Optimus Prime (Armada)/toys

Likeother Optimuses,Unicron TrilogyOptimus Primehas a lot of toys.

Contents 1Armada 2Built to Rule! 3Energon 4Cybertron 5Hybrid Style 6Classics 7Transformers(2007) 8Universe(2008) 9Bot Shots 10Platinum Edition 11Kre-O 12War for Cybertron: Siege 13Canceled prototype 14Legacy 15Notes 16References 17External links

Armada

• Optimus Prime(Super Base,2002/2003)

• Takara name:Convoy Super Mode
• Sonokong name:Super Optimus
• Takara/Sonokong ID number:MC-01
• Takara release date:December 26,2002
• Accessories:Trailer/base/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks
• Known designers:Aaron Archer(Hasbro),Hironori Kobayashi(Takara)

The firstUnicron TrilogyOptimus Prime toy transforms into a long-nose truck cab of made-up model. His clear-plastic smokestacks can detach and form a double-barrelled pistol that he can hold inrobot mode,and a button on top of his head causes hismouthplateto jiggle up and down as if he were talking (the irony being that while this was a familiar trait ofG1 cartoon Optimus Prime,in theArmadaanimated series, this Prime's mouthplate remained static when he talked). He can also hold a large cannon—inspired by his G1 counterpart'sion blaster—that is stored within histrailer,and his chest flips down to reveal a (non-removable)Matrix of Leadership.He is packaged with his Mini-Con partnerSparkplug.His tires are branded with the fictional tyre company "MONSTER CONVOY".^[1]

The toy's primary gimmick is its auto-transforming trailer, which assumes one of three configurations whentriggeredby an infra-red signal transmitted from the cab robot. Transforming the cab into robot mode will cause the trailer to automatically flip open into a battle station for Mini-Cons, which Prime can stand in the centre of. The base features a central tower with a pop-out artillery emplacement and a mount for Prime's large cannon; a rotating missile-firing turret; two Mini-Con storage bays, one of which featured a manually-activated tab to launch Mini-Cons out; and two livePowerlinxhardpoints, one of which pops up a non-firing turret, the other activating a laser noise.

Prime's cab and trailer can also combine to form his "Super Mode".Transforming the cab into the torso portion sends the transformation command to the trailer, which raises itself up off the ground to become a pair of immobile, statuesque legs (as long as you're not playing with it on carpet), and when the pair are connected, the Super Mode head pops up with a metallic shriek sound effect. Pressing the Autobot symbol on the figure's chest activates a pulsing laser sound effect, and the small grey button on his right shoulder illuminates his fist with a red LED, which can illuminate either of his guns, as well as theStar Saber(the Star Saber was specifically cast in clear plastic for this purpose, but in practice, the light failed to carry even halfway up the blade). Prime's firing missile and Mini-Con activated gimmicks remain accessible in this mode, but look a bit doofy if you deploy them. The initialHasbrorelease of Prime had tabs in its Super Mode shoulders that prevented them from rotating above the horizontal default position, so as not to break the wires that run through the toy's right arm. Coupled with the limited elbow joints, this left Optimus Prime able only to point his weapons towards the ground, and the tabs were removed on subsequent editions of the figure.

Instead of his trailer, Prime can alternately combine withArmadaJetfire,who forms a pair of legs, as "Jet Prime"(Jet Optimusin the cartoon and Korea; "Jet Convoy"in Japan). In addition to this,ArmadaOverload(Ultra Magnus in Japan and Korea) can form a pair of massive cannons that attach to either Prime's base mode, or mount over the shoulders of his Super Mode torso (with either his trailer or Jetfire as legs), formingOptimus Prime Megaweapon(Magna Convoy/Magna Jet Convoyin Japan;Magna Optimus/Magna Jet Optimusin Korea). When combined with Overload, Prime's smokestacks have to be removed, so that his smaller robot forearms'5 mm postscan plug into the designated ports on Overload. It appears that Overload wasn't entirely designed with the Jetfire combination in mind, as Jetfire's cockpit section interferes with Overload's speaker box, causing the cockpit to either pop off the friction hinge, or Overload to not sit properly in his designated spot with the 5 mm posts in Prime's smaller robot forearms, so one either has to remove the cockpit or leave Overload hanging "loosely" in the friction slots, without the 5 mm posts and ports lined up.

TheTakaraLegends of the MicronsConvoy Super ModeandSonokongEunha Yeongung: CybertronSuper Optimusreleases of Optimus Prime from the following year made a few changes, noticeably replacing the gold paint and plastic of the Hasbro toy with bright yellow and much brighter gold. The deco had been tweaked to be a bit closer to the original prototype glimpsed in early catalogs, with yellow added back to cab Prime's feet, the cab grill painted silver, and the Super Mode's waist getting much more paint. This version of the figure was never burdened with the mobility-inhibiting shoulder tabs of the initial Hasbro release. Completing the Super Mode combination triggers a new clip of Prime shouting "Convoy, Super Mode!" in Japanese instead of generic mechanical sounds. It's currently unknown what sounds the Korean release makes. There are two variants of the Takara packaging: one uses artwork closer to the toy's design and the other closer to the animation model.^[2]

Care must be taken while articulating the toy's base-robot elbow joints, as the lower joint has been known to snap. This doesn't appear to beGold Plastic Syndromelike many in thefandomhave hastily concluded—instead, it seems likely that the break occurs when the elbow joint is moved while the arms are positioned on the back of the combined mode, and have been forcedjustenough for them to break. To prevent this, pull the shoulder out and bend the elbow at the red joint first, before moving the arm in any other direction. Other uses of the mold have been known to break in the same place, in the exact same way, and withverynoticeable stress marks, indicating no form of GPS is present. Remember, kids: if a figure breaks and leaves visible cracks and stress marks, it'snotGPS. GPS occurs with no warning signs, and leaves a clean break. The rivets and pins in the elbows being misfired also likely play a big part in these breaks too.

As the flagship toy of the line, this set was central to a number ofstore-exclusive promotional freebiesin Japan. Ito Yokaido offered one of the threeUndergrove Edition Destruction Micronswith purchase inJanuary.Toys "R" Usoffered one of threeUltimate Edition Land Military MicronsinMarch,with Hello Mac stores having the same offer inMay.Most infamous though wasJUSCOstores'Space Galaxy Edition Destruction Micronpromotion, where one member of this team wasblind-packedinto the actual Convoy Super Mode boxes in May. Yes,inside.Good luck.

