Optimus Prime (Primax)/toys

OK, they aren't all G1 Optimus Prime, but you get the spirit.

Over the past 23 years, Generation 1 Optimus Prime has received the largest amount of toys for any single Transformers character, a testament to the character's enduring popularity and status as a hero to many fans.

Toys

Generation 1

• Optimus Prime (1984, 1985, 1991, 2000, until the end of time)

Japanese ID number: C-01

The original Optimus Prime toy, as well as Diaclone Battle Convoy that it based based upon, transformed into a red Freightliner Cabover Engine dual-axle semi trailer truck. His cab is partially constructed of die cast metal with rubber tires. The windscreen section can open to reveal ultimately-unused chairs that were originally designed for Diaclone's driver figures.

His trailer opens up into his Combat Deck, which features a missile-armed repair drone pod (with seating for one) mounted upon a boom lift arm. Situated in the base of this boom is a spring-loaded launcher that can be used to launch Roller out of the Combat Deck. Roller himself has seating for 4 passengers, and can be equipped to carry Optimus Prime's rifle or a fuel pump. The interior space of the trailer allows storage room for one Autobot car.

In robot mode, Optimus Prime's design would go on to influence every Optimus Prime toy that will follow this iconic version. He is armed with a black photon rifle, that, due to design, cannot be held straight. His fists are actually inserted into his headlights and must be stored elsewhere while in vehicle mode (there are pegs to store them in the trailer).

Over 23 years, there have been many, many releases and variants of this mold. See the list here. The cab robot was also used, with a different trailer, as the cab for G1 Ultra Magnus.

• Convoy Jnr. (1985)

Japanese ID number: TF Jnr-01

Prime's kid brother.

Convoy Jnr. was a smaller, simplified version of G1 Convoy. He featured a very similar transformation sequence, but had no clear windows nor rubber tires. He was intended as a low-cost alternative for younger children.

He did not have a plastic trailer included, but did have a cardboard trailer that the owner was supposed to construct themselves.

• Convoy (Versus set, 1985)

Japanese ID number: VS-X

This Japanese-exclusive release of Optimus Prime came with the Japanese release of Megatron. There are no differences between this release of Convoy and the individually released toy.

• Good-Bye Convoy (Multipack, 1986)

This set contains a special version of Convoy with blue windows and was packed with Ligier and Alert.

• Optimus Prime (Powermaster, 1988, 2003)

My Japanese release has a lot more bling.

Powermaster Optimus Prime is the first new toy of the Autobot leader since the original toy's release in 1984. He is an all-new design, utilizing the Powermaster gimmick of requiring the partner figure, who transforms into an engine module, to be inserted into a special area on the main toy before it is able to transform.

Optimus Prime is comprised of two parts, his truck cab and his trailer. His new truck cab is reminiscent of the original Optimus Prime truck cab, but is constructed entirely of plastic, lacks vacuum-metalized plastic and has no clear windows. It also transforms differently in that the front of the truck is no longer the robot mode's chest. His chest is now formed out of the truck's cabin rear, styled after his cartoon appearance. He is armed with two long black rifles, based in part upon his cartoon rifle.

Prime's new trailer is essentially a heavily armed version of the original, with two double-barreled heavy laser cannons mounted on two arms with visible fists. The rear has a fold-down ramp to allow the storage of a smaller transformer, or perhaps spare accessories. The trailer can be transformed into a Powermaster battlestation that can allow other Powermaster engine figures to man the heavy laser cannons.

And bigger boots, too.

The main selling point of the toy is the ability of the truck cab to combine with the trailer to form Powermaster Optimus Prime. The cab portion folded in half and sat in the chest cavity of the trailer's torso, giving him the classic Optimus Prime truck-chest appearance. The two double-barreled cannons were attached to his shoulders and a large, separate head piece was mounted onto the hole on top of the truck cab.

The Japanese release actually represented a new character named Ginrai and had a cab that was partly constructed out of die-cast metal, vacuum-metalized plastic and had clear blue windows. The trailer was retooled so the super robot's fists could slide in and out of the arms. This Japanese version was eventually used for Hasbro's own reissue in 2003 as part of the Commemorative Reissue collection. This set also included the originally Japanese-exclusive God Bomber drone trailer that attached onto the back of Ginrai's trailer in vehicle mode, and could become extra armour in super robot mode.

