Back in 1984, "Transformers" exploded onto the scene. The original G1 animated series, comics, and toy line took the world by storm, creating a massive shockwave in the toy market. Since then, the synergy between compelling stories and physical toys has been the driving force behind the brand's evolution. Great stories create iconic characters, which in turn makes well-designed toys into treasured collectibles that fans eagerly hunt down.
After more than 30 years of continuous evolution and promotion by Hasbro, the Transformers toy line has branched out into numerous sub-series. Some focus on reimagining classic characters, while others are dedicated to achieving perfect screen accuracy. Our main event today, the "Studio Series," takes iconic characters from the big screen and re-engineers them with the latest technology. This line not only covers the live-action movie series that began in 2007 but also includes characters from the 1986 animated classic, "The Transformers: The Movie," satisfying both old-school G1 fans and new players who jumped in with the films.
In this unboxing report, we're diving into the four latest releases from the Studio Series line: two characters from the 2018 standalone film "Bumblebee," and two from 1986's "The Transformers: The Movie." Whether you prefer the complex, intricate mechanical style of the live-action films or the retro cel-animation aesthetic of the original movie, these figures bring it all to life. The tactile satisfaction of transforming them in your hands is an experience that will get you hooked. Now, let's witness the magic of the Transformers Studio Series!
▼Here are our four stars for today's review. From left to right: two Deluxe Class figures, one Voyager Class, and one Leader Class. As is standard for the series, the side of each box features the product number and a portrait of the character, making them easy for collectors to identify and organize.
▼In line with the trend of reducing plastic, this wave features updated packaging without a transparent window. Collectors should be sure to check for any missing parts when purchasing in-store.
▼In addition to the more exposed packaging, the inner tray has also been changed. The figure now comes tied with thin plastic cords to a cardboard insert printed with a scene, alongside the line's signature character-specific cardboard backdrop.
▼No. 84 Ironhide, based on his appearance in the opening Cybertron civil war scene from the 2018 "Bumblebee" movie. As Optimus Prime's most loyal guardian, Ironhide will fight to the very end to defend the Autobots.
▼He comes with a dedicated "Cybertron Falls" scene backdrop.
▼This version of Ironhide sports his "Bumblebee" Cybertronian form. Aside from the new color scheme and head sculpt, the body is the same as the previously released No. 82 Ratchet, a nod to their shared mold in the original G1 toy line. The included blaster rifle can be stored on his back in robot mode.
▼The head sculpt features light-piping for the eyes. Shining a light source on the back of his head simulates glowing mechanical eyes, and a closer look reveals intricate sculpted detail within the eyes themselves!
▼The robot mode boasts excellent articulation. Both the sculpt and the joint engineering are top-notch, making it easy to pose him in dynamic, action-packed stances.
▼Pulling off a kneeling superhero landing is no problem at all.
▼The battlefield veteran and the medic.
▼Even though it's just a redeco of a shared mold, the different color scheme truly creates a completely distinct character identity.
▼The vehicle mode is a red Cybertronian-style van, paying homage to his original G1 form. Just like Ratchet, the transformation for this mold is incredibly fun. The way the parts flip and fold is a masterclass in engineering for this size class. We highly recommend collectors experience this clever design firsthand.
▼The transparent parts on the front of the vehicle really pop, and the yellow stripes along the body are another clear tribute to the G1 version.
▼Placing the two vehicles side-by-side instantly brings on the G1 nostalgia!
▼Whether it's the robot mode, vehicle mode, or the brilliant transformation, this is a figure you absolutely have to get your hands on!
▼No. 85 Arcee, from the opening scene of "Bumblebee." A female warrior in the Autobot ranks, she is as skilled in marksmanship as she is in close-quarters combat, making her a formidable and crucial asset in the civil war.
▼Just like Ironhide, she includes the "Cybertron Falls" backdrop.
▼The figure faithfully recreates the appearance and color scheme of her concept art. The white and pink design, along with her signature backpack, are clear homages to her G1 look. Her two included pistols can be stored on the sides of the backpack to act as thrusters.
