General Information:
Release Date: April 2020
Price Point: $19.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Amazon, BigBadToyStore, Entertainment Earth, Target, Walmart etc.)
Accessories: Matrix of Leadership, Smokestacks x 2, Dual Barrel Blasters, Energon Axe
Official images and product description in italics below are from Amazon:
- TRANSFORMERS: ONE OPTIMUS PRIME: This Transformers Studio Series 112 Optimus Prime action figure is highly articulated for posability and features movie-inspired deco and details
- TRANSFORMERS TOYS STUDIO SERIES DELUXE CLASS: This 4.5-inch (11.5 cm) collectible action figure is inspired by iconic movie scenes and designed with specs and details to reflect the Transformers movie universe
- 2 ICONIC MODES: This Studio Series Transformers toy features classic conversion between robot and Cybertronian truck modes in 25 steps
- AWESOME ACCESSORIES: Transformers figure comes with 2 shoulder pipes, dual-barrel blaster, and Energon Axe accessories that attach in both modes
- ARTICULATED FOR PLAY AND DISPLAY: Transformers figures feature articulated heads, arms, and legs for action poses
- REMOVABLE BACKDROP: Removable backdrop displays the Transformers Studio Series Optimus Prime figure in the Metropolis of Iacon scene
- COLLECT STUDIO SERIES MOVIE FIGURES: This action figure toy makes a great collectible figure gift for any Transformers fan. Look for more Transformers Studio Series toys to build a collection (each sold separately, subject to availability)
Bring the epic action of the Transformers movies from the big screen into your collection with the Transformers Studio Series Deluxe Class Optimus Prime action figure, inspired by Transformers: One! Transformers Studio Series toys are collectible action figures that feature movie-inspired details and accessories. Convert the Studio Series Transformers action figure from robot to Cybertronian truck mode in 25 steps and pose the Optimus Prime toy in the included Metropolis of Iacon removable backdrop scene. Look for more Transformers Studio Series collectible figures to build a movie-inspired collection (each sold separately, subject to availability)! TRANSFORMERS and HASBRO and all related trademarks and logos are trademarks of Hasbro, Inc. © 2024 Hasbro.
Background:
Transformers One takes place during the age before the Great War began on Cybertron. The story centers around best friends Orion Pax and D-16 going on an adventure that will change their lives forever. Part of that journey of course centers around Orion Pax eventually becoming the hero known as Optimus Prime. All this is given away in the trailers for the movie (see below). This Studio Series figure is based on Optimus Prime's appearance in the film.
Packaging:
Optimus Prime comes in standard Studio Series packaging. The box is rectangular with a black background and blue borders and lettering. The Generations and Transformers logos are found on the front set vertically on the right side. The Transformers One logo is on the upper left hand corner and a render of Optimus Prime from the film is towards the bottom. There is an open window (with no plastic) showing off the figure in robot mode.The same render of Optimus Prime is used on the sides of the box (both zoomed out an in a close up).
The back of the box shows Optimus in both modes calling out a 25 step transformation. It also shows him holding his Matrix of Leadership accessory and standing in front of his backdrop included in the box. The backdrop shows a Cybertronian Cityscape painted in shades of gold, referencing Cybertron's pre-war state in the film.
Accessories:
Optimus Prime includes several accessories:
- Smokestacks: One of Optimus Prime's classic features are smokestacks attached to his shoulders. This figure includes two smokestack accessories that are identical. Each features series of tube-shaped structures stacked on top of one another. The smokestacks attach to his shoulders via 5mm pegs which means they can also be held in his hands. Each is made of red plastic with grey and silver paint.
- Energon Axe: Another traditional Optimus Prime accessory is his Energon Axe, first shown in the G1 animated series. Like that version of the axe, this one features a large, curved blade in front with a smaller one in back. The handle ends with a round piece on top and a 5mm peg for Optimus to hold it. The base has tabs on the sides to attach it to the back of the figure and the axe blade section has a 5mm port. This piece is made entirely of translucent blue plastic with no paint applications.
- Matrix of Leadership: The Matrix of Leadership accessory looks exactly like you would expect: a ball in the center with handles overlapping on top and extending out to the sides. Many figures have included Matrix accessories, but not all of them can hold the Matrix in two hands very well, but the designers have our backs with this figure! On either side of the Matrix are two tabs that fit into slots on Optimus' fists! This lets him "hold" the Matrix with both hands in front of him and it looks great! This piece is made out of translucent blue plastic with gold and silver paint applications and it looks fantastic.
