STUDIO SERIES ROTB OPTIMUS PRIMAL
Review by Valkitus
Whether it was protecting the Transwarp Key or giving Battletrap a real fight, Optimus Primal was a standout in Rise of the Beasts. His Studio Series figure is no different. It is solid and hefty figure with a presence. Not to mention it comes with a few extra accessories that elevate it above most.
APE MODE
Let’s begin with Ape mode because this is the mode some may have issues with. Two thirds of this mode is amazing. The detailing is accurate and amazing to look at. The gorilla head is spot on and features an opening jaw. His bulky arms also have butterfly joints, and the fingers are partially articulated. The problem arises when we go to his legs. In order to work in robot mode, the ape legs are comprised with robot leg bits hanging off a bit. It isn’t horrible but you can tell where the ape legs are supposed to stop. Personally, I think it isn’t that bad. It is a necessary downside to make the robot mode work and the black plastic helps hide a lot.
ROBOT MODE
Robot mode is where this guy works so well. The robot mode is incredibly accurate to the onscreen model and there is barely any kibble, outside some folded on the back and the ape feet on the calves. The articulation is impressive with toe articulation from transformation. The butterfly joints can work in this mode as well if you need the arms to swing back for poses. The feet also have ankle tilt and some forward and back pivot. The robot mode hands are articulated the same as the ape hands with 5 mm indents for weapons. The head sculpt is sublime and is designed in a way that gives room for a full-face plate version later on.
ACCESSORIES
Primal comes with a slew of accessories. He has his standard two blades, the Transwarp Key, Optimus Prime’s axe, and a hard plastic, articulated chain. The Transwarp Key splits in two like in the film and the blades can combine together. They can also store on the figure’s back in either more or on the hips via tiny pegs. Prime’s axe is pretty accurate to what we saw on screen, but it is molded is dark grey plastic. The chain is where things get interesting. It is a leftover from a scrapped concept that was even featured in the first teaser for RotB. We never saw it in the final film. However, it brings the posing game with Primal to a whole new level. He can range from teaser trailer poses, to Scorpion, and to straight up Kratos is you split the chain pieces. There is so much you can do with the chain and the swords that I’m surprised they threw it out of the film. In addition, it works on Battletrap so he can even have his flail. The playability is nearly endless.
FINAL REMARK
All in all, SS Optimus Primal is worth the purchase if you are a fan of Beast Wars and/or the most recent film. It is probably one of my favorite figures of the year so far. There are some issues, but they can be overlooked compared to all the positives the figure has. All I can say is, “Well isn’t that just Prime..”
Score: 10/10 “truck not monkeys”
Source: The AllSpark
