If you saw Transformers: The Last Knight in 2017, you probably remember the confusing plot. But the toys? That's a different story entirely. Collectors are still hunting for the perfect optimus prime toy transformers 5 edition because the design of the "Knight" Optimus is just so distinct. He ditched the boxy truck parts for a sleek, silver-armored look that looks more like something out of King Arthur's court than a Peterbilt showroom.
Honestly, finding the right one is a headache. There are dozens of versions. Some are basically bricks that barely move. Others have 70+ points of articulation and cost as much as a used car payment.
The Identity Crisis of the Knight Prime
When Hasbro and Takara Tomy started pumping out figures for the fifth movie, they had a problem. The movie design for Optimus Prime didn't really have truck parts visible on the robot. He was basically a metal man in a suit of armor. For a toy designer, that's a nightmare. Where do the wheels go? How do you hide a literal truck inside a skinny robot knight?
Some figures solved this by having massive "kibble"—the leftover vehicle parts—hanging off the back like a giant backpack. Others just gave up on transforming entirely to look screen-accurate.
Why People Keep Buying the Voyager Class Premier Edition
Most people start their search with the Voyager Class Premier Edition. It's the "standard" one. You've probably seen it on eBay for anywhere between $60 and $130 nowadays, which is wild considering it retailed for about $30.
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It’s not perfect. The back has a huge chunk of the truck cab just sitting there. But the head sculpt is surprisingly good. The "Western Star" truck mode is also pretty clean. If you're a casual fan who just wants a version of the blue-eyed (or purple-eyed, depending on the scene) hero, this is the most accessible entry point.
The High-End Heavy Hitters: Threezero and Yolopark
If you don't care about the truck mode, you're looking at Threezero. Their DLX Optimus Prime from The Last Knight is basically a masterpiece of engineering, even though it doesn't transform. It stands about 11 inches tall. It has LED eyes. It feels heavy because of the die-cast metal frame.
It’s currently listed around $239, which sounds steep. But compare that to the Prime 1 Studio statue which can hit nearly $2,000, and suddenly it looks like a bargain.
Then there’s the Yolopark AMK Pro. This one is a more recent entry in the optimus prime toy transformers 5 market. It’s a model kit, but it’s pre-painted and articulated. People love it because it captures the "Nemesis Prime" look—the version where Optimus goes dark—with incredible detail.
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The Japanese "Caliber" Variant: A Hidden Gem
Serious collectors usually skip the US retail versions and look for the Takara Tomy TLK-15 Caliber Optimus Prime. This was a Japanese exclusive that fixed a lot of the issues with the Western release.
- It includes a massive "Caliber Axe."
- The shield is actually a "fifth wheel" part from the truck.
- The paint is way more metallic and premium.
Finding one of these in 2026 usually means paying a premium on sites like TFSource or Mandarake. It's often priced around $150 or more if it’s "Mint in Sealed Box" (MISB).
What Most People Get Wrong About the Leader Class
There’s a common misconception that the "Leader Class" is always the best. In the case of Transformers 5, the Leader Class Optimus was actually a heavy retool of the previous movie's toy. It’s bulky. It’s a bit clunky.
Collectors often prefer the Studio Series 38 or the specialized Studio Series 05 (which is technically Revenge of the Fallen), but for the Last Knight look, the Studio Series 44 or the newer "Nemesis" variants are the way to go. The scale stays consistent, so he doesn't tower awkwardly over your other figures.
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The Aftermarket Reality
Don't expect to find these at your local big-box store anymore. The ship has sailed on retail prices. If you're looking for an optimus prime toy transformers 5 model today, you're looking at the secondary market.
- Check the hinges. The plastic on some 2017 releases can get "stress marks" if they were transformed too aggressively.
- Look for the sword and shield. These are the first things kids lose. A figure without its "Sword of Judgement" is worth about 40% less.
- Watch out for KOs (Knock-Offs). There are many high-quality "Fourth Party" versions that look better than the originals but aren't official Hasbro products.
Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
If you're ready to add one to your shelf, start by deciding if you actually need it to transform. If you just want a "statue" that you can pose, the Yolopark AMK Pro offers the best bang for your buck in terms of detail. If you're a purist who needs the truck mode, hunt for the Takara Tomy TLK-15. It’s the definitive version of the mold.
Before buying, always check recent "Sold" listings on eBay rather than the "Buy It Now" prices. This gives you the real market value. Prices for the Last Knight era are currently stable, but they tend to spike whenever a new movie trailer drops and nostalgia kicks back in.