Pictorial Review of Transformers Studio Series Leader Blackout
Friday, March 30th, 2018 8:52PM CDT
Categories: Movie Related News, Toy News, Reviews, Site ArticlesPosted by: william-james88 Views: 34,129
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So Blackout is an amazing display figure, but not much playability, which is fine with me, but may bother some.
Lets take a look:
Here he is in robot mode glory.
This is by far where he shines brightest. The molding detail on this figure is simply gorgeous. While there is some kibble, mainly in the arms, its kept to a minimum. Hands aren't that great, but easy to look past. The legs really shine as well. He really looks like he just stepped off the screen. I do think he could use a few more paint apps.
Here is robot mode:
This mode does have a glaring issue: the bottom.
As you can see, there are some big, glaring empty places. Granted, the one in the tail will be filled by the little Sccrponok figure (who I left fastened in the packaging) but it is quite hollow. Thankfully, it is on the bottom, and not easy to see.
Now, some have questioned his size so lets take a look at some compassion pics with common figures. (editor's note, we thank Ironhidensh for all the comparisons we can get)
I feel the Helicopter mode is large enough, and the the bot mode works for me as well. I think maybe some have an issue because his head sits so low compared to the top of his rotor assembly.
So lets look at the line up. Of figures released so far, I'm only missing Grimlock, and I'm still on the fence on buying him.
By the way, have I mentioned how much I love the packaging on this line?
So, in the end, a little honesty. I wonder if part of the reason I love this figure so much is because we have never actually gotten that large or great of a Blackout figure. This guy has his flaws, but the positives greatly out weight them, in my humble opinion. SS Blackout is INCREDIBLY different from the 2007 figure. Some engineering is shared, but that's it. It's a vast improvement.
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Posted by Quantum Surge on March 30th, 2018 @ 9:06pm CDT
Posted by william-james88 on March 30th, 2018 @ 10:24pm CDT
TFmonkeybiz wrote:Since we're on the subject of sightings I recently spotted the first wave of deluxes in the Derby Intu center u.k.. I didn't pick any up as I'm not paying £25 for a freaking deluxe .
Posted by -Kanrabat- on March 30th, 2018 @ 10:59pm CDT
Posted by ZeroWolf on March 31st, 2018 @ 1:35am CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on March 31st, 2018 @ 8:48am CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 31st, 2018 @ 9:16am CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Wanting to see comparison shots of Blackout's toy with his original toy (or its Premium redeco).
I'll see if I can dig mine out of my kids toy box and do this.
Posted by Ironhidensh on March 31st, 2018 @ 10:06am CDT
Posted by -Kanrabat- on March 31st, 2018 @ 11:14am CDT
Ouch...
Posted by william-james88 on March 31st, 2018 @ 12:27pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:Wanting to see comparison shots of Blackout's toy with his original toy (or its Premium redeco).
Your wish is my command
Posted by Lore Keeper on March 31st, 2018 @ 6:41pm CDT
Posted by Hip-Hoptimus Rime on March 31st, 2018 @ 7:07pm CDT
Posted by Lore Keeper on March 31st, 2018 @ 9:40pm CDT
Hip-Hoptimus Rime wrote:Harsh! We're here for you.
Hehehe, I have my own Transformers support group!
Posted by leokearon on April 1st, 2018 @ 2:09am CDT
Posted by Va'al on April 1st, 2018 @ 5:04am CDT
You can check it out embedded below, as he shows off the two modes of the character, plus comparisons with the rest of the Studio Series line so far, and some size checks with other Leader class figures across a number of lines. Take a look below, and let us know what you think in the Energon Pub!
Posted by Va'al on April 1st, 2018 @ 11:09am CDT
If you're waiting for an online retailer to grab these movieverse toys, now may be your chance - happy hunting!
LEADER FIGURES
This Studio Series Leader Class lineup features premium figures, each with movie-inspired scale, detail, and backdrop. Figures stand at a scale relative to their character’s height in the movie and feature deco. Each package comes with a movie scene backdrop that can be removed to display the figure on shelf. Fans can use the backdrop and pose their figures in the scene with their own style. Set of Grimlock and Blackout.
