We've tackled the topic of head sculpts before, but tonight we're returning with a mission: to highlight specific examples that represent the absolute best the franchise has to offer. Whether it's modern era mainline, Japanese exclusive fare, classic Generations, or our beloved Beast Wars, we're unpacking what makes a great Transformers head sculpt and why their design is so integral to making toys work and feel memorable.

The choices we end up highlighting are all very different in style — spanning eras, size classes, and design philosophies — but they have one crucial thing in common: they're chock full of personality. These are the head sculpts that give their figures genuine character, the ones that make you stop and appreciate the artistry involved in capturing a character's essence at such a small scale.

We discuss what separates a good head sculpt from a great one, why certain design choices resonate so strongly, and how sculptors manage to convey so much expression and identity in just a few millimetres of plastic. From intricate paint applications to bold stylistic choices, these are the heads that stick in your memory long after you've transformed the figure.

Fair warning: this episode assumes Liam has actually prepared his picks. Results may vary.

—

Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:05:19 Sponsor Segment: Valart

0:12:13 Liam's first choice

0:32:45 Sixo's first choice

0:45:54 Jason's first choice

1:01:11 Jason's second choice

1:09:09 Sixo's second choice

1:21:20 Liam's second choice

1:37:43 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com [https://www.tripletakeover.com/]

Join the conversation with us on Discord

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

Transformers: The Hottest Head Sculpts

Let it never be said that Triple Takeover doesn't enjoy a bit of beast. Having already done deep dives into the classic Kenner line and Takara's Beast Wars II, we're back for more — and this is where things get really weird, with 1999's Beast Wars Neo.

Tonight it's all about the Maximals: a crew of twelve toys that run the gamut from intriguing repaints and retools to flat-out Japanese exclusive oddities. Sixo guides Liam and Jason through the roster one figure at a time, discovering some of the more noteworthy alternate modes from the entire Beast era — not to mention the somewhat inexplicable third modes on offer. With giraffes, penguins, horses, rabbits, sharks, and of course the line's notorious tanuki, Beast Wars Neo showcases the sheer creativity (and occasional bewilderment) of late-90s Takara design philosophy.

The discussion leans towards the absurd at times — that was somewhat inevitable given the subject matter — but there's genuine reverence for what is, at the end of the day, a fabulous set of classic Transformers toys. Big swings, plenty of fun, and a roster that wasn't afraid to do something different.

Fair warning: this episode gets weird. But that's exactly why our Beast Wars discussions always end up being some of the most entertaining episodes we record. Let's hope we don't balls it up.

—

Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:06:16 Sponsor Segment: Valart

0:10:36 What Is Collector Burnout?

0:17:53 The Acquisition Problem & Social Media Impact

0:30:37 The Benefit of Creative Pursuits

0:40:01 Recognising Warning Signs & Finding Balance

1:02:27 Community Connection

1:13:01 Sponsor Segment: TFSource

1:23:38 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com [https://www.tripletakeover.com/]

Join the conversation with us on Discord

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

Beast Wars Neo: Balls to the Wall Weirdness

We first covered the beginnings of Transformers Generations toys with 2006's Classics line back in episode #16, but now we're back for the Takara equivalent: Henkei! Henkei! Transformers. This Japanese roster — which also spans parts of 2008's Universe line and literally translates to "Transform! Transform! Transformers" — is a jewel in the crown of mid-2000s robots in disguise.

Henkei! offered surprisingly varied — and often superior — repaint choices on already beloved moulds (including some which have arguably been unfairly maligned, as we'll discuss). It's a line of creative designs, intriguing transformations, and definite ingenuity, but coupled with Takara's attention to detail when it comes to finish, it's not hard to understand why it grabbed so much attention at the time. Even if the abundance of chrome proved surprisingly divisive.

