English Review for Transformers Studio Series Leader Grimlock

This guy is just so... incredible. I am in love with this figure

Grimlock is a bit smaler than I imagined from all the earlier photos comparing him to others in the line. He still ends up being average height for a leader and smaller than the previous ones from ROTF



Blackout is quite small by comparison.

Oh, poo. I was hoping Grim and Blackout (or at least just Grim) would be BIG.

william-james88 wrote:Grimlock is a bit smaler than I imagined from all the earlier photos comparing him to others in the line. He still ends up being average height for a leader and smaller than the previous ones from ROTF



Blackout is quite small by comparison.

Yeah, they're shrunk down just like all Transformers have shrunk since the DotM line onward. About what I was expecting, honestly, roughly same height as current Leader's and shorter than original movie and RotF/HftD leaders.



I'm fine with it, he'd still look fairly in scale with AoE and TLK voyagers, which are better than any of the leaders that came out those lines anyway IMO.

Blackout is still a massive improvement over the first movie voyager and he's still in scale with other stuff from this specific line, so i'll live with it. I'll still probably put him on my movie Decepticon shelf with leader's Megatron, Starscream and Brawl.

Now we just need a voyager or leader Bonecrusher to round out the 1st movie cast (I have the deluxe, but that's pathetically out of scale). Still kind of surprised they didn't do that instead of another Brawl figure.

Gotta admit, that Grimlock is seriously tempting!

That Grimlock is incredibly cool

I am amazed at the fact that this leader Grimlock looks amazing in both modes, has awesome paint apps, and a cool range of motion including a ball jointed head, full ankle movement, and WAIST ROTATION ON A HASBRO RETAIL LEADER FIGURE!!! I will definitely get this figure the moment I see it and gladly pay full price for this Grimlock. Thank you Has/Tak and continue to make amazing figures like this!

Spider5800 wrote:

william-james88 wrote:Grimlock is a bit smaler than I imagined from all the earlier photos comparing him to others in the line. He still ends up being average height for a leader and smaller than the previous ones from ROTF



Blackout is quite small by comparison.

Yeah, they're shrunk down just like all Transformers have shrunk since the DotM line onward. About what I was expecting, honestly, roughly same height as current Leader's and shorter than original movie and RotF/HftD leaders.



I'm fine with it, he'd still look fairly in scale with AoE and TLK voyagers, which are better than any of the leaders that came out those lines anyway IMO.

Blackout is still a massive improvement over the first movie voyager and he's still in scale with other stuff from this specific line, so i'll live with it. I'll still probably put him on my movie Decepticon shelf with leader's Megatron, Starscream and Brawl.

Now we just need a voyager or leader Bonecrusher to round out the 1st movie cast (I have the deluxe, but that's pathetically out of scale). Still kind of surprised they didn't do that instead of another Brawl figure.

I have to think Bonecrusher is in the pipeline, assuming Studio Series does well enough for more waves. Much like a SS Ironhide, I assume he’d be either a big Deluxe or a small but bulky Voyager.

articluation is pretty much same waste of time to show it off for repaints, except for trasnfomartion i see no change in figure except its repaint small minor trasnfomration details not bad figure beter from original colors on original figures that was released

Just checked out a nearby Meijers and they had the entire wave 1 (even the leaders) except Optimus. I only picked up Bumblebee, but the others were there!

The picture's kinda crappy, but you can see Grimlock down at the bottom, Blackout's behind him.

i am going to need a cup

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Just checked out a nearby Meijers and they had the entire wave 1 (even the leaders) except Optimus. I only picked up Bumblebee, but the others were there!

The picture's kinda crappy, but you can see Grimlock down at the bottom, Blackout's behind him.

IMG_4391.JPG

If you can give us a location, like state and city wise, in a PM or a news email (see my sig), we can news this! it's the first North American leader sighting!

It's been a while since I was genuinely exited for a Movie leader!

Man, dat Grimlock! I'm not sure if I'll be able to afford it immediately, especially at full price. I have an online purchase to do so choices have to be made. Let's hope there will be plenty to go around like TLK voyager Grimlock was.

