The Energon Pub

[william-james88]

The Transformers Asia facebook page has just unveiled a new product that shall be issued by Tomy Takara as part of the Asia Premium Series line. This new figure is APS-01 Ultimate Optimus Prime.

The picture released shows the Dark of the Moon Leader / Supreme Jetpower Optimus Prime figure with a premium style paint job. It is followed by the caption:

APS-01U Optimus Prime (ULTIMATE EDITION)

Loaded with accessories and weapons!

Detail will be unveil soon!

[Jelze Bunnycat]

I was gonna say, did they restart the numbering? Nope, it's merely a different edition of APS-01 Striker Optimus Prime, only with the Jetwing backpack instead of the Striker accessories, hence the APS-01U.

[MightyMagnus78]

I was gonna say, did they restart the numbering? Nope, it's merely a different edition of APS-01 Striker Optimus Prime, only with the Jetwing backpack instead of the Striker accessories, hence the APS-01U.

Sriker doesn't have the detachable gas cans so this would have to be based off the 'Buster' mould otherwise the backpack would'nt fit?

[shajaki]

oh man. ohh man!

having passed on all ROTF/DOTM figures and the first APS prime (see the price of him now?!) i will be alllllll over this guy.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

I was gonna say, did they restart the numbering? Nope, it's merely a different edition of APS-01 Striker Optimus Prime, only with the Jetwing backpack instead of the Striker accessories, hence the APS-01U.

Sriker doesn't have the detachable gas cans so this would have to be based off the 'Buster' mould otherwise the backpack would'nt fit?

It's actually based on the third version of the RotF Leader mold:

1) Regular
2) Buster
3) DotM Jetwing
4) DotM Striker

The difference between the last two is indeed just in the gas cans, but cosmetically they look the same.

[RhA]

oh man. ohh man!

having passed on all ROTF/DOTM figures and the first APS prime (see the price of him now?!) i will be alllllll over this guy.

Passed on ROTF Prime? Is that humanly possible? That mold is SWEET.

[Shockwave7]

I didn't want this thing when it was new, and I don't want it now. Anyone who wants to spend their dough on it, feel free. A fancy paint job doesn't make it any better.

[shajaki]

oh man. ohh man!

having passed on all ROTF/DOTM figures and the first APS prime (see the price of him now?!) i will be alllllll over this guy.

Passed on ROTF Prime? Is that humanly possible? That mold is SWEET.

trust me, i know that NOW

after buying the first movie leader prime 3 times (hasbro, hasbro premium, takara premium) i was all but done with movie toys and wrote them off.

[RhA]

oh man. ohh man!

having passed on all ROTF/DOTM figures and the first APS prime (see the price of him now?!) i will be alllllll over this guy.

Passed on ROTF Prime? Is that humanly possible? That mold is SWEET.

trust me, i know that NOW

after buying the first movie leader prime 3 times (hasbro, hasbro premium, takara premium) i was all but done with movie toys and wrote them off.

That'll show you.
BTW, I still love my 2007 leader Prime. Cluncky as hell, but I love him.

[MightyMagnus78]

I was gonna say, did they restart the numbering? Nope, it's merely a different edition of APS-01 Striker Optimus Prime, only with the Jetwing backpack instead of the Striker accessories, hence the APS-01U.

Sriker doesn't have the detachable gas cans so this would have to be based off the 'Buster' mould otherwise the backpack would'nt fit?

It's actually based on the third version of the RotF Leader mold:

1) Regular
2) Buster
3) DotM Jetwing
4) DotM Striker

The difference between the last two is indeed just in the gas cans, but cosmetically they look the same.

OK thanks, he's still awesome. Want this so badly. Always wanted a Jetwing Prime.

[Seibertron]

Wow ... so will this be my 12th version of the mold or is there one more that I'm forgetting?

[william-james88]

oh man. ohh man!

having passed on all ROTF/DOTM figures and the first APS prime (see the price of him now?!) i will be alllllll over this guy.

Passed on ROTF Prime? Is that humanly possible? That mold is SWEET.

trust me, i know that NOW

after buying the first movie leader prime 3 times (hasbro, hasbro premium, takara premium) i was all but done with movie toys and wrote them off.

DUUUUUUDE!!!!! You have to get this mold one way or another. I only started collecting last year and made my list based on what were the must experience figures of the past 30 years. This guy was always there. And I think he's the only mold to appear twice on the best 30 figures of the past 30 years list. I am not saying he is the best figure ever (he isnt, not even top 10) but he is a must in a transformers collection. Just to see how intense and detailed a transformation can be.

But I do get your point. I only bought a few transformers here and there in the 2000s and since I already had the 2007 leader, I really didnt care to own the ROTF one. Good thing I didnt have to look too far to hunt him down when I got back into collecting.

And man, even if it has been years sicne his release and there have been a bunch of rereleases of the mold in different ways, there is still not enough to meet the demand. Since i now have the ROTF Leader mold, I decided to sell my 2007 leader for super cheap due to lack of space. Even though I was clear on my listing and had the photos there, all I kept being asked was if it was the ROTF one. Hasbro could rerelease the original one now and it would still sell out, I am sure.

