A further example and a couple links

Following up on my post from a couple days ago about the difference in the concept of power between eastern and western cultures I present today's Transformer - Robots in Disguise Optimus Prime.

Optimus is from the same series as the Bullet Train team that I featured in that post and consequently is designed with the same sort of power-up mentality in mind. Optimus Prime makes his first appearance here as a fire truck (something that he would return to several times in subsequent toy-lines as there is only so much you can do with an eighteen-wheeler's trailer and the extra plastic is expensive to produce). And as you can see in the first picture is a modest figure in his normal robot form - however he can combine with all the rest of his vehicle mode (which normally turns into a battle station/communications platform when not in use) and become Super Mode Optimus Prime (pictured below). In this form he goes toe to toe with Megatron and all of his evil forces and is armed to the teeth.

I know what you're wondering and the
answer is yes - he's a firetruck with a
missile ladder!

But it gets better than that - because Optimus Prime can further combine with his "brother" Ultra Magnus to form the most powerful Transformer - Omega Prime. This really is a cool figure in and of itself and for the kitbashers out there (people who do custom work to turn one figure into another character) this mold makes a fantastic Hot Spot (G1 protectobot leader).

Optimus was an investment when I was in my third year at college - he was a toy I couldn't afford but at the time I couldn't care less. Debt means very little to the average college student, and I was thoroughly average. He was even more expensive when you factor in that I simply had to buy Ultra Magnus as well to make him complete (look for that figure on Monday). It's probably for the best that I part with him now as he is rife with small parts that are easy to lose (and that I have lost several times over already - this is actually the first time in a couple years that he's been 100% complete) and if I don't get rid of him soon I won't be able to get as much for him.


One other thing today. A good friend of mine (who's blog I have promoted before) is doing a series on the doctrine of Hell and it's place in the Christian and Missionary Alliance (in Canada) statement of faith. He's done two parts so far and if you're the type that enjoys a good pondering of theology you'll find his thoughts fascinating. Check out part one here and part two here.

Until Monday,

Chris