We're stepping back to an era before every character received regular Generations updates every few years — a time when classic characters were brought back with real flair for doing something different, and when A-list names like Bumblebee received their first toys in years. It's not an exaggeration to say that the figures in today's spotlight set the template for Generations toys to this day, and we're here to give them their due.

—

Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:06:16 Sponsor Segment: Valart

0:10:36 What Is Collector Burnout?

0:17:53 The Acquisition Problem & Social Media Impact

0:30:37 The Benefit of Creative Pursuits

0:40:01 Recognising Warning Signs & Finding Balance

1:02:27 Community Connection

1:13:01 Sponsor Segment: TFSource

1:23:38 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com [https://www.tripletakeover.com/]

Join the conversation with us on Discord

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

Henkei! Henkei! Transformers — Takara's Mid-2000s Masterclass

Collecting Transformers should be a joy, but what happens when it starts to feel like a chore? This episode tackles collector burnout — that creeping sense of being overwhelmed, stressed, or feeling obligated rather than excited by your hobby. It's a topic chosen by our patrons, and it's one we approach with honesty, care, and maybe a bit of catharsis.

Burnout can happen to any collector. The pressure to acquire everything new, the sheer volume of releases, lifestyle changes, mounting clutter, and that nagging guilt about figures still in boxes — it all adds up. What starts as passion can slowly transform into obligation, and before you know it, the thing you love feels like work.

We discuss why burnout happens, what the early warning signs might be, and practical ways to mitigate or avoid it altogether. We also reflect on our own experiences: have any of us genuinely faced collector burnout? The answers might surprise you.

If you've ever felt exhausted by your collection rather than energised by it, you're not alone. This one's for anyone who's questioned whether they still love the hobby — or are just going through the motions.

—

Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:06:16 Sponsor Segment: Valart

0:10:36 What Is Collector Burnout?

0:17:53 The Acquisition Problem & Social Media Impact

0:30:37 The Benefit of Creative Pursuits

0:40:01 Recognising Warning Signs & Finding Balance

1:02:27 Community Connection

1:13:01 Sponsor Segment: TFSource

1:23:38 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com [https://www.tripletakeover.com/]

Join the conversation with us on Discord

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

Collector Burnout: When the Hobby Stops Being Fun

As another year of collecting draws to a close, the Triple Takeover crew sit down to reflect on the Transformers toys that defined 2025 for them.

Rather than chasing completeness or release lists, this episode focuses on personal favourites — the figures that made the biggest impression in hand, sparked the strongest emotional response, or simply reminded us why we enjoy collecting in the first place. From the long-anticipated Missing Link releases to standout modern designs and ambitious large-scale projects, it’s a year that offered a surprising amount of variety.

We talk through what made figures like Sunstreaker feel genuinely special, why releases such as HasLab Omega Prime and Age of the Primes Superion stood out in a crowded landscape, and how 2025 balanced nostalgia with forward-looking ideas. Along the way, the conversation naturally widens into thoughts on collecting habits, changing priorities, and what really makes a toy memorable over time. It’s a reminder that the value of a collection is often measured in experiences rather than numbers.

—

Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:06:09 Setting the discussion rules

0:11:05 Sponsor chat

0:13:58 Jason's first choice

0:23:20 Liam's first choice

0:38:39 Sixo's first choice

0:48:30 Jason's second choice

0:56:04 Liam's second choice

1:08:17 Sixo's second choice

1:18:45 Honourable mentions

1:32:52 Patreon Q&A

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com [https://www.tripletakeover.com/]

Join the conversation with us on Discord

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

Transformers 2025 — Favourite Toys of the Year

IDW artist Nick Roche returns to Triple Takeover to talk Transformers Generations: Thrilling 30 — the 2013–2014 toy line — and the unusual creative journey that links Sandstorm and Springer.

Nick discusses supplying an original Sandstorm concept to Hasbro, how that design eventually became a finished toy, and how it was later retooled into Springer — released first, and coincidentally based on Nick’s own comic design for the character as seen in IDW’s Last Stand of the Wreckers.

