The Energon Pub

Assuming you already own ROTF Leader Optimus and Leader Jetfire (which I do), which of the following other Optimus versions would you also recommend having?

- Striker Optimus
- Buster Optimus
- Jetwing Optimus
- Jetfire Optimus
- Ultimate Optimus
- That dual pack that apparently includes both Leader Optimus and Leader Jetfire
- Other versions?

Why would you recommend / not recommend owning these other versions in addition to ROTF Leader Optimus and Jetfire?

Thanks.

First, what exactly do you want to have in your collection? Here are some facts:

Buster Optimus Prime
Buster Optimus Prime is a shiny repaint of the original toys. It does have two modifications: the gas tanks can be removed and transformed into a blaster, which puts it a step up from the original. Also, he features a head without a mouthplate. The Optimus in the 2-pack with Leader Jetfire, is a Buster, but with the regular head. He is expensive though, being a Japan-only release.

Jetwing Optimus Prime
This is a more extensive retool, with a new abdomen to make it accurate to the updated model seen in Dark of the Moon, and removing the swing-out blades. The back has also been reworked for the jetpack to be attached. And yes, he retains Buster's gas tank gun. He is pretty big and wide, hope you have the space for him. He's about to be re-released again in Asia with chrome pieces and G1 striping on the wings.

Striker Optimus
A minor adapted version of Jetwing, with again retooled gas tanks. This one comes with a shield and a new blaster which can be stored in vehicle mode, or used to create an armed Stealth Force Mode, which looks amazing. This one is also about to be re-released in Asia, this time with the blades from previous movies added in as hand-held weapons.

Personally, I'd pick Striker.

For Ultimate Optimus, it depends on what you'd have to pay for it. I got it on clearance for $40, at that price it's not bad, but no way I'd pay much more for it.

It's kind of annoying that they didn't give him any weapons or accessories that the cab robot can use on his own. Speaking of the cab robot, he's actually quite noticeably larger than any of the Voyager movie OPs but also kind of plain, which the large size just exacerbates. Of course you combine him with the trailer and these issues go away, but it's something to be aware of.

You seem mostly interested in Leader class, but some of the Voyager class movie OP's are pretty nice. I'd probably recommend those over Ultimate.

I recommend ASP-01 Striker Optimus. He's got a respectable amount of silver paint on him (although not quite as pimped out as Buster in the chrome department), and the striker parts look really cool in both modes.