Interview: Transformers Evangelion Prime Unit-01 Developer

[SYNERGENEX] Interview with the development team behind "Transformers Evangelion Prime Unit-01". 

A collaboration-exclusive design packed with Evangelion elements, complete with specially created accessories. 

By Yoshida Kōhei 26th February 2026 

[Transformers Evangelion Prime Unit-01]
Scheduled for release in late August 2026
Price: ¥11,000

Takara Tomy’s premium hobby label T-SPARK will release Transformers Evangelion Prime Unit-01, part of its SYNERGENEX collaboration series, in late August 2026. The price is ¥11,000. 

Takara Tomy’s “Synergenex” collaboration series brings together its own Intellectual Properties, such as Transformers, Zoids, and Diaclone, with those of other companies and brands to create crossover products. The line has already featured collaborations with a wide range of properties. 

This time, Evangelion, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, teams up with Transformers. After scanning Evangelion Unit-01, Optimus Prime has been reimagined as Evangelion Prime Unit-01. 

The figure faithfully recreates Unit-01’s distinctive design and colour scheme, along with its striking robot-mode head sculpt. 

In this article, we speak with the development team behind Transformers Evangelion Prime Unit-01 about the project’s appeal, accompanied by photos of the prototype.

-Could you tell us about the development process behind Evangelion Prime Unit-01? 

Developer: With SYNERGENEX, we previously developed Evangelion crossover products within the Zoids line, including the Xeno Rex Test Unit-01 and the Xeno Rex Production Unit-02. Through these projects, we built a strong working relationship with the rights holders, which eventually led to the idea of a Transformers collaboration. 

With Evangelion celebrating its 30th anniversary, we wanted to mark the occasion in a meaningful way. That shared goal ultimately brought the Transformers × Evangelion collaboration project to life. 

-What is the concept behind Evangelion Prime Unit-01?

Developer: The core concept carries over from the previously released MP-10 Convoy Mode EVA, namely: Optimus Prime after scanning Evangelion Unit-01. However, while the earlier figure primarily reflected Unit-01’s colour scheme, this SYNERGENEX version goes a step further, giving Optimus a design much closer to Evangelion Unit-01 itself. It also features newly sculpted parts that incorporate many of Unit-01’s distinctive design elements. 

-Which Transformers figure was used as the base for the sculpt?

Developer: The figure is based on Legendary Optimus Prime, released in 2018. From there, we created new sculpted parts, including the head, and incorporated the colour scheme of Evangelion Unit-01. 

-Were there any particular points you focused on when deciding the colour scheme?

Developer: The vehicle mode featured a striking three-colour scheme in MP-10 Convoy Mode EVA Cybertron Supreme Commander Convoy, so we carried that approach over for this release as well. We also added the NERV logo on one side of the vehicle, with the Autobot insignia on the other, as a nod to both franchises. Another detail to note is the design of the roof. The red circular motif on the chest armour of Evangelion Unit-01 left a strong impression, so it was incorporated into the vehicle mode as well, used as an accent on the roof. 

Also, the exhaust pipes have been redesigned. The base Legendary Optimus Prime only features an exhaust on one side. If we had kept that layout, the vehicle-mode outline would have been identical, which we felt would be a missed opportunity. So we added exhaust pipes on both sides to better evoke the familiar Optimus Prime vehicle mode silhouette. 

-Could you tell us about the highlights of the robot mode and the newly sculpted parts? 

Developer: The main newly sculpted part is, of course, the face. For this collaboration, we wanted to incorporate design elements from Evangelion Unit-01. In addition, the transformation structure allowed us to replace the chest, so we were able to recreate the distinctive chest armour of Unit-01. 

The chest can also be opened, allowing for a subtle effect where the core is revealed, enabling the look of the “Berserk Mode.” 

Another reason we chose Legendary Optimus Prime as the base is the shoulder armour. The shoulder parts are articulated, and by raising them, we felt we could evoke Evangelion Unit-01’s characteristic shoulder-mounted weapon rack. This worked very well, allowing us to recreate that distinctive outline. 

-Looking at the robot mode, I was impressed by the masterful fusion of the organic feel of Evangelion Unit-01 and the metallic realism of Transformers.

Developer: Evangelion Unit-01 originally has a very slender silhouette, especially with its distinctive V-shaped abdomen design. We asked ourselves, “What would happen if we adapted Unit-01’s design to Optimus Prime’s proportions?” 

At that stage, there was a grille around the abdomen area, so by angling its linear pattern diagonally, we were able to incorporate the essence of Evangelion Unit-01 while still achieving a well-balanced overall design. 

-One of the key highlights is the abundance of Evangelion elements incorporated into the accessories.

Developer: The accessories include the blaster and energy axe typically associated with Optimus Prime, and if we also include film-inspired elements, there is the energy sword as well. 

Optimus Prime is often depicted using axes across the franchise, from the original G1 series to the live-action films, so we wanted to include an axe element somewhere, while also incorporating an Evangelion influence. 

In the Evangelion series, spears such as the Spear of Longinus and the Spear of Cassius are iconic items, and there are scenes where their forms change. This led us to think, “What if a spear could transform into an axe?”, which became the foundation for the idea. 

