The Transformers Generation 1 animated series introduced some of the lesser-known but iconic Autobots and Decepticons to the franchise. Now, one of those characters is back in his most godlike form thanks to the brand's line of high-end collectible toys.
Transformers: MPG is the successor to the Transformers: Masterpiece toy line, with the line focusing on high-end recreations of various robot disguises. As shown at a recent toy fair, the next entry in the series is none other than the Godbomber. While he may not be familiar to Western fans of the series, his ability to combine with an Optimus Prime lookalike makes him an indispensable character.
Godbomber joins Transformers: MPG toy line in first reveal
At the 2024 Tokyo Toy Show, Takara (the company that handles the Transformers brand in Japan) unveiled a number of new products. Some of these include a new Synergenex toy line, which combines Transformers with other brands like Zoids, Macross, and the predecessor to the Transformers toy line, Diaclone. Other characters include “Dramatic Capture” Starscream, Astrotrain, and Blitzwing, which are said to resemble their appearances in 1986’s The Transformers: The Movie. But the most important of these products is the first look at a new toy for Godbomber, and by extension, God Ginrai. Godbomber originated in the Transformers: Super-God Masterforce animated series, one of three animated series that ended the G1 run in Japan.
The Transformers: MPG toy for Ginrai was revealed in early 2024, with the figure retaining the ability to combine with his trailer to form Super Ginrai. Now, a new Godbomber figure from the line recreates the character's original toy using modern technology, transforming from an armored trailer into a robot that vaguely resembles Optimus Prime. As was the case with the classic toy, the MPG Godbomber can combine with Super Ginrai to form God Ginrai, with this combination being shown on the promotional artwork for the new toy. It's unclear when the Godbomber figure will be released or how much it will cost, but for fans looking to take on Decepticon Pretenders and Godmasters, Super Ginrai is now available through various online retailers.
Ginrai is the most unique “Version” of Optimus Prime
In Masterforce, several humans became “binary bonded” to soulless Transtectors, allowing them to become the ‘engines’ for these bodies and transform them into their robot modes. One of these characters was a Japanese truck driver named Ginrai, who bonded with a Transtector based on none other than former Autobot leader Optimus Prime. Ginrai was later rebuilt into Victory Leo and could combine with the Star Saber to form the “Victory Saber”. The Godbomber’s design was honored in the Transformers: Robots in Disguise version by Ultra Magnus, who was even referred to as “God Magnus” in Japan.
In the West, Ginrai/Super Ginrai was sold as “Powermaster Optimus Prime” and was depicted as a new form of the Autobot leader. This version was seen in various advertisements for the waning years of the line, with those advertisements even featuring the voice of Peter Cullen. The Godbomber was not originally sold in the American G1 line, but a later reprint included it as “Apex Bomber”. The Ginrai character has also seen a number of new toys produced in the years since Masterforce was released, although most of them have only been released in Japan or exclusively through other means.
Source: TFW2005
