100: Arcee Triplets
I do not hate the designs, but I do not like how impractical they can be either as a main character or as toys. I prefer they be used as drones, especially if the actual Arcee gets to remain in her ROTB form. I appreciate that these figures have unique robot details from one another compared to their old Deluxe and Human Alliance counterparts. But for what they could do, this trio still falls short. Mediocre stability and tiny pieces can only do so much to make an already 50/50 idea set flop in execution, and I still don't get why they have the tabs to combine them yet there are no official instructions to demonstrate the ability. What a baffling set.
99. High Octane Bumblebee
I didn't mind Hasbro going back to reusing some TLK molds for Studio Series since they were literally around the corner, but what gave them the idea to reuse an AOE mold, let alone one of the worse ones from the line? Yes, High Octane Bumblebee looks gorgeous in vehicle mode, with the matte black paint and the altmode being underrated as we get a stealthy deco this time around, but this figure does not hold up well. I'd argue it holds up even less than the Bees we got from 2007 through 2011. The proportions and thinner plastic especially prove how cheap it feels next to the more modern Stinger figure, which isn't a 100% perfect toy but is worlds better than Bee. No wonder they said he was inspired by Bumblebee but better in every way.
98. Crankcase
This figure fails in terms of screen-accuracy. Yes, you have the appropriate character colors, but this isn't the proper design of Crankcase in Dark of the Moon. I know Berserker was a massive pegwarmer during The Last Knight, but that doesn't excuse the decision to make this figure simply Crowbar in Crankcase's colors. Apparently, Hasbro said that there was no way to swap parts between them two forms of tooling, which baffles me as it wouldn't have mattered if Crankcase at least was a straight repaint of Crankcase. He could have benefitted from getting new guns instead of the spikes, but Hasbro didn't as we can clearly see.
97. Dropkick (Helicopter)
Obviously notorious for being screen-inaccurate to the CG model, with a character design that has more in common with Whirl, this version of Dropkick is an example of how poor the Studio Series line can fare when it comes to handling certain designs in the worst ways possible. Even if this was the design he had in the film, this is still a very poor toy, with how unrefined his limbs look, and the wide hips don't help much either. My copy's head had an issue where it split in half after turning the head left and right, so I had to glue it in place. Such an embarrassing toy.
96-95. WWII Bumblebee & Hot Rod
Say what you will about the mess that is The Last Knight, but the WWII flashback was pretty cool, in addition to giving us an underrated design for Bumblebee and his partner in crime Hot Rod. Shame this figure has been undercooked badly. The vehicle mode is inaccurate, the paint apps feel either sparce or poorly made, and the kibble for the backpack and the legs feels rather embarrassing. The inclusion of the hammer is neat, but it's not enough to save him. In the case of Hot Rod, very little was done apart from the colors and the robot's head and torso to make this any more unique from Bumblebee. The swivel on the back is left bare because they removed an accessory from the stock image despite him coming with two guns in the stock image. Why was that a good idea if he dual-wielded in the scene? These really feel more like figures intended for The Last Knight than proper Studio Series toys.
94. Car Shatter
While not as bad as helicopter Dropkick, this version of Shatter suffers from issues unique to this toy. The car mode is the highlight of the figure, being very faithful to the way it is represented in the movie. It's when you get to the transformation that things start to fall apart. Well, mostly the chest piece, but the robot mode has the largest number of issues worth acknowledging. The inaccurate head sculpt can be blamed for the dependence on concept art (or from that busy AF Cybertron scene where she made a negligible appearance). The crappy hip articulation, and the proportions of the robot mode, are not as easy to forgive, as the arms come off as rather short while the legs end up being longer than normal. And how bad is the hip articulation? They barely move in and out. Was it too hard to overlook the design process before sending the CAD files?
93-92. Cliffjumper & B-127
We'll get to Offroad Bumblebee very shortly, but first I have to ask how we went from a very polished toy to a half-baked Cybertronian counterpart? The kibble is already unsightly when you consider how bad it really looks in contrast to the cleaner design of the aforementioned Offroad toy, but the lack of secure tabs, in addition to the looser than normal tolerances, makes this feel a whole lot worse than it should be. I'd argue B-127 is worse due to his failure to fix these issues as well as having an inaccurate shade of yellow AND using the battle mask that should have been kept for the Earth mode guy (and no, the shades of yellow dom't match). The Buzzworthy repaint does fix these issues in a Premium Finish sort of way, with a more metallic yellow and better tolerances to go with the better detailed head sculpt, though it's either Third Time's the Charm or Too Little Too Late when it comes to how your mileage may vary.
91. Soundwave (Bumblebee)
If you set aside the "ZOMG GEEWUN SOUNDWAVE" hype this thing received, you'll be set to realize how much of an afterthought this guy feels like, even moreso than any of his Cybertronian fellas. The robot mode made him look somewhat husky and awkwardly proportioned in contrast to the more traditional Soundwave proportions; it's like he's trying to look powerful but at the same time he comes off looking goofy with how stubby his arms are and how short his torso seems. I hate how sad his headsculpt looks, and he comes with his signature shoulder cannon yet his rifle is generic and brown. The altmode is the worst part of the toy, looking as if he is flat like a pancake and barely resembling anything other than a hover platform that I doubt the Green Goblin would want to ride on. At least a ground vehicle shaped like a battering ram would be cooler than this.
90. Hatchet
As of this moment, we don't have any in-hand images of this guy yet, and I fear he will be canceled because we know Hasbro by this point given how everyone wants Detritus to be green. But if Hatchet is meant to be a heavy retool of Berserker and/or Crowbar, I feel it could have been better if he was a brand new mold that utilized unique transformation elements of its own rather than forcing a quadrupedal design into one that was originally a biped. We'll see how Hatchet turns out assuming a review gets his hands on him and Buzzworthy Hound.
89. Crowbar
From here, the ratings I would give to these figures are higher than the last ones I mentioned. Crowbar is better made than Hatchet is from what we know of the latter, but I wouldn't say he's perfect. Back kibble management from Berserker is still an issue, and while the dreads don't get in the way of transformation, I wish they had bendy wires in them for more dynamic posing. I do find it a bit odd to release him a year after Berserker warmed pegs, as Crowbar also warmed pegs throughout 2018. Crankcase ironically didn't.
88. Soundwave (ROTF)
I feel like there are plenty of things that the original ROTF figure does better than this guy, such as a more convincing satellite mode, utilizing a more creative robot mode design, and using blue to make the color breakup easier to stomach instead of not using silver entirely as the new version opted. His robot mode also looks a lot more unusual with how wide the upper body is vs the lower body. The flight stand is neat, I guess. Just an all around mixed bag.