BBTS (104.99): http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Search?Se ... ies+Leader
RobotKingdom (109.90): http://www.robotkingdom.com/e0703as00.html
AJ's Toychest:
http://www.ajstoychest.com/hasbro-trans ... der-class/
VOYAGER FIGURES
This Studio Series Voyager Class lineup features premium figures, each with movie-inspired scale, detail, and backdrop. Figures stand at a scale relative to their character’s height in the movie and feature deco. Each package comes with a movie scene backdrop that can be removed to display the figure on shelf. Fans can use the backdrop and pose their figures in the scene with their own style. Set of Optimus Prime and Starscream.
BBTS (64.99): http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Search?Se ... es+Voyager
The Chosen Prime (64.99): http://www.thechosenprime.com/TSSDeluxeW1
RobotKingdom (69.90): http://www.robotkingdom.com/transformer ... 2as00.html
AJ's Toychest:http://www.ajstoychest.com/hasbro-transformers/transformers-studio-series/transformers-studio-series-voyager-class/
DELUXE FIGURES
This Studio Series Voyager Class lineup features premium figures, each with movie-inspired scale, detail, and backdrop. Figures stand at a scale relative to their character's height in the movie and feature vivid, high-def deco. Each package comes with a movie scene backdrop that can be removed to display the figure on shelf. Fans can use the backdrop and pose their figures in the scene with their own style. Set of 4.
BBTS (84.99): http://www.bigbadtoystore.com/Search?Se ... ies+Deluxe
TFSource (82.99): https://tfsource.com/transformers-studi ... e-1-set-4/
RobotKingdom (89.90): http://www.robotkingdom.com/transformer ... 1as00.html
The Chosen Prime (82.99): http://www.thechosenprime.com/TSSDeluxeW1
AJ's Toychest (): http://www.ajstoychest.com/hasbro-trans ... uxe-class/
Posted by LevelRage on April 1st, 2018 @ 11:09am CDT
Posted by DMSL on April 1st, 2018 @ 2:08pm CDT
Posted by Ironhidensh on April 1st, 2018 @ 2:58pm CDT
-Kanrabat- wrote:>some
Ouch...
Kids, man.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 1st, 2018 @ 8:13pm CDT
Still hoping Hasbro does something about SS Thundercracker and TRU. I really want him
Posted by Autobot Roadburn on April 1st, 2018 @ 8:15pm CDT
D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Super stoked for the leaders, they look to be awesome!
Still hoping Hasbro does something about SS Thundercracker and TRU. I really want him
I'd just keep checking, I found him on Friday and got to choose the one with the best paint out of the 7 or so on the shelf. Super lucky.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 1st, 2018 @ 8:18pm CDT
Autobot Roadburn wrote:D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Super stoked for the leaders, they look to be awesome!
Still hoping Hasbro does something about SS Thundercracker and TRU. I really want him
I'd just keep checking, I found him on Friday and got to choose the one with the best paint out of the 7 or so on the shelf. Super lucky.
The TRU near me has finished its stock, I asked. They're focusing on build sets that are still outlandishly priced.
By chance, do you live in the US? And could you maybe pick another up and ship it? Or trade it?
Posted by Autobot Roadburn on April 1st, 2018 @ 10:09pm CDT
D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Autobot Roadburn wrote:D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Super stoked for the leaders, they look to be awesome!
Still hoping Hasbro does something about SS Thundercracker and TRU. I really want him
I'd just keep checking, I found him on Friday and got to choose the one with the best paint out of the 7 or so on the shelf. Super lucky.
The TRU near me has finished its stock, I asked. They're focusing on build sets that are still outlandishly priced.
By chance, do you live in the US? And could you maybe pick another up and ship it? Or trade it?
I'd have to get back there and see if any are left, and I can't do that at least until tomorrow. If I still find any I'll direct message you. The only trade I'm interested in right now is Blackout so if you happen to find him I could send you Thundercracker and either the difference in cost or trde figures. I'll try to track him down if I can, he's a really fun figure.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 1st, 2018 @ 10:11pm CDT
Autobot Roadburn wrote:D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Autobot Roadburn wrote:D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Super stoked for the leaders, they look to be awesome!
Still hoping Hasbro does something about SS Thundercracker and TRU. I really want him
I'd just keep checking, I found him on Friday and got to choose the one with the best paint out of the 7 or so on the shelf. Super lucky.
The TRU near me has finished its stock, I asked. They're focusing on build sets that are still outlandishly priced.
By chance, do you live in the US? And could you maybe pick another up and ship it? Or trade it?
