Transformers Studio Series Leaders Grimlock and Blackout Found at US Retail

Man... 50 US dollars works out about 35 british pounds... but Leaders are often sold for between £50 and £65 here.

I need Grimlock. Blackout is a strong possibility too. But I really can't afford either in UK prices at present. I did get Ratchet and Bumblebee cheaper than expected (2nd hand ex-review ones still as new with packaging) so I'm happy there but that Grimlock...it's almost like a statuesque work of art in Hasbro/Takara standards with that level of sculpt detail and paint.

So I have today off for the Easter holiday. However, I completely forgot to turn my alarm off. So promptly at 5:30 a.m., I get woken up. I go to the bathroom, take a morning constitutional, then go out to make some coffee. Well s***, we're out of coffee. So I get dressed, hop in the car, and drive to Meijer to get some coffee. While there I remembered to look for something.

50$ for that Leader Grimlock is an excellent bargain IMO! I have yet to see a review on Blackout but he looks great too.

Nathaniel Prime wrote:50$ for that Leader Grimlock is an excellent bargain IMO! I have yet to see a review on Blackout but he looks great too.

I posted a link to a review in this post: https://www.seibertron.com/transformers ... ail/40988/

Also, while Blackout does look great, I am not too fond of paying leader prices for a toy thats closer to a voyager sized figure:



That is TLK voyager class megatron, if anyone is wondering.

I really thought I would be rcreating the forest battle scene wth my ROTF Prime and Megatron and HFTD Leader Starscream when this leader Blackout was first rumoured. But instead it looks like we can only recreate it at the voyager class scale.

Is that a star wars dvd I see hidden behind blackout? Nice find though ironhidesh! Do you have the original blackout to do a comparison with?

william-james88 wrote:
I really thought I would be rcreating the forest battle scene wth my ROTF Prime and Megatron and HFTD Leader Starscream when this leader Blackout was first rumoured. But instead it looks like we can only recreate it at the voyager class scale.

But it's your choice of Prime, Megatron and Starscream there that are out of scale compared to Blackout who is meant to fit with the Studio series where he is correctly larger and bulkier than any of those three. To match those Blackout would have to be a chunk bigger than any Leader class figure.

Should we start a new thread for these Leaders, for comments, issues, etc?

Got my Blackout this morning, and the first thing I noticed is that the side panels that the arms mount to don't tab into their slots very well at all. I messed with the tab and slot, deforming them so they interfere more tightly with each other, and it's a little better.

Also noticed that the alt mode kibble that forms the bottoms of his feet could be removed if you pulled the big metal pin that holds it on. It would still give him good feet, I think, more screen accurate than the way they come. But then you'd have loose chopper panels to deal with.

Lastly, I wish he had that fold-out chest cannon that he tried to roast Epps with. He's still huge and awesome though!

EDIT- he has a lot of really cool molded details!

Hip-Hoptimus Rime wrote:Should we start a new thread for these Leaders, for comments, issues, etc?

Got my Blackout this morning, and the first thing I noticed is that the side panels that the arms mount to don't tab into their slots very well at all. I messed with the tab and slot, deforming them so they interfere more tightly with each other, and it's a little better.

Also noticed that the alt mode kibble that forms the bottoms of his feet could be removed if you pulled the big metal pin that holds it on. It would still give him good feet, I think, more screen accurate than the way they come. But then you'd have loose chopper panels to deal with.

Lastly, I wish he had that fold-out chest cannon that he tried to roast Epps with. He's still huge and awesome though!

Nah, they are part of the line, all members of the line stay in the thread. Helps streamline things more.

And I am looking forward to the leader. I am planning to focus on finding them before the deluxes I want, and I'm not getting either voyager

Since we're on the subject of sightings I recently spotted the first wave of deluxes at the entertainer in the Derby Intu center u.k.. I didn't pick any up as I'm not paying £25 for a freaking deluxe .

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 Skorpinok figure (who I left fastened in the packaging) but it is quite hollow. Thankfully, is on the bottom, and no9t easy to see.

Now, some have questioned his size (looking at you, WillyJ ) so lets take a look at some comparassin pics with common figures.





I feel the Helicopter mode is quite 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.

I'd consider a Blackout, but only on sale.
Grimlock however will be bought on sight, money be damned.

-Kanrabat- wrote:I'd consider a Blackout, but only on sale.
Grimlock however will be bought on sight, money be damned.

Funny, I'm the exact opposite- just bought Blackout, nothing was going to stop me, but Grimlock will wait for a good sale. Cheers!

Edit: I have yet to see a side-by-side comparison between AoE Leader Grimlock and SS Grimlock. Somebody step up!

Hip-Hoptimus Rime wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:I'd consider a Blackout, but only on sale.
Grimlock however will be bought on sight, money be damned.

Funny, I'm the exact opposite- just bought Blackout, nothing was going to stop me, but Grimlock will wait for a good sale. Cheers!

Maybe because I'm impressed in how that Grimlock look. He's so different than the AoE voyager and he look artsy and unique. Blackout barely improve on the 2007 voyager. A figure that I already have and he look way too similar. That's why I'm less exited for him.

