Hi, new to the forum, first post so hope I've got in the right place. After an Optimus from the new Netflix range. I'm considering Siege or the Siege 35th anniversary one that's cartoon style. Seen a few on here say Earthrise is the better toy? Any thoughts / considerations? Thanks!
Thanks both that seems to be the general vibe, appriciated. For background intel is there a list of what the classes mean? I've seen leader, voyager class etc Also seem to be alot of fake toys on eBay it's a minefield right!
Here's a class breakdown. Legends/Core class: Price average: 10$ They are small figures around 3 to 4 inches in height with simpler transformations. Deluxe class: Price average: 20$ These are the standard size transformer that can range from 4 to 6 inches in height. They are much more complex then the Legends/Core class. Voyager class: Price average: 30$ These are larger then the average transformer. Ranged from 6 to 7 inches in height. Leader class: Price average: 50$ The leader class is either a very large figure or a voyager with extra stuff. They have a higher parts count then any of the previous classes. Commander: Price average: 80$ This class is reserved for really large characters.
Whatever you do I would recommend that you do NOT get the Amazon Exclusive Alternate Universe Optimus Prime. It's like the guy is dead or something. He's pale, doesn't talk, doesn't move... figure is lifeless.
If I had to choose one I would take the original seige Optimus hands down for the leg transformation and clever wheels collapsing into the torso.
Personally I'm not one for the cell shaded one as it just doesn't work with the rest of all the other figures. Between Earthrise and Siege, it's a case of preference as both are absolutely great. Earthrise's pros over Siege:trailer, easy transformation, great looking bot, articulated hands, matrix, no kibble at all His cons: trailer is small and fells unfinished without add-on kit, missing accessories that should have been included, arms a bit short (telescopic even just a bit would have done wonders) face/eyes.. they screwed up with the virtually impossible to see blue eyes on blue face (I ended up painting the eyes yellow and face silver as should have been) legs not having any transformation and grey parts that looks off (also painted them). Siege pros: solid/strong looking bot, better proportioned, leg transformation His cons: no trailer, kibble (arms and back), transformation is a bit of a pain as it requires things to be very well aligned. But, it should be noted that his kibble can be a "pro" in a way... the arms kibble can be flipped and gives him gatling guns, and the back kibble can be regarded as a jet pack. Overall, I don't consider Optimus complete without a trailer (otherwise, what's the point of him being a trailer type truck), and while the ER one is limited, it's still a trailer so better than none. ER required a LOT of customization to make it "right" for me, so that he is my "go-to" for the most part, but I do enjoy my Siege one and glad to have it.
I've been waiting on the Netflix repaint of the Earthrise figure because I prefer the more muted colors and the face is painted better, and I don't care about having the trailer so it'd just take up space unnecessarily. I'm not a huge fan of the Siege one, I don't like the weapons as much and I'm not a big fan of the barely alien truck mode or the kibble on his arms.
I think that does a pretty good job summing up the pros and cons of vanilla Siege and ER. I would only add the following: ER Pros: Looks most like G1 Optimus - how much this matters depends on how attached to G1 you are though. Cons: Waist articulation is pretty limited because of where they decided to put the front wheels in robot mode. The arms being as short as they are means he can only hold the Matrix with both hands overhead or in front of his face. Siege Pros: More interesting design. I love the detail in the windows and though I know the battle damage isn't every one's cup of tea, I think it looks good on him - adds some real character to the toy. The truck mode doesn't look Cybertronian/alien/etc., but it has this really cool retro-futuristic/80's sci-fi thing going that I quite enjoy. And the Axe/shield accessory is pretty cool too. On the others: 35th Anniversary Optimus' cell shading is a fun novelty, but it means that he really only looks right on his own or with 35th Anniversary Megatron. I much prefer regular Siege OP. Netflix ER Optimus looks good, but the colors on the regular ER version look better. Also, although it has flaws I much prefer having the trailer to the two battlemasters that come with Netflix OP. Amazon's dead OP is well done as far as the figure itself, but for me there is no way he's worth what they're asking for him. The trailer definitely did not need to be included with him and I'm pretty sure the only reason they did is so they could charge more. Also, yes, the death of Optimus Prime in the 86 movie is only of the franchises big iconic moments, but I really don't see myself wanting to recreate that scene often. I would only be interested in this one if he was at a very large discount. So yeah, regular Siege and regular ER are the best. I can't pick one over the other. ER Optimus is the best for nostalgia, while Siege Optimus is the more interesting figure. I love them both and wouldn't have considered not having both in my collection.
THAT's what I forgot.. the weapons. Siege's gun is crappy as it's a single mold empty thing with a molding to make it look "full" but I just am not a fan of such guns and accessories. The Axe/shield is probably the best weapon accessory between the two of them (maybe should say the most involved/fancy), BUT it's single sided that takes away from it, and because of the dual roles, both the axe and the shield modes suffer for it. The axe can only look ok from one side, and the shield simply sticks out too far off the arm to look really "correct". ER's gun is actually very decent being "full", I love the folding aspect to store on his back (and in the truck mode), it's lesser aspect is the grey pin that is fine and quite handy, even necessary, but they should have made it foldable or just black with the rest. His "shield" (the pop-off trailer door part) is absolutely useless and crappy as can be... I tend to just forget that it comes off and if I could just order parts of Nonnef's kit, the trailer door would be the main thing I'd get. And lastly... an ER con that I keep forgeting due to my fix, is that the trailer is simply too close to the truck to be able to turn well (it barely turns). Side note, I know I've posted this a few times already but, I did mention that ER looks best once he's "fixed/customized", and that he didn't come with a roller, I just went with getting an extra Cog that I turned into the trailer's extra things, including a "cybertronian type" roller and does turn into an appropriate shield and other parts as rocket pack, extra weapons, etc. And looking at my pictures,I've barely taken any of Siege but lots of ER, but then, ER Optimus is the "star" of my graphic novel. And damn.. he does look good!
