Supreme Tactical Commander Grand Patriot First Impressions

The completely unofficial Optimus Prime (mentioned here) arrived yesterday and I just had to open the box. A full review is coming (I’ve already snapped dozens of photos), but since the review isn’t likely to be online for a day or two I wanted to post my first impressions now.

• Great Look! The toy in vehicle mode and robot mode looks fantastic. Hell, it was seeing the initial photos that sold me on the toy and I have to admit that it looks as great in person as it did in the pics online.
  
• Cheap Plastic. Seriously, this plastic isn’t quite as bad as the The Changeable Robot Sky Hawk (review here) but this is not a high-quality plastic. The act of transforming the toy is an exercise in controlled breathing; you hold your breath as you pray a part doesn’t snap off.
  
• TERRIBLE Instructions. These instructions make the guide included with the Fansproject Protector Armor (review here) look like a detailed, amazing set of instructions. A tip to the unofficial Transformers makers in the audience: MAKE YOUR INSTRUCTIONS CLEAR AND USEFUL. Use your words, people. And either use very big photos or use line art.
  
• Arrived in Bits. Not intentionally, I am sure, but parts were loose and had to be snapped on. And I’m not talking about the gun. I’m talking about the trailer which I still haven’t been able to reassemble.

And that’s enough for now. As I said, I am working on a review and I hope to get it online in a day or two. But for now this is what I think of the toy. And if you have gotta have him right now you can find him at Big Bad Toy Store and Robot Kingdom.