Via Cleon of Ozformers, we can share some good news in the form of a Yahoo Japan auction with in package images of Masterpiece MP-23 Exhaust.

Why is this good news? Well, given the deco of the toy is based on the Marlboro cigarettes deco of the Lancia Stratos, Philip Morris has issued Cease & Desist notices to US online retailers who would have carried the figure. There have been further reports of UK based retailers not carrying the figure either due to direct pressure or because Hasbro Asia would not export to them – all then coupled with reports that even some specialty stores in Hong Kong would not carry the figure. Naturally with these reports running rampant through the fandom, rumors and assumptions of a total cancellation from Takara-Tomy were being spoken of.

However, this auction on Yahoo Japan – showing the toy’s box – suggests that the worst case scenario is not coming to pass, and Exhaust, the Destron Industrial Espionage agent, will see his release after all. He just might end up being a little hard for fans to get their hands on.