Optimus Primal (BW)/toys

Monkey see, Monkey f**k you up!

Optimus Primal has had a barrel full of toys. None of them monkeys!

Toys

Beast Wars

The dark primal.

• Optimus Primal vs Megatron! (Basic versus two-pack, 1996)
  • Japanese ID number: C-6
  • Accessories: Two swords

The first Optimus Primal was a Basic size class blue bat which could autotransform into a robot by pulling the tail. Two swords were removable from under its wings for use as weaponry in robot mode. It was packaged along with an alligator version of Megatron and a Beast Wars mini-comic.

Whether this toy can be considered the Optimus Primal character is a matter of debate. Released before the animated series began, which established Optimus Primal as a separate entity from Optimus Prime, the accompanying profiles and mini-comic seem to assume that the Beast Wars are a progression of the same characters from the Autobot/Decepticon war. Whether the animated series's retcon affected this set of toys is probably a matter of personal preference. It can be interpreted as representing one of the more interesting micro-continuities.

The Beast Wars Sourcebook has asserted that, in IDW's version of the Beast Wars continuity, Primal's bat form was suggested by the Axalon's computer as a potential alt-mode, but he rejected it in favour of the more powerful gorilla without ever actually reformatting into it. Thus, this micro-continuity posits bat-mode Primal as an essentially theoretical alt-form that never actually came to be.

This mold was also used to make the Optimus Prime-recolored Convobat (who may or may not be a separate character to either Prime or Primal), and Onyx Primal.

Yes, missiles come out of his butt.

• Optimus Primal (Ultra, 1996/1997/1998)
  • Japanese ID number: C-1
  • Accessories: Two swords, four missiles, flail

The second Optimus Primal toy was an ape in the Ultra size class. Though the transformation from primate to humanoid was a relatively simplistic one, the toy compensated with more than a fair share of weaponry and action features. A compartment on his right forearm opened to reveal a skull-shaped mace he could hold in his fist. His left forearm could open into a double-barreled missile launcher. On his back were two spring-loaded missile launchers which auto-flipped over each shoulder. By pulling a lever in the center of his back, both arms would either spin at the bicep or bend in and out at the elbow, depending on the placement of notch-buttons located on either bicep. And finally, like many first-year Beast Wars toys, a battle mask/"mutant head" could be deployed over his robot head.

Brass monkeys.

Takara released the toy as part of their Beast Wars line in July of 1997, nearly identical to the Hasbro version. The missiles for the Takara version are thinner and simpler than the original Hasbro version, and would be used in all subsequent releases of the mold.

This mold was redecoed into Universe Optimus Primal and Beast Wars Telemocha DX Convoy, and retooled into Beast Wars Reborn/Beast Wars Tenth Anniversary versus pack Optimus Primal. Takara also created multiple special variants, including all-gold (from Tele-V Magazine, only ten awarded), red and gray (Tele-V again, but only one awarded), and blue-fur (a Comics Bom Bom design-contest prize, only five awarded).

• Special Convoy Real Gray Type (Ultra, 1998)
  • Japanese ID number: C-1
  • Accessories: Two swords, four missiles, flail

In January of 1998, Takara released a redeco of the Ultra Optimus Primal toy as Special Convoy Real Gray Type (スペシャルコンボイ — リアルグレータイプ), changing the black to dark gray and the blue to metallic blue, although the packaging was the same as the original release save for a sticker on the front of the box. According to the sticker, this limited figure was meant to celebrate the "20,000,000 Unit Breakthrough Commemoration"—apparently commemorating 20 million units of Beast Wars toys sold. Whether this was supposed to represent 20 million worldwide or just in Japan is unclear.

• Special Convoy Skeleton Type (Ultra, 1998?)
  • Japanese ID number: C-1
  • Accessories: Two swords, four missiles, flail

A Toys 'R' Us retail exclusive redeco of the Ultra figure, Special Convoy Skeleton Type (スペシャルコンボイ — スケルトンタイプ) was colorless-clear and black with silver paint detailing. The packaging was the same as the general release except for a sticker on the front of the box.

Freedom is the right of all superstitious, cowardly lots. Wait, no, that's not right...

