General Information
Release Date: March 2023
Price Point: $4.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: Alternative Channels in the US (Aldi, Dollar General, Family Dollar etc.)
Accessories: Cannons x 2
Official images and text in italics are from Hasbro.com
Go beast mode in every battle with the Transformers Authentics Bravo Optimus Primal Action Figure. Transformers Authentics figures feature popular Transformers characters at a 4.5-inch scale and are a great way to start your Transformers collection. This Transformers Optimus Primal figure converts from classic robot to gorilla mode in 9 easy steps, with simple conversion perfect for Transformers fans age 6 and up. Collect other Transformers Authentics figures to stage epic battles between the Autobots and Decepticons (each sold separately, subject to availability). Optimus Primal is the noble Maximal leader and selflessly committed to the Maximal codes of honor. He’s fiercely loyal to his friends and will protect them at any cost. Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.
- TRANSFORMERS AUTHENTICS: Transformers Authentics figures are inspired by popular characters from the Transformers universe. At a 4.5-inch scale, these figures are the perfect way to start your Transformers collection at a great value
- 2-IN-1 CONVERSION: This Optimus Primal figure features simple conversion perfect for young Transformers fans age 6 and up
- BEAST WARS INSPIRED ALT MODE: Convert this Optimus Primal toy, inspired by the noble Maximal leader, from robot to gorilla mode in 9 easy steps
- BUILD YOUR COLLECTION: Look for other Transformers Authentics figures to add to your collection (each sold separately, subject to availability). Stage epic battles between the Autobots and Decepticons inspired by the Transformers universe!
- GREAT GIFT FOR KIDS: Transformers action figures are fun, exciting gifts and converting robot toys for boys and girls ages 6 and up
- Ages 6 and up
- WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
- Includes Optimus Primal figure and instructions.
Background:
The Authentics line of Transformers figures began in 2017 as a set of figures intended for the discount market. In the United States these figures were mainly distributed to stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar, offering a cheaper alternative to the "mainline" toys such as Generations. This also meant these figures were simplified, often featuring less complex transformations and less articulation than their "mainline" counterparts. Outside the United States these figures were treated more like regular releases, often being found alongside figures from Studio Series, Generations and Rescue Bots. In general, Authentics figures are broken up into larger "Alpha" Class figures and smaller "Bravo" Class figures. In 2023, Authentics brought the world of Beast Wars into the fold with the release of Optimus Primal as part of the Bravo assortment alongside repacks of the previously released Bravo Optimus Prime and Bumblebee figures. No doubt the release of Rise of the Beasts contributed to the choice of this character in this assortment.
Packaging:
Previous Bravo Class figures were on bubble cards. However with Hasbro's efforts to move towards sustainable packaging, the Bravo Class figures are now packaged in rectangular cardboard boxes. The box features a small window to see the figure inside and a flap on top to hang it on pegs in store. The "Transformers" logo is set vertically to the right while on the left an angled box has Optimus Primal's name. Much of the front is covered by artwork featuring Optimus Primal in beast mode. The top flap shows the figure in beast mode. The back of the box shows the figure in both modes calling out a 9 step transformation and referring to Primal as the "Noble Maximal Leader". The lower part of the box back features legal information in multiple languages.
Accessories:
Optimus Primal includes two cannons inspired by those from the original Beast Wars Ultra Class Optimus Primal figure. Each features an angled section in the back, calling back to the shape of the cannons which were integrated into Ultra Optimus Primal's "back pack". The front has a rounded end that also appears to be a reference to the shape of the barrel on the cannons from the original Ultra Class Optimus Primal toy. These two accessories are identical and feature 3mm pegs. They are made of blue plastic with no paint applications. The designers could have easily made this figure without any accessories (like other Bravo Class figures) so I am very glad they included a couple of his weapons!
Robot Mode:
Optimus Primal's robot mode sculpt is directly based on the CG model from the 1996 animated series and I was surprised just how much detail carried over to this figure. Here are some of the highlights:
- Head: The head sculpt features the Optimus Prime-inspired design with a central crest and round details on the sides of the "helmet", but he also features antennae which look like curved blades and the "mouthplate" has a split in the middle to feature a mouth.
