Hasbro recently revealed a bunch of upcoming Transformers figures, and I believe out of this batch, there’s one that sparked the most discussion online. And I’m talking about the new Studio Series version of “Evasion Mode” Optimus Prime from Transformers: Age of Extinction.
Age of Extinction introduced us to the knight-based Optimus Prime design, totally different from how he appeared from the previous films. As a sort of transition between these two forms, the film opens with Optimus Prime taking on this “Evasion Mode” form clearly inspired by the G1 flat nose semi-truck cab.
That form also resulted in easily one of the best figures from the toy line thanks to its clever transformation engineering, that it got multiple repaints, and was even upscaled by Takara Tomy for several releases — including their Synergenex Transformers and Evangelion collaboration figure.
Understandably, many were curious when leaks of a Studio Series version came out and well… the results did spark discourse.
I will bring up a comparison photo between this guy and the Age of Extinction version later to see them side-by-side, but folks are already suggesting the older figure is better in several aspects. Paint is a no-brainer argument since Hasbro is always cheap when it comes to paint applications. I can’t say that much about the proportions though the faded colors better sell the whole old truck disguise Optimus was having.
Admittedly, the old figure handled kibble better as you can clearly see the front of the truck as a solid back panel in robot mode. Let’s check out how the 2014 figure compares.
The 2014 version gets away with the lack of detailed paint work as it was made to look like the original G1 design, again because this is the first time movie Optimus transforms to a flat nose truck. Some are also saying the head looks like something taken from a 2007 movie figure. Personally, I think most of these are just nitpicks though to each their own.
I believe this should cover the live-action movie versions of Optimus Prime in the Studio Series line. That said, we might be seeing new versions of the earlier releases based on the recent leaks, including another 2007 movie Optimus Prime. But let’s cross that bridge when we get there.
Transformers Studio Series Optimus Prime (Transformers: Age of Extinction, “Evasion Mode”)
October 2026 / $42.99
On a related note, they also announced this guy.
They didn’t announce this figure exactly, but we are getting Armada Jetfire in the Transformers: Age of the Primes line. The 2023 Commander-class figure is considered by many as one of the best, and having Jetfire will add another play pattern to that figure to form Jet Optimus. Personally, I’m not too attached to this configuration but I’m sure those feeling nostalgic will definitely pick up a copy.
