Masterpiece Optimus Primal, MP-32, is the first Beast Wars Masterpiece, and John DeLuna, Brian Kilby, Diecast and Don call it a hit. The gorilla mode hides the robot well, and the faces match the Mainframe show. At about $100 imported, Brian rates it above Masterpiece Tracks. The crew debates Takara’s next Beast Wars picks and whether Primal will sell.
Price and First Impressions
Brian first nitpicked the robot parts visible on the gorilla’s back, but that lasted only minutes. Don is impressed by how little kibble shows, and Diecast calls it almost perfectly show accurate. Primal runs about $101.80 shipped from Amazon.co.jp, or $120 to $130 domestically. John calls that fair for a Voyager-sized figure. Brian paid about $88 for Masterpiece Tracks and says Primal is worth far more. Diecast warns that Masterpiece Megatron is coming at $250.
Beast Mode, Faces and Accessories
Brian calls it the best gorilla mode he owns and a very successful first beast Masterpiece. Don praises the face sculpt as if it stepped out of the TV. Primal comes with multiple faces for each mode, two swords and, from some retailers, a bonus mace in a banana crate. Diecast says the faces suit the most expressive Prime. Brian thinks the expressions aren’t exaggerated, and Don’s go-to is the neutral face.
Robot Mode and Transformation
The legs carry most of the new engineering, while the arms barely change, as on the original toy. Brian briefly got stuck on the chest but transformed it without instructions and never felt it would break. Don loves the twin forearm blasters, which the Ultra Class toy lacked. Diecast thinks Primal beats what third party has managed with Beast Wars so far.
What Comes Next for Beast Wars Masterpiece
Diecast wants Megatron and then Dinobot. Don expects Tarantulas and Blackarachnia, Tigatron from Cheetor, and hopes for Transmetal Optimus Primal and Megatron. Brian is bullish: Beast Wars fans now have disposable income, and Primal re-energized the line. Diecast thinks interest drops after the leaders, and one host dismisses Transmetals while others defend them. Don expects Primal to sell well, with only post-holiday markdowns. Asked if a Masterpiece combiner will ever happen, Don and Brian say yes, Diecast says no and John says yes, Victory Saber style.
Contributors: John DeLuna, Brian Kilby, Diecast, Don
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