Triple Takeover Toycast

Triple Takeover

Welcome to the Triple Takeover Toycast — a fun and informative fortnightly podcast all about Transformers and other amazing toy lines. From vintage rarities and prototypes to modern releases, cartoons, comics, and films, your hosts Sixo, Liam, Jason and Maz dive deep into toy history and pop culture with passion, humour, and plenty of nostalgia — plus the occasional special guest.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

134 episodes
Updated July 21

Episodes134

Newest first

May 2, 2023 · 1 hr 38 min
Third Party Transformers - Heaven or Hell
We’re putting the unofficial third-party Transformers scene to the test and asking whether the toys in question are ‘heaven or hell’. Covering everything from Masterpiece-style releases to Generations and Legends scale figures, we share our best and worst experiences with third-party toys. From impressive designs that rival official releases to frustrating missteps and disappointments, it’s a wide-ranging discussion that reflects the highs and lows of this often unpredictable corner of the hobby. Along the way, we explore why third-party Transformers can inspire such strong reactions — and what separates a genuine standout from a costly regret. — 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
Apr 18, 2023 · 1 hr 33 min
Transformers Retro — The Reissues We've Been Waiting For?
The Transformers Retro reissue line got off to a memorable start with the iconic pink Hot Rod, and it now promises to offer collectors some genuinely unexpected new takes on classic Generation 1 toys. With figures like Hound and Thundercracker on shelves at the time of recording, the team discuss what the Retro line is aiming to achieve and how these reissues differ from more traditional updates. We explore what might be on the horizon, which characters feel like natural fits for the line, and why this particular approach to nostalgia has captured so much attention. It’s a forward-looking discussion rooted in classic Transformers, balancing excitement with thoughtful speculation about where this unusual and intriguing line could go next. — 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
Apr 4, 2023 · 2 hr 45 min
Inside Vintage Transformers Prototypes (with Ras)
Anyone who grew up with Transformers in the ’80s or ’90s will remember the allure of the prototypes pictured in catalogues of the era — often hinting at toys that looked noticeably different from the ones we eventually held in our hands. In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Ras, a vintage prototype enthusiast with what is believed to be the largest known collection of pre-production Transformers. We talk about what these prototypes represent, how they survive, and what they can tell us about the development of the brand. Along the way, Ras shares insights into some truly remarkable pieces, including the only privately owned copy of the 1986 Generation 1 Unicron toy. It’s a fascinating discussion about process, preservation, and the alternate histories of Transformers toys — and a deep dive into a side of the hobby rarely seen up close. — 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
Mar 21, 2023 · 1 hr 51 min
Transformers Hidden Gems Vol. 2
We’re back for a second round of Transformers ‘hidden gems’, as each member of the team selects two toys from across the brand’s history that they feel never quite received the recognition they deserved. From overlooked releases to figures that may simply have arrived at the wrong time, we explore why these toys slipped under the radar — and whether they truly were underappreciated in the first place. As ever, opinions differ, and the idea of what makes a ‘hidden gem’ proves to be far from straightforward. — 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
Mar 7, 2023 · 2 hr 45 min
The Transformers: The Movie — Beyond Good, Beyond Evil… Beyond Nostalgia
Triple Takeover marks its 50th episode by turning its attention to one of the most iconic moments in Transformers history — The Transformers: The Movie. Released in 1986, the film left a huge impression on a generation of fans, blending bold creative choices, unforgettable music, and some genuinely shocking moments that still hit hard decades later. In this episode, the team take a deep dive into the movie’s legacy, discussing what it meant at the time, how it’s been reappraised since, and why it continues to loom so large in the Transformers canon. It’s a celebratory but thoughtful discussion of a film that is, in every sense, beyond good, beyond evil, beyond your wildest imagination. — 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
Feb 21, 2023 · 2 hr 23 min
The Rise (and Fall) of Transformers Machine Wars
Hasbro and Kenner’s 1997 Transformers: Machine Wars is about as niche as it gets within the world of robots in disguise, occupying a strange and often overlooked corner of the brand’s history. In this episode, the team take a closer look at the line’s unusual premise, which saw familiar characters like Optimus Prime, Starscream, and Soundwave re-emerge as store-exclusive repaints of classic Generation 1 designs — exclusively in the US. We explore why Machine Wars existed, how it was received at the time, and why it has since become such a curiosity among collectors. It’s a discussion about timing, exclusivity, and one of the more peculiar experiments in Transformers toy history — a line that many fans never encountered first-hand, but still find fascinating years later. — 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
Feb 7, 2023 · 2 hr 5 min
Starcom — A Quiet Classic of 1980s Toy Design