• More information on Armada Super Base Optimus Prime at TFU.info

Transformers: Armadamold:Optimus Prime (Super Base)
Hasbro: ArmadaOptimus Prime Powerlinx Optimus Prime Powerlinx Optimus Prime (Battle for the Matrix) EnergonOptimus Prime Takara: Legends of the MicronsMC-01Convoy Super Mode Kinpika Convoy MC-XXMagna Convoy DX Sonokong: Eunha Yeongung: CybertronMD-01Super Optimus

• Optimus Prime(Super-Con Class, 2002)

• Takara name:STD Convoy
• Takara ID number:MC-06
• Takara release date:December 26,2002
• Accessories:Left & right smokestacks
• Known designers:Aaron Archer(Hasbro),Hironori Kobayashi(Takara)

This highly-poseable "Super-Con Class" version ofArmadaOptimus Prime is an entirely original mold, retaining the ability to tow Super Base Optimus Prime's trailer, though he cannot combine with it. He comes with the Mini-ConOver-Run(Surge in Japan), who can transform into a gun for him, or can peg onto the Powerlinx plug on Optimus's back to activate a double-fisted "punching" action. Like the Super Base figure, Prime has a flip-down chestplate, but in a deliberate choice he lacks a molded-in Matrix (though he does have a molded gap in the center where the Matrix would go, whichdoesmatch the end of the show, after herelinquishesit).^[3][4][5]His smokestacks can be removed (and in many cases will simply fall off), but cannot peg together as a gun. Shipping in a great many waves throughout most of the later run of the line, Super-Con Optimus became a notoriouspegwarmer.

The initial release of the figure featured silver lights on his roof; later on, the lights were changed to yellow, and later still, an Autobot emblem was added to the hood of the vehicle. These changes were not made on the Japanese release of the figure, which bore the unfortunate appellation of "STD", meaning "standard".^[6]

The toy is notable for being one of the earliest instances of an important character receiving a second, more affordable toy without this being rationalised as an entirely new body in-fiction—as not all markets would receive the bigger price-points.^[7]

• More information on Armada Supercon Optimus Prime at TFU.info

Transformers: Armadamold:Optimus Prime (Super-Con)
Hasbro: ArmadaOptimus Prime Nemesis Prime Universe(2003)Ultra Magnus CybertronOptimus Prime Universe(2008)Optimus Prime (Battle for the Cyber Planet Keys) Takara: Legends of the MicronsMC-06STD Convoy TV Magazine: Legends of the MicronsCrystal Convoy Scourge

• KinpikaConvoy(Lucky Draw figure,August2003)

• Accessories:Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

This Japanese-exclusivevacuum metalizedgolden redeco of Convoy Super Mode, whose name means "Shining Golden", was available as a prize in several draws, including a colouring contest held in the pages ofTV-Kunmagazine, and in-store lottery draws at Tobu Department Stores. Between the draws, at least 58 "KinpikaConvoy "toys are known to have been given away, making it one of the more widely availableLucky Draw figures,comparatively speaking. It came packaged in a plain white box, and including all the accessories and features of the standard release of the figure, including a gold-chromed "Prime" Micron.

• More information on Kinpika Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers

Transformers: Armadamold:Optimus Prime (Super Base)
Hasbro: ArmadaOptimus Prime Powerlinx Optimus Prime Powerlinx Optimus Prime (Battle for the Matrix) EnergonOptimus Prime Takara: Legends of the MicronsMC-01Convoy Super Mode Kinpika Convoy MC-XXMagna Convoy DX Sonokong: Eunha Yeongung: CybertronMD-01Super Optimus

• Powerlinx Optimus Prime with Corona Sparkplug(Super Base, 2003)

• Accessories:Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

A late-run extensive redeco of the Super BaseArmadaOptimus Prime toy, "Powerlinx Optimus Prime" sports the darker color scheme the character takes on in theArmadacartoonepisode "Origin"following a Mini-Con power-up, but he is not preciselyshow-accurate—the deco would later be fine-tuned with more accurate details for release in Japan as the Magna Convoy DX giftset (see below). In addition to now sporting fully-mobile Super Mode arms without the movement-impeding tabs, Prime still comes with all his features and accessories, though for this release, his Mini-Con partner Sparkplug got retooled with a new rear chassis and a blinged-out golden chrome body as "Corona Sparkplug".

• More information on Powerlinx Optimus Prime at TFU.info

• Crystal Convoy(Lucky Draw figure,October2003)

• Accessories:Surge Mini-Con, left and right smokestacks

A JapaneseTV Magazine-exclusive,this release of the STD Convoy toy has almost all of his parts cast in translucent coloured plastics—hence the "crystal" moniker—representing the character's disembodiedsparkafter his destruction in theArmadacartoon episode "Crisis"and resurrection in"Miracle".What that means for poor" Surge "(Over-Run), also cast in translucent plastic, we couldn't say! Available via mail-order, only 5000 pieces were distributed in October of 2003.

Transformers: Armadamold:Optimus Prime (Super-Con)
Hasbro: ArmadaOptimus Prime Nemesis Prime Universe(2003)Ultra Magnus CybertronOptimus Prime Universe(2008)Optimus Prime (Battle for the Cyber Planet Keys) Takara: Legends of the MicronsMC-06STD Convoy TV Magazine: Legends of the MicronsCrystal Convoy Scourge

• Battle for the Matrix(Multi-pack, 2003)

• Accessories:Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

A K-Mart-exclusive set released on "Black Friday"(the day after Thanksgiving, the most hellishly busy shopping day of the year), this set consists of Super Base" Powerlinx Optimus Prime "(not to be confused with theactualPowerlinx Optimus Prime), "Powerlinx Jetfire"(again, not really), their respective partner Mini-Cons" Corona Sparkplug "(seriously, not thatactualCorona Sparkplug) andComettor,theAdventure Mini-Con Team,and oddly enough,Longarm.Optimus Prime's red plastics and paint were replaced with gold, the only changes made to anyone in the set. It is this set from which the name of Optimus Prime's combined mode with Jetfire, "Jet Prime", comes.

• More information on Battle for the Matrix Optimus Prime at TFU.info

Transformers: Armadamold:Optimus Prime (Super Base)
Hasbro: ArmadaOptimus Prime Powerlinx Optimus Prime Powerlinx Optimus Prime (Battle for the Matrix) EnergonOptimus Prime Takara: Legends of the MicronsMC-01Convoy Super Mode Kinpika Convoy MC-XXMagna Convoy DX Sonokong: Eunha Yeongung: CybertronMD-01Super Optimus

• Magna Convoy DX Set(Multi-pack, 2003)

• ID number:MC-XX
• Release date:November 19,2003
• Accessories:Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

This set is aToys "R" UsJapan exclusive, consisting of "Convoy Final Battle Coloration" (Powerlinx Optimus Prime), redecoed with more show-accurate colours, principally a silvermouthplateinstead of red and varying color saturation from the Hasbro version), "Ultra Magnus Special Clear Version",and an exclusiveExdimensionsredeco of theStreet Action Microns.This set is entirely "new" content not available in the normal mass-retailLegends of the Micronsline, and is also the last release of Exdimensions Microns. Rather than come with individual bio cards for the various characters, the set came with only a single card for the combined "Magna Convoy" form.

Built to Rule!

• Optimus Prime(2003)

• Accessories:2 missiles

ArmadaBuilt to Rule!Optimus Prime transforms into a fair approximation of hisvehicle mode,but the robot mode is quite inaccurate, due to the very broad, flat Trans-Skeleton with thin, stick-like limbs attached to it. The set came with a very simplistic "Mini-Con" Sparkplug partner kit that did have a more dedicated "Powerlinx" connector than the standard construction pegs, though these are a bit too thin to be used as attachment points for regular Mini-Cons (they stay, sort of, but it's a very loose connection). The 101-piece set also features pressure-launch missile-firing "smokestack" cannons.

