Transformers MP44 Optimus Prime v.3

So, 2019 and here we are again, another new Masterpiece Optimus Prime toy from Takara. Version 3 in fact.

This is a controversial figure for a few reasons - firstly, why Prime again? The obvious answer is that he's easy bucks for Takara, being the most popular and iconic character from the 80's mega-franchise The Transformers. Secondly, why does he cost £365? Takara's Masterpiece prices have been on the rise for some time now, but this is a new high (low?) for the Japanese toy giant. Featuring around the same number of accessories as their MP10 Optimus Prime, being trailer, axe, blaster, humans, roller and a Matrix, the only real "extras" here are some heads, blaster effects, sound samples and a lot more paint. Worth an extra £50 perhaps, but an extra £200? That's up for debate.

But lets look at the figure itself. Firstly, yes I can confirm that this easily the very best Optimus Prime toy Takara have ever produced. Proportions are spot-on and articulation is incredible - certainly on par with their earlier Sunstreaker, a toy that cost almost double his similar sized counterparts in the car family.

But this is a definitive Optimus Prime no doubt. The jetpack that he comes with, used once in the pilot More Than Meets the Eye 3-parter that arguably introduced the franchise in 1984, was originally borrowed from fellow Autobot Sideswipe. And yes, the jetpack fits him too! This is a lovely, lovely touch, and although it looks oversized on Prime's soldier, it's still a way to bring the official toys a bit closer together. My Sideswipe is now wearing said jetpack full time in the cabinet.

The paint makes a lot of difference, it's a premium finish to a decent toy. There are some sprue marks, which always puzzles me given how Bandai manage to remove all of them from their similarly premium Metal Build line, but my copy had no blemishes or issues out of the very-well packed box that arrived courtesy of TFS-Express (bravo, team!)

And yet there has to be a "but" in there somewhere, and there's actually a few here to consider. The toy itself has a ridiculous but amusingly original transformation. I was scared the entire time I would either break the flimsy-feeling plastic connections, which had to be snapped and cracked into place with questionable tolerance, or scratch the premium paint-job. Thankfully he made it intact with some help from Youtube, but this guy won't see truck mode again unless I sell him. Once he is a robot, the panels aren't terribly smooth. Panels connect across detailing, ruining what could have been the smooth lines of the figure. The shoulders in particular look gappy and unrefined thanks to the functionality and that transformation. The backpack is only necessary for the silly sound samples, though it's not that egregious in-hand thank goodness.

The biggest "but" however is that it could have been better, and third party companies have proved it. Transform Element in particular has a cracking headsculpt, easily the equal of Takara's effort. Lines are smooth, there are less screw-holes and arguably it's a better transformation. Takara were beaten to market by a superior product - all the TE version is missing is the paint and pointless accessories, but here's the rub - if you're willing to sacrifice the trailer, this option will only cost you £95. Versus £365 for the official product. That's not just a gap, that's a chasm, and arguably you get the better Prime for much less money.

Damn.

I'm not going to tell you Takara's MP44 is a waste of money, after all, I saw enough merit in the figure to spend my cash on it. It is absolutely possible for one's heart to rule one's head, and having the "official" version still has appeal. Some of the extras are nice, the blast effect in particular looks nice next to Bluestreak who comes with similar accessories. The lines are more refined than the third party versions and that articulation really is something.

Is this for you? That depends on a few factors; how much you like Transformers, how deep your pockets are and what else is there in this price-range that could tempt you? At £365 you're way past Metal Build territory, hovering around Hot Toys money in fact. There's a lot of very nice toys you could buy for this money (or several for the price of this one) so consider all these things before plonking down your hard earned money. It could just be that Takara's gone a touch too far and only time will tell...

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