3P company Fans Hobby is giving us a nice surprise with the announcement of their Master Builder Junior MBJ-01 (Armada Optimus Prime).
First teased at SGC 2018 in Shangai and then revealed via Fans Hobby Facebook, this is a refreshing change on the usual 3P releases, this MBJ-01 is a new version of Armada Optimus Prime, including trailer that can combine with Prime in the Super Mode seen in the cartoon. In another interesting move from Fans Hobby this figure seems to be working on a different new scale with the main core robot standing 6 inches tall (not combined). According to an answer from Fans Hobby Facebook this will be a “The new MBJ (Master Builder Junior) line aims for a smaller scale and affordable price”
Check out the first render after the jump and then join to the ongoing discussion on the 2005 Boards!
Bob Schoonover
Until we know what Takara's intentions are, it's probably premature to worry too much about this. FH, given the numbering, is presumably planning on an Armada/Micron Legends line. Takara may just be producing a one-off figure. I'm inclined to follow whichever company intends to produce not just Prime, but Jetfire, Overload, Megatron, and Tidal Wave, etc.
OriginalFire
I hope this is still gonna happen
God Orion
I will only be interested by this if it gets an legs articulated super mode.
samisham
That's a valid opinion to have, i just disagree.
Magnusfan Nujevad
See what happens when you drag your feet? The official one shows off their own and undercuts your market.
madpanda
I was just saying that I really don't buy Takara products outside of the MP line which is why I don't have full confidence in Takara's/Hasbro's Armada Prime because I think it will end up looking bad after its produced.
Thundershot
After the recent reveals, I guess I fold on this one. For me, official will always beat 3P.
samisham
Less than meets the eye.
GR1ML0CK
I mean just look at G1 Prime. He has no back lol
Crim
Hollow in disguise
samisham
Honestly I'm digging the Takara one more than I think I would an MP version because of that aesthetic. But this is about the same size as that one so does it even count as an MP?
madpanda
I really hope Fans Hobby continues to work on this. I personally don't consider Takara/Hasbro competition unless its an MP.
Personally I think Fans Hobby will be better then the Takara/Hasbro version.
Plus as of right now the Takara version is just in the gray prototype stage, and I feel that when Takara/Hasbro actually adds color to their non MP toys they start to turn fugly real quick due to cheap materials and cost cutting.
I do realize though that most fans will probably run to the more cost effective version of Takara, but with Takara's exploding prices in their MP, who knows they might raise prices in their CHUG line, and who knows third party may end up being less price wise, but higher in quality.
If they did I'm sure they would probably have more buyers, but I'm still hoping they go head to head with Takara at the same size.
samisham
I think the Takara wone would win just for (probably) being cheaper.
samisham
It seems like Takara's is much further through development, so they may do what's been suggested and resize it to go with their other MP offerings.
GR1ML0CK
Just goes to show that they’ve been hollow all along.
ZombehDino
So, if the base Optimus is 6" this should probably be roughly similar in size to the Takara LGEX Armada Prime. I'm curious to see how the two will compare.
Robogeek28
So much this!
Crim
On a side note, I find the "hollow"parts on is arm hilarious. lol
GR1ML0CK
View attachment 28201236 I need this! Exactly this!