Let’s begin with the packaging. The box is as plain as they come, basic cardboard with simple printed text and checkboxes to denote the version inside. It lacks the flashy graphics and branding of many figures today, but there’s something practical and almost utilitarian about it. It’s serviceable and protective, which is really all it needs to be. For collectors who value shelf appeal in their packaging, it may fall flat, but for those who focus on the figure itself, it's perfectly acceptable
Out of the box, the figure reveals its true strengths. It’s packed with accessories more than most modern and official releases. The inclusion of multiple effect parts, his iconic blaster, the energy axe, and even parts to convert into a clear nod to Skybound’s Transformers comic interpretation of Optimus Prime are standout elements. There’s an abundance of display and play value here, especially when you factor in the four interchangeable heads, allowing for a variety of expressions and moods, which helps capture Optimus Prime in different moments whether calm, commanding, or mid-battle.
In robot mode, it boasts exceptionally clean lines. The silhouette is sleek, blocky in a deliberate, G1 faithful way, yet refined in proportion and articulation. The design feels like a matured evolution of the original toy one that captures the cartoon aesthetic more faithfully while offering better proportions and modern build quality. The head sculpt (whichever one you choose) and general details are especially sharp.
Transformation is intuitive and smooth, and the vehicle mode is a standout. The truck is compact and well-proportioned, with clean seams and no unsightly gaps. It’s arguably one of the best G1 style Optimus Prime truck modes released in recent memory. The trailer is present and accounted for, and while simple, it completes the look and reinforces the iconic profile of Prime’s Earth mode.The plastic quality is solid & sturdy without being brittle, with a satisfying weight even without any die-cast metal. While there is minimal painted detailing, the molded plastic does a lot of the visual work, and the few painted accents are cleanly applied. The lack of die-cast is notable, especially for collectors who favour a premium feel, but the figure does not suffer from it in terms of pose ability or durability.Articulation is good, though not class leading. You get most of the expected joints: ankle tilts, bicep swivels, a decent range of motion in the shoulders and legs, and a head on a ball joint. However, compared to some other figures in the same class particularly those from third-party or official lines, this Optimus Prime falls slightly short in terms of dynamic posing. Still, it’s more than adequate for most display and action shot purposes.When compared to the original 1984 Optimus Prime toy, MD-005 is clearly a loving evolution. It captures the spirit of that first toy the blocky form, the heroic stance, the trailer but enhances every aspect: proportions, articulation, transformation, and accessories. It feels like the Optimus Prime your childhood self imagined, finally realised in plastic.In conclusion, MD-005 is a standout knock off release. It’s thoughtful in its design, generous with its accessories, and lovingly faithful to its source material. Despite its lack of die-cast, simple box, and just above average articulation, it’s a fantastic figure overall. For seasoned collectors, newer fans or folks not wanting to shell out for the official release, this is a great item well worth purchasing.And that’s about it. The rest you can gather from the photo’s or by heading over to Show.Z Store and buying one for yourself.
And with that, I’m out of here. I’ve been Edd, he's been MD-005 KO SS86 Optimus Prime and you’ve been awesome for spending a little time reading my ramblings.
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