OPTIMANIA 2023 rolled out so many things to choose from in all shapes and sizes from the Authentics to Studio Series. What Official Releases form Hasbro, Takara TOMY, and or Licensees didn't make, the Third Party projects did. With 200+ new Primes to collect in 2023, fans are going to be playing catch for a long time. That said, this year had a lot home runs within the bevy of marginal offerings. Read on to see my Top 10 picks for 2023:
Legacy Armada Optimus Prime Commander
I wasn't sure how or what they would do to remake a classic like the 2003 Armada Super Mode Optimus Prime. The Commander Class figure is big and posable, with a great look all around. What came at the expense of a base mode and Mini-cons, is really the opposite of the original that makes having both all the more satisfying.
Studio Series 86-21 Ultra Magnus Commander
We got two BIG Bots this year, with the second Commander Class toy in the 1986 Movie Ultra Magnus. The next in command gets his own mold on with what feels like an updated MasterPiece figure that can you can blow apart.
Reactivate Optimus Prime Voyager
Arguably the biggest surprise of the year, the Transformers: Reactivate game toys are something new and different with a wonderful Voyager figure joining forces with former foe, Soundwave.
Studio Series Gamer Edition GE-01 Optimus Prime Voyager
Hasbro is trying to spoil us with two nice game toys in the same year. The updated High Moon design rolls out bigger and better in the Studio Series. I always loved this figure, that is even more awesome at this scale.
Generations VNR 300 Optimus Prime
This figure has been a long time coming. With the pre-paint released as the Santamus Prime last year. It feels good to finally get the Amazon Optimus Prime as the fully licensed Volvo VNR 300 design, and a trailer.
Baiwei TW-1027 Commander Cybertron
Target sucks. The Baiwei TW-1027 Commander Cybertron feels more like a Transforming AMK than a SS102BB KO. Either way, this is my fave of all the ROTB Optimus Prime Voyagers made this year.
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Yolopark Rise Of The Beasts Optimus Prime Advanced Model Kit
Hardly model kits, these figures you assemble in a few minutes are some of the most accurate figures made for the movie. Like a perfect copy off the screen. They don't transform, but they are so nicely detailed and articulated it hardly matters.
Takara TOMY Beast Awakening Ultimate Optimus Primal
For whatever reason, the Takara TOMY Beast Awakening Ultimate Optimus Primal was only released in Japan. What feels like a homage to the original Beast Wars Black Jack, is a streamlined design from the movie. The large 11" tall figure has great articulation and classic features that make for a lot of monkeying around.
Legacy Evolution Optimus Prime & Bumblebee Core Class 2-Pack
At the other end of the scale, is this super fun Core Class Legacy Evolution set. The 2-Pack gives us Optimus Prime in a Cartoon colors with his trailer, Energon axe, Roller, and sidekick Bumblebee that can ride along in Prime's alt mode trailer.
Rise Of The Beasts Beast Awakening Combiners
These toys are so goofy and fun, I just had to have them. What's not to love about, intentional or otherwise, homages to the classic Beast Wars with Optimus Primal & Skullcruncher and the Beast Wars II inspired Optimus Prime & and Lionblade Combiners.
There you have it, nothing especially rare or super expensive this year. Hasbro made so much great stuff to play with, I hardly noticed most of the high-end boutique products from overseas. What were your favorites of 2023? Please feel welcomed to share your Top 10 Primes of the year in the comments below.
| Category: | Daily Prime |
| Author: | BaCon |
| Date: | December 20, 2023 |