-Kanrabat- wrote:Blackout barely improve on the 2007 voyager. A figure that I already have and he look way too similar. That's why I'm less exited for him.

I know different strokes for different folks and all that, but you couldn't be more wrong here. SS Blackout is INCREDIBLY different from the 2097 figure. Some engineering is shared, but that's it. It's a vast improvement.

Ironhidensh wrote:

-Kanrabat- wrote:Blackout barely improve on the 2007 voyager. A figure that I already have and he look way too similar. That's why I'm less exited for him.

I know different strokes for different folks and all that, but you couldn't be more wrong here. SS Blackout is INCREDIBLY different from the 2097 figure. Some engineering is shared, but that's it. It's a vast improvement.

Limited space make me way more picky than before about buying figures. ¯\_ツ_/¯

Fellow Seibertronian Ironhidensh has recently bought Studio Series leader Blackout and has written a review for us accompanied by images. Hopefully this helps those unsure to spend $49.99 on this toy. Enjoy the review:

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.

I agree that the height is a bit weird for the leader, but such is my need for a big boy Blackout that it's not very bothersome. And even if we don't agree, then at the very least, I'm sure KBB or whatever company that makes upscaled toys can make a BLackout as tall as Grimlock or even ROTF Optimus. Speaking of Grimmy, even if you don't like the design (keep in mind that the first RID Grimlock wasn't a T-Rex and the second RID Grimlock didn't act like him much), then it may be best to rename him as Cruellock while better appreciating the paint work on him. It's very Marvel Legends Sentinel BAF-esque in terms of capturing the grittiness of the real world patina deco while being a sculpt that is worlds better than the AOE Leader ( )

The first wave deluxes from the highly anticipated Transformers Studio Series have been found in the UK at the collectables store. Fellow Seibertronian TFmonkeybiz has found Studio Series Ratchet, Crowbar, Bumblebee and Stinger at the Derby Intu center U.K. location of Toy Planet. They are £25 a piece, which is $35 USD (taxes included), a pretty high mark up from the usual deluxe price. This is still cheaper than the prices these toys are currently reaching on e-bay, but not by much. This higher price point is being felt all across the world with this line, in varying increments, and first began with Transformers: The Last Knight Premier Edition toys.

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 .

English video review of Blackout:

£25! I was thinking about getting some of these but there's no way I can condone that kind of increase. I know these are premium figures but they are taking the mick a little. Guess I'll be waiting to see if these go on sale

Wanting to see comparison shots of Blackout's toy with his original toy (or its Premium redeco).

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.

Okay, so I found some of my '07 Blackout.....

>some

Ouch...

Sabrblade wrote:Wanting to see comparison shots of Blackout's toy with his original toy (or its Premium redeco).

Your wish is my command

I just found Studio Series Starscream and Optimus at my local Target. Then, the associate came over and scanned them while I was holding them and said, "Oh, these are street dated for 4/20. I can't sell them yet". She took them away and I'm left here feeling like a kid who just had his lollipop snatched away.

Harsh! We're here for you.

Hip-Hoptimus Rime wrote:Harsh! We're here for you.

Hehehe, I have my own Transformers support group!

The Wave 1 Deluxes are in Ireland as well, I got Stinger in the Ken Black in Kilkenny for €25

While we have featured in-hand images and a rounded pictorial review of Transformers Studio Series 08 Blackout from fellow Seibertronian Ironhidensh - you can take a look again here - we've also been pointed towards YouTube reviewer Benscollectables, who has provided an English video review of the first Decepticon we ever saw on the big screen in 2007.

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!

Courtesy of a number of our site sponsors, we have rundown of all the in-stock and pre-order listings available for the Hasbro / Takara Tomy Transformers Studio Series toyline, featuring the latest incarnations of the live action Paramount movie universe designs. Summarised below are descriptions of the Leader, Voyager and Deluxe size class toys available in wave one, with links to the pages for their orders.

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/

So excited to go out and find this figure, if I can that is. He and Grimlock will probably be the only two figures that I'll be picking up, aside from having already gotten Bee and Stinger. Maybe thinking about Starscream and Megatron if he's tall enough, but if they gice us some more leader figures in future waves like another dinobot or even Bonecrusher, I'll totally pick them up as well.

Not sure yet if i will get him, i really want to see him in comparison to ROTF Prime and the MPM Prime.

-Kanrabat- wrote:>some

Ouch...

Kids, man.

Super stoked for the leaders, they look to be awesome!

Still hoping Hasbro does something about SS Thundercracker and TRU. I really want him

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.

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?

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.

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!

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.

I got the Wave 1 Studio Series Deluxe's in the mail this week. I thought I'd share my thoughts!



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

Really love this guy. The Toys R Us I go to must be running out of employees giving a scrap because they’ve actually stopped answering the phone altogether. Figured I’d run over and check since they don’t answer and got super lucky! Still can’t believe he’s the last ever Toys R Us exclusive though.

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

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.

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.

Great reviews guys!

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.

Love the pics carnivius! Especially the ones where they are mid transformation.

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.

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

TV spot for this line:

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.