This toy was later redecoed into the Japanese-exclusive Nucleon Quest Super Convoy.

There were several different prototypes made for this toy. See a list here.

• Optimus Prime (Action Master, 1990)

Eastbound and Down.

The largest Action Master set, Optimus Prime came with long nose truck pulling a large, heavily armed trailer, referred to as an "Armored Convoy". Optimus Prime could sit in the cab of the truck, while other Action Master figures could stand on the guard rails or sit in the turret in the trailer.

As with all Action Master toys, Optimus Prime himself could not transform. His sculpt is based heavily upon the Generation 1 cartoon model, though the colour scheme appears to be based upon his Powermaster body. However, his truck cab vehicle and the trailer do transform, though neither have robot modes. The truck cab can transform into a small plane, while the trailer transforms into a battle station with turrets that several Action Masters can man.

Action Master Optimus Prime's figure and rifle was included with the Japanese-exclusive "New Year" reissue of G1 Convoy in 2002.

• Star Convoy (Powered Master, 1991, 2005)

Japanese ID number: C-372

"... and that's why you're my Micromaster now, bitch"

A Japanese-exclusive, the final new-design G1 Convoy toy was a departure from previous versions. He now transformed into a small long nose cab truck pulling an implausibly large trailer equipped with motorized caterpillar treads. The trailer could additionally pull along the auxiliary trailer transformer Grandus, on which the shuttle Sky Garry could land, forming the spaceship "Battlestars".

Unlike previous Convoy toys, the cab section did not seperate from the trailer, instead forming the arms of his imposing 12-inch tall robot mode. He lacks any sort of leg articulation in this mode, but his battery powered treads can provide him with locomotion. Star Convoy's chest can open to reveal a control center for Micromaster figures such as his partner figure Hot Rodimus to ride in.

He can also form a Micromaster base, that is more like his legs opened up, with his upper torso more or less staying exactly the same. Like Dai Atlas, his base mode can connect with other Micromaster base sets.

Star Convoy was reissued by Takara in 2005, with notable paint deco and sticker improvements, such as his white parts being painted metallic silver and the star crest on his chest painted with plated gold chrome paint..

• Nucleon Quest Super Convoy (2001)

Japanese ID number: C-307X

This release of the God Ginrai tooling was a Toys R Us Japan exclusive black repaint, made to represent the original Convoy/Optimus Prime equipped for a special mission. All of his red and blue plastics were changed to black, his clear blue windows were now tinted red, making his overall colour scheme very reminiscent of the now-familiar 'Black Convoy' colour schemes.

• Orion Pax (2006)

Japanese ID number: 67

"Welcome to The Past!"

This Japanese e-Hobby exclusive was a redeco of Targetmaster Kup, made to represent the character Orion Pax from the G1 television series episode War Dawn. He came with a redeco of Wheelie as Dion.

Generation 2

• Optimus Prime (1993, 1994)

I AM OPTIMUS PRIME.

The first Generation 2 Optimus Prime toy was largely identical in sculpt to the original release. However, his trailer was cast in black plastic, with the original blue and silver striped sticker replaced with a red and silver one that had "Optimus Prime" in large block letters on it. The trailer also featured a soundbox attachment with a sculpted Autobot symbol on the front. The soundbox could activate a truck engine noise, a laser gun sound effect and a (badly) garbled voice that said "I am Optimus Prime!". This soundbox could also be attached onto Optimus Prime's back and be used as a sort of backpack.

The other new additions were two black spring-loaded missile launchers that fire red projectiles. In vehicle mode, these attached to the soundbox (an echo of Powermaster Optimus Prime's cannons, perhaps), and could be held in Optimus Prime's fists in robot mode.

• Optimus Prime (Hero, 1994)

Japanese ID number: TRF-1

BE A HEEEERO

Hero Optimus Prime was the first new-mold Optimus Prime toy in the Generation 2 line. He transformed into a longnose Kenworth truck of unknown model. The truck and trailer forms his robot mode, but cannot disconnect.

