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Interview:
Hironori Kobayashi
Translated & Interpreted by Jeremy Barlow © Soundwave's Oblivion
2024.
Interview from Generations 2024
Hironori Kobayashi, Missing Link Development
Manager
-Could you tell us how the concept for 'Missing
Link' came to life?
I had been thinking…..and I felt it was the right moment to create a new
collection that could truly be considered a masterpiece; this was around
2020 to 2022. However, after experimenting with various ideas for the past
20 years, I found myself running out of fresh inspiration. So, I decided to
confront my deepest feelings about Transformers head-on. I reflected deeply
on the kind of Transformer toy I truly wanted to create… Then, I suddenly
recalled the prototype I had created before starting the Masterpiece line.
-When you mention the time before Masterpiece
began, are you referring to around 2002?
Yes I am. Since the success of Masterpiece, it appears that the focus of
these hobby toys has shifted towards faithfully recreating designs from the
cartoon. However, the transformation process to replicate these designs
became increasingly complex. While I'm pleased with the high level of
accuracy, it does make the toy more challenging to play with. Recently,
hobbyists have been expressing concerns about experiencing 'toy fatigue.'
The developers also shared this sentiment. When we revisited the
'fundamental fun' of Transformers, we recognised a growing demand for toys
designed for more casual play.
-Did you have this feeling back in 2002?
At that time, I didn’t have a clear vision of what the Masterpiece would
ultimately look like, so my image of it was still quite vague. Initially, we
weren’t even sure if a remake product like Masterpiece would be successful.
At that time, I pursued a different approach from the eventual Masterpiece
series, opting to create a modified model by adding joints to a reproduction
of the original Convoy.
-So the concept of adding articulation to the
original Convoy for Missing Link was already developed about 20 years ago?
Given the success of the Masterpiece series, the prototype was shelved and
never presented to the public. I had forgotten about it as well. However, if
Masterpiece had never been created, this might have been the direction for
high-end Transformers. The high-end Transformer from an alternate line that
was released at that time is the 'Missing Link.' Missing Link isn’t just a
product that could have existed in 1984; it is the product of a separate
timeline that branched off in 2002 (laughs).
-I found the concept of enhancing the toy's
performance while keeping the appearance unchanged quite intriguing.
In fact, even the reissues we were working on at the time were exploring the
same concept as Missing Link. For instance, if we had replicated
Astrotrain's leg lengthening mechanism exactly as it was in the original,
the joints would have become loose. Instead, we enhanced the joint strength
in our reproduction to prevent this issue. It is these small improvements
accumulated over time that have culminated in the Missing Link series.
-With previous reissues, you refined head designs
to match the cartoon aesthetics, as seen with Music Label's Convoy and
Bumble. What led to the decision to maintain the original appearance this
time?
In fact, there was considerable debate between the two approaches. At one
point, we considered adhering strictly to the size and basic transformation
while incorporating cartoon design elements for the finer details. However,
as we delved into the project, we realised that these 'improvements' would
undermine the nostalgia and original essence, rather than enhance it. So, we
decided to adopt a policy that would avoid any changes that might disrupt
the sense of nostalgia.
-On the other hand, you have updated the design to
allow Convoy to fully transform without the need to remove the fists.
Missing Link isn’t about clinging to the past; it’s about enhancing what
needs improvement. Missing Link aimed to be a 'relaxing Transformer'—a
figure designed to be easy to play with and comforting for those who were
weary of high-end, complex toys. That’s why we aimed to eliminate the
tedious task of swapping out fist parts.
-Are the parts entirely new?
The tires and the hose for the energy supply pipe are reused from a recent
Hasbro reissue, but that’s the extent of their similarities.
“We decided to adopt a
policy that would avoid any changes that might disrupt the sense of
nostalgia”
-In terms of honouring nostalgia, you have also put
considerable effort into designing the packaging.
