Transformers Studio Series 2018 Figures Ranked

I know it's weird to rank the 2018 figures when 2019's here, but I wanted to get the line ranked to show everyone my thoughts on last year's figures. This was a line that I thought would never return considering how I initially felt Hasbro was all about Generations including G1 and G1 only, but it's nice to see not just the Movie lines continue, but also by bringing back new versions of older characters. Fans no longer have to go out and buy the older Movie figures with this line now a reality. With the 2018 reviews over, let's see how I rank each of the 2018 Studio Series figures from Worst to Best!

15. Dropkick

While not a bad figure, this is by far the worst Studio Series figure in terms of accuracy to the CG model. I understand that he can't be a Triple Changer because of how different the size and mass of each vehicle mode is at a Deluxe price point, but could he at least have some faux parts to capture the look of his robot mode? Not to mention his robot mode could use a bit more blue, and his weapons suck. He doesn't even make for a decent Whirl. I hope his car mode design shows up sooner.

14. Ratchet (MV1)

While similar to the DOTM Deluxe, this version of Ratchet is great for those that wanted to have the MV1 deco, though I have to admit, it sucks that his plastic is slightly thinner than the DOTM Deluxe, he has way less paint (or black plastic to break up all the green), and the roof rack hangs so low that it's like a superhero cape. I know you can unscrew it but surely there could have been a way to make it look less awkward. He comes with his buzzsaw, and while it doesn't spin on the 5mm post, at least it's coated in silver paint. I may get his DOTM repaint, though I don't like the moon colored gray on him.

13. Crowbar

This guy is a pretty solid retool of TLK Berserker! Almost everything on him is different from Berserker's and it's not just a mere head swap. One of the notable differences is the inclusion of a new set of dreads that are thinner and longer than Berserker's (since he only had them on his head). The spike accessories are identical to Berserker's, and so is the vehicle mode, though the only differences are the Decepticon insignia being the normal one on Crowbar than the movie one, the slightly darker windows, and the dreads sticking out in the back. The dumbest repaint in this line will be the Crankcase repaint of Crowbar; why Hasbro chose to repaint Crowbar instead of Berserker (who looks more like Crankcase) is beyond me.

12. Bumblebee (VW Beetle)

Setting aside my dislike for the Bumblebee movie, this is a decent version of Bumblebee from the solo movie. The Volkswagon Beetle mode looks nice, though the yellow plastic and yellow paint on transparent plastic is inconsistent under some light. The transformation is fine going into robot mode, but going to vehicle mode, the backpack is hard to unfold with the tabs in the way, the shins don't like tabbing together, and the trunk is annoying to deal with. The robot mode looks good, and I prefer him with his door wings since they complete the look. His arm cannon and arm blade are nice, but his mask accessory is really annoying to deal with if you don't want to chip the paint of the eyes or break his antennae. I also wish his legs had more engineering put into them so they can be cleaner. I have no plans to get his gold repaint or his rusty version from the Target 2-pack.

11. Stinger

Finally, a version that of the character that isn't a red repaint of Bumblebee or reuse of red Legends toys. With a beautifully recreated Pagani Huaiya as the vehicle mode and a unique Transformation (at least unique in my collection), Stinger gets to stand out years after having no good toy of him. His robot mode is also an improvement over AOE Bumblebee's, from the proportions to the way the figure transforms, and while Stinger doesn't have the battle mask gimmick (since he always had it on), it looks worlds better than Bumblebee's (though he may need to use some additional paint. His weapon's a mixed bag. It doesn't look too bad, though I hate how it's always on his arm and isn't accurate. Still, a great figure for the cheap knockoff of Bumblebee. I don't plan on getting the KSI Sentry variant anytime soon.

10. Jazz

Finally, a better Deluxe version of Jazz! The last version of Jazz we got in the movie lines was the HFTD version back in 2010. I like that the vehicle is at a good scale with Bumblebee's, and the transformation isn't too annoying (though you have to plug the back of his waist with a peg on his rooftop backpack for more stability). His robot mode is small and may seem a bit of a drawback at the 20 dollar price tag, but I feel the silver paint on his robot mode makes up for it, though I will point out that I got him for 12 bucks. Jazz's articulation is pretty sweet, and even though he doesn't have any waist articulation, at least he's light enough to keep him balanced in some poses. And his weapon is not just some weird sword or a motorcycle that turns into his Crescent Cannon since it remains as his weapon only.