[shajaki]

ha! i know its an amazing mold. and i had actually planned to get the APS striker prime (even at inflated aftermarket prices) and still might. but this reissue is a no-brainer. i just its under the 200 mark.

[megatronus]

I have APS-01 Striker Prime already, but based on the final color scheme, I might be in for this as well. The Alpha Trion esque eyes are bugging me, but I am liking the subdued tones here (APS-01 is a heck of a lot of silver everywhere, and impossible to maintain chrome feet).

OK, change of heart mid-sentence. I am in for this.

[megatronus]

Also... the more I think about it, the more I wish the next entry in this line was Leader Starscream. The Movie Masterpiece version is tough to find, and I'd be willing to bet most folks don't have a premium deco of that mold.

[william-james88]

Also... the more I think about it, the more I wish the next entry in this line was Leader Starscream. The Movie Masterpiece version is tough to find, and I'd be willing to bet most folks don't have a premium deco of that mold.

I have the regular version of Stasrscream and love it, is the premium deco worth it?

[megatronus]

Also... the more I think about it, the more I wish the next entry in this line was Leader Starscream. The Movie Masterpiece version is tough to find, and I'd be willing to bet most folks don't have a premium deco of that mold.

I have the regular version of Stasrscream and love it, is the premium deco worth it?

I have the HFTD Leader Screamer too, and he's boss. But the Movie Masterpiece version is just a beautiful piece, with huge attention to detail.

[KapikoArt]

Takara and Hasbro should focus more on giving us new molds instead of reproductions over and over again! How about leader class DOTM Megatron,Shockwave, ROTF Bonecrusher, Ratchet, AoE Hound,Galvatron? Time to get to work and be more productive!

[RhA]

Takara and Hasbro should focus more on giving us new molds instead of reproductions over and over again! How about leader class DOTM Megatron,Shockwave, ROTF Bonecrusher, Ratchet, AoE Hound,Galvatron? Time to get to work and be more productive!

And less profitable? With no current movie backing new movie figures, it's unlikely that those toys would ever get produced. Only a fans would buy those and a relatively small portion of us to boot. As much as I agree with you those toys would be sweet, I don't see it happening. There are always 3rd party toys. Maybe those'll fill your needs.

[KapikoArt]

Takara and Hasbro should focus more on giving us new molds instead of reproductions over and over again! How about leader class DOTM Megatron,Shockwave, ROTF Bonecrusher, Ratchet, AoE Hound,Galvatron? Time to get to work and be more productive!

And less profitable? With no current movie backing new movie figures, it's unlikely that those toys would ever get produced. Only a fans would buy those and a relatively small portion of us to boot. As much as I agree with you those toys would be sweet, I don't see it happening. There are always 3rd party toys. Maybe those'll fill your needs.

Maybe you're right but I would bet anything that Leader class Ratchet or Hound would sell better than this one (APS-01U) since you talking sales!

[william-james88]

Takara and Hasbro should focus more on giving us new molds instead of reproductions over and over again! How about leader class DOTM Megatron,Shockwave, ROTF Bonecrusher, Ratchet, AoE Hound,Galvatron? Time to get to work and be more productive!

And less profitable? With no current movie backing new movie figures, it's unlikely that those toys would ever get produced. Only a fans would buy those and a relatively small portion of us to boot. As much as I agree with you those toys would be sweet, I don't see it happening. There are always 3rd party toys. Maybe those'll fill your needs.

Maybe you're right but I would bet anything that Leader class Ratchet or Hound would sell better than this one (APS-01U) since you talking sales!

I doubt it. The ROTF Optimus Leader mold has been a best seller since it came out. It's always going for more on e-bay simply because demand exceeds the supply. Same goes for ROTF Leader Megatron. This way, hasbro and takara dont have to spend anything in terms of engineering and development and can rely on a mold they are sure to sell. Even if a new mold sells more, it may not be as profitable due to all the development costs associated to it being a new mold.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

Transformers Asia is a separate group from Hasbro and TakaraTomy as I've heard, so all they can do commission redecos, not new molds.

[william-james88]

Soon after the unveil of Asia Premium Series Ultimate Optimus Prime APS-01U, Transformers Asia has released more details regarding this new release's accessories and special features. The most notable new inclusion would be the brass knuckle Optimus used against Shockwave in DOTM as well as fully articulated hands.

APS-01U Optimus Prime (ULTIMATE EDITION)

Accessories / Weapons List :
ION BLASTER X 1
BATTLE BLADE X 2
BATTLE HOOK X2 (DETACHABLE)
KNUCKLE X 1 (NEW PARTS)
JETWING X 1
SHIELD X 1
ELIMMINATOR GUN X 1 & ASSAULT BLASTER X 1 (TO FORM MEGA STRIKER)

Feature :
Movie Accurate Colour
Hands With Bendable Fingers

Bonus :
Limited Edition Premium Included

[Jelze Bunnycat]

So it comes with Buster, Striker and Jetwing parts, plus new Battle Hooks to top it off? Now that's Ultimate.

[megatronus]

Ok. All in.

The only extra that's missing at this point is a battle mask. I still kind of want that...