Since its release in 2020, Earthrise Optimus Prime held the title of being the de facto modern G1-inspired Optimus Prime figure for the mainline releases. It was also the first modern Optimus Prime figure to include a fully functional trailer, which was extensively reused for several variants.
But with the introduction of the Studio Series ’86 subline, we knew we would eventually get a more modern and animation accurate version of the G1 design. And there’s no better time for that to come than the franchise’s 40th anniversary. 2024 saw several releases honoring the original. We had the Missing Link version which took the 1984 toy and gave it modern articulation. Then there’s the upcoming Legacy: United G1 Universe Optimus Prime, essentially a mainline version of the Missing Link figure. Both were toy-accurate so if you prefer a modern animation-accurate mainline figure, then this one is for you.
Initially leaked a couple of weeks ago, and posed like playing a piano, Hasbro has officially revealed Studio Series ’86 Commander-class Optimus Prime, and it looks really good in both robot and vehicle modes. Many have compared this to MP-44 and I do see the similarities, some even pointed out the same backpack that has led to some discourse on that figure. Personally, it doesn’t concern me as this guy looks really good!
Unlike a vocal portion of Transformers collectors, I do appreciate the presence of kibble during the conversion from robot to vehicle and vice versa. Though I do have to commend the designers at Hasbro and Takara Tomy for producing a clean silhouette for this figure. This should also lend to better looking dynamic poses, something Optimus Prime did for quite a number in the movie.
Being a Commander-class figure, this Optimus Prime is a good head taller than the Earthrise version and should scale better with more recent Studio Series figures. Speaking of Earthrise, this image from Hasbro toy designer Evan Brooks (IG/naveskoorb) shows the difference between these three interpretations of the same G1 design.
The clean aesthetic also carries through the vehicle mode, and I do want to note how they were able to have the silver stripe disappear during transformation. I’m not entirely sure if this is an animation error in the film, but the fact the designers were able to integrate this nuance to the figure is a clear demonstration of their dedication to screen accuracy.
And yes we are finally getting a new trailer so the Earthrise version can retire now.
Speaking of which, Evan was also able to provide a size comparison between the Earthrise trailer and the new one, with the newer one being significantly larger.
The larger trailer also houses the repair drone and a silver-colored Roller, who can mount Optimus’ Ion Blaster and pull the trailer itself if needed. You can also sit Titan Master figures inside Roller. And of course, you can open the trailer, stand it up, and turn it into Optimus Prime’s repair bay. There are also pegs and slots on the walls to store the included weapons and accessories. You can store even more accessories in the trailer undercarriage, just like Kingdom Rodimus Prime.
And of course, an Optimus Prime figure wouldn’t be complete without an opening matrix chamber with the Matrix of Leadership inside. The matrix is admittedly smaller than the previous ones we got but its inclusion is appreciated nonetheless. In fact, the butterfly shoulder joints do lend themselves in replicating this specific pose.
All in all, we are expecting four more Optimus Prime figures before the year ends: this guy, the Legacy: United G1 Universe version, the Bingo Sports collaboration figure, and the SDCC-exclusive Fractured Friendship 2-pack. It only shows how Hasbro and Takara Tomy really have a bottomless pit of Optimus Prime figure ideas, and I am getting all three.
Transformers Studio Series ’86 Optimus Prime (The Transformers: The Movie)
November 2024 / $89.99
