The Energon Pub

[Tuned Agent]

I'd like to see an Armada and an IDW Optimus, but those aren't going to happen anytime soon. A new Hero OP wouldn't surprise me, and I think they will eventually do another version of Laser Prime. I think they would want to make Laser Prime a leader class though, so they can include his trailer, so I doubt it will happen in ER.

[Sabrblade]

I'm ready for an rid'01 optimus update

I'm still happy with my original. Otherwise, I would have bought the Encore (before we all found out about that reissue's Q&A problems).

[G1OptimusPAX]

I am so glad the trailer came bare bones, so I could add all that I wanted to add to it myself. It maybe a little on the short side, but I'd rather see long trailers on the movie verse toys. This is ok by my standards. Amazing toy.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

I'm ready for an rid'01 optimus update

He doesn't need an update, he just needs a competent reissue. He's already designed to a good standard, and an update would be severely watered-down unless it was Commander-class (and even then it might have issues).

The RID (2001) molds that need updates are the Autobot Brothers, since the original molds are kaput. Of course, they'd probably have to be Voyagers or a boxset to be on par with or surpass the originals.

I'd like to see an Armada and an IDW Optimus, but those aren't going to happen anytime soon. A new Hero OP wouldn't surprise me, and I think they will eventually do another version of Laser Prime. I think they would want to make Laser Prime a leader class though, so they can include his trailer, so I doubt it will happen in ER.

Well, Takara is working on a new Armada Optimus. A really fancy one, even.
They did a new Laser Rod Optimus Prime during Titans Return, not sure how soon they'd repeat that. And Laser Prime is another one where a reissue would be good.

[Evil Eye]

I'm ready for an rid'01 optimus update

He doesn't need an update, he just needs a competent reissue. He's already designed to a good standard, and an update would be severely watered-down unless it was Commander-class (and even then it might have issues).

Lack of thigh swivels aside I'd agree, he has aged very gracefully. Poor Ultra Magnus, however...

The RID (2001) molds that need updates are the Autobot Brothers, since the original molds are kaput. Of course, they'd probably have to be Voyagers or a boxset to be on par with or surpass the originals.

I honestly don't think you could update the Car Brothers without losing what made them cool, given they were essentially Beast Wars toys that turned into cars. And given their poseability rivals modern figures, I don't think a straight update would do them justice. Seeing them re-imagined into the current design aesthetic would be cool, admittedly, but at the same time I'd rather just get the originals.

I'd like to see an Armada and an IDW Optimus, but those aren't going to happen anytime soon. A new Hero OP wouldn't surprise me, and I think they will eventually do another version of Laser Prime. I think they would want to make Laser Prime a leader class though, so they can include his trailer, so I doubt it will happen in ER.

Well, Takara is working on a new Armada Optimus. A really fancy one, even.

Let's just hope that actually comes out, it's been a while.

They did a new Laser Rod Optimus Prime during Titans Return, not sure how soon they'd repeat that. And Laser Prime is another one where a reissue would be good.

Eh, the TR Laser Prime wasn't great, the "jet mode" was weak (even for the Octane version), it had horrible stickers and overall didn't quite capture the essence of the original figure. Plus it was a Headmaster, which may or may not bother some. Ironically, I actually feel the old RTS figure did a better job as an update (aside from being too small).

[Tuned Agent]

I'd like to see an Armada and an IDW Optimus, but those aren't going to happen anytime soon. A new Hero OP wouldn't surprise me, and I think they will eventually do another version of Laser Prime. I think they would want to make Laser Prime a leader class though, so they can include his trailer, so I doubt it will happen in ER.

Well, Takara is working on a new Armada Optimus. A really fancy one, even.
They did a new Laser Rod Optimus Prime during Titans Return, not sure how soon they'd repeat that. And Laser Prime is another one where a reissue would be good.

Didn't Takara recently say that that Armada Optimus was just a prototype they made to gauge interest, and that it was not confirmed to ever be produced? Plus, even if it is produced, it would likely cost in excess of $60, probably higher. I'd like to see something released at standard retail.