In robot mode, the front halves of his truck cab become his feet, with the bottom of the trailer section becoming his chest and arms. His primarily gimmick is an air-powered missile launcher, that can fire one of three foam missiles using an air bellows.

This mold was later redecoed as the Kay-Bee Toys-exclusive Destructicon Scourge.

• Laser Optimus Prime (1995, 2006)

Japanese ID number: TRF-13

Not cast in the 2007 movie.

Perhaps the most popular Generation 2 toy of Optimus Prime, Laser Optimus Prime was another new-mold toy that transformed into a longnose truck of unknown origin, pulling a grey and black fuel tank trailer. On the sides of the trailer is a humourous sticker depicting Laser Optimus Prime using a flamethrower to burn down a forest, with the words "Optimus Prime Octane" over the image.

In robot mode, like Combat Hero Prime, the bottom of the truck became his familiar windowed chest based upon the original Optimus Prime toy. His main gimmick was light up headlights, and a light up right fist that was activated by pressing the sunroof-like depression on the roof of the truck. His clear sword or his double-barreled rifle can be used in this fist.

The trailer unfolds to form a battle station bristling with many firing weapons. Primarily, it can fire a air-powered missile launcher, a ripple rocket launcher with 5 missiles that can be launched individually (this turret can also be mounted in Laser Prime's hand) and a 'disc launcher', that fired several blue plastic discs adorned with the Generation 2 Autobot sigil. This disc launcher is the only weapon that can be used in vehicle mode.

This mold was redecoed in 2000 as Car Robots Black Convoy, and slightly retooled as Scourge.

A modified version of this mold was reissued in 2006 in Japan as Battle Convoy, which was the name of this toy during the Japanese Generation 2. The reissued used the Robots in Disguise modified tooling, with a slightly modified deco using silver vaccum-metalized plastic on his chest and trailer sides along with additional paint applications and G2 symbols..

• Optimus Prime (Go-Bot, 1995)

Sweet ride, Prime

Gobots Optimus Prime transforms into a red Hot Wheels-sized Lambourghini Diablo. In robot mode his transformation and headsculpt greatly resemble Sideswipe. Like most Go-Bots, he features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly. He is armed with a small red laser rifle.

The Japanese release of this toy swapped out the orange plastic for neon yellow, and had a large tampograph on the car's hood that was shaped like a stylised letter 'T', with the Transformers logo in it. Going against the grain, this toy was released in Japan with the name "Optimus Prime" instead of "Convoy".

This toy was redecoed from the Generation 2 Gobot Firecracker.

Machine Wars

• Optimus Prime (Ultra, 1997)

Minus minusplate

Available only at Kay-Bee toys (well, at first), Machine Wars Optimus Prime is a redeco and slight modification of the European Generation 1 exclusive Turbomaster leader Thunder Clash, transforming into a Cybertronic truck cab. The Trailer unit unfolds to become a missile-launching assault tower. The tower's gravity-feed missile launchers were retooled to accommodate the new, longer spring-loaded missiles in lieu of the much smaller original projectiles due to projectile choke-gate safety testing.

Smallest Transformers

• G1 Convoy (2003)

Japanese ID Number: GTF-01A (truck) and GTF-01B (trailer)

You didn't find my trailer, did you? Haw haw.

Smallest Transformers Convoy is the smallest fully transforming Optimus Prime toy yet. He features an accurate transformation sequence based on the original full-sized toy, but understandably has no detachable hands, and has little articulation. His sculpt is based upon his cartoon appearances. He comes with a tiny version of his photon rifle.

His trailer was available separately as a shortpacked figure.

This mold was repainted in wave 2 of STF, this time in cartoon colours and as a limited 'chase' variant based upon Ultra Magnus' colours. In wave 2.5 he was again available in cartoon colours, with the chase figure being the trailer painted in cartoon colours.

20th Anniversary/Masterpiece

• Optimus Prime (2003/2004)

Japanese ID number: MP-01

And the fandom rejoiced (and complained).

