Optimus Prime (G1)/toys

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Awwwwww yeah......

Since 1984, Generation 1 Optimus Prime has received the largest number of toys for any single Transformers character, a testament to the character's enduring popularity and status as a hero to many fans.

Generation 1

From the Diaclone Convoy came Optimus Prime and all his subsequent incarnations.
  • Optimus Prime (1984, 1985, 1986)
    • Japanese ID number: C-01
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
The original Optimus Prime toy started life as the Diaclone toy, "Battle Convoy", created by a team of Takara designers who came on board when the original designer fell behind. This team included Hiroyuki Obara (listed as the sole creator on the toy's patent) and famed mecha designer Shōji Kawamori. The toy transforms into a late 1970s red Freightliner FL86 Cab-over-Engine triple-axle semi trailer truck formed from two major components: a red and blue cab partially composed of die-cast metal and a large silver trailer.
The cab transforms into the robot mode of Optimus Prime himself, with the addition of a pair of removable blue fists that plug into his headlights. The fists themselves do not store anywhere in vehicle mode, but can fit easily in Prime's opening chest compartment (originally designed to accomodate two Diaclone driver figures). Prime is armed with a black laser rifle that, due to design, he cannot hold straight.
Prime's trailer opens up into his Combat Deck, containing the scout drone, Roller. The interior of the Combat Deck features three pegs that can accomdate Prime's laser rifle, fuel pump and nozzle accessories, and seating for two Diaclone drivers. As its central feature, the Combat Deck features a missile-armed repair drone pod mounted upon a boom lift arm (featuring another cockpit for a Diaclone driver), which can also be extended through holes in the trailer's roof and front-end when it is closed. Situated in the base of the boom arm is a spring-loaded launcher that can launch Roller out of the Combat Deck and into action. Roller himself has seating for four Diaclone passengers, and features a port that can accomdiate either Prime's rifle or the fuel pump. The interior space of the trailer allows storage room for one standard Autobot car, which can also be shot forward by the launcher.
Most people would be happy with just one Optimus Prime, but noooooo...
Optimus Prime was subject to several molding and color variations in his early days. The earliest release of the figure featured larger fists, a gun with a thick, round barrel, a slightly-differently shaped gas pump, grey rockets, a grey Roller, a grey launcher in his Combat Deck, and metal plates in the floor of the Combat Deck (a holdover from the Diaclone version of the toy, to which the magnetic feet of the pilots could cling). In short order, his fists were slimmed down, the gun's barrel was pared down to a more slender form, the gas pump's shape was altered, the rockets and launcher were recast in black plastic, the metal plates were removed from the Combat Deck, and Roller's color was changed to a light blue. Along with Roller's color change, however, the Combat Deck's drone pod also became light blue, and a third running change soon followed that saw it restored to its original darker blue, and Roller changed along with it. These modified components would would become the default accessories used by subsequent reissues of the Prime toy would take, though Roller stills fluctuates back and forth between grey and dark blue, depending on how show-accurate each reissue wants to be.
The Japanese release of the figure also underwent the changes in weapon shapes, but never featured a silver Roller; instead, their original release of Prime featured a Diaclone-style Roller without the two rear pegs, and the differently-shaped launcher that accomodated him, before a running change switched over to the Hasbro version of the mold. Finally, in some European countries, Prime sported red feet, as opposed to his traditional blue.
Having been removed from toy store shelves after 1985, Optimus Prime was made available as a mail-away toy in the "Digital Doom on the Highway to Destruction" offer in the US in 1986 to coincide with the Transformers movie in 1986. He cost $21.50 and 5 Robot Points, and came with a special "Movie Edition Certificate" and a round sticker that read " Movie . Edition . Transformer" with the Autobot symbol in the middle. (This item is considered rare.)
Over twenty-plus years, there have been a bajillion releases of this mold, some identical to the original toy, and some featuring significant variants with notably different paint jobs, color schemes, accessories and other pack-ins. We have striven to list all these variants on this page under their respective series; for a quick-reference list of all variants and releases check here. The cab robot has also been used sparingly to represent different characters; outfitted with different trailers, it has become Generation 1 Ultra Magnus and Pepsi Convoy.


File:1985 pepsi prime trailers.jpg
Pespibots, roll out!
  • Optimus Prime (Limited edition promotional variant, 1985)
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
A limited edition of the Optimus Prime toy sold as a mail-away exclusive by PepsiCo was made available in North America in 1985. This version of the figure came with a small fold-out leaflet glued to the top-right of the packaging, which contained two Pepsi logo stickers for the buyer to attach to Prime, mid-way through the traditional silver-and-blue stripe on his trailer. Canada also got a version of this promotional figure, but with much larger stickers that were the full length and height of the trailer. This promotion would go on to serve as the inspiration for the Japanese character of Pepsi Convoy, who would in turn be released by Hasbro as a new "Pepsi Optimus Prime" in 2007.


  • Convoy vs. Megatron (Versus set, 1985)
    • Japanese ID number: VSX
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
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.


He's not leaving! He's right behind you!
  • Good Bye Convoy (Multipack, 1986)
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
Commemorating the death of Optimus Prime in The Transformers: The Movie, this set contains a special version of the original Optimus Prime figure with show-inspired translucent blue windows. It was packaged with Ligier and Alert, in an apparent homage to the similar Diaclone "Powered Convoy DX" giftset that packaged the "Powered Convoy" version of the Optimus mold with figures using the molds of Ligier and Alert.


  • Optimus Prime (Powermaster, 1988)
    • Accessories: Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 Laser Rifles, 2 Twin Particle Beam Cannons, Super Robot head
My Japanese release has a lot more bling.
Powermaster Optimus Prime was 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.
Like the original figure, Powermaster Prime is composed of two major components: his truck cab, which transforms into Prime himself, and his trailer, which is essentially a heavily-armed version of the original. The trailer has a fold-down ramp to allow the storage of a smaller Transformer, or perhaps spare accessories. The trailer transforms into a battle station armed with two long black rifles and two grey double-barreled cannons (featuring seating for Powermaster engine figures), all of which Optimus Prime can also wield in his fists.
Aside from the Powermaster feature itself, the main gimmick of the toy is the ability of the truck cab to combine with the trailer to form the larger "Super Optimus Prime" figure. This is essentially accomplished by standing the trailer up, folding the cab in half and inserting it into the empty cavity in the trailer's torso, forming an imposing—if almost entirely unposeable—robot form armed with all four weapons. The head of this super robot form is a separate piece which can be stored in the rear of Prime's trailer when not in use.
The Japanese release of Powermaster Optimus Prime actually represented a new character named Ginrai, and featured several retools: the cab featured die-cast metal, shortened smokestacks, vacuum-metalized plastic and clear blue windows, while the trailer was given retractable super robot fists. This Japanese version was eventually issued by Hasbro in 2003 as part of the Commemorative Series collection (see below).
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.


Eastbound and Down.
  • Optimus Prime (Action Master, 1990)
    • Accessories: 2 Laser Guns, Galactic Pulverizer Gun Barrels, 4 Blaster Cannons, 2 Energon Exhaust Stack, Photon Bazooka
The largest Action Master set, this incarnation of Optimus Prime is a non-transforming action figure which comes with the "Armored Convoy", a large, heavily armed tractor trailer. The cab of the truck transforms into a small jet that can seat one Action Master figure, while the trailer itself converts into a larger battle station with turrents that several Action Masters can man. The sculpt of the Prime figure itself is closely based on his character model, albeit with a coloration that seems to have been based at least partially on the small robot form of his Powermaster body.
The Action Master Optimus Prime figure was later redecoed with a more show-accurate color scheme and included in the Japanese-exclusive "New Year" reissue of the original Optimus Prime toy in 2002.


