Toy Review: Flame Toys Optimus Prime (Kuro Kara Kuri 04)

Flame Toys has anointed their Kuro Kara Kuri line with the Autobot leader Optimus Prime. Another killer release for this line; check out the article to get the full rundown.

Producer: Flame Toys (designed by Chemical Attack)

Price: Approx. $450 USD

Release Date: Mar. 2020 (Jan. 2020 Overseas)

Item Height: approx 8.5″

Item Weight: N/A

Batteries: 7x LR41 Cell Batteries

WHERE TO BUY: TFSource

When it comes to Transformers figures, Flame Toys has the niche that they cater to down pact. Their Kuro Kara Kuri line specializes in presenting high-end, heavily articulated, non-transforming homages to the “Transformers” characters, currently focusing on their presentations in the IDW comics. The latest in this line if the Autobot leader and the most famous Transformer character of all time, Optimus Prime. Flame Toys has given this Optimus a very unique aeshtetic along with one of the most cool variety of accessories I’ve seen in general. This is an absolute killer piece and I hope that you enjoy this breakdown of it.

Presentation: The box for this is consistent with the other Flame Toys releases in that it’s a thick, cardboard case that opens book-style via the front folding over and attaching to the side via magnets. Inside both the figure and accessories are nice packed within multiple layers of plastic clamshells.

Build: Like the rest of the line, the Flame Toys Optimus Prime is one comprised of plastic and diecast throughout the frame and key external pieces. There is a nice, hefty feel to it and the use o friction joints is appreciated but I do feel like at this point their joints in general could be tighter. It’s not so bad immediately, but over time and especially with the use of heavier accessories like this figure in particular it gives an uneasy feel knowing that the joints are prone to going much more loose.

It should also be noted that the paint application on this is sublime, per line standard. The applications and finish of this line are something that all companies should look at and copy.

Accessories: Here’s a list of the accessories taken from the D4Toys.com product listing;

– Swords x 2
– Small axes x 2
– Short cannon x 1
– Big sword x 1
– Extra interchangeable hands x 6 (LR)
– Extra interchangeable faces x 2
– Display stand

Exclusive Parts:

– Big Turbo Jet Axe x1 (only available in D4toys.com, official shop Sen-ti-den and Flame Toys direct event)

The accessories on this one are killer. It takes common weapons for Prime like his blaster and axes and gives them a creative spin, while adding in new things like the Bay movie-esque swords giving him such a wide array of weaponry that I really feel that it’s almost objectively impossible to be happy with the weapons.

When it comes to the D4Toys Exclusive Turbo Axe, it’s big and extremely aesthetically pleasing but I felt the hands included to hold it should have been made with a tighter grip and the elbow and forearm joints in general aren’t made with thight enough friction to hold it well with a single arm which is unfortunate but can be rectified with joint tightening methods.

I should also touch on the additional faces for the sake of them being immaculately done. Flame Toys Optimus comes with an unmasked face as well as one that has a partial, broken mask with a grimacing maskless expression underneath. Both are really nice and it’s nice to have options that are all good enough to be permanent shelf displays. The only downside to the faces is that they’re seemingly impossible to swap out with the method shown in the instructions but if you watch the video above there’s an easier path shown.

Articulation: Is with all products in this line, Optimus feels legitimately made for posing. The articulation is tops and you should check out the video portion of this article to see it in action.

Overall Score: 9.0/10 – The Flame Toys Kuro Kara Kuri 04 Optimus Prime joins the ranks of my favorite Optimus Prime figures with ease. The look, build, articulation, and accessories are all just tops. Even the improvements like the easier-to-access light switches show that not only is the Flame Toys team learning/improving but really wanted this particular one to feel like a special, pinnacle release. I even like that the D4Toys exclusive axe is extremely cool but even without you get a fantastic set of accessories that doesn’t make you feel like you’ve missed out. The only reason the score on this isn’t a 10+ is due to the joints still not being where I feel they should be. With as much potential as this has in the playability sense it’s a shame that the joints detract from it to an extent.