The highly anticipated new film for Transformers fans worldwide – "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" (hereinafter referred to as "Rise of the Beasts") – is finally set to officially premiere in mid-2023! As the seventh live-action film in the series, a collaboration between Paramount Pictures and Hasbro, "Rise of the Beasts" follows the 2018 soft-reboot spin-off "Bumblebee". In addition to the existing Autobot and Decepticon factions, two mysterious new factions are introduced: the 'Maximals,' who take the form of birds and beasts, and the 'Terrorcons,' who specialize in hunting. What kind of turmoil and conflict will these various parties, each with their own agenda, ignite on Earth? Let's find out in theaters!
Well, that's right! Smart Transformers fans have already guessed it: with a new movie, how could we not have new toys? In response to the release of the "Rise of the Beasts" trailer, internationally renowned toy manufacturer Hasbro has, of course, launched newly designed toys for the key characters of "Rise of the Beasts", included in the movie-themed 'Studio Series'. The Studio Series, which began in 2018, has now been running for five years, boasting a unified scale to recreate classic characters from the live-action films. Whether it's Autobots like Bumblebee and Optimus Prime, or Decepticons like Megatron and Starscream, all can be found in the Studio Series. Hasbro later expanded its scope to include the 1986 animated film "The Transformers: The Movie", featuring even more popular G1 characters. It perfectly caters to the needs of both veteran collectors and new fans, making it a highly popular series among Transformers collectors. Now, let's take a closer look at this brand-new wave of "Rise of the Beasts" Studio Series figures!
▼The stars of this unboxing, including two mini-sized Core Class figures, two Deluxe Class figures, and two Voyager Class figures.
▼'Arcee', an Autobot female warrior skilled in both shooting and close combat. Her design is inspired by her new appearance in "Rise of the Beasts", inheriting the G1 red and pink color scheme and transforming into a sport bike as her Earth disguise. This version adopts the small Core Class size and includes a pair of hand cannons as her weaponry. The box art on the packaging also gives us a sneak peek at the face and design of this "Rise of the Beasts" version of Arcee.
▼Robot mode. As a mini-sized Core Class figure, its transformation mechanism is naturally much simpler compared to the previously released spin-off version No. 85, and the color scheme leans towards a striking red.
▼Though the head sculpt is small, it's full of detail; the intricate facial features are truly impressive!
▼The included weaponry can be equipped on her hands. Incidentally, while not an official play pattern, her legs can still be extended using their joint mechanisms to resemble the 'Wheelie Maiden' mode unique to the third movie!
▼Motorcycle mode. The transformation process is not overly complex, making it very suitable for newcomers. Come and give it a try!
▼"Terrorcon Freezer", a new Terrorcon member introduced in "Rise of the Beasts," features a hybrid design combining skeletal and heavy machinery elements. Beyond its striking four-armed robot appearance, it can also transform into various weapon modes, providing more powerful firepower for its fellow members.
▼The robot mode can't help but remind one of Frenzy from the live-action movie, but this Freezer's multi-limbed module and skeletal appearance have a unique charm. The toy itself also features weathered paint applications in many areas, with excellent texture and detail processing.
▼Ball joints are used throughout its limbs, allowing for highly free articulation. Coupled with the Core Class's inherently light weight, it's quite enjoyable to play with.
▼Weapon mode. The instructions provide two transformation methods: rifle mode, and a mounted machine gun mode. Furthermore, it can interact with its Terrorcon comrades, truly making it a highly recommended small item worth acquiring and experiencing!
▼No. 100"Bumblebee", originally B-127, is a young and passionate Autobot scout. After being dispatched to Earth, he underwent adventures and trials with his human partner Charlie Watson, becoming Optimus Prime's trusted right-hand man. On Earth, he disguises himself as an off-road modified 1977 Chevrolet Camaro. This new version not only features the brand-new design from "Rise of the Beasts" but also marks the series' celebratory 100th release, making it a significant milestone for the Studio Series! For weaponry, it comes with his signature Stinger Blaster and an arm blade.
▼The vehicle mode is officially licensed by General Motors (GM).
▼Includes a "Volcano Showdown" background base.
▼Robot mode, connecting and fusing the signature features of the live-action movie and the standalone spin-off. That's right, everyone's favorite Bumblebee is back with a new look! The included gun and blade can be held in the hands and attached to the forearm, respectively. When detached, they can also be stored behind the car door wings on his back.
▼While the head continues the live-action movie's consistent "pacifier" design, its proportions are noticeably closer to the spin-off's style. Furthermore, the chest has changed from the Volkswagen Beetle to the classic Chevrolet front of the live-action movie.
▼Although the upper body largely retains the main movie's characteristics, the spin-off version's large feet don't feel too out of place here.
▼Equipping the Stinger Blaster allows you to recreate intense battle poses from the movie.
▼If this arm blade could be given some metallic paint, the texture would undoubtedly be even better.
▼The off-road style disguise mode is a very eye-catching highlight this time. Bumpers located on the front and windows give this Chevrolet a completely different visual effect. Incidentally, this transformation design is quite similar to previous Camaro versions, allowing everyone to fully experience a transformation that, despite similar mechanisms, yields surprisingly different results.
▼The hand cannon can be stored using the tab at the rear of the vehicle.
▼Do all you Bumblebee fans like this style?