9. Brawl

The old Deluxe was far too small and had sucky shoulder connections. The Leader was in a better scale but it is far too bulky. This guy is in the Voyager scale but it works well enough for him. His tank mode may not have the turret rotate like on the other toys, and there is a gap where the hands would be found, but the transformation of the figure has some new engineering elements added into the mix. My favorite part of his transformation is that he's still able to be a sleeker robot than his other counterparts, with the only problems I have being his hands being sculpted in where the back of the tank turret transforms and his barrel sticking down instead of being able to hinge itself to his hip or his back. Other than that, a solid version of Movie Brawl.

8. Bumblebee (Wave 1 Classic Camaro)

Fans that love the TLK version of Bumblebee will love this version of the Autobot scout. He's back to his 1977 Chevy Camaro design, and it's a pretty good looking version of him! The car mode is pristine but it does the job perfectly fine. The transformation of the robot mode is borrowed from the TLK version, with the only differences being that the rear windshield splits in half and goes on the legs, whereas the TLK version has it fold along with the rest of the backpack. Another change includes the arm cannon; not only is it on the right arm like it should be, but the way it pegs into the arm is much better, meaning that the mushroom joint won't be damaged. Some people pointed out that their copied had QC issues, but my copy is pretty solid all around. I do wish his backpack was pinned in there, but another problem I have is that for some reason, some parts of him, like his arms and his shins are gray plastic with yellow paint. Other than that, a good toy! I won't get his SDCC repaint or the one that comes with customizable parts. I "might" get his Clunker version, but ONLY if there is a version of Bumblebee that's a retool of his TLK version done in either one of his three trilogy designs.

7. Starscream (MV1)

This makes the DOTM Deluxe feel like a knockoff by comparison. Some may think that it's an upscaled version of the 2011 figure, but it actually borrows the transformation while not only being sharper in details but also having different plastic colors, modified joints, and new additions for the figure, like pieces that fill his chest, slots for his missile rack, and ports that accommodate a flight stand. This guy's plastic is so good, that it feels like it was originally released in the DOTM line because he feels good in-hand. I wish he came with his back thrusters, but other than that, he is a welcome addition that also has his MV1 deco. I do plan on getting his ROTF variant, though I don't like how he has one part cast in black (the part that covers his face) while his nosecone is black. He'll be neat to own as long as it's easy to find in stock.

6. Lockdown

I can't believe I was too hyped for that stupid AOE Deluxe, because this is the best Movie Lockdown figure that's not Peru Kill. I know that some will praise the ROTF Lockdown mold that looks like the Animated version, but it'd be hard to put him in a Studio Series display where he towers over everyone else at an unnecessary rate. Still, I love the midnight black paint for the vehicle mode, the transformation is decent, and his robot mode has a good height for him. His weapons may not be his face gun, but he has a cool hook and a nicely done sword gun that can be used in either form. I wish his forearms don't look too baggy, but other than that, he's the best official AOE Lockdown figure. I don't care for his Shadow Raider repaint. Unless I got spare part copies of him and Lockdown, where I'd make a Lockdown with the mask and the gun, then I'm passing on SR.

5. Optimus Prime (ROTF)

I was worried about how this figure will turn out when the Studio Series line was first announced, especially after the MV1 Voyager was too clunky, the HFTD Voyager was nice looking but too annoying to transform, and his DOTM Voyager is too funny looking with the giant lower legs and arms but small torso, shoulders, and thighs. The first few images didn't look good, but then the in-hand images became more common, and I grew to like the figure. His truck mode is decent, the robot mode is well proportioned, the transformation is solid, and the articulation is perfection. I wish he was bigger in truck mode, had brighter colors, and a better-looking chest, but his Energon blades more than makeup for those problems. I am certainly getting his 2019 retool, which not only comes with even more accuracy put into it, being slightly taller, having brighter colors, and coming with his Ion Blaster, but he is also able to combine with Jetfire. If that's not enough, he can still use the Energon blades with no problem, making the 2018 release obsolete. On a side note, for vehicle mode scale, I will buy the slightly oversized Studio Series version for a better truck mode display (also comes with longer smokestacks).

