Toybox REVIEW: Transformers Studio Series 86 Perceptor

Release Date: January 2022

RRP: $22.99/£22.99

While the majority of the principal cast of Transformers: The Movie were brand new characters, there were some previously established Autobots that were able to receive a significant role without dying in the process. The most obvious of these is of course the Dinobots, but in addition to them there was also Perceptor – who tended to Optimus Prime in his final moments before evacuating Autobot City alongside Ultra Magnus' team. Which is exactly why Studio Series 86 Perceptor is the perfect addition as the line (in tandem with releases from the War For Cybertron trilogy and Legacy ranges) draws ever closer to completing that principal cast.

"After observing a fleet of incoming enemies, PERCEPTOR reports that a cursory evaluation of DECEPTICON capability indicates a distinct tactical deficiency - or in other words; they're unnumbered."

Perceptor comes in standard Studio Series 86 deluxe class packaging, although one little minor alteration has been made since the line first began. Rather than the figures being stored in moulded plastic trays, they are now tied to cardboard inserts much like the Kingdom and Legacy figures. This is all in the name of Hasbro trying to use less plastic in their packaging, although they're only half way there with Perceptor as the front of the box still sports a plastic window. The box itself remains much the same though, with some fantastic artwork adorning each side of the packaging while the back features images of the figure as well as a short bio based around a Perceptor-specific scene in Transformers: The Movie.

Like all the Studio Series figures Perceptor also comes with a diorama backdrop card, which is separate from the cardboard tray that the figure was tied down to. The graphic is a repeat of the "Attack on Autobot City" one previously released with Blurr, which isn't all that surprising. With so many characters being replaced in Transformers: The Movie it's amazing Perceptor had as big a role as he did (though granted with Ratchet dead, the Autobots were down a medic). That said, he did have some key scenes - getting Blaster to contact Optimus or announcing Optimus' wounds were fatal for example, but they were shared with other characters. Given that the line had already established it would be using repeated backdrops, it was inevitable Perceptor was going to have one.

The first thing immediately noticeable about Perceptor is just how much chunkier he feels than all of the other Studio Series 86 deluxes. While he's not so much bigger than the rest that he feels like he's in the wrong size class, the blockiness of his design definitely gives him a certain heft that the more streamline 86 class lack. Nevertheless Perceptor is still an incredible looking figure, capturing the likeness of the G1 animation model almost flawlessly. Truthfully the figure is a little more unsightly from the back given the huge hole in the back and visible screws, but from the front the hollowed-out areas you tend to see on Transformers toys these days aren't too visible. The colours are also spot on to the toon model, with the figure made up of red, blue and black plastic with a number of pearlescent white paint apps across the body. The face sculpt bears a stern expression, which while somewhat generic fits Perceptor pretty well.

Perceptor is another example of just how far Transformers have come in the last few years when it comes to articulation, with plenty to offer when it comes to poseability. The main points of articulation in robot mode are; 

- Ball jointed head and shoulders 

- Hinged elbows, knees, feet and ankles 

- Swivel hinge hips Waist, bicep and thigh swivels 

On top of all that, there are also additional joints built into the upper legs (primarily intended as part of the transformation) that give the legs additional sideward movement. The shoulder scope is hinged in two places – a ratchet hinge at the front that allows it to point downwards as well as an additional hinge on the arm it rests on which allows it to both raise up and fold down onto the back (ala G1 Megatron's barrel piece). The lack of wrist swivels is a bit of a disappointment but otherwise this is a really solid range of articulation, making Perceptor ideal for poses either as a scientist or in the heat of battle.

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