[Toys] Transformers Prime: DVD pack Optimus Prime

This is the last of the bundle of toys sent to me by GeneralTekno.
Now then, let's begin.

So, at San Diego Comic-Con 2011, you could pick up this cardboard Matrix of Leadership necklace thing that has this Deluxe sized figure packed inside. Originally this was the only way to get your first taste of Transformers Prime toys (as well as the Bumblebee and Arcee which was also an SDCC exclusive.)

However, once the toys hit retail, this guy got some minor touchups and was packaged with a Deluxe sized Megatron and small PVC figures of the three main human kids of the show, as well as a DVD! An awesome set. Tekno was kind enough to part with the least enticing of the bunch, but I will say right now he's not a bad toy...

First thing I notice that's different from the SDCC version is that there's an added silver lining on the roof. Also, this truck is gorgeous. It's weird, comparing it to the Deluxe movie Prime I got with this guy, this one is so much cleaner and LARGER, when in robot mode it's the movie one that ends up taller. I like the look of this truck though. It's sleek but powerful.

The truck, as per Optimus Prime rules, has a trailer hitch in the back. It's used to peg in his gun for storage, but we all know what you really wanna do with that hitch.

 The transformation process was fairly easy for me. I handled it without instructions (because I had none available) and it's hard to explain but it feels as though things are laid out in a way where you can basically see what to do next. I found it to be a fun process and I can't stop transforming him, the process is the best part.

Let's talk a bit about show accuracy... Hm. Okay. He's got the right amount of bulk, the right proportions, but I feel like the kibble on the back and forearms really ruins the look. Another thing I don't like is that grey on the lower part of the forearms, it's supposed to be red but due to some color choice they went with grey, which is jarring to look at. I personally added red marker, which so far seems to help.

Another detail to point out that's different from SDCC; the windows are repainted with a light blue color, which doesn't work quite as well as black, given that's how the show model looks. I painted mine black.

Anyway, enough about looks. Articulation is okay. He does everything you'd probably want him to. He's also got enough range in the joints so you can put him  in some nice gun-toting poses.

The gun he comes with is pretty cool in my opinion. It's got some nice heft to how it looks and, I'm not sure if this was intentional or not, but he has two pegs for the gun so you can have him holding it with both hands. I personally prefer to have him using the other hand to hold the barrel. He looks really good with the weapon in hand, which is something I don't do very often with Transformers.

I think a lot of folks will buy that DVD pack solely for the Megatron, but Optimus is a nice inclusion. He may not look as good as the Voyager figure out now, but he'd make a nice little desk toy. If you have a kid who wants a little Optimus, that's also good. Fairly easy to follow transformation, nice range of motion, not the best amount of show accuracy but it gets the job done. He's a passable Prime.