  • Original Optimus Prime (Original Autobot Leader, 1990)
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
This straight reissue of the original Optimus Prime figure was released in Hasbro's European markets in the early 1990s, at the same time as many other Generation 1 figure were being re-released as "Classics". Oddly, although he shares their golden packaging, Prime is not actually identified as a "Classics" figure anywhere on his box, but is generally considered to be part of the sub-line for simplicity's sake.


  • Convoy (reissue, 2000)
    • Japanese ID number: C-01
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
The first in what would be a deluge of reissues of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure in the 21st century, this Japanese release sported a golden sticker on his packaging announcing the celebration of the Transformers' 15th anniversary in the country. It featured slightly modified fists to help hold the gun better.
Simultaneously, this figure was available as a black convention-exlcusive redeco, and a golden-chromed "Lucky Draw figure" (see below).


  • Convoy Black Version (2000)
    • Japanese ID number: C-01
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (black), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
Released concurrently with the 2000 reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this black redeco of the original Prime was available exclusively at the Japanese convention JAFCON. Everything about it is black, including all of the Combat Deck and Roller.


  • Convoy Gold Version (2000)
    • Japanese ID number: C-01
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (gold), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
Released concurrently with the 2000 reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this "Lucky Draw" redeco of the original Prime replaced all of the figure's silver chromed parts and stickers with golden ones, and even included a blinged-out Roller. The figure is extremely rare; apparently only 25 are known to exist.


  • Nucleon Quest Super Convoy (2001)
    • Japanese ID number: C-307X
    • Accessories: Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 Laser Rifles, 2 Twin Particle Beam Cannons, Super Robot head
This redeco of the Ginrai tooling of the Powermaster Optimus Prime figure (released concurrently with the 2001 reissue of the Ginrai figure) was a Toys R Us Japan exclusive black repaint, made to represent the original 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' color schemes.


  • New Year Special Convoy (2002)
    • Japanese ID number: C-01
    • Accessories: 2 Laser Blasters, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, Action Master Optimus Prime figure, Matrix of Leadership, chain, Autobot sticker sheet, mouse pad
This Japanese-exclusive reissue of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure featured tinted blue windows, like those sported by the "Goodbye Convoy" edition of the toy, as well as show-accurate blue eyes. Prime came with all his original accessories, including both versions of his rifle, as well as a new die-cast metal Matrix of Leadership accessory, which could be looped around his neck on a removable chain. Additionally, the set included a show-accurate redeco of the Action Master Optimus Prime figure, a sheet of Autobot insignia stickers of varying sizes, and a mouse pad decorated with the Autobot symbol.


"Welcome to The Past!"
  • Orion Pax (2006)
    • Japanese ID number: 67
    • accessories: Barrelroller partner, laser rifle
This Japanese e-Hobby exclusive was a redeco of Targetmaster Kup, released in conjunction with the 2006 reissue of Kup and designed to represent the character Orion Pax from the Generation 1 television series episode "War Dawn". Orion transforms into a Cybertronic pickup truck and came with both a gun and Barrelroller, a redeco of Recoil. He has full shoulder rotation, though the way his elbows are set up means he cannot make full use of their joints. His legs feature no articulation whatsoever.
Just as the reissued Kup came with a reissue of Wheelie, this set also included a redeco of Wheelie as Orion's best friend, Dion.

Transform Jr

Prime's kid brother.
  • Convoy (1985)
    • Japanese ID number: 01
    • Accessories: 2 fists (left and right), head, Laser Blaster, cardboard trailer
As one of the first Transform Jr toys, this version of Optimus Prime was released under the early name for the series, Tranform Gōkin. As a smaller, simplified version of the original Generation 1 Prime figure intended as a low-cast alternative for younger children, Prime features a similar transformation, with a removable head in addition to fists, but lacks rubber tires and translucent windows. As with most other Transform Jr figures, he lacked any of his major accessories, coming only with his rifle and a cardboard replacement for his trailer that the buyer assembled themselves.


  • 3 Hero Set (multipack, 1987)
    • Accessories: 2 fists (left and right), head, Laser Blaster, cardboard trailer
The Transform Jr version of Prime was re-released a few years later in a "Hero Set" alongside the Jr versions of Chromedome and Fortress Maximus.

Return of Convoy

"... and that's why you're my Micromaster now, bitch"
  • Star Convoy (Powered Master, 1991, 2005)
    • Japanese ID number: C-372
    • Accessories: Laser rifle, Micro Trailer, Microcarrier, small cannon, cannon turret stand, radar, connector, 2 ramps
As the final new-design Optimus Prime toy from the original Generation 1 era, the Japanese-exclusive Star Convoy was a significant departure from previous versions. This incarnation of Prime transforms into an extended-hood cab truck of made-up model pulling an implausibly large trailer, incorporating the motorized "Microcarrier," an updated version of Roller. Powered by four AA batteries, the Microcarrier drives Star Convoy either forward or backward, spinning a radar dish mounted on the rear of his trailer as he rolls along. Prime's teammate in the Battlestars, Grandus, can link up to the rear of Star Convoy's vehicle mode and be pulled along behind him; Sky Garry can then land atop Grandus, forming a giant vehicle.
Unlike previous Prime toys, the cab section does not separate from the trailer for transformation, instead forming the arms of his imposing 12-inch tall robot mode. He lacks any sort of leg articulation in this mode, but the Microcarrier comes into play again, allowing Prime to roll either forward or backward into action.
Additionally, Star Convoy transforms into a large battle station that interacts with the Micromasters that made up the vast majority of the Transformer toyline at the time. His chest contains a peg that allows Micromaster figures to stand inside it in either robot or base modes, and he comes with a unique Micromaster version of Hot Rod not available on its own. He features storage space in his legs for two spring-loaded figure-launching Micro Trailers, and comes with one of his own, decorated in a unique black and orange color scheme. In this mode, two ramps are connected to the Microcarrier; when the carrier's treads are set rolling, they do not move the base, but instead act as conveyor belts that carry Micromaster figures down the ramps. The Microcarrier also spins a gun turrent mounted between the conveyors, on which Micromaster figures can stand. Finally, a special connector packaged with Star Convoy allows the Microcarrier to be connected up to Grandus's base mode, powering his moving elevator.
Star Convoy was reissued by Takara in 2005, with some notable alterations to his deco: his white plastic became silver, and the yellow star on his chest was replaced with golden chrome.

Generation 2

  • Optimus Prime (1993, 1994)
    I AM OPTIMUS PRIME.
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (light blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, 2 missile launchers, 2 missiles, sound and lights module
The first Generation 2 Optimus Prime toy was largely identical in sculpt to the original Generation 1 figure release. While his cab robot retained his original red and blue color scheme, his trailer was recast in black, with the original blue and silver striped sticker replaced with a red and silver one displaying Optimus's name. The traditionally dark blue internal components of the trailer are a lighter blue, as is Roller, and a running change later made to the toy saw the dark blue of the cab robot changed to match this lighter shade. A bright yellow "Optimus" tampograph was also added to the back of his right leg.
Generation 2 Optimus Prime comes with all his original accessories, as well as two major new play features. To increase his arsenal, he is armed with a pair of black missile launchers that fit in his fists and fire red spring-loaded missiles; these launchers were retooled from the G.I. Joe figure Barricade. Secondly, he comes with an electronic "sound and lights module" that can either plug into the front of the trailer, or hook onto Optimus's back in robot mode (via a new slot sculpted into the cab robot). The soundbox features a large, vacuum metalized Autobot symbol on its front, and three grey buttons which trigger two flashing red LEDs on either side of the module, and a trio of sound effects: a truck engine noise, a laser gun sound effect and a garbled voice that said "I am Optimus Prime!". The module also features ports on either side into which the missile launchers can peg.


