Hasbro's "Transformers Studio Series" is quickly approaching its 80th release, a testament to the line's immense popularity among fans. In today's unboxing report, let's dive in and experience the enduring appeal of this incredible series!
Since its launch in 2018, the Studio Series has consistently aimed to recreate characters from across the Transformers cinematic universe. From the six explosive live-action films all the way back to the classic "The Transformers: The Movie" released in 1986, the sheer breadth of characters covered has delighted fans. Of course, the series' intricate transformations and alt-modes are a core part of its appeal. Whether you're a seasoned G1 collector or a newcomer, the vast roster of Studio Series figures offers endless enjoyment. Furthermore, the unified scale design across the line enhances interactive play, and each figure comes with a unique backdrop display, providing diverse presentation options. Whether you want to adorn your desk or enjoy dynamic transformations in your hands, Studio Series caters to every need. Without further ado, let's get to the main event and check out this wave of new releases!
▼ This unboxing features eight main figures: two newly introduced Core Class figures, four Deluxe Class, one Voyager Class, and one large Leader Class. The packaging maintains the series' consistent tradition, with the figure number and character portrait displayed on the side for easy collection and identification.
▼ "Ravage," inspired by his appearance in the prologue of the "Bumblebee" movie, is a member of Soundwave's cassette army. He can transform between his panther and cassette modes, and in the latter, he can be stored within Soundwave's chest. This figure is crafted in the new, compact Core Class size.
▼ The Core Class marks the first time this size has been introduced to the Studio Series, allowing for the recreation of even more smaller-scale characters. Unlike previous products, Core Class figures do not have a series number, and their packaging is an exposed blister card for the first time. While the internal cardboard features scene images, it's not the full-sized backdrop display typically included with Studio Series figures.
▼ In panther mode, despite its miniature size, Ravage boasts intricate sculpting and excellent articulation. The opening jaw and biologically accurate limb joints are particularly commendable design features.
▼ Fully utilizing the articulation throughout its body allows for a wide range of dynamic poses!
▼ As a Cassette-bot, the Cybertronian cassette mode is, of course, essential. It's achieved by folding away the head, tail, and limbs. We'll take a look at its interaction with Soundwave a bit later!
▼ "Shockwave," based on his appearance in the "Bumblebee" movie prologue, is Megatron's most logical and scientific strategist, who commanded the Decepticon forces in pursuit of the Autobots during the Cybertronian Civil War. Unlike the version that appeared in "Dark of the Moon," this "Bumblebee" iteration is produced in the miniature Core Class size and transforms into a Cybertronian alien tank.
▼ The robot mode faithfully recreates his cinematic appearance, complete with his iconic single eye and left arm cannon. Since an official scale for the "Bumblebee" characters was never released, the decision to produce Shockwave as a Core Class figure came as quite a surprise to many collectors.
While articulation might be a slight compromise, the intricate mechanical detailing across the figure remains incredibly impressive.
In Cybertronian Tank Mode, the overall design bears a striking resemblance to the tank forms seen in the live-action film "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" and the "Transformers: Prime" animated series. Does it look familiar?
Since the turret base cleverly transforms from the robot's head, both rotation and elevation adjustments are incredibly free, offering surprising versatility for a tank of this size.
Next up is No. 86-11 "Perceptor," featuring his classic G1 design. As one of the Autobots' most renowned scientists, Perceptor possesses exceptional scientific talent and has made immense contributions to the faction. He transforms into both a microscope and a self-propelled artillery mode.
In a move towards global plastic reduction, the traditional plastic blister tray used to secure the figure and accessories has been replaced. Now, a thick cardboard insert, matching the included display base art, holds the figure in place with plastic ties.
The figure comes with a dedicated display base featuring artwork from the "Battle of Autobot City."
In Robot Mode, this iteration boasts a more understated design compared to the 2011 RTS and 2017 "Titans Return" versions, offering a much closer visual homage to his classic G1 appearance.