87-85. Bumblebee (Volkswagen, regular/Gold/2-pack)
Bumblebee's Beetle days were brief, and the same could be said for the excitement I initially had for this toy. The regular version is mostly fine, but every version of the mold has issues where the plastic feels cheaper than the SS-01 iteration, tied to the tolerances for the transformation becoming rather annoying when things don't want to stay tabbed in place like the doors or the arms in vehicle mode, and the idea of swapping the face with a battle mask is neat. If only it was better executed with how small the toy is. The gold repaint was one I got on discount and has reproductions of two G1 cassettes that were originally in Japan (here named Zauru and Uriad). I wish we had Noise and Graphy in this set since the Gold CamaroBee has his own Dino cassettes. If there was one version of the mold I would recommend, the Premium Finish version might be it, but don't pay $30 or more for it.
84. Airazor
It's not her fault that she isn't screen accurate to the movie given how the ROTB toys, like early Studio Series Bumblebee figures, used outdated concept art before the film designs are finalized, but I have to admit that reusing the engineering from the Kingdom version yet not being as refined does let it down. I feel the proportions for the legs feel unusually longer than the norm, and I feel the plastic quality feels a little worse than on the original. The robot mode looks kind of cool, but even in spite of being a cheaper, less accurate toy, the mainline Deluxe is a more interesting iteration than this.
83. Scrapmetal
The most basic out of the 8 Constructicons, this guy aims to be more like RID Grimlock (the Build Team one, not the green dino one) than have a monstrous form. It gives him an identity beyond being "ze little one", but he does feel the most basic out of all of them. At the very least, he does give an idea of how big Devastator would be as we went further towards completing the gestalt. In addition, his alternate claw mode where the legs act as digits for the left hand makes it better than the stock configuration Hasbro provided. If only the black paint didn't chip off too easily or was at least replaced with gunmetal gray.
82. Roadbuster
It was great to have a Deluxe-scale Roadbuster that was armored up unlike his old version from back in 2011, but this guy is far from perfect. Vehicle mode really doesn't like to tab in place, while the backpack could stay in place on the back better. I also wish his double-elbows acted more like normal double-elbows rather than being made moreso for the transformation only. His weapon being a minigun meant for the front of his alt mode feels like letdown; it doesn't peg all the way in the forearms, so it's only good for the shoulder cannon. No chainsaw or extra guns is also a major L on Hasbro's part. Maybe this sums up how Hasbro and Paramount neglected him since we never saw what happened to him post-DOTM.
81. Shadow Raider
That Lamborghini looks great in orange, but I have to admit that it does seem a bit unusual how the color sort of clashes with the gritty design of Lockdown's goons. It ends up making the robot mode look like it's wearing an orange suit and is a stand-up comedian. If anything, some dark blue or red variants of the Lambo car would make more sense, and the red would be an amusing callback to G1 Sideswipe but evil. His gun does have a unique pegging system, and the head fits well for a masked Lockdown head, but with how rare this repaint is, I won't risk breaking it by accident. We'll cover Lockdown as a toy in a little bit later.
80. Gold Bumblebee (SDCC)
While the figure is better than the Goldbug which isn't an SDCC exclusive, I still find this guy to be rather odd by comparison. I can see the appeal for the Goldbug given how it's like a G2 homage while also being something G1 Bumblebee is known for, but the Camaro being dipped in gold paint seems a bit more unusual given how uncommon it is for this version of Bumblebee outside of the numerous Lucky Draw prizes. I also have to question why this set is an SDCC AND A numbered release to boot. It's even worse than how unmatched the Buzzworthy Bumblebee boxes are with the regular Studio Series line. Just an overall odd toy to get, but even worse is the way it has no pin on the windshield hinge, so be wary even if the QC is better.
79. TLK Bumblebee
Included with the rusty VW Bumblebee as part of a Target-exclusive 2-pack, this is one of the few reuses of a figure from The Last Knight that is a mostly unchanged figure, this version of Bumblebee trades in most of the robot mode paint apps in favor of vehicle mode paint apps. It would be appreciated if this figure got to retain those silver paint apps, but sometimes Hasbro gotta Hasbro. This figure was the seed to mimicking the Masterpiece toy's engineering at a smaller scale, but I have to admit this one does feel cheaper than the Classic Camaro versions in terms of plastic density; I don't feel too comfortable with how the doors feel thin, and I know the hinges for the lower legs could crack if hinged down funny. The arm cannon is not only on the wrong side (something rectified with the Takara Movie the Best version), but the way you swap it onto the arm requires using the mushroom peg, something I'm not a big fan of. In short, I would like to see a new TLK Bumblebee at some point with the hammer.
78-76: Ratchet (MV1, DOTM, NEST, 5-pack)
With a Hasbro designer stating that he is interested in making a Voyager Ratchet in the near future, I feel it's great to revisit this figure after a NEST repaint was made a while back. This figure is basically a better AND worse version of the DOTM Deluxe. Leaner proportions, a proper headlight transformation, and a thinner backpack are all fine, but the plastic is cheaper, the joints feel looser, the wheel is no longer visible from the back, and we lose so much paint, resulting in a ghastly take on the character in the original version of the character. The DOTM version is better in some areas, mostly the face and the color breakup, but it still felt fairly lackluster for what it is going for. NEST Ratchet is probably my favorite one since it would make sense for him to utilize if he was going to get involved in any NEST missions. The Autobot 5-pack & Premium Finish versions are better, though.
75-74: KSI Sentry & Stinger
Stinger getting a new mold is great, and so is having a footsoldier representing the KSI robots under Galvatron's influence. How do both figures hold up, though? Let's break things down. The Pagani Huaiya is beautifully faithful, and it looks great in Stinger Red and Sentry Blue. Transformation feels fairly unique, though parts of it do seem a bit familiar with the sides being made up from the arms or the back of the vehicle being placed behind the lower legs. The robot modes are bulkier and somewhat squat, but I never minded that apart from how hollow the back of the legs are and how the forearms look like wizard sleeves with fists etched in. Both figures feel cheap, especially with the swivel for the right forearm's weapon, but I can't help but feel how annoying it is for Stinger to have a less-impressive claw weapon while KSI Sentry kept the back pieces for the shurikens to go.
73. Drift (TLK)
Another TLK reuse, this one at least has a few benefits compared to the original version. Annoyingly, the backpack doesn't stay in place as well, more do the weapons peg on the back that tightly (nor do they have the movie-accurate configuration on the AOE version). If anything, the retooled head, new sword, and better car paint job are the reasons to get this guy. In addition, the Baby Dinobots are also neat bonuses to get, though you really can't have him recreate the No Fear/Anger/Hate scene with how heavy the toy is in addition to the bulk it has. A new TLK Drift is on the way, so I am curious in seeing how much it improves on this guy.
72-70: Starscream/Thrust/Thundercracker
Our second Cybertronian design from that opening scene in the Bumblebee movie, and it's better engineered than the Cliffjumper mold yet is still not the best. Starscream and I were on a rough start since he felt like a more clusterfuck take on the Blitzwing design, with the thicker than normal wings, how thin the arms and legs are vs how deep they are, and how weak the tolerances are for the null rays on the wings as well as the giant gun. Thrust is a cooler design though his transformation somehow feels a bit more unclear than with Starscream. Thundercracker is surprisingly my favorite despite my preferring the Armada Thrust homage on the green retool. Maybe it has to do with TC having better quality control this time around. I'm surprised Hasbro hasn't milked the hell out of this guy to make up a bazillion Seekers that appeared briefly in that dumb opening battle.