Along the way, the conversation drifts (as it tends to with Nick) into nostalgia, collecting, community, and the realities of working across different parts of the Transformers brand — including his more recent design work on Transformers Earthspark. Expect equal parts toy history, behind-the-scenes insight, and good-natured chaos.

This episode began life as a commission from our patron, Josh Bell.

—

Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:05:54 Thrilling 30 In Context

0:10:58 How the Sandstorm Concept Came to Be

0:23:35 Nick's First Impressions of the Toys

0:42:28 Translating From Sandstorm Into Springer

0:49:27 How Nick Designed Springer for IDW

1:02:04 Owning Toys of Characters You've Created

1:18:53 TFSource Sponsor Segment

1:28:35 Patreon Q&A

—

Enjoying the show? There’s more than meets the ear...

Find show notes at https://www.tripletakeover.com [https://www.tripletakeover.com/]

Join the conversation with us on Discord

Support the podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

From Concept to Shelf: Sandstorm, Springer, and Nick Roche

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.

Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:04:58 Sponsors: TFSource & Valart Studio

0:09:21 What Is the Transformers Collectors’ Club?

0:13:46 TFCC Distribution Woes

0:19:47 The Aftermarket Implication

0:28:52 Why Were the Toy Choices So Intriguing?

0:32:24 TFCC’s Influence on Modern Generations

0:41:25 Customer Service Drama?

0:49:25 Favourite TFCC Toys

0:56:42 TFCC Conclusions

1:06:31 Patreon Q&A



--------------------------------

If you enjoy our podcast then find more... much more than meets the ear at www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

TONS of weekly exclusive content & perks, including bonus episodes, outtakes, early access and more! Sign up at 'Gold Box Classics' level today to get immediate access to:

 * Over 110 'minisodes' on a wide range of topics (plus commission your own!)
 * Over 85 'miniseries' chapters on ongoing topics, including toys & comics
 * Early release of regular episodes - normally a week in advance!
 * Our Patreon Discord server - the place to be!
 * Bonus podcast artwork & more!


Toys, Tales, and Tensions: Inside the Transformers Collectors Club

Since its debut in 2018, Studio Series has become a hugely popular collector line for Transformers. But as the roster has expanded beyond a live-action movie focus to incorporate 1986 characters and plenty more besides, what exactly does the line represent now and where might we see it go in the future? This episode began life as a commission by our patron, Ross - thanks for suggesting it!

If you enjoy our podcast then find more... much more than meets the ear at www.patreon.com/tripletakeover [http://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover]

TONS of weekly exclusive content & perks, including bonus episodes, outtakes, early access and more! Sign up at 'Gold Box Classics' level today to get immediate access to:

 * Over 100 'minisodes' on a wide range of topics (plus commission your own!)
 * Over 80 'miniseries' chapters on ongoing topics, including toys & comics
 * Early release of regular episodes - normally a week in advance!
 * Our Patreon Discord server - the place to be!
 * Bonus podcast artwork & more!

And a big thank you to all the patrons in our top two tiers, including:

