First class.

We’ve taken a look at the Weaponizer Optimus already. Now let’s take a look at the First Edition Voyager Optimus Prime!

He’s often considered the best figure to come out of both the Prime toylines (the other contender being RID Deluxe Vehicon).

Spoiler alert: He is.

Vehicle mode

Optimus is a long-nosed truck. Like Bayverse Optimus or G2 Optimus. However, he doesn’t have the flames. Like G1 Optimus.

Balanced as all things should be.

Prime was a stylised cartoon so it’s a nice surprise that not only is Optimus a realistic truck but he’s detailed and convincing.

I was blown away by one detail. Yes, the rest of him has lots of molded detail and paint. But what got me is the detailed cockpit. Look inside his windows. You can see two seats. But what’s crazier is if you look inside the cockpit while transforming him, there’s a steering wheel and console.

The only misstep I see in this mode is the lack of paint on the rims. But that’s an easy fix.

For playability, Optimus rolls just fine in this mode. Also, he can store his weapons in the back and the trailer hitch fits anything that’s got a 5mm peg.

Transformation

The transformation is the best.

It’s complex but…

It’s fluid, it’s intuitive.

It’s not infuriating.

And most importantly, it’s fun.

Robot mode

Dear Lord Primus. Optimus is swole. He’s heroic looking. He’s athletic.

HE LOOKS LIKE ALL MIGHT FROM MY HERO ACADEMIA.

Optimus is very screen accurate. He’s the most accurate transforming figure of this design. Yes, I did say the chest was slightly better on the Weaponizer. Everything else is better here.

The paint, the molded detail, the other proportions, the lack of hollowness, the screen accurate backpack. Also, the posability. The posability is better on this figure.

For articulation, Optimus has a ball-jointed head. His arms rotate at the shoulders as well as go in and out. He has bicep swivels and elbow bends. He has wrist swivels. He has a waist swivel. His legs rotate as well as go in and out at the hips. The rotate at the thighs and bend at the knees. His ankles side to side and forward to back. Beat that Megatron.

Gimmicks

Part of the reason that the First Edition figures were great was because they weren’t compromised by gimmicks. Optimus is devoid of any action features or gimmicks apart from the fact he transforms. And he has weapons. So kinda like the TLK Premiere Editions (except generally much better).

Speaking of weapons, Optimus has them and they’re awesome. They’re just the right size and not hampered by needing to transform or light up. His gun is great but his sword is made of soft bendy plastic like his smokestacks so care has to be taken with them.

Oh yeah, Optimus has light piping in his eyes. I guess that counts as a gimmick. It’s beautiful.

Toy or collectible?

Collectible. Give this to a child and I will personally slap you. Here’s why:

1) He’s rare and hard to find these days.

2) He’s ridiculously, absurdly expensive. I mean it. I’ve seen him bought for the same price as a complete MP10 Convoy.

3) RM550? ARE YOU SERIOUS?! THAT’S $140! PRIMUS ALMIGHTY!

I’m blessed that I bought him on release and didn’t wait for clearance like I usually do.

Blessed.

Closing

Find him even though it’s hard to do.

Buy him even though it burns your wallet.

This Optimus Prime is just that good.

Prime First Edition Voyager Optimus Prime is legitimately the best non-Masterpiece Optimus figure I own.

Not having this figure is doing a disservice to your collection and I mean it.