69. Hightower
One of the more unique Constructicon designs from ROTF, Hightower resembles a weird dinosaur animatronic with how skeletal the crane is in addition to the overall shape he has. It's great to see this one-of-a-kind silhouette not like anyone else in the team, though I kind of wish you could pose the crane neck a bit more beyond the hinges and the clip of the claw. It's certainly got a lot more going on when it comes to identity than with Scrapmetal, but there are still flaws worth mentioning, mostly the black paint chipping off a little too easily. Beyond that, he is a rapscallion of a Constructicon guy.
68. Cheetor
It was a surprise seeing this guy in the Voyager size class at first glance, possibly a hint on how Hasbro wanted to market this Maximal the same way Bumblebee usually is. However, Cheetor was in this size class thanks to the height he possesses in the movie. While not 1:1 to the actual CG model, this figure is very close to what we saw on-screen, save for the more bronze plastic coloring rather than being in gold paint, and the beast mode head is a lot rounder than it is on the CG model. Cheetor's articulation is what makes him stand out in robot mode, with a crazy level of ranger for all of his joints that make the beast mode feel like a brick compared to the mainline Deluxe. So not breaking any grounds, but not a bad figure overall.
67. Lockdown
Certainly, a step up from the original Deluxe when it comes to having better colors to match the CG model, a beautiful level of paint and sculpt work for the figure, and who could say no to the size being closer to what we'd want from a Lockdown figure. Granted, not exactly 1:1 but it is close enough for what they are going for. That being said, he is not perfect. The vehicle mode is definitely much bigger than other cars in the line, and while the transformation is basic at best it makes the robot mode feel unfinished somewhat. There could be better ways to not make him too overly bulky, especially when it comes to his backpack. Also, be warned when it comes to using the elbows because those are apparently on clear plastic that might break. One big negative? No face gun.
66. Topspin
Better than Roadbuster in plenty of ways, though the rubberized parts are still a major issue if you ask me. It would be one thing to make them out of the aforementioned material, especially when people mention it's for safety reasons or that it makes the details sharper (which I don't necessarily buy but sure), but to make them flexible as hell and to not paint them nicely is a bigger issue. At least dip them in gunmetal paint or something that is more appealing than this. I also feel that the back kibble has a bit of a hard time staying in place, but that might just be me. Also I heard from SSTF Shots (an Instagram page dedicated to Studio Series posts) that his Topspin is fragile, but I can't confirm this myself so buyer beware I guess.
65-64: Bonecrusher (Original & NEST)
The Buffalo MPV Decepticon who is best-known for getting his head cut off by Optimus Prime was quite the scene stealer if you ask me, but his figure options were very limited in terms of what is available for fans to sink their teeth into. The original Deluxe was very undersized, so the Studio Series version tries to rectify this in theory. While closer to the CG model than the original, I feel Hasbro didn't quite nail the look of the figure's design traits in terms of the arm kibble as well as the proportions of the torso. He could be a little bigger than he currently is, since he is not that much bigger than the old toy. In fact, that might be the excuse Hasbro has in saying that this Voyager is a size up from the old Deluxe. As for the NEST repaint, I find it to be fairly impractical for Bonecrusher to wear this deco. Barricade or Soundwave I could get behind, but Bonecrusher just seems too specific to be a spy when it comes to his iconic design. Not to mention the Decepticon insignias and the ALL HAIL MEGATRON message he has.
63. Dropkick (Car)
After a very poor helicopter version of the character, Hasbro went back and made a car version that feels very reminiscent of Cybertron Downshift in terms of design. I know it's the typical carformer philosophy of hood chest and door wings, but still! It's a better figure overall in terms of plastic quality and accuracy, though I will admit it doesn't feel as creative in terms of transformation. I'm sure we've seen this transformation numerous times, but the front wheels being implemented within the torso are somewhat new. Otherwise, the robot mode is standard carformer affairs, which is nothing too out of the ordinary but it doesn't really come off as mind-blowing for this guy.
62-61. Megatron (DOTM & The Ride)
Much like a lot of fans who grew up with the movies and wanted Leader Class DOTM Megs so badly, it seemed exciting at first when the announcement of a new Studio Series version of the character was going to be a more accurate take on this design, especially in contrast to the original DOTM Voyager with its inaccurate proportions and smaller size. While it is a Leader Class figure in terms of the current scale approach, especially in vehicle mode, it feels undercooked. Transformation is involved yet the toy feels fairly hollow; meanwhile, the cab itself has an issue with the wheels not all touching the ground right, and then there's the problem with how the toy can't steer thanks to said transformation, with the front section now being reduced into a hollow truck that becomes part of the legs vs the original method where the cab became the upper body. Robot mode looks good but does feel overly blocky. The Ride repaint is a neat way of reusing the mold again, though thank God it was easier to access than Evac currently is. The darker colors do make him a bit closer to the ROTF deco, but the lack of a cloak and Igor, which originally came with the DOTM colored version as well as the shotgun and rubber chains that both come with, is a disappointment. At least give us some figurines based on Transformers fans for Megatron to interact with in front of the backdrop if it's meant to represent the mascot.
60. Scrapper
This figure has Bayversified M.A.R.S. Converter energy, from the goofy proportions of the vehicle mode to the average transformation that the Earthmover design has and the robot mode proportions. While Scrapper is a scoop loader and Earthmover a bulldozer, the similarities between the two are hard to miss, especially with how one of the hands looks like a spatula that is made out of parts of the scooper. This Constructicon is pretty amusing when it comes to design, but I have to admit the vehicle mode definitely got shafted compared to the robot mode. On the bright side, his ratchet joint is much heavier than Hightower's.
59. Brawl
This design feels much closer to the CG model than prior versions of the character, and I started realizing how much it resembles Bruticus decently. From the blocky head to the chest and twin back cannons sort of looks like the parts that go on Onslaught in torso mode. The arm cannon and blade sort of remind me of Blast Off and Vortex, and Brawl is one of the Combaticons, only going from a leg to being a bigger threat on his own. So great figure, right? Well, not quite. While he looks cool and is more accurate than the CG version, I have to knock points for missing the turret swivel, and I don't like how the barrel can only stick down from the back like a dong, instead of being slung under the right hip a la Armada Megatron. I would like to see a Deep Desert repaint at some point, but man does it suck this figure lacks functionality.
