Weekend Plastic Modeling by Voice Actor Taiyuki! No.7 "Do you know what IDW is? The American comic version of the commander is also made into a plastic model! I made "OPTIMUS PRIME (IDW ver.)"!

The third kit in the "Transformers" plastic kit series "Wind and Lightning Models" by FLAMETOYS is OPTIMUS PRIME [IDW ver.]

The "IDW" comes from the American publishing company IDW, and before the anime, Transformers comics were actually published by "Marvel Comics" and then "Dreamwave," shifting publishers as they developed. The Transformers kit is the same "Optimus Prime" that appears in the American comics published by the current publisher, IDW. The Transformers from the same series have not had much luck in being sculpted, but recently FLAMETOYS has been actively sculpting them in the "Tekkikaku" series and the "Kazarai Model" series. However, this is probably the first time that Optimus Prime will be made into a plastic kit.

While the previous "OPTIMUS PRIME [ATTACK MODE]" had been super-arranged, this [IDW ver.] has not been so greatly arranged, and the shape is relatively faithful to the original work.

First, let's take a look at the package.

As with the previous Kazarai model series, the figure of Optimus Prime is depicted in the original design of the kit. As you can see compared to the building in the background, the Transformers are basically 3 to 5 meters tall. (Some of them transform into planets, though.)

On the back is a photo of the finished model. Again, full-color, gorgeous specs. Next, let's take a look at the contents.

About 70% of the parts are made of ABS.

Other than the parts, a full-color printed assembly instruction manual and metallic stickers are included. The striped sticker in the middle of the sheet can be attached to one of the unique parts of this Optimus.

And the full-color instructions are easy to read, well, they are great!　Now, let's start assembling!

Once again, the inner part of the chest has a subtle matrix-like detail.

The legs and other parts can be seen as if they could be modified afterwards by those who are familiar with plastic modeling.

Here is the assembled state of each block. A total of six wrists are included, one on each side: a clenched fist, a weapon handle, and a flat hand. Each part is angular and looks quite like a traditional Optimus Prime.

A blaster weapon is also included. This is what you would expect from Optimus!　There is also a Gatling gun-like shape in front of the trigger.

After about two hours of assembly, the stickers were applied and the figure was completed!
Duh~!　The heroic figure of the mighty Optimus!　The shoulder and arm panels, as well as the side parts of the legs, are the features of this IDW version.

Striped stickers are applied all over the arm panels.

Wing-like parts on the back around the shoulder blades. The tight waist is also attractive. Optimus' unique tire parts are concentrated in the calf area. The model is very cohesive as a non-transforming model.

The matrix-like molding seen earlier is visible through the clear parts on the chest. The head definitely gives the impression of Optimus Prime, but the face is somewhat sharp.

It may be because the ear parts are now blade-shaped and the shape of the beak has changed, which makes it look sharper.

The mold of the torso. The clear parts and the front grille on the abdomen give the figure a great Optimus look!　Even the molding of the windshield wipers can be seen!

The legs are relatively strongly arranged. The bulging calves give the design a more stable feel.

The arms are also characterized by the shield-like panels. The back side is also molded.

When the shield is removed, the forearms are symmetrical. You can see that there are molds in the shoulders as well.

The base of the shoulder on the torso side can swing back and forth and up and down.

The joints that can be seen when the shoulders are raised also have detailed designs. Cylinder-like details can also be seen on the flanks. The art is very detailed!

This is how the torso flexes back and forth. The ball joints in the chest and movable parts inside the abdomen allow this much range of motion despite the angular design.

The hip joints are independently movable to the left and right. The true value of this figure is demonstrated when posing in bold poses.

Knees are movable over 90 degrees. The panel on the upper half of the tibia is inserted inward to secure the movable range of the knee. When the legs are extended, the panel returns to its original position in conjunction with the legs. It is an impressive gimmick.