20th Anniversary Optimus Prime is the most successful attempt to have a somewhat authentic 1980s Freightliner cab-over truck transform into a cartoon-proportioned robot mode of Optimus Prime.

Sculpted with detail, Optimus Prime is loaded with non-obtrusive gimmicks such as working spring-loaded suspension, a 'talking' mouth movement, flip-up communications panels and a light-up Matrix chamber with a removable vacuum-metalized Matrix of Leadership that can also be pulled open.

In robot mode, he is able to assume many poses, yet limited to the top-heavy design of the robot mode. In vehicle mode, he has a hitch for a trailer, but none was included due to cost. He is partially constructed of die cast metal and features rubber tires.

Optimus Prime features many accessories including the aforementioned Matrix, his photon rifle and Megatron in gun mode, with stock, silencer and scope accessories. This small Megatron can be held in his hand, but cannot transform.

The initial Hasbro release of 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime featured his photon rifle cast in grey plastic, with later assortments cast in black plastic. Further releases included a small poster featuring artwork by Pat Lee.

The main difference between the US and Japanese releases is the fact the US release has much smaller smokestacks, while the Japanese release has full-size stacks. Hasbro reported that this change was due to safety concerns.

The Japanese Takara release of this toy, dubbed "Masterpiece Convoy", has a cardboard trailer that the owner must construct himself.

This mold was redecoed into Masterpiece Ultra Magnus.

• Convoy Perfect Edition (2006)

Japanese ID number: MP-04

You just paid $170 for a big box on wheels.

For the re-release of Masterpiece Convoy, Takara packed him with a proper full-size, fully transforming plastic and die-cast metal trailer. The trailer can open up to reveal his Combat Deck, with storage for his accessories and a functional repair drone. The interior has enough room to accommodate one Alternators toy in vehicle mode.

Roller is conspicuously absent from this 'Perfect' edition. Additionally, there have been reports that this release of Masterpiece Convoy has much poorer quality control, as the paint on his chest chips more easily.

Robot Masters

• G1 Convoy (2004)

Japanese ID number: RM-01

My vehicle mode is dangerous and unroadworthy!

Robot Masters G1 Convoy is essentially a simplified version of 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, featuring a similar sculpt and a similar (though significantly easier) transformation sequence. However, due to its size and pricepoint, it does not feature a Matrix chamber or the number of gimmicks in his larger toysake.

Included is a photon rifle and a small missile launcher.

• G1 Convoy with DVD (2004)

Japanese ID number: RM-10

I'm shiny!

This special edition release of G1 Convoy is decked out in metallic paint and the photon rifle is painted black. In addition to the sculpted Autobot sigil on its left shoulder, another Autobot sigil is tampographed onto the right shoulder. Otherwise it is the same toy.

It comes packed with a DVD containing a short cartoon detailing the Robot Masters storyline up to that point.

• G1 Convoy Limited Black Version (2005)

This release is simply a black repaint of Robot Masters G1 Convoy.

Available only via mail-order through Dengeki Hobby magazine

Universe

• Optimus Prime (Spychanger, 2004)

Why won't they repaint my full-size toy in these colours?!?

Universe G1 Optimus Prime is a redeco of the Robots in Disguise Scourge's Spychanger toy. He replaces most of the black plastic with predominantly red and blue, with silver for detailing, with an overall deco making him resemble the original Optimus Prime. Like most Spychangers, he features high speed axles and can roll very well across smooth surfaces, but lacks the weight to propel him quickly.

Hybrid Style

• G1 Convoy (2006)

Japanese ID number: THS-02

Expensive and tiny.

THS-02 G1 Convoy is a finely detailed, partially die-cast metal transforming toy of G1 Optimus Prime. As with most modern G1 Optimus Prime toys, he is based somewhat upon 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, but is a totally new designed created under the supervision of famed Macross mecha designer Shoji Kawamori.

Standing at 3' 3/4 inches tall in robot mode, THS-02 Convoy features possibly the most complex transformation sequence ever seen on a Transformers figure this small. However, the small size also works against the design, as concessions from the vehicle mode truck cab had to be made to accommodate the proportions of the robot mode.

