20th Anniversary Optimus Prime
 Once again our LuckyX has been kind enough to provide pictures and an article of the 20th Anniversary Optimus Prime toy robot.Below we have additional pictures of the prototypes that went up for auction.
 You will notice that there is still some unknowns with the design. We have two different chest transformations, or at least parts. One design appears to have a one-piece solid "abs" area on the robot. The more primitive earlier design has an open "cove" in this abdomen area. My guess is that the solid front design, and not the cove will be in the final toy.
Also of note is that the smoke-stacks seem to be sawed off in the United States version. Just like the re-releases of the G-1 Optius these smoke-stacks had to be shortened to pass child safety standards.
Now the Masterpiece Optimus Prime Review by LuckyX
 This is it, Transfans: we have died and gone to Cybertronian heaven. The 20th anniversary is upon us and so is the prototype for the Masterpiece Edition Optimus Prime! Takara has pulled no punches with this design- this piece will literally redefine the industry, exceeding anything seen before. Companies with flagship lines like Bandai's Gundam and Tomy's Zords will be hard pressed to compete with this level of stunning quality. I've watched as other enthusiast stare slack-jawed and glassy eyed, pinching themselves, expecting to wake up from a dream. This is truly a masterpiece.
Fist, a comparison with the 1984 Optimus. The Masterpiece Edition Optimus is fully three times bigger, standing about 12" high in robot mode. It must weigh about four pounds with the size of it's diecast pieces. The Semi cab vehicle mode has been updated with details like heat venting, running lights, an angled windshield, a driver's seat, and spring loaded suspension on the treaded rubber tires. The mind bending transformation utilizes over 70 joints while maintaining the basic physiology of the original.
 In robot mode, one begins to realize the fully glory of this piece. Ankles and elbows have collapsing hydraulic pistons that telescope as the joint is moved. The chest opens exactly like the movie's death scene. Inside is a chamber holding the Matrix. The production model has an LED that sheds ghostly light on the chamber. When you remove the Matrix (feeling as if you are performing some sacred rite), you can see the casing pops open to fully expose the translucent core. A small trigger button moves the faceplate to mimic the speech effect used on the cartoon. Light pipe/ fiber optic eyes collect background light to create a glowing effect. Both wrists have a flip-up communications screen for issuing battlefield orders. Each limitless action limb can pose all the way from from a lunge to kneeling. Weapons include Prime's laser rifle, his energon axe wielded in the classic episode 'More Than Meets the Eye', and a scaled down Megatron Walter P-38 with extension stock. Megatron's scope and silencer are removable and the stock can be collapsed.
All we can do is wait. The Japanese edition should be out this December, with a domestic release early next year. Details are still sketchy, but there may be some deco variation with scorch marks, oil stains, and other weathering. The big question now is this: how long until the trailer/ Hi-Q headquarters is made?
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