8 reasons why the Studio Series Commander Class Transformers The Movie 86-31 Optimus Prime is a must buy
Earlier this month, Hasbro officially revealed the much anticipated Studio Series Commander Class Transformers Movie 86-31 Optimus Prime. While most of us already have a myriad versions of the beloved Autobot leader (Yes, I guess Funko Pops count too) here at GEN we'll give you 8 reasons why this version outclasses every other release so far, and it even comes close to give you (some) closure if you missed out on the super expensive Masterpiece-44.
IT HIDES IT'S WHEELS FLAWLESSLY
In a recent SDCC video we can see product designer Tomo Tatsumi expertly transforming Optimus and one thing that caught our eye, was how flawlessly it hides both front and back wheels in robot mode. Something the Earthrise version cannot do.
WHILE COMPLEX, THE TRANSFORMATION DOES NOT REQUIRE A DEGREE FROM NASA
If you own a Transformers Masterpiece, you know how complex the transformations have become. Case in point, the MP-44 Optimus Prime was criticized in it's day for being obnoxiously over engineered which in some instances, caused the almost $600 toy to break. (God knows our MP-44 just stands in the shelf, never to be transformed into truck mode again) The Commander Class, while complex, does not require 30 minutes to transform the legs, and it achieves the same result: Clean, cartoon looking sexy legs that you can transform over and over again.
ARTICULATED FINGERS
While this is not new (Hey, even Leader Starscream got those a few years ago) this one has individually articulated fingers at 3 points! It will sure come in handy when holding that Matrix, Ion Blaster or to point your other transformers to "Roll out!".
EARTHRISE WHO?
Just a few weeks ago, the Transformers Earthrise was the pinnacle of cartoon styled Transformers sold at retail. (We are purposely ignoring you, Lego Optimus Prime) It was sold as a Leader Class and for the price it was fairly decent. This caused the prices to skyrocket on Ebay, making it impossible to find on stores. However, when the Commander Class was officially announced, people started to sell their Earthrise versions frantically online, causing the prices to drop below retail in some instances. The throne now belongs to The Commander Class.
CARTOON AESTHETICS? YES, BUT HEAR ME OUT
Some people despise the cartoon aesthetics, (not us of course) it's understandable to a point since it lacks decos and details, specially in the windows (Yeah that colored part...not a fan) BUT we'll give it a pass this time cause the sum of it's parts, it's much better than the individual nitpicks. And besides, you think they are not going to reuse this mold until the Vitenamese factories run out of plastic and cheap labor? COME ON! Expect repaints until your wallet cries uncle!
THE TRAILER IT'S A BEAUTY AND HAS ROLLER
Earthrise Prime came with a simplistic trailer that had an unpainted repair module, foldable stand, detachable ramp (that became a ..Shield?) and shampoo bottle type plastic.While fair for the price at the time, Commander Class Prime is almost a miniature version of the MP-44 which has folding stands, a non detachable ramp, a fully painted detachable repair module which actually has a working canopy, painted tail lights, and Roller! PLUS; you can store the effects in specially designated spots inside the trailer.
EFFECTS, AXE, DETACHABLE REPAIR MODULE AND MORE
Yep, Commander Class Prime includes the Energon Axe, 4 types of effects, Ion Blaster, Detachable repair module, Matrix of Leadership, Roller (that can carry the detachable repair module) and more.
GREAT AFTERMARKET VALUE
Let's face it. We all like to own some rare and valuable item. While most figures never reach a high value in the aftermarket, characters like Bumblebee and Prime are known to hold and increase their value in time -Specially- the most classic versions of the character (G1, Armada, etc.) case in point, MP-44 is almost unattainable nowadays without spending a small fortune, Earthrise Prime reached $100 in the aftermarket after it was reissued and before Commander Class's announcement, etc. The truth is: Prime sells and sells well.
MP-44 recently sold on Ebay
WAIT FOR THE INFINITE REPAINTS AND REUSES OF THE MOLD
The investment on this re-engineered Prime must have been considerable, and as such, expect Hasbro to milk it to kingdom come. We bet there will be the Toy version, dead version, Nemesis prime version, some retailer exclusive repainted version, Shattered glass Version, Insert (YOUR) version here.
And that's it! 8 reasons why you should not pass on this release and sure, while it will never be a Masterpiece-44 value wise, Commander Class Optimus Prime does almost (no opening doors here or Spike figure) everything MP-44 did: From the aesthetics, to functionality, to the improvement of several mechanics, It will almost relieve you of the fomo you felt when you decided to understandably not fork the cash for the MP-44 version, and at the same time, sends your Earthrise version to the "Abyss of oblivion".
Optimus will arrive on shelves by November 2024. You can Pre-Order him with our sponsors at: Entertainment Earth, Amazon
We are given a small commission from the sales at no cost to you, so your patronage is appreciated!
Chris "Hunter" Diaz
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