Title:
Optimus Primal 2nd
Description:
Optimus Primal (Ultra Class, 1996/1997/1998)
Takara ID number: C-1
Accessories: Two swords, four missiles, flail
The second Optimus Primal toy was an ape in the Ultra size class. Though the transformation from primate to humanoid was a relatively simplistic one, the toy compensated with more than a fair share of weaponry and action features. A compartment on his right forearm opened to reveal a skull-shaped mace he could hold in his fist. His left forearm could open into a double-barreled missile launcher. On his back were two spring-loaded missile launchers which auto-flipped over each shoulder. By pulling a lever in the center of his back, both arms would either spin at the bicep or bend in and out at the elbow, depending on the placement of notch-buttons located on either bicep. This gimmick was shown to be an effort to simulate a gorilla beating its chest while Optimus was in beast mode, but could also be used in robot mode, making him swing his weapons wildly before himself. And finally, like many first-year Beast Wars toys, a battle mask/"mutant head” could be deployed over his robot head.
The European version released in English/Spanish/Italian Beast Wars/Biocombat packaging featured the additional alternate name "Black Jack” for the Italian market, whereas the other European version released in French/Dutch/German Beast Wars/Ani Mutants packaging was simply named "Optimus Primal” just like the United States version.
Takara released the toy under the name of "Convoy” as part of their Beast Wars line in July of 1997, nearly identical to the Hasbro version. The missiles for the Takara version are thinner and simpler than the original Hasbro version, and would be used in all subsequent releases of the sculpt.
This sculpt was redecoed into Universe Optimus Primal and Beast Wars Telemocha Series DX Convoy, and retooled into Beast Wars Reborn/Beast Wars Tenth Anniversary versus pack Optimus Primal. Takara also created multiple special variants, including all-gold (from TV Magazine, only ten awarded), red body with gray head & chest plate (TV Magazine again, but only twenty pieces for lucky draw), and blue-fur (a Comic Bom Bom design-contest prize, only thirty awarded).
Takara ID number: C-1
Accessories: Two swords, four missiles, flail
The second Optimus Primal toy was an ape in the Ultra size class. Though the transformation from primate to humanoid was a relatively simplistic one, the toy compensated with more than a fair share of weaponry and action features. A compartment on his right forearm opened to reveal a skull-shaped mace he could hold in his fist. His left forearm could open into a double-barreled missile launcher. On his back were two spring-loaded missile launchers which auto-flipped over each shoulder. By pulling a lever in the center of his back, both arms would either spin at the bicep or bend in and out at the elbow, depending on the placement of notch-buttons located on either bicep. This gimmick was shown to be an effort to simulate a gorilla beating its chest while Optimus was in beast mode, but could also be used in robot mode, making him swing his weapons wildly before himself. And finally, like many first-year Beast Wars toys, a battle mask/"mutant head” could be deployed over his robot head.
The European version released in English/Spanish/Italian Beast Wars/Biocombat packaging featured the additional alternate name "Black Jack” for the Italian market, whereas the other European version released in French/Dutch/German Beast Wars/Ani Mutants packaging was simply named "Optimus Primal” just like the United States version.
Takara released the toy under the name of "Convoy” as part of their Beast Wars line in July of 1997, nearly identical to the Hasbro version. The missiles for the Takara version are thinner and simpler than the original Hasbro version, and would be used in all subsequent releases of the sculpt.
This sculpt was redecoed into Universe Optimus Primal and Beast Wars Telemocha Series DX Convoy, and retooled into Beast Wars Reborn/Beast Wars Tenth Anniversary versus pack Optimus Primal. Takara also created multiple special variants, including all-gold (from TV Magazine, only ten awarded), red body with gray head & chest plate (TV Magazine again, but only twenty pieces for lucky draw), and blue-fur (a Comic Bom Bom design-contest prize, only thirty awarded).
Theme:
Beast Wars
Manufacturer:
Hasbro
Year:
1996
Date Added:
2022-02-11 19:47:04
