TRDQ: Missing Link C-01 Optimus Prime Review

[@krishacz]

casually showing us that massive optimus combiner

[@tzgaming207]

echoes of gobots command center 😄

[@fen4554]

I love how he's just rambling away as he pans up a tower of 84 optimus fused together in eldritch horror.

[@pinkstinger]

You can see how emotional Gavin is about this toy, just due to the length of the video. Not that I'm complaining, it was an entire experience.

[@daverage4729]

Unnerving as knowing that Powermaster Prime was indeed making a 'beeline to my asshole', it didn't stop me spilling tea all over the floor with the laughing. 🤣🤣🤣

[@MellowGaming]

It's an absolute revelation of a toy. My G1 Prime is from my childhood so is 40 years old and he feels like it. Missing Link feels like getting a brand new G1 Prime buu it's not just the rose tinted memory version of it. This one goes beyond that. My original one is suffering with age now. The blue plastic seats inside the cab appear to be falling apart and getting in the way of the head rotating in so I think he needs to be retired from transforming now. Missing Link can take his place. That said, if they do another standard reissue og G1 prime for the 40th anniversary I'll be grabbing that like the easily manipulated rube I am.

[@ThePuff18]

Arguably, this IS the Rose Tinted Prime! It’s like what you remember Prime being able to do when you were a kid!

[@-mcpie-6802]

I cannot unsee screaming vampires on Prime's knee pads.

[@tomjames9681]

I’m a little excited to see the 3rd party takes on “missing link” figures. I’d love to see characters that have never been in G1, like a missing link Bulkhead or Tarn. The missing link Grimlock looks awesome.

[@TTMMH42]

Listens to Gavin's Optimus Prime journey .... Yup same, exactly the same

[@tzgaming207]

Once, while trying to reconnect with my estranged father, children's television came up in conversation, & he made one of his typical snide comments (the man has no idea what manners are) that the 1st time he saw me watching Mr. Rogers as a kid, he thought he was a simp (old-school definition). I had to set the man straight, that Mr. Rogers & Optimus Prime were better father figures than he ever was. Flummoxed.

[@sophieprime4669]

That little hand wave was adorable i love u optimarse

[@Guatdefook]

That Prime cab/trailer gestalt is a thing of horrifying and beautiful nightmares.

[@shinkojima8903]

I'm super in love with this toy and I'm glad you are too. My only gripe is you have to be careful to make sure his wrists are above the bumper as opposed to behind it when transforming him to vehicle mode, or he might not be flush and have some issues rolling. It makes him a tad more fiddly than the original but it's a small price to pay.

[@scambroselauntrellus3681]

The leader of the good guys in Transformers didn't have to have Optimus' mold. It could have been any of the many Diaclone toys, but they chose this red truck to be the leader. I think that choice is more important to the success of Transformers than people realize.

[@thenate5367]

Especially considering that the Autobot symbol resembles the Datsun head for some reason (although I don't think I've ever heard solid confirmation that Prowl or Bluestreak was originally meant to be the Autobot leader)

[@BenDaresAll]

4:06 Optimus Prime can totally DAD! Or substitute dad, at least

[@a_world_made_of_cardboard]

Fantastic review. Again, your skill at writing and recording these little videos adds to the experience. I agree. The other Optimus Prime toys will never live up to the first. The fact that the missing link version even exists is a testament to the near perfection of the original toy. Thank you for a great journey down memory lane and a fantastic review of a great toy who holds a big place in our childhood.

[@BenBoyee]

I never had the original G1 Optimus toy in any capacity until missing link, and to be honest, I never really cared about getting one. I have plenty of respect for the toy, but I look at my shelf with at least a dozen Primes that all benefit from over 40 years of better engineering knowledge and said "I'm good." But now that I have Missing Link, I completely understand what folks are talking about. G1 Prime is such a solid figure, and while it's not one-to-one the same, Missing Link captures that simplicity and solid engineering that helped make Transformers a household name. It's a gorgeously molded wonder of high-quality plastic and die-cast metal that stands the test of time even after four decades.