I believe that those who experienced it will recall the excitement they felt
when they first got their Transformers toys. When you open the box, you’ll
find a styrofoam tray containing not just the main toy, but also an
instruction manual, collection cards, a tech spec decoder, stickers, and
pamphlets. I wanted to evoke the thrill of discovering so many accessories,
both for those who remember that excitement from the past and for new fans
experiencing it for the first time.
-I was particularly surprised by the use of
styrofoam.
It’s an element we quickly abandoned for the reissues, but that doesn’t mean
we can’t use foam trays. In fact, the cost difference isn’t significant.
-It has been enhanced to allow Roller to be stored
even after assembly, hasn’t it?
You can also leave the patrol light exposed as well. The Matrix is
positioned where the Diaclone crew once sat and has been meticulously
constructed from CAD data with precise specifications.
-It's been a long time since I’ve seen the tech
spec decoder included.
The tech spec decoder (secret film) wasn't included in the reissues due to
production challenges. However, it was crucial to the Missing Link concept,
so we made a significant effort to restore it. Creating that red film
required considerable effort.
-The feel of the packaging remains true to the
original.
While the reissue cardboard was UV-coated, Missing Link features a matte
coating to match the original product's surface texture.
-It appears that you've paid meticulous attention
to even the smallest details.
I doubt even those within the company fully grasp it (laughs). But it's a
process of bringing something you believe would be great to life, and I'm
truly enjoying the development. I think the only ones who truly appreciate
it are those who create it and those who buy it (laughs).
-Bumble and Cliff were revealed as part of the
second wave.
Bumblebee and Cliff are fully poseable and come with new weapons that the
characters can hold. We've also ensured that these weapons can be stored in
vehicle mode. Considering the small size of these parts, we've carefully
designed their storage to avoid any inconvenience. Every detail has been
crafted with ease of play in mind.
-It's impressive how, despite being a small Minibot,
they are fully poseable.
Convoy is the ideal desk-bot, while Bumble and Cliff, being palm-sized, are
perfect for on-the-go enjoyment. I encourage everyone to experience them
firsthand.
-The most amusing part is when the board behind his
head rotates.
I knew we had to retain that feature (laughs).
-I imagine it must be quite challenging to develop
a product while adhering to the 'restraints' of maintaining its original
appearance.
Developing a product within the constraints of maintaining a specific form
can be challenging but also fascinating. Some aspects align with
expectations while others do not. In contrast, creating something entirely
new from scratch isn’t as difficult. Researching past items thoroughly,
understanding them accurately, and then recreating them with the same look
and materials is far more challenging. Another key aspect of Missing Link is
to avoid over thinking it. If you get too caught up in the details, it might
inadvertently turn into a Masterpiece (laughs).
-Subtraction is often more challenging than
addition, so it can be quite difficult to avoid over thinking.
In that regard, 2002 might have been too early. With time, both fans and
developers have become more open to this kind of concept. It's a perspective
we've reached after 20 years of accumulated experience, and I don’t believe
those years were wasted.
-I believe they are great products because they
honour and respect the work of your predecessors.
For example, I anticipate that many more Convoy toys will be released in the
future, ranging from high-end collectibles to more accessible options like
Generations. I created Missing Link with the hope that fans would consider
it as their 'final' choice when reflecting on their collection. While there
will undoubtedly be more impressive Convoy toys in the future, the emotional
connection to the original Convoy is something truly special.
-Fans are eagerly anticipating what will come next.
I sense that many fans are eager to see car robots become part of the
Missing Link series. However, including Bumble and Cliff in the second
lineup is intended to broaden the scope of Missing Link beyond just car
robots. Our vision is to develop not only car robots but also to expand the
series to include a wider range of characters.
-Imagining what might come next is also a lot of
fun.
Missing Link isn't just about adding more joints; as the name suggests, it's
a project designed to complete the unexplored aspects of Transformers. What
you're seeing now represents only half of Missing Link. The true essence of
the project lies ahead, and we are actively working on how to shape it.
-Does that mean you're envisioning something beyond
merely adding joints to the original items?
Exactly. We plan to reveal more details gradually at upcoming events and
other opportunities, so stay tuned.
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