Updated G1 Optimus Prime Toys Coming

Wow, I was actually thinking the other day that some 3rd party company should do this because I didn't think hasbro or takara ever would. Colour me surprised and happy! I worry about the price but I'd still love to get one!

Interesting, when I suggested if they should do this, in a pat article, most people said they wouldn't want it.

william-james88 wrote:Interesting, when I suggested if they should do this, in a pat article, most people said they wouldn't want it.

Well, I wouldn't want it for the same reason I don't want that WalMart G1 Starscream: I already have New Year's Convoy and the 'toon-accurate book-reissue Screamer.

Which begs the question: will Hasbro release this Op as part of that WalMart reissue line?

"G1 WITH knees" was an insult, not a gauntlet. But fine, whatever. If this is what it takes to get Generations to pivot back to neo-G1 designs like Classics (the Volvo Prime is a good start) and radically different toylines like Car Robots then fine.

It IS a cool idea though.

This was something I really wondered if they would try it one day and I like what I see here. Wonder if we could get other characters in this style.

THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!! I've always wanted figures done just like this! He even has hand articulation and ankle tilts! The fists don't pop off, if they did they'd be on the parts lists, I'm guessing they open and then swivel around to tuck into the forearm. That trailer is straight up the G1 figure trailer which is perfectly fine. This is a heck of a way to celebrate the 40th anniversary, I'm super excited! Full reveal seems to be over a week away.

(Edit) Oh, and this does appear to be a line called "Missing Link" as the logo indicates. The text underneath that reads "Virtual reprint series 'Missing Link" starts!", in this case virtual means similar not simulated. So this isn't just one figure, could we be getting Megatron!?

(Edit 2) Just noticed there are some differences between the two Primes. The single figure is cartoon style with yellow paint on the bumper, blue windows, gray "toes", silver and gold Matrix and I think a cartoon style head like the Music Label figure. The one with the trailer is toy style with an all silver bumper, amber windows, detailed "toes", a gold Matrix and a toy style head. The shades of blue might be different, too.

Guess I'm buying both...

Emerje

"If G1 with knees is what they buy then G1 with knees is what they shall get."

Cool to see, hope some of the cars get the treatment too. If ya cant do the new toys as good as the old, just make the old better.

This is super cool. No other notes

neat

How very strange.

G1 Prime already had knees. But giving him outward hip joints and ankle ties its kind ion interesting.

I may be convinces to pick him up depending on price. If he's somehow over $100 bucks, I probably won't.

The Japanese text suggests this is a first in a series. So... will we see an articulated G1 seeker?

An articulated Megatron?

Bumblebee?

Overcracker wrote:How very strange.

G1 Prime already had knees. But giving him outward hip joints and ankle ties its kind ion interesting.

I may be convinces to pick him up depending on price. If he's somehow over $100 bucks, I probably won't.

The Japanese text suggests this is a first in a series. So... will we see an articulated G1 seeker?

An articulated Megatron?

Bumblebee?

The single Optimus should be (Japanese) Voyager priced since it's less complex than Siege Optimus, the trailer set would probably cost more than a (Japanese) Leader since it does use the original trailer. The only thing I could see upending that is if they use diecast in the same spots as the original, which to me feels pretty likely if they're doing a true remake.

Emerje

A G1 Optimus, re-engineered with modern articulation, is of interest....

Emerje wrote:

Overcracker wrote:How very strange.

G1 Prime already had knees. But giving him outward hip joints and ankle ties its kind ion interesting.

I may be convinces to pick him up depending on price. If he's somehow over $100 bucks, I probably won't.

The Japanese text suggests this is a first in a series. So... will we see an articulated G1 seeker?

An articulated Megatron?

Bumblebee?

The single Optimus should be (Japanese) Voyager priced since it's less complex than Siege Optimus, the trailer set would probably cost more than a (Japanese) Leader since it does use the original trailer. The only thing I could see upending that is if they use diecast in the same spots as the original, which to me feels pretty likely if they're doing a true remake.

Emerje

Yeah, die cast iOS probably a given.

I could probably just pick up the cab only set, and give him one of my G1 trailers just for giggles, the post on the back of the legs seems to be joriginal thick G1 post.

I can see paying around $50 for him at most.

Wow, that's taking "G1 but with today's articulation" a bit too literally there

I'm gonna join the "not for me" camp on this one. The lack of articulation at the time is still part of the charm, and that'll never change. I will however keep an eye on them and see how far TakaraTomy is willing to go with trying new approaches.

One more wish from my thread The TF you want but you know HasTak will NEVER make that I can cross off the list.

I was wishing for some "MOTU ORIGINS" style updates of vintage G1 toys. There. It WILL happen. Of course, Optimus is the 1st to be done, but I expect there will be more to come. I really wonder how they would do Megatron?

