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I mostly collect Movieverse figures, though I've got some other figures boxed up.
Recently I came across a RID Optimus Prime MIB for a reasonable price, so I picked it up.
I had heard much praise for RID Prime over the years and passed on one in 2006, kicking myself afterwards.
It prompted me to retrieve my other Optimus Prime figures from the boxed collection. Seeing those different takes on the same design made me think how Optimus is the only character to appear in every single continuity. It would be a cool sub-collection to have all the different OP characters together. That is characters, not molds or bodies.

According to TFwiki, these are the continuities from which I need an Optimus:

- Generation One
- Robots in Disguise
- Unicron Trilogy
- Movieverse
- Animated
- Aligned

There are more continuities out there, but for different reasons, I didn't include them:

- Beast Era
Technically, it's part of the G1 continuity. Prime exists alongside Primal, excluding the need for the latter to represent his continuity. Besides that, I don't want a single animal alongside all the trucks.

- TransTech
A cool, different take on OP, but alas the toys never got released.

- Go-Bots, 1st TransFormers
There's no OP in these toylines. The newest Rescue Bots has one, but he's very G1.

- Universe
Nothing but repaints in this series, which simply combines previously existing universes. The two unique Optimuses are a repaint of the RID spychanger and a comic-only amalgation of various OP designs.

- Shattered Glass
The toy is a repaint of a G1 design, as is most of this continuity. His colours would look out of place, as well.

Excluding those, that leaves six Optimus Primes and my goal is to get the ones that best represent the universe they're from.

G1: I've got the Deluxe figure from the Ultimate Battle box set, which isn't that good. I dig the robot mode, but the vehicle lacks a cohesive shape and part of me wants to represent G1 with an actual G1 Prime, or at least a reissue.

RID: It's either the Super figure or the spychanger and that choice is easy. And well, the Super figure is the reason I started this sub-collection.

Movieverse: I've got the RotF Leader, but he resides in my main collection. The only other detailed Movie Prime I've got is the first film's Voyager. Eh, he's good enough and I'm not going to double dip on another variation of the RotF Leader.

Animated: I have the Deluxe Battle Begins box set figure, with battle damage. The Voyager is technically better, being more complex and show-accurate, but he's so similar it's not worth it to me. I also kinda dig the cartoony battle damage and how they set him apart from the others.

Aligned: Here's where it gets weird. I've got WFC Optimus (Rage over Cybertron repaint), but to me WFC is a G1 story, apart from Prime. I can ignore that and follow official continuity, but that would mean he's the same guy as Prime OP. Prime Optimus Prime (First Edition) looks cool, but the style isn't really all that unique. G1 is retro and blocky, RID is very Japanese and highly stylized, Movie is nano-detailed and alien, Animated is smooth and curvy, A/E/C is chunky, gimmicky and chock full of delicious sci-fi detailing. Prime Prime is pretty much Movie Prime in silhouette and upper body, with Animated inspired detailing. So as far as I'm concerned, WFC Prime is my Aligned Optimus Prime.

A/E/C: The only continuity from which I'm lacking an Optimus. There are basically three versions I'm looking for here, but they're so different, it's hard to see them as the same character. I'm leaning towards the Cybertron Leader, since it looks far more awesome than the Armada and Energon guys. Cybertron's figures are also packed with more articulation and better gimmicks than the other two series. Plus, he's got a removable Matrix and faceplate, which no other Prime in my collectio has.

So which Primes do you suggest for such a display? Did I forget a continuity or a different incarnation of Optimus?

So you're basically asking which mold is most suited for each Optimus incarnation? That's a bit hard, but I'll see what I can recommend.

Generation 1, Generation 2
You can never go wrong with the G1 original. One tip I should give though is to look for Japanese reissues if you have the money, as the US reissues have the smokestacks trimmed and the missiles elongated.
Another version worth seeking out, aside from the desired Classics Voyager, is the G2 Laser Optimus Prime, simply the best toy of his time. He even has a new trailer.

