TF Classics: Optimus Prime

Transformer Classics is a toyline that celebrates the Transformers generation of old and re-imagines it’s characters into more contemporary design. Think of it as a homage to the G1 show, but updated in terms of design. Every character produced for this line reflects his G1 persona, complete with his G1 alternate form (though in some cases changed from the original alt mode, but still reflects its G1 Flavor.)

Our first review of this awesome toyline will be Voyager Class Optimus Prime.

Though not really called Voyager Class Optimus Prime, Classics Optimus Prime (COP for short) is of Voyager Class (new name for Mega … at this point if you still don’t understand what I am saying please see TF Price Point.)

Review

I will review COP in three categories:

- Sculpt (Form and Color)
- Articulation (Movable Parts and how can it be moved)
- Fun Factor (How did I enjoy it)

** Before I begin I would like to apologize for the less than the best quality of the photo, as soon as I get a chance I would take updated photos of the toy with better lighting.

Sculpt

Truck Mode

COP’s alternate mode is a flatnose semi trailer truck.

Once again, Optimus Prime is a Flatnose Semi trailer truck, but unlike the original much of the truck’s looks was streamed lined to fir newer truck designs. Like the original it sports, red color for the cab while blue for the chasis, white marks are painted on the side and along the curved roof, it’s grills are painted gray with matching colored bumper. Headlights are sculpted notches painted yellow. Black plastic wheels, which are free-wheeling, are attached to the toy completing the truck look. Also, translucent blue plastic windshields adorns the front part of the cab. Translucent or even transparent windshields are always good to see in a Transformer, since it adds more realism to the alternate mode.

If you feel somewhat distraught with the curved roof attachment, then you can always take it off (Its removable), but in doing so you leave COP’s head exposed, a quick remedy for this is to have a piece of red cardboard or paper ready to cover COP’s head. But unless you can make it blend in, I suggest keeping the roof attachment.

Also, since this is based on the G1 universe, the rub stickers also came back. These stickers are sensitive to tempreature, so if you rub them (generating heat) the stickers will change colors and prominently display the faction insigna of the transformer.

The truck looks great, it’s the flatnose semi Energon Optimus Prime always wanted to be. It’s close enough to the G1 version, with some added changes to it.

Robot mode:

COP’s Robot mode.

When I first saw this in robot form (In person, not in pics), I was unimpressed. It look quite a lot like G2 Hero Prime (maybe because of the arm guards). Only after I held it and saw it upclose did I realize that the toy had an impressive design.

Much like the other Primes, COP has it’s chest as windshield while, it’s abdomen is augmented with a Grill-Ab. The toys is painted the same as OP, with red shoulders, chest and forearms. Blue colors dominate the lower legs and head while gray is displayed on his upper legs, waist and crotch area. Yellows are presented as details along his arms, crotch, head and knees. Also blue plastic is present on his shoulders.

In a way his look is the standard Optimus Prime. Nice! But one interesting note is that the Grill-Abs, is not the grill on the truck. Ever since G1 Optimus Prime, it has always been (well from my point of view) a unwritten law that Prime should have windshield chests and grill-abs, even if when transformed those parts do not necessarily form the windshield nor grills.

The face sculpt is one of nicest thing about this toy.

It capture’s Optimus Prime’s original look, but given sharper lines and a more aggresive look. Though not seen, there are also some panel lines along the sides of COP’s face plate, it adds a nice touch of detail and is very welcome in my book.

All in all if inspected closely and after looking at it for some time. I was wrong to be impressed by this toy’s look. Dead wrong.

Articulation

I really need to change my photos.

Why? Because the photo doesn’t show COP’s full articulation potential. This thing is the bomb! This toy is well-articulated, it has ratchet joints for the majority of it’s parts ensuring it would not be loose for some time. It has standard action figure joints, with movable elbows, knees, feet, arms waist and head. It also has an additional torso joint, the thing is cut between it’s abdomen and it’s chest, which enables COP to make turning and bending poses.

Rohml’s Kick Test

KICK TEST TIME!

After a while I discovered that toys that cannot necessarily pass the kick test doesn’t mean they are not balanced. Truthfully a toy that can pass the Kick test is pretty cool and shows you that they can stand on only one foot, but it alone is not the defining factor for a toy’s balance.

Anyway, it’s still fun to try to make them stand on one foot. har har

Woohoo! It can stand… why shouldn’t it… it’s great big feet gives it the balance it need to stand on one foot.

Fun Factor

COP comes with a Black and Silver laser rifle, though nothing like his G1 blaster, it’s still good that OP has a rifle to blast away those sinister decepticons.

As for Gimmick… I didn’t see a gimmick…

I think this toy’s real gimmick is it’s homage to G1… oh wait… what’s this…

Do you remember the Roof attachment? Oh yeah, well you can turn it into a weapon.

COP with Blaster

It becomes an oversized laser rifle. And combine it with COP’s laser rifle and you can have a rotating laser turrent on COP’s back.

COP with Laser Turret

Overall
One phrase will describe my opinion about this toy: I WANT IT.

At the risk of me not getting mine because the demand went to such a degree, I will say this: “This is definitely something you should get.” No doubt one of the best Optimus Primes I’ve seen. To call it Classics Optimus Prime is a correct term, since this is not G1 but as I said earlier, a re-invisioning of Optimus Prime’s classic look.

I hope they treat all toys in the Classics line like this, because this has everything it needs to become a really successful toyline.

Pros
- Impressive Robot Mode
- Excellent Articulation
- G1 Homage

Cons
- What cons?
- The shields on his arm is kinda a downer, but the overwhelming impressive feeling I got from the toy made me forget about it.

Rating: A+

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** Thanks to Thunderbreak for his Classics Optimus Prime. The ugly green sofa (the background) is also his.

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