He comes with a fully-transforming and highly detailed trailer that opens up into his Combat Deck/repair bay, with a functioning repair drone and Roller, who features six-wheel steering. His other accessories include his Photon rifle (with adjustable grip, his energy axe, Sideswipe's jet pack, and several different hands, all of which can be stored in individual compartments within the trailer.

Alternators

• Optimus Prime (2006)

I don't come with a creepy girl...

Alternators Optimus Prime transforms into an accurate 1:24th scale Dodge Ram SRT-10. The vehicle mode features rubber tires, functional steering, opening hood, tail gate and doors with a detailed cabin interior. His robot mode body sculpt details are based upon the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime toy. However, his headsculpt is based upon Powermaster Optimus Prime. He is armed with a small pistol that is formed from his engine.

This mold was later redecoed into Kiss Players Convoy and Alternators Nemesis Prime.

Kiss Players

• Convoy w/ Marissa Fairborne (2006)

...And yet, I do!

Kiss Players Convoy is a redeco of Alternators Optimus Prime. Unlike the Alternator's bare red plastic, he is covered in a deeper red paint. Some of his body parts are cast in different colours, such as his shins, and has a much more intricate paint deco based upon Masterpiece Convoy. He is armed with his small engine pistol and a pink surfboard that can be reconfigured into either two small blades or a large double-bladed sword.

He comes with a small figurine of Marissa Faireborne and a Kiss Players CD featuring recordings of the radio play.

Titanium

• War Within Optimus Prime (3" Robot Masters, 2006)

Squattie

War Within Optimus Prime is the first toy representation of Optimus Prime as he appears in the popular War Within comic book series. Constructed partially of die-cast metal, this three inch version cannot transform and has some articulation, limited to his shoulders, head and waist.

• Optimus Prime (3" Robot Master, 2006)

Drop and give me twenty, soldier!

The first Titanium representation of G1 Optimus Prime has a well-proportioned sculpt based on his 20th Anniversary toy. Constructed partially of die-cast metal, this three inch version cannot transform and has some articulation, limited to his shoulders, head and waist.

• War Within Optimus Prime (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)

And then some squirrels quietly disappeared.

The second War Within Optimus Prime toy in the Titanium series, but also the first official transforming toy from the War Within series. Personally designed by comic artist Don Figueroa (who created much of the War Within comic designs), Optimus Prime transforms into a cybertronic truck. He is armed with a silver painted photon rifle, on which the words 'DON' can be clearly seen sculpted into the body.

He is partially constructed out of die-cast metal and plastic, but some design flaws lead to relatively weak plastic joints holding up heavy die-cast parts.

• Optimus Prime (Battle Damaged) (3" Robot Master, 2006)

This is a repaint of the 3" G1 Optimus Prime titanium figurine, with a 'battle-damaged' deco.

Classics

• Optimus Prime (Voyager-class, 2006)

Rub my symbol, Marissa. Oops, wrong line.

Classics Optimus Prime is an all-new modern Optimus Prime design based upon the original Optimus Prime, as is the intention for the Classics toyline. He transforms into a modern cab-over style truck of made up model, dominated by a large aerofairing on his roof. He was not designed to pull a trailer, and subsequently does not come with one.

In robot mode, he transforms similarly to Powermaster Optimus Prime and the recent Cybertron Optimus Prime in that the back of the truck forms the front of the robot mode's torso. His proportions are based heavily upon the cartoon and comic models of Optimus Prime. In this mode, his aerofairing transforms into a large photon rifle, and his smokestacks transform into a smaller blaster. Additionally, both can combine together to form a back-mounted shoulder weapon.

As with most Classics toys, he features a heat-sensitive rubsign.

This mold was repainted into Classics Ultra Magnus.

• Optimus Prime (Multi-pack, 2006)

My other toy is much better.

This Classics Optimus Prime is a smaller, deluxe-class toy bearing a greater resemblance to the original G1 toy. He is only available in a special Versus pack with a similarly unique Classics Megatron toy. His vehicle mode and robot mode is based upon the original toy, but due to limitations in design, budget and gimmick, does not succeed very well. His thighs cannot collapse into his lower legs, meaning they are exposed in vehicle mode, as his his head.

