How do you like the Transformers: Age of Extinction line’s Evasion Prime toy from 2014? If you do, and you like Neon Genesis Evangelion, well, we have good news. It has returned. But this time, this modern-day Bayverse take on the original cab-over Optimus Prime has a bunch of tweaks to better fit its new Unit-01 image.
If Evasion Prime were Synaginex Transformers Evangelion Prime Unit-01 [JP], he wouldn’t be hiding in Cade Yeager’s ranch. And even if he had to, the intruding Cemetery Wind would be wiped out before they could even pin down Yeager’s daughter. What an ass of an organization. Pffft. Anyhoo, after more than 10 years, Takara Tomy is once again holding hands with Evangelion as part of the Evangelion 30th Anniversary celebration.
The Synaginex Transformers Evangelion Prime Unit-01 is presented in the characteristic purple, green, and black color scheme of Evangelion Unit-01. Much like the MP-10 Convoy Mode “EVA”, the Autobot emblem can be found on the left side of the truck and on the shoulder, while the NERV logo sits on the right. In vehicle mode, the chest piece of Unit-01 is represented on the roof of the cab. If the product images are to be believed, we may be expecting painted elements such as matte silver fuel tanks and smokestacks, and perhaps even the chest plates. But not quite. I am prone to being misled by product images.
In robot mode, Evasion Prime’s slender build is a perfect fit for Evangelion Unit-01. The pylons—the shoulder armor pieces that store the Progressive Knives—have been reproduced. According to the product page, this toy features a face-change function. The head and face design are based on Optimus Prime but include Unit-01’s distinctive horn, cheek armor, and pointed chin. You can switch between mask-on and mask-off modes. The latter even boasts an opening mouth for recreating berserk mode. Yes.
In this mash-up, Unit-01 has its core housed in the Matrix, aptly called the Core Matrix, which can be retrieved by opening the chest. Speaking of the chest, where regular Optimus Prime would have the windshield, the Synaginex Transformers Evangelion Prime Unit-01 mimics the Unit-01 chest design. The grille below has been replaced with a V-shaped grille to reflect Unit-01’s abdomen. Moving downward, the feet feature the distinctive orange sole and green cover of Unit-01.
The figure promises dynamic action thanks to multiple points of articulation. The head sits on a ball joint for flexible movement, and the neck can extend forward for that signature protruding pose. Shoulders, elbows, and wrists are fully movable, with fists that open and close. The waist rotates, while articulated hips and knees enable dynamic stances, including a forward-leaning sprint reminiscent of Unit-01 in motion.
We are not done yet. Evangelion Prime is also supplied with Evangelion Unit-01’s signature weapons, with Optimus Prime’s twist. It includes a pair of Progressive Knives with Energon-style blades. Prime’s iconic Ion Blaster has been refashioned into a Gatling gun called the Ion Gatling Blaster, inspired by the Gatling gun in Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone. Finally, there is the Spear of Cassius fused with Optimus Prime’s Energon Axe, now known as the Axe of Cassius. All weapons can be equipped in both vehicle and robot modes using the included accessory piece.
No, unfortunately, the Progressive Knives do not fold and do not store inside the pylons. It would have been nice if they did.
The Synaginex Transformers Evangelion Prime Unit-01 is expected to arrive in August 2026 for 11,000 yen [JP] (about US$72). Pre-orders are now open on Takara Tomy Mall in Japan.
Images: Takara Tomy [JP].