As for whether they would make a new Laser Prime only a few years after Titans Return, the fact that we got G1 cartoon Primes in both PotP and Siege didn't stop us from getting yet another in Earthrise. Plus, a leader class Laser Prime would be able to have a separate trailer, and not be exclusive to a box set.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

I'd like to see an Armada and an IDW Optimus, but those aren't going to happen anytime soon. A new Hero OP wouldn't surprise me, and I think they will eventually do another version of Laser Prime. I think they would want to make Laser Prime a leader class though, so they can include his trailer, so I doubt it will happen in ER.

Well, Takara is working on a new Armada Optimus. A really fancy one, even.
They did a new Laser Rod Optimus Prime during Titans Return, not sure how soon they'd repeat that. And Laser Prime is another one where a reissue would be good.

Didn't Takara recently say that that Armada Optimus was just a prototype they made to gauge interest, and that it was not confirmed to ever be produced? Plus, even if it is produced, it would likely cost in excess of $60, probably higher. I'd like to see something released at standard retail.

As for whether they would make a new Laser Prime only a few years after Titans Return, the fact that we got G1 cartoon Primes in both PotP and Siege didn't stop us from getting yet another in Earthrise. Plus, a leader class Laser Prime would be able to have a separate trailer, and not be exclusive to a box set.

1. Takara may have said that about that Armada Optimus, but I hadn't heard about it yet. And yes, it would cost in excess of that - and be worth it if they pulled it off. I don't think a standard retail rehash of Armada Optimus would end up terribly exciting.
2. For one thing, that's cartoon Prime. For another, the PotP version is an OS mess that's mainly good for Orion Pax and the cartoon-color Matrix. For a third, the Optimus version of the TR Octane mold was available at retail too. It didn't have the Laser Rod deco, true, but the same features are there.
3. A Gen. Leader Laser Rod Optimus would be alright, I suppose. Wouldn't be as watered-down as some others. But Iunno how I feel about a slot going to it in this trilogy.

[aronjlove]

I am so glad the trailer came bare bones, so I could add all that I wanted to add to it myself. It maybe a little on the short side, but I'd rather see long trailers on the movie verse toys. This is ok by my standards. Amazing toy.

I love all the 5mm ports inside, definitely customizable!

[Tuned Agent]

I'd like to see an Armada and an IDW Optimus, but those aren't going to happen anytime soon. A new Hero OP wouldn't surprise me, and I think they will eventually do another version of Laser Prime. I think they would want to make Laser Prime a leader class though, so they can include his trailer, so I doubt it will happen in ER.

Well, Takara is working on a new Armada Optimus. A really fancy one, even.
They did a new Laser Rod Optimus Prime during Titans Return, not sure how soon they'd repeat that. And Laser Prime is another one where a reissue would be good.

Didn't Takara recently say that that Armada Optimus was just a prototype they made to gauge interest, and that it was not confirmed to ever be produced? Plus, even if it is produced, it would likely cost in excess of $60, probably higher. I'd like to see something released at standard retail.

As for whether they would make a new Laser Prime only a few years after Titans Return, the fact that we got G1 cartoon Primes in both PotP and Siege didn't stop us from getting yet another in Earthrise. Plus, a leader class Laser Prime would be able to have a separate trailer, and not be exclusive to a box set.

1. Takara may have said that about that Armada Optimus, but I hadn't heard about it yet. And yes, it would cost in excess of that - and be worth it if they pulled it off. I don't think a standard retail rehash of Armada Optimus would end up terribly exciting.
2. For one thing, that's cartoon Prime. For another, the PotP version is an OS mess that's mainly good for Orion Pax and the cartoon-color Matrix. For a third, the Optimus version of the TR Octane mold was available at retail too. It didn't have the Laser Rod deco, true, but the same features are there.
3. A Gen. Leader Laser Rod Optimus would be alright, I suppose. Wouldn't be as watered-down as some others. But Iunno how I feel about a slot going to it in this trilogy.

How good a standard retail Armada Optimus would be would really depend on how they do it. A voyager might come close in parts count, but I'm not sure it would have the necessary mass (Armada Optimus is a chunky boy, especially when you add his gun). However, at leader class they could just release a finished version of Takara's prototype, with a new Sparkplug, a removable matrix, and maybe even some extra weapons, for less than what it would cost if it were just produced by Takara.

