Just out is a new interview with Takara Tomy's Hobby Character Business Division, Collector's Department, Yukiya Amano for the recently revealed Transformers OG-03 Overgear Optimus Prime, thanks to Hobby Base. This is the second interview on the figure, that takes us into the many of design ideas for the Overgear figure and how this new design fits into the on-going series of Tactical Gear Transformers ready for battle. Read on to see the google translated interview with lots of images below.

In "OVERGEAR," the Decepticons secretly infiltrate Earth, seizing control of the latest bases and war machines. The Autobots, forming a resistance alongside humans, rise up to oppose them.

Optimus Prime, as the leader of the Autobot Resistance, leads warriors fighting for freedom, including Ironhide.

Normally, he transforms into an eight-wheeled tank transporter, infiltrating the GOA, the Decepticons' greatest cover. In times of crisis, he transforms into robot mode, employing a variety of weapons such as a hatchet (axe) and assault rifle, fighting in a fierce style.

In this article, we interviewed Yukiya Amano of Takara Tomy's Hobby Character Business Division, Collector's Department, about the appeal of "OG-03 Optimus Prime," including prototype photos.

Inheriting the design elements of previous Optimus Prime figures while incorporating OVERGEAR's unique tactical approach

First, could you tell us about the development history of "OG-03 Optimus Prime"? Was the appearance of Optimus Prime decided from the early stages of development of the "OVERGEAR" series?

Amano: In terms of development history, the idea of ​​Optimus Prime was included from the planning stage of the "OVERGEAR" concept. Therefore, the design and transformation motif have remained unchanged from the initial concept design to the prototype we are showing you today.

What is the concept behind Optimus Prime in the "OVERGEAR" series?

Amano: The concept for "OG-03 Optimus Prime" is "infiltration." Just as there are proverbs like "hide a tree in the forest" and "the darkest place is under the candlestick," Optimus Prime deliberately infiltrates the GOA, a puppet organization of the Decepticons, to carry out sabotage and gather intelligence. I think this aggressiveness is a defining characteristic of Optimus Prime in this series.

This gives a different impression from the previous image of Optimus Prime as someone who handles both combat and troop command. His background as a former space explorer, as seen in the PV, is also quite unusual.

Amano: I hope people will enjoy this new side of him.

Speaking of "OG-03 Optimus Prime," the coloring is also quite bold, a complete change from his iconic red.

Amano: That's right. This "OG-03 Optimus Prime" transforms into a military truck, abandoning the vibrant red that's an icon of Optimus Prime, and instead sporting a dark navy and desert color.

This coloring also reflects the seriousness of the situation in the Overgear world, showing how Optimus Prime, who loves freedom and peace, has been forced to choose a military vehicle.

I also hope to share, at some point, the story of the operation and its outcome that Optimus Prime and "a certain character" decided to carry out in order to conduct such a dangerous covert operation.

Next, I have some questions about the design. First, regarding the vehicle mode, could you tell us about any points you focused on?

Amano: The image for the vehicle mode is a military truck, specifically one that transports tanks and heavy machinery.

The point I focused on was the asymmetrical design.

One side has a spare tire, and the other side has an additional fuel tank. I also like the design point that both of them end up on the back when it transforms.

Were there any specific points you focused on when designing the robot mode?

Amano: One point I focused on when designing the robot mode was the arrangement of the nine tires, including the spare, which are a distinctive feature of the vehicle mode. I like how the vehicle's tires leave a lasting impression in robot mode, so I focused on how the tires should be arranged to create a cool silhouette when viewed from the side.

The equipment includes not only Optimus Prime's signature axe and assault rifle, but also a missile pod, which is a refreshing addition.

Amano: Of course, we focused on enhancing the equipment customization, which is a core concept of "OVERGEAR," but we also considered how attaching the external equipment would drastically change the silhouette in both vehicle and robot modes.