I'd have to get back there and see if any are left, and I can't do that at least until tomorrow. If I still find any I'll direct message you. The only trade I'm interested in right now is Blackout so if you happen to find him I could send you Thundercracker and either the difference in cost or trde figures. I'll try to track him down if I can, he's a really fun figure.
Thanks! I'd appreciate that. He's a favorite character of mine and I love the Nitro Zeus mold!
Posted by Autobot Roadburn on April 1st, 2018 @ 10:12pm CDT
D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Autobot Roadburn wrote:D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Autobot Roadburn wrote:D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Super stoked for the leaders, they look to be awesome!
Still hoping Hasbro does something about SS Thundercracker and TRU. I really want him
I'd just keep checking, I found him on Friday and got to choose the one with the best paint out of the 7 or so on the shelf. Super lucky.
The TRU near me has finished its stock, I asked. They're focusing on build sets that are still outlandishly priced.
By chance, do you live in the US? And could you maybe pick another up and ship it? Or trade it?
I'd have to get back there and see if any are left, and I can't do that at least until tomorrow. If I still find any I'll direct message you. The only trade I'm interested in right now is Blackout so if you happen to find him I could send you Thundercracker and either the difference in cost or trde figures. I'll try to track him down if I can, he's a really fun figure.
Thanks! I'd appreciate that. He's a favorite character of mine and I love the Nitro Zeus mold!
No problem! I like him a lot more than Nitro, the colors are better and his head design is super cool. Not sure if it's been done yet but I'll try and upload a comparison photo of the two side by side.
Posted by shajaki on April 1st, 2018 @ 10:15pm CDT
Bee is great, he shows that they learned alot from their MPM Bee and the '77 Camaro Bee sorely needed a new mold. On to Stinger...
This line, and particularly Stinger, have been judged rather harshly it seems. I think Stinger is pretty good. Some things are really neat, like the front wheels going into the chest and still being visible. He's also decently posable and has a great head sculpt.
Not so great, is his.. "gun"...? The roof of the car is stuck to one of his arms, which I guess can be considered a cannon/gun/whatever, but it's a bit of a stretch.
One of the reasons these have been panned is QC. For the record, so far I've nothing negative in that regard to report. Now the other two:
This is actually my first movie Ratchet! It's a really great mold, only complaint being that he feels too small, his backpack needs ONE more fold, and I wish the saw spun. But he transforms really fun, and is really posable. Look at the one knee pose! All is forgiven.
Crowbar is hideously awesome! He's an improvement over the last monster SUV guy, and if they're your jam then you'll love him. Biggest flaw, the dreads in alt mode. They can be tucked away, but I chose not to because I don't want them permabent in a way I don't want.
All Deluxe's opened, final thoughts:
Even though I already said I liked Stinger, he is the weakest of the Wave 1. And I'm surprised how much I liked Ratchet and Crowbar. I'm pumped for this line
Posted by Autobot Roadburn on April 1st, 2018 @ 10:21pm CDT
Posted by Emerje on April 1st, 2018 @ 10:23pm CDT
Autobot Roadburn wrote:D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Super stoked for the leaders, they look to be awesome!
Still hoping Hasbro does something about SS Thundercracker and TRU. I really want him
I'd just keep checking, I found him on Friday and got to choose the one with the best paint out of the 7 or so on the shelf. Super lucky.
Some of us no longer have TRU stores to check, they've already started shutting them down.
Emerje
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on April 2nd, 2018 @ 3:41am CDT
So here's me rewriting it all (and copy pasting it into text file just in case i lose it again)
----
Had these for almost a week now and have got a lot of play from them on my desk.
Bumblebee - Surprisingly smaller than the TLK figure but that works for me since this is 2007 Bee and I can reason that he got stronger and a bit bulkier over the series. Yes, roof does come off a bit easily but i can fix that. I had more trouble getting the hood over onto the chest for car mode and then back again for robot mode. That was a pain. Dunno if there's some step I missed cos i didn't use the instructions (more fun figuring it out for yourself, and using the instructions only when stuck). Like that they re-designed the gun arm attachment from the TLK figure so now it fits on his right arm and can still bend at the elbow. Very fun figure.
Ratchet - I will say there are a couple aspects of the 2011 Deluxe I prefer such as transparent windows and a better folded backpack but I do like the increased size of this figure and small things like the front wheels reversing in robot mode to reveal those lil light bits. Can use some more paint in places particularly on the forearms and the vehicle mode (the Takara Movie the Best version of the 2011 mold has a great paintjob that blows this one away) but I like this figure a lot and even just for scale it edges out the 2011 mold for me.