Robot Mode:
Optimus Prime's design pays heavy homage to his classic G1 design while introducing some elements that make him look a bit more "scifi" and alien. Among his G1 inspired details are:
- Head: The head design features the classic Optimus Prime design complete with a high crest in the center, "antennae" like pieces on the sides and a mouthplate.
- Chest: The chest features the vehicle mode's windshield in front, though here it is one piece instead of being split in two. Above the windshield is a row of lights.
- Legs: The lower legs feature an open section in the middle with sections sculpted to look like they are the panels on a vent.
- Feet: The feet each feature two indented lines on top which all back to a design that can be found on the G1 Optimus Prime action figure!
The rest of the design is quite different than what we're used to seeing on Optimus. His upper arms are curved on top instead of being blocky like they were in G1. His forearms have layers of detail that look like they are pieces of armor layered over mechanical details underneath. His waist and hip armor is all angled instead of being set horizontally like they were in G1 In terms of screen accuracy, these details all come right from the on-screen model. All this results in a very sleek and "scifi" appearance that I really like.
This figure is made of red, dark blue, grey and translucent blue plastic. Paint applications include red, silver, grey, yellow and light blue paint. Some early stock photos of the toy make the grey parts look kind of like they are yellowing, but I will tell you in person there is no such "yellowing" color. I think unfortunately that is largely due to a trick of lighting. This deco looks good overall, but I will say, it was surprising to see just how much brighter all his colors are in the trailer above. I definitely would not mind a redeco that looks more like the CG model in the film.
This figure has twenty four points of articulation. That includes six in each arm and five in each leg. Each fist and shoulder has a 5mm port, the latter of which are for the smokestacks of course. Swing the chest panel up and you'll reveal the Matrix chamber. The Matrix attaches to the peg inside. Unfortunately, the blasters/frame that connects to the back for the vehicle mode has a tendency to pop off when you pose the figure out so be warned.
Transformation to Vehicle Mode:
- Detach the Axe and truck weapons (if attached) and set them aside for now.
- Straighten out the arms and legs.
- Turn the head around and then swing it back so it is looking up.
- Push the head down.
- On each leg push the feet down.
- Swing the wheel sections on each leg out to the sides.
- Rotate the back panel around.
- Swing the chest section up.
- Swing the panel with the truck grille up.
- Swing each arm back.
- Swing the arm joints forward, then swing the arms so the smokestacks point forward.
- Tab the shoulder sections to the panel with the grille on it.
- Push the back panel down to form the top of the vehicle.
- Rotate the lower body around.
- Lift up the waist panel.
- Swing the lower body forward, then swing the legs back.
- Push the legs together.
- Connect the arms to the tabs on the sides of the thighs.
- Connect the fists to the pegs sticking out from the rear wheel wells. You may need to bend the knees a bit to align them.
- Attach the truck blasters to the front of the vehicle.
- The axe can be stored in the back by fitting the tabs on the sides under the knee armor and resting the handle on top of the parts that connect the legs together.
Vehicle Mode:
Optimus Prime's vehicle mode is a Cybertronian truck cab. Like the robot mode, it borrows some inspiration from G1 Optimus Prime's design but also adds design elements all its own to make it look more like an alien vehicle. From G1 Optimus the cab is mostly boxy in shape with a truck bed section in the back. He even has a very Earth-like grille and fender in front. Other parts however look alien including the front wheel wells, which curve in front and stick out a bit. The rear wheel wells are covered with one long panel and the smokestacks are attached to the sides of the front wheel wells. I love how different yet familiar this truck mode looks. It is instantly recognizable as Optimus Prime even though it is not an exact copy of any previous truck mode.
All the same colors from the vehicle mode show here but we get to see some new bits thanks to the front panel. This panel is red with grey paint on parts like the grille and fender. Just as the sculpt is very "Optimus Prime" so are the colors!
While Optimus has large wheel wells on either side the vehicle actually rolls on four small wheels on the bottom of the truck mode. The smokestacks can be turned back in a "non-firing" position or pointed forward like cannons. The truck blasters can be attached to the front of the vehicle, giving him some more firepower. The barrels on these blasters can fit Blast Effects for some added visual flair.
Final Thoughts:
Studio Series Optimus Prime from Transformers One is a good figure that represents its on-screen counterpart very well. The transformation is intuitive and both modes look good. Unfortunately the truck blasters do not hold well in robot mode and I do wish his deco was brighter. This is a good figure with some minor issues. Recommended.
Pros:
- Excellent sculpt that looks like the on-screen CG model.
- Good deco (even if not as bright as what is seen on screen).
- Fun and intuitive transformation.
- Cool accessories (especially the way the Matrix is "held" in the hands).
Cons:
- The blasters for the truck mode do not hold very well in robot mode and tend to fall off.
