Toy Review - SS-38 Studio Series Optimus Prime (Bumblebee movie)

[Kyle]

Studio Series Optimus Prime (Bumblebee movie)
Series - Generations
Sub-line - Studio Series
Size/class - Voyager
New/remould/redeco - New
Wave - 6
Released here - Not yet (Asia & America APR 2019)
Approximate Retail Price - AU $50-60 (US $33)
Approximate Size - 17 cm
Allegiance - Autobot
Alt-mode - Truck cab
Main Features/Gimmicks - Accuracy to concept arts for the Bumblebee movie
Main Colours - Red, blue, dark grey, black
Main Accessories - Blaster rifle

This is a beautiful toy. The portions and details of the robot mode are not completely accurate to the final on-screen CGI, but IMO a VERY good attempt. Robot mode doesn't feel hollow and feels dense. I managed to transform between robot and truck modes without looking at the instructions. And I didn't have the problems that some fans complained about online. No parts/flaps fell off during transformations - not even the head/neck pieces. I had no problem at all keeping everything in place in truck mode - but your mileage can vary of course. Transformation is involved but never frustrating (I actually had more issues with things getting in the way when transforming the old Evasion mould). Lots of folding, but overall a smooth experience for myself. I really like how the front windows of the truck cab form the robot chest - as a Prime toy should!
Plastics used are a little rubbery - but I understand it's for tolerance issues for the complexity at such a small scale. The rear leg panels near the ankles don't tend to stay in place but I feel they are a relatively minor issue. Ankles can tilt side to side. You can point the feet downward but not upward - losing some scores here! But given how most joints that you can expect are all there - you can still put him in a lot of dynamic poses. Knees are not double jointed but you can fold them more than 90 degrees. Finally a G1 Prime toy done with movie level modern details. I really love this toy!

[SharkyMcShark]

I am incredibly keen for this. I love how barrel chested the robot mode is.

Any word on if we're getting this at local retail?

[Kyle]

Any word on if we're getting this at local retail?

No idea. I didn't wish to miss out and got mine (Hasbro version) from Robotkingdom. It seems certain retailers in Hong Kong were able to order two different case packs: (a) Wave 6 Voyager assortment (1 Optimus + 1 Rampage), or (b) Voyager Hero assortment (2 Optimus).

TT is also releasing their version (as well as Shatter) in Japan this weekend (both characters from Bumblebee movie), instead of with the other 3 non-BB movie Studio Series releases at the end of this month. If you preordered from HLJ you would have been charged a few hours ago.

[Tober]

I've had it for about a week now and have transformed it a few times (no instructions, but the double twisting torso took a bit of figuring out). It's not very intuitive and at times seems too complicated for it's own good. I like the finished bot and vehicle modes, but the typical Studio Series transformation is a bit convoluted. I'm leaning towards the Siege Prims for overall being more intuitive and having better 'play value', but not looking quite as good.

I am kinda miffed that there's no trailer. It's a mostly empty box on wheels, c'mon Hasbro - try harder! I'd have preferred a Leader class size with trailer than the Voyager without.

[neomoz]

Love this figure except for 2 things.

1. Moving his ankles untabs his leg assembly, making posing him frustrating at times since you're constantly having to retab his legs back in.

2. In vehicle mode, the top of the truck grill doesn't sit flush. I've seen on others and pics here all have the same issue, so just seems like a general design fault where the hinge doesn't fold enough to sit flush.

I hope the eventual OS KO will fix these issues and with a size bump we'll get to appreciate this great design even more.

I also love this design so much I'm seriously thinking about getting the 3A DLX version that was just announced.

[reillyd]

umm, what is Bumblebee doing to Optimus in this shot? With his legs cocked like that



Do I have a dirty mind or does that look a little sus? Pull my smokestacks harder Bumblebee, lol