• More information on Built to Rule! Armada Optimus Prime at TFU.info

• Optimus Prime(Built to Rule!,2005)

• • Accessories:2 missiles

TheEnergonversion ofBuilt to Rule!Optimus Prime was designed with a much more solid skeleton with larger, blockier limbs. He can be rebuilt from a Cybertronic truck cab with a trailer-mounted, pressure-launch dual-missile cannon (with electronic lights and sounds) to a robot, to basically whatever you feel like doing with the parts.

Unfortunately, due to the slow performance of theBuilt to Rule!line overall, theEnergonversions only had a limited, test-market release initially in and around Cincinnati, Ohio. The sets later filtered out into many Tuesday Morning and Ollie's chain stores at drastically dropped prices.

Energon

• Optimus Prime(Leader Class,2003/2004)

• Takara name:Grand Convoy
• Takara ID number:SC-01
• Takara release date:December 25,2004
• Accessories:"Fire-1", "Copter-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile
• Known designers:Eric Siebenaler(Hasbro),Takashi Kunihiro(Takara),Hirofumi Ichikawa(detailing)

Leader ClassEnergonOptimus Prime transforms into a Cybertronic short-nosed truck cab. A switch on his back offers four selectable sound effects, each one corresponding to one member of thePrime Force( "Grand Force" in Japan), the four drone vehicles contained within Prime's parallelogram-shaped trailer. A tiny, slightly recessed button above the switch activates the sounds. When Prime transforms torobot mode,the trailer stands upright to become a launch base of sorts for the Prime Force, with three of the trailer's four storage compartments featuring launching mechanisms that propel the vehicles into action. The Prime Force consists of "Fire-1", a fire truck with an extending ladder and rotating turret; "Copter-2" ( "Gyro-2" in Japan), a helicopter with spinning rotors; "Digger-3", a drill tank with a gear-wheel-activated spinning drill; and "Submarine-4", a submarine with opening capture claws beneath its bow. The four interchangeable drones can combine with Prime to create hisSuper Mode;any drone is capable of forming any limb. When in Super Mode, Prime's chest panels are opened, in turn pressing a button on his side that creates more electronic sounds and lights up a red LED in his chest, representing theSpark of Combination.

Prime is armed with a spring-loaded missile launcher that stores on the rear of his truck mode (which becomes the backpack of his robot mode) when not in use. Like most of the weapons of theEnergonline, it sports a5 mm post,allowing it to be held by most everyEnergonfigure, to combine with assorted other weapons andenergon weaponsreleased in the series, and to peg into numerous compatible ports shared by many figures, like the hole in the radar of Prime's own trailer, or even conveniently placed 5mm screw holes like those of the Prime Force.

In lieu of combining with the Prime Force, Optimus Prime can also merge withEnergonWing Saberin a similar fashion, with Wing Saber splitting into four components that connect to Prime as limbs. Wing Saber's red and white torso components can become arms for Prime while his legs attach to Prime's own, creating Prime's "Flight Mode", but the parts can also be swapped around, with Wing Saber's legs deploying large missile launchers and becoming arms to make Prime's "Fight Mode" (both forms are just called "Wing Convoy" in Japan). Alternately, Prime can combine withEnergonOmega Supremeto form what his packaging calls "Powerlinx Omega Supreme" ( "Optimus Supreme" in the cartoon; "Omega Convoy" in Japan). The Prime Force drones can attach to four connectors on Optimus Supreme's body.

The earliest releases ofEnergonOptimus Prime have no ridges on the inside of the chest windows, and a different head sculpt featuring anOptimus Primal-style mouth-slit in his mouthplate. This was soon replaced with a full mouthplate, and it was this version of the toy which appeared in theEnergoncartoonand was released by Takara. Other changes made to the TakaraSuper Link"Grand Convoy" release of the toy involved a chromed front grill, more vibrant plastic colors on Digger-3 and Submarine-4, a darker blue plastic on Prime himself, and more intricatepaint operations.Takara's release also lacks the electronic sound effects seen in Hasbro's version, which were also commonly gutted for the Japanese releases of any Autobot toys who had them, though Prime still retains his light-up chest.

The Takara's Grand Convoy was also tied to a number ofstore-exclusive promotional items,namely a series of unique-colorsenergon weapons.In late December/early January, buying the toy atJUSCOstores netted you theEnergy Spear Corona Flame Edition,theEnergy Axe Black Hole Editionat Ito Yokado, and finally theEnergy Spear Royal Clear Editioncame with buying Grand Convoy at Hello Mac, Posful, Pelican, Joshin Denki & Heiwado stores. Later inJuly,Grand Convoy and Wing Saber were the promo-buy-items for theEnergy Cutter Daylight Attack EditionandEnergy Blade Night Phantom Edition,but this promotion was never advertised, and the most information anyone could get out of Takara's customer service after the fact was that they were available at "1500 select stores".

The mouth-plated version of this mold was redecoed intoPlatinum Edition"Year of the Snake"Optimus Prime.

• More information on Energon Optimus Prime at TFU.info

• SL Grand Convoy(2004)

• ID number:SC-13
• Release date:March 25,2004
• Accessories:Rifle

As had first been done in theArmadaline, Takara elected to supplement their release of the Leader-sized Grand Convoy figure with a new-mold Combat Class-sized toy called "SL Grand Convoy" (S(スーパー)L(リンク)グランドコンボイ, pronounced "Super Link Grand Convoy" ). Coming without his trailer, the Grand Force, or electronics, this Grand Convoy discarded the larger toy's ability to form his Super Mode in favor of being able toPowerlinxwith the other compatible toys of theSuper Linkline, forming either a torso or a pair of legs that the other Cybertrons (Autobots) could connect to. Like theLegends of the Microns"STD Convoy", this one too was on the small side for its "size class", but just as that figure could, this small Convoy can still tow the Leader-sized figure's trailer.

Customers who bought this toy atJUSCOstores received theEnergy Axe Violet Cluster Editionas afreebie.

• More information on SL Grand Convoy at TFU.info

• SL Grand Convoy & Kicker(multi-pack, 2004)

• ID number:SS-03
• Release date:March 25, 2004
• Accessories:Rifle

A slight redeco of Takara's Combat Class-size Grand Convoy was released as part of a special set commemorating both the 20th anniversary ofTransformersand the 30th anniversary of its progenitor,Microman.Coming with an exclusive metallic redeco of Takara'sKicker,which was based on theMicromanbody, this Grand Convoy featured a chromed grill where the original had painted plastic, and supposedly slightly shinier plastics.Veryslightly.