[@BenBoyee]

Also, with that brief face reveal of you with wish bear, I'm pretty sure you're from the same White Guy Factory. Just replace the square eyeglass frames with round wire ones and you're the 80's equivalent of me.

[@michaelpytel3280]

All your Optimus Primes combined into --- PrimeHenge !!! It's just Awesome !

[@danielbrant6740]

The only G1 Optimus toy I've messed with is the 25th anniversary one that was released in the '09 Universe line. That one had all the original accessories & gimmicks but also included a reprint of the 1st G1 Marvel US comic along with a standalone speaker that played Peter Cullen (or a very close sound-alike of him) voice clips. I've sold him ages ago, but he was a fun lad at the time.

[@caseymartinez1349]

8:41 that’s pretty cool!

[@caseymartinez1349]

Power master Optimus Prime was my first Optimus Prime also. I remember putting him on layaway at Shopko and paying him off with my own money.

[@rayvenkman2087]

It does as great a job as the Motu Origins figures in mimicking the vintage but with more articulation. This one goes above and beyond. It looks like the original toy from nearly all angles. I do hear Hasbro making a budget version for Legacy. If he's even half as good as this guy, that's gonna be the G1 Prime to mess with repeatedly.

[@talljoke]

One of your best videos! I love it when you let down those iron walls and let your fans know a bit about you, even for a moment.

[@cowpuddles4851]

I never had the original Prime (he was a bit expensive at the time) but this reissue looks beautiful. Great job making him relevant but keeping the original looks of the toy.

[@jussts]

8:30 Whoa...

[@dunguswungus359]

Maybe it goes against the spirit of the channel but i always love your longer form content. You got a charisma where i could watch you review a sleeve of saltines and leave fulfilled

[@TRDQ]

no spoilers for next review!

[@caseymartinez1349]

New to the channel and you won me over. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 “Liked, commented, subscribed!”

[@Sparticuse]

I also had power master prime instead of g1. I always hated the windshield on his back, but the base mode was a regular fixture on my shelf.

[@thecianinator]

8:29 made me lol, thank you

[@plasticmissile]

Superb presentation, subbed! This figure also means so much to me as an 80's kid that never had a G1 Optimus until the early 2000's when I started crackhead-collecting off eBay. Such a brilliantly simple concept that adds more play value and expands imagination to a design with an already godlike status. Cheers!

[@TheMelloyMan]

Lmao I love the g1 optimus combiner

[@scolioreset]

I never owned the G1 toy and it will change next month. I managed to secure a preorder (most likely a refresh). I consider both Optimus and Vader to be the “king of action figures”. For Vader, I used to have the PotF2 Flashback Photo version but I no longer have it (and the saber broke). The new one in The Vintage Collection outclasses all previous versions of the smaller scale it’s not even funny. I’m a stickler for engineering and posability so when I see Convoy capable of doing what the kids back then could dream of doing… There is something we adults can only appreciate and show to future generations. I can only love the simplicity of the OG Convoy for now.

[@RobCamp-rmc_0]

Powermaster Optimus Prime was my first, and only, Optimus Prime. Didn’t have many Transformers, I was poor, the only other real one I had was G1 Jazz, which I got through a cereal box offer, and it broke the day I got it. God _dammit._

[@DavidCousens]

Damn you, Gav! I didn’t think I wanted this until just now!

[@ThePuff18]

Good I love this guy (both Gav and Prime, but mostly prime. Gav would probably agree.) I haven’t gotten Missing Link, but I picked up G1 at a convention. Fuckin BLAST. I really want to pick this guy up, but that price is a bit much for my wallet. Maybe when Bee comes out? Edit: if someone makes a new part for him that makes one of the fake stickers look like it’s peeling off; then I will absolutely pick this boy up.

