Transformers Adventure: EZ Collection Toys 'R' Us Prime

I've seen a lot of wild Transformers decos in my days of collecting, but I think this one has to be at the top of the list for the craziest idea. Part of a promo in Japan at, you guessed it, Toys 'R Us stores; spending 3,000 yen or more in new Transformers Adventure product in July of 2015 and you got to take this guy home with you for free.

A redeco of the earlier released Legends figure from Hasbro's Transformers Robots in Disguise (2015), this figure may not be for all collectors. I can get that. However there was just something about this oddly colored figure that called my name.

 

Bundled inside Prime's clear baggie was a folded sheet of instructions and a small card with his colored Autobot symbol. I immediately pulled out my iPhone and launched the Robots in Disguise app so I could scan the Autobot symbol, hoping that I could add Geoffrey Prime to my ranks...but alas it wasn't compatible with the app. Bummer. Who knew these things were region locked?!

In vehicle mode there isn't much to look at. Prime's iconic red has been replaced with orange. There are bits of red poking through. You can see here that one side is red while the other side is green. These form Prime's shoulders in robot mode and you'll see more of that in a bit. 

Once you get him transformed into robot mode you get a better idea of just why he is called Toys 'R' Us Prime! If the star spotted legs weren't enough to give away the Geoffrey mascot homage, then check out those colored shoulders. Initially I thought the designs on his shoulders were tampographed on, but sadly they are just stickers. Blah.

I'm not sure why I enjoy this deco so much. Perhaps its because it's a fun mold? Or perhaps its just because its weird and straight outta left field? No matter the reason this is one little toy that I was glad to jump on and import before the prices started to climb. I paid about as much as you had to buy in Japan to get him for free, but shortly after I purchased mine it seemed as if the asking price started to rise to $50+ on the secondary market. I don't know how many of these identity crisis Prime figures were made, but I can see how this one may only be fore the hardcore collector.

What good is a review of a repainted toy without some comparison pictures against the source material? No mold changes, just a new paint design and the addition of the two TRU stickers in robot mode.

Transformers: EZ Collection "Mystery of Convoy" Convoy (Anniversary Clear Version)

In celebration of the launch of the Transformers 4: Age of Extinction movie toys in Japan, Takara Tomy had yet another free promo toy they made exclusively available at the Sunshine City Toys R Us store.  Given away on the night of May 16th with the purchase LA-01 Battle Command Optimus Prime, you received a translucent EZ Convoy. Click HERE for the official Takara Tomy page.

Convoy comes sealed in a little bag along with a set of instructions.  At first I was a taken back by the overall look, but thankfully he looks much better in hand.

The campaign is called, Mystery of Convoy...but what is this mystery they speak of?  Well I still have no idea.  There is a metal pin inserted into the bottom of his foot, but I don't know it's purpose.  I've heard it was to interact with LA-01 Battle Command Optimus Prime while others have said it is supposed to work with a Grimlock toy.  I've also heard the pin is to be used somehow with an upcoming mobile app.  That aside let's look at the actual toy.

If you are familiar with the Legends Optimus Prime mold, then you pretty much know what you are getting here.  Great mold and the translucent plastic looks great in person.  As you can see there aren't any paint apps minus the silver used for this eyes and mouth plate.

I have to admit the vehicle mode looks a little strange with the translucent black plastic out front and center on the truck's grill.  Doesn't bother too much as this guy will be displayed in robot mode alongside other Convoys and Primes.

Comparison pics with Transformers Generations Optimus Prime legends scale.  When I snapped these pictures is when I noticed a mold change to the top of the cab, where the head flips out.

On the Hasbro version (top), the back of the head panel on top of the cab is somewhat smooth.  However on the Takara Tomy version (bottom) I noticed a raised peg hole.  I don't recall seeing this before, however I don't own any other versions of this mold.  Perhaps all of the Japanese EZ Collection versions of this toy have this peg hole.  Can anyone confirm?

Here you can see this mysterious peg that was inserted into Convoy's foot.  I spent a good time with Google today trying to find out what the purpose of the peg is, but it appears it is still just speculation.  Perhaps Takara Tomy has other events or promotions planned this year that will shed some light on this mystery pin.

If you are a Convoy/Optimus fan or just like translucent toys or the smaller scaled Transformers, then you may find this to be a worthy purchase.  I grabbed mine for $10 shipped from an overseas seller and for that price I'm satisfied.  Here lately though I'm seeing people wanting $25-$35 which seems a little steep to me.  I'll let you make the call on whether he is worthy to be in your collection or not.