BE A HEEEERO
  • Optimus Prime (Hero, 1994)
    • Japanese ID number: TRF-1
    • Accessories: Gun, 2 rockets
"Hero" Optimus Prime was the first new-mold Optimus Prime toy created for the Generation 2 line. He transforms into a Kenworth truck of unknown model which defies Optimus convention by being one continuous unit, rather than the traditional cab-and-trailer combo. In addition to a small gun, he is armed with a large missile launcher, which can fire a foam-tipped rocket by means of a jet of air generated when the bellows attached to it are pumped. The launcher is accessible in both modes, ending up mounted on his right forearm in robot mode; the bellows is attached via a rubber hose and cannot be disconnected, but stores on the figures's back when not in use, as do the rockets. A similar air-launching system with identical missiles was used by the simultaneously-released Hero Megatron, and by Laser Optimus Prime the following year (see below).
This mold was also used to create Sureshot and the KB Toys-exclusive Destructicon Scourge.


  • Laser Optimus Prime (1995, 2006)
    • Japanese ID number: TRF-13
    • Accessories: "Laser cannon", "saber weapon", missile launcher, 10 missiles, 5 discs, 2 rockets
Laser Optimus Prime transforms into a mid-1990s Western Star 4964EX, pulling a grey and black fuel tank trailer. The sides of the trailer are decorated with an unintentionally humourous sticker depicting Prime using a flamethrower to burn down a forest, with the words "Optimus Prime Octane" over the image. Not an especially Primey thing to do! The truck is armed with a disc launcher on the roof of its trailer, which launches five blue discs bearing the Generation 2 Autobot insignia as a knob is turned. Like the other "Laser" toys released this year, Prime features electronics powered by two button-cell batteries; in truck mode, pressing the button on the cab's roof causes his headlight to light up with yellow LEDs.
In the grand Optimus tradition, the cab of Laser Optimus Prime disconnects to become the highly poseable robot mode of Prime himself. Like Powermaster Prime and Hero Prime, the toy features the iconic windshield pecs and grill abs, despite not actually being formed from the actual truck components they emulate. In robot mode, pressing the button on Prime's cab (now on his back) activates a red LED in his right fist which illuminates his clear-plastic sword (which stores beneath his legs in truck mode).
Prime's trailer unfolds via a spring-loaded transformation mechanism in a battle station that is positively bristling with varied weaponry. In addition to the disc launcher, it is armed with a "ripple-fire" missile launcher that fires five missiles, an air-powered rocket launcher like the one previously seen on Hero Optimus Prime, and a small laser cannon that mounts on the base's main tower. Both the missile launcher and laser cannon can disconnect and be held by Prime; his LED-fist will illuminate the laser cannon like it does his sword. Additional missiles and a second rocket are stored in grooves inside the sides of the trailer.
This mold was redecoed by Takara in 2000 as Car Robots Black Convoy. The following year, it was released by Hasbro as Black Convoy's Robots in Disguise counterpart, Scourge, with retooled discs that lacked the Autobot insignia. Following this, the next use of the mold was planned to be Toxitron, which ended up being canceled. Laser Prime was then reissued by Takara in 2006, using the modified tooling from Robots in Disguise with insignia-less discs, as well as a slightly modified deco that replaced the flat grey plastic on the chest and trailer sides with vacuum-metalized silver, replaced the chest sickers with new ones featuring the Matrix, and added Autobot insignia tamographs to his doors and trailer. Concurrent with this reissue, the toy was also redecoed into a e-Hobby-exclusive "Laser Ultra Magnus". The following year, the reissued Laser Prime toy was repurposed within the Beast Wars Reborn text story as a temporary form for Optimus Primal.
In addition to being the most popular Generation 2 figure, Laser Optimus Prime was, prior to 2003, a regular contender for most popular Transformers toy ever, back in the days of the annual Transformers fan awards, "The Trannies." The toy won twice, and actually lost once to his repaint, Scourge.


File:G2toy gobot prime.jpg
Sweet ride, Prime
  • Optimus Prime (Go-Bot, 1995)
    • Accessories: Gun
Go-Bot Optimus Prime transforms into a red Hot Wheels-sized Lamborghini Diablo. 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 stylized 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 mold was redecoed from the Generation 2 Gobot Firecracker. The plastic colors are a "solid" version of Firecracker's color layout, substituting opaque red for transparent red plastic. It was redecoed again for the third wave of Go-Bots to become Sideswipe (who Prime really looks a lot like), and would later be used to created Robots in Disguise R.E.V..


  • Optimus Prime (Combat Hero, 1995)
    • Accessories: Gun, 2 rockets
Combat Hero Optimus Prime was to be a redeco of Hero Optimus Prime in dark blue and red. A packaged sample of this toy was produced, but it was ultimately never released.
A finished sample of Combat Hero Optimus Prime was among the rare toys auctioned off for charity at BotCon 1996, along with several other unreleased Generation 2 items.
Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.
Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.

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


  • General Optimus Prime (Auto Roller, 1995)
    • Accessories: Four missiles
"General" Optimus Prime would have been a redeco of the Decepticon Auto Roller Dirtbag in green, ironically bearing a closer resemblance to Hound's color scheme than the also-unreleased "Sgt. Hound" Auto Roller. General Optimus Prime would have transformed into a dump truck, and would've had an autotransformation gimmick.
This mold was also used to make Autostinger.
Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.
Your bargaining posture is highly dubious.

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

Beast Wars

  • Optimus Primal vs Megatron! (Basic versus two-pack, 1996)
    • Japanese ID number: C-6
      I'm Batman, and I can breathe in space.
    • Accessories: Two swords
The first Beast Wars Optimus Primal is 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.
This figure was released during the short-lived period when Hasbro was treating the Beast Wars as an extension of the Autobot/Decepticon war, and Optimus Primal was presented as being the same character as Optimus Prime. This was soon relegated to the realms of micro-continuity when the Beast Wars animated series began and clearly established that the two Optimuses were different characters, but the toy remains one that was officially branded as Prime, and is consequently listed here.
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.


Well, that's just Prime.
  • 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. This gimmick was shown to be an effort to simulate a gorilla beating its chest while Optimus was in beast mode, but could also be used in robot mode, making him swing his weapons wildly before himself. And finally, like many first-year Beast Wars toys, a battle mask/"mutant head" could be deployed over his robot head.
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.
Just like Optimus Primal's basic bat toy, this figure was released during the short-lived period when the Beast Wars was still considered to be an extension of the Autobot/Decepticon war, and Optimus Primal was the same character as Optimus Prime. This was soon relegated to the realms of micro-continuity when the Beast Wars animated series began and clearly established that the two Optimuses were different characters, but the toy remains one that was officially branded as Prime, and is consequently listed here.
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).


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.

Machine Wars

File:MachineWarsPrime.jpg
Minus mouthplate
  • Optimus Prime (Ultra, 1997)
    • Accessories: Laser rifle, 2 missiles
Available only at KB Toys, Machine Wars Optimus Prime is a redeco and slight retool of the European Generation 1 exclusive Turbomaster leader Thunder Clash, transforming into a Cybertronic truck cab. It's easy to see why Thunder Clash was chosen to become the new Optimus Prime, given his adherence to Prime tradition: the cab disconnects to become the robot, while the trailer unfolds to become an assault tower with twin missile launchers. On the original Thunder Clash version of the mold, the launchers operated on a gravity-feed system that saw a new missiles drop into the launcher from above each time one was fired, allowing for twelve to be fired in rapid succession, but for Machine Wars Prime, this featured had to be dialled back for safety reasons. The missiles had to be lengthened to prevent choking hazards, and so toy's launchers were modified to accommodate them, becoming straightforward spring-loaded single-firing weapons.
This version of the mold was planned to be redecoed into Menasor for the Universe line, but the release was canceled.


Choro-Q Robo

  • Convoy TV Version (2001)
    • Japanese ID Number: Q/01
    • Accessories: Laser rifle
Choro-Q Robo Convoy is a small, cutesified transforming figure of Optimus Prime that changes from trailer-pulling truck directly to robot mode. The toy features a working pull-back motor, and is decorated in a color scheme based on Prime's appearance in the original Generation 1 cartoon, with blue eyes and windows and a grey stripe on the trailer.
  • Convoy Metallic Version (2001)
    • Japanese ID Number: Q/02
    • Accessories: Laser rifle
This version of Choro-Q Robo Convoy is a redeco of the first, featuring glittering metallic plastic, and a deco based upon the original toy, with yellow eyes, black windows and a silver-and-blue stripe on the trailer.


