While other Combiners might be more popular in the West, the most beloved Generation 1 Combiner from the classic Transformers series in Japan is easily Predaking. Now, the combined form of the Predacons is howling out with bestial fury, all thanks to an animalistic new toy that’s part of a special line by Takara Tomy.
The Takara Tomy Adamas Machina AM-T02 Predaking is a new take on G1 Predaking with a stylish, modern aesthetic. Designed by a member of a legendary animation studio, this iteration of the Predacons’ combined form looks straight out of a mecha anime. Each of the Predacons themselves are also given the same treatment, and the toy is set to be released 40 years after the original.
The Newest Take on Predaking Terrorizes the Takara Tomy Adamas Machine Toyline
As with other entries in the Adamas Machine line, Takara Tomy’s new Predaking figure is meant to be an artistic reimagining of a previous toy/character. In this case, the Combiner is based on concept art by Akira Amemiya, an employee of the iconic anime studio Trigger (who previously created a 40th anniversary Transformers commemorative video in 2024). The general design is the same as in Generation 1, albeit far more detailed, sleeker and less stocky. All the individual Predacons have their own blasters, with Predaking himself boasting his X-Ray laser cannon. He also has two interchangeable hands/feet, two shoulder cannon barrels and a massive Sonic Blade/Sonic Sword that looks perfectly fit for an anime villain. The Photon Saber can be held on his hip when not in use.
As usual, his components are the lion Razorclaw, the eagle Divebomb, the tiger Rampage, the rhino Headstrong and the bull Tantrum. Standing at 14 x 29 x 30 cm, it’s an absolutely huge collectible in its combined form that’s full of articulation, allowing fans to pose the Decepticon and recreate the best moments of G1. Predaking is now available to pre-order on Amazon Japan for 48,048 yen, or roughly US$326. However, it won’t be released until March 28, 2026, with this year also marking the 40th anniversary of the release of the original Predaking action figure set in the G1 toy line. Classic Predaking was one of the first completely original G1 Combiners whose toys had no basis in the Diaclone toy line, which explains why he had a much more unique design that fits better into a typical Super Robot anime of that era. This is likely the reason why he was so popular in Japan, even outranking more recognizable Combiners such as the Constructicons’ combined form, Devastator.
Source: Amazon Japan
AloJapan.com