Takara's New G1 Optimus Prime Updated Toys Officially Revealed with Amazon Japan Preorders
Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 8:40PM CDT
Category: Toy NewsPosted by: Sabrblade Views: 63,410
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We now have listings and official images from Amazon Japan for both releases of the Missing Link series which features G1 Optimus Prime toy version with trailer and G1 Optimus Prime with cartoon deco and sculpt. Check out all the molded details that are replacing the stickers and the changes to articulation and transformation steps. Clicking the blue links brings you to the listings where people outside Japan can indeed order from Amazon Japan. Be aware of shipping and duty fees depending the your country of residence.
Transformers: Missing Link C-01 Convoy
Lost dreams are linked across time!
The "Missing Link" series of virtual reprints that may have existed in that era is launched to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the birth of Transformers!
What if the original Convoy was fully posable? The size, texture, and nostalgia of those days have been kept intact in a completely new design!
While the size, transformation pattern, and basic construction using some die-cast alloys follow the original Convoy toys, the ideal Commander Convoy toy is now available with updated articulation for posing and gimmicks depicted in the animation.
Even the packaging and accessories are a thorough homage to the style of the time, bringing back the excitement of opening Transformers products in the 80's, even more so than the reissued versions.
The replacement of the fists during the transformation, which was a regret in the product at that time, was reviewed, and complete transformation that stores them inside without removing them is possible. In addition, each joint, which was limited in posing at the time, has been changed to movable, allowing the figure to be freely posed.
The Matrix can be stored in the chest as a reproduction from the animation scenes. The newly designed fists have movable fingers so that the Matrix can be removed and held in the hands. The anti-aircraft gun in the container can be separated from the container and rolled and driven, just like in the animation. The reconnaissance buggy "Roller" can be inverted at the rear to reveal the warning light depicted in the cartoon.
The laser rifle has been modified to insert the original grip portion into the fist. The "Energy Axe," a weapon memorable in the opening sequence of the animation, is also included and can be attached to the fist.
Also included is a red transparent "secret film" that brings back the play of decoding by overlaying it on the spec chart printed on the back of the package.
The well-known "secret emblem" is also affixed to the robot's body, and when warmed with a finger, the corps mark appears.
The main body of the robot has sculpted versions of the mechanical parts that were originally represented by stickers on a flat surface.
An additional joint hole on the back of Convoy is for a stand (sold separately) that allows Convoy to be displayed in an action pose.
Two new license plate user stickers that can reproduce the Japanese and international box art of the time have also been added, and a newly designed collection card is also included.
[Set contents] Robot body (1), container (1), energy axe (1), laser rifle (1), hose (1), energy supply pump (1), energy supply adapter (1), roller (1), roller tire (runner) (1), missile (runner) (1), matrix (1), seal (1), secret film (1), collection card (1), instruction manual (1), leaflet (1),
Transformers: Missing Link C-02 Convoy (Anime Edition)
Lost dreams are linked across time!
The "Missing Link" series of virtual reprints that may have existed in that era is launched to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the birth of Transformers! What if the original Convoy was fully posable? The size, texture, and nostalgia of those days have been kept intact in a completely new design!
While the size, transformation pattern, and basic construction using some die-cast alloys follow the original Convoy toys, the ideal Commander Convoy toy is now available with updated articulation for posing and gimmicks depicted in the animation.
Even the packaging and accessories are a thorough homage to the style of the time, bringing back the excitement of opening Transformers products in the 80's, even more so than the reissued versions.
The C-02 Convoy, which is labeled "Anime Edition," has its contents dedicated to the robot part and is available in the coloring specifications depicted in the animation.
The replacement of the fists during the transformation, which was a regret in the product at that time, was reviewed, and complete transformation that stores them inside without removing them is possible. In addition, each joint, which was limited in posing at the time, has been changed to movable, allowing the figure to be freely posed.
The Matrix can be stored in the chest as a reproduction from the animation scenes. The newly designed fists have movable fingers so that the Matrix can be removed and held in the hands.
The laser rifle has been modified to insert the original grip portion into the fist.
The "Energy Axe," a weapon memorable in the opening visuals of the animation, is also included and can be attached to the fist.
Also included is a red transparent "secret film" that brings back the play of decoding by overlaying it on the spec chart printed on the back of the package.