58. Jolt
Another case of a figure that is much more accurate than past versions, though I have to knock some points for a few reasons. Firstly, I kind of feel that the plastic's finish looks a bit off compared to other toys in the Studio Series line, though it might have a case of Your-Mileage-May-Vary thing. Transformation isn't too bad, and the robot mode has better kibble management than most other Jolts, but I have to knock some points off for how loose the backpack tabs in place, in addition to the wheel transformation reminiscent of the G1 Skids making the feel somewhat wobbly without ankle pivots. The whips being stiff works fine for vehicle mode storage, but not making them articulated like we later would for the ROTB Leader Primal chains is a sin. I guess it works find for when you have him posed where he transfers Jetfire's parts onto Prime's body, but it's still absurd, especially when a bendy-wire accessory was featured in Marvel Legends Machine Man back in 2015!
57-55: Classic Camaro Bumblebee (01, Buzzworthy-15, & Clunker)
I couldn't really choose a definitive order for these three Bumblebees, but I will say that each figure has its own strengths and weaknesses. Firstly, the original Bumblebee has better paint apps in both modes if we pretend it was pristine like at the end of the Bumblebee movie and in most of ROTB. And his cannon is the best painted out of all of them since it leaves the yellow forearm alone. In addition, this figure does the arm swap feature better than the TLK figure. But I know most older copies of the toy had shitty QC, meanwhile my figure had a pin that stuck out weirdly so I had to shave it down so it can transform properly, even though the windshield piece did not stay in place that easily (it eventually broke so I had to cannibalize parts from another BB-15 Bee). Speaking of, Buzzworthy Bumblebee's SS-15 Bee has the stripes that were originally missing on the Target-exclusive custom set where you can make Bumblebee stickered up and have parts swapped for some reason. That was one I skipped but I did happily take the Buzzworthy version since it has the stripes and pin, but some robot mode paint apps are still missing. And of course, Clunker Bumblebee does have the better vehicle mode deco despite having an all-silver arm cannon and some missing torso paint in bot mode. At the very least, it and the Buzzworthy SS-15 release have the pin on the backpack that all 2018 versions of the mold are missing.
54-53: Sideswipe (DOTM & ROTF)
This version of Sideswipe surprised me with how easy it was to retool a convertible into a hardtop. Unusually, the DOTM version of Sideswipe came first when ROTF turned 10, but I did appreciate that Hasbro was able to utilize better handling of back kibble for either figure, mostly the DOTM version since it lacked the rooftop. However, one flaw that the DOTM version was utilizing bare light gray plastic on parts of the toy, which especially clashed on the head. Thankfully, the ROTF version has darker gray parts and painted its head in silver. However, both figures do have the annoyance of utilizing partsforming for the transformation in order to attach the signature blades or having him hold the twin guns. The latter was at least okay since the guns could only be seen from the bottom bumper, but if the blades are missing, then that would mean the vehicle mode is ruined.
52. Galvatron
This guy was better than I expected, though there are a few quirks I have to call out when it comes to what we have here. Firstly, the vehicle mode has the annoying kibble on the back of the truck since the original AOE figure never had that. Transformation, however, doesn't utilize any shellforming to my surprise, even though the AOE figure did it alright. Robot mode doesn't have any majorly inaccurate truck kibble thanks to it implementing any truck pieces into its transformation. The proportions are stranger due to the skinnier nature of the arms and the flatter torso versus how thick his legs are. On the plus side, he is painted beautifully with a shiny silver coat, and the same goes for his weapon. It's cool to get a new Galvatron, but I hope we get a new AOE/TLK Prime ASAP.
51. Core Class Figures
These guys are all brought in the same spot, so I decided to see how great they are as figures when treated like a set. This covers any characters from the live-action movies, so no SS86 people. Shockwave is pretty neat when it comes to how much the tank reminds me of his TFP altmode, down to the transformation. The robot mode looks better than the derpy proportions on the CG mode, due to the proper bulk that the arms add, making him seem stronger than his Pixar-mom Thoccwave Thighs. Ravage is nicely articulated but is clearly a glorified accessory for Soundwave that was sold on its own because Hasbro is gonna Hasbro. Laserbeak and Bumblebee have weird proportions compared to the DOTM Cyberverse Legion figure, but I do have to admit they make me nostalgic from that subline, and props to Hasbro for making Laserbeak first (and for anyone who forgot about that scene where the con disguised as Bee, shame on you all). Arcee is not too bad as a Core Class figure, but her design is inaccurate given the design limitations and Freezer/Novakane make fun little weapons for the Terrorcons to use in battle in addition to having crazy designs similar to Frenzy and General Grievous.
50. Jazz (regular & 15th ann)
What's crackin', lil bitches? This guy is pretty cool overall in spite of being a shrunken-down Human Alliance figure, in addition to doing nothing with its backpack beyond making it look a bit Geewunish. I wish the steps that the Masterpiece version utilized later would be implemented with this version, as having a bit of bulk on his thin arms and not having the rear part of the car on his upper back makes this feel a bit more basic than it really is. Beyond that, I dug the weapon integration, whether it's with the 5mm port or flipping the hand in the altmode configuration so it could use its square pegs. It is odd how one of the hands looks more human than the other, but what is even odder is the lack of availability for this toy. It's either the single-release version or the better-colored Autobots 5-pack version...and neither release is easy to get online.
49. Arcee (Bumblebee)
Even though I don't like the idea of the ROTF Arcee triplets being designs fitting for main characters compared to being drones made for them to command, that doesn't mean I don't necessarily like the way the Bumblebee movie version turned out. It's grossly obsessed with being Geewun like a lot of the designs on Cybertron, but what makes this figure tolerable is the TRON-themed bike mode rather than the recreated 2005 car she had in G1. In addition, the transformation is not too plain, being reminiscent of some of the motorcycle Transformers that use similar layouts only in reverse. Best of all, her kibble management is much better than what a lot of G1 Arcees have by comparison. Her face looks stupid, though. Thank Primus the ROTB version gives her a literal facelift, though there is sadly no proper Deluxe figure since it's either the Core Class version for scale or the Beast Weaponizer version for better proportions (the Beast Combiner is crap).
48. Mixmaster
When you turn into a cement mixer, there are two methods towards making a unique design: either being a basic bot for G1, or splitting the drum in quarters and using them as shields of some kind. ROTF Mixmaster's design is quite logical for someone who's more likely going to defend himself and fire back. Thankfully, this figure is much easier to transform than the original ROTF Voyager, though the robot mode is definitely much wider and not as flexible as the original version. Oh well, not the end of the world since this universe's Mixmaster is a Headmaster. How come he hasn't been designated as such long before Cogman popped up in The Last Knight? Oh well, he is still a cool take on the character design nonetheless.
47. Dino
He may not turn into a Ferrari, but that doesn't mean this version of Dino is best left behind. Vehicle mode is still faithful to the on-screen model to an extent, while the transformation manages to be fairly unique for what it is, especially compared to the average carformer with a design similar to the hood-chest-door-wing philosophy. If there are two flaws I want to mention, it would first be the lack of any proper ankle articulation as well as the back kibble making him appear somewhat dumpy. In any case, he is still a cool addition to any fan who loves Dark of the Moon, which should be a requirement at this point. Oh, and the mention of needed ankle articulation is found in the upgrade kit courtesy of DNA Design featuring some shared spotlight with the Deluxe Shatter duo.
