Transformers Dark of the Moon: Fireburst Optimus Prime (Voyager Class)

Presenting the Fireburst Optimus Prime Voyager class from Hasbro's Transformers Dark of the Moon toy-line. I have to admit that the first time I saw the DOTM Voyager class Optimus Prime, I thought that it was one of the crappiest toys I've ever seen. I definitely didn't want it and I thought that it was an insult to fans - especially in light of how good the Decepticon Voyager Class toys looked - especially Shockwave.

I felt further justified after watching the movie. However when the Fireburst Optimus Prime hit the shelves, I thought that it was a colorful improvement of the existing Voyager class Optimus Prime and came with a battle axe which is something that Prime would actually use. So on a whim and a bad day, I got it and here he is.



Fireburst Optimus Prime is a darker re-paint and re-arming of the regular DOTM Voyager class Optimus Prime. His blister card reads: "Optimus Prime fights with the utmost valor, courage and power. His dominance over the Decepticons is due to countless centuries of battle experience, a mighty armament and a virtuous Spark. Even so, widespread threats to the Autobots and Optimus Prime still exist - there is no time to rest, there is no time for defeat, there is only time for victory!" Personally I think that makes almost no sense, but what the hey?

What's to like about Fireburst Optimus Prime?

Definitely not the design nor the detail - which actually isn't bad (It grows on you). One of the highpoints about the Fireburst Optimus Prime is the articulation. While there are some issues with Fireburst Optimus Primes' footing - the back of the cab locks and prevents his feet from moving - he is quite pose-able.

Fireburst Optimus Prime's main weapon is a mechtech rifle that transforms into a Cybertronian Battle Axe. Admittedly it looks kinda weird in rifle mode - like it's leaking energon or it's on fire.  Fireburst Optimus Prime can wield it with one hand and appear to wield it with both.

You can even mount the rifle behind Fireburst Optimus Prime's shoulders - next to the gas tanks where the Mechtech ports are. However, at best, the rifle can only be brought down to a 45 degree angle - but then it does look like a short range artillery piece so just enjoy your imagination. 

Fireburst Optimus Prime's rifle transforms into a Cybetronian Battle axe. Simply fold in the handle and pull on the peg on the other side and slide it into a small lock. Doing so mechanically snaps the blades of the axe into place. It's not pretty, and it looks like half the time Fireburst Optimus Prime would be bashing something with that "plank" portion of the axe rather than the blade, but it is indeed more to Optimus Prime's character.

Further, this is where the articulation of Fireburst Optimus Prime comes into full use. He can dual wield his axe. In fact he can even hold it above his head for a full double-handed over the head axe-smash! 

Transforming Fireburst Optimus Prime into his truck mode is not that difficult and once you get the hang of it, you won't need the manual. There was some difficulty transforming him the first time though and I had to bring in a blade to pry apart his arms. 

However in truck mode, Fireburst Optimus Prime does not look good with his mechtech rifle attached. It just stands out there like a sore tongue. Also the flame markings are not as distinct as I would have liked them to be.

What's not to like about Fireburst Optimus Prime?

Unfortunately there was no way NOT to bash Fireburst Optimus Prime on the way here, so you probably know enough not to like him already. He's ugly, bulky and just plain.... ugly.

My personal recommendation would be not to buy him now. Wait for him to go on sale if you have to have him, or buy him loose. If you have to have an Optimus Prime now, there are definitely better Optimus Primes out there for you to grab.

Fireburst Optimus Prime is available on Amazon for US$ 19.96 - around PhP 858 (Same price as the regular DOTM Voyager Optimus Prime) - wow it's already on sale in the US since I picked this up for around PhP 1,400 store retail. 

A few last words on the Fireburst Optimus Prime: No you cannot substitute him for the Optimus Prime in the Ultimate Optimus Prime. You can't even attach the trailer to him as the Fireburst Optimus Prime has some "horns" at the back that prevents it from attaching.

And hey, you have to admit this is possible:)

In brightest day! In darkest night!