Transformers turn 40 next year and Takara Tomy is getting ahead by firing the first celebration salvo (or at least what we thought will be a salvo because, you know, 40th anniversary) with a reboot of the original Transformers G1 Optimus Prime toy.
There are two versions of this super nostalgic Optimus Prime toy coming next year, and they are Takara Tomy Missing Link C-01 Convoy (Optimus Prime) and the C-02 Convoy (Anime Edition). The 2024 reboot will be an update to the original, featuring die-cast material, a teeny-weeny change in the transformation step, and a lot more articulations.
For the uninitiated, the original toy has very limited articulations. It did not have upward shoulder movement, neither can the legs swing outwards to the side or even rotate. I don’t believe the head can rotate either. The original toy also requires you to remove the fists when transforming into truck mode.
With the reboot, not only there is no parts forming but the fist is no longer a fist only; the four figures are articulated, albeit not individually. Moreover, the toy will have upward shoulder movement and leg rotation, and the leg can now swing outwards to the side. Additionally, there is head rotation and ankle tilt, and it even has ab crunch now. Sweet.
The two versions are essentially of the same mold. However, the Takara Tomy Missing Link C-01 Convoy (Optimus Prime) has a toy-inspired deco and comes with a trailer, the Roller, a gun, a battle axe, a golden Matrix, and a collectible card.
The Takara Tomy Missing Link C-01 Convoy (Anime Version), on the other hand, has an anime/cartoon-inspired deco (read minimal stickers) and it does away with the trailer. But it does come with the iconic blaster as well as a battle axe and an anime-inspired colored Matrix. This version comes with a different collectible card.
You would think the Takara Tomy Missing Link C-01 Convoy and C-02 Convoy would put a smile on fans’ faces but apparently, not. I heard a toy reviewer lamenting that since it is a nod to the original toys, the articulations should be as limited as the original.
Not going to lie. I was flabbergasted when I heard that. I mean, like who the hell says that? What Takara Tomy did is giving the original what it missed due to cost control or engineering limitation of that time. I, on the other hand, am all for the new articulations. Seriously, an action figure enthusiast will never say no to more articulations, nostalgic or not.
Anyhoo, both the Takara Tomy Missing Link C-01 Convoy and C-02 Convoy Toys will be released on February 24, 2024, with an MSRP of 17,380 yen and 10,780 yen (around US$121 and US$75), respectively. I believe some stores are already taking pre-orders. Amazon Japan is accepting pre-orders too (for 14,704 yen and 9,371 yen). We noted Amiami.com is also taking pre-orders (13,900 yen and 8,620 yen).
Images: Takara Tomy [JP].