• More information on 20th Anniversary SL Grand Convoy at TFU.info

• Powerlinx Optimus Prime versus Megatron(2-pack, 2004)

• Accessories:Rifle

The SS-03 version of Takara's Combat Class-sized Optimus figure, based on the Anniversary release, was released in Hasbro markets in a two-pack with the smaller Japanese Mega Class-sized "Galvatron"figure (aka Takara's release of Megatron). There are some tiny but notable differences between this and the Anniversary figure; the Hasbro version uses a more neutral dark-gray for the main body as opposed to the Takara version's blue-tinted dark-gray, plain dark-blue plastic rather than dark-blue-with-sparkles, and plain yellow paint for the cab's lights rather than sparkly-yellow/gold.

This set was a Toys "R" US-exclusivein the US, but sold at pretty much any retailer that wanted to carry it elsewhere in the world.

• More information on Deluxe Optimus Prime at TFU.info

• Gold Grand Convoy(Lucky Draw figure, 2004)

• Accessories:"Fire-1", "Gyro-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile

This golden-chromed redeco of the Leader-sized Grand Convoy figure was initially offered as a prize to five lucky winners of a colouring contest held in the pages of theTV Magazine.Additional units were later given away via in-store draws at Toys "R" Us Japan; precisely how many is unknown, but the regularity with which the toy appeared on auction sites throughout 2005 suggests it was quite a few.

• More information on Gold Grand Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers

• Fire SL Grand Convoy(TV Magazine-exclusive, 2004)

• Accessories:Rifle

This vibrant red and orange redeco of the Combat Class-sized Grand Convoy figure was aTV Magazineexclusive, limited to 3,000 pieces. It shipped in a unique monochrome red version of the traditionalSuper Linkpackaging, and did not include a character card.

• SL Grand Convoy Mekki Version(Lucky Draw figure, 2004)

• Accessories:Rifle

Released as part of the "W Convoy" campaign ( "Double" Convoy, that is!) alongside a silver chrome version of "Rodimus Convoy",this gold chrome" Mekki "(" plating ") version of the Combat Class-sized Grand Convoy toy was available only as a prize in a mail-inRobot Pointscontest. Initially limited to 20 units in the original draw, it appears that many more were made available through toy store drawings, given how many went on to appear on online auction sites through 2005 and 2006.

• More information on SL Grand Convoy Mekki Version at Lucky Draw Transformers

• Overload with Rollout & Optimus Prime with Corona Sparkplug(Multi-pack, 2004)

• Accessories:Trailer/armor, light-up rifle, missile, left & right smokestacks

ACostco-exclusive redeco of theArmadaSuper Base Optimus Prime toy in black, yellow, and brick red, it also came with a redeco ofArmadaOverload.It is from this set that the name of Prime's combined form with Overload, "Optimus Prime Megaweapon", comes (though the term "Megaweapon" first appeared on Powerlinx Optimus Prime's packaging).

The stock images to the right are not accurate to the final product. All of Optimus Prime's translucent parts on the final figure are yellow. This includes the windshield, the smokestacks, his rifle, the sensor on the trailer, and the flip-up screen in the trailers' base mode.

• More information on Costco Optimus Prime at TFU.info

Transformers: Armadamold:Optimus Prime (Super Base)
Hasbro: ArmadaOptimus Prime Powerlinx Optimus Prime Powerlinx Optimus Prime (Battle for the Matrix) EnergonOptimus Prime Takara: Legends of the MicronsMC-01Convoy Super Mode Kinpika Convoy MC-XXMagna Convoy DX Sonokong: Eunha Yeongung: CybertronMD-01Super Optimus

• Grand Convoy Custom Color Version(Lucky Draw Figure, 2004)

• ID number:SC-01
• Accessories:"Fire-1", "Gyro-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile

The color scheme of this special redeco of the Leader-sized Grand Convoy was decided through a colouring contest held in theDecember2004 issue ofTV Magazine,in which entrants coloured in lineart of Convoy in the scheme they wanted to see. The winning entry rendered Convoy in a…distinctpalette of grey, cream, dark red, and purple chrome, with blue, white, and yellow drones. It was limited to only ten pieces, making it one of the rarerTransformerstoys in existence.

• More information on Custom Color Grand Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers

• Optimus Prime(Leader Class, unreleased)

• Accessories:"Fire-1", "Copter-2", "Digger-3", "Submarine-4", trailer, rifle, missile

A redeco of the Leader Class Optimus Prime mold with a primarily red cab, much deeper blue, and a Prime Force uniformly colored in black was planned to be released withSmallest Transforming TransformersGeneration 1 Optimus Primeas aTarget-exclusive. The toy got far enough along in development to have package artwork created byDan Khanna,which was later revealed online, but it was canceled shortly before making it to full production. Its red, white, and black coloration earned it the festive nickname of "Santa Prime" among fans online.

• More information on this unreleased Optimus Prime at TFW2005

Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Cybertron

• Optimus Prime(Leader, 2004 / 2005)

• Takara name:Galaxy Convoy
• Takara ID number:GC-01
• Takara release date:December 28,2004
• Accessories:Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, MatrixCyber Key
• Cyber Key Code:l8p3
• Known designers:Eric Siebenaler(Hasbro),Takashi Kunihiro(Takara),Hirofumi Ichikawa(detailing),Marcelo Matere(packaging artist)

The firstCybertronOptimus Prime toy transforms into a heavily-armed fire truck of made-up model, topped with two large cannons. The cannons and the sides of the truck fold down to create an unlikely flight mode for the vehicle. His right-side cannon fires a spring-loaded missile, while plugging aCyber Keyinto its key jack pops two more spring-loaded missile launchers out from its sides. Plugging a Cyber Key into his left-side cannon opens up the cannon's outer casing, revealing the inner barrel, lighting the red LED at its tip and playing an electronic "charging up" noise. Pressing the small blue button just over the battery casing plays a "firing" sound effect with accompanying light flash. In this mode, he can also deployanotherpair of (non-firing) cannons from under the main cannons.

In true Prime style, the forward portion of the vehicle mode detaches to become Optimus himself, while the rear "trailer" transforms into a gun emplacement. In robot mode, the barrel of the missile-launching cannon detaches to become a hand-held rifle. Atypical of most Unicron Trilogy figures, Prime's hands arenotdesigned to accommodate weapons with5 mm posts,instead featuring a small peg-hole in his palm that allows him to tightly grip objects designed to fit there, like his own rifle,Leobreaker's whip,CybertronWing Saber'sswords, andCybertronMetroplex'saxe.However, Wing Saber's sword hiltscanbe used as adaptors, allowing Prime to hold and use 5mm weapons. His chest has a compartment to hold his removable Matrix of Leadership accessory; Prime's gigantic hands mean that he can't hold it especiallyneatly,but he can certainly get a grip on it.

Of course, Optimus can transform into a Super Mode by combining with his vehicle-mode back end, which becomes a massive winged backpack with under-slung main guns, and a pair of large boots, with the non-firing cannons ending up around his knees. To complete his Super Mode look, a small lever of the back of Prime's head raises his traditional mouthplate into place, covering his Optimus Primal-style mouth slot, and two "crests" fold out from either side of his helmet. Hasbro's instructions and stock photography awkwardly orient the wings so that the two cannons pointoverPrime's shoulders; the cartoon portrayed them in the under-slung orientation, as would all subsequent Hasbro redecos of the toy. In Super Mode, Prime is a rather top-heavy robot, and his hip joints are not that tight, which makes standing him up a challenging prospect.

