Arcee has had a long history of neglect in the Transformers Universe. She was notable for being the only recurring female G1 character, yet she was underutilized and unmerchandized for 20-30 years. In 2004, she got her first unique transforming toy in the Energon line. But this was stylized for the Transformers: Energon cartoon. She didn't get her first classically-inspired G1 figure until 2014's Generations release. (And ever since, there have been a ton of Arcee toys). But in the decades in-between her debut and her eventual toys, collectors were continually teased with prototype reveals and cancellations. One of the most notorious of these was a very early mocked-up prototype from the 80s featuring an oddly-proportioned and oddly-colored Arcee. I often wonder if her orange color was meant as a stand-in for a chrome silver finish, because the orange and pink combination is not a very appealing look. But for fans like me, it has become iconic. This Super7 ReAction repaint is a great homage. Let's check her out below!
Arcee's only accessory is a small handgun.
Here is an image of the original Arcee prototype that was mocked up in the late 80s, but never released.
The earliest Transformers comics featured Arcee with this original design, albeit in her traditional pink and white color palette. The shoulder and forearm construction is the most notable difference from the final animation version.
In the past few months, a prototype of a new "Missing Link Arcee" from Takara has been shown at conventions. I believe this photo was colorized by fan. All other pictures have been unpainted gray. It's uncertain is this final product will be in prototype orange or her more traditional colors. (I'm assuming both eventually)
Time for some Group and Comparison Pics!
Here is the Prototype Arcee alongside her 2022 Standard release.
Cheers!
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