- Torso: The torso features a panel in front with a circle in the middle and angled designs going out to the sides. This originated with the original action figure and was later carried over to the CG model.
- Arms: The arms each feature shoulder armor that sits horizontally over the top of the arms. The biceps feature mechanical details including a circle in the front. Meanwhile, the forearms are mostly sculpted with "fur" detail and his hand are clearly meant to look like organic gorilla hands. However, on the sides you can see Optimus Primal's iconic dual blasters sculpted on top of the forearms! I was very happy to see this detail.
- Legs: The legs feature a blend of mechanical and organic looking details with distinctive knee armor. His feet are also part mechanical and part organic looking. The section right above his feet feature a "piston" type detail sculpted into the lower legs. This was a key feature of the original Ultra Class figure that was also later integrated into his animation model.
For an Authentics Bravo Class figure I have to say this sculpt is outstanding. I appreciate how much the cartoon's CG model was used to influence its design.
This figure is made mostly out of black, silver and blue plastic. Paint colors include blue, red and silver. These are all iconic Optimus Primal colors and they look great. That said, many details are not painted likely due to budget limitations, and it's a shame. For instance, the blasters on his forearms would look great painted and his feet would have looked great in grey or silver.
There are fourteen points of articulation on this figure. This includes three in each arm and leg and even waist articulation. The elbow articulation is a bit restricted, only allow you to move the arm a bit up and down and not all the way, but it's enough to not look awkward. The blasters can be attached to his back (a callback to the original Beast Wars figure) or held in his hands. Even better? The designers clearly were keeping the original toy and CG model in minde because the blasters can also be attached to ports on either side of his head, simulating the way the original toy could deploy its cannons via a spring loaded mechanism.
Transformation to Beast Mode:
- Detach the weapons and set them aside for now.
- Straighten out the arms and legs.
- Push the shoulder armor down over the biceps.
- Rotate the forearms so the top of the hands face forward.
- Rotate the lower body around.
- Swing the back section (with the head attached) back.
- Pull the robot head up, rotate it around, then push it back down.
- Flip the torso panel, switching out the robot one for the beast mode one.
- Push the back piece with the beast mode head back in place.
- Move the arms up.
- Swing the legs back, then swing the lower legs forward.
- Swing the back panel with "fur" detail on it back.
- Attach the cannons to the back.
Beast Mode:
Optimus Primal's beast mode is interesting because so much of the robot mode design came from the cartoon but this mode seems largely made up just for this figure. I say this mostly because of the head sculpt, which is shaped very differently than the one shown in the cartoon or even the original toy. The two details that stand out to me are the mechanical details on the sides of the head which allude to the "antennae" on his robot head and fangs sticking out of his mouth. The mechanical details on the head definitely take a bit away from Primal being "disguised" as a purely organic gorilla and the fangs are weird because while gorillas do have long canine teeth, they do not generally stick out of the mouth like this (at least from the image search I did, they don't). These details are not bad, mind you, they are just unexpected. The rest of the figure does call back to the original Ultra Class figure nicely showing off mostly "fur" detailing with bits of the robot mode sticking out on the legs (which on a toy of this class, can't be helped).
This mode mostly shows off black plastic. Bits of the silver and red stick out on the legs, but that can't be helped. The torso panel and face are painted grey and his eyes are orange. This mode has thirteen points of articulation, though I'm counting the waist and leg articulation that most folks probably won't use in this mode.
Final Thoughts:
I was thrilled when I learned Optimus Primal would be joining the Authentics series. I think Authentics is a fantastic way for younger fans to get exposed to Transformers and this (in addition to last year's Rise of the Beasts) is a great gateway for them to experience Beast Wars. Recommended.
Pros:
- Excellent sculpt for the price point.
- Good articulation.
- I appreciate the figure having weapons.
- First Beast Wars entry into Authentics
- Good (read: not amazing) deco.
Cons:
- Could use more deco.
- I do wish the articulation on the forearms was better.
- Odd beast mode face sculpt.