In Super Mode, Optimus Prime can combine withLeobreakerto form "Savage Claw Mode", which sees the feline Autobot become a gigantic clawed arm for his leader. Alternately, if Prime's backpack is removed, he can merge withWing Saberinto "Sonic Wing Mode", with the aerial ace forming a new winged backpack and chestplate for Optimus, and providing him with new hand-held sword weapons and firing missile launchers that connect to his Super Mode boots. The nature of the combination means that the two partners cannot combine with Prime at once—at least, not without physically removing one of Prime's own arms.

The TakaraGalaxy Force"Galaxy Convoy" version of the toy was released first, and features a number of paint differences from the later HasbroCybertronrelease. The most immediately-noticeable is that Galaxy Convoy's unique Matrix-shaped Cyber Key has its "frame" painted gold, where Optimus's is unpainted clear-blue plastic, save for the Autobot symbol and the Hasbro-onlyCyber Key Codeprinted on its back. The other differences are small but numerous: Galaxy Convoy has more thoroughly painted knees, main cannons and leg-armor cannons, the signal lights above the cab are painted yellow, his leg-wheel hubcaps are painted gold, and his nose is inexplicably painted silver. Galaxy Convoy's wings are also held in place with long metal pins, where the Hasbro version has them just held in place with friction so they can pop off rather thanbreakoff if the toy is dropped.

Galaxy Convoy was three-partJUSCOpromotion, tied to the release of Ligerjack and theHybrid StyleTHS-01 Galaxy Convoyin late April: buying him netted you the free all-white version ofHellflame MicronQuasar.(Buying the other two toys got you the other two all-white Hellflame Microns.)

Optimus is slightly mistransformed in the image to the right: in vehicle mode his chest windows should be folded around to the sides of the cab to cover the arm sockets.

• More information on Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info

• Optimus Prime(Legends of Cybertron, 2005)

Legends of CybertronOptimus is a very simplified version ofCybertronOptimus Prime, with no weapons or trailer, just the front portion of the truck. It transforms into the standard robot mode, with a very similar transformation scheme to the full-sized toy, and has no useful articulation of the shoulders.

The figure was released in Japan under the "EZ Collection" banner, in the same packaging as the Hasbro release but with a small card insert featuring the Japanese logo and nomenclature, similar to aUSA Edition.As with all the EZ Collection figures, this release features a substantially greater number of paint operations that increase Optimus's resemblance to his larger figure.

This mold was redecoed to createClassicsMenasorandUniverseHot Zone.

• More information on Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info

• Megalo Convoy(Leader Class, 2005)

• ID number:GC-23
• Release date:August 29,2005

A special metallic-paint version of Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime was included with the TakaraGalaxy Forcerelease ofMegalo Convoy aka Metroplex,as a demonstration of their actual size difference as depicted on the television series.

• Galaxy Convoy Gold Version(Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)

• Accessories:Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

This gold-chrome and clear-plastic redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure was first offered as a prize in a mail-in contest held throughTV Magazinealongside a silver chrome version of the same toy (see below). Both figures were later made available again as prizes in a second contest in the September 2005 issue ofTV Magazine,together with "Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version" (again,see below).

Optimus is slightly mistransformed in the image to the right, in vehicle mode his chest windows should be folded round to the sides of the cab to cover the arm sockets.

• More information on Gold Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers

• Galaxy Convoy Silver Version(Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)

• Accessories:Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

This silver-chromed redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure first saw the light of day as a prize in aTV Magazinemail-in, offered alongside a gold chrome version of the same toy (see above). Both figures were later made available again as prizes in a second contest in the September 2005 issue ofTV Magazine,together with "Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version" (see below). Despite being offered in equal quantities in these contests, this silver version is apparently much harder to come by.

• More information on Silver Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers

• Galaxy Convoy Custom Color Version(Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)

• Accessories:Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

One of the single rarestLucky Draw figuresin existence, this "Custom Color" redeco of Super Optimus Prime was limited to onlyonein the world. It was the grand prize of a coloring contest held in September 2005'sTV Magazine,in which entrants colored in line-art of Prime with the deco they wanted to see. The winning entry was in green, blue and gold, while ten runners-up received one of five gold or five silver Lucky Draw versions of Prime.

• More information on Custom Color Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers

• EZ Collection Clear Set(Multi-pack, 2005)

A Takara exclusive multi-pack of "EZ Collection"Megatron,Optimus Prime andStarscreamrecast the figures using primarily clear plastics; in Prime's cast, both his blue and red plastics became translucent. A mail-away exclusive toTV Magazinein October 2005, the set was limited to 3000 pieces.

• More information on the EZ Collection multi-pack at PlasticCrack.net

• Sonic Convoy(Multi-pack, 2005)

• ID number:EX-02
• Accessories:Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip

This redeco of Leader-class Optimus Prime replaced most of the plastics in the cab robot with colored translucent equivalents. He also has numerous chromed parts, including chrome-silver wrist-pipes, red chrome window frames and side-cannons, and a chromed Autobot symbol on his Key. His trailer remained opaque, but was cast in much deeper red plastic, with a more metallic silver used for his cannons. He also lacks the weird silver nose-paint, and has the Hasbro trailer assembly with the pop-off-able wings.

He was available only in aToys "R" UsJapan exclusive giftset released in October 2005, packed in with a redeco ofWing Saberand theCobySen'yōRamble.

None of the toys in this box set were given bio cards. Aww.

• More information on Sonic Convoy at TFW2005

• Megalo Convoy Gold Version(Leader Lucky Draw figure, 2005)

A golden-chrome redeco ofCybertronMetroplex was offered as a contest prize in the December 2005 issue ofTV Magazine,and came with an equally blinged-out Legends/EZ Collection Optimus Prime figure. Fifteen of this set were available as prizes in the initial contest; a single Metroplex was later offered as one of many prizes in a Takara website contest, but this version came only with the standard metallic paint version of Prime.

• More information on Gold EZ Collection Galaxy Convoy at Lucky Draw Transformers

• Ultra Magnus & Optimus Prime(Multi-pack, 2005)

• Accessories:Cannon, 2 missiles

A red redeco of the 2003UniverseOptimus Primewas sold with a repackaged version of theUniverseversion of2001Robots in DisguiseUltra Magnus in aCostco-exclusivemulti-pack in 2005. Sold under theCybertronbanner, their continuity of origin was ambiguous for years until clarified in 2015 by the Facebook edition ofAsk Vector Prime.

