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General Information
Release Date: April 2025
Price Point: $98.00
Retailer: Supreme Exclusive
Accessories: Fists x 2, Ion Blaster, Hose, Nozzle, Fuel Pump, Missiles x 4, Roller vehicle
Official images and text in italics are from Supreme:
6.25" Optimus Prime figure featuring classic conversion from robot to 13" semi-truck with custom logo application. Features trailer that converts to a combat deck and repair bay. Includes two hands, two blasters, fuel hose, roller and missile runner. Made exclusively for Supreme
*Note: Even though the official description said there are two blasters I believe they are counting the fuel nozzle as a "blaster". This set only includes one of Optimus Prime's rifles.
Background:
Starting in 2001, the original Optimus Prime/Convoy sculpt was reissued first by Takara then later by Hasbro. As the years went along, various versions of a "vintage" Optimus Prime would be released, sometimes celebrating brand anniversaries. Then for a while both Hasbro and Takara Tomy stopped putting out reissues. That was, until 2019 when Hasbro released a Walmart exclusive Optimus Prime reissue of just the cab. No trailer, no Roller, no hose pieces etc. This was the last fans saw of Optimus Prime/Convoy reissues until 2024. In September of 2024, Walmart released a limited supply of a 40th Anniversary reissue of Optimus Prime. However, unlike previous versions this was given a new deco to call back to the animated series. This follows other redecos that did the same. Unlike the 2019 release, this is a full release with a cab and trailer. The trailer is all new tooling while the cab has been slightly tweaked since its release in 2019.
In 2025 Hasbro teamed up with clothing retailer Supreme to create an exclusive Optimus Prime figure that is a redeco of the Retro G1 Optimus Prime. This was announced via a fun video you can see on Youtube. Now, if you watch that video you may think this is actually the Missing Link Prime but it is not. They clearly customized the figure for the purpose of that video (yes, I'm sad about that too).
This figure went on sale April 17, 2025 on the Supreme web site and by some accounts sold out within minutes. Fortunately the Supreme retail stores also carried limited quantities of the figure. I personally purchased mine at the New York City store at 190 Bowery in Manhattan.
I did write a review for the Retro G1 Optimus Prime last year, but I never published it because the photos I took for that review were lost in a recent computer crash. So, for the purposes of this review I will be cribbing from my own review of Retro G1 Optimus Prime to note how this figure is different than the original Optimus Prime from the 80's.
Packaging:
I made a pretty big deal out of the packaging in my review of the last Optimus Prime reissue from Walmart and this will not be too different. Since this is a celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Transformers brand, the packaging has been styled to resemble the original G1 Optimus Prime box from 1984! It is not an exact recreation, but it takes the original box as its foundation and goes from there.
Like the original box, this reissue is a wide, rectangular box with a giant flap on top (a common feature of G1 Transformers for many years. The boxes are not exactly the same size. The original G1 box is actually a tiny bit taller (maybe by a milimeter). The flaps on top are the same size. The box itself is made out of the very thick type of cardboard currently being used for Leader Class figures in the Legacy line, something I was very grateful for as Walmart did not put any padding material in the box when they shipped this to me (so be warned). This is actually thicker than the cardboard on the original G1 box and it feels stronger.
The graphics on the box largely follow the same design as the G1 box. The flap on top has a giant G1 Transformers logo on it including an Autobot symbol with the words "Heroic Autobot" next to it. The top shows Optimus Prime transforming from a truck cab to a robot across five steps. However, on this new box the steps are simply labeled 1-5 with small arrow boxes. On the original box the arrow boxes use the word "Start" at the first step, then "Change" for three steps before using "Finish" at the final step. All the photos of Optimus Prime show him in the "Supreme" deco and interestingly his smokestacks are short in all the pictures even though the actual figure has "regular" sized smokestacks. No doubt the figure in the photos was a prototype before they restored his smokestacks to their regular size.
