Optimus Prime

Character Background

Optimus Prime is the legendary leader of the Autobots in the live-action Transformers film series, serving as the primary protector of Earth against the Decepticon threat. This Ultimate Class figure was released in 2011 as the flagship toy for the Dark of the Moon line, specifically designed to recreate his heavily armed "flight mode" seen during the Battle of Chicago.

Key Features:

• MechTech Trailer: A massive trailer that transforms into a "Butterfly" style flight pack and a circular weapon storage ring.
• Electronics: Features light-up components and sound effects, including engine revving and weapon deployment noises.
• Power-Up Mode: The robot can "combine" with the unfolded trailer to form a heavily armored version of Optimus Prime with a massive wingspan.
• MechTech Blaster: Includes a specialized weapon that can be held by the figure or mounted onto various ports on the trailer.

Alt Modes and Real-World Inspiration

• Truck Mode: Based on a 1994-2007 Peterbilt 379 semi-truck, featuring the character's signature blue and red flame deco and a large silver trailer.
• Armored Flight Mode: A "Power-Up" configuration where the robot wears the trailer as a jetpack with extending wings and multiple weapon hardpoints.

Collectibility

Collectors value this figure primarily for its impressive shelf presence and the sheer scale of the trailer, which remains one of the largest accessories ever produced for a movie-line Optimus Prime. While the core robot is often criticized for having simpler engineering and less articulation than the 2009 Revenge of the Fallen Leader Class mold, the "Ultimate" gimmick successfully captures the character's high-octane look from the third film's climax. Potential buyers should be wary of the heavy wing assembly, as the plastic clips can stress over time, and the internal electronics are susceptible to battery corrosion if the original batteries were never removed.