Optimus Prime

Review by JoshB

A Transformer that does not transform is a tough sell, as Hasbro can attest to with their many failed attempts at bringing non-transforming transformers to retail. Action Masters anyone?

However that did not deter Fewture in making a go if it with their EX Gokin Transformers series. By applying their new partnership with TakaraTomy to their high-end EX Gokin line, they've created some great toys that I never knew I always wanted. Before you dismiss the idea of a non-transforming Transformer, hear me out.

The EX Gokin line normally consists of very high end, very expensive, elaborate super robots. But in this case they've scaled down a bit and made reasonably priced, SOC-style renditions of your favorite Transformers characters.

Optimus Prime comes in a beautiful, compact, stylized box. I can't tell you how much I appreciate the restraint and compactness of the package.

The first thing I noticed was how gloriously accurate Prime was to the cartoon version. Normally such accuracy is not a big deal to me, and yes, there are some liberties taken with the design here, but it FEELS like Prime from the cartoon. He's bold, dynamic and simple, all at the same time.

The diecast is limted to the chest, lower legs and feet. Don't be misled though - the diecast is solid and heavy. You pick this thing up and you KNOW it's a gokin.

All of the screw holes are either hidden or skillfully covered up. Exposed jointwork is kept to a minimum.

The smokestacks and the fins on the head are a bit long, but they look cool.

Just look at this mug. Yes, a bit stylized, but freakin gorgeous.

The shoulders have great ball and socket joints that swivel out and up. They provide a ton of motion.

Check out these amazing elbows. Whatever dual jointed mechanism is hidden inside, it makes the bend in the arm look seamless. I love it.

Prime can take a knee thanks to the extending joints in the hips and knees.

He's so dynamic, and he looks great in almost any pose. He's remarkably sturdy due to the large feet and heavy lower legs.

The front cab doors open to reveal the flip-up door behind which hides the Matrix of Leadership. It's removable, but tiny, so i'm just going to leave it in there.

There aren't a lot of accessories, which is fine by me. Just the essentials please.

First off we have Prime's Energon axe, to replicate that one time he used it. It's translucent plastic, and features a ball to plug into the arm.

Then we have Prime's cannon, which fits in one of the gun-holding hands. Nothing special here other than it looks great and is well-proportioned.

The cannon looks great in conjunction with the open hand. The swivel shoulders allow for some great poses.

Optimus Prime also apparently likes to point, as most high-end versions of him come with a pointing finger. It's great for pointing triumphantly at the sky, or pointing down to the lowly humans who got him into this mess in the first place.

I know a lot of people scoff at the idea of a Transformer that does not transform. But as the high-end robots get more fragile and more difficult to transform, this streamline representation of Optimus Prime is a welcome change. I love it.