Articulation, as expected from the series, allows for a wide range of dynamic battle poses to be easily achieved.
His Microscope Mode perfectly captures that retro scientific aesthetic, a truly fitting alternate form.
The microscope barrel features a joint, allowing for free angle adjustments.
His third transformation, the Self-Propelled Artillery Mode, is achieved through simple steps and is sure to be a delightful treat for veteran Transformers fans!
Introducing No. 80 "Brawn," featuring his appearance from the opening scene of the "Bumblebee" movie. This fierce and decisive Autobot warrior, despite his compact stature, boasts an incredibly robust physique and always charges fearlessly into the fray. He transforms into a Cybertronian-style drill off-road vehicle.
Included is a display base that evokes the dramatic "Cybertron Falls" scene from the film.
In Robot Mode, Brawn retains his iconic short, stocky G1-era physique. All his included weapons can be conveniently stored on his back.
His classic streamlined helmet design is faithfully recreated.
The articulation setup is, of course, equally impressive.
His rifle can also combine with the drill accessory to form an even more destructive, powerful weapon.
And, of course, wielding them separately is also an option!
In Vehicle Mode, Brawn transforms into a futuristic Cybertronian off-road vehicle. Its rounded yet powerful design is incredibly appealing.
Weapons deployed! That massive drill on the front of the vehicle is undeniably a showstopper!
Finally, we have No. 81 "Wheeljack," also sporting his Cybertronian design from the "Bumblebee" movie's opening. As the Autobots' renowned strategist and inventor, Wheeljack specializes in developing various weapons and tools, offering crucial technological assistance to Optimus Prime and his comrades. He transforms into a sleek Cybertronian-style sports car.
Transformers fans, get ready to expand your "Bumblebee" movie collection! The latest additions to the Studio Series line bring more Cybertronian action with highly anticipated figures of Wheeljack, Ratchet, and Soundwave, each meticulously designed to capture their on-screen appearances.
These figures also include the "Cybertronian Collapse" display base, perfect for recreating epic battle scenes.
In the original G1 animation, Wheeljack (along with Bumblebee) was among the first Autobots to appear on screen. Seeing this old friend in the "Bumblebee" movie's Cybertronian civil war scene was incredibly exciting for long-time fans, especially with a fresh design that still retained his classic character features.
The face maintains his iconic G1 mask design, and the power panels on both sides of his head feature detailed paint applications for color separation.
Although the feet lack dedicated ankle rockers, the figure's light weight prevents any significant balance issues.
True to his G1 design, he transforms into a sleek, high-speed alien sports car mode, with his rifle mounting on the roof.
The vehicle front still features Wheeljack's signature red and green racing stripes, and the transparent window parts effectively enhance the overall visual richness.
No. 82 "Ratchet," based on his appearance in the opening sequence of "Bumblebee," is the Autobots' most renowned medic. His life-saving expertise earns him Optimus Prime's trust and his comrades' respect. He transforms into a Cybertronian-style ambulance.
Like his comrades, he also includes the exclusive "Cybertronian Collapse" display base.
His sculpt and proportions faithfully recreate the "Bumblebee" version's concept art, and his rifle can be stored on his back in robot mode.
The exquisitely detailed head sculpt is truly a highlight, with transparent parts used for the eyes, allowing them to glow when lit from behind. The clear vehicle windows on his chest subtly reveal the internal mechanical structures, creating a satisfying sense of depth.
Overall articulation is excellent, allowing for a wide range of basic combat poses.
In his Cybertronian ambulance mode, while it might appear ordinary at first glance, anyone who's handled it will attest to the brilliance of its transformation mechanism. The way parts flip and space is utilized is an absolute masterpiece among toys of its class. You truly need to experience the designer's ingenuity firsthand!
The Cybertronian-mode Autobots are looking fantastic! We certainly hope to see more characters released in this style!