He comes armed with a small machine gun that can be mounted on the back of his truck like a turret.

• Optimus Prime (20th Anniversary DVD Edition, 2006)

Discounted at a Walmart near you.

This is a redeco of the 2004 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, released to coincide with the 20th Anniversary of the original Transformers animated movie and DVD release. He is painted in flatter, non-metallic colours to more closely resemble the original cartoon model, as well as the Voyager-class Classics Optimus Prime figure. The color of the light of his feet has changed too. As a cost-cutting measure, all vacuum-metalized plastic has been replaced with with silver and gold paint. Confusingly, his photon rifle is now cast in blue plastic.

He comes with all the accessories he was packed with in his previous release, but includes a display base that can say phrases and sound effects from the movie. However, original actor Peter Cullen was unavailable, forcing Hasbro to use an in-house voice that sounds nothing like Optimus Prime.

Merchandise

Metalforce

• Convoy (2000)

I'm expensive!

Metalforce Convoy is a large vinyl figurine sculpted to very closely resemble Optimus Prime as he appeared in the original television series, and at the time was the most accurate product depiction of Optimus Prime's cartoon appearance.

Articulated at the shoulders, head and waist, he is fully painted, but true to his garage figure origins his photon rifle must be cut free using a hobby knife, then assembled. His clear blue chest window piece is removable to allow the installation of his Matrix of Leadership. He also comes with several hands that allow him to hold his accessories.

Heroes of Cybertron

The Heroes of Cybertron PVC figurine line is an adaptation by Hasbro of Takara's own Super Figure Collection line. The main differences between the two lines is that Hasbro cast Autobot and Decepticon figures in clear blue or clear red PVC respectively, then completely painted the figurines. This allowed the eyes to 'glow' when placed in front of the light source.

• Optimus Prime (2002)

Hey Spike, pull my finger.

This figurine of Optimus Prime is sculpted based upon his television appearances. He is armed with his black photon rifle and his articulation is limited to his shoulders and neck.

• Powermaster Optimus Prime Apex Armor (2002)

Don't tell anyone, but this crap is HEAVY!

Actually a repaint of SFC God Ginrai, this figurine's sculpt is based upon Ginrai's television appearances in the series Masterforce. The figure is depicted as fully combined with both his trailer and Apex Bomber.

• Optimus Prime with Plasma Weapon (2002)

Energon Axe: Only used in one episode. Ever.

The second third HOC Optimus Prime figure is a modification of the first - replacing his right hand/rifle with his energon axe, and replacing his left pointing hand with a closed fist.

• Powermaster Optimus Prime Spark Attack (2002)

IT BURNS, PRECIOUS!

This figure was based upon the God Ginrai "Fire Guts" repaint.

Trivia

Not so Optimus Prime.

• The first prototype for Battle Convoy, the Diaclone originator of Optimus Prime, was vastly different from the final version, complete with an entirely different transformation and a car carrying trailer. The head lacked the faceplate.

• At BotCon 2005, Hideaki Yoke revealed that Optimus Prime (or more accurately, Diaclone Battle Convoy) was not designed by a single person, but rather a team of Takara designers as the one who was originally assigned the job had fallen behind. It is said that a young Shoji Kawamori was also a member of this team at some point, who would design THS-02 Convoy over 20 years later. The patent for the toy, however, lists Hiroyuki Obara as the designer.

• The toy that would ultimately end up as the original Optimus Prime toy was originally released in August 1983 as No.17 Battle Convoy from Takara's Diaclone Car Robo toyline in Japan. In 1984, Joustra released their own version (still with Diaclone sticker on the trailer) as part of their Diaclone line in Europe, either simply called Truck (according to the pack-in catalog) or Diaclone (in the pack-in comic). It's possible that GiG also released a version called Camion Convoy as part of their Trasformer line in Italy, but to this day no packaged sample has surfaced.

