It's like Optimus Prime ... but with a bit more darkness

2:30 PM on 05.21.2011   |   Cristian Alvernaz

Fans of hard to get Japanese-exclusive Transformers, take note: Dark Side Optimus Prime from Takara is being offered directly through the Japanese convenience store Lawson.

In a slightly complicated setup, especially for those not living in Japan, fans must first purchase a ticket for the theatrical release of Transformers: Dark Side Moon (the even more Engrish-y Japanese title of the third movie in the franchise) at the Lawson chain. Only then will you have access to purchase this figure. In total, the figure plus ticket price comes to ¥6760.

It should also be noted that this figure is a repaint of Revenge of the Fallen Voyager Class Battle Blades Optimus Prime, and not the newer design he sports in the upcoming movie.

Transformers fans are no strangers to the concept "black repaints" or a "dark" Optimus toy, we've seen plenty since Scourge in Robots in Disguise to the recurring toy-exclusive Nemesis Prime, so there must be a market for such a repaint. Is this figure exclusive enough to entice you to jump through the hoops required to add him to your collection?

[via Seibertron]