The well-known "secret emblem" is also affixed to the robot's body, and when warmed with a finger, the corps mark appears.
The main body of the robot has sculpted versions of the mechanical parts that were originally represented by stickers on a flat surface. An additional joint hole on the back of Convoy is for a stand (sold separately) that allows Convoy to be displayed in an action pose.
C-02 adds a yellow user sticker to be attached to the bumper area that more closely resembles the visuals of the cartoon.
The Matrix, laser rifle, and Energy Axe are re-colored from C-01.
The design of the collection card is also changed.
[Set contents] Robot body (Anime Edition) (1), Energy Axe (1), Laser Rifle (1), Matrix (1), Secret Film (1), Collection Card (1), Sticker (1), Instruction Manual (1), Leaflet (1),
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Posted by Emerje on August 8th, 2023 @ 9:50pm CDT
Waiting to see what Hasbro's price ends up being, I'm sure it'll be on Pulse.
Emerje
Posted by Sabrblade on August 8th, 2023 @ 9:55pm CDT
That's assuming the Matrix chamber has a new wall behind it instead of being left hollow (which we can't tell either way from these pics).Emerje wrote:At least he has the Matrix chamber now so you can't see directly through him. It's an improvement no matter how you look at it.
Posted by GrangerPerry on August 8th, 2023 @ 10:57pm CDT
Posted by Emerje on August 9th, 2023 @ 12:52am CDT
Sabrblade wrote:That's assuming the Matrix chamber has a new wall behind it instead of being left hollow (which we can't tell either way from these pics).Emerje wrote:At least he has the Matrix chamber now so you can't see directly through him. It's an improvement no matter how you look at it.
Definitely not a second wall behind the chamber, the empty gap under his head confirms it.
That image also shows that he has a second shoulder joint in his upper arm, not just he one in his chest. giving him double shoulder joints and an ab crunch make his lack of a neck joint (just a swivel) very strange.
Still no word on if these have diecast or not. The descriptions don't mention it so probably not, but usually Japanese companies give material lists that would confirm it.
Emerje
Posted by Sabrblade on August 9th, 2023 @ 1:20am CDT
Emerje wrote:Still no word on if these have diecast or not. The descriptions don't mention it so probably not, but usually Japanese companies give material lists that would confirm it.
Emerje
While the size, transformation pattern, and basic construction using some die-cast alloys follow the original Convoy toys, the ideal Commander Convoy toy is now available with updated articulation for posing and gimmicks depicted in the animation.
Posted by Emerje on August 9th, 2023 @ 3:00am CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Emerje wrote:Still no word on if these have diecast or not. The descriptions don't mention it so probably not, but usually Japanese companies give material lists that would confirm it.
EmerjeWhile the size, transformation pattern, and basic construction using some die-cast alloys follow the original Convoy toys, the ideal Commander Convoy toy is now available with updated articulation for posing and gimmicks depicted in the animation.
CTRL-F failed me...
But that's great news!
Emerje
Posted by -Kanrabat- on August 9th, 2023 @ 4:45am CDT
I'm even more glad to have ordered the full set.
Also, I expect the trailer to have no stickers either and be full of molded and painted details. Thus, the price is very justified.
Posted by nycPrime on August 9th, 2023 @ 8:40am CDT
The only difference between the 2 is the trailer and chest color?
Posted by DeathReviews on August 9th, 2023 @ 9:33am CDT
Posted by nycPrime on August 9th, 2023 @ 9:57am CDT
DeathReviews wrote:I think a lot of collectors would be satisfied with G1 remakes that simply had separated legs and feet, never mind any extra articulation. But seeing a G1 Optimus that has full articulation, well that's noteworthy. It proves they COULD do it. I think I'll wait for the inevitable USA release, rather than paying through the nose for this one.
I think the recent G1 Optimus reissue retailed $50. I don't think a US issue will be cheaper, unless it goes on sale.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on August 9th, 2023 @ 10:32am CDT
nycPrime wrote:DeathReviews wrote:I think a lot of collectors would be satisfied with G1 remakes that simply had separated legs and feet, never mind any extra articulation. But seeing a G1 Optimus that has full articulation, well that's noteworthy. It proves they COULD do it. I think I'll wait for the inevitable USA release, rather than paying through the nose for this one.