[@ae_double]

I got that 20th anniversary reissue of Optimus Prime way back when it was released and just gotten into collecting Transformers as a late teen with disposable income, (Remember when Transformers toys were priced cheaply around then? Unicron was only about £50 as the most expensive at the time!) and he's always been a swell time. I wasn't too sure if I need bother with Missing Link just because initially it's the same toy but with poseable limbs. But the more people who probably thought the same thing kept praising it, the more I start to wonder. It's probably a bit difficult to get now without delving into the expensive second hand market, but if I ever did find one I could get, I might possible consider it.

[@Nediablo]

Awww man! I just wish instead of having mishmash generations figures that they'd release all the 84 bits like this then I'd call it a day 😢 He's bloody perfect! Great video as always Mr. Spence! ❤

[@JunkyardGod]

I brought my G1 Optimus Prime along when I deployed back in 2011-2012. Edit: I think I might get a Missing Link Optimus now

[@russellharrell2747]

I would have been surprised if the Missing Link Prime video was shorter than 9 min. It’s the least you can do for your Dad.

[@oceanelambert2507]

my oldest transformers toy is probably from the 2007 movie line lol, so i have no prior attachment to g1 toys but damn... he does look amazing. And i totally see what you mean about a toy that "does what it's doing". There's definitely something elegant about a design that does exactly what it sets out to do, nothing more nothing less. i guess it's not perfection, it's conciseness ? but like not in a boring way. It's elegant and silly and whimsical at the same time. Too expensive for me though, so i'm playing with the toy vicariously through this video hahaha

[@MrCassetteMan]

That Shawn Michaels HBK pose though 😂

[@rayvenkman2087]

Needs the fannypack for his magic sugar.

[@Psientologist]

Definitely want one of these and annoyingly that trailer does almost look worthwhile. I always feel a strange mix of emotions when you show off the PowerMaster Prime after selling it to you, I do miss it a bit, but then it's really nice to see it under the lights rather than probably in a box on a shelf collecting dust. Plus it's been a good visual to show your own TF fan origins... also 2 in 1984? OLD BASTARD (I was -2)

[@CardboardBots]

Thanks for this.

[@youmongrel]

I ended up buying both. Not sure if those crotch sliders are going to last as long as the legacy design though.

[@ShaunStephens777]

I can’t wait for missing Link bumblebee and Cliff jumper

[@dialNforNinja]

Hooray for Space Dad!

[@michaellombardi1620]

I never owned a g1 prime, so have been thinking about picking this up

[@mattmarshall9969]

If only the new Priime had a Magenta Roller :(

[@RamblingCatastrophe]

Hello Scott! Daddy's back!

[@darkangel076]

Someday my dad will come home. I mean, obviously 39 years is a long time just to drive to the convenience store for some cigarettes, but I'm sure he'll be back. Aaaaaaany minute now.

[@luchalegend2185]

I ended up getting the animation version but yeah, it is a really nice toy

[@BeardedNerdSE]

I don't really want this thing, but I know that if they make Missing Link versions of Prowl, Smokescreen, Jazz or Soundwave I'll be buying them day one. And this year I'll spend a lot of cash on MP Ginrai, so that will have to do.

[@SkullGrin-s7y]

My biggest concern with Missing Link is that they're eventually going to make a Soundwave, and my poor wallet will not be safe.

[@niymeh342]

Where is the blue matrix at 1:00 from?

[@TRDQ]

Link in description!

[@originaluddite]

This looks amazing. It is the original and _yet_ is also a brand new thing. It feels like something from a slightly better parallel universe in which my calls for 'box art accurate' Transformers came true. :) However I think I'm content to just look at reviews of it. I still have my less agile original. I still have the Bumblebee movie version which is fantastic, if too fiddly for me to very often play with. I'm taking the non-consumerist path here so that others can indulge a bit more. ;) And as valid as corporation critiquing is, I feel it worth saying that the designers of these toys or the creators of corresponding characters likely did put love into these things. I'm happy they did.

[@thedeadpoolwhochuckles.6852]

I would love if they did this with G1 Astro train. or you know at least fix his stubby little arms, make them extend like it was originally going to do.

[@Theover4000]

Still kicking myself over cancelling my pre order for this guy!! :((( I hope they restock or I can find one for a reasonable price.

