Transformers Studio Series 86 Perceptor review
Every team needs its resident absent-minded brainiac. For the Autobots, that’s Perceptor, the loquacious genius who prefers using fancy phrases when the rest of the crew wants him to just get to the point.
I was thrilled when Hasbro revealed a new Studio Series Perceptor. He’s an essential character since he crossed over between both eras of the G1 series. Perceptor was the scientist serving under both Optimus Prime and Rodimus Prime in the post Transformers The Movie era.
The Studio Series line has allowed Hasbro to release modernized versions of the classic figures. We’re getting more of The Movie cast knocked out, but my checklist is still pretty extensive. Let’s see if Perceptor holds up to a little extra magnification.
Packaging: The Studio Series features a simple black and red color scheme with an animated style drawing on the front and side.
Along the left side, it’s a larger animated portrait with a smiling Perceptor as if he’s reaching for a new discovery.
Perceptor’s writeup spotlights The Battle of Autobot City with a nice gag about his breakdown of the Decepticons invasion.
Likeness: Perceptor turned out very nice. Hasbro really knocked out his cartoon/movie likeness.
His chest piece wasn’t as angular, in the movie, but this is actually consistent with his portrayal in the G1 cartoon.
That’s an interesting choice since the Studio Series has typically aimed for a more movie-accurate take on the characters.
His magnifying “cannon” attaches easily to his left shoulder.
Alt Mode: Unlike most of the Transformers The Movie crew, Perceptor’s alt mode is actually easy to decipher as he’s a microscope. Do kids even use microscopes in science class any more?
Anyway, unlike some of the cars are harder for me to verify, but this is a pretty fun take on an 80s style microscope.
Hasbro did an excellent job of replicating the look from the series right down to the knobs, dials, magnifying platform and base.
Additionally, he’s got another mode in a throwback to the original figure, which could also transform into a cannon.
Transformation: Perceptor gets transformed in 20 steps. His transformation was pretty simple and another I could do simply by following the instructions instead of hitting up YouTube.
Scale: In the movie, Perceptor is about a head shorter than Blaster. Perceptor fits in with the figures like Hot Rod, Blurr and Kup.
MORE:
- MAFEX Hush Superman figure review
- Star Wars The Black Series Cad Bane figure review
- DC Comics reviews 3/23/22 – Action Comics #1041, Robin #12
- Marvel Legends Baron Zemo review – Walgreens exclusive
Paint: There’s a few paint issues. His right eye’s blue paint isn’t as filled in as the left eye. On the bright side, the eyes are finally painted with a vibrant shade of blue so they pop even in low light.
The yellow strip on his helmet also has a minor black mark. These are minor issues though and something I noticed more in searching for flaws as opposed to super obvious. I’d like the white around the windshield to be a little cleaner.
Perceptor has a fun color scheme with the red, blue, black and white. There’s enough of a mix of colors that he doesn’t blend in with the other predominantly red Autobots.
Articulation: Perceptor moves pretty well and isn’t too clunky to move around in various poses.
I wish his ankle joint had more stability so I could do running poses.
Perceptor has:
- neck
- bicep
- ball-jointed shoulders
- elbows
- wrists
- wrist hinge
- torso
- waist
- hips
- thighs
- knees (double-jointed)
- ankles
Accessories: Perceptor comes with his signature blaster.
It looks like a close replica of the G1 blaster and it’s cast in red plastic like the original version.
Worth it? I grabbed Perceptor for $20. I like this price a lot for the Studio Series line deluxe class figures. That feels fair especially as prices for other lines are rising.
Rating: 10 out of 10
Perceptor is a terrific figure and a great addition to the G1 collection. I was really happy with how he turned out and Hasbro knocked him out.
Where to get it? I got Perceptor from Target. It doesn’t seem like his wave is widespread in stores right now. You can also track him down at Amazon, Target or Entertainment Earth.
As an Amazon Associate and Target, Entertainment Earth affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.