Commemorative Series

The snip that launched a thousand snits.
  • Optimus Prime (2002)
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
The first reissue of the original Optimus Prime toy in North America since the Generation 1 toyline reached its end, this "Commemorative Series" edition of the figure was a Toys R Us exclusive. It was mostly identical to the original figure, save for some necessary modifications made for safety reasons: In the first instance of what would become a recognizable alteration to the mold, the toy's smokestacks were shortened, while the Combat Deck's firing missiles were elongated to prevent potential choking, as was the case with all other Commemorative Series figures' firing missiles.


  • Powermaster Optimus Prime with Apex Armor (2003)
    • Accessories: Hi-Q Powermaster unit, 2 Laser Rifles, 2 Twin Particle Beam Cannons, Super Robot head, missile launcher, 2 missiles, Apex Bomber chest/trailer top, 2 legs (left & right), 2 arms (left and right), Armor chest/trailer front, 2 wings (left & right)
Marketed as a reissue of Powermaster Optimus Prime, this Toys R Us-exclusive Commemorative Series figure is in truth based on the Ginrai tooling on the toy that had previously been exclusive to Japan. It features a die-cat metal cab with translucent blue windows, and shortened, chrome smokestacks, and comes packaged with the drone Apex Bomber (formerly Ginrai's partner Godbomber), who splits into several components and combines with Prime to form "Apex Armor". As with all other Commemorative Series figures, Prime's new spring-loaded missile launcher featured an elongated missile.

Transformers Collection

  • Convoy (2003)
    • Japanese ID Number: 0
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (dark blue), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, energon-axe
As yet another in an increasingly large number of reissues of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy, this entry in the Japanese-exclusive Transformers Collection line of reissues added a few extra goodies to spice things up. Chiefly, the figure was armed with a new energon-axe, based on the weapon used by Prime in the Generation 1 cartoon episode, "More than Meets the Eye, Part 2", which plugs into either of the headlight-holes that normally accommodate Prime's fists. Additionally, Prime came packaged with a ring binder folder designed to hold the pull-out character file sheets that were included with all the other Transformers Collection reissues. Notably, this figure reinstated the original, thick version of Prime's rifle as the standard for all future Japanese reissues.


  • Starscream (2003)
    • Japanese ID Number: 9
This redeco of the original Generation 1 Starscream toy came packaged with a remolded right fist for Optimus Prime. This fist featured additional pegs that allowed it to hold the pistol-mode Megatron accessory which was also included with Starscream.

Smallest Transforming Transformers

You didn't find my trailer, did you? Haw haw.
  • Convoy (2003)
    • Japanese ID Number: GTF 01A
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster
Standing only two-and-a-quarter inches tall, Smallest Transforming Transformers Optimus Prime is the smallest fully transforming Optimus toy yet. He features an accurate transformation sequence based on the original full-sized toy, and he even comes with a tiny version of his laser rifle, but understandably has no detachable hands, and has little articulation. His trailer and Roller were also available as a separate set in the same wave, as a rare shortpacked figure with the ID number "GTF-01B".


  • Convoy (Anime Version) (2004)
    • Japanese ID Number: GTF 06
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster
Smallest Transforming Prime was redecoed the following year for the second wave of the line, into a color scheme based on his Generation 1 cartoon appearance featuring brighter reds and blues, white thighs, yellow details on his bumper, and blue eyes and windows. This version of the figure was made available for a second time in the next wave ("Wave 2.5"), with a new anime-decorated version of the Combat Deck now available as a rare "chase" figure.


  • Convoy (White) (2004)
    • Japanese ID Number: GTF X-4
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster
Another version of Prime was also available in the second wave of the Smallest Transforming Transformers series as a chase figure. This almost entirely white version of the figure is clearly based on the version of the original Prime cab robot used in the Generation 1 Ultra Magnus figure, but was nonetheless sold as Optimus Prime for the Smallest line.


  • Convoy vs Megatron (multipack, 2004)
    • Japanese ID Number: VSX
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster
Available exclusively through Dengeki Hobby magazine, this Smallest Transforming Transformers two-pack contains both Optimus Prime and Megatron, in homage to the original 1984 "VSX" giftset containing the original versions of the two leaders.

20th Anniversary/Masterpiece

File:20thAnniversary OptimusPrimesm.jpg
And the fandom rejoiced.
  • Optimus Prime (2003/2004)
    • Japanese ID number: MP-1
    • Accessories: Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, cardboard trailer (Japanese release only)
As the name suggests, this impressive incarnation of Optimus Prime was produced in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Transformers brand. So successful was the figure that ToyFare magazine ultimately ranked it #1 in their quest for "Best Toy Ever".[1]
Created with the specific purpose of producing an Optimus Prime as accurate to the original animated series as possible, the toy is exceptionally poseable, partially constructed from die-cast metal, features rubber tires and vacuum-metalized plastic and is heavily detailed, with sliding pistons in its joints and working spring-loaded suspension in vehicle mode. The figure also contains multiple non-intrusive gimmicks, such as a moving mouthplate to emulate Prime's traditional method of speech, flip-up communications panels on the forearms depicting images of Bumblebee and Starscream, and an opening, light-up Matrix chamber in the chest, which contains a removable vacuum-metalized Matrix of Leadership that can also be pulled open.
Optimus Prime comes with many accessories in addition to the aforementioned Matrix, including his traditional laser rifle, now termed (and henceforth known as) an ion blaster. The initial release of the figure cast the ion blaster in grey plastic, but later assortments recast it in its more familiar black coloration. Other accessories include a transparent orange energon-axe that plugs into either wrist when Prime's fist is retracted, and even a non-transforming gun-mode Megatron weapon, with removable stock, silencer and scope accessories, in homage to several instances in the Generation 1 cartoon when Prime was forced to wield his enemy. Pack-in bonuses that came with the figure included an inner cardboard tray illustrated to resemble the interior of Prime's Combat Deck, and in later releases, a small poster drawn by Pat Lee.
Takara released the figure in their markets soon after, as the first of what would come to be several installments in their "Masterpiece" line. In addition to coming with a cardboard trailer that the buyer could assemble to "complete" Prime's truck mode, Takara's release differed from Hasbro's by featuring longer smokestacks (kept short on the Hasbro version for safety reasons, but incorrectly shown to be long in the stock photography shown at right), and lacking the black scorch-marked "battle damage" paint applications Hasbro included on the figure's shoulders, wrists and abdomen.
This mold was redecoed by Takara into a golden Lucky Draw figure and later released in its original coloration with a trailer as a "Perfect Edition" (see below for both), while Hasbro would later redeco it into their Classics-branded "DVD Edition". The mold was also used to make Masterpiece Ultra Magnus and "Masterpiece Convoy Black Version", representing one of many drones built in Prime's image, rather than Prime himself.


We salute the brave soul who transformed this thing in order to photograph it.
  • Convoy (Lucky Draw figure, 2004)
    • Japanese ID number: MP-1
    • Accessories: Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, cardboard trailer
Offered as part of a Lucky Draw campaign in August 2004, this extremely rare version of Masterpiece Convoy is almost entirely vacuum-metalized gold, lacking any other painted detail or stickers. The parts which are not viable are molded in a flat golden plastic; the only exceptions are his rubber tires, the core of his Matrix and his energon-axe, which remain black, blue and orange, respectively. Whether or not the figure was intended to evoke Prime's entirely-golden appearance in the cartoon episode "The Golden Lagoon", when he was coated with electrum, is unknown; given that entirely chroming a figure gold is a fairly standard deco for Lucky Draw figures, it may just be happy coincidence more than anything else.
The figure comes packaged in the standard Masterpiece Convoy box, with the only telltale sign of its fabled contents being the replacement of the traditionally silver foil lettering on the box with gold. It's not clear how many were made, but it is thought to be no more than 10 or 20.