Regardless, if that Optimus is not like 300$+, I'll be sure to get it.

Add me to the chorus of people who would want this. I've wondered for years if this could be done. Of course there's a tinge of disappointment that there's two releases and only one has the trailer. Personally, the TV style version should've come with the trailer.

While I can TOTALLY understand this not being everyone's cup of tea, being confusing, and maybe even being questioning its existence - I'm honestly really glad they're doing something like this. Granted I'm also glad this is just some side thing rather than being the G1 Optimus for this year - I feel like that'd make people flabbergasted even more methinks!

But I definitely want to pick up a "G1 with knees" Prime for the novelty of it (and also being a toy accurate sucker), because there's something endearing and wacky about the idea of HasTak actually taking the OG toy designs and trying to give them modern articulation and play value. Would be quite the different angle from being as toon accurate as possible, and definitely a different angle from being a modern interpretation of the old designs.
Count me in - but again if this ends up doing poorly I cannot blame anyone at all.

One thing I do appreciate about this is now I feel like inclined to get the MP-44 toy color version, since this is much more what I wanted. Hopefully the toy color one has the yellow eyes, that is the main draw on a figure that is a lot like the G1 toy

It wouldn't surprise me if only a small handful of figures get made for this Missing Link line, as it could just be especially made for the 40th anniversary.

Or even, Optimus could just be the only figure made, as a one-and-done standalone release for the anniversary, like how the original MP figure was before they decided to expand Masterpiece into an actual line (but without said line expansion this time since the basic idea of this kind of competes directly against the Generations toys).

Sabrblade wrote:It wouldn't surprise me if only a small handful of figures get made for this Missing Link line, as it could just be especially made for the 40th anniversary.

Or even, Optimus could just be the only figure made, as a one-and-done standalone release for the anniversary, like how the original MP figure was before they decided to expand Masterpiece into an actual line (but without said line expansion this time since the basic idea of this kind of competes directly against the Generations toys).

The text on the image calls it out as the start of a series. I'm guessing they'll be spreading these out through the year.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:It wouldn't surprise me if only a small handful of figures get made for this Missing Link line, as it could just be especially made for the 40th anniversary.

Or even, Optimus could just be the only figure made, as a one-and-done standalone release for the anniversary, like how the original MP figure was before they decided to expand Masterpiece into an actual line (but without said line expansion this time since the basic idea of this kind of competes directly against the Generations toys).

The text on the image calls it out as the start of a series. I'm guessing they'll be spreading these out through the year.

Emerje

If that's the case... Ironhide and Ratchet

Oh, if they're planning a series I'm even more excited!

Emerje wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:It wouldn't surprise me if only a small handful of figures get made for this Missing Link line, as it could just be especially made for the 40th anniversary.

Or even, Optimus could just be the only figure made, as a one-and-done standalone release for the anniversary, like how the original MP figure was before they decided to expand Masterpiece into an actual line (but without said line expansion this time since the basic idea of this kind of competes directly against the Generations toys).

The text on the image calls it out as the start of a series. I'm guessing they'll be spreading these out through the year.

Emerje

True, but take, for instance, Transformers Chronicle. That was a series, too, and it only had two main releases (and a subline of Legends class redecos).

Jelze Bunnycat wrote:

Emerje wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:It wouldn't surprise me if only a small handful of figures get made for this Missing Link line, as it could just be especially made for the 40th anniversary.

Or even, Optimus could just be the only figure made, as a one-and-done standalone release for the anniversary, like how the original MP figure was before they decided to expand Masterpiece into an actual line (but without said line expansion this time since the basic idea of this kind of competes directly against the Generations toys).

The text on the image calls it out as the start of a series. I'm guessing they'll be spreading these out through the year.

Emerje

If that's the case... Ironhide and Ratchet

That actually has crossed my mind. I wonder if they would build a whole figure that folds up inside the van body with no kibble and a perfect cartoon likeness? Some people have bemoaned the lack of a sled with modern Ironhide and Ratchet figures, maybe this could happen?

Quick wishlist:

Megatron - seems obvious
Seekers - very likely
Constructicons - just imagine, lots of modern articulation and a proper leg articulation for Devastator
Shockwave - Really just needs shoulders and proper hips and knees
Soundwave - Doesn't need a lot of work

Autobot cars - Most of them just need leg articulation
Autobot mini cars - These would be fun little figures to mess with
Omnibots - Why haven't these been updated in modern lines yet?
Dinobots - I mean, come on, next best thing to reissues

Emerje

This is a very neat idea for a toy. I also wondered if it could be done.
Here is some fanart that was done before this announcement, but with the same idea.