▼No. 97"Airazor", the Maximal's sole female, is a brave and skilled warrior, serving as the invaluable aerial firepower of the Maximal faction. She usually transforms into a mechanical falcon as her Earth disguise. This Airazor references the previously released Kingdom version, adopting a similar transformation mechanism to recreate her big-screen appearance. She comes with a pair of Photon Blasters as weapons.
▼Includes a "Peruvian Jungle Discovery" cardboard display base.
▼The instruction manual uses blue as its base, representing a faction other than the Autobots. Additionally, it features a Maximal insignia printed here that is not entirely identical to the one on the outer box; it's unclear which version will ultimately be used in the film.
▼The robot mode blends Airazor's past appearance with the strong mechanical style of the live-action film, making this design truly captivating.
▼The meticulously sculpted head, while almost impossible to discern gender from, we all probably hope... Airazor is still a "she," right?
▼The right arm also features the same Maximal insignia as the instruction manual.
▼The basic articulation is almost identical to the Kingdom version, with a clever combination of earthy tones and an interplay of mechanical and feather textures giving her a very rich visual density.
▼With the aid of a stand, she can strike heroic poses for aerial combat.
▼Falcon mode. As mentioned, its transformation sequence is the same as the Kingdom version, but the added green on the wings and tail provides a refreshing visual impact.
▼The head has a strong sci-fi aesthetic, and the beak features an articulated temporomandibular joint.
▼Soaring with wings spread, the intricate details are fully revealed.
▼By adjusting the wing and neck joints, she can also display a folded-wing state.
▼We believe BW fans must be eagerly anticipating her cool performance in "Rise of the Beasts," right?
▼No. 98 "Cheetor," a young elite of the Maximal faction. Although impulsive and reckless, he is still considered an indispensable force by the Maximals, usually transforming into a mechanical cheetah as an Earth mimic. This Movie Studio Series version is an all-new mold design, adopting the Voyager Class medium size, recreating the heavy mechanical-style cheetah seen speeding through the film, and includes two detachable spears as his weapons.
▼Like Airazor, he also includes a "Peruvian Jungle Discovery" scene display base, suggesting this will be an important scene in the film.
▼Robot mode. Compared to Cheetor's past appearances, this design seems to subtly pay homage to the Transmetal look. The two included spears can be stored on either side of his back.
▼Head sculpt. Cat lovers, rest assured, the mouth retains strong feline lines. The Maximal insignia on his chest is also the same as Airazor's, mentioned earlier, and the leopard spots are rendered via printing.
▼This "Rise of the Beasts" version of Cheetor boasts excellent articulation, fully living up to its "Voyager Class" size.
▼The two spears can also combine into a more lethal long spear. Of course, he looks cool no matter how he holds them!
▼It's safe to say that both new Maximal figures released so far are incredibly fun to play with. Transformers fans who love them absolutely must get their hands on these!
▼Beast mode: an unashamedly mechanical cheetah with exposed parts. Its limbs are referenced from real cheetahs, and the joint placement is quite thoughtful. The two spears can also be attached to its back in this mode.
▼The "I want it all" Cheetor head (?). Look closely, the precision of the sculpting is truly incredible. Both the eyes and the surrounding textures are worth admiring in detail. Oh, and of course, the temporomandibular joint is also articulated.
▼By properly utilizing the limb joints, a variety of very natural leopard poses can be achieved.
▼Beyond battle stances, simulating a big cat's various lazy poses seems... entirely possible, doesn't it?
▼No. 99 "Battletrap," a new Terrorcon member introduced in "Rise of the Beasts," wields a massive hammer to crush all obstacles in his path. He can transform into a GMC tow truck for disguise. This toy, of course, faithfully recreates Battletrap's two forms as seen in the movie with an all-new design.
▼The vehicle mode is also officially licensed by General Motors.
▼It includes a dedicated display base for "Attack at the Museum."
▼In robot mode, it features various spiked accessories, giving it an overall dangerous and aggressive appearance. The included hammer can be deployed and stored on the back.
▼The head design is quite distinct from previous characters, immediately conveying a malevolent aura. The mudguard below the chest features weathered, dirty paint applications.
▼The articulation is quite good, and the grappling hooks hidden behind the arms can also be deployed as weapons.
▼The hammer can be freely equipped in both hands. It would be even more perfect if the chain could be recreated when separated.
▼With one swing of the mighty hammer, all turns to dust!
▼As a fellow Terrorcon member, the weaponized freezer can, of course, also be equipped by Battletrap, making his firepower even more intimidating.
▼In disguise mode, the car windows and top warning lights utilize transparent parts, adding a brilliant touch. In tow truck mode, the hammer can also be stored at the end of the rear crane arm.
▼The silver-trimmed grille and General Motors logo on the front of the vehicle are very striking, and the mudguards below also feature simulated dirt paint applications.
▼The lettering on the car doors is printed. We wonder if you can also feel the solid, substantial feel of the vehicle body?
▼Battletrap's transformation design is highly innovative and a truly excellent piece in this wave, definitely worth experiencing. Don't miss it when you pass by (the toy store)!
▼And there you have it, the first wave of the Transformers Studio Series "Rise of the Beasts" collection! Regardless of size class, each figure is a rare and excellent masterpiece, truly worth playing with. To all Transformers fans, hurry and grab them, and enjoy them to the fullest!!
