This Kuro Kara Kuri Optimus Prime toy is unlike anything else out there.Ollie BarderOne of the newer toy companies to make a splash in recent years is Flame Toys, and their take on Optimus Prime from classic Transformers is impressive.To give a bit of a history lesson, Optimus Prime was originally known as Convoy from the Takara toy line, Diaclone. Diaclone and Microman would eventually be merged into Transformers, and Convoy was renamed Optimus Prime as a result.Its important to know this as one of the original mecha designers behind Convoy, and consequently, Optimus Prime was Shoji Kawamori.Kawamori has made a name for himself over the years with his various transforming mecha designs, such as the variable fighters in the long-running Macross series. That means that when Optimus Prime is rendered in more detailed toy form, he tends to be more styled towards the Kawamori style of design.However, in this instance, Optimus Prime has been given a more athletic design, closer to something Masami Obari would create. Thats because, unlike other Transformers toys, this one doesnt transform.MORE FOR YOUOver the years, Ive often joked about why anyone would want a Transformers toy that doesnt transform. I mean, whats the point of doing a toy like that? Well, Flame Toys have a very solid answer to this.Put simply, this is a straight-up action figure of Optimus Prime. It has epic articulation, diecast parts throughout, and a wide array of accessories and gimmicks.The big change is that the Obari-infused styling makes regular transformation impossible, and the emphasis has subsequently been placed on making Optimus Prime look as cool as robotically possible.You also get an array of lights, from the eyes to the Matrix of Leadership in the chest and on the knees (with batteries included). So its a very comprehensive figure.This Kuro Kara Kuri Optimus Prime toys comes with a lot of accessories and light gimmicks.Ollie BarderIts also pretty chunky and has a nice heft, which is mostly due to the inordinate amount of metal used in its construction.The styling is really king here, and the detail and paintwork are very fine. To be honest, I collect a lot of mecha toys, and to date, Ive not seen one as detailed as this.So, does the loss of transformation make up for all these changes? In short, its a surprising yes. I never thought a straight-up Transformers action figure would win me over so completely, but this is so well done.I had been hesitant about prior Flame Toys releases, but this one is excellent and fun to play with. Despite all the detailing and intricate sculpting, it is still a solid toy with beefy articulation throughout.As for the Jet Power Armor, thats something else entirely.The Jet Power Armor, sold separately, affixes to the outside of the Optimus Prime figure. It, too, comes with all sorts of lights (again, with batteries included), but unlike the base figure, it is much more delicate. Once assembled, it is still astonishing and definitely an imposing piece, but there are many parts involved.That means the playability is noticeably reduced over the base figure. Its also quite fiddly to get the armor parts to attach properly, but once affixed, they stay in place very solidly.Overall, if you want a really cool non-transformable action figure of Optimus Prime, this is clearly the one to get. The use of diecast throughout means the figure is suitably weighty and strong enough to handle its wide-range of articulated motion. The Jet Power Armor is also very impressive but meant more as a display piece. Both still come highly recommended.The Karo Kara Kuri Optimus Prime is available from BigBadToyStore for $399.99 and the the Kuro Kara Kuri Jet Power Armor is priced around $299.Kuro Kara Kuri Optimus PrimeOllie BarderKuro Kara Kuri Optimus Prime GalleryManufacturer: Flame ToysRelease Date: January 2025Price: $399.99Disclosure: Hasbro sent me this toy for the purposes of this review.Follow me on X, Facebook and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition currently touring Japan.