You just paid $170 for a big box on wheels.
  • Convoy Perfect Edition (2006, 2009)
    • Japanese ID number: MP-4
    • Accessories: Trailer/Combat Deck, ion Blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe
For this re-release of Masterpiece Convoy, Takara submitted to the biggest desire fans had for the figure and produced a full-size, fully transforming plastic and die-cast metal trailer. The trailer opens up into Prime's Combat Deck, with storage for his accessories and a functional repair drone, though Roller is conspicuous by his absence. Like the original Combat Deck, the drone can extend through holes in the roof and front of the closer trailer, and the interior has enough room to accommodate one Alternators figure in vehicle mode. Some reports suggest that the paint on this figure's chest chips more easily than past editions.
Continuating the trend begun by their previous release of Masterpiece Ultra Magnus in 2005, Hasbro Australia released Convoy Perfect Edition as a Target Australia exclusive in 2008. Takara themselves then made the figure available for a second time in October 2009.

Robot Masters

My vehicle mode is dangerous and unroadworthy!
  • G1 Convoy (2004)
    • Japanese ID number: RM-01
    • Accessories: "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)
Robot Masters "G1 Convoy" (as he is amusingly referred to even in fiction) visibly takes its cue from 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime, featuring a similar sculpt, but sharing few to none of the larger toy's other attributes, least of all anything that could be described as a successful transformation.
G1 Convoy comes with two sets of fists, each pair featuring differently-shaped fist holes: one pair with square holes to hold the figure's "Convoy Gun" (as his ion blaster is called), and the other with round holes to hold the spring-loaded translucent blue missile launcher (a generic accessory also available with Robot Masters Beast Megatron and Beast Convoy). The fists are swapped out by simply popping them out of the wrist-hinge that holds them in place; the figure also includes an energon-axe that can be inserted into the wrist instead of a fist.


I'm shiny!
  • G1 Convoy + DVD (2004)
    • Japanese ID number: RM-10
    • Accessories: "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)
This special edition release of G1 Convoy is decked out in metallic paint, with an extra Autobot insignia tampographed onto his right shoulder, and a black Convoy Gun. The figure comes packed with a DVD containing the first episode of the Robot Masters cartoon, "Fight! The Group of the Strongest Commanders!".


I'm blacky!
  • G1 Convoy Limited Black Version (2005)
    • Japanese ID number: RM-01
    • Accessories: "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right), Calamity Defenser
Available only via mail-order through Dengeki Hobby magazine, the "Limited Black Version" of G1 Convoy is just that: a straight black repaint of the G1 Convoy toy. He comes with all his original accessories, appropriately redecoed (including a silver version of his axe), as well as a gold-chromed version of the "Calamity Defenser" Solitarium weapon that came with Psycho-Orb.


The third one is totally Shattered Glass Prime!
  • G1 Convoy (Lucky Draw figure, 2005)
    • Japanese ID number: RM-01
    • Accessories: "Convoy Gun", missile launcher, missile, energon-axe, 4 fists (2 left, 2 right)
When Robot Masters G1 Convoy was turned into a Lucky Draw figure, the color scheme into which he was redecoed was chosen through a children's coloring contest held in the pages of the December 2004 issue of TV Magazine. The winning entry was a... startling mixture of blue, orange and two shades of green, earning the toy the fan-appointed nickname of "Crayola Convoy". As with all Lucky Draws, it is extremely rare, with only ten units produced.

Universe (2003)

File:SpychangerG1Prime.jpg
Why won't they repaint my full-size toy in these colours?!?
  • Optimus Prime (Spy Changer, 2004)
Universe Optimus Prime is a redeco of the Robots in Disguise Scourge's Spy Changer 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.
Originally a KB Toys exclusive, the first release of this toy (and the others in the assortment) did not have any sub-line designation at all, but later releases for other chains, most notably "budget" chains like Family Dollar, marked them as Universe product.
This mold would later be redecoed into a Spy Changer version of the live-action movie Optimus Prime.

Hybrid Style

  • Convoy (2006)
    • Japanese ID number: T.H.S.-02
      Expensive and tiny.
    • Accessories: Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, ion blaster, gas pump, energon-axe, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, rocket pack, 8 fists (4 left, 4 right), Autobot insignia stand
Hybrid Style Optimus Prime is an insanely detailed and complex transforming toy, created under the supervision of famed mecha designer Shōji Kawamori. Standing only three and three-quarter inches tall in robot mode, the figure is partially constructed from die-cast metal and features one of the most complex transformation sequences ever seen on a Transformers figure of its size. Alas, the small size of the figure also works against it, as it required several design concessions that resulted in (if we're being nice about it) an unimpressive cab mode.
Prime is loaded with a ridiculous number of features and accessories. The robot itself is highly poseable, and both the smokestacks on Prime's shoulders and the fuel tanks on his legs can be rotated forward to act as guns, even featuring sculpted detail to this effect. As ever, he comes with a trailer that opens up into his crazy-detailed Combat Deck, featuring more action features than ever before. In trailer mode alone, it features a flip-down support stand so it can stand alone, a spring-loaded pop-out ramp instead of a fold-down one, and when the trailer is split for transformation, the traditional support legs underneath automatically swing out into place. The trailer houses most of Prime's accessories, including his ion blaster (with a moveable ammo clip to allow for multiple poses) and energon-axe, as well as his classic gas pump accessory, now with a poseable wire instead of a rubber hose. Two fold-out compartments provide storage space for six of Prime's interchangeable fists, while the other two remain attached the robot: two clenched, two open, a pointing right fist, a tilted left fist (for holding the ion blaster's ammo clip), and two fists with slots to grip the miniscule Matrix of Leadership that fits in a tiny chamber in Prime's chest. The Combat Deck's artillery robot features two flip-out handles that Prime can grip as if aiming the drone's guns, and Roller is also included, with three different ports to hold Prime's gun and gas pump. Lastly, Prime comes with a rocket pack like those used by the Autobots in such Generation 1 cartoon episodes as "Dinobot Island", and a stand shaped like the Autobot insignia that allows him to be displayed in mid-air, as if in flight. The rocket pack also has ports for Prime's weapons, and stores on the front of the trailer in vehicle mode.


  • Convoy Black Version (2006)
    Yanigerlicious!
    • Japanese ID number: T.H.S.-02B
    • Accessories: Trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, ion blaster, gas pump, energon-axe, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, rocket pack, 8 fists (4 left, 4 right), Autobot insignia stand, 2 missile launchers, 2 heads
Available exclusively through e-Hobby, this black and teal repaint of Hybrid Style Convoy features the traditional "Nemesis Prime" color scheme, but represents a version of Optimus Prime himself. In addition to all the original accessories, the toys also includes several more deliciously metatextual goodies, themed around the Generation 2 toy and comics: two new large guns patterned after the new weapons wielded by the Generation 2 Optimus Prime toy, and two additional (blue) Prime heads that can be swapped with the figure's regular noggin, sculpted explicitly in the style of Generation 2 comic artist Derek Yaniger. One head is pristine, the other decorated to match the battle damage seen on the cover of the first Generation 2 issue.
As the more franchise-savvy TransFans may realise, these extra parts, plus the black trailer of Convoy Black Version, can all be used to modify the original, red Hybrid Style Optimus Prime into a comic-accurate Generation 2 version, complete with a black trailer, trailer-mounted guns and your choice of Yaniger-style heads.
This figure came in a unique box, packaged with a mini-comic, both illustrated by Hidetsugu Yoshioka.