Credits to the Deviant art user TGping
https://www.deviantart.com/tgping


I wonder which characters will get this treatment.

Emerje wrote:Constructions - just imagine, lots of modern articulation and a proper leg articulation for Devastator

Emerje

Ohhhh, that would be quite lovely to get a toy of ol' Devy like this. I have the old Unite Warriors set so it would be rather interesting having a "toon" Devy and an "original" Devy side by side!

Jelze Bunnycat wrote:

Emerje wrote:

Sabrblade wrote:It wouldn't surprise me if only a small handful of figures get made for this Missing Link line, as it could just be especially made for the 40th anniversary.

Or even, Optimus could just be the only figure made, as a one-and-done standalone release for the anniversary, like how the original MP figure was before they decided to expand Masterpiece into an actual line (but without said line expansion this time since the basic idea of this kind of competes directly against the Generations toys).

The text on the image calls it out as the start of a series. I'm guessing they'll be spreading these out through the year.

Emerje

If that's the case... Ironhide and Ratchet

And Hound, and the Bumblejumper buck, and the seekers.

I was thinking about this some more, since I have really wanted them to do just one version of Prime as he was in the toy, with that headsculpt, yellow eyes, the detailing, etc. and this one is just isn't quite doing it for me. Same with MP-44+.

And I think i finally got it down:

MP44+ is anime optimus with the colors and stickers, but nothing else, he doesn't have the spirit of the toy, just the cheap cosplay.

But this one goes a bit too far in the opposite direction. It has some of the wonkier parts of the toy that modern toys have helped smooth out some. He's too "80's toy" in practicality, swinging too far the other direction from MP44+.

I really want to love this, I do, this is basically a Prime I have really wanted, with the closest to getting it being the inner robot on selects Star Convoy. But it feels too far into making the toy modern instead of making a modern toy.

chuckdawg1999 wrote:Add me to the chorus of people who would want this. I've wondered for years if this could be done. Of course there's a tinge of disappointment that there's two releases and only one has the trailer. Personally, the TV style version should've come with the trailer.

The TV version does come with the trailer. It's in a pocket dimension so you can't see it in the pictures.

Yes, that's to be clear...

I'd particularly like to see updated versions of the cars, like Sideswipe and Jazz. Vehicles identical to G1, so you'd be hard pressed to tell them apart, robot modes that are practically the same, but with full articulation.

With Soundwave and Blaster, I want them to be functional microcassette recorders - they're bulky enough that shouldn't be a bit of a problem with modern tech. And the tapes should have chips, so they can be functional even without physical tape.

Now, Ratchet and Ironhide will be a different matter. I don't want versions of them that only add articulation. They'll have to put some thought into how to include the add-on parts and have them able to swing into place, so they can look like either the original or the version with the upgrade kit.

Fair warning to everyone here. If you happen to come across this image of what looks like a Missing Link Megatron, it's been determined that that particular image is a fake.

When we first showed the images for Takara's updated G1 Optimus Prime Transformers toys, fans said they would get them "no matter the cost". Now let's see if that's true, because we now know the prices and they are rather premium. This new toyline is called Missing Link, which has these toys serving as the missing link between the G1 toys of old and the modern toys of today (so G1 toys with more modern articulation) and below is the listing description for each:

Missing link C-01 Convoy (Toy version) – accessories include trailer, Roller, gun, battle axe and Matrix. 17380 Yen ($120 USD price point).

Missing link C-02 Convoy (Anime version) – accessories include gun, battle axe and Matrix (no trailer). 10780 Yen ($75 USD price point).

These are not said to be exclusive and thus may be available on Amazon Japan. While you will have to pay shipping on top of these prices, Amazon (along with other Japanese based retailers) often offer a discount on the MSRP.

These will be fully revealed next week. The new images including the price come from Game Fun House.

HHHHMMMMMMM...

Hard pressed to say if worth it... buuuuuut.... yeah. I'd still get the one with the trailer.

I'll still get that Optimus with trailer.

On the other hand, the combined price for both would still be way cheaper than trying to get a single vintage one complete off eBay, and having both together could allow one to be Cartoon Optimus and the other to be Marvel Optimus (I'd just share the trailer between the both of them).

I suspect the boxes will be basically the same as the vintage ones (or at least the toy color one will be), the contents seem to be identical to the vintage toy, even comes with the red decoder ("secret film") and a "leaflet" which is probably the catalog. Also since these are C-01 and C-02 instead of ML-01 or whatever I would guess there's also D-01 coming.