The front features the classic Optimus Prime art but his colors have all been altered to look like the "Supreme" version of Prime complete with the Supreme logo across his chest, on his shoulders and on his license plate. The background features the classic grid with a red to black gradient and some yellow behind Optimus' art. Above the window (outlined in grey) there are three photos: one showing Optimus in robot and vehicle modes, another showing him in robot mode and a third showing both the vehicle and base modes. Below these photos is the 40th Anniversary logo. Below the window (which lets you see part of the vehicle mode) there is an "8+" age recommendation, which is interesting because the original age recommendation was 5 and up! Next to that is the classic 80's Hasbro logo and next to that is a box with the words "Autobot Commander Optimus Prime" inside. Next to that is the "Supreme" logo in white letters against a red rectangle.
The sides of the box feature the G1 Transformers logo and photos of Optimus in both robot and vehicle modes. The back of the box fetures the classic G1 "battle" artwork. However, Optimus Prim ehimself has been repainted to use the "Supreme" deco. He heven has the word "Supreme" on his chest and shoulder!
On the upper right hand corner is a variation of the classic packaging blurb from G1 This version says:
It is a world of constant change, where things are not what they seem. It is the world of the Transformers...a world of Heroic Autobots and Evil Decepticons!
On the G1 box however, the blurb starts with "It is a world Transformed.". The change is likely due to trademark concerns with "over using" the term "transform" to the point where Hasbro might lose the trademark (yes, that's a real concern). This blurb is printed in five different languages with English on top. The bottom part of the packaging has a very shortened version of the G1 Tech Specs in five languages and ratings for Strength, Intelligence, Speed and Firepower (all represented by symbols). While the tech specs use the pink lines that you can "decode" using a strip of transparent red plastic, this release does not include the "decoder". Next to the tech specs is a large black box with tons of legal info in various languages. In place of the G1 "Robot Points" there is an "Authentic Transformers" logo with an outline around it as if you could cut it out to redeem. There is no mail offer, this is just a fun visual nod to the past. Next to that is the classic Hasbro logo.
I want to be clear: I very much appreciate the hard work that goes into modern day Transformers packaging. It is beautiful and deserves admiration. That said, nothing stirs me to my core like classic G1 packaging. The flap, the tech specs, the grid, the package art, it's all so epic I cannot help but love it. Hasbro did a fantastic job on the Retro G1 box and this modification of it is also brilliant.
For those curious, unlike Missing Link Convoy, Optimus Prime sits in a plastic tray in vehicle mode. Above the vehicle are slots for the various accessories. Yes, there is a part of me that wishes it was styrofoam purely out of nostalgia but I recognize how terrible it is for the environment and I'm totally fine with a plastic tray.
Accessories:
Optimus Prime comes with a lot of accessories. Here's a rundown:
- Fists: It was not uncommon for G1 figures to have parts that attached post-transformation. In Optimus' case these were his fists. These are the same molds as the 2019 release, complete with the extra raised sections on top to help you point the blaster weapon forward (more on that below). These fists are made of red plastic.
- Ion Blaster: Optimus Prime's main weapon is his hand held Ion Blaster. While the previous release had both variations of his blaster weapons, this one only includes the one with the thicker barrel. This is a carry over from the days of this figure being part of the Diaclone series. This weapon features a longer handle than the original G1 figure. In concert with the modified fists, it allows him to hold the weapon pointing forward instead of angled to the side as you would have had to do with the original toy in the 80's. This piece is made of red plastic and features an Autobot symbol in white outline on the left side, one of the rare cases where there is deco on this weapon.
- Hose/Nozzle/Fuel Pump: Technically these are three separate accessories but they connect together to form a fueling pump/hose that Optimus can hold in his hand as if he is "refueling" a vehicle. The fuel pump piece attaches to the base mode and the nozzle has a peg that can fit in Optimus' hand. The hose in the middle is a softer plastic that can flex, but I wouldn't do it too much unless you want to break it. All of these pieces are black with no paint applications.
- Missiles: The trailer's Combat Deck/Base Mode features a repair pod in the middle. The pod can accommodate two missiles. Optimus includes four of these. Interestingly the missiles have different designs than the original G1 versions. The G1 versions have rounded sections that insert into the pod. These versions have a notch on them instead. Each is made of black plastic with yellow painted on the tips.
