Titans Return Voyager Wave 3 has just hit retail, with new triple changing versions of Optimus Prime and Megatron, so now seemed like a good time to share some pics of the new Voyager Class Optimus Prime.
Based on the fuel oil tanker form that Optimus Prime adopted in the 1995 Generation 2 line, this version of Optimus Prime homages a design perhaps better known for being the evil Prime clone from the original Robots in Disguise cartoon, Scourge. But this new homage to that Generation 2 Optimus also features a third mode, a distinctly harrier styled jet, which is a rare choice of alternate form for an Optimus. Throw in that unlike the previous homage to the G2 Laser Prime design this one has a fully incorporated truck-trailer to robot transformation, and you’ve got a cool looking (and fun to fiddle with) version of the Autobot leader. That said, he isn’t flawless, with restricted shoulder movement, awkward feet, and panels not clipping together properly all bringing him down.
As this Optimus is only now gracing retail stores, be sure to check out the full gallery to decide if you want to put this one on your “want” list – and read on after the break for some highlights from the photoshoot, along with some pros and cons in bulletpoint form.
Titans Return Voyager Optimus Prime gallery
Pros
- The robot mode has a striking, commanding posture that nicely homages the bulk and shape of the original Laser Optimus Prime.
- The tanker mode is a nice design, though there are some flaws in the execution.
- The jet mode is solid. Nicely designed and makes good use of the shape of the fuel tanker.
- Titan Master Diac is nicely painted (yes, painted) and a great homage to the old Diaclone driver figures.
Cons
- The feet do not sit level in robot mode, so it is very hard to stand the robot up straight. More dynamic poses are easier to accomplish, but the legs really needed some sort of heel spur.
- The shoulders are quite restricted by the tall pauldrons, which stop the arms rotating more that 90 degrees forward normally, though twisting them out of the way allows for a greater range of movement… unless the pauldrons catch on the folded up wings. They can be worked around, so this is just a nitpick.
- The tanker mode has problems going together as it requires some very precise placement of the wings within the tanker sections – positioning them incorrectly means that the tanker halves have trouble going together, particularly on the front.
- The stickers are not great quality – one of the ones on mine is already a little crumpled.
- A minor point compared to these other points, but some might dislike the way the truck nose halves sit under the wings.
Bottom line
Not the best Voyager in the line, but a fun toy to mess around with in spite of the flaws named. An Octane version will be interesting to see, and I suspect some of the issues (shoulders) will be resolved on that version of the mold. However, if you’re a fan of the Generation 2 look, this is a Prime of Justice for you.