You're right about the regular TR voyager Prime, but he doesn't have the trademark deco (which, IMO, is the main reason he's cool). My point about all the G1 Primes still stands though - they aren't afraid to rehash the same thing year after year, so the few years in between TR and now doesn't really mean much. And a leader class Laser Prime wouldn't be my first choice either, but it seems to be mandated that there be a leader class Optimus in every line, and Laser Prime is more likely than most.

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

I'd like to see an Armada and an IDW Optimus, but those aren't going to happen anytime soon. A new Hero OP wouldn't surprise me, and I think they will eventually do another version of Laser Prime. I think they would want to make Laser Prime a leader class though, so they can include his trailer, so I doubt it will happen in ER.

Well, Takara is working on a new Armada Optimus. A really fancy one, even.
They did a new Laser Rod Optimus Prime during Titans Return, not sure how soon they'd repeat that. And Laser Prime is another one where a reissue would be good.

Didn't Takara recently say that that Armada Optimus was just a prototype they made to gauge interest, and that it was not confirmed to ever be produced? Plus, even if it is produced, it would likely cost in excess of $60, probably higher. I'd like to see something released at standard retail.

As for whether they would make a new Laser Prime only a few years after Titans Return, the fact that we got G1 cartoon Primes in both PotP and Siege didn't stop us from getting yet another in Earthrise. Plus, a leader class Laser Prime would be able to have a separate trailer, and not be exclusive to a box set.

1. Takara may have said that about that Armada Optimus, but I hadn't heard about it yet. And yes, it would cost in excess of that - and be worth it if they pulled it off. I don't think a standard retail rehash of Armada Optimus would end up terribly exciting.
2. For one thing, that's cartoon Prime. For another, the PotP version is an OS mess that's mainly good for Orion Pax and the cartoon-color Matrix. For a third, the Optimus version of the TR Octane mold was available at retail too. It didn't have the Laser Rod deco, true, but the same features are there.
3. A Gen. Leader Laser Rod Optimus would be alright, I suppose. Wouldn't be as watered-down as some others. But Iunno how I feel about a slot going to it in this trilogy.

How good a standard retail Armada Optimus would be would really depend on how they do it. A voyager might come close in parts count, but I'm not sure it would have the necessary mass (Armada Optimus is a chunky boy, especially when you add his gun). However, at leader class they could just release a finished version of Takara's prototype, with a new Sparkplug, a removable matrix, and maybe even some extra weapons, for less than what it would cost if it were just produced by Takara.

Okay, so what you're picturing is essentially "Bendy Prime Redux". I was picturing the complete Armada Optimus package:

Hence my "it would be worth it if they pulled it off" comment about the Takara prototype, and why I didn't think a retail Leader version would be terribly exciting.

You're right about the regular TR voyager Prime, but he doesn't have the trademark deco (which, IMO, is the main reason he's cool). My point about all the G1 Primes still stands though - they aren't afraid to rehash the same thing year after year, so the few years in between TR and now doesn't really mean much. And a leader class Laser Prime wouldn't be my first choice either, but it seems to be mandated that there be a leader class Optimus in every line, and Laser Prime is more likely than most.

They aren't afraid to rehash cartoon Optimus, certainly. Other versions of him are a less-certain matter.

[Tuned Agent]

I'd like to see an Armada and an IDW Optimus, but those aren't going to happen anytime soon. A new Hero OP wouldn't surprise me, and I think they will eventually do another version of Laser Prime. I think they would want to make Laser Prime a leader class though, so they can include his trailer, so I doubt it will happen in ER.

Well, Takara is working on a new Armada Optimus. A really fancy one, even.
They did a new Laser Rod Optimus Prime during Titans Return, not sure how soon they'd repeat that. And Laser Prime is another one where a reissue would be good.

Didn't Takara recently say that that Armada Optimus was just a prototype they made to gauge interest, and that it was not confirmed to ever be produced? Plus, even if it is produced, it would likely cost in excess of $60, probably higher. I'd like to see something released at standard retail.

