Please tell us how the live-action "Transformers" film was selected for this "Dramatic Capture Series."

Amano: Up until now, the "Dramatic Capture Series" has developed the G1 series of "Transformers." The concept behind this series was to create an entry point for Transformers toys that would appeal to both existing and new fans by offering attractive product specifications such as the return of popular characters, products being introduced in Japan for the first time, accessory parts, and premium finishes. To that end, we have developed sets featuring Optimus Prime and Megatron.

After the release of "Dramatic Capture Series Decepticons Part 2" in late February 2026, we reconsidered the concept of the "Dramatic Capture Series" and decided to expand beyond the G1 series to include various works such as live-action films and anime. This led to the decision to develop the "Dramatic Capture Series" into a live-action film series.

What made you choose Optimus Prime and Jetfire from the second film, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"?

Amano: We chose them because they're the most classic combination.

The scene where Optimus and Jetfire combine is not only one of the most dramatic scenes in the live-action series, but we also thought that being able to combine the two figures as a set product would be a major attraction, so we chose Optimus Prime and Jetfire.

In terms of the design, have any improvements been made to it compared to the Studio Series "SS-25 Optimus Prime" and "SS-26 Jetfire" released in 2019?

Amano: The same mold is used, and there are no changes to the design. The molding color has been changed and the figure is painted in a luxurious manner, as part of the premium finish specification that is a feature of the "Dramatic Capture Series."

Also included as accessories are left and right energy swords that were not included with "SS-25 Optimus Prime." These were included with "SS-05 Optimus Prime" (released in late April 2018), and allow for expanded recreations of action scenes from the film.

Includes an energy sword. Also included are a large cannon connection part, an ion blaster, Jetfire's axe, and a staff that can be used as a hand cannon. Also can be attached to Jet Power Optimus Prime form, expanding the range of action scenes.

Please tell us about the attention to detail in the paintwork for the premium finish, which is this product's most distinctive feature.

Amano: In terms of paintwork, we aimed to create the "ultimate Optimus Prime" for the Voyager class (Transformers toy size) by incorporating a fire pattern with a white border.

This design was used on the Leader class "Buster Optimus Prime" released in 2009, and it was a really cool product that I admired, so we stuck to this white-bordered fire pattern for the Voyager class as well.

The distinctive fire pattern is reproduced in vehicle mode. It also features a gold gradation, making it even more luxurious.

Are you conscious of making the molded color parts closer to the colors in the film?

Amano: Yes. We also reconsidered the molding colors. The red is a shade that combines depth and vividness, and the blue parts have a deeper hue. "SS-25 Optimus Prime" used a vivid blue, but this time I went for a darker navy to get closer to my interpretation of the image in the film.

I also paid particular attention to ensuring the colors were consistent when combined into Jet Power Optimus Prime.

This is the rear of vehicle mode and the soles of the feet in robot mode. The "SS-25 Optimus Prime" was molded gray, but this time it's molded black and painted silver.

This part is the part that goes on the shin in combined form, and if it had remained gray, I thought it would have given a strong impression of being the soles of Optimus Prime's feet.

By making it black, we've made it look more like a part of Jetfire. The black here is prioritized for combined mode, and is a color scheme that's only possible with a set product.

The molding color has been changed to black, with the surface painted silver. Located on the shins in Jet Power Optimus Prime mode, it captures the coloring typical of Jetfire's feet. Compared to the "Studio Series" (left) and "Dramatic Capture Series" (right).

Even in vehicle mode, the color coding is very detailed. For example, the blue part. Is this a separate part?

Amano: This part is molded in gray and painted blue. The fire pattern is also clearly incorporated into the inside of the leg in robot mode.

Another point of emphasis is that the fire pattern is also incorporated into the fender of the rear wheel in vehicle mode. It's not originally oriented this way on the truck in the movie, but when transformed into robot mode, the fire pattern is on the leg just as it is in the movie.

What is Jetfire's color design?

Amano: Jetfire's molded gray has been changed to a blue-gray. The strong blue-green color grading throughout the movie was striking, so this coloring was chosen with that in mind. The paint on the cockpit window in vehicle mode has also been changed to blue-green-silver.

We also added pads to the underside of the main wings. In the movie, the vertical stabilizer markings are visible when the two parts are combined, but this was not the case with the "SS-26 Jetfire," so we added more pads to the underside of the main wings this time to make it look as if the tail has been transformed.

Next, about the movement in robot mode. The molds for "SS-25 Optimus Prime" and "SS-26 Jetfire" are similar, so I don't think there are any major differences, but with the increased number of painted areas this time, I'm worried about paint peeling due to interference during movement.

Amano: We've tried to avoid using paint on moving or interfering parts in robot mode as much as possible.

On the other hand, there are fine tampo prints such as the fire pattern, so we hope you'll pay attention to these when playing with the figure.

Next, how difficult is the transformation?

Amano: "SS-25 Optimus Prime" and "SS-26 Jetfire" were products with higher levels of difficulty, even among the Studio Series. Both have around 40 steps to transform, so I think they'll be a bit challenging.

It can also combine into Jet Power Optimus Prime, so although there are many steps to transform, it looks like you'll enjoy the dramatic change in silhouette from vehicle mode to robot mode.

Were there any challenges you faced in commercializing the "Dramatic Capture Series Jetfire Combine"? Up until now, you've developed the G1 series, and this is the first time you've commercialized a live-action film. Were there any differences in your approach?

Amano: My approach is quite different. For this series, I was in charge of everything from the "Dramatic Capture Series Chase for Cybertron" (released in late August 2025) to the current series. With the G1 series, it wasn't always possible to "significantly add new paint" and "faithfully reproduce the series" at the same time.

For example, if we used the same colors as in the anime, the look could end up being monotonous and far removed from its luxurious appearance.

I struggled with how to interpret parts that are gray in the anime, such as whether to keep them gray, pearl gray, or silver.

Additionally, we worked to come up with specifications that would recreate the anime's image while still looking luxurious, such as whether to paint parts like windows solid like in the anime, or leave them clear, or paint silver behind the clear.

As this product is based on a live-action film and features a huge number of colors, we proceeded with the idea of "getting as close as possible to the image in the film within the limited paint job."

Are there any plans to expand the "Dramatic Capture Series" into live-action films in the future?

Amano: I can't go into details right now, but we are certainly considering it. We also hope to expand the "Dramatic Capture Series" into the G1 series and various other series.

Going forward, we hope to combine G1 and live-action films in our development. We also hope you'll look forward to releasing Transformers toys not yet released in Japan, such as "Dramatic Capture Series: Chase for Cybertron" (released in late August 2025) and "Dramatic Capture Series: Decepticons part 1" (released in late November 2025), in sets with luxurious paint jobs.

Finally, please give a message to users.

Amano: This product will be enjoyed not only by fans of the "Dramatic Capture Series" series, but also by fans of the live-action films.

We hope to continue releasing live-action Transformers films in addition to the animated series. Of course, we also want to release more animated works, such as the G1 series, so please look forward to future developments.

Thank you very much.