The "OVERGEAR" series features 5mm and 3mm joints in various places on the main body, allowing for attachment to different locations and customization to suit customer preferences.

Furthermore, combining it with the equipment from "OG-01 Ironhide" and "OG-02 Blackout" allows for a new, cool look, such as heavily arming Optimus Prime with guns on both shoulders.

Next, let's talk about articulation. Could you tell us about the points you focused on regarding the movement and range of motion of the limbs in robot mode?

Amano: The wrists have a wide range of motion, similar to "OG-01 Ironhide" and "OG-02 Blackout."

Also, there's a locking mechanism in the wrists, so even when holding large weapons like the assault rifle from "OG-03 Optimus Prime" or the gatling gun from "OG-01 Ironhide," the wrists won't sag, allowing for firm posing.

Next, we focused on the articulation of the hip joints. OVERGEAR's Optimus Prime has very thick legs to express strength.

While giving volume to the thighs, we devised a hip joint structure that allows for sufficient movement even with the tires embedded. We shifted the position of the rotation axis and designed it so that the front skirt doesn't hinder movement.

In contrast to the voluminous legs and sturdy shoulders, the hips and waist were designed to be slender, which made incorporating that structure into the design all the more challenging...

Regarding the transformation, how difficult is it?

Amano: I think the transformation difficulty is about the same as the Leader Class figures in the Studio Series or AOTP (Age of the Primes) series.

Are there any new transformation mechanisms in the Transformers figure?

Amano: Rather than calling it a new feature, I think the inverted chest and the large winch on the cargo bed forming Optimus Prime's abdomen are new.

Actual tank transporters have winches on the cargo bed to tow heavy loads, and some have wire mesh to prevent injuries from the wire bouncing back.

OVERGEAR's Optimus Prime has that winch and wire mesh forming its abdomen.

I think many people have the impression that, like G1 Optimus Prime, the windshield becomes the chest and the front grille becomes the abdominal muscles. This time, in order to express a massive proportion, the windshield is inverted and the winch part becomes the abdomen.

By inverting the windshield, the sloping part tilts upward, expressing the thickness of the chest, and by placing the winch part on the abdomen, we were able to give the abdominal area a more toned appearance.

Could you tell us about the points you focused on and the challenges you faced throughout the creation of "OG-03 Optimus Prime"?

Amano: I focused on carrying over the vehicle's design directly into the robot mode and making it work as a design element.

It's my personal belief, but I like it when the distinctive design elements of the vehicle are boldly retained in the robot mode as well. It's the same with "OG-01 Ironhide"; after deciding on the vehicle's motif and general design, I considered which parts of the vehicle should go where in the robot mode to create a stylish and natural transformation structure.

The most challenging aspect was the "coloring." I struggled to find a color pattern that would fit the concept of him being in hiding. I considered using past color patterns, but I concluded that desert colors would best suit the world of this work.

I envisioned Optimus Prime clad in desert-colored armor. Therefore, I added orange accents to areas like the upper arms, reminiscent of the original Optimus Prime.

This color combination is what I used to determine the final color scheme for the product.

Optimus Prime is usually associated with a heroic red and blue color scheme, so the "OVERGEAR" coloring must have been quite a challenge.

Amano: That's right. We exhibited it at the 64th Shizuoka Hobby Show in May and received a lot of positive feedback. Even so, deciding on this color scheme required courage.

The traditional red and blue coloring deviates from the concept and image of a military truck, so we decided on a desert color scheme that reflects the hard-boiled worldview and tactical theme of "OVERGEAR," befitting a vehicle infiltrating an enemy organization.

Finally, do you have a message for users?

Amano: The "OVERGEAR" Optimus Prime is a representative design of the "OVERGEAR" series.

"OG-03 Optimus Prime" is only available until July 8th, so please check it out. We hope you'll enjoy this unprecedented tactical Optimus Prime.

(C) TOMY *The image shows a prototype. The actual product may differ. Please understand.