[@LucasTigy2]

i need a full image of your optimus combiner

[@TRDQ]

bsky.app/profile/gavtrdq.bsky.social/post/3kudyt4codk2l

[@MRay-zj4ro]

Lovely review. Any thoughts on the Missing Link Sentinel Prime?

[@TRDQ]

Nah

[@MRay-zj4ro]

@@TRDQ : I think I’m a yeah. May do a mini diorama with the scanning satellite from the Autobot Headquarters Three-Pack set.

[@manjackson2772]

Toy Rambles Done Quite honestly above average speed

[@manjackson2772]

to be clear I'm 100% on board

[@Alzeal07]

well that was quite an emotional review somehow

[@tekyuinajarful]

Yeah, definitely used Magnus as Prime's ghost a lot.

[@FoolyCoolyBlackLagoony]

Great review, ML Prime is great and all, but I want to see Takara or the 3rd party companies tackle the absolute stinkers of G1, we need Missing Link Wheelie.

[@hobobeard]

I was half-way to buying one and might even have been fomo'd into it but in a rare moment of clarity I realised that never having owned the original I have no attachment to this design. Do me a Missing Link G2 Megatron, Skydive or Boss and we'll talk but otherwise I don't think the Reissue-But-Modern thing is for me.

[@Segaman19]

Wowsers!

[@incoherentbabbler4636]

It's weird how they will be revisiting this idea for the Legacy line as a Deluxe in the next few months. I heard rumors that the promo shorts on the Pulse KZbin page with the jazzercise Autobots and also the one with the new Sandstorm actually feature that upcoming Optimus and not this Missing Link one, due to the usual silver over the chrome, the sculpt of the thighs and seeming lack of ankle pivot compared to this one. Other than those, it looks like it does almost everything this guy does.

[@incoherentbabbler4636]

What was I thinking when I typed this? That was clearly the G1 toy. Will you be reviewing the Legacy Deluxe one?

[@BlamoStramo]

"adding articulation at the cost of what made us fall in love with them" what is bro waffling about

[@TRDQ]

You wouldn't understand it's too high brow a topic

[@NorthstarSystem]

"Save our money for a rainy day? It's chucking it down out there" Amen, i hope everyone watching this (and now reading this comment) has a nice day

[@baratiecook]

We were broke and my parents can't afford to buy me g1 optimus prime. Now that I can, I hope I can find this.

[@GrimLocke161]

ML-01 is gorgeous, but under no circumstances will I buy anything designed by Yuki Ohshima, the mangaka of Kiss Players. So, I'm overjoyed that a 3P is making an ML style Grimlock, so I can stick to my guns on this.

[@tylerferguson3193]

Hope you'll have a good day

[@elpizo1789]

In terms of everyday enjoyment, did you ever noticed the details on the face mask look like anime blush stickers? Now try to not notice that every single day.

[@HeresWhyItsCool]

Now waiting for the Care Bear "Wish Bear" review.....

[@TRDQ]

They are fantastic

[@jiggyshark4511]

TRDL: toy reviews done long

[@Cdr2002]

Your dad finally came back? Did he remember the milk?

[@leftygurl]

wish bear is great but i think we all know that grumpy is the real star of the show

[@TRDQ]

If I let you in on a small industry secret - the Bear I'm holding in that pic? Grumpy.

[@ShokoArc]

Hello Gavin

[@TRDQ]

Hello Lex

[@trash44gzgigasmashkaza50]

When i saw the price my wallet doed suicide its too over priced for a toy despite the nostalgia my first prime was the G2 laser and that G2 with the air pump shooting rockets like the purple G2 tank megatron was a bit weird that he hade the green tank 2 frome the comics and prime was totaly same only the voice light box and the spring missile firing guns

[@distressedtomato]

But Gaaaavvvinnnn...... it's 110 quid.....

[@TRDQ]

And absolutely worth... Like probably 60?

[@FREKKI]

I love that this exists now but I definitely don’t want one.

[@bthesilentgames]

Boing