Product Line / Transformers: The Last Knight (Premier Edition)
Scale & Class / Voyager Class Transformers Figure
Manufacturer / Hasbro & Takara Tomy
Release Date / 2017
Appearances / Transformers: The Last Knight (2017)
Regardless of the intent, Transformers: Age of Extinction was essentially a very soft reboot for the Michael Bay-helmed live action movie franchise. New characters and plot points were introduced, and changes were made to existing ones, including the heroic Autobot leader Optimus Prime. Gone is the iconic transforming truck-to-robot look in favor of a knight-based aesthetic. When the new design was revealed, many found themselves scratching their heads and asking the same question. How will this version of Optimus Prime transform into a truck and back? Much to everyone’s expectations, the first figures of this new design just had the truck panels open to reveal the robot within, leaving much “kibble” hanging at the back. It took them a second try with the Transformers: The Last Knight toy line to finally get it right and release a better Optimus Prime figure at the smaller Voyager Class size and price point.
Unlike its Age of Extinction counterparts, the smaller The Last Knight version has better transformation, resulting in a cleaner robot mode. And while we’ll never get a transforming figure fully accurate to the original design, both modes are at least integrated much better. Optimus Prime has copious amounts of sculpted detail, but the paint application has much to be desired. For the regular retail release, most of the flame deco is seen in vehicle mode but not so much when transformed. Those who want a more premium-looking and screen accurate figure may get the San Diego Comic Con 2017 exclusive version, as seen here. Articulation is standard fare, but those leg and back panels will likely cause issues when it comes to dynamic poses. Though you have to admit, this version of Optimus Prime looks really good in a neutral standing pose, especially when wielding its sword. Speaking of swords, Optimus Prime comes with the sword and shield he uses in the movie, but again, paint will depend on what version you have. Each weapon has storage options in both robot and vehicle modes.
The San Diego Comic Con 2017 exclusive version comes in a special display case packaging and includes a supposedly authentic tire piece from the Western Star truck used in the movies.