Nick
Danny Roberts
Andy
Chris
Spider-Father
Adam Shoemaker
Bad Saturday
Justin Masaru
Dave Dalrymple
Geokaiser
Yusifer
John Pearl
Anthony Cars
CapnRA
Phil G
Rotorstorm
Puma The Hunter
Peter Hammerson
Shenry
Jesse Moreno
Nexis
Jimoin
Aaron Svoboda
Andy Gold
Coldsquall
Simon Elvin
Joshles
Cracktastic Plastic
Danvastator
Jeffrey Freije
Ben Lewis
Lucas Henkel
Molluskoenig
CNCRick56
Mythic Gears
Zach Lawson
Jason Murray
David Shepherd
esdeem
Quickmixed
Graeme Moffat
Burke Perrotta
Eric Hoyt
Mike Loiacono
Nihar Bhatt
Chris Rodwell
Steve Redman
Jim Kinsey
James Pascoe
GhostPrime
Jickel
Godert Walter
Charlie Shoppell
Maya Entransta
Alexis Taylor
Jeremy Woodall
Ross
Jetfire James
Duggertron
squidcatfish
Robert R
Michael Brandt
Spider-Bob
James Hooks
Brandon Mahaffey
Collecticon
Chup
Goldbolt
Riley Lentz
Emperor Galvartron
Spencer Butler
Allen Johnson
Adam Brady
James Turnham
Simon
EMH_Richard
Robin Hunt
RhA
Frank Colosimo
Dave Beckett
Jeremy Canceko
Ben Erickson
Evilplopdisease
Klarque Clint Gaming
Tony Hayward
DJ Convoy
Private Random
Rob Franklin
Digbysaurus
Menastreaker
Darj
Stevie P
360verse
ThePerfectPixl
A Saucy Fellow
Andrew Bentley
Marc Bairstow
obadiahstarbuck
Toy Pocket
Dylan
TFormers2002
Rob S 01
Forever0ne
kingliamthegood
Dustimus Primal
Andy TFtheShow
aggresive bread
Elliot Wright
Hugh Mckinney
Jay_too
Chris Carnage
Coy
Gojiprime
Valk
Rahdimus
Tarngaryan
Here'sWhyIt'sCool
Jetstorm
Spencer Ellsworth
gestaltgeek
gareth4foot30
SkywarpSCS
StarSaberFan39
Mikey
Quetzalcoatlus northropi
tfgrandaddy
Billy Boy
Turbine027 (Bobby Allen)
Jamesyplays
Michael Wigert
Vicente Taboada
The 20-Sided Theatre
Andrew Nickson
Justin Slayden
Matthew Shortt
Simon Goodall
Don Lubecki
Rob Schwarze (Swarez)
Trent
gdinero
sh00k3th
qweywey
William Scott
Iliana Meagan Chapa
Jamie Price
Kevin Isomorphic Prime
gray's counter attack
Matt Dennett
Daniel Procko
TilAllAreOne
Joe Buccelli
Stepposhows
lee taylor
Eric
zachary olson
Mattroplex
Jordan Jennings
J
demoman0121
George the Robot Sauropod
Mini-Con Madness
Jacer528
bullfroglover64
Siege Maximo
Big Fat Dynamo
Jack Anderson
Godert Walter
Jazzy Drifter II
Mikey
Martin
Seamus Lind

#117: Transformers Studio Series

We received a patron suggestion to tackle the subject of 'memorable Transformers comic panels', and we liked it so much that we're here for a full episode! The results are predictably gory and horrific... with one particular suggestion setting Liam's teeth on edge! Thanks to Duggertron for the idea.

If you enjoy our podcast then find more... much more than meets the ear at www.patreon.com/tripletakeover [http://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover]

TONS of weekly exclusive content & perks, including bonus episodes, outtakes, early access and more! Sign up at 'Gold Box Classics' level today to get immediate access to:

 * Over 100 'minisodes' on a wide range of topics (plus commission your own!)
 * Over 70 'miniseries' chapters on ongoing topics, including toys & comics
 * Early release of regular episodes - normally a week in advance!
 * Our Patreon Discord server - the place to be!
 * Bonus podcast artwork & more!

