Transformers - Action Figures
Transformers is one of the most well-known mecha media franchises worldwide. Originally conceived as a joint American-Japanese toy line in the 1980s, the brand includes a massive catalog of print and visual media including a live-action film series starting in 2007. At its heart, Transformers is about the actual robots and their toy counterparts. Hasbro and TakaraTomy have released hundreds of model kits, action figures, and collectibles. These figures include a huge cast of unique characters, though some have more fame than others. Here are three collectible figures of the most famous Transformers: “Premium Scale Optimus Prime Collectible Figure,” “Kuro Kara Kuri Transformers Drift,” and “Nendoroid Bumblebee.”
Premium Scale Optimus Prime Collectible Figure
ThreeA Toys depicts a massive, realistic scale figure of the Transformer’s most recognizable Autobot, Optimus Prime. The 19-inch tall figure shows all the mechanical details of Optimus Prime’s hi-tech design. Notable carving details include the treads on tires on his sides and the windshield wipers from his stealth truck form. Painting detail also shows the red and blue fire paint-job from his truck form on his chest plate. Careful attention to realistic weathering adds to the immersive realism. The figure also includes light-up LED eyes and headlights to bring Optimus Prime to life. Accessories include his iconic dual swords and blade knuckle attachment. The figure also boasts over 85 points of articulation for complex poses and battle scene recreation.
Product Name: Premium Scale Optimus Prime Collectible Figure
Manufacturer: ThreeA Toys (3A)
Material: ABS, PVC, POM
Batteries: AG1 x9 (Batteries not included)
Height (Approx.): 19”
Kuro Kara Kuri Transformers Drift Figure
The former Decepticon turned Autobot gets a dynamic and cool replica in this non-scale figure from Flame Toys’ Kuro Kara Kuri line. The figure boasts over 50 points of articulation for deep bend poses. A collection of over 380 diecast pieces faithfully recreate Drift’s design along with LED in lights in his head, chest, and shoulders. There are also two interchangeable expressions in addition to his standard stoic face plate: one mid-shout and a snarl. The figure includes his legendary Great Sword and two additional short blades. Details on the Great Sword include the luminescent white stone on the hilt and notched blade shape. The sword also changes shape with an effect on the handle that splays out the hilt in a crossguard fashion and changes the stone to blue. The figure also includes a wired, malleable cape based on the one he inherited from Wing.
Product Name: Kuro Kara Kuri Transformers Drift
Manufacturer: Flame Toys
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale figure
Materials: ABS, PVC, PA, POM, diecast
Height (Approx.): 200mm | 7.9"
Nendoroid Bumblebee Figure
Optimus Prime’s most trusted lieutenant, and arguably cutest Autobot, Bumblebee appears in chibi form in this Nendoroid figure. The rounded lines of his namesake movie’s disguised form, a Volkswagen Beetle, easily translate to standard Nendoroid design. The figure even retains the round shape of the headlights on his chest. His new proportions still include intricate attention to detail when reproducing the mechanical details of a Transformer. The bright silver metallic paintwork complements Bumblebee’s iconic saturated golden yellow. The figure also includes an additional face part depicting his Battle Mode mask. Detailed carving on the mask shows the hexagonal insect-like pattern on the eyes. Accessories include his arm cannon, sword, and interchangeable hands. Carving detail on the arm sword depicts the hollow middle and serrated edge.
Product Name: Nendoroid Bumblebee
Manufacturer: Sentinel
Sculptor: NEQ
Paintwork: namoji
Specifications: Painted, articulated, non-scale ABS & PVC figure with optional parts and stand
Height (Approx.): 100mm | 3.9"
Transformers Series Story
Transformers is a toy line and media franchise featuring many canon storylines and partnerships with other franchises. The Transformers themselves are human-like, living giant robots hailing from the planet Cybertron. There are two main factions in the Transformers universe. The heroic Autobots, who often play the role of the protagonist, and the evil Decepticons. In their interactions with humans, Autobots attempt to serve as allies while Decepticons see them as pests. Transformers media includes over 25 animated series, 4 animated films, 6 live-action films, numerous comic books, and a variety of console-based video games.
Transformers Series Development
Transformers began as an American rebranding of Takara toys’ Diaclone and Microman mecha toy lines. Through the partnership with American toy company Hasbro, these figures were re-released under the name Transformers. Hasbro writers invented a new narrative around the toys while most of Takara’s toy designs remained unchanged. The toy launch coincided with an animated series, The Transformers, in 1984. The original series ran for four seasons until 1987 with a theatrical film released in 1986. While an American series co-produced by Marvel and Sunbow Productions, most animation was done by Japanese studio Toei Animation. Each launch of a new toy line received a corresponding animated series. A fan convention called “BotCon” was held every year from 1994 until 1996 for collectors to assess new special edition figures. Since 2017, the convention is now part of Hasbro’s HASCON.
Links
Premium Scale Optimus Prime Collectible Figure
Kuro Kara Kuri Transformers Drift
Nendoroid Bumblebee
Transformers Label
Optimus Prime Label