 |
| The 2018 Voyager Optimus Prime |
Hasbro announced their new War for Cybertron Trilogy series starting with
“Siege”. For this initial toy line the Transformers feature Cybertronian
alternate modes and the new Voyager Class Optimus Prime sported the familiar
truck cab but with a different styled roof and gatling guns in place of the
headlights. For weapons, Optimus Prime came with the familiar black rifle
and a battle axe which could fold up and attach to the trailer hitch
section.
Transformation is simple and satisfying leaving a very impressive looking
robot mode. The online downside for the robot mode is looking at it from the
back as that is where the cabs roof section ends up. Articulation is
outstanding for this piece which puts earlier Masterpiece figures to
shame.
As well as being the Transformers 35th Anniversary, 2019 was the year of
Optimus Prime. Following on from the impressive Voyager Siege mould we
received Studio Series 38 Optimus Prime, based on Optimus Prime as seen in
the 2018 Bumblebee Movie.
In August 2019 Takara released their most expensive Masterpiece figure yet,
MP-44 Convoy, a brilliant piece but unfortunately not without its flaws
which shouldn't really be there for its price (50,000 Yen / £350 / $460
USD).
Then on October 3rd 2019 at New York Comic Con, Hasbro unveiled the first wave
of the War for Cybertron: Earthrise figures which included a new version of
Optimus Prime complete with trailer. This Leader Class figure was quite
different (thankfully) from the final release as the robot hands were moulded
in grey plastic which was quite jarring. The robot eyes were also painted
yellow like the original 1984 toy.
 |
| G1 (left) and Earthrise (right) Optimus Primes |
Released at retail in January 2020 Leader Class Optimus Prime topples the
Siege Voyager Class figure as one of the best Optimus Prime figures. Packaged
in robot mode, Optimus Prime is heavily based upon the G1 version. This
version is a complete retool of the Voyager version with very few reused
parts; and although it is a retool it is just as articulated as the Voyager
figure. Proportionality Optimus Primes legs are on the long side but that is a
minor nit pick.
A nice extra feature for this figure is the opening chest with a removable
Matrix. The Siege versions chest did open as well but this was for
transformation and it did not come with a Matrix. Another nice touch are the
hands have hinges at the knuckles allowing them to open.
The trailer as with the original, opens up into a repair bay and the combat
deck robot can be removed and plugged in Optimus Primes back. There is also a
section in the trailers rear door that can be removed and used as a shield.
Unfortunately this set does not come with Roller, you have to buy the
Centurion Drone Weaponizer pack to get hold of him. The trailer will also work
with the Siege Voyager version.
Transformation to vehicle mode is an engineering marvel completely different
to the Siege version and previous Optimus Primes. Cab mode is near identical
to the G1 version as well as being the same size, the trailer when hitched
however is a little small, though this was probably to keep costs down.
If you can't afford to buy MP-44 Convoy, this Leader Class figure is the best
alternative and I certainly prefer it. Although MP-44 looks impressive and
cartoon accurate with amazing engineering, it is not a fun figure to mess
about with or even transform back and forth like MP-10 Convoy is. I don't buy
many mainline Transformers anymore but Earthrise Optimus Prime is one I had to
buy and I'm not disappointed.
No comments:
Post a Comment