Power Master Optimus Prime!!!

Out of all of the Transformers figures across the 25 years of the franchise's history, there is no other toy of which I have such fond childhood memories. I got him for Christmas when I was six years old, and the adventure really began (although when I was a "too cool" teenager, I got rid of him). I am actually in the process of restoring a beat up toy with no accessories I found at a local comic book store for $5.00. This to me is the grand daddy of them all, Power Master Optimus Prime! The version in this pic is the re-issued version released in 2001 which was basically an imported Japanese variant with chrome parts and slider fists.

Power Master Optimus Prime was the first new Prime figure since his original release in 1984. This toy came out in 1988 to "celebrate" the character's return. Although the animated series had ended its run of original episodes in 1987 and Optimus had returned in late 1986 or early 1987, this was still super fun to see! The vehicle mode is excellent, and Prime is armed to teeth! He has a lot of guns on his trailer, and the trailer itself can transform into a battle station.

The Power Master gimmick involves a small Nebulon character transforming into an engine for Optimus and unlocking the toy's ability to transform. To transform the cab to robot mode, you simply plug the engine into the grill (or push the white tab if you don't have the engine), flip down the legs, flip the feet out, unfold the arms, and flip out the head. The figure has next to no articulation, but it still looks awesome! The big surprise was the super robot mode. You simply transform Optimus back to truck mode, and fold the rear section up. Prime now looks like a cube. From trailer mode, remove the guns, flip down the side panels to reveal the legs, flip down and rotate the arms, plug the truck cab into the top section, plug in the gray dual guns for the smoke stacks, and plug in the head. The only articulation is in the robot's arms and legs, so he really is kind of a brick. However, this brick looks great!

There are three Transformers that above all others, I can say are my favorites. One is Overlord (although I have never had one), the next is Cyclonus from the Classics line (I love the mold), and finally is the powerful Power Master Optimus Prime. He sells for a decent price on eBay. His parts are also widely available on eBay, so if you are restoring one (like me, but I doubt anyone is ;) ), you can easily find the parts. Great figure and a true classic!