Alternators

  • Optimus Prime (2006)
    • Alternator ID number: 21
    • Accessories: Engine/gun
I don't come with a creepy girl...
Alternators Optimus Prime transforms into an accurate 1:24 scale Dodge Ram SRT-10. The vehicle mode features rubber tires, functional steering, opening hood, tail gate and doors with a detailed cabin interior. Several of the details of his robot mode body are based on the sculpt of the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime figure, but the head itself shares more similarities with the Powermaster mold. He is armed with a small pistol which transforms into his vehicle-mode engine.
This figure was originally conceived by Hasbro to be another character (exactly who is unknown), rather than Optimus Prime, but Takara insisted that the toy be made into Optimus to help it sell well in their markets, as the vehicle mode was no particular draw, given its scarcity in Japan. Reportedly, the figure cost twice as much as other Alternators to construct, so Hasbro had to bow to this demand so Takara would help fund it. Ironically, Takara eventually wound up soliciting the figure not as Prime, but as his Super-God Masterforce lookalike, Ginrai (perhaps connected to the Powermasteresque headsculpt), before its Japanese release was cancelled and moved over into the Kiss Players toyline (see below).
In addition to Kiss Players, this mold was also redeceod into another version of Optimus Prime for the Japanese Binaltech line a few years later, as well as being used to create Alternators Nemesis Prime and his Binaltech counterpart, Black Convoy.

Kiss Players

...And yet, I do!
  • Convoy X Melissa (2006)
Kiss Players Convoy is a redeco of Alternators Optimus Prime. While the figures may appear similar at first glance, given that Kiss Players Prime is still red, blue and black, there are many subtle differences, not least of all the replacement of the Alternators figure's bare, flat red plastic with a deep metallic red paint. Several of his body parts are cast in different colors of plastic (for example, his shins, formerly black, are now blue, while his formerly-blue hands are now black), and he features more intricate paint applications on his shoulders, and especially his pelvis, which is decorated to look like Prime's traditional bumper.
In addition to the small engine-pistol of his Alternators figure, Prime comes with the "Surfblade", a pink surfboard that can be reconfigured into either two small knives or a large double-bladed sword. As with all the Kiss Players figures, Prime also comes with a PVC figurine of a cute girl: in this case, Marissa Faireborn, who can perch upon his shoulder or sit in his driver's seat, and comes with two pairs of interchangeable arms and legs. Additionally, the set includes a CD featuring the first five episodes of the Kiss Players radio drama, as well as the exclusive bonus audio adventure, "Someday, Under the Sun."
This set was originally intended to be released under the Binaltech Asterisk line, as "Black Convoy meets Marissa", but this release was cancelled before it was officially even announced.

Titanium Series

Well he is a car... in a car crash.
  • Optimus Prime (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2006)
    • Accessories: Ion blaster, display stand
Based on Optimus Prime's Cybertronian form as seen in the Dreamwave comic book "The War Within", this version of Prime tranforms into Cybertronian truck. The figure was personally designed by comic artist Don Figueroa, who created the original comic design in the first place, and his signature is left on the figure in the most literal way: the word "DON" can be seen sculpted into the barrel of his silver ion blaster.
As a Titainum figure, Prime is made in large part from die-cast metal, but like so many of the other toys in the Titainum line, his plastic joints have trouble supporting his heavy metal weight. He comes with the generic display stand shared by all of the 6" "Cybertron Heroes", with a unique removable nameplate.


  • War Within Optimus Prime vs. War Within Megatron Battlepack (Multipack, 2007)
    • Accessories: Ion blaster
A Toys"R"Us-exclusive item, this Titanium two-pack includes the previously-released War Within Optimus Prime along with the War Within Megatron figure (which had not seen individual release at the time of this pack hitting shelves), and the fifth issue of the War Within comic book, featuring an exclusive variant cover. Despite being mentioned in joint instruction leaflet for the set, neither figure includes their display base.

Classics

Rub my symbol, Marissa. Oops, wrong toyline.
  • Optimus Prime (Voyager, 2006)
    • Accessories: Smokestacks/laser cannon, wind vane/ion blaster
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 wind vane on his roof. As with most Classics toys, he features a heat-sensitive rubsign.
In robot mode, his wind vane transforms into a large ion blaster, and his smokestacks transform into a smaller laser cannon. Additionally, both weapons can combine together to form a double-barrelled over-shoulder weapon.
This mold was slightly redecoed to make Prime's Henkei! Henkei! counterpart. It was also used to create Classics Ultra Magnus, BotCon 2008 "Shattered Glass" Optimus Prime and the San Diego ComicCon 2008 exclusive Nemesis Prime.


They did me right, once.
  • Optimus Prime (Multi-pack, 2006)
    • Accessories: Laser rifle
This Classics Optimus Prime is a smaller, deluxe-class with a noticeable physical resemblance to Takara's Robot Masters Prime figure, and a transformation that is about as successful. The figure is armed with a tommy gun-shaped laser rifle that transforms into a turret-like configuration and mounts on the rear of his truck mode, and features a spinning "power punch" action that sees the whole upper half of his torso spin when a button on his back is pressed. Pressing the button "unlocks" the spinning mechanism; pull hard on the button, and you can lock the torso back into place.
In the United States, Prime was only available in a special two-pack with a similarly unique Classics Megatron toy, and the specially-produced "The Ultimate Battle" DVD (which is, inappropriately enough, entirely about the Unicron Trilogy). In Mexico and some European countries, however, the two figures were available individually.
This figure was later made availale as part of the "Leader for the Ages" two-pack released under the live-action movie line, then redecoed slightly to create the 2008 Universe "Special Edition" Optimus Prime.



Discounted at a Walmart near you.
  • Optimus Prime (20th Anniversary DVD Edition, 2006)
    • Accessories: Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leader, gun-mode Megatron, Megatron's scope, stock and silencer, energon-axe, display stand
Produced to coincide with the 20th anniversary of The Transformers: The Movie and its release on DVD by Sony, this edition of Prime is a redeco of his 20th Anniversary figure. It replaces the original's metallic paint with flatter colors and does away with any and all vacuum-metalized plastic, as well as altering several other small details across the body, like the color of the lights on his feet and chest.
Prime comes with all the accessories of his previous release, although his ever-changing ion blaster is now somewhat confusingly cast in blue plastic. He features one major additional accessory: an electronic display base sculpted with the image of the Matrix and the Autobot insignia. Pressing the insignia's crest triggers a series of electronic soundbytes, mostly quotes from the movie recited not by original actor Peter Cullen, but by Hasbro's in-house actor, Ron Hayden: "Autobots, transform and roll out!", "I want you to make a special run to Autobot City," "Megatron must be stopped!", "All we need is a little energon, and a lot of luck," and two samples of the classic transformation sound effect, one ascending, one descending.


Subservience to Corporate America is the duty of all servile beings.
  • Pepsi Optimus Prime (Autobot, 2007)
    • Accessories: Left & right fists, ion blaster, trailer
Inspired by the 1985 promotional version of Optimus Prime that featured Pepsi stickers on his trailer, this outlandish incarnation of Prime is a slightly altered version of Takara's 2005 Pepsi Convoy figure (which represented a different character to Prime). The figure was only sold by Hasbro Toy Shop at various conventions, and given away as a promotional prize by Pepsi, via their Mountain Dew brand.
A redeco of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime cab robot sporting an egregious number of Pepsi-themed paint masks and details, Pepsi Prime's differences from Pepsi Convoy are minimal: he features the shortened smokestacks previously seen on the Commemorative Series release of the mold, and also has a different layout for the Pepsi logo on his right shoulder. Like Pepsi Convoy, he comes with an entirely new trailer unit, specially designed to carry either a single 500ml-size soft drink bottle, three 350ml cans, or 12 bottle caps (bottle cap figurines being a common and popular collectible item in Japan). In a first for the Prime mold, the figure's fists store in holes on the underside of the trailer while he is in vehicle mode. His ion blaster (which also stores under the trailer) is the first Hasbro reissue to feature the original, thick-barrel sculpt, which was reinstated to the mold by the Transformers Collection release of Prime a few years prior.

