Optimus Prime - SDCC Exclusive Transformers Prime Deluxe Class

The Transformers Prime figures have (finally!) begun to hit stores en masse, and they are all great! So, why bother with this exclusive from last year's San Diego Comic Con? In a nutshell, if you are a collector, it's geared specifically to you.

The figure comes in an amazing and sturdy box, designed to look like Optimus Prime's chest. You can clearly make out the windshield panels and some of the design both above and below. A powerful circular magnet with the Autobot design holds the entire thing closed. The magnet is quite strong, but can still be removed easily. Once the magnet has been pulled away, the two front panels open to reveal Optimus Prime and his Matrix of Leadership packaging...

The inside of the left panel shares information about the Transformers Prime show, along with the same group shot that has appeared on all of the Prime packaging, whether it was the First Edition versions or the newer Robots in Disguise banner. The cardboard is fairly sturdy and the look is quite good. 

Optimus's individual packaging is terrific. He resides in a clear (but sculpted) bubble in the center of the Matrix. Two handles just from the sides, and it even sports a strap, allowing the Matrix to be worn over your own chest, if you so wish. The plastic shell can be opened (and it looks like it can be re-sealed), and the front center part is flat enough to allow the whole thing to stand alone if you choose to display it that way.

The right hand panel features a cool shot of Optimus holding his Matrix of Leadership aloft, along with a brief narrative about his background growth from Orion Pax into a Prime. The colors, design and artwork all look great, and the whole package, taken together, is really nice and very collector friendly.

The back of the package gives a closeup "widescreen" version of the right panel's shot of Optimus, along with a quote from the show. All in all, a nice presentation all around!

Optimus himself looks great. He's pretty accurate to the show, from what I can tell, and even the face is nicely detailed and done. With the painted eyes, I actually like the way it looks more than on the larger Voyager class figure. He comes with his arm cannon blaster. I haven't opened him up to check out the transformation process or alt mode look yet- I'll post update pics once I've done so.

Optimus looks like he can be returned to the package at any point, which is a nice bonus. The two halves of the clamshell look like they pop together easily. All very collector-friendly and unique.

So with other versions of Optimus Prime currently available (Voyager Class) and more to come (Leader Class), why bother with this Deluxe-sized one? Well, the figure is exceptionally well-done, and might go pretty well with Legion Class figures as part of a display, and is sure to be loads of fun on its own. Also, the packaging is really nicely done, and is quite unique in and of itself. A super collector's-piece to add to your Transformers Prime collection!