The so-called e-Hobby era has become a landmark of Transformers collecting for many fans. Running predominantly through the 2000s, the TakaraTomy-affiliated online store offered recolours of classic Transformers toys in weird and wonderful colour schemes — sometimes referencing Diaclone or Micro Change releases, occasionally diving into exceptionally niche corners of the brand's lore, and often just embracing pure creative experimentation.

What makes this period so fascinating is the dramatic shift in perception over time. Many of these toys weren't particularly appreciated when released, sitting plentifully available online for years before experiencing a swift and surprising renaissance. Today, individual e-Hobby releases can outstrip even the original vintage versions on which they're based, with some specimens commanding immense sums on the aftermarket. It's a remarkable transformation for what were once considered curiosities.

Even aside from their current desirability, there's genuine substance here worth celebrating: lush new colour schemes afforded to beloved vintage classics, the sheer unbridled creativity at play, and a willingness to serve the most dedicated collectors with references that rewarded deep knowledge of the franchise. We discuss our favourite releases, the ones that got away, and why certain examples have achieved such legendary status.

With Missing Link now promising a return-to-form that feels almost spiritually in-keeping with what the e-Hobby reissues offered, it's the perfect time to look back on what is, for many of us, one of the fondest periods of post-G1 collecting. If only it had gone on longer.

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Chapters

0:00:00 Intro

0:06:24 Sponsor Segment: Valart

0:10:14 Introduction to e-Hobby

0:26:23 New Characters From Old Toys

0:35:36 Will They Re-Do Some of These Repaint Ideas Again?

0:42:21 Availability on Release

0:50:01 Why Does e-Hobby Feel 'Exotic'?

1:09:52 Why Do They Still Feel Like Grails Now?

1:19:26 Sponsor Segment: TFSource

1:29:51 Final Thoughts & Patron Questions

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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

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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.

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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

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

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

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.

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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

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

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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.

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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

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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

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