And a big thank you to all the patrons in our top two tiers, including:

Nick
Danny Roberts
Andy
Chris
Spider-Father
Adam Shoemaker
Bad Saturday
Justin Masaru
Dave Dalrymple
Geokaiser
Yusifer
John Pearl
Anthony Cars
CapnRA
Phil G
Rotorstorm
Puma The Hunter
Peter Hammerson
Shenry
Jesse Moreno
Nexis
Jimoin
Aaron Svoboda
Andy Gold
Coldsquall
Simon Elvin
Joshles
Cracktastic Plastic
Danvastator
Jeffrey Freije
Ben Lewis
Lucas Henkel
Molluskoenig
CNCRick56
Mythic Gears
Zach Lawson
Jason Murray
David Shepherd
esdeem
Quickmixed
Graeme Moffat
Burke Perrotta
Eric Hoyt
Mike Loiacono
Nihar Bhatt
Chris Rodwell
Steve Redman
Jim Kinsey
James Pascoe
GhostPrime
Jickel
Godert Walter
Charlie Shoppell
Maya Entransta
Alexis Taylor
Jeremy Woodall
Ross
Jetfire James
Duggertron
squidcatfish
Robert R
Michael Brandt
Spider-Bob
James Hooks
Brandon Mahaffey
Collecticon
Chup
Goldbolt
Riley Lentz
Emperor Galvartron
Spencer Butler
Allen Johnson
Adam Brady
James Turnham
Simon
EMH_Richard
Robin Hunt
RhA
Frank Colosimo
Dave Beckett
Jeremy Canceko
Ben Erickson
Evilplopdisease
Klarque Clint Gaming
Tony Hayward
DJ Convoy
Private Random
Rob Franklin
Digbysaurus
Menastreaker
Darj
Stevie P
360verse
ThePerfectPixl
A Saucy Fellow
Andrew Bentley
Marc Bairstow
obadiahstarbuck
Toy Pocket
Dylan
TFormers2002
Rob S 01
Forever0ne
kingliamthegood
Dustimus Primal
Andy TFtheShow
aggresive bread
Elliot Wright
Hugh Mckinney
Jay_too
Chris Carnage
Coy
Gojiprime
Valk
Rahdimus
Tarngaryan
Here'sWhyIt'sCool
Jetstorm
Spencer Ellsworth
gestaltgeek
gareth4foot30
SkywarpSCS
StarSaberFan39
Mikey
Quetzalcoatlus northropi
tfgrandaddy
Billy Boy
Turbine027 (Bobby Allen)
Jamesyplays
Michael Wigert
Vicente Taboada
The 20-Sided Theatre
Andrew Nickson
Justin Slayden
Matthew Shortt
Simon Goodall
Don Lubecki
Rob Schwarze (Swarez)
Trent
gdinero
sh00k3th
qweywey
William Scott
Iliana Meagan Chapa
Jamie Price
Kevin Isomorphic Prime
gray's counter attack
Matt Dennett
Daniel Procko
TilAllAreOne
Joe Buccelli
Stepposhows
lee taylor
Eric
zachary olson
Mattroplex
Jordan Jennings
J
demoman0121
George the Robot Sauropod
Mini-Con Madness
Jacer528
bullfroglover64
Siege Maximo
Big Fat Dynamo
Jack Anderson
Godert Walter
Jazzy Drifter II
Mikey
Martin
Seamus Lindblom
Carlos Rico
Adrian - Robotimus Toys
Jacques Pelletier
Mandovark
Jon

#116: Transformers Memorable Comic Panels

Thanks to an idea from our Patron, Andy Gold, today we're having a bit of fun and putting together choices for what we think could be an amazing new wave of Transformers Generations toys! We're taking it in turns to choose characters for 4 Deluxes, 2 Voyagers, plus a Leader, Commander and Titan class effort, but can we all stick to no G1?

If you enjoy our podcast then find more... much more than meets the ear at www.patreon.com/tripletakeover [http://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover]

TONS of weekly exclusive content & perks, including bonus episodes, outtakes, early access and more! Sign up at 'Gold Box Classics' level today to get immediate access to:

 * Over 100 'minisodes' on a wide range of topics (plus commission your own!)
 * Over 70 'miniseries' chapters on ongoing topics, including toys & comics
 * Early release of regular episodes - normally a week in advance!
 * Our Patreon Discord server - the place to be!
 * Bonus podcast artwork & more!