Among the many oft-forgotten toy lines of the 1980s, Starcom holds a special place in the hearts of many collectors — and for good reason. In this episode, the team take a closer look at what made Starcom so distinctive, from its clever magnetic play pattern and intricate detailing to its sleek, spacefaring vehicle designs. We explore why the line stood out at the time, how it was received, and why it continues to resonate with those who experienced it first-hand. It’s a relaxed voyage of rediscovery, celebrating a toy line that quietly did things differently — and left a lasting impression as a result. — 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
Jan 24, 2023 · 1 hr 43 min
Diaclone Car Robots — Where Transformers Began
We’re going back to where it all began, exploring the pre-Transformers era through the Diaclone Car Robots sub-line. In this episode, the team take a closer look at the original Diaclone releases that would later be known as some of the most recognisable robots in disguise. We discuss the designs, play patterns, and ideas present in the Car Robots line, and consider how these toys laid the groundwork for the Transformers line yet to come. There’s plenty of intrigue to uncover in this formative period of the brand’s history, making this a thoughtful dive into the origins of Transformers and the toy lines that helped shape it. — 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
Dec 27, 2022 · 1 hr 46 min
The Best Transformers Toys of 2022
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to take stock and reflect on some of the standout Transformers toys we picked up over the past twelve months. In this episode, the team share their personal picks for the best releases of the year, discussing what made these figures special — whether through design, engineering, play value, or simply the joy they brought to our collections. Rather than chasing a definitive ranking, it’s a celebration of the toys that left the strongest impression on us. It’s a relaxed end-of-year discussion about what made this particular year in Transformers collecting memorable, and why certain releases continue to stand out. — 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
Dec 13, 2022 · 1 hr 38 min
Transformers Controversial Opinions Vol. 3
It’s time to court controversy once again, as the team return for a third round of discussion around some of the most hotly-debated topics in Transformers history. This time, we turn our attention to some particularly divisive subjects, such as non-transforming Transformers toys, and the long-running debate around ‘Masterpiece vs mainline’. Rather than simply picking sides, we explore why these topics generate such strong reactions, how opinions have shifted over time, and what they reveal about different expectations within the fandom. Of course, strong views do emerge along the way — but the focus remains on understanding the debate itself, and why these conversations continue to resurface within the Transformers community. — 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
Nov 29, 2022 · 1 hr 28 min
Transformers Retools — When Small Changes Make a Big Difference
Sometimes, all a good Transformers toy design needs is a few thoughtful tweaks to become something truly special. In this episode, the team discuss some of their favourite retooled moulds from across the brand’s history, exploring how small changes in engineering, aesthetics, or character choices can dramatically reshape a figure. Along the way, we consider what actually makes a retool successful, and why certain examples stand the test of time while others fall short. It’s a focused discussion on design evolution within Transformers — and how clever retools can take a familiar figure and turn it into something genuinely surprising. — 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
Nov 15, 2022 · 1 hr 23 min
Transformers Hidden Gems Vol. 1
This episode is all about Transformers ‘hidden gems’ — toys that we adore in our collections, but which never quite seem to receive the recognition they deserve within the wider fandom. Here, the team each pick out a selection of personal favourites, spanning both vintage releases and more modern toys. We discuss what makes these figures special, why they may have been overlooked, and whether their status as ‘hidden gems’ really holds up under closer scrutiny. It’s a thoughtful and celebratory discussion that sets the tone for a recurring series focused on rediscovery, reappraisal, and the shifting nature of fandom attention. — 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
Nov 1, 2022 · 1 hr 49 min
Transformers Mailaways — Anticipation, Exclusivity, and Memory
The Transformers franchise has a long and varied history with mailaway items, stretching back to the earliest days of the brand with releases like the Omnibots, Reflector, and Time Warrior. In this episode, the team look back at some of the most memorable mailaway Transformers from across the years, discussing how they were obtained, why they felt so special at the time, and what made them stand out from standard retail releases. We also explore the sense of anticipation and exclusivity that came with mailaways, and how that experience shaped collector memories. It’s a nostalgic and thoughtful look at a distinctive part of Transformers history — and why mailaway figures continue to hold such appeal decades later. — 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
Oct 18, 2022 · 2 hr 4 min
Transformers 1986: The Toys Beyond the Movie
