G2 Laser Optimus Prime

Series: Generation 2
Allegiance: Autobot
Categories: Laserrod
Function: Leader
Year: 1995

Freedom is the right of all sentient beings!
Showdown with Megatron in sector 17 of the Mirtonian constellation left Optimus severely damaged. Entire structural integrity and logistical circuitry processors were programmed into a sleeker, stronger, combat-ready configuration! Now this ultimate super hero has an arsenal of weaponry ready to repel an attack and immobilize Megatron once and for all! With Optimus' giant, laser-targeting rocket launcher, ripple-fire missile blaster and armor-piercing discs, Megatron had better think twice before firing the next shot...or it could prove to be his last!

Robot Mode: One of the best robot modes from the entire G2 line and you'd be hard-pressed to find one better in G1, either. Optimus is looking extremely cool with his large shoulder-mounted rocket-launchers and thanks to great posability he can strut his stuff in all sorts of cool poses. Also the first Optimus to carry a sword, Laser Prime is top-notch in robot mode. There is also an electronic gimmick that can make the muzzles of his gun glow red by pressing a button on his back. The only minor flaw of this robot is the fact that the driver cabine from his truck mode hanging on his back makes him a bit prone to toppling over backwards, but given his posability that is one easily corrected flaw. Straight A here.

Side note: I applied new stickers here, see below for a pic with the original stickers. Though I think the previous owner of this beauty switched the stickers on his chest around, making them read "Prime Optimus".

Vehicle Mode: Optimus transforms into a tanker truck. What is remarkable is that the primary colour of the truck is black instead of red. Oh, there is a lot of red left, but he does have a pretty dark look for a heroic character. The truck can utilize the same electronic gimmick that makes the robot mode gun glow to light up his headlights. Overall a very good truck mode. Only the stickers on the side are a bit much.

Partners / Add-Ons: Optimus' trailer opens up into a battle station, which can shoot various missiles and discs. The station is nothing too special, but as far as battle station trailers go, it's quite good.

Mising Parts: Apart from some missing missiles and a boxy launcher for the battle station, Optimus Prime used to have a clear sword, too, which I'm missing. I substituted the sword from Black Convoy in the pictures, which is the same just with a red tint.

Remarks: Much of Generation 2 sucked, toy-wise, but it did bring us what I consider to be the best Optimus Prime of the 20th century (seeing as RID Optimus came out in 2001). Laser Prime is not only cool-looking, he is very posable (especially for a toy from that time) and also kind of reminds me of the War Within Optimus Prime from the Dreamwave Comic Series. My Optimus has seen better days, some of his joints are a bit worn, but he's still in good shape and kicks major ass in my collection. No wonder they recycled this toy for RID in the form of the Optimus-clone Black Convoy / Scourge. They certainly picked one of the best moulds from the entire franchise.

Rating: A-