• Galaxy Force Optimus Prime(Leader, 2006)

• Accessories:Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key
• Cyber Key Code:lo9x
• Known designers:Eric Siebenaler(Hasbro),Marcelo Matere(packaging artist)

Released in fourth and final wave ofCybertronLeaders, this redeco of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure introduced a new color scheme that several other tail-end releases would emulate. Taking its name from the Takara version ofCybertronand with a bio noting that this new body depicts Prime after he embarks on his galaxy-spanning mission at the end of theCybertroncartoon, "Galaxy Force" Optimus Prime replaces the original toy's blue parts with black and the translucent blue with smokey clear, and molds several—but not all—grey parts out of red plastic, including the toy's rifles, rail gun covers, missile launchers, and Super Mode leg guns. In the realm of new paint operations, Prime now sports all four Cyber Planet Key symbols on his shoulders, and his unique Matrix-shaped Cyber Key finally has a gold-painted border, as it had always had in Japan. Additionally, Prime's hip joints were tightened up with this release, making it easier to stand him up in Super Mode.

This toy was later re-released in a2008Universemulti-pack (see below).

• More information on Galaxy Force Optimus Prime at TFU.info
• More information on Galaxy Force Optimus Prime at Transformers Universe

• Optimus Prime(Deluxe, 2006)

• Accessories:Left and right smokestacks, Cybertron Cyber Key
• Cyber Key Code:d56b
• Known designers:Joe Kyde(deco artist),Marcelo Matere(packaging artist)

Premiering in the eighth wave ofCybertronDeluxes, this Optimus is a redeco of theArmadaSuper-ConArmadaOptimus Prime,recolored in red and black to resemble the Leader Class Galaxy Force Optimus Prime figure.

He does not come with the mold's nominal Mini-Con partner. Instead, Optimus Prime and hiswave-mateDemolishordebuted a new brand of Cyber Key:retooledfrom the standard Cybertron style key, this version lacked a sculptedinsignia,so that any symbol could betampographedon to it, and featured aMini-Con-stylePowerlinxsocket on the back, allowing it to operate the figure's formerly-Mini-Con-activated "punching" feature without the figure itself having to be retooled.

The key sports a tampographed Autobot insignia, a red border, and theKey Code"d56b" tampographed on the back. This code, when entered on Hasbro's website, wassupposedto unlock additional information on the character or the toy, but due to an error on behalf of Hasbro, it unlocked information intended for his wave-mate Demolishor. Optimus Prime's information was instead unlocked using the code "dt67", which was on the back of Demolishor's Cyber Key.

As was the case with theUniverse"Battle in a Box" Ultra Magnusrelease of this sculpt, initial shipments of Optimus Prime had the forearmsswapped,leaving his elbow joints useless. This was corrected for later shipments. A furtherrunning changesaw tampographed graphics depicting the four planet symbols added to the truck mode's cab.

This sculpt was later redecoed once again for a 2008Universemulti-pack version ofCybertronOptimus.

• More information on Deluxe Cybertron Optimus Prime at TFU.info

Transformers: Armadamold:Optimus Prime (Super-Con)
Hasbro: ArmadaOptimus Prime Nemesis Prime Universe(2003)Ultra Magnus CybertronOptimus Prime Universe(2008)Optimus Prime (Battle for the Cyber Planet Keys) Takara: Legends of the MicronsMC-06STD Convoy TV Magazine: Legends of the MicronsCrystal Convoy Scourge

• Optimus Prime(Legends of Cybertron, 2006)

Like the Deluxe Class figure before it, this redeco ofLegends of CybertronOptimus Prime was designed to resemble the Leader class Galaxy Force Optimus Prime figure, essentially replacing the blue with black, the yellow with silver and adding the Cyber Key symbol tampographs onto his shoulders. It was released in the fourth and final wave of theCybertronLegends-class assortment.

• More information on "Galaxy Force" Legends Optimus Prime at TFU.info

• Optimus Prime(Deluxe, 2006)

• Accessories""'Jet-powered' flying board ", missile, Jungle Planet Cyber Key
• Cyber Key Code:d7s9
• Known designers:Marcelo Matere(packaging artist)

Available in the ninth and final wave ofCybertronDeluxes, this unusual iteration of Optimus Prime is a redeco ofBeast Wars 10th AnniversaryOptimus Primal,transforming into a robotic gorilla in the pseudo-technorganic-looking style of the otherJungle Planettoys. He comes with a "'jet-powered' flying board" with two5mm postsat the base, allowing him to ride it in his gorilla mode, or hold it in robot mode via the 5mm posts on his robot palms/gorilla feet. When aCyber Keyis inserted at the rear of the board, a spring-loaded extending "assault blade" deploys, and a trigger is revealed to allow one to use the spring-loaded missile launcher at the tip. Though it is not intended to be removed, the blade can be popped off and held in Primal's hand thanks to his poseable thumbs.

This figure contains an unusual amount of sculpted detail on the inside of the plastic. The gorilla mode's chest has a ribcage, and the inside of the gorilla's face has a sculpted microphone, which lines up perfectly with the robot mode's head! Also, opening this toy's chest in robot mode reveals sculpted detail resembling theKey to Vector Sigmaas it appeared inBeast Machines.His beast mode features a painted scar over his one eye, a seeming homage to Peter Jackson'sKing Kong(released the previous year).

While this mold was first released as part of theBeast Wars 10th Anniversaryline and is obviously meant to be Optimus Primal, it was developed to fit in withCybertron'sJungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" theBeast WarsAnniversary release didn't pan out (according toAaron Archer's statements atBotCon 2005).

This mold was also used to makeBotCon 2014ApelinqandPrimal Prime.

• More information on Jungle Planet Optimus Prime at TFU.info

• Optimus Prime / Wing Saber(Multi-pack, 2006)

• Accessories:Trailer/armor, rifle, 3 missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key

Released in Fall of 2006, this Costco-exclusive two-pack bundled the original version of the Leader-class Optimus Prime figure with his combination partnerWing Saberand a DVD including theCybertroncartoonepisode "United".

This set comes in a particularly huge box, and sold for $35.99, five dollars less than the MSRP for Optimus Prime byhimself.Now that's a deal!

• Megatron / Soundwave / Jetfire / Optimus Prime(Multi-pack, 2007)

This four pack of Legend-class Optimus Prime,Megatron,Jetfire,andSoundwavewas exclusive toTargetstores. All of the toys were identical to their individual releases.

Hybrid Style

• Galaxy Convoy(2006)
  • ID number:THS-01
  • Accessories:Trailer/backpack, leg armor (x2), standard head, Super Mode head, left and right fists, left and right pointing hands, left and right open hands, left and right gripping hands, Matrix of Leadership, Force Chip (x2)

The first in TakaraTomy'sHybrid Styleseries, Galaxy Convoy is a partly die-cast figure with scaled-down equivalents of the accessories that came with the Leader-class figure. This highly-intricate figure retains all the transformation abilities of the original figure—vehicle, flight mode, robot, and Super Mode—and even its Cyber Key-activated features (even coming with two keys so they can be deployed simultaneously), with additional touches like spring-loaded mechanisms that snap his cannons into place, and hand-grips on the weapons for Super Mode. While he does lack electronics or firing missiles, Prime still includes his Matrix, super-tiny yet still removable, and has four alternate sets of hands: two clenched fists, two with pointing index fingers, two with splayed palms, and two curved hands for holding his various weapon handles. Given the figure's small size, a reconfigurable head was infeasible, so it also comes with an alternate Super Mode head with a mouthplate and crests deployed, though the standard head must be attached in order for the figure to be transformed to vehicle mode.