Ball joint connection just above the wrists. The ball joints allow the arms to move freely, which is very useful for creating detailed nuanced facial expressions.

The elbows are also double-jointed, as you can see.
The joints are also well molded. (Arm panels are removed in the photo.)

The head is connected with ball joints. The head can be tilted forward by pulling out the neck parts.

The feather-like parts on the back can be deployed 90 degrees toward the rear on both sides.

Wrist connection. There is a soft bearing on the arm side.

Now let's take a look at the pose of the figure in its unassembled state, making full use of its range of motion.

I am Optimus Prime.

Nnnn!"

A twist of the waist leading to a powerful punch.

Heel drop!
The movable hip joints allow the legs to be raised to this level!　And he's standing on his own!

The hip joints are so flexible!　And it stands on its own!

Amazing stability!　That's what a commander should look like! (I tried to rhyme ...... but I'm not that good)

He can also stand on his knees without any difficulty.

He also has joints on his toes, so he can get into a running position like this. This one is also self-supporting!

He has a new right wrist and is posing with a blaster. He is now a hero robot.

Aiming through the shield on his arm!

Posed shooting with his left wrist flat on his hand to support his blaster.

Optimus can effortlessly wield a large blaster with just his right hand. He is strong and dependable.

He says, "I don't use a gun. Fists to fight with!"

Autobot secrets: ......

Haaaaaaaaah!

Optimus has no such depths.

"Ha-ha-ha!　Just a joke.

Let's do some simple inking as usual!

This time, I used "Tamiya Sumiiru Paint Black", "Pigma 0.05mm", and "Gundam Marker Eraser Pen".

There is a lot of detail, and I think the sumi ink is very effective, but what do you think? It took about an hour and a half to ink the model. The figure looks more massive than the unassembled one.

Back side. The molds and details have been made clearer, and the original amount of information of this Optimus can be seen even more clearly.

The head, which is already sharp, looks even sharper!

The density of the mechanisms peeking out from the flanks also stands out. The detail of the shoulder joints looks like car parts!

The light gray parts on the legs look great when inked in. The mechanical parts on the outside of the calves are also recommended for inking.

Now, we will show you more photos of the pose!　Now let's use a commercially available stand.

Doesn't she look more powerful with the inked markings?

Noooooooo!

Optimus kiiiiiiick!

Whoo!

"Transform!　Optimus Prime!

The molding behind the arm panels also looks good.

The blaster is large when seen like this, but it does not look heavy at all when Optimus Prime is holding it.

Even such a sturdy Optimus Prime looks smart in some poses.

He is hiding. Optimus. (Rhymes with ......)

Finally, a two-shot with Optimus Prime from the first Wind and Lightning Model. The design is different from the previous arrangement, and this time it is closer to the original work.

Each of them is good, aren't they? Optimus looks like he came out of a special animation, while [IDW ver.] has straight lines like a hero robot.

I think there are many people who have never heard of IDW who thought it was a cool robot after reading this article.

Although it is my personal impression, I would like to tell you that this [IDW ver.] is much more secure when assembled compared to the first [Optimus] from Wind & Lightning Models. Especially, the better fit of the snap-fit parts is a big plus.

Bumblebee will be released soon, and I am looking forward to the future lineup as well, with the Starscream recolors and Windblade also announced as kits. If I have a chance, I would like to touch the "Tekkikai Series" as well.

Regarding the purchase, there is one thing you should be aware of: FLAMETOYS' Transformers-related items are basically not distributed in Japan. However, there are some parallel import stores in Japan, so it is not so difficult to get them in Japan these days. If you have a chance to see it, please try to pick it up.

That's all for now, this is Yuuki Tai, a voice actor who loves toys and plastic models.

What will be my next kit?

Appearance information

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Friday, November 2 - Sunday, November 4, 2019
　Performances on November 2 and 3

Venue Rikkoukai Hall

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■Riddle solving game "Sarah and the Mystery Hacker Club 2" (Leader role)

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