So I realized that I don't have a G1 Optimus other than my childhood toy which is in no shape for display. So I'm just wondering which G1 Prime reissue is going to be the easiest, cheapest one to find that isn't a Hasbro reissue. I object to the Hasbro ones having there exhaust cut down, but all I'm finding is Hasbro reissues and ones that look like KOs on eBay.com.au.
I dunno. I'm myself getting the package wich comes with Takara's G1 reissue and the movie one. I'd suggest you get takara's reissue.
It is, the Trailer is the DOTM one with that set. This is a bit more expensive but is my default G1 Prime. Transformers G1 Action Masters 01 Autobot Optimus Prime 2002 New Year's Special | eBay
While the Chronicle version will be easiest to find and cheapest (given what you get), it won't come with the G1 trailer, roller, and accessories that you might want. Get the Hasbro commemorative reissue (if it's cheap), and slap these on to complete the look: Generation 1 replacement Optimus Prime stacks - Ages Three And Up DO NOT, under any circumstances, go for the high quality KO. The eyes are horrendously painted, the stickers peel, and the paint on the diecast parts chip like crazy right out of the box.
I've just opted for this option - got my reissue off ebay for $50 and the smokestacks for $10. Interestingly, the Hasbro reissue is the same as the Takara Chronicles version - it has the hollowed out trailer connector peg to allow it to attach to the movie style trailer. The blue i also a swirly metallic blue on his legs, like Pepsi Convoy from 2006. Also, the tampographed autobot symbol on his shoulders is the same style as the Chronicle one, not the 25th anniversary Hasbro version, and his silver cab stripes are printed on, not stickers.
IMO, the New Year 2002 version is the best as it has blue windows, an extra gun, a Matrix, the Action Master figure, and a mouse pad. Next would be the Encore version because it has tampographed details. The TFC version is really nothing special unless you want the extra Energy Axe or to complete your TFC. It is also the most expensive version. Finally, there is the standard reissue which is nothing special considering the Encore version is the same but with tampograhed details instead of coming with a sticker sheet.
I have that Prime too. I have two. But the one I have out for display the tires cracked a little... Not all the way or anything. But they have crack marks going up the tire.
Wait... what? I have both Hasbro reissues and NEITHER of them are like the Chronicle one, have swirly blue plastic, or tampoed on paint instead of stickers.
There are 3 Hasbro reissues (that I know of) 2002 It says "Commemorative Series" on the box and as far as I'm aware, is the same as the Takara 15th anniversary one from around the same time but with short smokestacks. It had a dark grey, swirly metallic trailer. 25th Anniversary Edition, which was pinky red and light blue, with a light grey trailer and came with a soundbox. 2012 Reissue, which is in a similar box to the 2002 version but it no longer says "Commemorative Series" on the box. I've been told its a Hasbro Asia exclusive but I got mine on ebay and it's at online stores Reissue Commemorative Series Optimus Prime This version is pretty much identical to the Takara DOTM Chronicles version - metallic swirly blue legs and head and the trailer peg is hollow to connect to the Chronicles DOTM movie trailer that came with that set. The Hasbro reissue has the light grey trailer from the Hasbro 25th Anniversary set and comes with blue roller. Also, the Autobot shoulder symbols and the silver cab stripes are tampographed on.
No, the Encore does come with a sticker sheet. The only tampographed details are the autobot symbols on his arms. I highly recommend that one though.
i have the Encore version, that one is just great! i dont know what the price is now, but when he was just released i bought him for 75 dollar
Oh, I forgot about the Asia Exclusive one. I keep forgetting that Hasbro releases stuff on the other side of the world. From what I heard, wasn't that one in the lighter red like the 25th anniversary edition? I do remember seeing pictures and the trailer was the lighter grey.
No, I got him through last week and can confirm that the cab is the original dark red, just like the Takara Chronicles version. But yes, the trailer is light grey. It's like Hasbro bought a load of Takara Chronicles cabs, snipped the smokestacks and packaged them in a box with some leftover 25th anniversary trailers. Weird.
Also the 2002 Commemorative Series version's trailer has a non functioning launcher and it was made to be basically impossible to make it so.
a few comments on this: 1: the tampped detailes are only on the encore and only on the arms/shoulder since those stickers are likely to come off on the other reissues. 2: the set with the most unique accessory is the 2003 TF takara collection as it has the correctly sized energon axe, but it's probably one of the most expensive so you may not want that. 3: be very careful of those smoke stacks. not only because it's hard to change them due to miniscule sized parts, but also because, I got some diecast ones and the cab never quite fit together the same way again. I know i've put them in correctly BTW. I'd get one with the correct stacks if I were you and take the hit expense wise. He is at least a really nice toy. 4: get the BTS03 upgrade matrix set and the impossible toys spike and Sparkplug, they really add a lot of play value to prime. The jetpack and matrix from the upgrade set are fantastic, plus he gets new hands to hold weapons in and shoulder mounted holes for 5mm ports and an accurate but IMHO too small energon axe to plug into his arm. 5: Finally, be aware that the hasbro reissues as far as I'm aware, do not come with the full launcher for rollar, it only shoots a little way out. IN summary, I'd get: encore prime, bts 03 and impossible toys spike and sparkplug for best price. subsitute for TF collection prime if you can find one at a good price and be careful of the shoulder stickers. HOpe this helps.
