Series SS86 Megatron has finally arrived — and few Transformers releases in recent memory have sparked quite as much discussion.From early rumours through to the official reveal, nearly every aspect of this figure has been debated, dissected, and argued over. In this episode we work through the controversy, the design decisions behind the toy, and why reactions have been so strong, considering what SS86 Megatron represents for the line as a whole.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
'Hidden gems' returns, as we once again shine a spotlight on Transformers toys we think deserved far more attention than they received at the time.In this episode each of us brings a pick to the table, celebrating overlooked figures from across the brand’s history and making the case for why they’re worth a second look. And while the intention is to look beyond the usual G1 favourites, sticking to that brief proves — as ever — a little more flexible than planned.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Our exploration of individual years in Transformers toys continues, this time focusing on the 1989 Micromasters.One of the biggest resets in the original line, Micromasters brought a new scale, new play patterns, and a surprising amount of personality. In this episode we look at why these mini marvels were such a bold shift at the time — and why they’ve become such a fondly remembered part of late-G1.Along the way, we also attempt to answer the important question: just how many Micromasters does Jason actually own?—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Following the Scramble City combiners of the previous year, 1987 introduced the Technobots and Terrorcons with a fresh take on a familiar design.In this episode we look at Computron and Abominus, two combiners that have grown into fan favourites over time. From their individual components to their combined forms, we discuss what sets each team apart and why opinions remain so divided when it comes to choosing a favourite.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
The announcement of MPG-17 means a fourth Transformers Masterpiece Optimus Prime is on the way — but what actually sets it apart from the versions that came before?In this episode we look at how the Masterpiece line has approached Optimus Prime over the years, using MPG-17 as a jumping-off point to discuss design philosophy, changing expectations, and how the line has evolved since its beginnings in 2003.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
The early 2000s marked the beginning of a major wave of nostalgia for Transformers — one that has continued ever since. A key part of that resurgence was Takara's 2002–2006 The Transformers Collection series, often referred to as the “book box” reissues.In this episode we take a closer look at what made these G1 re-releases feel so special at the time. From presentation and packaging to timing and accessibility, we explore why The Transformers Collection played such an important role in reshaping how classic toys were revisited and celebrated.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
Despite being one of the formative Transformers toy lines of the pre-movie mid-2000s era, Takara’s Robotmasters is now largely overlooked by many collectors.In this episode we take a deep dive into the 2004 line, exploring its unusual mix of concepts, characters, and execution. Along the way we uncover a handful of genuine highlights — and a few moments that raise a smile — as we reassess where Robotmasters fits within Transformers history.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
It’s our 100th episode extravaganza, so naturally we aimed high and invited back two of our all-time favourite guests. When that fell through, we somehow ended up with James Roberts and Nick Roche instead.Jokes aside, the pair kindly helped us mark the milestone with an in-depth and genuinely brilliant discussion of IDW’s The Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers (2010) — one of the most celebrated Transformers comic stories ever published. We dig into its origins, themes, and lasting impact, as well as what made the series resonate so strongly with fans then and now.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover
With the recent reveal of Liokaiser as a HasLab project, the whole subject of Transformers crowdfunding has come up for debate once again.HasLab campaigns promise ambitious, high-end figures that might never exist at retail — but they also come with long waits, high price points, and plenty of passionate discussion among fans. So what are the real pros and cons of this approach to getting toys made?In this episode we break down how HasLab works, why characters like Liokaiser end up in this space, and whether these crowdfunded releases genuinely represent good value for money — or simply ask collectors to buy in on faith.—Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.comJoin the conversation with us on DiscordSupport the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover