I don’t normally delve into Masterpiece/Masterpiece-adjacent Transformers figures, mainly due to how they don’t scale with mainline figures. Well, then came MPG-09 Super Ginrai (or Powermaster Optimus Prime), and while I hoped it was a one-off thing, it was like a Pandora’s Box is just waiting to be opened.
Lo and behold we got this announcement.
Technically, this would be the first Optimus Prime (yes, they’re not calling it Convoy) figure in the rebooted Transformers MPG line. But longtime collectors would agree that this is basically MP Optimus Prime 4.0, with the last incarnation coming out in 2019. The official solicitations and pre-orders will be up on April 4, but we have enough initial information for speculation.
First of all, what is “Style Gen.?” Takara Tomy describes it as an MPG sub set focusing new interpretation in terms of transformation difficulty, proportions and details, articulation, play patterns, and more. Spearheading this set is Optimus Prime with more in the pipeline.
They also mention five key points regarding “Style Gen.” which allow us to should better understand the intent:
- Transformation is at the heart of Transformers, and the design is aimed at creating an emotional transformation that allows you to enjoy transforming from vehicle to robot over and over again.
- The design and essence of previous Convoy and Optimus Prime figures are incorporated into each part, and stylish proportions are pursued to be accepted and purchased by Transformers fans of all generations and regions. In addition, details that give a sense of value are introduced in abundance.
- The easy-to-play structure and joint-conscious design allow for more dynamic poses.
- The rear features the familiar double tires found on large trucks. Not only can you enjoy a more realistic vehicle mode, but by exposing the double tires in robot mode, you can achieve a “complete transformation” with no extra parts.
- The accessories are based on weapons that Optimus Prime has used in various scenes over the past 40 years, and feature the familiar 5mm joints found in Transformers products, allowing you to create your own unique Optimus Prime.
The bullets above came from a leaked pamphlet that also shows the weapons and accessories included with this figure, which also confirms how this is an amalgamation of previous Optimus Prime designs.
While this is an interesting direction for the line, what interests me more is whether this would scale with my collection or not. If it’s the latter then I’ll be marked safe. Otherwise, we’ll see it on April 4 as pre-orders open.