46. Sideways
Briefly seen in ROTF yet receiving plenty of merchandise past the release of the movie, Sideways was undoubtedly get his Studio Series figure 3 years after ROTF turned 10. Vehicle mode is surprisingly not licensed, at the coloring is at the very least consistent and not as incomplete as it was on the DOTM Sideswipe, further making this figure feel more complimentary with the ROTF retool of the Autobot that sliced him in half. Robot mode is certainly not as lean as the original Deluxe, as his upper body is quite bulky in contrast to how thin his legs are. This becomes a real con as the ball-jointed ankles are very loose, which makes balancing much more difficult to work with. On the bright side, the fingers are decently articulated for his Wii/PS2-exclusive gun. Yes, Hasbro used a gun from a lesser-tier version of the ROTF game (for those that don't remember, those consoles didn't have the same level of graphics, gameplay, and campaign mode versatility as the PC/Xbox 360/PS3 versions).
45. Shatter (Jet mode)
The better version of the best character in the entire Bumblebee movie is also better than Dropkick's second and decent car mode Deluxe. In a way, her transformation is comparable to First Edition Starscream, only without the added moving parts that you'd expect from a figure that isn't held back by budget. At the very least, she has a better head sculpt that matches the CG model, while the articulation is much better to work with than the old Deluxe. There are even sculpted turbines on the spine of the jet. Overall, a much better take on the character than what we previously got with the past version.
44. Battletrap
While the figure does have a few concept art inaccuracies and proportion issues holding it back, this is a very badass design that manages to be appropriately fitting for a servant of Unicron despite resembling more of a standard Decepticon. The tow truck alt mode is already a win, though things like the bulkier underside and the exposed hands do turn it off. Alternatively, the figure also has a pretty cool transformation, almost reminiscent of Ironhide's. The robot mode looks pretty good, though certainly more leg than arm. His mace is initially not movie-accurate thanks to the lack of a chain, but it is at least similar to how Bulkhead's weapon works. Someone will give him a real chain, I'm sure.
43. Wheeljack
Ah yes, the only Wheeljack design that Transformers fans think is illegal because the other movie versions are seen as these bastardizations that killed their families because God forbid the name be used for a design that has nothing to do with the god-tier G1 version right? *shows Armada Wheeljack* Oh. Ignoring that dumbass fandom drama, this version of Wheeljack is alright for one of the few Deluxes based on his briefly seen appearance in the Bumblebee movie. Transformation is fairly different from the norm, as it utilizes a bit of inside-out magic to get the parts where they need to be in transformation. The clear wheels are nice, but I find it odd how his white is in a greenish tint a la his G1 counterpart's Earthrise figure. And it's also one of the few rare figures to have the head turn sideways while in transformation. Otherwise, not a bad figure, but when Pablo shows up, he will be named Wheeljack while this guy is named Downshift.
42. Soundwave (DOTM)
Waiting nearly 9 years to get this figure when the original Dark of the Moon Deluxe was not only canceled by Hasbro but impossible to get from Asian markets seems almost worth it. Car mode has a beautiful coat of paint that makes it pop on a shelf, while the transformation is fairly involved for someone with this design. In addition, the robot mode is undoubtedly closer to the CG model than it ever has been. The only issue is how the head and hands are made out of a more rubberized material, and the hands can't really hold any accessories. Laserbeak is a neat addition but isn't as lucky with being unpainted. Otherwise, he is the best Soundwave in the line but has a few needed tweaks.
41. Optimus Prime (Bumblebee)
This figure is definitely going to get Geewunners erect with how accurate it is to the original design. Truck mode is even more complete than the Evasion version, and the transformation is definitely closer to the G1 series with a bit of a Classics influence for the upper body. And the robot mode is what fans definitely ejaculated over back in 2018, yet they suddenly got blue-balled when they saw the ROTB tweaks. That being said, this figure was mostly cool for having a less-shitty altmode than the one in the actual film, but the robot mode's proportions were too dumpy, and the legs barely stayed together. Say what you will about the ROTB version's altmode, but at least he held together better than this guy. I feel like people were more excited for this toy just because of the design rather than the actual quality of the toy. If you still want this guy and are willing to get him officially but not a KO, you have the 35th anniversary version that came with a repackaged Walmart G1 Optimus Prime reissue in a 2-pack (complete with recreated nostalgic packaging), the Premium Finish version for more weathering paint apps, and the Nemesis Prime redeco coming in 2024.
40-39. Rampage & Skipjack
The old ROTF Deluxe was overly-engineered with a design that Hasbro probably underestimated and with a jumping gimmick that wasn't worthwhile. So how do you improve on the design? Well you make the details sharper, make him a Voyager, and making him a combiner. This figure is generally better than what we had before, though the tail is instead shorter and comes with a stand for stability. The arm articulation is much more limited but the tail poses decently. Transformation into leg mode is cool, but the guns are negligible. They are both equal overall, so I don't have a preference for either paint scheme. At the very least, Skipjack is assembled right.
38. Cogman
Remember when this C-3PO knockoff was hard to find in 2017 and suddenly got easier to obtain in 2019? While the bot mode lacks the weathered paint apps from the original release, this one at least has silver paint all throughout. The figure is also one of the better TLK Deluxes, what with the engineering, the Headmaster gimmick, and the robot design allowing it to match the standard form Cogman has, making it possible to put him with 6-inch scale figures. If R.E.D. won't make a Cogman, then this guy will do perfectly apart from the lack of ankle articulation. I would have honestly loved seeing a Chromedome to go with the Toys R Us Thundercracker.
37. Leadfoot
The best Wrecker gets the best figure out of the trio in Studio Series. In a way, he's better than the original Deluxe thanks to his chunkier proportions. The quality not being as gimped as it was on his partners. Combine that with a unique design, the signature Target decals, and a surprise edition of Steeljaw is a win in my book. He could use some more Target-themed decals, though. Speaking of, I was lucky to get my hands on this guy, but with how the Buzzworthy Bumblebee subline works as a Target-exclusive, making a reissue for Leadfoot is logical.
36. Crosshairs
Crosshairs definitely got better figures as time went along. His TLK Deluxe was a better version of the AOE Deluxe with better proportions and car detailing, this guy is an entirely new mold from scratch with a even closer accuracy to the CG model and a new take on the trenchcoat that makes gives Crosshairs his identity. It's not all perfect with how some tab tolerances work and how the back of the figure looks a bit cumbersome, though the ball joint is a result of an option to remove the kibble if you please. On the bright side, pinned wheels versus the snap-on ones of his older toys is a win. Same goes for his altmode being closer to the movie but be warned on how easily the spoiler comes off.