Revoltech

Windowbra!
  • Convoy (2007)
    • Series number: 019
    • Accessories: Ion blaster, Autobot Matrix of Leadership, two clenched fists, gun-wielding right hand, pointing right hand, open left hand
A non-transforming but highly articulated Optimus Prime action figure(ine), Revoltech Convoy uses the Revoltech "revolver joints" for maximum poseability. Prime comes with his now-standard ion blaster and Matrix of Leadership accessories, as well as a few alternate hands; while one of the hands is specifically design to grip the ion blaster, he can't really do anything dramatic with the Matrix, and it just sort of sits in his open-palmed left hand. His sculpting is explicitly in the style of Pat "serfdom" Lee's interpretation of Prime, but due to physical constraints has no lack of perspective.
Unsurprisingly, this mold was redecoed to create Revoltech Ultra Magnus. Magnus comes with a new hand mold that can be used to connect him and Prime together in a handshake.

Sports Label

Comfortable yet stylish jogging is the right of all fashionable beings.
  • Convoy featuring Nike Free 7.0 (2007)
    • Japanese ID number: 01
    • Accessories: Ion blaster
Surely one of the strangest examples of licensed Transformers products, Sports Label Convoy transforms into a shoe. Something of a shellformer, this baffling incarnation of Prime is colored primarily white and red in his alt mode of a realistic-looking (if notably undersized) Nike Free 7.0 sneaker, complete with gratuitously long real fabric shoelaces. In robot mode, he is made instantly recognizable by his incorporation of some additional blue and silver in predictable areas, and a traditionally Prime-styled head. Less traditionally, and somewhat perversely, Prime's feet are sculpted in the likeness of his own sneaker mode, making it seem like he's wearing himself!
His gun splits into two halves and stores inside his kibble in shoe mode; in an undocumented features, it has two handle pegs on opposite sides, so that it can be held either at its far end or halfway along its length. The gun halves can also be plugged together in two different ways.
This figure was, in fact, the only mold in the Sports Label line. It was redecoed into the "Marine Free" version of Prime himself (see below), and given a new head to create Sports Label Megatron


  • Convoy featuring Nike Free 7.0 Marine Version
    • Japanese ID number: 01
    • Accessories: Ion blaster
A redeco of the first Sports Label Convoy, this figure transforms into a white, navy and grey sneaker. Promotional images for the figure depicted its robot mode as white and aqua-blue, but the finished product was visibly darker, produced in shades of off-white and dark teal robot mode. In either coloration, it sure as heck looks like it should be Ultra Magnus, but for whatever reason... it ain't.

Encore

  • Convoy (2007)
    • Japanese ID number: 01
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller (grey), 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump
A new series of reissues means a new release of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime figure, and Takara's Encore series proved no different. This edition of the figure featured no extra accessories, but it did include the original, thick-barrelled version of Prime's rifle, as reinstated to the mold by the Transformers Collection version of the toy a few years prior.


Music Label

  • Convoy —playing iPod speaker— (2007)
    • Accessories: Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster
You just paid 140 bucks for a new headsculpt, didn't you? I bet you don't even own an iPod...
Hot on the heels of their lisencing deals with Pepsi and Nike, TakaraTomy got themselves a slice of Apple™ pie and released Convoy —playing iPod speaker— as part of their small, musically-themed Music Label line. This version of Prime is an all-white redeco of the original Generation 1 cab robot, which (much like the "Marine Version" of Prime from the Sports Label line) makes it seem like he ought to be Ultra Magnus. The figure is actually even derived from the retool of the mold created for the original Ultra Magnus figure, as distinguished by the elongated hubcap pegs on the front wheels. Like Pepsi Prime before it, the figure's fists now store in peg holes on the under side of its trailer. The toy lacks any of the original Prime's stickers (even the silver stripe on his chest is now a paint operation) and includes the original thick-barrelled version of Prime's blaster. The toy features a brand new headsculpt based on the 20th Anniversary Prime figure, given additional poseability not previously seen on the figure by being mounted on a ball joint.
This, of course, is all secondary to the main draw of the figure: it pulls an all-white trailer, which transforms into a working iPod speaker dock by rotating a substantial wedge of its full length 90 degrees . The dock features three working buttons; power, volume up and volume down, as well as an Autobot sigil indicator light. Included is a wall-plugging (Japanese) A/C adaptor with a long lead that plugs into the reverse of the trailer. Although American importers shouldn't have too much trouble, those living in parts of the world using higher strength A/C current outlets should be warned NOT to simply plug the A/C adaptor in with only a socket adapter, as this will overload the device and fry it completely. Buying the appropriate kind of universal A/C adaptor with advice from an electronics specialty shop is recommended.


I'm gonna call you Peanut.
  • Optimus Prime —speakers for iPod— (2008)
    • Accessories: Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster
Designated "Optimus Prime" rather than the traditional Japanese "Convoy", this figure is a redeco of the previous Music Label Convoy figure into the character's traditional red, blue and silver color scheme. This includes his trailer, though the effect is somewhat marred by the large, visible gap on one side. When reconfigured into dock mode, the interior surfaces surrounding the speakers are decorated with black-on-silver techno-patterns as well as three "Optimus Prime" logos. The recessed space also features a stylised, almost Frank Milleresque, high-contrast portrait of Prime's face, although this is largely covered when an iPod is inserted. The figure comes in identical packaging to the original Music Label Convoy, save for the addition of a sticker illustrating the different color of its contents.


The right of all sentient beings is... um... what am I promoting now? Wait, a Japanese pop band? Are you kidding me? I need a new agent.
  • EXILE x TRANSFORMERS —speakers for iPod— (2008)
    • Accessories: Trailer/iPod dock, 2 fists (left and right), ion blaster
Exclusive to LDH Shop, this redeco of the Music Label Convoy toy is utterly ridiculous was created as a promotion for the Japanese pop band EXILE. While Convoy himself has EXILE written on his right forearm, his trailer sports the "Love Dream Happiness" tagline of LDH Inc.[1], as well as the "EXILE Perfect Year 2008" logo of the "EXILE Perfect Year 2008 Ultimate Best Box" boxset, which was released some months after he was.
Categorically, it was at this point we learned that neither Takara nor Optimus Prime possess shame.

Transformers (2007)

The more things change, the more they, uh, get bigger guns.
  • Leader for the Ages (Wal*Mart exclusive two-pack, 2007)
    • Accessories: Laser rifle
This Wal*Mart-exclusive two-pack pairs the deluxe-size Classics Optimus Prime figure with live-action movie line's Fast Action Battler Power Hook Optimus Prime toy. Both toys are identical to their original releases, and together represent the Optimus Primes of the oldest and newest generations (at the time) of Transformers, respectively. The movie Prime is designated "2007 Optimus Prime", while the Classics figure is dubbed "1984 Optimus Prime" (referring not, of course, to the toy, which was produced in 2006, but to the character).

Diablock

  • Diablock Convoy (2007)
    • ID number: 01 (Mecha Builder Vol.03)
      We have the technology. We can rebuild him. Except, uh.. for his face.
    • Accessories: Ion blaster
Rounding out a bumper year of Japanese-exclusive Generation 1 Optimus Primes, the Takara-licensed Kawada brand Diablock Convoy is a fully transformable Lego-style block building figure similar in premise to the earlier American Built to Rule sets. The Diablock figure, however, easily outstrips the Built to Rule sets by both being an accurate representation of the toy on which it is based, and being able to transform between modes without having to be partially disassembled and put back together first.
Forming a roughly 11-inch figure when fully assembled, Diablock Convoy is highly articulated, save for his head, which is only able to move up and down. Said head is also by far the most stylised aspect of the figure, with no real attempt to approximate Prime's face or mouthplate, instead featuring only a reversed block that gives the odd impression of a cycloptic eye. It is possibly intended to actually represent his forehead grill, as a yellow block inside his head construction remains barely-visible through a slit in his face, possibly intended to represent the classic toy's yellow eyes.
The figure's transformation scheme is based on the original G1 figure, the only differences being that the fists are not removed but become the headlights, and instead of flipping backwards inside the chest, Diablock Convoy's noggin flips forwards with the aid of opening chest windows. A "laser rifle" in the shape of his ion cannon can be built from black bricks, and stickers bearing the Autobot faction symbol can be placed on his shoulders, although this is not recommended as it is designed to permanently stick to multiple tiles which dislodge easily and may damage the sticker.