4. Megatron (ROTF)

This is easily better than either ROTF figure released in 2009, beating his Fast Action Battler version, his Voyager mold, and the Leader version. His tank mode isn't too wide, though the wings are missing for the optional flight mode. His transformation is neither basic like the Leader, nor does it leave him with the top of the tank on his back like a turtle shell, so he ends up having a really accurate robot mode. The proportions are spot-on, his articulation is good, and he all around looks menacing with the sharper head sculpt, creepy claw hands, and the Deathlock Pincer. I wish he had a normal right forearm for an alternate display option, silver paint like on the prototype, no crude gap on the side of his backpack, and leg panels that don't pop off, but other than that, he is the best ROTF Megatron by far. I may get his battle-damaged variant, though I wish that version came with an alternate pristine head sculpt so you can replace the original version.

3. Ironhide

No Movie Ironhide figure is great until now. The Studio Series version puts the other ones to shame for its accuracy added in robot mode, a transformation that's really satisfying, and cannons that don't look inaccurate or stupid. His 2007 Voyager was unstable, his HFTD Deluxe was accurate but too small, his DOTM Voyager was way too lean for Ironhide, and don't get me started on his DOTM Leader (the MPM version beats that one!). Sure, his truck mode may be a bit too big next to Optimus (again, the reason why I want to get the slightly bigger knockoff) and his waist has the bumper looking weird, but the pros certainly outweigh the cons, just like how Ironhide always outweighs the Decepticons.

2. Grimlock

This is easily better than the 2014 Leader figure. Better dino mode, better transformation, better robot mode, better details, and it pretty much makes the AOE version look like it was a Deluxe figure with the engineering of a 2012 FOC Deluxe. I hope Hasbro can make a Leader Class Scorn and Voyagers of Slug and Strafe. my real problem with the figure is that I wish he had more accessories to make him look more impressive, though the FWI kit will fix those problems. Other than that, this is the best Movie Grimlock figure to date, and can only be trumped by a Masterpiece version if we get one.

1. Blackout

The cherry on top of the Studio Series Sunday, Blackout may as well be THE Transformer of 2018. Prior to the release of this figure, all he had was a crappy Voyager in 2007, which was far too small, looked too blocky, and had a crappy Automorph gimmick. This guy has a pretty good transformation (that goes back to the engineering that Leader Class figures had from 2007-2011) while sacrificing his robot mode height to make his helicopter mode look massive. Sure, there are things that could be improved, but overall, this Blackout is a dream come true for Transformers fans that want a big version of the first robot we see become a robot right before our eyes. And on top of that, he comes with a mini-Scorponok with decent details added in the mix!

So that concludes my Studio Series list. They're great toys in general, and it's great to see Movie toys become great again! I look forward to seeing more that this line has to offer, too. Now that the 2018 molds are covered, let's see what the repaints are all about before we talk about other Transformers! Don't worry, though, because the Studio Series line will return!

Transformers Studio Series Dropkick review

While I prefer the design of Bumblebee movie's Dropkick over the MV1 game drones, I kind of wish he wasn't a triple changer since he and Shatter would be hard to tackle in plastic with both modes at once. As my friend Carnivius said, they don't make sense since the alt modes are far too different from each other to even work. The best option would be to have their Deluxe figures done up with one altmode at a time, so let's see the first of likely four figures based on the alt modes of Shatter and Dropkick, beginning with the latter's helicopter mode!

Here we have Dropkick in his helicopter mode. It looks pretty solid, though mine has some warped copter blades. It's an altmode that does look basic, though I do like the blue highlights and the pirate flag. It's small, it's simple, but it does get the job done. Almost feels refreshing to have a helicopter Deluxe that ISN'T a reuse of Alpha Bravo (though I know some customizers probably used that for a Combiner Wars version of the character).

I have found a new mode for it, where it can become a bunny of sorts. Maybe if this was yellow it could almost look like the Beast Chopper Zord's Jackrabbit mode from Power Rangers Beast Morphers.

For a vehicle mode size comparison, here he is next to Studio Series VW Bumblebee. Yeah, the altmode sizes look stupid here.

Here we have Dropkick next to fellow helicopter Decepticon, Blackout. Initially, I felt that the altmode felt really small and thin for a vehicle like that, but it actually works now that it's put next to Blackout. A better size difference than putting Dropkick next to Bumblebee.

