Transformers Studio Series SS-106 Leader Class Optimus Primal - Pictorial Review

A long overdue review. Had finished the photography last week but haven't got around to sit and start writing. 

Presenting the leader of the Maximals in Rise of The Beast, SS106 Leader Class Optimus Primal

In Package

Perfect choice for the box's artwork. Optimus Primal in gorilla mode looks as intimidating as it gets. One thing I never got used to is how soft the boxes are nowadays.

Back View

Personally I think 2 factors that justified Primal having a leader class price point. The complexity (as opposed to voyager class figure, we'll look into it later) and the accessories. 

Let me rephrase. I'm not saying that I'm okay with it. I'm saying maybe that's how Hasbro justify the price.

Alt Mode

Right off the bat, the deco. His final deco is actually grey and dark grey as opposed to the previous promo pictures where he's shown as being murky brown.

Secondly. SS106 Primal can do one thing that Takara Primal couldn't. Standing on two legs.

Even back during Kingdom time, I've always admire how much detailing Hasbro puts on their Beast Wars figures. It's the same case for ROTB's Beast.

The sculpt is well done with a lot of detailing and textures on the surfaces.

Kibble-free gorilla.

If you're wondering why the hollow head, it's so that he can look forward when he's on all fours.

I think though, I think he's got too many grey parts as opposed to the black, making him dual-tones.

Overall for the Maximals, I think Airazor is the odd one out, color wise. Maybe the green is too vibrant for a live-action beast bot.

It's not what you think!

Robot Mode

Aside from Airazor that's technically a retool of Kingdom Airazor, the other Beasts have quite different transformation sequence compared to their BW/Kingdom counterparts. Primal is no exception either.

While the base-transformation sequence is the same, there are some new takes specifically transformation of the body, the legs and also a bit on the hands.

And I'm glad that the final color is different than what was shown in promo pictures.

One thing I noticed that, while he's not as bulky as the Takara version, he's still not as slender as I thought he'd be. I think the proportion best captured by Yolopark version.

While the kibble is quite small, I think it could've been better and at least, tidier.

The detailing and the headsculpt is nicely done. The black and grey mix really works for Primal

Articulation wise, satisfying. That's another thing missing from the takara version. 

Well, not TOTALLY missing.

He comes with his iconic twin blades (or officially scimitars), that also made their appearance in the movie. Properly colored!

The twin blades/scimitars can be connected using the 2 chain pieces that comes with him.

The chain pieces are moveable at their hinge joints. For better or worse, depending how you're planning on using them, the joints are quite tight.

Just like the previous iteration, his twin blades can also be joined together at the hilts.

The transwarp key. Nice accessory to be included. Nice finishing. Not sure what to do with it.

Lastly, he comes with an axe that fan quickly pointed out, was not for him

At least Hasbro didn't do it like ROTH Prime releases before. Battle Blade Optimus and Battle Hook Optimus.

The axe is nice to have, but nothing special. Unpainted

A fine group indeed. Their aesthetic fits well in live action universe, something I wouldn't had imagined back then.

These 2 scale really well together

But in robot mode. In the movie, Primal was shown to be Optimus Prime's height in both robot or gorilla mode. You need both SS and Takara version to do that.

Just like Mirage and Optimus Prime, Primal is also one of the most awaited released out of the SS ROTB lineup

And he doesn't disappoint. The overall design is quite accurate to his movie appearance, the quality is good and the finishing it quite clean.

I mentioned before about the price points. I think the parts count can be considered high for a voyager class figure. That, and the accessories might be  he reason why Hasbro released him at Leader Class price point. But that's just my speculation. And no I don't agree with that