Toys Everything You Wanted to Know About Missing Link C-10 Ultra Magnus, But Were Afraid to Ask

Japanese hobby website HOBBY Watch has posted an interview with the developers of the recently-revealed Missing Link series entry C-10, better known to folks who can't deal with that now everywhere as Ultra Magnus.

Following are a few select excerpts from that interview:

"How did you set the colouring when you made it into the three-dimensional version of the "Missing Link" series?"

- Regarding the light blue part of the colouring, the original version from nearly 40 years ago is currently fading, and some remaining samples are also yellowed, so I have set it a little more vivid based on speculation that it should have been blue at the time.

The blue colours are vividly inspired by the original 1986 version.

"Please tell us about the articulation in robot mode, such as the increased the movement of the arms and legs.

- First of all, the original version had a structure that allowed for proper movement, so I added joints that opened to the left and right shoulders, and joints that opened to the hands.

As for the legs, even in the original version, I was almost unable to move, but I thought, "I would like to somehow get them to pose in the box art of the time," so the knee part was a plate-shaped part, but I put the clutch joint in a 90-degree bend and then put it in a movable state.

The hand parts have added movement to open the fingertips.

The smaller Optimus robot inside has its knee joint at the base of the "Ultra Magnus" leg. Therefore, when Ultra Magnus raises its legs, the Optimus robot must bend into the inverse joint.

So, based on the "Missing Link C-01 Convoy", the legs have been changed to new parts, making them bend to the inverted joint. When you move the "Ultra Magnus" on the outside, the Optimus robot inside bends into the inverse joint and can follow the movement.

"Next, tell us about the transform gimmick. It is said to be following the original version, so can it be used as a maintenance base in addition to the robot mode and vehicle mode?"

- In addition to being able to play with maintenance bases and command bases, just like the original version of the product, the functions that were in the "Powered Convoy" in the old Diaclone series, which was the origin of "Ultra Magnus," which was omitted in the original version, have been revived, making it possible.

Specifically, the tires on the back of the chest protector parts have been restored, allowing for rolling. This sculpture was omitted when it was formed into the "Transformers" series.

Additionally, by combining the protector parts and helmet parts, you can turn them into a protector machine shape, allowing you to play with human figures on them.

A protector machine that was originally from the old Diaclone "Powered Convoy" is also reproduced.

Wheels that were not in the original version have been revived

"Regarding the gimmick, the original version had a spring missile launch gimmick, but is this one used?"

- Regarding missile launch gimmicks, the missile launch gimmick was used in the Missing Link C-01 Convoy, but when the Missing Link is now being made into a series, we have unified the missiles by not launching them using springs, and although there is no launch gimmick for this missile, they can be attached and removed to play with imagery.

"The "Deer Stalker" character (which was known as "Powered Buggy" for the original Diaclone toy), that was in the old Diaclone series is included this time, but are there any new settings to coincide with the "Missing Link" ?"

- The concept of "missing the appeal of the toys that the original had," is to "revive the charm of the toys that were in the original," and we are trying to "revive as much omitted features as possible in the Transformers series, which were previously in the Diaclone era.

So we also revived the buggy robot "Deer Stalker" that was in the old Diaclone, allowing everyone to experience the "real play that this product had" again.

We have colouring and character settings accordingly. In addition, in the old Diaclone, this was a so-called block-like reorganisation, but in Missing Link, this is a completely transformed version using modern technology.

This is probably a pretty surprising point when you actually pick it up. You can also use a human figure on the buggy, or you can have it pose in robot mode.

"There is a joint hole in my hand, etc., but can I hold an Ultra Magnus super blaster gun?"

- That's right. In addition to the hands in robot mode, there is also a joint hole in the chest, so it can be mounted in buggy mode.

In addition, in robot mode, there is a 3mm hole for the stand on the back, so you can also display it with a figure stand sold separately and pose.

"It's true that when you actually pick it up, you're concerned about the difference in the left and right positions."

- Also, in the anime settings, the missile launcher was installed on the front left and right sides of the carrier car when in vehicle mode. The original version was able to be mounted on the front, but it was not possible to carry it on the side.

"Missing Link" allows you to attach it to the side, recreating a silhouette that is similar to that of an anime image.

We were conscious of the creation as if the original "Missing Link C-10 Ultra Magnus" was reflected in the anime.

"The proportions are almost the same as the original version, but I still feel the coolness that is unique to toys."

- That's right. We want people to realise that the old toy designs are also cool enough, so we have kept them as good as possible.

In addition, HOBBY Watch has provided an exclusive video showing how the transformation of this new iteration of the character works:

To check out the full interview, visit HOBBY Watch, or head on over to the "Japanese Transformers News" thread in our forums!

Missing Link C-10 Ultra Magnus is slated for release in February or March (depending on where you look) 2026 at a price of ¥27,500, which as of this writing amounts to about $185.91 USD. However, if you happen to be in Akihabara, it is currently on display at Volks Akihabara Hobby Heaven 2.

News Credits: HOBBY Watch, via Masabon and PrimalxConvoy (with Google Translate)

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