No. 83 "Soundwave," featuring his civil war appearance from the opening of "Bumblebee," is the Decepticons' intelligence expert. He controls all information crucial to the battlefield, earning Megatron's complete trust. Leading his cassette army and fellow Decepticons, he unleashes ruthless extermination campaigns against the Autobots. He transforms into a Cybertronian-style fighter jet.
Like other "Bumblebee" characters, he comes with a "Cybertronian Collapse" paper diorama base.
The "Bumblebee" version of Soundwave not only adopts his classic G1 blue and white color scheme but also masterfully blends in the intense mechanical details from the live-action film. Other details, such as his masked face, shoulder cannon, and opening chest compartment, are brimming with classic nostalgia!
Pressing the switch on his left shoulder opens his chest compartment, allowing you to store the previously showcased Ravage in cassette mode, recreating this iconic partner duo!
Furthermore, Ravage's included mysterious barrel can combine with Soundwave's shoulder cannon to recreate his original rifle mode (though achieving a perfect look might require two Soundwave figures...)
The Voyager-class size enhances articulation, allowing for a wide variety of dynamic battle poses!
Transformers Studio Series Reveals Soundwave with Cybertronian Jet Mode, Homaging Classic Comic Appearance!
▼ "Ravage, Eject! Operation: Destruction!" "Wururururu~"
▼ This toy offers the first-ever reveal of Soundwave's Cybertronian jet mode, which might seem a bit perplexing at first glance. However, it's a direct homage to Soundwave's debut appearance in the first issue of the 2014 comic series "Transformers vs. G.I. Joe."
▼ Doesn't the front view further confirm this incredible tribute?
Long Live the King! Transformers Studio Series 86-12 Coronation Starscream Arrives with Throne, Crown, and Null-Rays!
▼ The No. 86-12 "Coronation Starscream" figure draws inspiration directly from "The Transformers: The Movie," capturing the iconic scene where Starscream abandons a gravely wounded Megatron to crown himself king. This release utilizes the previously released ">War for Cybertron Earthrise Starscream mold, enhanced with new articulated hands, a crown, cape, and throne accessories. It's a faithful recreation of a classic movie moment (though, as we all know, the very next scene... well, we miss him). Notably, this is also the first time the Studio Series features fully enclosed packaging, without a clear window to view the figure inside.
▼ The figure includes a diorama backdrop for the "All Hail Starscream" coronation ceremony.
▼ A luxurious array of accessories is included, featuring a newly sculpted Decepticon throne, crown, cape, shoulder pads, and a pair of Null-Ray Cannons designed to attach to the shoulder pads.
▼ The coronation attire is complete! This was Starscream's most coveted moment of glory, even if it didn't last long.
▼ The rigid cape design takes cues from previous Masterpiece (MP) versions, featuring a two-stage articulation system to replicate the cape's folding and unfolding.
▼ The back of the throne also boasts a clever design, allowing the entire coronation set to be neatly stored within its backrest!
▼ A good throne, wouldn't you agree? Of course, you'd sit! As a throne, it's naturally meant for the one who declares himself emperor. However, keen-eyed collectors might notice that Starscream's rear skirt armor slightly obstructs his seating, making him sit rather uncomfortably—a subtle nod to the farcical nature of his brief reign in the film, where his dream vanished in an instant.
▼ The brand-new articulated hands further accentuate Starscream's ferocity, proving to be a significant improvement.
▼ In vehicle mode, the transformation mechanism remains identical to the Earthrise version, as it reuses that mold. For those who missed out on the previous release, this version comes highly recommended, as it includes the throne and coronation set, making it an excellent and worthwhile addition to any collection!
▼ And that concludes our unboxing report for the latest wave of "Transformers Studio Series" figures. Whether you're a fan of the classic G1 animation style or the heavy-machinery aesthetic of the live-action movies, this wave of toys is sure to bring you joy. So, Transformers collectors, don't hesitate!
