Let’s face it. Toys from the past are ugly as f*@k but our damn nostalgia feelings think they are all so precious now. It is a strange phenomenon. Nostalgia is exactly what many toymakers are preying on consumers, and the latest to tickle the nostalgia in grown-ups is none other than Takara Tomy. Joining the nostalgic Missing Link series is Arcee, and she has not one but two versions to further tickle your nostalgia fancy.
Unlike the Missing Link Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, or Cliffjumper, Arcee didn’t have a transforming toy in the ’80s. What she had was… well, prototypes and dreams. But now, Takara Tomy’s giving her the full retro treatment with the Missing Link C-08 Arcee and the C-07 Arcee Prototype—one based on her 1986 movie appearance and the other on that lost-to-time prototype in Elita-1 colors.
Both transform from robot to car, come with a laser blaster that works in both modes, and feature that glorious ‘secret emblem’ that only reveals itself with a warm touch. Each figure also comes with a sticker sheet, Japanese-language packaging and instructions, and a collector card. Measuring roughly 13 cm (5.1 inches), they’re cute enough to display but detailed enough to pose like it’s 1986 again.
Pre-orders close on April 10, 2025, with shipping sometime after. In the U.S., both the C-08 and C-07 sell at USD 94.99 each. I wouldn’t fret about the pre-order closing date, though. You probably can pre-order it from other major toy retailers and/or your favorite local toy sellers.
So yes, Arcee finally transforms. It only took four decades and a healthy dose of Gen X toy guilt to make it happen. Oh, right. In case you prefer to secure a copy of both from Japan, Arcee C-08 [JP] and Arcee Prototype C-07 [JP] are also available to order from Takara Tomy Mall for 13,200 yen (tax included) each.
Images: Hasbro/Takara Tomy [JP].
