(NOTE: Because this is a repaint, this is not a full-blown review. This mainly covers any changes made to the mold and the color scheme, and merely compares it to the original Prime "Robots in Disguise" voyager Optimus Prime. For a review on the mold itself, read the review of the original Prime "Robots in Disguise" voyager Optimus Prime figure here.)

    Optimus Prime's partially translucent color scheme for this version of him is likely inspired by the several Japanese "Fire Guts" redecos of his various versions over the years, though the colors are a bit closer to his normal scheme than the actual "almost-all-orange" Fire Guts Prime toys. The transparent red used for most of his fromt cab section/upper body is a really nice, eye-catching shade of the color, being pretty much the exact color of a cherry lollipop. The blue used on this version is significantly lighter and more pastel than the blue on other versions of this character, and gives Prime a nice light, solid color to contrast against his mostly darker color scheme. Even more eye-popping are the translucent orange on the windows and part of his Powerizer weapon, which looks both solid, partially transparent, and fluorescent at the same time. It would appear, from first glance, that most of his "robot-specific" parts like his upper legs and chest are black, along with a good portion of his Powerizer weapon, his front grill, and the section above his windows. In actuality, only the wheels are a "pure" black-- the rest of his "black" parts are actually either a very very dark blue, or a very very dark blue with a hint of green thrown in as well. Given how much this toy strays from primary colors, this is actually one of the few instances in which I prefer the slightly-tinted, "impure" black to the purer kind, as it's in keeping with his overall color scheme and complements his light pale blue a bit better. There's a few other accent apps, like the silver on his rear-view mirrors and face and dull yellow headlights, but the vast majority of his colors are one of the aformentioned colors-- he actually has comparatively few paint apps, but given how much of him is transparent I actually prefer it this way, since otherwise it would look too visually crowded. He's also got a nifty "gold shield" paint app behind the Autobot symbol on his truck's nose, which markes him as a "Dark Energon Defender" in this exclusive assortment-- it's a nice extra little unique touch.
    Believe it or not, Dark Energon Defender Prime actually has a mold change when compared to the mass retail version of this mold-- the head is a different sculpt, with Optimus' mouth showing instead of his usual faceplate. It's all sculpted quite well, and gives him a touch more uniqueness and expression.
    Dark Energon Defender Optimus Prime has a really eye-catching color scheme that's quite original and pops, while still being similar enough to Prime's traditional colors where it's still definitively Optimus. His translucent colors-- the orange in particular-- are fantastic, and the pastel blue and bluish black complement each other while contrasting nicely against said translucent colors. This is as good-looking as this mold's going to get, folks.

Review by Beastbot

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