A while back Agora Models teased out a new Transformers themed project. For those that may not know, Agora Models make high end, large scale model kits, often including lights, sounds, working parts, die-cast and more. Now that project is getting ready to launch, set for April 2023. Optimus Prime will come in at a whopping 38 inches tall when complete. That’s 11 inches TALLER than Haslab Unicron. So a very, very big boy.
He’ll feature die-cast metal, light up eyes, matrix, gun, energy axe (and more). He’ll be fully articulated like a modern figure would be expected to, this is no statue. Op will also feature sound phrases and music clips, plus his mouthplate moves along with the speech. To cap it off he’ll also feature a numbered base. This isn’t even the complete feature set, so we encourage you to read on and check all the details from the official copy from the company.
Agora Optimus Prime will come in a subscription model. 1 box of parts a month will arrive for 12 months. Retail price for box 1 is $75 USD. Box 2+ will retail for $150 USD. Fans will be able to buy the complete set near the end of the run sometime in 2024.
Read on to check out all the details and pics, we’ll update when the project officially goes live!
Overview & Details From Agora Models:
Agora Models is delighted to announce a brand-new big-scale model kit of Optimus Prime. Based on the original TV series and movie character from Transformers: Generation 1 from 1984–1990
Launching 20th April 2023
Optimus Prime – the heroic and beloved character based on the original TV series and movie character from Transformers: Generation 1, 1984–1990.
BIG-SCALE MODEL KIT
This is the biggest scale model kit of Optimus Prime ever produced at 78 cm (38”) tall and over 600 pieces and weighs 11 kg (24 lbs). The Agora model of Optimus Prime includes many of the working features that you would expect in a big-scale model. Made from die-cast metal.
Available as a 12-month subscription box, allowing you to build and complete this museum-quality model within 12 months. At the time of launch, customers will subscribe to a 12-month plan, receiving one box of model parts to build each month for 12 months.
Pack 1 contains more than 85 pieces!
Later in 2023, customers will have the option to buy a full kit i.e. all 12 packs in one delivery.
Shipping from our 4 distribution hubs in the UK, US, Europe & Australia (contract pending for China & JINSEAK region)
“Optimus Prime is a rather special project for all of us involved in the creation, and as such, we are going to great lengths to ensure this model is the most detailed, accurate, electronically functioning, and biggest model kit ever to be produced…”
–Liam White, Founder
Key Features:
… at an impressively detailed 78 cm (38”) tall!. When standing on his base, the complete model display measures a whopping 1 meter tall.
As ever, our model will be produced using the highest quality materials and includes a variety of features and electronic functions to bring Optimus Prime to life.
Fully articulated fingers allow the model to be posed with or without blaster in hand, and with fists clenched or fingers pointing to give a dramatic sense of action and movement. This model will be a self-supporting structure with fully posable joints allowing Optimus Prime to be fixed in a myriad of action poses.
The all-important illuminating matrix of leadership is hidden behind a matrix chamber door. The matrix will be a ball shape with a crystal-like inner appearance like the anime design. The matrix will be removable, but as the appropriate scale is different for the internal and external matrix, a separate matrix will be included for Optimus Prime to hold aloft in his most iconic pose.
Optimus Prime comes with a blaster which customers will also assemble. The blaster will include moving parts and lighting effects. The illuminated battle axe will also be included which will work as a replacement for his hand.
Optimus Prime’s stunning paint work is red and blue metallic, like modern car paints.
Favourite Phrases – Optimus Prime’s faceplate moves in sync with his speech. Other sound effects and music clips are also
included.
“Greetings, people of Earth”
“Let’s roll”
“Freedom is the right of all sentient
beings”
“One shall stand, one shall fall
… and many more
Display bases will be individually numbered to give them a unique, personal, and collectable quality, and will bring the final model to 1 m tall!
Additional Specs:
• HEAD ARTICULATION provides maximum posability. FACEPLATE moves in sync with his speech. SELF-SUPPORTING model, but an exclusive display stand featuring characteristic Cybertronian terrain is also available.
• FOUR YELLOW SHOULDER LIGHTS simulate dipped and full beam.
• HANDS and fingers are articulated so he can grip, point, and clench.
• CHEST VENTS have detail visible through the vents, simulating a real vehicle radiator.
• ILLUMINATED MATRIX OF LEADERSHIP in two versions: one is removable, hidden behind a matrix chamber door; the second is slightly bigger, to be held aloft in his iconic pose.
• WHEELS rotate with some resistance so they feel like they’re connected to an axle inside. Tires are high quality soft rubber.
• TWO COLORED LIGHTS on his toes with blinking effect.
• SOUNDS include Optimus Prime phrases, sound effects and music clips.
• INTERNAL PARTS include brake disc assembly and suspension system parts.
Additional Details:
We will be showcasing our 2nd generation prototype of Optimus Prime at the following events. This model will demonstrate the full posability of this extraordinary model: MCM Comic Con & Wonderfest 23
About Agora Models (www.agoramodels.com)
“ We create stunning, big-scale, authentic replica models which are delivered with outstanding customer care and support throughout every stage of building our models. We know how important good customer service is so we make this our priority to ensure all our customers enjoy the best possible Agora Models experience”.
Pricing: Pack 1 $74.99 / £59.99 / €69.99
Pack 2+ $149.99 / £119.99 / €139.99
Novaburnhilde
This is a pretty heavy-duty looking model, definitely would make a great centerpiece.
