The second Movie Masterpiece figure is out in the wild across the globe, MPM-4 Optimus Prime. Featuring his look from the first movie, Optimus hits all the key Movieverse points – long nose cab, flames, mouth and battle mask faces, energon swords, blaster, Matrix of Leadership. His transformation is complex but fun, and he looks spot on in both modes. Other than some fitting issues in vehicle mode, it’s an impressive piece. He pairs well with the also stellar (but not perfect) MPM-3 Bumblebee.
We have the Asian version in hand, which is out now and shipping from site sponsor TFSource. Read on to check out some additional thoughts and then head on over to Reflector @ TFW2005 to see all 100+ HD pics!
Recent Masterpiece Releases: MPM Bumblebee, MPM Optimus Prime, MP38 Optimus Primal, Megatron, Sunstreaker, Masterpiece Pre-Orders.
Quick Thoughts:
Not going into a full review, it’s not my style and the members of the 2005 Boards have that covered. I’d just like to touch on a couple points. I know there have been concerns raised with this piece, though I am not 100% sure of the specific issues. I tend to stay away from figure discussion before I get a hold of things, I treat incoming figures like movies, and the release discussion is like a spoiler.
That being said, I didn’t find much wrong here. The robot mode, no problems. The vehicle mode, getting everything to line up perfectly is difficult. I gave up, as fixing one popped something else out of place. This is most noticeable where the window meets the engine. All 4 wheels are also difficult to get touching the ground at the same time. Not saying it’s impossible, but it was fidgety enough that I gave up.
Cosmetically, I’d prefer the darker blue seen on MP-10 from Takara. Or similar. This is more of a primary blue, reminds me of Superman from the 70s. Don’t dig it. This color scheme, along with the bright yellow used on Bumblebee rather than the proper sunset orange, takes these 100 dollar adult-ish toys and makes them look like kids toys. Which sucks. Masterpiece toys, G1 (if going for toon angle) or Movie, should be screen accurate. And these, color wise, are not.
Overall though, it’s a fun, impressive piece that like Bumblebee, is only a couple minor points away from being perfect.
Check the full gallery for this, with over 100 HD images, here!
tonysandlin
It's only a matter of time before this figure gets reissued with fixed tolerance and pegging issues and correct coloration. Even with it's problems, I consider this the definitive transforming movie Optimus Prime and worthy of the Masterpiece title.
Liege Prime
I have seen more support for this guy being bad than good.
That being said, I like him, and I think his price is great for what you get… but they cut costs on QC big time and rushed him out. If they ever remold this guy for a DOTM version, they really need to make some fixes.
Seth Sunthay
I agree.
Even though, i like it, i don't consider it as the definitive versison from him, nothing of premium repaints or guns will make it for me at least.
Oh well, i consider bee a solid mp figure regardless.
Olivus Prime
I'd be more willing to accept this as a Masterpiece if I didn't own a Buster that looked much better in both modes, and didn't need any mods out of the box just to transform properly. Unfortunately this opinion gets you shot down in these parts…
eltonlin98
It's not mandatory because it's a 3D printed part designed by @savio-prime that allows his wings to be more accurate while transformable. I will tag you in the thread soon
AndreyOfDoom
Sorry to go off topic to this thread. What is the bumblebee part swap? Why is it non mandatory. I didn't notice which parts aren't right on him.
KayODave
Awesome shots, though I must inquire as to why the blades are upside down.
deliciouspeter
They getting a littl fast and loose with the word “masterpiece”.
/opinion
Black Convoy
Awesome figure…but…where's the necessary black repaint??
Applejacktimus
Honestly, I've come to terms with most of my grievances with this thing, since hoping for it to be 100% accurate would be almost impossible, and it's really just experimenting new techniques on the figure to see if it can surpass the ROTF Leader – which it doesn't in some areas, and does in others.
I'm in no rush to get this guy since I own the glorious APS01-U and several 3P add-ons for it, but he's still definitely on my want list.
Heliblade
Tiny, detailed, overpriced. Truly a collector\'s item.
Shin Densetsu
My 2 did not work with the emgo method either.
@Tony_Bacala can you tell me the number embedded into the back of the box on the bottom? I saw it in the gallery but couldn't make out what it was. It might also be printed on a blue piece on 1 of the legs.
I too, wish this figure had darker red/blue. The red and blue here remind me of the Target exclusive 2007 Robovision Prime.
The Smirker
*GREY PLASTIC INTENSIFIES
artimus prime
Sweet pics but you put the swords into the wrong wrists. I agree with your gripe about the colors being off. I just pulled out my original ROTF Leader Prime and it has a much darker blue. Same comparison can be made for MPM Bumblebee and the original deluxes.
Raiju
Very nice. I ordered two of the Takara versions and can't wait to get them in-hand!
madex
Ordered mine on toysrus.ca can\'t wait
Ordered mine on toysrus.ca can\'t wait
Tony_Bacala
Did a couple quick shots addressing those issues so there is a representation of it proper in there.
http://reflector.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/10/MPM4-Optimus-Prime-085-1.jpg
http://reflector.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/10/MPM4-Optimus-Prime-085-2.jpg
http://reflector.tfw2005.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2017/10/MPM4-Optimus-Prime-085-3.jpg
I hard smushed the cab too so it's tabbed a bit better but it pops out of place easily.