I think the recent G1 Optimus reissue retailed $50. I don't think a US issue will be cheaper, unless it goes on sale.
I'll add that the only thing cheaper would only be the shipping.
I'm not taking any chances and I'm pre-ordering at .jp.
Posted by Sabrblade on August 9th, 2023 @ 10:39am CDT
C-01: Yellow eyes, amber windows, molded sticker details fully painted, chrome Matrix, translucent Energy Axe, rifle, pump, hose, adapter, trailer, Roller, sprue of Roller's wheels, sprue of four missiles.nycPrime wrote:The only difference between the 2 is the trailer and chest color?
C-02: Blue eyes, blue windows, molded sticker details unpainted, non-chrome Matrix, opaque Energy Axe, rifle, no other accessories.
Posted by william-james88 on August 9th, 2023 @ 3:19pm CDT
nycPrime wrote:Is Amazon JP still the best cheapest option for importing to US?
The only difference between the 2 is the trailer and chest color?
Yes, Amazon Japan will be cheapest. And the two versions come with different headsculpts, so it's not just deco diferences
Posted by Sabrblade on August 9th, 2023 @ 3:27pm CDT
The only differences I'm seeing between the heads are the colors.william-james88 wrote:nycPrime wrote:Is Amazon JP still the best cheapest option for importing to US?
The only difference between the 2 is the trailer and chest color?
Yes, Amazon Japan will be cheapest. And the two versions come with different headsculpts, so it's not just deco diferences
Posted by william-james88 on August 9th, 2023 @ 3:32pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:The only differences I'm seeing between the heads are the colors.william-james88 wrote:nycPrime wrote:Is Amazon JP still the best cheapest option for importing to US?
The only difference between the 2 is the trailer and chest color?
Yes, Amazon Japan will be cheapest. And the two versions come with different headsculpts, so it's not just deco diferences
Then look again.
And zoom in real close
Posted by Overcracker on August 9th, 2023 @ 3:51pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:The only differences I'm seeing between the heads are the colors.
I agree. I think it's just the difference in color and the slightly different angle that makes it look like its a different head sculpt.
There does seem to be a slight difference with the mouth plates though.
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on August 9th, 2023 @ 7:58pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:nycPrime wrote:Is Amazon JP still the best cheapest option for importing to US?
The only difference between the 2 is the trailer and chest color?
Yes, Amazon Japan will be cheapest. And the two versions come with different headsculpts, so it's not just deco diferences
And it's still Amazon. They'll pack and ship the items well and fast, and you'll still have the Amazon CS however you feel about it.
Posted by Emerje on August 9th, 2023 @ 8:40pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:Sabrblade wrote:The only differences I'm seeing between the heads are the colors.william-james88 wrote:nycPrime wrote:Is Amazon JP still the best cheapest option for importing to US?
The only difference between the 2 is the trailer and chest color?
Yes, Amazon Japan will be cheapest. And the two versions come with different headsculpts, so it's not just deco diferences
Then look again.
And zoom in real close
If you're talking about the vents in the mask, they're just obscured in the image above, but they're there.
Emerje
Posted by -Kanrabat- on August 9th, 2023 @ 9:49pm CDT
BTW, I succeeded in convincing my internet-phobic friend to register to Amazon.jp so that he can preorder his own Optimus with trailer instead of going through my accounts as usual.
They grow up so fast!
BTW, at 9500JPY, the Anime version make even less senses to get.
Posted by AcademyofDrX on August 10th, 2023 @ 12:16pm CDT
https://hasbropulse.com/collections/tra ... th-trailer
https://hasbropulse.com/collections/tra ... on-edition
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2023 @ 12:24pm CDT
They're also inexplicably labeled as part of the Masterpiece line.AcademyofDrX wrote:They're both live on Pulse right now. The animation edition has the same higher price tag at the moment, which I assume is an error.
https://hasbropulse.com/collections/tra ... th-trailer
https://hasbropulse.com/collections/tra ... on-edition
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on August 10th, 2023 @ 12:40pm CDT
Posted by -Kanrabat- on August 10th, 2023 @ 4:41pm CDT
AcademyofDrX wrote:They're both live on Pulse right now. The animation edition has the same higher price tag at the moment, which I assume is an error.
https://hasbropulse.com/collections/tra ... th-trailer
https://hasbropulse.com/collections/tra ... on-edition
The correct link for the Anime edition is this one:
https://hasbropulse.com/collections/tra ... ion-figure
These Pulse prices are WAY more expensive than the Amazon.JP prices.