The many releases of Optimus Prime

Over the years, the toy has been repackaged and reissued multiple times:

• In the USA and Canada, limited edition promotional versions were available sporting Pepsi stickers;
• In addition to the standard Japanese 01 Convoy release, Takara also released the toy as part of the VSX Convoy vs. Megatron two-pack in 1985;
• Takara released a variant sporting clear blue windows and as part of the Good Bye Convoy set (packaged with Alert/Red Alert and Ligier/Mirage) in 1986;
• French company Ceji Revell released a version with red feet in the UK in 1984;
• Milton Bradley (MB) released the toy in Europe in late 1985, following trademark issues;
• Hasbro re-released the toy in Europe in 1986, including another red feeted variant;
• GiG released the toy as Commander as part of their Transformers line in Italy in 1985, including an all-plastic variant in 1986;
• Hasbro reissued the original toy as part of their European Classic line of reissues in 1991;
• Hasbro released a redecoed version with additional accessories as part of their Generation 2 line in 1993;
• Takara reissued the original toy in its original 1985 Japanese packaging in 2000, with an all-black recolor being available from assorted Japanese conventions and another variant with gold chromed parts as a lucky draw prize;
• Takara reissued the toy again as New Year Special version in January 2002, sporting clear blue windows (similar to Good Bye Convoy) and featuring additional such as a Matrix necklage and a cartoon accurate recolor of the Action Master Optimus Prime figure;
• Hasbro reissued the toy in the USA and the UK as part of their Commemorative Series line of reissues in 2002, sporting shortened down smokestacks for safety reasons;
• Takara reissued the toy once again in 2003, as part of their Transformers Collection line of reissues, numbered 00 and featuring additional accessories such as an energon axe;
• Takara released a recolored version featuring a new trailer in December 2005, called Pepsi Convoy.

Powermaster Optimus Prime

Powermaster Optimus Prime, being the grand toy rebirth of Optimus Prime post-movie, apparently received a lot of thought during the design process. Prime went through an inordinate number of design changes from concept to final with at least three very major revisions:

Overcompensating.

• The earliest version, as shown in the first patent application for the toy, was to have the Prime cab be a triplechanger, turning from truck cab to jet or robot. The nosecone of the jet and robot legs were released by the Powermaster lock in the same fashion as the legs in the final version. Optimus would have had winged arms in non-super robot mode. The super robot mode's head was also integrated into the trailer's hitch... and lacked a faceplate.

Blockhead.

• The second known version ditched the triplechanging gimmick on the cab and simplified things a good bit. Interestingly, this design was used for the animation model for the commercials. The animation model was apparently also used by Marvel, as Powermaster Prime has several distinct characteristics only seen in the second design, such as the wider "block head" and two faux smokestacks on top of either shoulder as opposed to one. Also, in a rather odd twist, this design features a black head and fists for both super and regular modes rather than the traditional blue. It also had yellow eyes in either mode a la the original Optimus Prime.

• The third version would quite possibly have been the most gimmick loaded Transformer in the history of the line, simultaneously being a Powermaster, Headmaster, and triple changer. The Headmaster also would have been a triplechanger, turning into a sort of armored four-wheeled rover (Roller II?) and robot as well as a rather silly looking Optimus Prime head with four vertically aligned wheels jutting off the sides. It seems that when the extra Headmaster gimmick was scrapped, the super mode head remained separate rather than being reintegrated into the trailer hitch such as on the earliest design. Notably, the body of this design is extremely close to the final design.

• A fourth version is shown in the 1987-88 Transformers product catalog that has several minor differences from both Powermaster Prime and God Ginrai, such as having God Ginrai's sliding fists but in red, a completely different trailer hitch assembly partially based on the third design, an offset Autobot symbol in base mode, extended feet also based on third design, far more detailed super mode outer leg panels, completely different front bumper, and the first instance of single faux shoulder smokestacks rather than two. It is still unknown as to why Powermaster Prime has completely different arms from God Ginrai or all earlier concept versions.

Minor note: Powermaster Prime's animation model as used in the commercials and as a character guide for the Marvel comics is a composite of the second and third designs. The body of the model is actually a straight tracing of the concept lineart for the third version (including its different rifles and twin faux shoulder stacks), with a slightly simplified drawing of the second version's head drawn on top.

External links

• ToyBin Optimus Prime Toy gallery
• Optimus Prime on TFU.info