It's interesting to note that after looking at several high-res movie pictures and character models of Prime, I noticed that this new light blue pin striping seems to be more screen-accurate because the only time the pin stripes appear white(like on the original Buster toy) are when they are hit directly by the sunlight. Otherwise, all the other sections of pin stripes that are there visible or shadowed, are just colored this new light blue color.

Example: http://aremalzz.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/optimus-prime.jpg

 

I feel somewhat betrayed...I just shelled out 90 bucks for Buster w/o face mask and without warning they make one with a face mask. People had pre-orders for the first buster for months now and they did'nt bother to mention this was gonna happen? how hard would it be to have made buster with a detatchable face mask instead of charging 175 for this. Sometimes HAS/TAK makes me  That being said..I'm gonna have to get my hands on this.

 

Jetfire looks more black than the previous version with the not-as-cool-as-black dark blue for his robot mode. Chrome would a nice addition though.

 

So can anyone confirm that robotkingdom is actually shipping these now?
I put in an order so I guess I'll hear back soon

 

Takara is awesome.

 

Now, this is the ultimate movieverse Optimus Prime. Buster Prime, with the faceplate.

Shame I'll never own it.

 

It's suspicious that the packaging is in english. I'm waiting to see if this is released in the west.

 

I think all the Takara ROTF releases are like this, aren't they?

 

Yes, from the ones that I have seen so far. On the top right corner have the Tomy/Takara logo and the Japanese TF logo on the left.

 

same here

 

The recently released Buster Prime's package is also in english.... I think that Hasbro is eventually going to release a Jetfire and Optimus Prime set but I have my doubts that it's going to be similar to the takara release of the premium line.

 

I don't have Buster Prime. Is there anything to indicate he would fail US safety tests?

 

No I don't think so. His gun is intricate, but nothing I think wouldn't meet US safety laws.

Randy

 

Hmmm.. Maybe its just me, but I still prefer Buster Prime with the white pinstripes... It stands out more..

 

^Agreed. And the maskless face gives him a lot of character.

 

I want this 2 pack. Jetfire looks awesome. I just wish Optimus' head was the Buster version...

 

I just realized that this will be the 4th version of this mold I will buy in a 6 month period. The Jetfire I could care less for. I guess he can go to Black Prime.

 

Not really. Usually Takara just reuses Hasbro's packaging verbatim, but Buster Prime's packaging is Takara Japanese packaging using the Hasbro's packaging design as a template, and reusing complex english such as his bio. Most of the other stuff is in Japanese.

This one is unusual because it's like a hybrid - it's more Hasbro than Takara, yet only has TakaraTomy logos. All signs indicate this is a general Asian market exclusive, which both Hasbro and TakaraTomy have done before.

Nope, like most things Takara designs for mainlines regardless of if they're released here, they're made with US safety standards in mind. Buster Prime's gun is no more fragile than anything else they've made.

 

very nice 2-pack! will wait and see...

looking at my head swapped buster prime with face plate right now, i kinda dig what hasbro did with rotf prime's face by not putting silver lining on his eyes. i love how the eyes are almost dark and hollow. giving him this mysterious, menacing look. unlike this new buster with face plate. i never thought i'd be this uncomfortable with that silver lining on the eyes 'til i saw these new pics and compared the faceplated primes and with that, i dig the open face buster more.

and i love the regular jetfire mold. except for the dark blue. so this one here's perfect!

very cool 2-pack! i don't feel the urge to preorder this. need to hold it to decide.