35-34: Ratchet & Ironhide (Bumblebee)
The Autobot duo of Ironhide and Ratchet are back to having the same designs with slightly tweaked heads, which is a shame for someone like me who preferred when they used to look distinct. I already said my opinions on the designs of the Bumblebee movie Autobots but I will admit that as figures, Ironhide and Ratchet are both pretty good. Being screen accurate with the bonus ability to transform as they never did in the film, and their alt modes being pretty cool and reminiscent of the Michael Bay Armageddon movie? And you can even untab the torso plate for a side-tilt joint?! That's great! Unfortunately, Ratchet has been a victim of photodegradation even while shipped to stores, and Ironhide...is basically a red Ratchet, but he and white Ironhide are cool.
33. Optimus Prime (ROTF)
This bot is unusually inaccurate when it comes to the darker than normal color scheme, chest design, and back kibble. But does that make him a bad version Movie Prime? In terms of positives, he at least has a better altmode than the later retool, what with how it rolls better somewhat and looks more cohesive on the front, though the Evasion Mode feet are present no matter what. The blades are lovely additions to the figure, and the articulation he has is very good. I recommend you get the Premium Finish version since it has a better color scheme and has more paint apps that the original didn't have, such as extra flames and the blue doors.
32-30. Bumblebee (MV1, ROTF, DOTM, & 15th)
A trilogy of Bumblebee toys all under the same mold, making for perfect synergy between them rather than going from the 2007 Deluxe to the Battle Blade version and then the DOTM Deluxe. The figure itself features new tricks of its own, from the smaller door wings to make it look more proportionally accurate to the more deformed torso shape where it isn't as wide like on older toys, and we now have bulkier forearms and shoulders this time around. The gun being an accessory that the hands now hold means you won't end up losing the forearm, though the gun could blend in better. In addition, the robot mode hand could benefit from having a stomach that's not too inset from the upper body. Also, despite the synergy of sharing the same mold, the gray plastics being different might throw some fans off, and the same goes to the DOTM version not having the Autobot insignia on the forehead. The 15th anniversary version feels naked without the paint apps for the body, the light gray plastic, and how the windows are tinted but the rims look bare.
29. Long Haul
While he is a smaller figure than the original ROTF Voyager and the vehicle mode matches the Constructicon that combined with Devastator on-screen rather than the actual one Long Haul turned into as an individual, he is at least much bulkier this time around, all thanks to his role as being a hefty Voyager and him being a leg for the giant gestalt. The articulation can be a bit limited due to how bulky the thighs are, and the arm kibble could be annoying when bumping into the shoulder wheels. But the use of ratchets for the waist and the hip joints is appreciated for durability reasons, as well as them making the poses much more stable; he even has deep ankle rockers to boot!
28. Barricade
Barricade had a pretty good Masterpiece figure back in 2018, so it made sense that we'd see this guy pop up with similar design elements only simplified for his engineering. Barricade is not a bad figure all around, especially with how much better it resembles the CG model than past versions. He even has a few accuracies and benefits of his own compared to other toys, such as the more deformed window wings and his arms not sagging down when posing them the wrong way like with the MPM. The wheel acccessory also integrates itself a little more easily, though it looks more handheld than the MPM's more involved integration at the cost of it looking ugly. However, the PVC materials can be a little concerning, and I don't trust the socket of the window holding the hood's ball joint. Also like the MPM, Frenzy is excluded. If you really want this figure, then the 2-pack version with Clunkerbee and the Decepticon 4-pack version are mostly intact save for the suspicious removal of the "to punish and enslave" decals on both versions and the numbers on the latter version.
27-26. Starscream (MV1 & ROTF)
While he may come off as an upsized knockoff of the DOTM Deluxe, the nicer plastic quality as well as the more robust joints, better sculpt work, gap fillers for the torso, and character-appropriate size make him seem more like the actual Starscream figure we should have had in Dark of the Moon. I'll never understand why Hasbro made him a Deluxe beyond accessibility for fans who couldn't afford the larger toys. This guy also utilizes some unique weapon integration for the missile launcher and the buzzsaw for the MV1 and ROTF versions of the mold, respectively. And as iconic as Starscream's tattoos were in ROTF and DOTM, I like seeing the return of the more traditional F-22 sky camo livery; ROTF Screamer does have better painted eyes, though. I do feel that they should have silver heads as well as ROTF Screamer having a darker shade of gray vs the more tannish shade of gray we ended up with.
25. Brawn
Brawn is my favorite out of the Bumblebee movie Cybertronian designs for the Autobots, as he works for a variety of reasons: He's reminiscent of a Ninja Turtle, his design being Geewunish doesn't make me roll my eyes like with other characters, and his alt mode feels pretty Technobot-esque. I also like how his hips feel a lot more robust in terms of the joints versus the standard ball joints that a lot of Movie figures get. That being said, I don't like how there's a gap in the alt mode that could have easily been covered up, and the smaller pegs for the rifle to store on suck. Regardless, I like how this guy ended up compared to the others. I would like to see an Outback if they're going to do some Concept Series stuff that was probably never even made as such and was only done just to expand the line even more.
24. Overload
If you got this guy for $30 like I did, then you are a lucky fan. Because him being a Voyager that is super wide that qualifies as a Leader Class toy makes this price even better than how it'd normally cost in 2020. The design of Overload looks great in spite of it not being that one concept art that gave him a ton of legs, but I love the added arms, the unique altmode, and a heavy use of ratchet joints. I kind of wish the joints for the legs would be stiffer than they currently are. Him coming with a piece of Devastator's head that goes on Mixmaster is amusing since one would expect it to come with that guy.
23. Optimus Prime (MV1/5-pack)
We already covered the ROTF version of this guy, so we'll go over the negatives first. Firstly, I don't like how fragile the tabs are on the grille, making it break too easily and leaving a small gap. Secondly, the altmode looks a bit worse with the tabs and the exposed gaps due to the smaller tanks. Thirdly, the wheel assembly on the hips does get in the way for waist articulation. And fourthly, the gun kind of stays in the hands a little too tightly and makes them slide out too easily. In terms of pros, the colors are more accurate, the proportions are better this time around, the back kibble is more accurate apart from the slight gap, and the figure can still use the blades. He's worth getting if you ask me, but the Autobot 5-pack version has the more iconic blades and includes pins on the backpieces from the Jetwing Prime at the cost of having less paint for the legs and arms.
22. Sentinel Prime
The original DOTM Leader was pretty good from what I've seen of it apart from the huge backpack while the Voyager counterpart was a full-on shellformer, so it makes sense that the Studio Series version would instead utilize an approach similar to the DOTM Leader while being his own guy as a mold built from scratch. Besides the partsformy nature of the weapon he uses and the alternate configurations meant for the back kibble (secure but no waist swivel or loose but waist swivel is utilized) being odd, this is a great take on the character that is perfect for being displayed dead next to a living Ironhide in his collection. That being said, where is his iconic shield and the cannon he used to kill Ironhide? Oh wait maybe excluding the latter was a good idea in hindsight.