Henkei! Henkei!

  • Convoy (Voyager, 2008)
    • Japanese ID Number: C-01
    • Accessories: Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster
Henkei! Henkei! Transformers Convoy is a redeco of Classics Optimus Prime. He features a significantly altered colour scheme, generally to make the toy more closely resemble his appearance in the Generation 1 cartoon and the original toyline. His truck mode features less silver paint striping, but compensates by vacuum-metalizing the entire grill/fender area silver chrome. In robot mode all of his previously grey plastic is replaced with red plastic, with a majority of it being painted silver, chromed, or painted gunmetal gray. He features a different shade of red, blue, and clear blue plastic than the Classics version. Since Henkei! toys do not feature a heat-sensitive rubsign, Henkei Convoy has two Autobot sigils tampographed onto his shoulders.


  • Convoy Clear Version (Voyager, 2008)
    • Accessories: Smokestacks/Prime Gun, wind vane/ion blaster
This redeco of Henkei Convoy is cast almost entirely in translucent colored plastic. Also known by the nickname "Crystal Convoy" among fans, it was first released as an exclusive for the Japanese convention Tokyo Toy Fair 2008, limited to 1000 pieces at the event, but was later made available through e-Hobby. It was sold in a monochrome-blue version of Henkei Convoy's regular packaging.


Universe (2008)

Generation 1 Series

  • Optimus Prime 25th Anniversary Pack (2008)
    • Accessories: Laser Blaster, 2 fists (left & right), trailer/Combat Deck, Roller, 4 rockets, hose, nozzle, fuel pump, sound effects module, comic, DVD
Sold at the rather exorbitant price of $75, this re-release of the original Generation 1 Optimus Prime toy is actually one of the most visually different from the other "straight" reissues of the mold, despite Hasbro's assurance that this is the toy you had as a kid. Positively anemic in comparison with the original toy, this Prime's red parts are visibly paler than usual, while his blue parts are much lighter. This shade of blue extends to both Roller (a lighter blue than his traditional dark shade, yet darker than the lightest the figure has been in its history) and the internal workings of his Combat Deck, which is itself a much flatter shade of light grey, compared to its normal dark, swirled metallic silver color. In addition, the toy features the now-customary shortened smokestacks, and the elongated missiles seen on the Commemorative Series release. While all reissues of the Prime mold since 2003 have used the original thick-barrelled mold for his ion blaster, this version includes the slender sculpt instead.
As a 25th anniversary set, Prime includes several new pack-in bonuses: a reprint of the first issue of the original Marvel comic book, a DVD containing all three parts of the animated series pilot "More than Meets the Eye", and three desktop wallpapers, and a battery-powered Autobot symbol that plays transforming sound effects, part of the first version of the Transformers theme song, and three voice clips performed by Peter Cullen: "I am Optimus Prime!", "Autobot, transform and roll out!" and "Megatron must be stopped, no matter the cost."


  • Optimus Prime (Deluxe Class: Special Edition, 2008)
    • ID Number: SE-01
    • Accessories: Laser rifle
"Special Edition" Optimus Prime is a redeco of the Classics multi-pack toy, featuring some minor detail changes. He came in special "book box" style packaging with black-and-white boxart, and was only availabe at retail in Australian and Asian markets. North American customers could later buy him via Hasbro Toy Shop.


Titanium Series

Yawn.
  • Optimus Prime (6" Cybertron Heroes, 2009)
    • Accessories: Ion blaster, display stand
A Target-exlusive redeco of War Within Optimus Prime in live-action film-inspired colors. The bio on the back of the packaging only fills up half of the allotted space, as if the writer were tired of describing Optimus Primes.

Binaltech

Dodge trucks are built Ram tough — in Japan.
  • Convoy (2008)
    • Japanese ID number: BT-22
    • Accessories: Engine/ion blaster
Binaltech Convoy is a slight redeco of Alternators Optimus Prime, not as distinct from the Alternator as as the previous Japanese redeco of the mold released for Kiss Players. It does share some deco features with Kiss Players Convoy, like his silver pelvis, additional patterns on his shoulders, and red paint on his engine-gun, but like all Binaltech figures, it also features die-cast metal pieces.

Alternity

  • Convoy Ultimate Silver (2009)
    • Japanese ID number: A-01
Alternity Convoy transforms into a 1:32 scale Nissan GT-R, featuring die-cast metal parts and an opening hood, trunk and doors. This complex figure stands at 6.5" tall, and is armed with a pair of blasters on each arm. In the hyper-dimensional world of the oft-confusing Alternity fiction, this figure specifically represents the Optimus Prime of universal stream Primax 903.0 Beta.
Alternity Convoy was simultaneously available in both this silver coloration, and a deco based on his traditional appearance termed "Vibrant Red" (see below). The figure was later redecoed to create "Convoy Ultimate Black", representing not Optimus Prime, but Universe Nemesis Prime.


  • Convoy Vibrant Red (2009)
    • Japanese ID number: A-01
"Vibrant Red" Alternity Convoy is a redeco of the "Ultimate Silver" figure in the much more traditional red and blue Prime color scheme, representing the Optimus Prime of universal stream Primax 109.0 Beta. The figure was available simultaneously with the Ultimate Silver version, sharing the same packaging and pack-in materials, save for the color of the illustration on the front of the box, and a sticker that identified the figure within.

Notes

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.
  • 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

Too much Prime on my hands.

Over the years, the original Optimus Prime 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;
  • 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;
  • 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 instead of silver parts, stickers, and paint 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 accessories such as a Matrix necklace and a show accurate recolor of the Action Master Optimus Prime figure;
  • 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.
  • Hasbro released their own version of Pepsi Convoy, named "Pepsi Optimus Prime", as a Hasbro Toy Shop exclusive in 2007, featuring the familiar safety-shortened smokestacks of the Commemorative Series reissue.
  • In August 2007 TakaraTomy yet again did a rerelease similar to the 2000 Convoy rerelease, this time as part of the "Transformers Encore" line. This version has a new rifle with a longer handle so Optimus can finally hold it straight.
  • TakaraTomy released "Convoy iPod Docking Bay with Speakers" in September 2007. It is an iPod speaker/dock in the shape of a truck, featuring an all-white version of Convoy with a new head sculpt reminiscent of Masterpiece Convoy as the cab, and a trailer housing a pair of speakers and a docking point for an iPod.
  • In March 2008, TakaraTomy released a G1-colored version of the iPod Convoy set.
  • Hasbro released the 25th Anniversary gift set edition detailed above in 2008, as part of the 2008 Universe line, once again with shortened smokestacks.

Powermaster Optimus Prime design history

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[2]. 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 [3] ditched the triplechanging gimmick on the cab and simplified things a good bit. This 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 [4] 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 Triple Changer, 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.

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.

Masterpiece Optimus Prime

Wait...I'm sure this is from Finland. But why did Simmons say...

The Masterpiece Optimus Prime toy was featured in a print ad for Nokia 6820 phones. He is posed bent over to look at the phone and scratching his head. Pleasantly, most of the pose pictured is perfectly possible with an un-kitbashed, un-Photoshopped version of the toy. (The real toy can't bend forward at the waist like that, alas.)

Footnotes

  1. ↑ ToyFare Magazine Best Toys Ever
  2. ↑ Patent #JP63-132686
  3. ↑ Transformers Generations Deluxe, p22, p106
  4. ↑ Transformers Generations Deluxe, p106
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