Starting in late April, customers who purchased this toy atJUSCOstores received an exclusive all-white version of thepromotional freebieHellflame MicronGraviton.

• More information on Hybrid Style Galaxy Convoy at TFU.info

Classics

• Optimus Prime(Legends,2007)

Bizarrely enough, Optimus Prime was one of threeCybertronLegends toys straight-released inClassicspackaging, though with the modifier "Cybertron Collection" printed on the cardfront. The toy itself is identical to theCybertronrelease.

Transformers(2007)

• Generations Legends(Target exclusive multi-pack, 2007)

A Target exclusive, this four-pack of Legends Class figures contains two versions of both Optimus Prime and Megatron, namely Legends of Cybertron Optimus Prime,Movie Legends Optimus Prime,Legends of Cybertron Megatron andMovie Legends Megatron.The toy itself is identical to theCybertronrelease.

Universe(2008)

• Battle for the Cyber Planet Keys(Sam's Club exclusive multi-pack, 2008)
  • Accessories:Left and right smokestacks, Cybertron Cyber Key

• Known designers:Joe Kyde(deco artist)

ForUniverse,a redeco of theArmadaSuper-ConOptimus Primein more Generation 1-inspired colors was released in aSam's Clubexclusive five-pack alongsideRunamuck,Longrack,Buzzsaw,andBlurr.Optimus was the only toy in the set different from the original releases. He came with a translucent red version of the remolded style of Cyber Key previously included with this mold's release during theCybertronline, featuring a Powerlinx port to activate his punching gimmick.

• More information on Universe Optimus Prime at TFU.info

Transformers: Armadamold:Optimus Prime (Super-Con)
Hasbro: ArmadaOptimus Prime Nemesis Prime Universe(2003)Ultra Magnus CybertronOptimus Prime Universe(2008)Optimus Prime (Battle for the Cyber Planet Keys) Takara: Legends of the MicronsMC-06STD Convoy TV Magazine: Legends of the MicronsCrystal Convoy Scourge

• Optimus Prime vs Crumplezone(Costco exclusive multi-pack, 2008)
  • Accessories:Trailer/armor, rifle, three missiles, Matrix of Leadership, Cyber Key

This Costco exclusive set containsLeader-class "Galaxy Force" Optimus Primeand the originalCybertronCrumplezone.Both toys were unchanged from their previous individual releases.

Bot Shots

• Optimus Prime(2013)
  • Series:2
  • Number:B004
    • Fist strength:515
    • Blaster strength:625
    • Sword strength:475

Part of the second wave ofBot ShotsSeries 2 single-packs, this new-mold Optimus Prime is heavily based onCybertronOptimus Prime,transforming from a robot armed with a gun, into a futuristic firetruck. As a Jump Shot, he springs up when auto-transforming.

He was redecoed intoUltra Magnus.

• More information on Jump Shot Optimus Prime at TFU.info

• Optimus Prime / Cindersaur / Autobot Jazz(Multi-pack, 2013)
  • Series:2
  • Number:BP008
    • Fist strength:404
    • Blaster strength:854
    • Sword strength:362

Part of the second wave ofBot ShotsSeries 2 three-packs, this redeco of Jump Shot Optimus Prime has a brighter red, a painted silver forehead crest and "nose-strap", blue windows, and glossy blue paint on his legs, head, and firefighting section, among other minor deco changes. He comes withJump Shot CindersaurandSuper Bot Autobot Jazz.

The second wave of Series 2 three-packs didn't reach mass retail in the United States, only showing up in discount stores like Ross.

• More information on 3-pack Jump Shot Optimus Prime at TFU.info

Platinum Edition

• Optimus Prime(Year of the Snake exclusive, 2013)
  • Accessories:Firetruck drone, helicopter drone, drill tank drone, submarine drone, trailer, rifle, missile

• Known designers:Andrew Scribner(deco artist)

Platinum Edition"Year of the Snake" Optimus Prime is a redeco ofEnergonSuper Class Optimus Primeinspired by hisGeneration 1 color scheme.In lieu of combining with his drones, Optimus Prime can also combine withPlatinum EditionOmega Supremeto form what his instructionsalsocall "Super Optimus Prime". The drones are color-matched to Omega Supreme, and can attach to four connectors on his body. In an undocumented feature, Prime can also merge withEnergonWing Saber.

Though thestock photographyshows the original mouthed-face head and smooth inner chest windows, the final toy uses the face-plated head and ridged inner windows. Thepackaging'sbiois everyOptimus Primebio ever (well,mostly),Ask Vector Primewould eventually declare him to be a version of Unicron Trilogy Optimus.

Platinum EditionOptimus Prime is exclusive to BigBadToyStore and Amazon.com in America, but was also released at Philippine mass retail in limited quantities, in Australia as a Kmart exclusive and in Canada as aToys "R" Usexclusive. All electronics have been omitted from this version, even the light-up feature retained by Takara's Superlink release, trading the LED for an open hole in the chest.

Kre-O

• Optimus Prime(Mini-Con Combiners, unreleased)
  • Accessories:Bazooka,phaser,Uzi, scoped pistol,Klingonblaster

"Mini-Con Combiner" ' Optimus comes with one standard Kreon and fourCityville-syle mini-Kreons of the same character, each one a different incarnation from various franchises. With some extra parts, the mini-Kreons become limbs to make a larger combiner-bot.

Two of his limbs are based onArmadaOptimus Prime; one "normal" (Inferno helmet), one pre-Earth-body (Knock Out helmet). The main torso-bot is based on Generation 1 Optimus's original body. Another limb-bot is based onlive-action Optimus(Soundwave helmet), and the remaining one (Ironhide helmet)... actually looks to be based on the Optimus-like-but-not-OptimusMicromasterOverload!The heck?

First shown at New York Toy Fair 2015,the Mini-Con Combiners were apparently cancelled without fanfare... a decision that must have come late in the day, as they went on to star in their own promotional animation, "Stuck in a Tree",released about eight months after the trade show.

Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

War for Cybertron: Siege

Main article:Optimus Prime (G1)/Generations toys#S40

The2019Siegesubline ofGenerationsincludes "Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime", which is based heavily onCybertronOptimus Prime in its vehicle and Super modes.

Canceled prototype

• Armada Convoy

• Known designers:Hisashi Yuki

Revealed as a grayscale prototype at theWonder Festival2019Winter convention, this Voyager-sized Optimus Prime mold is modelled after hisArmadadesign, though adding many stylized details. Though a pair of hands are visible in the hollows of his legs, the prototype was not designed with a super-mode conversion^[8](and was likely too early in its production to be able to change at all).

