Black Megatron (16-S) is an exclusive which was available for pre-order at BOTCON Japan 2000 (17 December 2000) and online at Takara's e-Hobby website.  It is supposedly limited to 1000 pieces.  I placed my order through Masato Shono before I left Japan and he received it on the 29th of March, 2001.  As it was mentioned on my re-issue Megatron page, this Transformer was based on the original Gun Robo P-38 Walther pistol released in the MicroChange line (New Microman 1981-84).  It was later released by Hasbro as Megatron (minus the bullets and weapon attachments).  I really don't know much about the vintage variations of Megatron, so I must refer you to Paul Lorphanpaibul's New Microman Series section for more information.

Megatron's package contents

Megatron's box is fairly large measuring approximately 14.25"x9.25"x2" (not including the 2.75" flap).  Megatron is labeled with 16-S, where "S" stands for "Special".  There is a Gold label on the front window of the box which states "Transformers Black Version Limited Edition".  On the back is another label in the lower right-hand corner with a silhouette of Starscream saying "I'll be back!", and as we all know is another figure (plus more) which will be released by Takara.

There was one sticker that was pre-applied to Megatron which was located just under his chest in Robot mode.  As with most of my exclusives, I decided not to apply any of the stickers.

When I received my Black Megatron, I really expected it to be completely Black in color.  I was mistaken because this exclusive is has Brown and Red parts in the mix.  What happened to making Megatron all Black such as Black Hot Rodimus?  Quite disappointing if you ask me.  I do like the fact that the Silver chome in the barrel/slide is dark metallic color.  I've heard that the metallic paint chips easily so limiting you transformations should be kept to a minimum.

I do like the fact that this figure can shoot plastic bullets.  You can insert a bullet into the chamber at the top of the slide when he's in gun mode.  And when you have the weapon formations set-up you can insert a bullet into the Microme Launcher.  This feature was removed from the Hasbro release due to safety reasons.

WEAPONS:  There are two other chromed weapon attachments that fit snug into either hand.  They are identified as a Blade and Laser which are shown below.

Megatron with Laser & Blade weapons

ROBOT MODE:  To transform Megatron into robot mode, begin with extending the hand grips downward and rotating each side (Megatron's legs) forward.  The magazine becomes his feet and need to be pushed out.  Next step is to separate the barrel assembly (barrel and slide) in two.  The slide (piece which has the scope's rail) is rotated downward and the top of the hand grip (Megatron's head) is pulled downward.  Continue working with the slide by separating it in half.  You should see Megatron's fists tucked away.  Now rotate the barrel and front-half of the slide clockwise 90 degrees.  The front-half of the slide should be pushed upward which separates from the barrel.  You should see the pre-applied sticker which is part of Megatron's torso.  The barrel needs to be pushed downward, rotated 90 degrees clockwise, then lifted upward once again so that the barrel is facing forward.  The barrel should look like it's tucked under Megatron's right armpit.  Next, rotate Megatron's arms and head forward so that his head rests on the slide or shoulders.  Extend his arms and fists and you're done!

Close-up of Megatron's head

Megatron's articulation is quite limited and odd at the same time.  I think my biggest complaint would be in the shoulders and arms.   This could be improved with better jointing but most, if not all of these figures created in the 80's had limited articulation.

I have an older Megatron figure that has seen some battle.  Here are some differences that I've noticed compared to the re-issues of today:

Left-side:
- Safety lever (to the right of P-38 Walther engraving) has a semi-circle plate which has been extended and also has a "rivet" hole.  This semi-circle covers the vertically-angled grooves.
- Doesn't have the "MC.12.13" marking.

Right-side:
- No "TAKARA Made in Japan" marking.
- The vertically-angled grooves (right of the hammer) have been removed which is now flat and has a "rivet" hole.

Inner-legs: Red locking-tabs have been shortened/modified for more stability when locking the legs in place.

Barrel: Lip was added to the bottom end of the barrel for a better connection to the slide when in gun mode.

WEAPON MODE:

P-38 Walther

P-38 Walther with Scope

P-38 Walther with Silencer, Scope, and Anklestock

ROBOT MODE:

Megatron                       Megatron with Scope

Megatron's sights are on Convoy!

Particle Beam Formation (handles extend from the Microme Launcher)

Telescope Laser Cannon

I've included a couple of photos which feature Megatron's attachments forming a weapon for S.A.S. Microman.  These attachments were originally released in the GunRobo line of Microman MicroChange series and I thought I'd give you an idea of how it's set up.  First I'll identifiy the parts:

  4D Scope
  Firing Controller
  Energy Changer
  Microme Launcher
  Backseat
  Cannon Base

Remove the Energy Changer from the rear of the Firing Controller.  Extend the peg under the Firing Controller which will connect to the Gunbase.  Connect the Microme Launcher the the back of the Firing Controller and slide the Backseat onto ther rail which is at the end of the Microme Launcher.  Take the Energy Changer and connect it underneath the Microme Launcher.  Now connect the 4D Scope to the Firing Controller at the rail then extend the small handles located at the end of the scope.  The last thing to do is to place your Microman into his seat.   His seat has a 5mm peg which fits nicely into your Microman's back for stability.   Now that's a sharp looking weapon!!