The transformation is finicky, to say the least. The parts on this toy are really small, and sometimes they feel really annoying to line up or move around without them popping off. Then there's the vagueness of where some of the parts go, and when they should be tabbed in place for the robot mode. Is it as bad as the awfulness that is ROTF Blazemaster? Nope, but it's still weaksauce.

Here we have Dropkick in his robot mode. It's not that good looking. The head looks really small compared to other Deluxes, the arms don't look right, the forearms have some bad kibble, and the legs not only look real skinny when put under this toy, but they also made the hips look too far apart, making this guy feel dated than he should be. Oh, and I should note that my figure's slightly mistransformed in the back, sorry. The lack of car parts does make this toy look inaccurate, though one can't expect triple changers at this size since the alt modes would be half-assed.

The side and rear views of the figure don't really help the look of the design. There's a massive amount of gray parts, and the back looks really uneven here. And remember my comment on how the back is somewhat mistransformed? The blue parts should be facing up, not down.

The head sculpt looks really puny, likely due to the size of the cockpit. This feels like a knockoff version of the toy from the same company that made some bootleg DOTM and AOE toys, like the ones you get from Aliexpress. There's very little sculpting and while the eyes are present, they don't even look like they're prominent. If this was a Scout Class toy from years ago, I wouldn't mind the half-assed sculpting, but even those headsculpts look better than this.

The articulation of the toy is about what you'd expect for a Deluxe. Ball joint at the neck, ball joints at the shoulders for moving front and back, hinges in and out, a swivel at the elbow and a bend too. Hips are on ball joints, they swivel above the knee, and the knees bend.

For his accessories, he comes with two guns. They're really basic and are two different colored pieces of plastic. They have barrels that hinge out, but beyond that, not much else to mention.

For a robot mode size comparison, here he is next to Bumblebee. The size doesn't look too bad, but if I were to pick one good toy of the two, Bumblebee is the answer to go with.

Overall, this Dropkick figure is the worst Studio Series toy of the entire 2018 entry, and could likely remain the worst toy of the line. The inaccuracies, poor design, and lack of effort in making this toy a worthwhile Deluxe are things that irk me with how this thing turned out. Maybe I'd like it more if it was reused in a different way, right? For now, don't pay full price for this toy unless you just have to own this toy. Buy some chains to punish him, too.

Final ranking: ⭐⭐ out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Transformers Studio Series VW Bumblebee

I have to admit that I'm not a fan of the Bumblebee movie. It's bland, feels like something I've seen before, and takes away the charm of the Michael Bay movies. Despite the blatant nostalgia filter with the 80s setting and the robots looking more Geewun than ever, it doesn't even feel like an episode of G1 since Bumblebee doesn't act like a puppy who can suddenly get his eyes red in the cartoon. I'd rather believe that Bumblebee was at one point in WWII than believe that he once acted like a copy-paste of The Iron Giant. That said, movie suck does not translate into toy suck (yeah, I stole Thew's comment from his Mixmaster review and put it here), so perhaps the Studio Series version of Bumblebee's Volkswagon Beetle form could work better than it does now, right? Let's find out!

Here we have Bumblebee in his Beetle mode. It's the first time Bumblebee becomes the car in the movies, but this is the second version toy to have the proper proportions of the altmode, as G1 Bee has a more chibi look in his altmode while the other Bumblebee toys in the movie's line varied from either looking toyish or accurately proportioned. While I've gotten more used to the muscle cars that he's become in recent media, this is a nice altmode to have in the licensed side of car modes.

It's a nice looking car that's sadly ruined by the issues it has with lining up. There are some small gaps that look noticeable here than on the other Bumblebees, and I don't like how the front rims don't match up with the rear rims. One or the other, guys! Also, is it me, or does the yellow not really match up nicely? Finally, I wish the windows aren't this clear, as they kind of ruin the look of the altmode. Some darker tint or blue clear plastic would work better.

Here's an interesting aspect of this toy, and it's another officially licensed product from Volkswagon itself, which may not seem like much, but it's been rough for Hasbro to get approval from the car manufacturer. Still, it's nice that they're getting the approval to use the car, though on a model that's now way out of date (though I heard Mexico has kept these old Beetle models in production).

For weapon storage, the alternate face, blade, and arm cannon can be placed as such in the image below. Actually pretty nice storage in my opinion! Nothing sticks out weirdly from the outside of the car, and there's no gun attached to the roof. It's nice and compact like it should be.

