10 Transformers Toys That Were LEGENDARY
#10: Transformers Generations War for Cybertron Commander WFC-S28 Jetfire
One of the most impressively engineered modern Transformers toys is this Jetfire figure based on Netflix’s “War for Cybertron” trilogy, which stands 11” tall and has a design inspired by G1. We love how it brings to mind the original character but incorporates modern articulation. With 36 steps, Jetfire morphs from his robot form into jet mode. We also love that it comes with 12 accessories that can be attached in custom configurations on the figure’s multiple weapon ports. You can even attach weapons from other figures in the Siege series!
#9: Big Convoy (Beast Wars Neo)
The notorious “One Man Army” of the Maximals, Big Convoy is a major powerhouse. This figure is equally impressive. The concept of a robot that transforms into a woolly mammoth sounds ridiculous, but we’d be lying if the eight-year-old in us doesn’t love it. It helps that the design is so cool! Whoever thought of the cannon hidden under the trunk deserved a raise. Sadly, the “Beast Wars Neo” series never made it overseas from Japan, and neither did this figure. We did get the “Age of the Primes” version years later, but it’s just not the same… we can’t help but be jealous of Japanese collectors.
#8: Masterpiece Starscream MP-11
Takara Tomy’s Masterpiece line has been praised for the quality and unique features of its builds. The figure of Starscream, the conniving right-hand man of Megatron (who also has a Masterpiece figure we love), is particularly impressive. It immortalizes a rare (and brief) moment of glory for Starscream, when he left Megatron behind and almost became the new Decepticon leader in 1986’s animated “The Transformers: The Movie.” Check out that crown and cape! Too bad his coronation was interrupted. In his “untransformed” mode, Starscream resembles a F-15 Eagle fighter aircraft, and he even comes with a hologram pilot accessory.
#7: Cybertron Optimus Prime / Galaxy Force Convoy
We think this figure, which has both a North American and Japanese version, is still one of the coolest Optimus Prime figures of all time. He features a removable Matrix of Leadership inside a detailed chest chamber and even has a unique Cyber Key (the gimmick for the line), also shaped like the Matrix. The Cyber Keys came with codes that could be entered on a site to view special images and text, in this figure’s case, allowing us to gain some interesting historical insight into Prime.
#6: Haslab Unicron
While there are no doubt Transformers that surpass it in other areas, there’s no arguing with the majestic scale of this centerpiece-worthy Chaos Bringer. The largest Transformers toy ever created, this 27.2” figure weighs around 19 pounds and overtook the previous record holder, Fortress Maximus. In robot form, he features 50 points of articulation, including movable fingers, eyes, mouth, and teeth. He transforms into a 30” in diameter planet mode with Unicron’s terrifying and iconic planet-eating jaws! Also included are posable planetary rings and a stand for posing the figure in both robot and planet mode.
#5: Studio Series Megatron
The superbly stylised Studio Series Megatron toy was inspired by the epic battle scene between Optimus Prime and Megatron in “The Transformers: The Movie.” He transforms between robot and tank modes in 54 steps and comes with five accessories so you can reenact that film’s classic scenes. This works especially well for display alongside the Optimus Prime figure from the same series, which we’re also very fond of. The Studio Series figures consistently deliver screen-accurate portrayals alongside fantastic design. While there’s been no shortage of Megatron figures over the years, that’s what makes this one stand out.
#4: Missing Link Optimus Prime
After 40 years of Transformers toys, this premium Optimus Prime figure proves that there are still ways to meaningfully update a classic. It’s fully poseable, converts from semi truck form to robot form in classic Prime style, and comes with a trailer that transforms into a battle station! That would be awesome enough on its own, but it also comes with several accessories, including an Ion blaster, Energon Axe, and Matrix of Leadership. There’s even more than first meets the eye, as a heat-sensitive sticker reveals a hidden design!
#3: Transformers Studio Series 86 Hot Rod
This is another toy that pays its loving respects to the iconic 1986 “Transformers” animated film, specifically its portrayal of the beloved Hot Rod. Like other Studio Series figures, it faithfully captures its respective character’s appearance and transformation from the movie. It always provides considerable posability, a hefty metal die-cast frame that feels very satisfying in the hand, and a beautifully detailed paint job. As per usual, we admire the impressive craftsmanship of these figures. It’s nearly matched by the Kingdom Rodimus Prime figure, but we just can’t get over that face!
#2: Haslab Deathsaurus
The ruthless and dominating Deathasaurus is known as one of the most fearsome beings in the Transformers universe, whose reign of destruction and terror spans eons. Thankfully, we have Star Saber standing between Deathasaurus and ultimate power. The archnemesis of the Supreme Commander of the Autobots is brought to awesome life in this figure inspired by the “Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers: Victory” anime. This 11” Deathsaurus converts to his iconic griffon-dragon alt mode, with plentiful features including jaw, claw, and wing articulation. Of course, included are his Micromaster chestplate beasts, Tigerchest and Eaglechest.
#1: Studio Series Optimus Prime
It should come as no surprise that the number one spot goes to a Studio Series figure. This particular depiction of Optimus Prime, fearless leader of the Autobots, is a fan-favourite for a reason. Sometimes, there’s nothing better than classic and beautiful simplicity, which this figure nails with a still-detailed and posable screen-accurate design. We’re huge fans of the windshield wiper detail and the included San Francisco backdrop that allows you to recreate the bridge scene from the “Bumblebee” movie! Naturally, Optimus can transform between his iconic robot and truck modes in 35 steps.
Is there another Transformer that deceived our eyes but not yours? Let us know in the comments!