We proposed this concept to the rights holders, and they kindly approved it, allowing us to realise it as the Axe of Cassius. In addition, the Progressive Energy Knife included with this figure came from my personal desire to “give Unit-01 a high frequency blade.” We also felt that shortening the energy blade seen in the live-action films would create a strong synergy, resulting in a well-balanced design. 

Finally, Legendary Optimus Prime includes a large blaster. While I considered referencing a pallet rifle, we ultimately chose the Ion Gatling Blaster instead, inspired by the Gatling gun featured in “Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone”, and designed the barrel to resemble a Gatling gun. 

-The fact that the Matrix, the symbol of the Autobot leader, has been reimagined as the Core Matrix in Evangelion Prime Unit-01 is a truly surprising collaboration point.

Developer: To be honest, that was the first idea that came to mind (laughs). In this release, the Core Matrix cannot be stored inside the figure’s chest. However, we felt that fans of Transformers would likely find something missing if the Matrix weren’t included, especially given the chest-opening gimmick. 

As a result, we designed a detachable Matrix piece that can be mounted in the chest, which can then be transferred to the handheld Core Matrix. This allows for a pose where it is held in both hands, and we felt this worked very well and created strong synergy. 

The Matrix, with its central crystal containing the sparks of past leaders, a crystallised embodiment of wisdom. This was what I defined as the “core” when adapting it to Evangelion Unit-01. 

By scanning this, you can also enjoy imaginative play, envisioning how even the Matrix’s crystallised wisdom, where the sparks reside has also been influenced. 

-It really sparks the imagination to wonder what would happen if the Core Matrix were opened.

Developer: We hope customers will enjoy playing with this figure, and also imagine what might happen if Evangelion Prime Unit-01 were to open its chest and reveal the Core Matrix. 

We also hope they can let their imagination run free while enjoying the toy. 

-The holder part is also quite an unusual accessory for a Transformers figure, isn’t it?

Developer: We included it because this product comes with a large number of accessories, meaning there are inevitably parts that cannot be attached to the main body at all times. 

With Transformers figures, we felt it’s better if weapons can still be stored or mounted somewhere. In this case, there was a joint on the back that looked suitable, so we designed a holder that allows all the parts to be secured together. 

-Next, regarding articulation: I understand it largely follows the design of Legendary Optimus Prime, but are there any newly added points of articulation? 

Developer: The articulation of each part is based on Legendary Optimus Prime. The original figure already had a wide range of motion, so we retained that while further expanding the movement of the head. 

In the original design, the structure did not allow the chin to be raised. However, when expressing Evangelion Unit-01, we especially wanted to recreate the iconic roaring pose. 

For that reason, when designing the new head sculpt, we modified the structure to allow a greater range of movement. As a result, in addition to the original forward neck articulation, the head can now also tilt upward, enabling a much more expressive range of motion. 

-Is the transformation also the same? 

Developer: Yes, it essentially follows the same transformation process as Legendary Optimus Prime. However, we’ve adjusted the placement of certain parts, such as the shoulder weapon racks, so we think you’ll enjoy comparing it with the original Legendary Optimus Prime. 

-Regarding the transformation, how is the face changed?

Developer: This figure uses the same mask-on/mask-off switching mechanism as Legendary Optimus Prime. To change the face, you lift the top of the head and rotate the internal face unit. 

We made use of this mechanism to allow for both Optimus Prime’s masked face and a version inspired by Evangelion Unit-01. In addition, since Unit-01 is well known for its opening mouth, we also incorporated that feature as a gimmick. 

-Could you tell us about the key features and challenges of this product?

Developer: There are many key features. For the robot mode, we asked ourselves what elements would best express the idea of Optimus Prime gaining the power of Evangelion Unit-01 through scanning it. We focused on creating synergy by incorporating distinctive elements such as the shoulder-mounted weapon racks, chest armour, and the core within the chest to enhance play value. 

We also explored how to translate Unit-01’s characteristic V-shaped abdominal design onto Optimus Prime. 

While we enjoyed the process of fusing the designs of Optimus Prime and Unit-01, it involved a great deal of trial and error across various aspects. When we decided to fully match the colour scheme to Evangelion Unit-01, we carefully considered which areas should be orange and which should be green, comparing the shapes of both designs to determine the most appropriate colour placement. 

-Were there any constraints between the vehicle mode and robot mode in terms of colouring? For example, how did you decide the colours for parts that are shared or visible in both modes?

Developer: Interestingly, for this product, many of the exterior surfaces in vehicle mode are not visible in robot mode due to the transformation structure. 

This allowed us to independently consider the most suitable colour schemes for both the vehicle mode and the robot mode. 

However, the NERV and Autobot markings that are visible in vehicle mode are not seen in robot mode, as those panels face inward after transformation. As a result, we added a small Autobot symbol on the chest to serve as a visual identifier in robot mode. 

-Finally, could you share a closing message for our readers? 

Developer: This time, we’ve put a great deal of effort into creating a product that both Transformers and Evangelion fans can enjoy. We hope it will also spark interest in each franchise among fans of the other.

We’d like customers to pick it up and enjoy the unique appeal of both series, noticing details such as “this element comes from Transformers” or “this colour scheme is inspired by Evangelion Unit-01.” We’ve worked hard to make this a product people can truly look forward to. 

-Thank you very much

Original Interview: Hobby Watch Website