Optimus Prime.

An 8-foot mega sword prop.

An 11-foot Optimus Prime cosplay suit.

And even K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider!

Over the years, Joe Fiduccia and his family have certainly showcased their skills, their determination, and their love for some of the most iconic fictional characters. Almost always for a special cause or an inspiring reason. And while their newest replica prop is no different, it has a truly unique meaning that makes it one of their most valuable assets.

Early in 2020, Fiduccia decided to attempt replicating the Allspark seen in the very first Transformers cinematic film. For those who don't know much about the Allspark, it is an ancient and powerful Cybertronian artifact that has the power to bring technology to life. It can turn almost anything into a Transformer, and even restores battle-damaged bots. Locating and protecting this one artifact was actually the focal point of the original cinematic movie.

Fiduccia doesn't come with a professional degree in prop making, nor much experience. But like everything else, he's never been afraid to try new things. He started with a basic vision of building an oversize replica Allspark that could easily be transported and displayed at events alongside Optimus Prime and his 11-ft cosplay.

He decided to use plexiglass sheets for the task. His first challenge was drawing the cut lines onto each sheet, which on average took him about 5 days per sheet to finish. He used printed pages of the Allspark for visual reference, and eventually completed the templates for all six pieces of the cube in just over a month.

His next step was figuring out how to assemble them into a box. His original plan was to use a combination of magnets and detachable internal brackets. But after fiddling with that design for a while, he was disappointed with the overall rigidity and needed to come up with a better solution.

Then, in March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic surfaced. Which put his Allspark project on hold indefinitely.

"We are self-employed. Our businesses were shuttered literally overnight. And all of the events we were scheduled to attend in the months ahead were cancelled. I had no financing or motivation to continue with the project," says Fiduccia.

The plexiglass sheets sat idle in Joe's basement for almost 8 months. Then tragedy struck, which changed his world forever. And yet motivated him to complete it. 

Joe and his family found their mom at her home, lifeless. She passed away suddenly and unexpectedly the day before Thanksgiving 2020.

"I am heartbroken," explains Joe. "You wake up each day knowing there aren't any guarantees in life. And that our end can come at anytime. But the eve of an extended holiday weekend that was supposed to be celebratory was not one of those days in my mind."

Approximately one month after his mother's passing, combined with the ongoing struggles brought on by the pandemic, Fiduccia found himself in a very dark place. That is when he decided to resume work on the Allspark.

He says: "I figured if the Transformers can find new life and hope through this artifact, than so can I. Sitting around in sorrow was not helping."

So Joe dusted off the plexiglass and immediately got back to work. He figured out a new (more rigid) solution for assembling the Allspark using sheets of plywood backing with removable brackets. All that was left was to begin cutting out of the components of each sheet.

"The cutting took forever," he says. "All I had to work with was a small rotary tool. I was in my basement for a month cutting these, and probably burned through a dozen discs. But eventually I finished cutting all of the sheets."

Add a little paint and some tribute stands, and Joe's 14-month Allspark project was officially finished. It measures approximately 3x3-ft square, which (based on his research) makes it the largest known fan-built Allspark replica in the world. It weighs about 70 pounds, and takes Joe 30 minutes to assemble. 

Joe's Allspark can be collapsed and transported inside of Optimus Prime, which allows him to showcase it at any event he attends. He intends to display the Allspark next to his replica truck or alongside his 11-ft Optimus cosplay for fan photos. He said one day he may add some lighting to it, and even design a bracket system so it can be mounted on the back of Optimus for parades and local rides.

His latest project represents just one more fun prop that helps bring his truly unique Transformers-themed exhibit to life for all ages. Between the truck, cosplay, sword, and now the Allspark...it's an exhibit that even rivals the props seen at Universal Studios. 

"Ultimately, my motivation to finish this came from my mom. I am well aware of the fact that it isn't perfect. But I also know she is up there smiling down at me. I can hear her telling me 'great job Joey. You never cease to amaze me.'  That alone makes the struggle and any imperfections worthwhile, as I believe it truly will rejuvenate me and help me climb out of this darkness. Just like it does for the Transformers."

Joe debuted the completed Allspark in a video documentary (below) in March 2021. As of the time this article was written, the Allspark was not yet debuted in a public setting.