21-20: Offroad Bumblebee & NEST Bumblebee
For a while, this was my favorite Bumblebee figure in the Studio Series line, what with it not only being an underrated design of the character from any of the movies, but also being well-engineered for a little Deluxe! Neat transformation tricks for the legs, a wise use of a faux chest design for the bot mode's proportions (while the real one is tucked away), and a unique hinge for the head to utilize with Blitzwing's articulated hand, I can't really find much to complain about with how clean this guy turned out, especially from the back. I also like the NEST repaint one, ironically moreso than either Ratchet or Bonecrusher since it looks great in these colors AND is a mold I prefer over the other two. Doc should have been in Night Ops colors while BC should have been in his Jungle colors.
19. Megatron (MV1)
While his blocky legs and inaccurate chest design might throw some people off who already have the MPM version, this Megatron is still one I enjoy owning in my collection thanks to his more creative transformation compared to the larger toy that came before it. Sure, it makes sense for the wings to pop out from the back, but having them unfold from the legs is crazier! That sort of justifies the blocker design they have. Meanwhile, the silver paint is a nice way to make the sculpt pop a bit more, and the flail is a neat addition for all those times someone refused to give him the Allspark. He annoyingly lacks the Fusion Cannon that was also just as well-known as the mace, but the chest being the ROTF version and not the MV1 version feels even worse. You can at least get an upgrade kit to fix those issues, something that neither Hasbro nor Takara rectified while releasing either the Premium Finish or the 4-pack version. Regardless, he's better engineered than the old Voyager's dumpy proportions and permanently attached ice pieces, or the Leader Class figure's awkward translation from CG to toy.
18. Grimlock
He had a Buzzworthy Bumblebee reissue a while back, so that means we might finally see some AOE Dinobots after 5 years of not getting them past Grimlock! What about the Dinobot leader himself? He is the best version of the character when it comes to screen accuracy, what with the patina paint job, the heavy sculpt work, and the dino mode having better proportions than either the old Voyager or Leader Class figures. That being said, the transformation does feel very basic, especially when the dino legs would end up being the robot legs but squat. And without the upgrade kit from DNA Design, he annoyingly lacks any accessories he utilized in robot mode while the tail looks underwhelming. Regardless, this Grimlock is a badass design all around, and I look forward to the day we get the other AOE Dinobots with hopefully the same level of detailing and articulation. And if Hasbro REALLY wanted to make scale a thing, do Core Class versions of the Autobots!
17. Shockwave
Certainly the most accurate take on DOTM Shockwave we'll get from Hasbro, especially when it comes to the proportions, the size of the cannon, and the patina deco with purple accents to call back the G1 version. There is quite a level of bang for your buck, too, or at least that's what we're going for. The size is that of the ROTF Megatron figure that this figure borrows the engineering, hips, and treads from, but the aforementioned paint combined with the weight from the rubber parts (the hand, the barrel of the gun, the blade) as well as the additional accessories in the form of a NEST soldier with a parachute and tiny figurines of Wheelie and Brains justify this being a Leader Class toy. I don't agree with that notion. He is still a Voyager with benefits at the end of the day. Despite that, he is still a good design that would be easier to obtain if you got him for a cheaper price than what he'd normally go for. Assuming you can get him in the aftermarket, that is.
16. Scavenger
The coolest Constructicon our of the entire line-up, Scavenger feels more worthy of a Leader Class figure than Shockwave did in the same wave. While he isn't as huge as Demolishor was in the Shanghai battle in the beginning of ROTF, he does have a decent enough size to fit for the character design's unique size, including better balance and articulation than the old Voyager toy of Demolishor. Similarly to the Legends Class figure, the treads are plastic with little wheels instead flexible PVC treads, but the plastic tires contain the right shape and girth that would make sense for the character design compared to how thin the rubberized ones look. He may have a free-rolling tire, but you can still balance him well enough, or make an alternate configuration that makes him walk around weirdly. Overall, Scavenger is the best Studio Series Constructicon we ever got, though now I'm curious on how a Demolishor repaint world work, OR we could get a Commander Class version that has a more involved transformation instead of combining with Devastator (unless Hasbro wants to make an alternate configuration for Devastator reminiscent of the old Supreme Class toy but better engineered).
15. Jetwing Optimus Prime
While this guy is somewhat different from SS-32 in terms of the fade on the front or the fact that he has some structural differences, I do like how significantly better he feels from SS-32. This release isn't perfect, what with the nearly unpainted trailer and weapons, but I have to at least commend them for making this at least feel more worthwhile than expected. He is the only Voyager with Benefits release I'll make an exception for. Unlike Coronation Starscream, which has a more negligible paint deco difference and only has articulated hands that look a bit off, Jetwing Prime feels more robust with his engineering, utilizing, not to mention having a bit more range than Starscream has while also utilizing a trailer that can transform into a weapon ring rather than just come with a mere chair. I do question why Hasbro chose to make the SS-32 version of Prime and then put out the SS-44 version of Prime later in the year instead of making him a 2020/21 release.
14. Drift (AOE)
While helicopter Dropkick was the worst mold out of the first year of Studio Series figures, the heavy retooling put into Drift makes him one of the best releases from not just the 2019 line-up but also the line in general. Apart from the legs being the same ones Dropkick had from the front, at least he manages to be very accurate when it comes to the character design from the thighs up. The black plastic also goes lovely with the metallic blue and gold paint apps that feel gorgeous versus that typical blue coloring that Drift toys used to have in AOE. The proportions are what stand out the most, giving the character a lean aesthetic that was absent on older Deluxes thanks to him not turning into a car. Even the helicopter kibble doesn't stick out weirdly, and said alt mode is closer to the design we saw in the film versus the strange retool that we got from the AOE toyline that utilized the Skyhammer mold of the DOTM line. Now let's see Hasbro do a Bugatti Drift after making a TLK car Drift in 2024!
13. Bumblebee (ROTB)
This guy is officially my favorite Bumblebee figure in the ROTB line, thanks to the better plastic materials we have for this guy versus past Camaro Bumblebees as well as the VW version and even the Offroad incarnation. The only issues I have are how weirdly unpainted parts of the face and the blade are, but I like how the windows are separate pieces from the doors, the offroad add-ons make for a new look to the Classic Camaro design we already had, and the design is very well-done if you ask me. It's a nice transition from his weak top swap from the Bumblebee movie's ending to the more complex design he has in 2007, and I would love to see this guy pop up again with weathered detailing and two guns with a battle mask to boot. Also off topic, but as brief as it was, I was surprised that Hasbro and Paramount had Bumblebee get killed in the beginning of the movie during the battle with Scourge, more or less. Granted, he was wounded plenty of times in the first movie as well as in his solo film, but to see him actually die before he was revived near the end was a surprise. I do hope they don't make it repetitive for the next movie.
12. Hot Rod (Lamborghini)
It's great to say this is THE Studio Series Hot Rod to have for your collection (not counting 86 because it's a different universe you dumbass Geewunners don't start ffs). With how flat the AOE Deluxe Lockdown retool was despite being better painted and somewhat taller, and how terrible the WWII retool of the same-era's Bumblebee was, this figure is a huge glow up. Leaner proportions, a complex transformation that makes the car mode clean while the robot mode remains very accurate, outstanding articulation, and the proper Time Gun for him to STOP ZE TIME, Hot Rod is the best he's ever been in the Movieverse. The coolest part? Despite having snap-on wheels, he rolls wonderfully, proving that you can make a Deluxe figure as complex as possible and NOT need to make it a Voyager. I do hope we can get a new TLK Bumblebee in the near future to go with this guy.
