Just in from Amazon Japan is the official product reveals for the Takara Tomy Transformers Missing Link C-01 & C-02 Convoy releases. The official images and product details are out, so now we can get into what this new series with articulated G1 action figures really has to offer.
UPDATE - USA preorders are open now. The imported sets are listing for the same as in Japan, about $120 USD for C-01 and $70 USD for the C-02. Shipping to the USA is listed for February / March 2024. You can order yours now while they last from the following sponsor links: Order while they last at the following sponsored links:
As we can see from the images, there are many new updates to the original mold, that preserves most of its features, and adds new ones, including the following:
• Character has gone back to the 1985 release name, "Convoy".
• The new points of articulation for the robot appear to be added to:
- Head
- Shoulders
- Chest
- Fingers
- Wrists
- Thighs
- Knees
- Ankles
- Feet
• Hands no longer detach, but fold back into the forearms. The hinges can be seen on the truck cab mode.
• C-01 has YELLOW Eyes and Windows
• C-02 Anime Edition has BLUE Eyes and Windows as seen in cartoon.
• Matrix of Leadership mounts on plate in chest.
• C-01 has GOLD Matrix.
• C-02 has SILVER Matrix.
• Energon Axe weapon made of clear plastic.
• Original Bloated Ion Blaster weapon with hand post moved to the back.
• Standard display stand port added to back of robot for action poses.
• New trailer mold appears to have few design changes from the original version.
• Launcher has been removed.
• Service Module is now detachable.
• Roller has the warning light added.
• Roller's gun mount can be angled now.
• Has optional license plate stickers.
• Newly designed character profile card.
This sure looks like the best G1 Convoy (Optimus Prime) ever made, but we'll have to see it in-hand to be sure. Read on to see the official product details with pricing for both the C-01 at ¥17,380 JPY / $121 USD, and the C-02 ¥10,780 / $75 USD listed for shipping in Japan on Saturday, February 24, 2024.
Release Date: February 24, 2024
Lost dreams link beyond time!
The virtual reprint "Missing Link" series that may have existed in that era will be launched to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the birth of Transformers! What if the original Convoy was fully poseable? The size, texture, and nostalgia of that time have been recreated with a completely new design!
The size, deformation pattern, and part of the die-cast alloy are used in the basic configuration of the original Convoy toy, while the joints for posing are also included. Introducing the ideal convoy commander toy that updates the gimmicks drawn in animation.
Even the packaging and accessories are thoroughly tributed to those days, and more than the reprint version, the impression when opening the Transformers product in the 80's is revived.
It is possible to completely transform the fists by reconsidering the replacement of the fist when transforming, which was a regret with the product at the time, and storing it inside without removing it. In addition, it is possible to change each joint, which was limited to posing at that time, to a movable type and pose it freely.
The matrix can be stored in the chest as a reproduction from the anime scene. The newly designed fist has movable fingers, so you can remove the matrix and hold it in your hand. The anti-aircraft gun in the container can be separated from the container and rolled to run, just like in the anime. The reconnaissance buggy "Roller" has a warning light drawn in the anime by reversing the rear part.
The laser rifle has been changed to a specification where the original grip part is inserted into the fist. The weapon "Energy Ax", which is impressive in the opening video of the anime, is also included and can be attached to the fist.
In addition, a red transparent "secret film" is included, and the play that can be deciphered by overlaying it on the spec chart printed on the back of the package is also restored.
The familiar "secret emblem" is also attached to the robot body, and when you warm it with your finger, the corps mark will appear.
The robot body was sculpted into a three-dimensional form, which was a two-dimensional expression with stickers at the time.
An optional joint hole for a stand can be added to the back of the convoy, allowing you to decorate it with an action pose.
Two types of license plate user stickers that can reproduce the Japanese box art and overseas box art of the time are added, and a newly designed collection card is also included.
Contents of set
Robot body (1), container part (1), energy ax (1), laser rifle (1), hose (1), energy supply pump (1), energy supply adapter (1), roller (1) ), roller tire (runner) (1), missile (runner) (1), matrix (1), seal (1), secret film (1), collection card (1), instruction manual (1), and leaflet (1).
Release Date: February 24, 2024
Lost dreams link beyond time!
The virtual reprint "Missing Link" series that may have existed in that era will be launched to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the birth of Transformers! What if the original Convoy was fully poseable? The size, texture, and nostalgia of that time have been recreated with a completely new design!
The size, deformation pattern, and part of the die-cast alloy are used in the basic configuration of the original Convoy toy, while the joints for posing are also included. Introducing the ideal convoy commander toy that updates the gimmicks drawn in animation and animation.
Even the packaging and accessories are thoroughly tributed to those days, and more than the reprint version, the impression when opening the Transformers product in the 80's is revived.
The C-02 Convoy, which is called the Anime Edition, specializes in the contents of the robot part and has a coloring specification drawn in animation.
It is possible to completely transform the fist by reconsidering the replacement of the fist when transforming, which was a regret with the product at the time, and storing it inside without removing it. In addition, it is possible to change each joint, which was limited to posing at that time, to a movable type and pose it freely.
The matrix can be stored in the chest as a reproduction from the anime scene. The newly designed fist has movable fingers, so you can remove the matrix and hold it in your hand.
The laser rifle has been changed to a specification where the original grip part is inserted into the fist.
The weapon "Energy Ax", which is impressive in the opening video of the anime, is also included and can be attached to the fist.
In addition, a red transparent "secret film" is included, and the play that can be deciphered by overlaying it on the spec chart printed on the back of the package is also restored.
The familiar "secret emblem" is also attached to the robot body, and when you warm it with your finger, the corps mark will appear.
The robot body was sculpted into a three-dimensional form, which was a two-dimensional expression with stickers at the time. An optional joint hole for a stand can be added to the back of the convoy, allowing you to decorate it with an action pose.
C-02 has added a yellow user sticker on the bumper to bring it closer to the anime image.
Matrix, Laser Rifle, and Energy Ax have changed coloring from C-01.
The design of collection cards will also change.
Contents of set
Robot body (animation edition) (1), energy ax (1), laser rifle (1), matrix (1), secret film (1), collection card (1), sticker (1), instruction manual book (1), and leaflet (1).
I agree with you about the prices... * reaches for wallet * But... I think I'm going to buy this anyway.
Hot Rod and Rodimus Prime please!!
No thanks. Especially for those prices. If they were half the price and this was about 22 years ago then maybe.
And I don't understand the love this is seemingly getting. A very vocal and rather large part of the fanbase scoffed at this idea bout 17 years ago. They hated the thought of "G1 with articulation". Now it's here and people love it? I bet it's the same people who claim they love the G1 reissues and then never buy them.
This is a waste. It's targeting a niche of a niche of a niche. About a tenth or less of what they expect to sell will actually sell and the rest will go on steep clearance. They'll push out the first four or five figures they worked on and the rest will be cancelled. I'll be very surprised if this isn't how it goes. I'm one to be negative in hopes that the opposite will happen but I really think that this sucks and will ultimately bomb just like what happened to that one third party company that did every color of G1 Bumblebee, Cliffjumper, Hubcap and Bumper as "G1 with articulation".
This time, effort and materials should be going to more Takara Generations Selects redecos and retools. And to do a Masterpiece Airazor already. Maybe some Premium Edition decos that weren't outdone by the store exclusives that also weren't sold for an extra premium price. I do admit though that PE Siege Ultra Magnus and PE Siege Starscream look real good in hand. I think more highly of them though as I paid like half price for each. If I paid full price like I was going to do for UM then I would've been salty. That grey on Ultra Magnus' cab was worth the price as just using him as another character entirely.