Beast Wars
There are no more than 3 Optimusses (well, including the Japanese Convoys) in this era, one for each series. Since you don't want animals in your setup will casually skip that.

Robots in Disguise
You already have the only large toy, and I don't blame you

Unicron Trilogy
This one's iffy, not only because there are indeed three separate designs of him, but Japan first considered their version of Energon and Cybertron separate series and not sequels. So Energon and Cybertron Prime were separate characters at first. For the sake of simplicity, stick with the Cybertron version.

Live Action Movies
The general opinion is that RotF Leader Prime is the best out there, and for good reason. Since you already have one and I assume want a second, look at some of the (really expensive) Japanese versions. I'd recommend looking at either Buster or Striker, or if you have a lot of cash to blow, at Jetwing.

Animated
Easy: Voyager wins hands down. If you want a special display, look into the shiny Japanese edition.

Prime
Unlike Hasbro, I do not consider WFC and Prime Prime the same character. As such, I prefer the First Edition for lack of obstructing gimmick. Not to worry though, rumor has it that Hasbro is looking into a re-release in Fall.

War for Cybertron
Another easy one: Generations with the design from the first game.

G1/G2: Gotta garee with the Rabbit here, a G1 Prime is a must have. I own the Takara Encore 01 and its very very nice indeed. I do pair it up with BTS's Matrix of Leadership set: BTS-03. Just because the Matrix is nice and translucent, and he gets the much needed Axe that is only present in the Book Style Release.
Power Master Prime is also a good representation, but not nearly as iconic.

G2 Laser Rod Prime is one of the greats of its time as well. though I'm trying to track down the Exclusive Ultra Magnus repaint at a decent price.


Jumping ahead to R.I.D. he's is the number 1 figure in my collection and the sole reason I started collecting as an adult, he's just that awesome. He also makes the core to one of the more impressive and chrome-tastic Prime Supermodes since Power Master Prime.


Armada pays homage to the Primes of the Past, and I think he's iconic in that he's the first one to return to the classic Truck and trailer combo from G1/G2 since Star Convoy. He is quite motionless, but packs quite a lot of features. There's also the more poseable deluxe with Minicon partner Over-Run. He's quite nice and has seen a few repaints so should be easier to find.

Energon Prime is not as good by himself, he really needs Wing Saber to shine, so I would skip him, though personally I do like him quite a bit.

Cybertron Prime on the other hand is blocky, poseable, and loaded with features. He's the one I suggest getting, if and only if the immobility of Armada Prime is not your cup of tea.

Classics Voyager is the one to own.

Animmted Voyager again the one to choose. Deluxe Earth Mode Prime though has the benefit of the better looking axe though.

ROTF all the way for the movie primes , so many ROTF repaints and remolds out there there should be no problem getting one.

F.E. Prime for Prime Prime if you can look past the floppy sword.

At first, my TF collection WAS a Optimus Prime collection. So, here's my reccomendations for the best Primes out there.

G1: Get the original, duh.

G2: Laser Prime. You can cheat and get the RtS version.

Unicron Trilogy: For me, Energon IS Armada's sequel, while Cybertron is a completely different continuity. If you don't want other characters to "pollute" the Optimusses for combining's sake, go for Armada OP with trailer. His super mode is not too shabby. You have also the moral obligation to own Galaxy Force's Galaxy Convoy A.K.A Cybertron Leader Optimus Prime, complete with his "trailer". His super mode is just GLORIOUS.

Animated: Takara's voyager OP with his jetwings. Shit is just awesome and surprizingly not too expensive.

Movie: Obvious Leader RotF OP is obvious. I don't personally like him, but most people do. You'll get a special Takara version if you have the cash. Personally, I find the HftD voyager Battle Blade OP to be the superior one. He look awesome in both robot and vehicle mode. He have blades, guns, and his transformation is challenging without being frustrating.

War For Cybertron: So far, Generation Cybertronian OP is your only choice. And he's a GREAT transformers.

