Triple Takeover Toycast

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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

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Support 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.

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

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

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Support 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.

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

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

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Support 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.

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

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

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Support 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?

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

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

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Support 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.

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

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

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Support 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.

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

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

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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.

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

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

Join the conversation with us on Discord

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