1986 is one of the most memorable years in Transformers history, but it’s not just the headline movie releases that deserve attention. In this episode, the team shine a light on some of the unsung heroes of the year, looking beyond the obvious and discussing figures like Sky Lynx, the Battlechargers, the Triple Changers, and more. We explore what made these toys stand out at the time, how they were received, and why they continue to hold a special place for collectors. It’s a celebratory reappraisal of a landmark year, focusing on the figures that helped define 1986 beyond the silver screen. — 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
Oct 4, 2022 · 2 hr 39 min
Transformers Beast Machines: A Supreme Reappraisal
Even decades on, Beast Machines remains one of the most polarising chapters in Transformers history, inspiring a level of debate and disagreement that few other eras can match. In this episode, the team dive into the 1999/2000 toy line with varying degrees of familiarity and affection, exploring what made Beast Machines so controversial at the time and why it continues to divide opinion. From radical design choices and departures from Beast Wars to shifting expectations within the fandom, we unpack what was happening — and how it feels looking back now. It’s an open-minded reappraisal of a line that dared to be different, examining both the frustration it caused and the ideas that make it worth revisiting. Supreme stuff. — 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
Sep 20, 2022 · 1 hr 28 min
Transformers G1 Sixcombiners: Micromasters That Combine
Micromasters are one of the most celebrated parts of the Generation 1 Transformers line, delivering classic robots in disguise fun in miniature form. But what’s better than lots of little Transformers? How about little Transformers that combine to form even bigger ones? That’s exactly what the Micromaster Sixcombiners offer. In this episode, the team explore the various releases in this sub-line, from the original vintage gift sets through to modern reissues and later Hasbro Universe versions. Along the way, we discuss what made these sets so appealing, how they expanded the Micromaster concept, and why they remain such a distinctive part of late-G1 Transformers. It’s a deep dive into one of the cleverest and most characterful corners of the Micromaster line. — 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
Sep 6, 2022 · 1 hr 34 min
Transformers ‘G1.5’: The European Era Explained
As part of TFNation 2022, the team were delighted to attend a panel with Andy Couzens, formerly Head of Boys Toys for Hasbro Europe and a key figure in the development of the European-exclusive era of Transformers from 1991 onwards — often referred to by fans as Generation 1.5. Following the panel, we were able to spend some additional time speaking with Andy, gaining further insight into how this fascinating and often overlooked period of the franchise came to be. In this episode, we examine the unique circumstances behind European Transformers during the early ’90s, the decisions that informed the toy line, and why this era continues to resonate so strongly with collectors today. It’s a thoughtful exploration of a distinctive chapter in Transformers history, enriched by first-hand perspective from someone who helped define it. — 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
Aug 23, 2022 · 1 hr 44 min
Toy Convention Hauls: Our All-Time Favourites
The party’s over and it’s time to head home… but at least we’ve got a sack full of new toys to help soften the comedown. With convention season wrapped up, this episode sees the team looking back at dealer room hauls from events past, revisiting some of our proudest purchases alongside a few that perhaps didn’t live up to expectations. We talk about what made certain finds feel special at the time, how our tastes have changed, and the lessons learned from both the triumphs and the missteps. It’s a relaxed, nostalgic chat about collecting at conventions — the thrill of the hunt, the impulse buys, and the stories that stay with you long after the doors close. — 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
Aug 9, 2022 · 1 hr 45 min
Toy Conventions: A Highlight of the Fandom Calendar
Convention season is upon us, making it the perfect time to talk about what, for many collectors, is the highlight of the toy collecting year. In this episode, the team explore what makes conventions such a special part of the hobby, from guests and panels to dealer rooms, displays, cosplay, artwork — and, of course, the inevitable late nights and hangovers. Whether you’re a seasoned convention-goer or someone who has yet to take the plunge, we discuss the many different ways conventions bring the Transformers community together. It’s a wide-ranging and celebratory look at the shared experiences that make conventions such a memorable part of collecting. — 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
Jul 26, 2022 · 2 hr 7 min
Transformers Masterpiece — The Hasui Years
Many collectors remember the period between 2011 and 2015 as the peak of the Transformers Masterpiece line, when TakaraTomy seemed to deliver one standout release after another. Much of this era is closely associated with celebrated toy designer Shogo Hasui, whose work during these years helped define what Masterpiece could be and cemented his reputation within the fandom. In this episode, the team look back at what is often regarded as a golden age of Masterpiece collecting, discussing the figures themselves, the design philosophy behind them, and why this period continues to be held in such high regard. It’s a thoughtful retrospective on the so-called Hasui years, and an exploration of why they left such a lasting impression on collectors. — 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