- Roller: Roller is Optimus Prime's small companion. He (it?) does not transform but is instead a small vehicle featuring six wheels and four seats for 70's/80's style Diaclone pilots. A hole on the back allows you to attach accessories such as the fuel pump or Ion Blaster. This version of Roller is red with black wheels. In a fun and unique touch, the designers used silver paint to paint some details in the front and back. These take the place of the stickers that were included with G1 Roller.
Vehicle Mode:
In truck mode the cab of the vehicle looks near identical to the one released in 2019 featuring classic design elements such as windows in front with a large grille underneath and horns/lights in row on top of the vehicle. For those curious, yes, there are still metal parts in all the same places as the 2019 release and the wheels are rubber. Also, like the 2019 release he has long smokestacks!
Using the "Supreme" logo as its primary reference point, Optimus Prime is mostly solid and translucent red plastic. The wheels feel rubbery but are more likely PVC plastic so fans don't have to deal with them rotting away in time (but that is speculation on my part). Unlike the original Optimus Prime's deep red color, this red is a much brighter shade, almost looking red-orange. There are no stickers included with the set for the cab, so the designers made up for it in a rather extensive redeco. Both sides feature white Autobot symbols. Silver paint is used extensively on the front, sides, the smokestacks, headlights, the sides of the wheels, the cylinders on the sides and the horns on top of the cab. The "Supreme" logo appears on the windows, the license plate and on either side under the Autobot symbols, just in case, you know, you forgot which brand was being represented by this figure. Yellow paint is used for the row of lights on top of the cab and small details on the front bumper. Overall the silver to red contrast works very well and I really appreciate seeding details painted that are usually left unpainted in other versions of Optimus.
The trailer has been the subject of much buzz online so let me put this to rest: this trailer is not a reuse or retool of the Takara Tomy Missing Link trailer. I checked with someone I know at Hasbro and they confirmed this is a completely new set of tools created out of necessity when the original tools were no longer viable (hence its exclusion in 2019). Even before you transform this to its Combat Deck mode there are differences you can see, mostly at the bottom.
The bottom of the trailer has several black pieces which make up the trailer hitch, the central supports for the Combat Deck Mode and the rear wheel wells. The shape of the trailer hitch section is different than those on the Missing Link figure. The Missing Link trailer features a wide piece on the bottom that is screwed into the base of the trailer. This reissue features a more narrow piece, like the one used on G1 Optimus Prime's trailer. Also, the Missing Link trailer features the "© Tomy" logo with "Made in Vietnam" under it. This 40th Anniversary version features no trademark/copyright information at all. On top of that there are some random circle designs on the grey part of the trailer's bottom section that are absent on the Missing Link trailer.
When preview pictures of the Walmart exclusive Retro G1 Optimus Prime figure were released, many people noticed immediately that the sides of the trailer feature two screws in the middle. I won't lie, they don't look great. However, these are not a new feature. Fans are not used to seeing these details because on every release of Optimus Prime they are generally covered up with stickers. On this release the "Supreme" logo is printed in white letters going across the side, but it leaves the screws exposed. Personally I would have preferred a sticker with the "Supreme" logo for the sides.
The trailer is made up of red and black plastic. The red plastic on the trailer looks a bit less intense than the cab, but it is clearly meant to color coordinate with the cab. The parts on the bottom that make up the trailer hitch, Combat Deck supports and rear wheels wells are black plastic. The sides of the vac metal silver on the wheels have been replaced with silver paint. As mentioned above, the "stripe" on the sides has been painted light grey with a red Autobot symbol over it near the screws.
Transformation to Robot Mode (Cab):
- Swing the back of the vehicle forward, and swing the ends up to form the feet.
- Swing the sections with the headlights out, then swing the sections with the smokestacks forward.
- Swing the robot head up and forward.
- Attach each of the fists.
- The Ion Blaster can fit into either fist.
Transformation to Base Mode (Trailer):
- Flip the trailer over and swing out the blue support pieces to the sides.
- Flip the trailer back over and swing the rear door down.
- Swing the sides of the trailer out.
- Extend the repair drone and unfold its arm and radar dish.