11-10. Megatron (ROTF & Battle Damaged)
The first ever Megatron we got in the line, and he's my favorite design out of the ones we had in the five movies he appeared in. I ain't counting that scrapped crapped Beewun design. Megatron's older figures were flawed in many ways, like with the MV1 version, from the Voyager having a ton of back kibble that he never had to the Leader Class figure's hugely unbalanced arm proportions and lack of right elbow articulation. This guy's sculptwork is much better in comparison to past iterations, the articulation is better implemented into this toy, the transformation is actually involved, and the proportions are much closer to the CG models than before. The only issues I have would be how the right arm, while coming with the fusion cannon design and iconic blade that he used to stab Prime, should have the option to swap it with the more normal forearm with fingers. The paint is a major bummer since the prototype has a gorgeous coat of silver or gunmetal gray, but the latter is somewhat implemented onto the battle-damaged version exclusive to Target. His retooled head is another nice addition, but this figure should have had the Premium Finish treatment.
9. Blitzwing
While he may look nothing like G1 Blitzwing and died very early on (which people didn't get angry over but then again favoritism with this movie is a thing), Blitzwing is a great figure based on the Bumblebee movie, what with his ability to not feel like a recycle of many different toys that are similar to the G1 Seeker design. What makes Blitzwing actually cool was how clean it feels in terms of kibble, leaving only the wings that would be signature for a design. In addition, I love the way the fuselage swivels during the transformation but I like how the arms become part of the wings, articulation comparable to the Siege Seeker mold, and having a much more stable connection for the rapid-fire gun he comes with. In addition, his articulated hand is utilized for strangling Bumblebee, and either hand can be swapped for a spike used to remove voice boxes or even using other weapons that come from different toys. I hope this guy gets repainted somehow since he's better than the Seekers.
8. Ironhide (regular/5-pack)
The best Voyager Ironhide we've ever gotten in the movie lines is undoubtedly Studio Series. So many other versions either try to go for spring-loaded gimmicks or are simply the wrong proportions or size. Ironhide, on the other hand, is perfect in the Studio Series line, and I would absolutely say he's even better than the MPM version for how stable he is with the chest AND arm cannons. Seriously, how does the cheaper version get things write more than the larger, more expensive toy? Admitttedly, he's not 100% perfect due to the lack of ankle joints as well as the bumper disrupting the design of the toy. But other than that, he is a slam dunk of a release, and it's a shame we hadn't gotten a DOTM release with different guns this time around. The only other way to get him is in a 5-pack with the other Autobots, but I bet a version that came with the ROTF drone would be a better Gamer Edition toy than the actual Gamer Edition Transformers.
7-6. KSI Boss & Thundercracker
This is easily the strongest Voyager Class mold we ever got from The Last Knight when it was originally Nitro Zeus, and I am happy to say that Thundercracker and KSI Boss are both equally good, if not better due to them not being as drab. The transformation is asymmetrical with how the front becomes the right arm and part of the back becoming the left arm, a unique hinge for the right arm to hinge into place as it moves out of the way, and even coming with Titans Return compatibility, with the heads not only coming off with the same peg system that the heads come with but also the cockpits opening for a Titan Mater to pilot. KSI Boss doesn't necessarily have the more flathead-accurate design that was actually in AOE while Nitro Zeus's head was a straight up reuse of Shockwave's with an altered head design. But you can always pretend that KSI Boss is actually Nitro Zeus himself. Thundercracker, on the other hand, is so underrated thanks to how much he reminds me of his Cybertron design, being an entirely different design from what Starscream normally had. The head sculpt is similar but utilizes an extra set of eyes. He could be a little more refined with the pelvis pegging in better, but beyond that, he is a worthwhile release if you ask me.
5. The Fallen
An impressively accurate take on the second movie's titular villain, The Fallen gets a great improvement from his old Voyager toy. His height is normal current Leader scale and the transformation does seem pretty easy (almost as easy as Combiner Wars Megatron), but it does at least leave his imposing design alone with a much closer posture to his character design, a better color scheme than his past Voyagers, his signature staff weapon (which could be better if it was accompanied with finger articulation), and the ability to remove his face to reveal the gnarly underside where the jaw articulates? Sign me up! It was about time he had a Leader Class figure after ROTF turned 10.
4-3: Grindor & Blackout
While the Masterpiece exceeds both figures in terms of quality, I will at least say that there is something still worth saying about the Studio Series versions of Blackout and Grindor. The complex transformation put into the figure is outstanding, and it makes up for how fairly short the robot mode is. Admittedly, the feet and the forearms do look a bit awkward, especially in contrast to the MPM, but I can still appreciate it when Hasbro goes above and beyond to make this guy as faithful as possible to the CG model while still experimenting with the engineering of Transformers toys that hadn't been done with the AOE/TLK figures. Grindor is behind Blackout due to the latter's poorer quality control as well as the questionable paint apps, which do at least differentiate him from the OG heliformer. Scorponok is also a more logical choice than Ravage, though that is likely due to ROTF Soundwave not coming with him.
2. Jetfire
The first thing I heard when this figure was revealed was the ever-popular catchphrase, "BEHOLD, THE ULTIMATE GLORY OF...JETFIRE!!!!!"; ol Grandpa Blackbird brings back the awesome SR-71 stealth jet courtesy of Lockheed, has a much more accurate sculpt in robot mode, and now features a closer approach in combining with Optimus Prime into Jetpower mode that was shown at the end of the movie. Partsforming at the legs and upper body make for a more faithful take on the sequence Jolt made in the film, and I'm still surprised that Hasbro has yet to make a 2-pack featuring these two. Hopefully, they will for the 15th anniversary of ROTF, and while they're at it, GIVE US THE TWINS YOU COWARDS.
1. Devastator
This is easily the most creativity I have ever seen from a multi-bot combiner. 8 members instead of the traditional 5 or 6, unique designs made up of different construction vehicles in numerous sizes, and a plethora of interesting transformation schemes per member, making every character stand out from one another both individually and as a team. The bestial take on Devastator is something I would love to see again in fiction, especially as every traditional combiner is usually a tall dude. And a very accurate take on the design compared to the Legends and Supreme toys, the only way you could fix perfection is by giving it an upgrade kit courtesy of DNA Design, and that is how you should display the Devastator set.
And that covers the Studio Series line. What a massive toyline Hasbro brought in for fans, all without requiring a rebranding of any kind beyond the sublines of 86 and Gamer Edition. This might be the longest article I have ever covered in this line, and I hope you enjoyed it. We'll be meeting again for a possible 3-year overview for SS86 later on. As for Gamer Edition...good luck, you faulty subline.
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