As for whether they would make a new Laser Prime only a few years after Titans Return, the fact that we got G1 cartoon Primes in both PotP and Siege didn't stop us from getting yet another in Earthrise. Plus, a leader class Laser Prime would be able to have a separate trailer, and not be exclusive to a box set.

1. Takara may have said that about that Armada Optimus, but I hadn't heard about it yet. And yes, it would cost in excess of that - and be worth it if they pulled it off. I don't think a standard retail rehash of Armada Optimus would end up terribly exciting.
2. For one thing, that's cartoon Prime. For another, the PotP version is an OS mess that's mainly good for Orion Pax and the cartoon-color Matrix. For a third, the Optimus version of the TR Octane mold was available at retail too. It didn't have the Laser Rod deco, true, but the same features are there.
3. A Gen. Leader Laser Rod Optimus would be alright, I suppose. Wouldn't be as watered-down as some others. But Iunno how I feel about a slot going to it in this trilogy.

How good a standard retail Armada Optimus would be would really depend on how they do it. A voyager might come close in parts count, but I'm not sure it would have the necessary mass (Armada Optimus is a chunky boy, especially when you add his gun). However, at leader class they could just release a finished version of Takara's prototype, with a new Sparkplug, a removable matrix, and maybe even some extra weapons, for less than what it would cost if it were just produced by Takara.

Okay, so what you're picturing is essentially "Bendy Prime Redux". I was picturing the complete Armada Optimus package:
[img]*image%20snipped*[/img]
Hence my "it would be worth it if they pulled it off" comment about the Takara prototype, and why I didn't think a retail Leader version would be terribly exciting.

You're right about the regular TR voyager Prime, but he doesn't have the trademark deco (which, IMO, is the main reason he's cool). My point about all the G1 Primes still stands though - they aren't afraid to rehash the same thing year after year, so the few years in between TR and now doesn't really mean much. And a leader class Laser Prime wouldn't be my first choice either, but it seems to be mandated that there be a leader class Optimus in every line, and Laser Prime is more likely than most.

They aren't afraid to rehash cartoon Optimus, certainly. Other versions of him are a less-certain matter.

Ah, I see what you mean. Yeah, I was picturing a trailer-less Prime, as doing one with a trailer would be hard outside of commander class. I was still factoring in the combining gimmick though, possibly for pairing with some concurrently released Jetfire pants. Without the need to combine, he could easily be done as a voyager, but that's just a half measure. And to be fair, we have no idea if Takara's Prime would include a trailer, or if he has the combined mode to go with a later Jetfire.

And I agree that cartoon Prime gets rehashed because he's a safe bet, but they can't keep rehashing him forever.


...right?

[D-Maximal_Primal]

I would really like to see a new RiD2001 styled Optimus Prime toy, or a new Armada one. Give us a different design/aesthetic/look please!

[Skritz]

What they could do is a pair of Voyagers: Armada Prime and Armada Jetfire. They combine. Maybe add in a Voyager or Leader Overload. Bonus point if this is in a CHUG line with a combining gimmick (but not Scramble city style, of course).

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

I would really like to see a new RiD2001 styled Optimus Prime toy, or a new Armada one. Give us a different design/aesthetic/look please!

Well, we got a watered-down Cybertron Optimus, does that count?

You know what I would like to see instead of a watered-down version of an old Super Optimus? Either a break from Optimus Prime toys (aside from special versions of ER Optimus), especially big ones, for a bit... Or for the next big Optimus to veer off the G1 aesthetic in a big way and be the Season 4 Animated Optimus we were robbed of.

[Skritz]

I would really like to see a new RiD2001 styled Optimus Prime toy, or a new Armada one. Give us a different design/aesthetic/look please!

Well, we got a watered-down Cybertron Optimus, does that count?

Technically yes. I don't have him but ignoring the different transformation he's a nice update for people who can't find or afford the old one, but to me its one crippling weakness is that the smaller robot head is GEEWUN and not the open mouthplate of Galaxy Convoy.

[Sabrblade]

I would really like to see a new RiD2001 styled Optimus Prime toy, or a new Armada one. Give us a different design/aesthetic/look please!

