Henkei Black Optimus Prime Scrapped?

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Last year, there were rumors that Takara was planning on producing a Henkei Black Optimus Prime. Pictures were shown that looked similar to Classics Nemesis Prime, but featured red windows and a slightly different paint scheme. At the time, people speculated that this mysterious black Prime would surface as an event exclusive. But a year has passed and nothing has appeared. We haven’t seen or heard anything. Was this just an apparition? A prototype produced by Hasbro? Or, a Takara project that never panned out?

eBay seller, Ultraconvoy, recently listed information that may shed some light on this elusive figure. According to the seller, this figure was due to be released as an exclusive, but this may never happen. In Ultraconvoy’s words, he had this to say:

This is an unreleased Classic Black Optimus Prime. I was told it was going to be released for a few conventions in Japan but none were true. I was also told it was coming out for winter fest January 2009 but winter fest is canceled due to building problems. We may never know if this figure will be released. Figure is a testshot/prototype.


It is difficult to confirm the truth at this point. This figure has a few differences compared with the Nemesis Prime version. It has Autobot insignias, red windows, and a slightly different paint scheme. Also the words “Not for sale?Eare stamped on the top.

You can discuss whether or not this is a Hasbro or Takara prototype and whether or not it will ever be produced here.


You can see the original auction here.