▼The head sculpt perfectly captures the mechanical style of the design, with the ultra-fine detailing in her eyes being the highlight of the head.
▼Her slender build and flexible joints do a great job of conveying a sleek, feminine physique.
▼With a simple flip of her feet, you can switch her into a high-mobility mode that's both cool and elegant!
▼Sisterhood of the... Multiverse?
▼Her vehicle mode is an alien motorcycle designed specifically for the toy, with her dual blasters cleverly serving as exhaust pipes.
▼While the figure is small, details like the tire treads are still rendered with impressive precision.
▼The righteous army of Autobots, transform and roll out!
▼No. 86-14 Junkheap, from "The Transformers: The Movie." Hailing from the planet Junkyard, he serves as a diplomat under the command of Wreck-Gar. Compared to other members of his tribe, he can communicate with outsiders in a more logical and coherent manner, and is thus entrusted with managing the Planet Junkion's parts trading and other commercial affairs.
▼Comes with the "Junkion Dance Party" backdrop.
▼This figure is a retool of the same series' No. 86-09 Wreck-Gar. The head, shoulders, chest, and arms have all been given new parts to accurately reflect his appearance in the animated movie.
▼A close-up of the head sculpt. Among the Junkions, Junkheap is one of the rare few to be named and have a unique design. It just goes to show that being well-spoken and articulate is important in any society...
▼The retooled arms, which now feature integrated spiked shields for both offense and defense, are one of his most memorable features.
▼Like Wreck-Gar, he includes a spinning pinwheel axe weapon.
▼Placing them side-by-side makes the differences from the retooling much clearer. You have to admit, the modifications on this one are really well done.
▼The off-road motorcycle mode is covered in the Junkions' signature sharp, spiky decorations, from the front wheel all the way to the main body.
▼There's even a detailed instrument panel hidden inside the handlebars.
▼The arm armor cleverly flips around to become the side panels of the motorcycle in vehicle mode—a very slick design choice.
▼With two Junkions, we can now recreate that hilarious scene from the movie where they ride each other!
▼No. 86-15 Sludge, one of the first three Dinobots created by Autobot scientists Wheeljack and Ratchet. While Grimlock is a natural-born leader and Slug (originally Slag) has a rebellious soul, the Brontosaurus Sludge prefers to announce his presence by stomping around with his massive body. Although he, like Slug, isn't fond of Optimus Prime's leadership, he is still willing to lend his strength to the Autobot cause. The packaging for this release is similar to the previous No. 86-12 Coronation Starscream, using a closed box with no window to see the toy. For collectors who are particular about face paint and paint application, this one's a roll of the dice.
▼Like the other two Dinobots, he comes with the "Mockery of Justice" backdrop.
▼As the third Dinobot in the series, Sludge is also produced at the large Leader Class scale. This release not only preserves his key character features but also faithfully recreates his appearance from the animation and the movie.
▼The head sculpt has a look that says, "Me not talk good, but me am honest."
▼For accessories, he only comes with his signature rifle and does not include his classic energy sword. Another difference from Grimlock and Slug is that he doesn't come with a small companion figure.
▼In terms of joints, this Sludge figure's knees and even hips are a bit weak. While it's not so bad that he can't stand, this flaw is still a bit disappointing.
▼And with that, the three original Dinobots are all together!
▼"Dinobots, attack!"
▼The robo-Brontosaurus mode perfectly captures the clumsy yet savage charm of the Dinobots from the cartoon.
▼The articulation in the head and neck is much wider than you'd expect, and it can even rotate horizontally at the junction between the gold and gray sections!
▼The rifle stores neatly underneath his body, which is a nice touch. After all, they are Robots in Disguise!
▼"Roarrrrrrr"
▼3 out of 5 complete! Here's hoping the final two Dinobot members get released with the same high-quality treatment!
▼That wraps up our unboxing report of the latest wave of Transformers Studio Series figures. Which character is your favorite? Let us know and discuss with fellow fans in the comments below!