The only reason to buy from Pulse is if you're an American, living in the continental USA, and have a Premium membership to have free shipping. Otherwise, the cheapest option for anybody else is from Amazon.jp.
Posted by Emerje on August 10th, 2023 @ 8:57pm CDT
Emerje
Posted by -Kanrabat- on August 10th, 2023 @ 9:09pm CDT
If Amazon does reduce the prices by a bit, everyone will have the prices of their preorders lowered as well. It happened often before. Sometimes, they even refunds the difference a few weeks after I received the thing without me asking.
Posted by Sabrblade on August 10th, 2023 @ 11:37pm CDT
But sometimes it still works out. When I bought my MP Optimus Primal, I got it from RobotKingdom since it turned at that even with their shipped costs the total was still less than what the base price for that figure was at BBTS at the time.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on August 11th, 2023 @ 4:47am CDT
Then I realised that the abs crunch joint follow the opening cabin. That's a GENIUS design! Also, the hands do not enter the arms for transformation, but will rather enter the chest from the sides. I wonder if he'll have a see-through hole from the side on the chest in that area?
Posted by Calvatron on August 11th, 2023 @ 9:15am CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on August 11th, 2023 @ 11:00am CDT
Similar to how Beast Wars Again has rebroadcast certain episodes of the Japanese dub of Beast Wars (albeit, cut in half to make two 15-minute episodes each), TakaraTomy has gone and uploaded the Japanese dub of first three episodes of the G1 cartoon, the three-part pilot mini-series, onto YouTube, to tie in with Missing Link.
What's more, while these videos lack both the opening theme song or the end credits sequence, they instead end with a new toy advert for new Missing Link line, showing what the packaging for the C-01 version looks like, and revealing that the idea for these new Optimus toys was rooted into an articulated fan custom of the original toy that was shown on display at BotCon Japan 1997.
Posted by sol magnus on August 11th, 2023 @ 7:22pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on August 14th, 2023 @ 11:34pm CDT
Posted by -Kanrabat- on August 15th, 2023 @ 4:32am CDT
Factoring taxes and shipping, they are still cheaper from Amazon.jp.
Posted by blackeyedprime on August 25th, 2023 @ 12:22pm CDT
Posted by Overcracker on February 23rd, 2024 @ 9:17am CST
Posted by -Kanrabat- on February 26th, 2024 @ 7:45am CST
I should have it in two days.
Posted by Emerje on February 26th, 2024 @ 8:29pm CST
-Kanrabat- wrote:I just got the shipping notice for my Origin Optimus Prime.
I should have it in two days.
Missing Link. Mine were supposed to arrive today but the tracking updated to "possible delay in delivery due to extra carrier processing" followed by "delivery arrangements modified by carrier." Maybe tomorrow.
Emerje
Posted by -Kanrabat- on February 26th, 2024 @ 10:59pm CST
Emerje wrote:-Kanrabat- wrote:I just got the shipping notice for my Origin Optimus Prime.
I should have it in two days.
Missing Link. Mine were supposed to arrive today but the tracking updated to "possible delay in delivery due to extra carrier processing" followed by "delivery arrangements modified by carrier." Maybe tomorrow.
Emerje
Somehow, I can't think of it as "missing link".
No thanks to MOTU!
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on February 26th, 2024 @ 11:00pm CST
Posted by Sabrblade on February 26th, 2024 @ 11:10pm CST
Needs more Sasquatch.-Kanrabat- wrote:Emerje wrote:-Kanrabat- wrote:I just got the shipping notice for my Origin Optimus Prime.
I should have it in two days.
Missing Link. Mine were supposed to arrive today but the tracking updated to "possible delay in delivery due to extra carrier processing" followed by "delivery arrangements modified by carrier." Maybe tomorrow.
Emerje
Somehow, I can't think of it as "missing link".
Posted by Burn on February 27th, 2024 @ 2:01am CST
chuckdawg1999 wrote:I'm so embarrassed, I pinched my finger on Prime today flipping the foot up. I drew blood for Pete's sake.
