Episode 978 of Radio Free Cybertron is here — Brian, Matt, Don, Rob, and Diecast dig into the vintage auction result that broke the internet (and maybe someone’s bank accounts), then pivot to TakaraTomy’s pricey Overgear Ironhide and Blackout, the Transformers x U.S. Soccer crossover figure nobody asked for, but some of us are buying anyway. Plus: Burger King is doing Transformers kids meal toys, and Brian — owner of a complete 1985 McDonald’s Happy Meal set AND a Checker’s Rhinox— is not playing around about it.

News

The $133,000 Megatron: Vintage Auction Records Smashed

An AFA 85-graded pre-rub Megatron sold through LCG Auctions for a jaw-dropping $133,000 — shattering records with a starting bid of $20,000. The crew breaks down the numbers (including the nearly $9,000 buyer’s premium on top of the winning bid), debates whether this was a true collector purchase or an investment firm play, and compares it to Logan Paul’s $7M Pikachu card. Also going under the hammer: an AFA-graded Omega Supreme at $44K, a sealed Optimus Prime for $18K, and a sealed GI Joe Defiant Shuttle Complex at $14K. Insecticons, Blurr, and Kup round out the auction discussion — with some surprisingly wide price swings.

Transformers x U.S. Soccer Federation: Breakaway

Images have surfaced of a Transformers/U.S. Soccer Federation crossover figure called Breakaway — an Optimus Prime-colored bot repainted in USA colors, complete with stand. The crew debates whether it’s worth the estimated $39–$50 price tag and whether event-exclusive figures like this scratch the same itch as Universal Studios’ Evac.

TakaraTomy Overgear Ironhide & Blackout: In-Hand Images

New official images of the Overgear Ironhide and Blackout are in. While the designs are well-constructed, the consensus leans gray: muted color palettes and steep pricing ($119 for Ironhide, $139 for Blackout on Pulse) make these a tough sell for most of the crew.

TFcon LA 2026 Exclusive: Fans Hobby MB-24C Triggerman (Falcon)

Photos are out for the TFcon LA exclusive Fans Hobby MB-24C Trigger Man, appearing to be to be a Falcon homage — the final figure in Diecast’s set. The mold features a unique jet mode rather than a straight repaint, and the crew appreciates the slight remolding across the entire series.

Transformers Age of Extinction Titan Class Grimlock: Pre-Order Live

The AoE Titan Grimlock hit pre-order at $190 — slotting somewhere between a Titan Junior and a full Titan class. Brian’s not buying it, but appreciates the fact that leader-class Optimus can ride on him. Dawn wants to see the transformation before committing. The crew agrees: wait for a sale.

HasLab Liokaiser: New Stock Photos

Production-quality stock photos of the HasLab Liokaiser are out and the combined mode is looking strong. Matt covers the highs (Death Cobra, Hellbat, Geruga look great; minimal hollow gaps) and the lingering concerns (Killbison and Drillhorn shoulder assemblies, possibly slightly small head). Diecast raises the meta question: does Liokaiser feel like a HasLab, or just a really premium retail release? The crew digs into what HasLab should be — and whether a future Commander-class Omega Spreem, Magnaboss, or even Metroplex belongs in that program or in a Marvel Legends-style made-to-order model.

Studio Series Transformers One Deluxe Thundercracker

Photos of the Transformers One Thundercracker deluxe are circulating, and Brian can’t quite explain why he likes it — but he does. Matt confirms the substantial remolding from Starscream: new wings, new head, new weapons. Good proportions, solid execution.

Age of the Primes: Animated Ratchet In-Hand Images

The Age of the Primes Animated Ratchet is out in the wild, and the reaction is mixed at best. Rob notes that the Trailbreaker mold’s dangling hands are more obvious in Ratchet’s color scheme, and the tool accessories clip awkwardly onto the backpack exterior. The crew’s verdict: if you already own the original Animated Ratchet, this adds nothing.

Alpha Action / Alpha Action Elite / Action Pulse Waves

A wave breakdown covers Alpha Action Wave 4 (Ultra Magnus, Shockwave, Thundercracker, Ironhide, Outback, Beachcomber, Buzzsaw, Shattered Glass variants), Alpha Action Elite Wave 4 Comics Wave, and Action Pulse Wave 1 — including chibi “box art pose” figures, Energon cube variants with Cliffjumper and Kickback, and robot head keychains (including a Shattered Glass Optimus Prime). Rob IDs one Shockwave as possibly Astro Magnum-inspired by the color.

Burger King Transformers Kids Meal Toys

Burger King is getting Transformers in their kids’ meals — including Optimus Prime and Bumblebee alongside Furby, My Little Pony, and Nerf branding. Brian, with a complete set of 1985 McDonald’s St. Louis Happy Meal toys and multiple G2 Dairy Queen Optimus Primes to his name, is fully on board.

What We Got This Week

• Brian: Sealed Beast Wars Quickstrike (Metals version) from Mandarake — plus a surprise $23 DHL import bill
• Matt: Transformers UK Compendium Volume 1 + Studio Series Dark Awakening (“Zombie”) Optimus Prime — a figure he’s been willing into existence for years
• Rob (on-topic): Ice cream bar transforming robot from Keeply via AliExpress (~$6–7) — double-jointed knees, rocker ankles, samurai-flag back panels, and a stick-turned-sword. Also available on Amazon around $17.99 with a coupon
• Don: Magenta Hot Rod (Studio Series variant) — keeping him sealed

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