Got to admit it’s getting better, getting better, all the time!

Can’t get no worse.

Well here we got the second iteration of the AOE/TLK Optimus design. Why did Hasbro bother making two separate molds based off concept art so close to each other? Why not wait for the movie to be released and then make a figure based on the finalised design? No clue.

But here we are. We already took a look at the other two Leader molds that were released for AOE. Let’s look at what Optimus brings to the table.

Vehicle mode

Huh, this is a really nice truck mode actually. The proportions are different compared to the First Edition. I think they’re more accurate to the real life truck proportions but I’m not entirely sure. I can’t really say which Optimus has the better proportioned truck mode.

I can say that this guy has much better paint than the First Edition though. There’s chrome everywhere there should be. On the smokestacks, on the grill, on the tanks and on the… truck eyebrows. This had to be pointed out to me but Optimus doesn’t have painted rims. I thought they were but it’s just the plastic used is silver-y. Overall, it’s a very nicely painted vehicle mode. Especially for a mainline release.

Optimus has six rubber tyres and rolls very nicely. Like seriously. He goes fast. It’s probably cause he’s just the right weight and has really good tyres. He can also store both his weapons in truck mode.

Transformation

It’s a fairly straightforward transformation that’s fun to do but it’s a bit odd. Why you ask?

Because it feels as though the upper body was designed by one dude and the lower body was designed by another. Optimus’s legs have a super interesting and involved transformation. His back and arms on the other hand are really underwhelming to transform.

The transformation here is still lightyears ahead of the First Edition though.

Robot mode

At a glance, it doesn’t look like there’s been much of an improvement over the First Edition. I’m glad to say that’s not the case. The robot mode uses a lot more truck mode parts in robot mode, particularly the legs. The shoulder pads and hip guards are also truck bits.

There’s still a big backpack but it’s less dense than the First Edition. They probably could’ve made it fold down more but just didn’t because of budget concerns. The fact that they left it like that makes me kinda sad.

Apart from the backpack, my only complaint is Optimus’s arms. They’re too thin. Aside from that, there’s mostly good going on! Optimus has a nicely done head and the chrome in robot mode is done much better than the First Edition Optimus or Grimlock for that matter. He’s not completely accurate to movie since he’s based on concept art but Optimus does look good.

For posability, Optimus is better than expected and much better than the First Edition. He’s still missing wrist articulation though. Grr. He’s got a ball-jointed head. His arms move in and out at the shoulder as well as rotate. He’s got bicep swivels and elbow bends. His thumbs move. He’s got a waist swivel! His legs go forward and back at the hips. They also go in and out. He has thigh swivels and knee bends. His feet also have ball joints. He’s a bit limited by his kibble but Optimus can still pull off a lot of poses.

Gimmicks

None to speak of really. He’s got his sword and shield. And he’s got a scabbard on his back that angles up so the sword can be carried at an angle. That’s a nice touch.

The head reveal counts as a gimmick I guess? Pushing down his chest piece makes his head spring out when transforming him. Automorph throwback!

Toy or collectible?

At this point he’s more of a toy. This Optimus’s available for cheap nowadays. I got mine for RM30 ($7.50)! He’s big, durable enough and his transformation is pretty straightforward. His robot mode is good enough and his vehicle mode is great.

As for adult collectors, there are many better options for this Optimus design. And there are many better versions of this mold. He’s not a bad figure but he’s not really necessary for your collection unless you’re a completionist. Or you’re on a budget.

Closing

While he’s certainly not perfect, Optimus is a fun figure to mess around with. He’s got a great truck mode, a fun transformation and a flawed but not terrible robot mode.

I’d recommend this Optimus… but there are so many upgraded and improved versions of it, I’m hesitant to. The only upside to this guy right now is his price since he’s the cheapest version of this mold. At the RM30 ($7.50) I paid for him though, I would recommend him in a heartbeat.