While the self-transforming Robosen toys of Optimus Prime are amazing, Takara Tomy is going back to the original toy from the 80s and overhauling its articulation and other features for a new release.
As part of the new Missing Link line of toys, this version of Optimus Prime is pretty much visually identical to the toy we all owned back in the 80s. However, there is a lot more than meets the eye in this new release.
The entire toy has had its articulation redone, from shoulder to hip joints and even articulated hands. The result is a toy that looks almost identical to the one we all remember but can actually be properly posed now.
You also get the Energon Axe, Matrix of Leadership and the trailer (plus all its internal trimmings).
I personally think this is an absolutely genius move on the part of Takara Tomy. It also opens the possibility of “remaking” other old and classic toys with modern articulation and materials.
In addition to the full set, there will also be an anime version of this toy without the trailer but with the correct coloring from the original cartoon.
Pricing is also pretty decent, as the full set will cost 17,380 yen (or around $121) and the anime version will cost 10,780 yen (or around $75). You can pre-order both from HobbyLink Japan here and here.
Originally released as Battle Convoy in Japan as part of the Diaclone line, it was also designed by mecha designer extraordinaire Shoji Kawamori.
So to see the original toy rebooted like this is wonderfully nostalgic for me and also a reminder of where all these amazing mecha designs came from.
These Transformers Missing Link toys will be released in Japan in February next year. There is no word currently on a Western release, but you will be able to import the them just fine.
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