Well, we got a watered-down Cybertron Optimus, does that count?

Technically yes.

And Takara paid homage to Energon Optimus in their Unite Warriors Convoy Grand Prime set.

[Skritz]

I would really like to see a new RiD2001 styled Optimus Prime toy, or a new Armada one. Give us a different design/aesthetic/look please!

Well, we got a watered-down Cybertron Optimus, does that count?

Technically yes.

And Takara paid homage to Energon Optimus in their Unite Warriors Convoy Grand Prime set.

They still somewhat missed the mark by not making the core Optimus bot look more like 'Fatimus Prime' or using different limbs. A submarine retool of Rook would have been kickass.

[Sabrblade]

I would really like to see a new RiD2001 styled Optimus Prime toy, or a new Armada one. Give us a different design/aesthetic/look please!

Well, we got a watered-down Cybertron Optimus, does that count?

Technically yes.

And Takara paid homage to Energon Optimus in their Unite Warriors Convoy Grand Prime set.

They still somewhat missed the mark by not making the core Optimus bot look more like 'Fatimus Prime' or using different limbs. A submarine retool of Rook would have been kickass.

Gotta sell that new "G1 Convoy is now a combiner" concept at the same time.

[Skritz]

Funny thing is, in Combiner Wars I much preferred the more unusual 'Battle Core' Optimus Prime with his unique combination of features from Ginrai, Nova Prime and Star Convoy.

[Sentinel_Primal]

I would really like to see a new RiD2001 styled Optimus Prime toy, or a new Armada one. Give us a different design/aesthetic/look please!

Well, we got a watered-down Cybertron Optimus, does that count?

You know what I would like to see instead of a watered-down version of an old Super Optimus? Either a break from Optimus Prime toys (aside from special versions of ER Optimus), especially big ones, for a bit... Or for the next big Optimus to veer off the G1 aesthetic in a big way and be the Season 4 Animated Optimus we were robbed of.

I would love to see that Prime design brought back. Especially with that 3D printed Season 4 Megatron figure that a fan just did

[emlit]

I am so glad the trailer came bare bones, so I could add all that I wanted to add to it myself. It maybe a little on the short side, but I'd rather see long trailers on the movie verse toys. This is ok by my standards. Amazing toy.

Nice pics!

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Funny thing is, in Combiner Wars I much preferred the more unusual 'Battle Core' Optimus Prime with his unique combination of features from Ginrai, Nova Prime and Star Convoy.

It's still my favorite "G1" prime in my collection, I adore that head sculpt.

he is a torso right now, but I suspect in the coming few months he will be an individual, as I have the other red one secured to serve as a torso

[ZeldaTheSwordsman]

I use the red CW Optimus Prime as my CHUG non-Powermaster Optimus Prime currently, I like his looks and height.

[Deadput]

White CW Prime serves as my Nova Prime who in my collection isn't a jerk but rather is an Autobot "Commander" who hates and does not partake in fighting in the war but rather going across the galaxy for peaceful negotiations, he serves as one extreme end of the "war morality" for the Autobots with Sentinel Prime being more of the military commander who does whatever it takes to defeat the Decepticons while Optimus is in the middle and is conflicted about fully committing to one side or the other.

I'm actually excited to get Earthrise Optimus since I think stuff like a more accurate sized Matrix and the trailer will make for great accessories.

[Emerje]

As far as I'm concerned the only RID 2001 figures that really need a remake are all of the Spy Changers, Skid-Z (Siege Mirage repaint?), and Towline (Hoist repaint?). Everyone else would either be impossible to improve on or already got proper remakes (Sky-Byte and Baldigus/Ruination). Engineering has changed so much now, and while I don't think they'd all be like TFCC Sideburn, they'd be very different. The car brothers wouldn't be worse, they wouldn't be bad figures, but not better, just different. It would be a heck of a challenge for Hasbro, the lack of chrome parts, firing missiles and rubber tires would be hard to counter.

I look at the Unicron Trilogy the same way I do G1/G2, just about everything is fair game and can only be improved on with the right effort. RID 2001, on the other hand, feels like sacred ground, it's so good!

Emerje