• Convobat vs Megaligator (multipack)
  • Japanese ID number: S-1
  • Accessories: Two swords

Available only in a special CD-ROM two-pack with a purple redeco of "Megalligator", this version of Optimus Primal (maybe) retains its previous gimmickry. his back features a silver Maximal faction symbol plus "C-ROM", as in "Cybertron", get it? Huh? And Megatron has the "D-ROM"? See what they did there?

Just what character this toy represents is up for debate. The toy's bio claims he used to turn into a tractor-trailer (indicating Optimus Prime), but considering the timeframe of when they were written and the whole lack of a stance on who Primal "was" before the show and bla bla bla... it's just easier to file this under the same iffiness as the original toy bios set on modern Earth and leave it at that.

This mold was also used to make Onyx Primal.

• More information on CD-ROM Convobat at TFU.info

• Burning Convoy (Ultra)
  • Accessories: Two swords, four missiles, flail

Clear-red redeco of Primal, with gold "flame" markings also included. Was released as a limited edition figure to promote the Beast Wars Special movie alongside the Flash Lio Convoy toy.

Seamunky?

• Orcanoch (MicroVerse, 1997)

Part of the short-lived MicroVerse toyline (from before Hasbro's acquisition of rival Galoob and their micro-toy empire), Orcanoch transforms into a Maximal base. It came with tiny, non-transforming versions of Optimus Primal and Tarantulas. These figures were designed to sit in the various mini-vehicles and control modules of the MicroVerse playsets.

Check out those abs!

• Optimus Primal (Mega Transmetal, 1998)
  • Japanese ID number: C-40
  • Accessories: Gun, two clubs/missiles

Transmetal Optimus Primal is a mechanical gorilla that transforms into a partially organic robot. Like all Transmetals, it featured chromed plastic and a third vehicle-inspired mode. In Primal's case, his gorilla mode could transform into a gorilla on a hoverboard. Two maces were stored on his back and could double as missiles for his hip-holstered blaster.

Takara's version of the toy exchanged the brown plastic for translucent maroon, he also featured additional paint on his waist and different eye color among other changes. The figure was also available in a set with Transmetal Megatron.

This mold was used to make Apelinq.

It's really about two modes, not four, if you're honest.

• Optimal Optimus (Super Transmetal, 1998)
  • Japanese ID number: C-47
  • Accessories: One gun, four missiles, six break-away armor plates

Transmetal Optimal Optimus was the first toy in the Super size class, featuring electronics and four transformations: robot, ape, jet, and armored transport. When a back section of the cannon module was pulled, the eyes and shoulder-mounted missile launchers lit up and the launchers fired. It came with four missiles, two of which stored on its legs. Its forearms featured blast-away armor plates that could also be pegged to its upper arms.

Optimal Optimus's on-package bio states that he has Cybertronian "air guardian" technology and twin scramjet modules. Jetfire's function was Air Guardian, and his Tech Specs said he had these same scramjet modules.

This mold was used to make Primal Prime, and was the model for Megatron's (non-toy) "Optimal" body, seen in "Endgame Pt. III: Seeds of the Future".

The Japanese version featured a more yellow shade of orange, different painted details, and notably black tires instead of purple.

Beast Machines

I am the exact opposite of show-accurate.

• Optimus Primal (Deluxe, 2000)
  • Accessories: Energy shuriken

The first Beast Machines Optimus Primal is a dark bronze and translucent blue technorganic gorilla that transforms into a technorganic robot. His right robot-mode arm is spring-loaded to throw the shuriken that stores in his left leg (the ape mode's left shoulder). Like all Beast Machines toys, he has a hidden "spark crystal" that displays his faction allegiance; Primal's is in his chest, revealed with the spring-loaded "flexing" motion that also moves his beast-mode face up for snarling while posing. His robot-mode head also features a changing expression via sliding brow/skullcap.

Official Hasbro stock photography of this toy shows a differently-molded shuriken, lacking the "energy flame" effect.

• More information on Deluxe Optimus Primal at TFU.info

Robot hate the monkey.