TakaraTomy claimed at Wonder Festival2020Winter that this figure was not "cancelled", but was not a development priority at that time, and that its proper toyline was not determined.^[9]An entirely different tooling of the characterwas later released as part of theLegacyline; Hasbro had requested the prototype model from Takara, but by that point it had been misplaced, so the Commander Class toy was developed from scratch.^[10]However, the unproduced prototype did make one final appearance in theLegacy: Evolutionbox art mural (the stylized chest grill and curved forearm smokestacks being a dead giveaway), presumably because it was the reference material on hand at the time.

Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Legacy

• Armada Universe Optimus Prime(Commander Class,2023,2024)

• TakaraTomy ID number:TL-48
• TakaraTomy release date:November,2023
• Accessories:Ion blaster, Matrix, insignia plate, left and right smokestack guns
• Known designers:Mark Maher(Hasbro),Shogo Hasui(TakaraTomy)^[11]

Marking the 20th anniversary of theArmadafranchise,Legacy: Evolution"Armada Universe Optimus Prime" is a Commander Class figure modeled after the original Super Base toy listed above, but trades the trailer's remote-controlled autotransformationgimmickand primary robot's electronics for markedly superior articulation in both regular and "super" robot modes. The deco and some elements of the sculpt are heavily based upon Prime's appearance in theanime,hence the regular robot mode's silver fists, black chest stripes, and the layout of the gold waist deco on the super mode. The gold itself is a compromise between the original Hasbro figure's darker gold and Takara's bright yellow.

He comes with a large ion blaster that can be held in both robot modes and smokestacks that can detach and combine (though they cannot form into a singular gun like the original toy) with the rifle as part of hisEvo-Fusionfeature; however, the gimmick's logo is oddly absent from the box itself. His trailer unfolds into a base mode and combines with him to form his super mode. The smaller robot is a roughly Voyager-sized figure with a removableMatrix.An undocumented feature beneath the Matrix chamber is what appears to be a spark chamber modeled after the one seen insideCybertronLeader Class Optimus Prime's chest. The Autobot insignia on his truck roof/super mode chestplate is also removable — a sign ofthings to come,perhaps? He also has an extra point at the back of his trailer that appears to be meant to pull a second trailer, for possiblyanother future feature.

The turret section for Optimus' trailer/base comes separated in the packaging and must be attached by slightly reconfiguring the trailer, bending the turret's hinges appropriately, then finally pegging it in and tabbing the trailer back into place. The blaster can also be stored on the super mode's back via a 5mm hole.

The instructions for transforming Optimus into super mode have the torso clip into the backpack first, then drop down onto the legs. You technicallycando these steps in reverse to better replicate the originalArmadasuper mode transformation, but doing so makes hooking Optimus into the backpack much more difficult. Also, the instructions don't show how the clips work; you need to fold the small red flap all the way out and push the grey tabs on the hips in in order to unlatch them. On another note regarding the super mode, all Hasbro photography has the trailer's stabilizer posts mistransformed in super mode. As the instructions show, they're meant to flip out and peg into the gold sections on Super Optimus' shins, mimicking the cannon detailing of the original Super Base toy.

An undocumented feature involves a conspicuous rectangular red port located on the trailer/base section which forms Super Optimus' backpack. If you have anArmadaOverloadfigure in cannon-pack mode on hand, you can slot Overload into this port and the gap just above it to form "Megaweapon" Optimus! Unfortunately, due to the connection point being on the trailer base forLegacyArmada Optimus instead of being on the cab like the originalArmadaSuper-Base Optimus, Overload will sit further back when combining and makeLegacyArmada Optimus become extremely back heavy. This changed position will also make Overload's cannons be further back, making the shoulder stocks of Overload sit behindLegacyArmada Optimus' shoulders instead of in front of them, thus making them useless if they were real shoulder stocks. Additionally, because of how Overload's gun-feet are molded, the cannons won't sit horizontal due to clearance issues with Optimus' shoulder armor. Easy way to get around this is to just haveLegacyArmada Optimus strike a pose while wearing Overload.

The extra port at the back ofLegacyArmada Optimus' trailer can also be used to tow Overload as a second trailer. However, unlike the originalArmadaSuper-Base Optimus' trailer there is no lip to secure the hitch, and the port is much lower, causing him to be towed at an angle that causes his robot mode shoulders to drag on the ground despite his wheels still making contact with the floor. Additionally, the lower port location prevents him from having enough clearance to haveRolloutprovide structural support. Also, due to the cab-side of the hitch ofLegacyArmada Optimus' being a port rather than a peg, he cannot towArmadaOverload by himself.

While it needs to be transformed in place for the two modes, the butt-end of the blue-colored frame (the one that holds the wheels) can hinder the full rotation of the golden Super Mode hands.

He was officially revealed on theApril 4Hasbro PulseFanstream, and went up for pre-order onApril 18.

The Japanese release of this figure comes in an additional outer sleeve that features the Hasbro version's package art with the JapaneseLegacy: Evolutionlogo and the toy's Japanese name on the front, and a modified reprint of the package art forthe original Super Basetoy on the back of the box. Inside the sleeve, however, is the normal Hasbro version's packaging with additional stickers in Japanese.

LegacyArmada Optimus Prime was reissued in mid-2024 with preorders listed on April of that year.

• Designer commentary onLegacyArmada Optimus Prime (and the above prototype) from Mark Maher on Instagram

Notes

• The first test shots of Superbase Optimus Prime had amolded and recessed Autobot insigniaon the chest button rather than a flat surface with a tampographed symbol. It is unknown why this change was made.
• One of the earliestArmadaOptimus Prime concepts depicts him as being an ENORMOUSLY HUGE MONSTER TRUCK.
• Pre-dating Powerlinx Optimus Prime, designer Aaron Archer asked fans on the TFW2005 forums what they'd want out of a redeco of the large toy—throwing out ideas such as a Scourge deco, a modified vehicle mode, new SFX, a transparent trailer, an added sword accessory, and the remote possibility of a new Mini-Con!^[12]In the end, Prime's Mini-Con was in fact retooled into theGoldbug-like Corona Sparkplug.
• EnergonOptimus Prime's combination with the Prime Force is...well, it's pretty much as close to a Sentai Robo thatTransformershas ever gotten. It's also highly reminiscent of Voltron, as noted by our captions for that toy's image. That being said, Transformers characters who combine with non-sentient drones have become more common in the years sinceEnergon,so it seems less unusual now than when it was new.
• Under his various Japanese names, Optimus wasthreecandidates inTakaraTomy'sMasterpieceFan's Choicepoll, which asked fans to determine which Autobot/Maximal leader from the franchise's then-30 year history should receive a new toy in the prestigiousMasterpieceline.ArmadaOptimus placed second (with 24.3% of the votes),EnergonOptimus placed tenth (with 1.5%), andCybertronOptimus placed seventh (2.5%).
• CybertronOptimus's design would see re-use for theoriginalOptimusmany years later, with the 2018War for Cybertron: Siegetoyline's "Galaxy Upgrade Optimus Prime".

References

External links

• Optimus Prime at TFU.info
• Energon Optimus Prime redeco with Smallest Transformers Optimus Prime gallery