So, after my recent High School graduation, I've gotten a fair amount of money from relatives. With that, I would love to finally get a version of G1 Optimus Prime. Thing is, he's been reissued so many times, I really don't know what to get. What's the difference between the G1 Prime reissues. and which is the best, or the most affordable?
I got the 2002 New Year's Special Optimus. Not only does it have Prime + trailer, but it also comes with a Prime Action Master figure, both laser cannons, a metal Matrix of Leadership for Prime's chest, and a mousepad (well, the mousepad isn't that big a deal, but hey). In my opinion, he'd be the best one to get, short of an original MIB 1984 Prime. Most affordable? That's subjective. It depends on who's selling them, what you're willing to pay. The different Prime toys are covered here: Optimus Prime (G1)/toys - Transformers Wiki
if you just want an optimus and do not care, i recommend the recent reissue of the hasbro reissue. it will probably be the cheapest. followed by the transformers' chronicle 2 pack. if you just want the cab. however, i suppose if you just wanted the cab, just go to ebay. or something. if you want a sealed one, or a loose complete g1 version, i recommend transformerland.com, they usually have great optimus' for an affordable price. reissues too. since you are in portland, i recommend visiting Billy Galaxy at 912 W. Burnside Portland, OR 97209. option B, would be Coin Corner and Hobbies. in oregon city, just under the elevator, by the bridge. they tend to have quite a lot of vintage transformers, and are often cheaper then Billy Galaxy.
while i do want one of those, i do not think this would be the type of thing i'd recommend someone who wants an affordable, aka, cheap one, to just have on display. as those are usually the toughest to find not broken. and expensive.
Here's a discussion on which is the best Reissue Optimus Prime http://www.tfw2005.com/boards/transformers-toy-discussion/560344-best-g1-optimus-prime-reissue.html
I went with Takaras TFC #00 version. Awesome book style collectors box an comes with everything you need an then some.
I wish I had one of those too, but the prices for him are ridiculous. The Hasbro commemorative series reissue or the Encore would be fine for the OP if all he wants is the cheapest-priced mold.
The Commemorative Series OP has chopped-down smokestacks, though, so he'd have to get a repro pair to make it look good.
Get the 25th anniversary one with the talking Autosymbol belt clip like I did. I had no problem with it
Right, I forgot about the smokestacks. Unless the OP doesn't care about that. For me, that's the primary reason why I'm trying to get a Pepsi Convoy and not settling for a Pepsi Optimus Prime.
if you want a cheap one, this right here is a k.o, but its cheap, in box and identical to the original (even the plastic matches). Transformers G1 OPTIMUS PRIME Brand New for sale
Not only do I hate when people sell KOs on eBay and call them "reissues" when they know damn well they're fakes, but this iOffer seller doesn't even say that it's a KO. For random people who don't know anything about Transformers and think they're buying an official Hasbro product, this stinks. And I would recommend the OP put his $52.49 towards a real reissue, since I own this KO too and can say that it's nowhere near up to par even with the official HasTak reissues. (This is not a rant about KOs, this is a rant about people who sell them.)
I totally agree with you. A KO is not a reissue and should not be advertised as such. There are enough true reissues at decent prices not to go this route.
Personally I'd love the ipod version with the remolded head since I don't like the original head with the creepy, non heroic looking yellow optics.
I don't know what the current prices are, but my favorite is the Takara 15th Anniversary Reissue which came out in 2000. It has the original yellow eye color, the long stacks, the clear windows, and the grey roller. I believe the Encore one may be the same color-wise, but I haven't opened mine, so I'm not 100% sure. If so, then that's your best option.