• Optimus Primal (Happy Meal toy, 2000)

McDonald's Beast Machines Optimus Primal is an incredibly simple toy that transforms from a technorganic robot to technorganic ape. Its sculpted detail is based directly that of the television show's model for Primal. It uses translucent plastic for the body, and, like the other McDonald's Beast Machines toys, there's a sculpted spark crystal on the toy's surface; on Optimus Primal, it is placed on the stomach. Additionally, there are two organic flaps on the toy's back, and in robot mode, nobody's entirely sure exactly what to do with them. Are they rotated all the way down to make his booster jets? Are they rotated out to the sides to make the backs of his shoulder pads? Are they rotated back to where they go in gorilla mode, once you get his heads swapped? We may never know.

• More information on McDonald's Optimus Primal at TFU.info

They will fight eternally!

• Blast Punch Optimus Primal (Mega, 2001)
  • Japanese ID number: BR-01
  • Accessories: Missile

One of the last toys released in the Beast Machines line (under the "Battle for the Spark" rebranding), "Blast Punch" Optimus Primal transforms into a technorganic gorilla more like the show model, though with a considerably brighter color scheme. His main gimmick is his left arm, which contains a hidden missile launcher.Pushing down on his shoulder armor "winds" the mechanism in his gauntlet. Pushing the spark crystal on his bicep spins his gauntlet around, simultaneously triggering the spring-loaded missile launcher and activating his spring-loaded ramming "blast punch" action, extending his fist forward nearly a full inch. He also has hidden jet thrusters under a panel on his back. In beast mode, a small button on the top of his head pushes his upper face up in a "snarling" action.

• More information on Blast Punch Optimus Primal at TFU.info

• Optimus Primal (Jollibee Kids Meal, 2009)
  • Accessories: Pen Keeper

Optimus Primal was available as one of three figures in a Jollibee promotion. The toy is a greatly simplified version of his Beast Machines Deluxe toy.

Robots in Disguise

Monkey versus robot!

• Air Attack Optimus Primal (Supreme, 2002)

Intended for release in the Beast Machines toyline, Air Attack Optimus Primal was eventually released as a Toys "R" Us exclusive as part of the Robots in Disguise toyline. Positively oozing light-and-sound gimmicks in both modes, Optimus Primal does all sorts'a crazy crap, all of which is first activated by pressing his chest plate. Doing so "turns on" his electronics with a metallic shrieking noise, and the toy proceeds to hum constantly while the chest glows with a red LED. The electronics will eventually "turn off" if the toy is left idle, but you don't want to do that! You want to push his head (in either mode), which activates glowing lights in his eyes and actual speech samples of Garry Chalk from the Beast Machines cartoon (making Primal the first English-speaking Transformers toy to have speech clips performed by his actual cartoon voice actor). On top of that, the toy also features a pressure-launching disc-shooter in its robot-mode stomach (accompanied by blasting sound effect), and a geared right arm with a spring-loaded punch action (and suitably pained electronic grunt). The big feature—the one that gives the toy its name—is his jetpack, which pops out (with translucent blue jet flames trailing behind) at the push of a button. This puts the toy into "flight mode", and it constantly produces the sound of whooshing jets, which then rises and falls depending on how the figure is held. Tilt him upwards, and the pitch rises as he ascends! Tilt him down, and zoom!

Also, he has a butt on his head.

Universe

Kinda looks like Don Rickles, don't you think?

• Optimus Primal (Ultra, 2003)
  • Accessories: Two swords, four missiles, flail

Robot Masters

There he is, my littler guy.

• Beast Convoy
  • Japanese ID number: RM-11
  • Accessories: Two swords, sword connector

• Beast Convoy Limited Black Version
  • Accessories: Two swords

Available only via mail order through Hobby Japan magazine.

• Burning Beast Convoy
  • Japanese ID number: RM-21
  • Accessories: Two swords

This toy refers to the Beast Wars II movie form where he partnered with Lio Convoy, turning them into Burning Convoy and Flash Lio Convoy respectively.