Here he is for a vehicle comparison next to the Studio Series and TLK versions of Bumblebee. The car sizes are pretty nice, though I feel the Beetle should be smaller than it is right now.

This is the size that both cars have in the first movie. Beetle's rooftop should at least be the same height as the Camaro's. And no, you can't quite recreate this scene since Bumblebee's doors aren't easy to open.

Bumblebee transforms somewhat like his other forms, but there are a couple of new additions this time. This guy's transformation is a bit more annoying than the Camaro Bumblebees, all because of the even smaller parts that could be detached or how very little space there is to work with. Also, the backpack is annoying overall.

In robot mode, Bumblebee is the shortest Deluxe figure in the line so far, being shorter than even Jazz from Wave 2. The design looks pretty good, and while I'm not a 100% big fan of this robot design, I feel that it at least captures the spirit of the character's design from the previous films. The wings being present is something I like more than if they were absent; they complete the look for the robot mode and make him feel more like he transforms compared to the final CG model. The robot mode from the waist up looks good, but waist down, it starts to get awkward. The tires being near the knees look a bit weird, and the shins don't look lined up well with the thighs.

The rest of the bot mode fares well enough, though from the side, Bumblebee has even bigger car parts on the back of his lower legs, and the backpack looks even bigger than on previous Bees.

Bumblebee's face sculpt looks accurate to the movie design (apologize for the image quality). The head is one of the aspects of the design that's carried over from the 2007 design, though it's more simplified and a bit chibi than actual chibi styled Bumblebee toys. Some silver paint is missing on the face, though.

The articulation is pretty good, though about the same as every other Bumblebee. Head is on a ball joint, the shoulders move on ball joints, and the elbows have swivel and hinge joints, while the hands move inward for transformation. Waist articulation is present, the hips are on ball joints, there are thigh swivels, a good bend in the knees, but instead of a foot hinge, there is an ankle pivot.

Let's get back to those accessories. The first accessory is the arm cannon that swaps out much like the first Studio Series Bumblebee did. It looks pretty good, though not quite as big as it is in the movie. The other weapon Bumblebee has is the arm blade that mounts on the left arm, a melee weapon Bumblebee has in some toys but never seen in the other movies. Finally, Bumblebee has a battle mask that kind of gives me Kamen Rider vibes due to the insect theme.

For weapon storage in robot mode, Bumblebee can store an arm on the butt. He can also store a face on one of the wings. Yeah, it's awkward as hell.

For a size comparison, here he is next to his other counterparts. He's shorter than either version of the character, though I feel that Bumblebee does need to be much shorter than the other versions of the characters.

This is the official size comparison between the characters' heights. While Bumblebee was bigger than he should be in the Camaro design, you can explain that there was more put in him than the Beetle version of the character. The Speed Series version of the character may be in better scale with the Deluxe Camaro Bee.

This is the shared retail exclusive version of the character, and it does look reminiscent of the G2 Bumblebee toy, though not as shiny. Seriously, the gold looks really dull in person. Uriad and Zauru come available with this toy, much like the other Bumblebee had Dairu and Uruaz. Not worth getting unless you want the cassettes, or if you are a Bumblebee completionist.

The Then & Now 2-pack has a Bumblebee that comes with some rust paint apps on the doors, and the feet lack silver paint. It's barely noticeable for this release and isn't really worth hunting down unless you never had this and the 2016 Camaro Bumblebee.

And now we're going all the way back to this mold again with a Premium Finish version of this guy! This is the most accurate version of the character to date, what with the faded yellow, more accurate eyes, and the like. Much like with the WFC Optimus Prime based on his Netflix appearance, I do want to get this guy...if it weren't for the price tag! A Deluxe usually goes up to $22 when you add tax, and when you're paying $35-39, you're essentially doubling it up for more than you need. I'd rather wait for a sale than pay for this repaint at full price, especially when it's a decent but not mindblowing Deluxe.

Overall, despite my opinions on the Bumblebee movie, this is an alright figure. Some aspects of the toy don't work well; some other parts do. Even if I prefer the bigger energy vibes of the Camaro version of Bumblebee, this toy's not horrible. I'd say it's serviceable at best, and in some ways looks better than the 2018 Masterpiece toy. Still, things should get better from here in terms of Studio Series Beewun toys, right?

Final ranking: ⭐⭐⭐ and a half out of ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