New York Comic Con 2025 happened over the weekend and for the Transformers side of things, we got the usual announcements. That said, a couple fell right into my collecting wheelhouse, one of which is the 2026 Transformers Timelines set. If you recall, each Transformers Timelines release puts our familiar Transformers characters in not-so-familiar settings, or timelines as you will. 2025 saw the release of the Hearts of Steel two-packs and the recent announcement sets a precedent for the theme for 2026.
They are going back to Japan with these Samurai-themed sets. Now this ain’t the first time the franchise has dipped its toes into Japanese-inspired themes as Takara Tomy literally hails from Japan, or as the combiners from Transformers Go! has shown. As far as I know these ain’t based on a previous fiction either, which puts everything on the table on what these sets could be.
Since I will be focusing this post on Optimus Prime, I’m going to mention that he’s once again paired with Starscream as the latter takes on a robotic Falcon alternate mode.
Experience TRANSFORMERS like never before with TRANSFORMERS Timelines Optimus Prime and Starscream action figures reimagine 2 iconic characters in a different timeline, the era of samurai warriors. The 5.5-inch Optimus Prime action figure converts from samurai robot to ox cart in 27 steps, and the 5-inch Starscream action figure converts from robot to falcon in 20 steps. With intricate poseability and themed accessories like a naginata spear and Tengu fan, these TRANSFORMERS figures make an awesome addition to any collection. Look for more TRANSFORMERS Timelines sets (each sold separately, subject to availability) featuring unique versions of favorite characters like Megatron, Bumblebee, and more to create a lineup that is: More Than Meets the Eye.
Optimus Prime takes the form of a samurai warrior as seen with the design elements often associated with these swordsmen. These include the iconic helmet embellishments and shoulder plates common to samurai armor.
While I did mention swordsmen earlier, Optimus Prime doesn’t actually carry or use a katana. Instead, he uses what I think is an Energon naginata, or basically a spear. An odd choice since we have seen Optimus Prime use sword-like weapons, especially in the Michael Bay films. Regardless, the weapon choice still works with its Japanese roots.
But what really sells this figure is the alternate mode to which many consider as the best representation of the truck-plus-trailer concept in feudal Japan — an ox cart. I can’t figure out the transformation when looking at both robot and alternate modes, which is a good thing since it means an interesting transformation scheme.
Transformers Timelines Optimus Prime & Starscream
TBC / $59.99
I was initially planning of including the other item of interest as a foot note to this post. But it looks like Hasbro has provided more details as pre-orders opened, so I’ll check those and will provide my unsolicited thoughts afterwards.