C-01 Contents:
1. Robot Body
2. Container
3. Energy Axe
4. Laser Rifle
5. Hose
6. Energy Replenishment Pump
7. Energy Supply Adaptor
8. Roller
9. Roller Tires (runner)
10. Missiles (runner)
11. Matrix
12. Stickers
13. Secret Film
14. Collection Card
15. Instruction Manual
16. Leaflet

C-02 contents:
01. Robot Body (Anime Edition)
02. Laser Rifle
03. Energy Axe
04. Matrix
05. Secret Film
06. Collection Card
07. Stickers
08. Instruction Manuel
09. Leaflet

Emerje

Remember when people feared that CHUG was going to be G1 with knees before the WFC and Legacy lines did more detailed and media-accurate designs (depending on the deco or specific character)?

I might be over analyzing but does this imply future figures in this style? Like- Imagine a G1 Megs with this (in an alternate universe where we could get it in non neon colors), Starscream, the minibots. Need this happen

Stormshot_Prime wrote:I might be over analyzing but does this imply future figures in this style? Like- Imagine a G1 Megs with this (in an alternate universe where we could get it in non neon colors), Starscream, the minibots. Need this happen

The initial images referred to this as a "series" which isn't how I would describe a pair.

Emerje

I may be wrong but appart from dealing with the improved articulations, There may be some improved transformation sequences. From the small and blurry pictures, I can see that this Optimus may be having hands that transform from his forearms instead of just partsforming like the original did.

-Kanrabat- wrote:I may be wrong but appart from dealing with the improved articulations, There may be some improved transformation sequences. From the small and blurry pictures, I can see that this Optimus may be having hands that transform from his forearms instead of just partsforming like the original did.

No, you're correct. The hands open and flip into the wrists (or fold sideways and tuck into his belly) to reveal the headlights rather than popped off.

Emerje

Emerje wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:I may be wrong but appart from dealing with the improved articulations, There may be some improved transformation sequences. From the small and blurry pictures, I can see that this Optimus may be having hands that transform from his forearms instead of just partsforming like the original did.

No, you're correct. The hands open and flip into the wrists (or fold sideways and tuck into his belly) to reveal the headlights rather than popped off.

Emerje

I'm looking forward the clearer pictures and maybe the video review. This hands thing alone warrant a purchase.

Wake me when they get to Bludgeon.

Dr. Caelus wrote:Wake me when they get to Bludgeon.

TakaraTomy's response:

This is amazing! If there’s the same amount of diecast on the figure as the G1 then this is a day one purchase for me! I just wish it had the painted metal plates on the sides of the trailer like the original G1 toy to use magnetic parts like the masterpiece as well but still looking great I’m excited to see more pictures!

Seems about the price I expected, just wondering what the scale would be (I didn't see anything of the sort unless I probably looked past it!) but I'm guessing he's supposed to be a larger lad with that price.

SpaceEagle wrote:Seems about the price I expected, just wondering what the scale would be (I didn't see anything of the sort unless I probably looked past it!) but I'm guessing he's supposed to be a larger lad with that price.

Nope.
It will be the exact same size and overall appearance as the original G1 Optimus Prime. No bigger, no smaller. Otherwise this release would have absolutely no point.

If you never had an original G1 Optimus before, the cab is as big as ER Optimus, the bot is around the same size as a big deluxe, and the trailer is double the size of the ER one.

The price is for the diecast, the engineering, the parts, and the fact that there will be less copies available than a regular release.

-Kanrabat- wrote:

SpaceEagle wrote:Seems about the price I expected, just wondering what the scale would be (I didn't see anything of the sort unless I probably looked past it!) but I'm guessing he's supposed to be a larger lad with that price.

Nope.
It will be the exact same size and overall appearance as the original G1 Optimus Prime. No bigger, no smaller. Otherwise this release would have absolutely no point.

If you never had an original G1 Optimus before, the cab is as big as ER Optimus, the bot is around the same size as a big deluxe, and the trailer is double the size of the ER one.

The price is for the diecast, the engineering, the parts, and the fact that there will be less copies available than a regular release.

Ah, was just wondering if there was any official statement about the size. I personally wouldn't mind the OG toy size at all, but I wouldn't be surprised if they went larger. I do believe the higher price is definitely due to the accessory count + trailer, and the diecast contributes as well, just was wondering what the scope was!

Wouldn't it be such a trollish move if it turned out that there was actually no diecast in this figure whatsoever, and it was all just plastic?

Personally I'd like to see this stay around the same size, in fact, it's my personal belief they've just taken the original mold and updated a couple of joints. As G1 figures go, Prime was actually reasonably articulated for the time.

Sabrblade wrote:Wouldn't it be such a trollish move if it turned out that there was actually no diecast in this figure whatsoever, and it was all just plastic?

People would complain, as they always do, still buy it, complain some more, a few weeks rolls by and the world hasn't ended. So trollish yes, but the same old pattern would continue.