And a big thank you to all the patrons in our top two tiers, including:

Nick
Danny Roberts
Andy
Chris
Spider-Father
Adam Shoemaker
Bad Saturday
Justin Masaru
Dave Dalrymple
Geokaiser
Yusifer
John Pearl
Anthony Cars
CapnRA
Phil G
Rotorstorm
Puma The Hunter
Peter Hammerson
Shenry
Jesse Moreno
Nexis
Jimoin
Aaron Svoboda
Andy Gold
Coldsquall
Simon Elvin
Joshles
Cracktastic Plastic
Danvastator
Jeffrey Freije
Ben Lewis
Lucas Henkel
Molluskoenig
CNCRick56
Mythic Gears
Zach Lawson
Jason Murray
David Shepherd
esdeem
Quickmixed
Graeme Moffat
Burke Perrotta
Eric Hoyt
Mike Loiacono
Nihar Bhatt
Chris Rodwell
Steve Redman
Jim Kinsey
James Pascoe
GhostPrime
Jickel
Godert Walter
Charlie Shoppell
Maya Entransta
Alexis Taylor
Jeremy Woodall
Ross
Jetfire James
Duggertron
squidcatfish
Robert R
Michael Brandt
Spider-Bob
James Hooks
Brandon Mahaffey
Collecticon
Chup
Goldbolt
Riley Lentz
Emperor Galvartron
Spencer Butler
Allen Johnson
Adam Brady
James Turnham
Simon
EMH_Richard
Robin Hunt
RhA
Frank Colosimo
Dave Beckett
Jeremy Canceko
Ben Erickson
Evilplopdisease
Klarque Clint Gaming
Tony Hayward
DJ Convoy
Private Random
Rob Franklin
Digbysaurus
Menastreaker
Darj
Stevie P
360verse
ThePerfectPixl
A Saucy Fellow
Andrew Bentley
Marc Bairstow
obadiahstarbuck
Toy Pocket
Dylan
TFormers2002
Rob S 01
Forever0ne
kingliamthegood
Dustimus Primal
Andy TFtheShow
aggresive bread
Elliot Wright
Hugh Mckinney
Jay_too
Chris Carnage
Coy
Gojiprime
Valk
Rahdimus
Tarngaryan
Here'sWhyIt'sCool
Jetstorm
Spencer Ellsworth
gestaltgeek
gareth4foot30
SkywarpSCS
StarSaberFan39
Mikey
Quetzalcoatlus northropi
tfgrandaddy
Billy Boy
Turbine027 (Bobby Allen)
Jamesyplays
Michael Wigert
Vicente Taboada
The 20-Sided Theatre
Andrew Nickson
Justin Slayden
Matthew Shortt
Simon Goodall
Don Lubecki
Rob Schwarze (Swarez)
Trent
gdinero
sh00k3th
qweywey
William Scott
Iliana Meagan Chapa
Jamie Price
Kevin Isomorphic Prime
gray's counter attack
Matt Dennett
Daniel Procko
TilAllAreOne
Joe Buccelli
Stepposhows
lee taylor
Eric
zachary olson
Mattroplex
Jordan Jennings
J
demoman0121
George the Robot Sauropod
Mini-Con Madness
Jacer528
bullfroglover64
Siege Maximo
Big Fat Dynamo
Jack Anderson
Godert Walter
Jazzy Drifter II
Mikey
Martin
Seamus Lindblom
Carlos Rico
Adrian - Robotimus Toys


#115: Creating a wave of Transformers toys!

Discover a world of vintage and modern toys that’s more than meets the eye with this regular podcast! Hosted by toy writers/photographers Toybox Soapbox, Sixo and TFsquareone, this informal and chilled out series of discussions cover everything from vintage Transformers to M.A.S.K., Diaclone, Microman and more, be it nostalgic or current. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a casual robot enthusiast, all are welcome! SUPPORT US in exchange for exclusive perks at http://www.patreon.com/tripletakeover

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