Beast Wars 10th Anniversary

Surf monkey/ that funky monkey

• Optimus Primal (2006)
  • Accessories: Surfboard, assault blade, missile, Jungle Planet Key

Beast Wars 10th Anniversary (BWX) Optimus Primal is a new toy design based loosely on his original ultra ape action figure and pulling some elements from other figures, including a transformation very similar to the Playskool Go-Bot Gorillabot, which itself was a nod to Optimus Primal's Beast Machines form. Similar to his Transmetal form, BWX Optimus Primal also comes with a hoverboard that fires a missile when a Cyber Planet Key is inserted.

Opposable thumbs!

The board also features a spring-loaded extending "assault blade" (or "ass lt blade" as the directions call it). Though it is not intended to be removed, the blade can be popped off and held in Primal's hand thanks to his posable thumbs.

He is also packaged with a mini-comic-sized reprinting of IDW Publishing's The Gathering #1, a small Axalon ship figurine, and a Jungle Planet style Cyber Planet Key without a Cyber Key Code stamped on it.

This mold was redecoed and released as Cybertron Optimus Prime. The sculpt for both BWX leader toys were intentionally designed to blend in with the Jungle Planet aesthetic, "in case" they didn't get a Beast Wars Anniversary release (according to Aaron Archer's statements at BotCon 2005).

• Optimus Primal vs Megatron (Toys "R" Us, 2006)
  • Accessories: Two swords, four missiles, flail

Identical to the Beast Wars Reborn set as detailed below, but in new packaging with a DVD of the Beast Wars episode "Possession".

Beast Wars Reborn

The eighth Optimus of the world... PRIMAL!

• Convoy vs Megatron (2006)
  • Japanese ID number: BWR-01
  • Accessories: Two swords, four missiles, flail

Staring contest—go!

This release is a retool of the original 1996 Ultra toy, with new beast and robot heads, plus a new robot chest piece sculpted to match the television series's portrayal. The color scheme was also altered to be show-accurate, changing the black to dark gray, much of the light gray to medium gray with hints of bronze, primary red to crimson, and blue to a more dull steel blue. All of the toy's previous gimmicks are retained with the sole exception of the "mutant head."

This figure came packaged with a similarly-remolded Megatron and a Golden Disk CD-ROM that contains control art for a number of Beast Wars toys.

Generation 2

File:LaserOptimusPrime toy.jpg

Argh TFwiki headache.

• Battle Convoy (Reissue, 2006)
  • Japanese ID number: TRF-13
  • Accessories: Laser rifle, sword, 5 discs, 3 air power missiles, ripple rocket launcher, 10 rockets

In 1993, Laser Optimus Prime was a new-mold Generation 2 toy that transformed into mid-1990s Western Star 4964EX, 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 LED headlights, and a lightpipe in the bottom of his right fist, illuminated by an LED in his right forearm, that would illuminate his clear sword or his double-barreled rifle if they were used in that hand. All three LEDs were activated simultaneously by pressing the sunroof-like depression on the roof of the truck.

The trailer unfolds to form a battle station bristling with many firing weapons. Primarily, it can fire an 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. After Scourge, the next use of this mold was planned to be Toxitron, which ended up being canceled. The slightly retooled version of this mold was released in 2006 in Japan as reissue Battle Convoy, which was the name of this toy during the Japanese Generation 2. The reissue used the Robots in Disguise modified tooling, with a slightly modified deco using silver vacuum-metalized plastic on his chest and trailer sides along with additional paint applications and G2 symbols. The mold was also redecoed to create a new G2 version of Ultra Magnus as an E-Hobby exclusive (unusual in that the character was killed in the course of Japan's G1 fiction).

Within the Beast Wars Reborn text story, the reissued Laser Prime toy was repurposed as a temporary form for Optimus Primal.

Titanium Series

This Primal wasn't built—it was poured!

• Optimus Primal (3" Robot Master figurine)
  • Accessories: Stand

This 3-inch die-cast and plastic figurine of Optimus Primal features him in his Beast Wars season 1 appearance, with swords drawn in an action pose. He came with an Autobot figure stand, weirdly enough.

Ready? And... Faceplant!

• Optimal Optimus (6" Transformable figure)
  • Accessories: Stand with nameplate

For undetermined reasons, this incarnation of Optimal Optimus does not include the beast mode. This does have precedent in the fiction: When Megatron built a copy of that body for himself at the end of Beast Machines, his version didn't have a beast mode either.

