Before I delve into my unsolicited, and way delayed, thoughts on this, I just wanted to be clear that this is just me compiling the series of tweets (or posts as they’re called now) the Takara Tomy social account posted after announcing Transformers Missing Link Convoy/Optimus Prime. Which means, there’s nothing new to see here, just me rambling about them. I was intending to post this at the start of September, but work happened and so, one month later.
Differences, Standard/Anime Edition
First, let’s talk about the packaging and obviously, both will have significant differences because one includes a trailer and the other doesn’t. But both will have the same dynamic illustration of Optimus Prime from Shin Ueda. The smaller packaging is also familiar for those who’ve purchased the 35th Anniversary Optimus Prime set that includes the original G1 figure and the Studio Series version from Bumblebee, as well as the Walmart exclusive reissue back in 2019.
Going further into the differences, we have the Matrix of Leadership and his Ion Blaster (or Laser Rifle in Japanese). The standard or toy-accurate version has simpler paints for both accessories — the Matrix is mainly in gold chrome while the blaster is in black. Additional paint is seen in the anime edition of the figure, with the Matrix having colors from The Transformers: The Movie.
One key difference between these and the original, is that the Missing Link version of the blaster now has two handles that can fit Prime’s hand. The original has the trigger connected to a non-functional handle that won’t fit in Prime’s hand, thus the need for the secondary handle.
One feature of this figure that many really liked is how the sticker detail in the original are now sculpted detail for the Missing Link version. And not just sculpted detail, but painted sculpted detail, at least for the standard edition. This then begs the question of why the standard edition still has stickers included for these details. It’s probably just to be accurate to the original, or if you want to use these for other G1 Optimus Prime figures you may have, then here’s a free set. I also think none of the details inside the trailer are given the same paint treatment, so you definitely need to put the stickers on those.
As for the anime edition, the sculpted details are still there, but are just painted just like the rest of the body, which is indeed accurate to the animation model.
This leads us to the license plate that I believe are not painted, at least for the standard version as stickers for both the Japanese and the international version of the original figure are included. The anime edition then has the details painted in yellow, again accurate to the animation. But you still get yellow stickers for these areas as seen above.
Last in the differences are paperwork, or cardboard, as each will include a collector’s card with the same dynamic image illustrated by Shin Ueda. Though they could’ve definitely used a better background for the anime edition card, like background art from the cartoon or something.
Original Comparisons
Not only is Takara Tomy ignoring the whole plastic free packaging thing Hasbro has been doing until recently, but they’re also going full Styrofoam packaging for this figure. The layout is exactly the same, except that the Missing Link version adds a compartment to store the Matrix of Leadership. Though you won’t really need this based on what we’ll see later.
Missing Link Optimus Prime will also come with a leaflet that matches the original. Though I wonder what would be inside this one. Will it include teases for future releases in the Missing Link line, or just direct reprints of the original catalog-slash-solicitation images?
Common Features
Regardless of which version you’ll pick up, both will have a removable Matrix chamber on the chest of Optimus where you usually store the fists. But since the fists are fully integrated to the arms and won’t need removal during transformation, then the chest cavity is free to have the Matrix chamber.
Speaking of the chest, it’s one of the parts indicated as diecast from the image above. The other diecast parts include the hip joint assembly and parts of the feet. I’m not sure if these are the exact same parts that are diecast in the original, or if there’s more.
With the help of these posts, it should be easier for you to decide which version of the figure you’ll purchase. In my case as an Optimus Prime collector, I just decided to get both. It’s not the most practical, but while I prefer the look of the anime edition, I do want to have the trailer, which comes with the standard version. But if you’re not like me, then these should help you decide.
Transformers Missing Link C-01 Convoy
February 2024 / ¥15,800
Order via HobbyLink Japan
Transformers Missing Link C-02 Convoy (Anime Edition)
February 2024 / ¥9,800
Order via HobbyLink Japan