- The fuel pump/hose/nozzle pieces can attach to one of the ports on the Combat Deck's floor.
Robot Mode:
This cab section utilizes the same base tooling as the 2019 reissue of Optimus Prime. However, some minor changes have been made for this release. These changes are all focused on information on the back of the figure. The chart below lays out the differences between the markings on the 2019 and 2024 reissues (and thus this release):
| 2019 Reissue | Supreme Version | |
| Left Shoulder (Back) | © 2018 Hasbro SA, © TOMY, Vietnam, V2976B | © 2024 Hasbro SA, © TOMY, Vietnam, V2976B |
| Back (Left Side) | 62921 | None |
| Back (Right Side) | #E5003 | #G0097 43421 |
| Right Shoulder (Back) | CE | CE |
As you may have guessed, the robot mode has a lot of red colors. Even the die-cast metal feet are painted red to match. A lot of the deco details from the vehicle mode carry over here, so most of the "newly revealed" details are on the robot head and legs. The head is red plastic with silver and light blue deco. The thighs are painted silver while the lower legs are red with gunmetal grey paint on the section that looks like vents.
All the joints on this figure are nice and tight. His fists hold in the ports on the forearms without a problem.
Combat Deck:
Above I mentioned that this trailer is a new set of tools and is not a retool or reuse of the Missing Link Convoy trailer. I discussed the bottom of the trailer already but there are many other differences. Here's a rundown:
- The Missing Link trailer does not have the launcher mechanism for Roller. In this trailer that launcher is intact and functional. Push Roller into the slots and lock it into place. Then press the tab on the back and it launches Roller down the ramp. I was surprised just how strong the launcher is. It sent Roller down the ramp without a problem and a few inches away!
- The repair pod's claw arm looks much more like the G1 version complete with a working claw and it lacks the indentation on the side that the Missing Link version has.
- The repair pod's missile launchers are non-functional. They basically serve as missile holders unlike Missing Link which can launch its missiles.
- The repair pod cannot detach and act as an independent vehicle as it does in the Missing Link version.
The rest of the Combat Deck is the same as previous releases including the small seats for Diaclone drivers. Sadly the pod does not fit a Diaclone driver but most fans aren't going to have piles of them lying around so I'm not going to hold it against the toy. And yes, I acknowledge some of you reading do in fact have some Diaclone pilots lying around. If you do, kudos to you!
The Combat Deck mostly features red plastic with some black parts such as the Roller launcher and the support connected to the Combat Deck pod. The cover on the pod is translucent red. In an usual move, the two small seats for Diaclone pilots have been given some deco! The control center on the right (if you are facing the ramp) has yellow and blue details with the seat and parts in front painted black. A white Autobot symbol graces the section in the front. The other side also features yellow, blue and black details. The middle of the main ramp is painted silver (which is a good amount of paint). In an unusual move, Hasbro included a unique set of stickers with this figure and they look great. The stickers on the sides look like various panels on the floor. The ramp has stickers at the end that look like lights and further up on the ramp are silver stickers on either side. The middle of the ramp is painted gunmetal grey.
Final Thoughts:
As "brand crossover" figures go this is a pretty snazzy one but it is not for everyone. Some fans may be put off by the extensive use of red which could be seen as monotonous. I think this could have been the case except the designers clearly wanted to make this piece distinctive in its own way by giving it exclusive stickers and deco points not often seen on G1 Optimus Prime redecos. If this was a normal release I'd list it as "Recommended" but its exclusive nature already has scalpers selling it for over $200, which it is not worth unless you are a huge Supreme fan. If you're an Optimus completist or someone who is very into brand crossovers, I would not go far above $150 for this figure (and even that's pushing it).
Pros:
- I appreciate the efforts made to give smaller deco points to the figure to balance out the extensive use of red plastic.
- The newly tooled trailer is much appreciated.
- It is very cool that the ability to launch Roller has been restored.
- The packaging will make G1 fans super nostalgic and kudos for using really solid cardboard.
- This set is lots of fun!
Cons:
- The two screws showing on the sides of the trailer do not look great and will definitely turn away some fans.
- The difficulty in getting this figure has been frustrating for fans.