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Just checked out a nearby Meijers and they had the entire wave 1 (even the leaders) except Optimus. I only picked up Bumblebee, but the others were there!

The picture's kinda crappy, but you can see Grimlock down at the bottom, Blackout's behind him.

IMG_4391.JPG

If you can give us a location, like state and city wise, in a PM or a news email (see my sig), we can news this! it's the first North American leader sighting!

Fuck. Looks like I'm headed to all 4 local Meijer stores tomorrow.

Ironhidensh wrote:

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Just checked out a nearby Meijers and they had the entire wave 1 (even the leaders) except Optimus. I only picked up Bumblebee, but the others were there!

The picture's kinda crappy, but you can see Grimlock down at the bottom, Blackout's behind him.

IMG_4391.JPG

If you can give us a location, like state and city wise, in a PM or a news email (see my sig), we can news this! it's the first North American leader sighting!

****. Looks like I'm headed to all 4 local Meijer stores tomorrow.

Saw stinger tonight, figured I'd wait a bit since wave 1 is gonna be everywhere, you still liking yours?

Hellscream9999 wrote:

Ironhidensh wrote:

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Just checked out a nearby Meijers and they had the entire wave 1 (even the leaders) except Optimus. I only picked up Bumblebee, but the others were there!

The picture's kinda crappy, but you can see Grimlock down at the bottom, Blackout's behind him.

IMG_4391.JPG

If you can give us a location, like state and city wise, in a PM or a news email (see my sig), we can news this! it's the first North American leader sighting!

****. Looks like I'm headed to all 4 local Meijer stores tomorrow.

Saw stinger tonight, figured I'd wait a bit since wave 1 is gonna be everywhere, you still liking yours?

I am. Of the 5 Studio figures I have so have, I'm a huge fan.

Ironhidensh wrote:

Hellscream9999 wrote:

Ironhidensh wrote:

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Just checked out a nearby Meijers and they had the entire wave 1 (even the leaders) except Optimus. I only picked up Bumblebee, but the others were there!

The picture's kinda crappy, but you can see Grimlock down at the bottom, Blackout's behind him.

IMG_4391.JPG

If you can give us a location, like state and city wise, in a PM or a news email (see my sig), we can news this! it's the first North American leader sighting!

****. Looks like I'm headed to all 4 local Meijer stores tomorrow.

Saw stinger tonight, figured I'd wait a bit since wave 1 is gonna be everywhere, you still liking yours?

I am. Of the 5 Studio figures I have so have, I'm a huge fan.

That's enough for me, gonna try to get him to go with 'scream

D-Maximal_Primal wrote:

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Just checked out a nearby Meijers and they had the entire wave 1 (even the leaders) except Optimus. I only picked up Bumblebee, but the others were there!

The picture's kinda crappy, but you can see Grimlock down at the bottom, Blackout's behind him.

IMG_4391.JPG

If you can give us a location, like state and city wise, in a PM or a news email (see my sig), we can news this! it's the first North American leader sighting!

Luckily Meijers is only in one small part of the US so it already narrows down the region. I will be newsing this now.

Good news to those looking for the Transformers Studio Series leaders. Both Blackout and Grimlock have been found at Meijer by fellow Seibertronian EvasionModeBumblebee.

Meijer is a regional US department store (similar to Walmart) and has been a place where several sought after Transformers toys have been found, such as last year's Titans Return Ramhorn. Sightings for these two Studio Series leaders have come from both the states of Michigan and Indiana.

These two were both $49.99 USD, which is the MSRP for movie leader class toys now. Since this is quite a bit of money for many fans, we do have a lot of material for you to check out if you are not sure about the purchase.

You can see a video review for Blackout here and one for Grimlock here.

We also added an image of these two leaders compared to previous movie leaders for you to get a sense of the scale.

EvasionModeBumblebee wrote:Just checked out a nearby Meijers and they had the entire wave 1 (even the leaders) except Optimus. I only picked up Bumblebee, but the others were there!

The picture's kinda crappy, but you can see Grimlock down at the bottom, Blackout's behind him.

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/