Gonna need a tetnus shot.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on February 27th, 2024 @ 4:10am CST
Sabrblade wrote:Needs more Sasquatch.-Kanrabat- wrote:Emerje wrote:-Kanrabat- wrote:I just got the shipping notice for my Origin Optimus Prime.
I should have it in two days.
Missing Link. Mine were supposed to arrive today but the tracking updated to "possible delay in delivery due to extra carrier processing" followed by "delivery arrangements modified by carrier." Maybe tomorrow.
Emerje
Somehow, I can't think of it as "missing link".
Weeeeeeeelllllll, it was already been done decades ago when some bot was a monkey instead of a trukk.
Posted by chuckdawg1999 on February 27th, 2024 @ 3:24pm CST
Posted by Overcracker on February 28th, 2024 @ 10:22am CST
Will be here on the 6th, so a slightly delayed Birthday present. not bad.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on February 28th, 2024 @ 10:41am CST
Overcracker wrote:Amazon Japan just informed me, the price of Missing Link went down by 49 Yen. so 4 bucks less. Yay!.
Will be here on the 6th, so a slightly delayed Birthday present. not bad.
Bruh....
That's 50 cents. Canadian.
At least on my end, it went down by 750JPY so that's around a 7.50$can refund. Not too shabby.
Posted by Sabrblade on February 28th, 2024 @ 10:45am CST
Posted by -Kanrabat- on February 28th, 2024 @ 11:00am CST
Sabrblade wrote:I went with TFSource to get free shipping, but their order pages say the Missing Link toys aren't estimated to arrive until April. Feh.
Was it really worth it on your end, considering the total price?
Because with shipping and taxes Amazon.jp was the cheapest and fastest option for me.
Posted by Sabrblade on February 28th, 2024 @ 11:09am CST
Well, considering I wanted and ordered both figures, it was always going to be a big purchase anyway.-Kanrabat- wrote:Sabrblade wrote:I went with TFSource to get free shipping, but their order pages say the Missing Link toys aren't estimated to arrive until April. Feh.
Was it really worth it on your end, considering the total price?
Because with shipping and taxes Amazon.jp was the cheapest and fastest option for me.
Entertainment Earth had free shipping too, but their preorders sold out too fast.
Posted by Overcracker on February 28th, 2024 @ 2:53pm CST
-Kanrabat- wrote:Overcracker wrote:Amazon Japan just informed me, the price of Missing Link went down by 49 Yen. so 4 bucks less. Yay!.
Will be here on the 6th, so a slightly delayed Birthday present. not bad.
Bruh....
That's 50 cents. Canadian.
At least on my end, it went down by 750JPY so that's around a 7.50$can refund. Not too shabby.
sorry, missed a 5. 549 Yen.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on February 28th, 2024 @ 4:26pm CST
Overcracker wrote:-Kanrabat- wrote:Overcracker wrote:Amazon Japan just informed me, the price of Missing Link went down by 49 Yen. so 4 bucks less. Yay!.
Will be here on the 6th, so a slightly delayed Birthday present. not bad.
Bruh....
That's 50 cents. Canadian.
At least on my end, it went down by 750JPY so that's around a 7.50$can refund. Not too shabby.
sorry, missed a 5. 549 Yen.
Thought so.
It's ain't much, but we'll take it.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on February 28th, 2024 @ 6:55pm CST
In truck mode, the differences in colors are obvious. The 25thA reissue was paler for reasons.
As for the base mode, I was surprised to see that the Missing Link had removed the Roller launcher gimmick to make the whole tower removable and rollable. Also, the missiles on the reissue are stupidly long.
For the old reissue, I bought an upgrade kit that gave him two axes, a jetpack, a Matrix, a new gun, and new hands. The new hands sucked so I never used them. the rest are cool. For that old reissue, he had short smokestacks as well. So I upgraded it with a pair of long diecast smokestacks. Those were not easy to change.
The new Missing link not only have a gun that he can properly hold, but the axe that come with it is BIG. Also, shiny Matrix is shiny.
But the definitive difference, appart the 3D painted details for the bot mode instead of stickers, his that he can pull off some sick poses! The old G1 wasn't bad in that department, but the ML is mind-blowing!
Well worth the money.