Gave him a gun from a junker DotM Topspin
I'm really liking this series and very grateful for it as without I would very likely not be buying any Transformers this year at all. Yes they have some flaws (but I can't think of many Transformers figure that don't have any thing to improve or change) but I'm satisfied with my purchases (especially as they were only £20 each which is bit cheaper than TLK price or The Entertainer's rip off prices for Titans Return Deluxes, plus these has free delivery). I most want Starscream and Grimlock next, then Optimus and Blackout then Crowbar and Stinger, if I can get those before Wave 2 hits.
Also I really do love the backdrops as they make the shelf look so much nicer and give the figures a more 'grounded' look and added atmosphere.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 2nd, 2018 @ 5:05am CDT
Still, I only really want 5 figures so far from this line: Jazz, Megatron, Starscream, Thundercracker, and Grimlock. Limited space and interest. I got rid of so many Movie figures, I will only keep and get the ones that I like the most.
Posted by ZeroWolf on April 2nd, 2018 @ 5:38am CDT
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on April 2nd, 2018 @ 8:44am CDT
ZeroWolf wrote:Love the pics carnivius! Especially the ones where they are mid transformation.
Thanks, Yeah I'm not really sure why I did those. And there's too much of a change between Bee's 2nd and 3rd pics and not enough between the 3rd and 4th but oh well.
Posted by Emerje on April 2nd, 2018 @ 9:02am CDT
Carnivius_Prime wrote:i cannot believe i just typed out a load of stuff and the site didn't connect when i pressed send and when i clicked back all my post was completely gone.
Been there, done that. Next time resist the urge to hit back and hit reload/refresh instead, it should resend the same information.
Emerje
Posted by Sabrblade on April 2nd, 2018 @ 10:49am CDT
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on April 2nd, 2018 @ 11:15am CDT
Emerje wrote:Carnivius_Prime wrote:i cannot believe i just typed out a load of stuff and the site didn't connect when i pressed send and when i clicked back all my post was completely gone.
Been there, done that. Next time resist the urge to hit back and hit reload/refresh instead, it should resend the same information.
Emerje
It's weird cos normally when I click back, it's saved that info just in case of such a problem but it didn't this time. Maybe something's gotten disabled in my browser. Will look it up laters.
Sabrblade wrote:TV spot for this line:
Nice. Only a few figures shown but I like the focus on the backdrops. Think all TF toys could use those as a cheap extra. All them G1 MP toys could have used backdrops from the episodes their accessories are mostly based on like Hot Rod's could have a reversible one of the sharkticon pit where he uses the saw or the lake where he and Daniel fish for a nice constrast.
Posted by ZeroWolf on April 2nd, 2018 @ 11:19am CDT
Posted by Carnivius_Prime on April 2nd, 2018 @ 11:24am CDT
ZeroWolf wrote:The backdrops are a nice touch and I hope they are reused as we go forward
Yes, like the flight stand ports on most of the mainline figures over the past five years or so. I like making use of those for some dramatic posing.
Posted by reluctantyouth on April 2nd, 2018 @ 3:14pm CDT
Leader Grimlock and Blackout are IN STOCK at Hasbrotyshop.com Use code ACTIONFIGURES18 and save 15% off! I got $15 off the pair. Hurry!!!!! $90.30 total with tax. (if you just get one figure...code will still get you $7.50 off and free shipping)
Update 3:32 PM Central 4/2/18- Both Grimlock and Blackout Out of Stock
Thank you for your order!
You will receive a confirmation by e-mail to verify your order.
Order number:XXXXXXXXX
Order date: April 2, 2018
CONTINUE SHOPPING
ORDER SUMMARY
Ship To:
XXX
Shipping Method: Standard
Estimated Shipping Date:
04-02-2018 Order Item List
PRODUCT
AVAILABILITY
QTY
PRICE
TOTAL
Transformers Studio Series 08 Leader Class Movie 1 Decepticon Blackout
Transformers Studio Series 08 Leader Class Movie 1 Decepticon Blackout
In Stock https://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/en/htsusa/-e0980as00
1
$49.99 $49.99
Transformers Studio Series 07 Leader Class Movie 4 Grimlock
Transformers Studio Series 07 Leader Class Movie 4 Grimlock
In Stock https://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/en/htsusa/-e0773as00
1
$49.99 $49.99
Posted by reluctantyouth on April 2nd, 2018 @ 3:24pm CDT
Leader Grimlock and Blackout are IN STOCK at Hasbrotyshop.com Use code ACTIONFIGURES18 and save 15% off! I got $15 off the pair. Hurry!!!!! $90.30 total with tax. (if you just get one figure...code will still get you $7.50 off and free shipping)
Update: 3:32 PM Central 4/2/18- Blackout and Grimlock Out of Stock (Prime and Starscream also available)
Thank you for your order!