TF Prime: 1st edition Voyager OP. The most show accurate and perfect. WAY supperior than the RiD version.

Optimus in name, but not him: Masterforce God Ginrai. He's my #1 TF ever. Look it up and you'll see why.

Optimal Optimus/Primal Prime isn't just an animal alt mode, and I'll be honest here, the gorilla form isn't all that convincing anyway. That the Optimal Optimus body came about as a result of spark swapping shenanigans with G1 Prime, I'd say the mold should qualify. I just think it's a pretty cool mold. Love the big shoulders. The Primal Prime repaint from the Beast Machines line will fit in better in a big lineup of Optimi though, so maybe go with that one.

Give Leo Convoy a shot too. Not the same character as Optimus Prime, of course, but he definitely fits the role in his own continuity.

A/E/C-wise, I'd suggest maybe getting a hold of the Armada one, and his various super-mode add-on buddies: Jetfire/Powerlinx Jetfire and Overload/Ultra Magnus. Brick-tastic to be sure, but a darn nice sight when all put together. Along similar lines, if you've already got RiD Optimus, see about getting RiD Magnus. They're both great figures, and combine to form Omega Prime, the most awesome upgraded form any Optimus has ever had.

Just adding my two cents - Cybertron OP (or Galaxy Force Convoy, if you prefer the Japanese) is one of the best Leader Class Primes ever made (i.e., since they came up with the idea of size classes).

What about Alternators Optimus Prime? I know a lot of people don't like him, but I do...especially the BT version w/ the extra details. I thought about getting a version of every Prime...until I ran into some pretty craptastic versions.

Kibble wrote:What about Alternators Optimus Prime? I know a lot of people don't like him, but I do...especially the BT version w/ the extra details. I thought about getting a version of every Prime...until I ran into some pretty craptastic versions.

Alternator OP IS bad. Well, not so bad that it must be hidden in the back row, but there's lot of missed potential here.

Alternity OP however, is kinda nice if you look past the derpy lower legs. The diecast, rubber tires, and accurate car mode add to the goodness of this mold.

Crappyest OP I have? The one that came with tank Megs in that "ultimate battle" two-pack. The robot mode is nice looking but the vehicle mode is just a big and steamy puddle of vomit.

I don't buy Hasbro's slapdash "alligned" continuity. It just seems like it's full of holes and they're just shoving a bunch of universes with completely different aesthetics together and calling it one continuity because they can. IMO, the continuities should be as follows:

G1 Optimus Prime
G2 Laser Prime
Machine Wars Optimus Prime
RID Optimus Prime
Armada Prime (preferably the deluxe one)
Energon Prime
Cybertron Leader Prime
Classics Voyager Prime
Shattered Glass Prime
Revenge of the Fallen Buster Prime
Animated Voyager Prime
Prime FE Optimus Prime
Alternators Prime
Alternity Prime
Botshots Optimus Prime
WFC Optimus Prime
Kre-O "Deluxe" Prime
Rescue Bots Prime
Hearts of Steel Prime (AKA MMC Knight Morpher)

I'm not sure if Kre-O is supposed to be a different universe, but I'm pretty sure it is. Same thing with Rescue Bots, I'm not sure what the continuity for that is. I think it's part of the Go-Bots continuity, but don't quote me on that. The whole TF parallel universe thing makes my head hurt.

The Beast Primes don't really count, in my opinion, because their not Optimus Prime. They're Optimus Primal, Lio Convoy, and Big Convoy. Three characters who aren't Optimus Prime. I have all three and can say that they do, at least, look great with each other in a beast convoy display.

Very little love for Machine Wars Optimus Prime here.

Machine Wars is basically a micro-continuity that we know very little about except for what's on the toy packages.

Before Jelze and sabrblade come in, yes I'm aware that is refers to G1, but there are also enough differences that I don't think Machine Wars really belongs to eny specific continuity except for it's own.

The only one that can really understand how the continuities work together is the Doctor. I think that can be a universally agreed upon fact.