When compared to modern Transformers releases, the original Generation 1 figures are miles behind in terms of articulation and proportions, though they do are ahead in terms of durability thanks to more die cast content. There’s also a persistent nostalgia when looking at them despite how they look. If only there’s something to bridge the “missing link” between old and new figures.
Unintentional pun aside, the idea of fully articulated isn’t new to Transformers collectors, but it definitely shot itself into the spotlight thanks to leaks of what would be a fully articulated Generation 1 Convoy/Optimus Prime figure. And after a couple of weeks speculating, we’re finally given the official lowdown on the new Missing Link line.
This line exactly does that and addresses the “missing link” I just described, straight in the face. Retain all the iconic features of the original figure and inject modern articulation without changing any key visual elements. If you don’t believe their claim, here’s a no-nonsense comparison between Generation 1 and Missing Link Optimus Prime.
And there’s a no better time to do a modern version of the original Optimus Prime figure than in 2024 as it coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Transformers franchise. Missing Link Optimus Prime will come in two versions, C-01 is a toy-accurate version while C-02 is closer to how he appeared in the animated series. Their main differences involve paint applications and the included accessories.
Missing Link C-01 Optimus Prime, as mentioned, is based on how the original toy looked. If you take a quick glance or if you show this to a non-Transformers fan, this figure would likely be mistaken for the original. And yes, it even has the rub sign gimmick on the top of the cab.
The toy-accurate C-01 version has all the details the original figure did with stickers. Except that this one does away with the stickers and all those details are sculpted and painted. They are most prominent on the forearms, knees, and feet as you can see here. It also has yellow tainted windshields to complement the yellow optics. And if I haven’t mentioned it already, it’s very articulated.
The figure retains the opening chest feature initially meant to store the hands in vehicle mode. But that’s not needed for this figure as the articulated hands (yes) actually fold inward and tuck away behind the front grill section in vehicle mode. This means the opening chest can be used for other things, like for storing the Matrix of Leadership. I’m not entirely sure where this is based off as I don’t think the original came with the Matrix of Leadership. But it appears to be a gold die cast piece with the actual jewel painted in metallic blue. The matrix chamber is also new to this figure though it doesn’t appear to hinder the storage of the head in vehicle mode.
The other difference between C-01 and C-02 is the included trailer, which is also exactly the same as the original, down to the articulated repair pod and Roller, the latter coming in silver. The trailer itself also has markings on its inner side, lifted straight from the original, though I’m not sure if these are stickers or a tampograph.
Like the original, you can prop up the trailer to make it a repair bay for Optimus Prime.
Here’s everything that comes in this set. Both Roller’s wheels and some missiles for the repair pod come in runners. It also has a couple more accessories I’m not familiar with, and the Energon Axe. Oh, and the nostalgia trip of this release won’t be complete without appropriate packaging.
The packaging style will be exactly the same as the vintage, down to the plastic window cutout and the foam padding used inside. One major change is the different illustration for Convoy/Optimus Prime, taking a cue from that iconic jumping pose he did in The Transformers: The Movie and drawn amazingly by Shin Ueda. The box is basically flexing that the guy inside isn’t a brick.
Transformers Missing Link C-01 Convoy
February 2024 / ¥15,800
Order via HobbyLink Japan
Missing Link C-02 Convoy/Optimus Prime is the same figure except for several cosmetic changes, as this is dubbed as the “Anime Edition.” It features clear blue windshield pieces instead of clear yellow to match the blue optics on the head. The front bumper details are also painted yellow.
All the sculpted ‘sticker’ surface details remain though they’re picked out in solid colors: red for the forearms, blue for the knees, and gray for the feet.
Lastly, here’s everything that comes with C-02. It doesn’t include the trailer and everything that comes with it, but still has the essentials for an Optimus Prime figure. This includes an Evergon Axe, an Ion Blaster, and the Matrix of Leadership done in the same colors seen in The Transformers: The Movie.
Transformers Missing Link C-02 Convoy (Anime Edition)
February 2024 / ¥9,800
Order via HobbyLink Japan
I initially just pre-ordered the anime edition as I’m not really a fan of the toy-specific details, the yellow windshield, and yellow optics. Especially since my other figure of the original mold is Transformers Music Label Optimus Prime, who’s essentially the anime edition with a modern head sculpt. But my collector’s conscience is bugging me that I’ll be missing out if I don’t get the trailer, and everything that comes with it. So, I may have just pre-ordered both. Not to mention that we are getting yet another prime with the Lunar Cruiser Prime just a month after.
Anyway, they’ve also released a promotional video for these releases. You can check them out below.