Timelines

Trukk munky?

• Dawn of Future's Past (Boxset, BotCon 2006)
  • Accessories: Two missiles, Maximal Golden Disk key

A redeco and retool of Cybertron Crumplezone, Axalon Optimus Primal transforms into a three-wheeled Cybertronic race car with huge turbine thrusters. These thrusters each contain a spring-loaded missile launcher,and can be swung forward in both vehicle and robot mode by plugging a Cyber Planet Key into his key-jack. This also activates electronic sound effects. He has a new head that replicates Optimus Primal's first character model.

Available only in a multi pack with the Axalon versions of Cheetor, Rhinox, and Rattrap, as well as the Darksyde version of Dinobot.

Some consider this toy somewhat of an injoke, because when fans initially saw pics of Crumplezone, they criticised it for looking like a monkey.

Beast Wars Telemocha Series

Anyone else feel like we're going in circles?

• Convoy (2007)
  • Japanese ID number: TM-01
  • Accessories: Two swords

Beast Wars Telemocha Convoy is an extensive redeco of the Robot Masters Beast Convoy figure in a similar style to the Beast Wars Reborn retool of the Ultra-class figure.

Seriously, we're getting dizzy!

• DX Convoy (2007)
  • Japanese ID number: TM-SP
  • Accessories: Two swords, four missiles, flail

An extensive show-accurate redeco of the original Ultra-class Optimus Primal mold without the recently remolded head and chestplate. Oh TakaraTomy, you so crazy.

Merchandise

Kabaya gum kits

Beast Wars

• Convoy (1997)

A nontransformable figurine of bat-body Primal, sculpted in a sword-wielding action pose across a blue base. Figure is painted.

• Convoy (1997)

A nontransformable figurine of gorilla-body Primal, sculpted in an action pose, wielding his mace and armguns, posed on a black base. Figure is painted.

• Convoy (1997, Standard Kit)

A tiny, simple black and purple transformable kit based on the original gorilla toy. It came with two purple swords and some gum.

Beast Wars Metals

• Transmetal Convoy (1999, Standard Kit)

Another small transformable figure was based on his first Transmetal body. It was multicolored and also came with gum.

• Transmetal Convoy (1999, Standard Kit)

A second, but non-transformable figure of Transmetal Optimus Primal was made in clear plastic, blue, and gray. Gum!

Metal Monument

Hungh!

• Metal Monument Convoy (TAKARA, 1999)

As the name suggests, the product is a die-cast statue of Optimus Primal. The head is convertible/removable in order to change the normal one with the battle mask/mutant head. The box art and the design of the product are both done by Hirofumi Ichikawa.

3D Battle-Card Game

• Optimus Primal (2007)

All your favorite 3D action!

A 52-point "rare" character in the 3D Battle-Card Game's "Energon Wars" expansion, Optimus Primal "transforms" into a black ape. He uses the same parts layout as Cheetor, Ravage and Rampage, although the figure's beast mode is assembled differently. Optimus Primal is nominally the leader of the Autobots in the set. The surface of the figure uses images of the original Ultra ape toy.

Robot Heroes

Beast Wars series

Primal mocks Tarantulas's inability to display jazz hands.

• Optimus Primal / Predacon Tarantulas (2008)

Part of the second wave of Universe Robot Heroes, this PVC figurine of Optimus Primal's original gorilla body has articulation in the shoulders and neck. He was available only in a "Beast Wars Series" two-pack with Tarantulas (amusingly enough, the Predacon he also came with in the MicroVerse Orcanoch playset).

Robot Heroes

• Optimus Primal vs. Jetstorm (2009)

Your bargaining posture is highly dubious. Proceed on your way to oblivion. This item has been canceled, with no current plans for release.

Notes

• The design of Optimus Primal's bat form is an homage to Batman, an action figure license also held at the time by Kenner.
• Primal's gorilla mode, paired against Megatron's t-rex mode, was inspired by the showdown in King Kong.
• According to the control art of Optimus Primal's toy, his chest originally seemed to be a kind of launcher instead of being an homage to the Matrix.

External links

• Optimus Primal at TFU.info