A bit out of my price-range at the moment but maybe someday…
UtahRobotInDisguise
I\'m torn… I\'ve always wanted to do a huge model, but they are never anything I\'m interested in. Finally there\'s a transformers one but imho it looks like a OS KO of a $12 action master. Something like the Ultimetal but with even more detail due to size and no labor costs would be perfect. This is so stylized I\'m not sure exactly where it would belong, since it\'s not a version of G1 Optimus I\'m familiar with.
Electro Rush
Since it is a model kit maybe you can opt to not put on the weird hip wheels? The general pelvic design does irk me though.
neeral36
I "might" pick one of these up once they can ship all 12 months at once. Not taking a chance on a subscription that may not come to completion or one month getting lost in transit. I really enjoy the hands on satisfaction a kit provides. At some point the price on this might drop significantly once they realize the price does not entirely match what you are getting and they do not get enough subscriptions to sell the entire planned run.
84OptimusPrime
From my understanding; the “entire set” will be available in 2024 in a single purchase
The subscription just allows a “payment method”. and for you to take your time and space out your construction.
Perhaps both good and bad for some?
I guess the good thing is if you make a mistake you only need to buy month number _ (filling the blank) box again.
boomerdave
Happy for those that want this but personally I get annoyed with the whole "We'll send you a huge box the first time but each later box is smaller and smaller and we'll drag it out as long as we can to blik you for money" routine. Just offer the model and call it a day. Sure, offer the little at a time plan if people need to spread the cost out but it shouldn't be the dominant way of getting these types of kits and quite frankly, after the whole Eaglemoss thing with the Enterprise D (which I never bought but know people who did and got screwed), I'd never go in on one of these.
Just my opinion, your mileage might vary.
soundwaveprime1
This is probably the worst possible way they could release this. As someone who has build over 100 various model kits, I would never pay that much for a toy that I NEED TO PUT TOGETHER MYSELF. The robosen version costs less and is and actual goddamn high tech robot that does all kind of crazy bullshit.
Unless its a combiner with multiple members, no figure should be a "Subscription".
84OptimusPrime
Want this… Ned this… but this would be my first model kit and I cannot afford to make a mistake at $1750.
Too bad they do not come with an option to purchase him fully assembled.
GokaigerSamurai7
This is kind of like DeAgostini's "Build Your Own Mclaren" magazine where each issue contained a set of parts to build a licensed 1/18th scale Maclaren MP4-23.
There were a total of 85 issues of the magazine required to assemble a complete model.
magnum703
I'll just stick with my already assembled Ultimetal Optimus Prime. The subscription is a terrible idea. Good luck to whoever buys this.
raindance773
Comparisons to Eaglemoss isn't really fair. Agora Models has been around since 2009 and seem to be doing pretty steady business. That Eaglemoss went in administration like it did was rather unexpected.
dragon
Over compensating for smokes stacks there prime looks great but adding electronics to it people do it them self reminds of eaglemoss enterprise
VVa
Actually, calve wheels aren't as hard to pull off as you'd imagine! Generation Toys did it in a simple and clean way.
View attachment 29869817
Speaking of calf wheels, even though I love TLK Optimus' design as is, it would have been cool to see HIM get them as well, like in this concept art.
View attachment 29869819 View attachment 29869820
So yeah, I do agree it's cool when they try placing them elsewhere. Would be nice to see them become his heels. Or ankle, like Bay Bee and TFP Bee.
Crazy Ninjaman
I don't mind the wheels on the shin design at all on a figure that transforms, MP01 being one of my favorites since I was a little kid. The issue I have is that the wheel design here could be far more interesting since they don't have to take a transformation into account. They are allowed far more creative liberty.
The one that comes to my mind is the flame toys IDW Optimus leg design
Something like that is incredibly difficult to pull off without a bunch of moving parts. But they could get around that since it won't have to turn into a truck. I guess what I'm getting at is that I would like them to be more creative and bring a more interesting/ innovative design to the table. This feels like they smashed too many ideas together into one.
VVa
Agreed. It's a fresh look compared to where they always usually are.
As for the second part, the only Primes with waist/hip wheels I can think of are Siege, Energon, Cybertron and Bayverse Prime. So maybe them? Lol
And what's wrong with Optimus keeping his wheels out on his legs?? I feel better that than hide his kibble. I though people liked that?? An in between would be cool like Siege Prime's legs. Only half revealed.
View attachment 29869807
The extra bulk is nice.
Johntimus Prime
I actually like it when Prime has tires on his waist or hips. It's a good design aesthetic when done well.
(Three guesses as to which camp I feel this model's design falls into)
Addendum: it's weird how many Optimi take the design cue from MP-10 with the rear wheel wells just sticking out like giant zits from the sides of the legs.
It is NOT aesthetically appealing and I wish model makers would stop emulating it.
ssjgoku72000
Man…..why does all this really good stuff have to run into the Thousands of Dollars…..ugh….come on Power ball winner……….
VVa
Yeah I'll have to agree it does look weird.
But even if he didn't have hip tires, I and others don't seem to be a fan of his weird proportions. Weird even for Super Robots.
Guess it was their effort to set it apart from being ANOTHER G1 Optimus. But instead we got that strange looking,super expensive, impractical business model of a thing.
Smasher
Maybe, but what a weird aspect of the toy to reference -and in such a tacked on looking manner.
The tire boxes on the hips and the Autobot symbol just look like someone said "We're finished. Oh wait, isn't he supposed to have tires on his hips and some face or something on his shoulder?"