You will receive a confirmation by e-mail to verify your order.
Order number:XXXXXXXXX
Order date: April 2, 2018
CONTINUE SHOPPING
ORDER SUMMARY
Ship To:
XXX
Shipping Method: Standard
Estimated Shipping Date:
04-02-2018 Order Item List
PRODUCT
AVAILABILITY
QTY
PRICE
TOTAL
Transformers Studio Series 08 Leader Class Movie 1 Decepticon Blackout
Transformers Studio Series 08 Leader Class Movie 1 Decepticon Blackout
In Stock https://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/en/htsusa/-e0980as00
1
$49.99 $49.99
Transformers Studio Series 07 Leader Class Movie 4 Grimlock
Transformers Studio Series 07 Leader Class Movie 4 Grimlock
In Stock https://www.hasbrotoyshop.com/en/htsusa/-e0773as00
1
$49.99 $49.99
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 2nd, 2018 @ 4:56pm CDT
You can check out this new commercial below, and let us know what you think of the new line, with all the cool and interesting new takes on the old movie characters we love, below!
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 2nd, 2018 @ 8:23pm CDT
How does this new figure appear to stack up to those 3? Are you going to be adding him to your collection? Let us know in the comments section below!
Posted by Quantum Surge on April 2nd, 2018 @ 8:35pm CDT
Posted by Wireless_Phantom on April 2nd, 2018 @ 8:39pm CDT
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 2nd, 2018 @ 8:42pm CDT
Now, to wait for MPM Jazz and see if it can beat the amazing HA version.
Posted by Microraptor on April 2nd, 2018 @ 8:44pm CDT
Posted by Sabrblade on April 2nd, 2018 @ 8:59pm CDT
And consistent with Jazz's other big toys. It's a curse he just can't break.-Kanrabat- wrote:That car roof backpack is lazy as hell.
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 2nd, 2018 @ 9:05pm CDT
Sabrblade wrote:And consistent with Jazz's other big toys. It's a curse he just can't break.-Kanrabat- wrote:That car roof backpack is lazy as hell.
That's why I'm looking forward the MPM version. It WILL come, I'm pretty sure.
Posted by Autobot N on April 2nd, 2018 @ 9:14pm CDT
I haven't had much interest in MPMs, but I'd buy the absolute heck out of an MPM Jazz.-Kanrabat- wrote:Sabrblade wrote:And consistent with Jazz's other big toys. It's a curse he just can't break.-Kanrabat- wrote:That car roof backpack is lazy as hell.
That's why I'm looking forward the MPM version. It WILL come, I'm pretty sure.
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 2nd, 2018 @ 9:38pm CDT
Autobot N wrote:I haven't had much interest in MPMs, but I'd buy the absolute heck out of an MPM Jazz.-Kanrabat- wrote:Sabrblade wrote:And consistent with Jazz's other big toys. It's a curse he just can't break.-Kanrabat- wrote:That car roof backpack is lazy as hell.
That's why I'm looking forward the MPM version. It WILL come, I'm pretty sure.
I bet an MPM Ironhide we get a MPM Jazz before a MP G1 Jazz
Posted by -Kanrabat- on April 2nd, 2018 @ 9:45pm CDT
D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Autobot N wrote:I haven't had much interest in MPMs, but I'd buy the absolute heck out of an MPM Jazz.-Kanrabat- wrote:Sabrblade wrote:And consistent with Jazz's other big toys. It's a curse he just can't break.-Kanrabat- wrote:That car roof backpack is lazy as hell.
That's why I'm looking forward the MPM version. It WILL come, I'm pretty sure.
I bet an MPM Ironhide we get a MPM Jazz before a MP G1 Jazz
Betting on that too. Porshe licence can be a bitch to get.
Posted by LevelRage on April 2nd, 2018 @ 10:56pm CDT