We’ve seen gray prototypes of this Transformers and Macross 7 collaboration figure as part of T-Spark’s Synergenex line. And now that pre-orders are open, we finally have full solicitation images for Synergenex Basara Prime and now that I’m looking at it, it’s more of a Rodimus Prime to me than Optimus Prime. Both Transformers and Macross franchises have quite the history, especially in the United States, so seeing a collaboration item featuring these two is definitely closing some circles.
We’ve seen in the gray prototypes that Basara Prime can transform into several modes, with three seen here. But there’s actually seven modes it can transform into. Let’s check them out.
This is the live stage mode, which is basically Basara Prime in robot mode using the trailer as a stage to do the whole “Listen to my song!” bit. You can see that the pectorals can open, just like any Optimus Prime figure. However, instead of revealing a Matrix chamber, it contains a pair of speakers, very fitting for this guy. It’s because the Matrix of Leadership is part of the guitar, or at least the central crystal is.
In robot mode, Basara Prime has the vestiges of both Optimus Prime and the Fire Valkyrie, and it looks okay. I do find the hip assembly a little too wide while the thighs a little too thin. Other than that, the figure looks okay and it appears to have good poseability as well. Whenever Basara Prime isn’t having a concert, it defaults to its blaster as main weapon.
Once Basara Prime is done singing, it can transform to both fighter and gerwalk modes, turning into something closely resembling the Fire Valkyrie, or the VF-19 Excalibur Custom, seen in Macross 7. Though note that given the other modes this figure can turn to, the transformation isn’t an exact copy of the original, as evident by the under carriage in fighter mode. It does look really good in gerwalk mode though.
For the next three modes, I can only explain them like this. You know how bands are often portrayed in movies as travelling in trailers whenever they do tours? I think this is the best representation of that trope in this figure. Also, because it’s a Prime, Basara Prime needs to have a wheeled or truck-based vehicle mode, and this comes in two components. First, we have the ‘cab’ section which is basically the gerwalk mode further folded into itself. Then there’s the actual live stage folded up as the trailer, or container as they call it here.
Combining the two vehicle modes would produce Basara Prime in its trailer vehicle mode and it looks ridiculous. But, it’s the kind of ridiculous that’s totally acceptable since this is a collaboration item. And yes, it also resembles Rodimus Prime more than Optimus Prime with the colors and the whole style of the thing.
Here’s a better look of the container when it’s opened as the live stage Basara Prime can stand on. Instead of a turret as you’d expect from Rodimus Prime’s trailer, the live stage just has multiple speakers and a rather large microphone, for an equally large singer. Speaking of singing, Basara Prime comes with multiple face options to display with. There’s the default Prime faceplate, another with the open face but with a neutral expression, and another singing its heart out.
As an Optimus Prime collector, I’ve seen collaboration items from different parts of the spectrum, and this is more of the better ones out there. Especially with the unique relationship between the two franchises having this collaboration. I do am committed in getting these items so see you in 2026 when this guy ships out.
Synergenex Basara Prime (Transformers / Macross 7)
March 2026 / ¥20,000
Order from HobbyLink Japan
They have also teased the next collaboration… and it’s between Evangelion and Transformers. This isn’t the first time both brands have collaborated so it will be interesting what comes out of this.
Rodimus Prime? More like Radimus Prime.