I got the Magnificent Mecha (MPM Bumblebee movie Optimus Prime) yesterday and WOW is that thing impressive. Never though I'd spend that much on a 3rd Party Transformer but I think it was worth it. I took $100 off with my ShowZ points, so I didn't have the big hit to the wallet like some so maybe that plays a bit into it. But, It's definitely a huge leap above the MPM12 that I have and would recommend it if you're looking for a really good Knightverse Prime. It's solid, painted well and really heavy.
If you haven't bought one yet, I recommend:
[Pre-Order] Transform Element TE-01 Optimus Prime
It looks better than the MP-44 as it doesn't have the kibble backpack, it's US$79 and is great quality. I've had mine for over a year now and pairs well with this Megatron:
Infinite Transformation IT-01 Emperor of Destruction Megatron
Jobby the Hong has a review of this OP on YouTube and it was how I discovered it.
The new KO MP44 doesn't have the big kibble backpack like the original or the previous KOs and it's on sale for only $89.99 at ShowZ as well, so for $10 more get the BD Prime head and stomach piece, Starscream head and shoulder intakes, jet pack and blast effects. If those things matter, it’s better bang for the buck at only $10 more.
Also, the thing about the current run of TE01 is that it's a branch of the BMB (Black Mamba) brand and with BMB going underground, there's no telling if/when they'll actually produce that new run of TE01. It’s been on PO for awhile now.
With that said, I have TE01 as well and it's been a really nice stand in for an MP Optimus in my collection. But something about it looks a little out of place to me (I can't put my finger on it) which is why I bought the MP44 KO myself to see if I like how that one looks more than the TE01 figure. Could be that he’s the only one of my G1 MPs that’s not a Takara mold. I do love the accurate Matrix chamber and the way the legs transform for a solid and smooth truck bed in alt mode on the TE01 though. One thing I don't like about the TE01 is the seam on the forehead of the season 1 sculpt for transformation. I wish they would've remolded it a bit to be like the season 2/movie sculpt for later batches to get rid of that line. And if I'm nitpicking, I would prefer the chest to be more toon accurate for bot mode, which is something I do really like about the MP44 since I keep my TF's in bot mode 99% of the time.
Apparently due to the bold move by BMB, they've now gone into hiding for the heat to cool off so that Has/Tak won't catch them. Most retailers are heavily discounting their products to try to get rid of stock as fast as possible as well.
