Release Date: January 2025
RRP: $54.99/£55.99
Even though the Studio Series 86 line is running out of core Transformers: The Movie characters to feature, there are still some characters that have not appeared in the line itself despite having a recent toy. One such example is Galvatron, who despite being synonymous with the movie has been overlooked by the line until now due to his War For Cybertron: Kingdom toy coming out around the time the line was starting. However Studio Series 86 Galvatron has finally arrived, and while it might not be a brand new figure (ala Ultra Magnus), it does however fill a void that Transformers fans have noted in Galvatron toys for decades.
Continuing the plastic-free packaging we've seen with Transformers figures over the last few years (although parts of that are getting phased out now), Studio Series 86 Galvatron comes in Leader Class-sized packaging with a fully open window so that you can gaze upon (and touch!) the figure stored inside. Curiously the artwork (reused from the Legacy re-release) featured on the front of box is that of his alt mode, which isn't especially common for the line nor does it really sell the character that well. Robot mode art is however used on either side of the box. Even more curious is the figure's numerical designation of 86-31, which is an error as that is actually the number for Commander Class Optimus Prime. On the back of the box you'll find images of Studio Series 86 Galvatron in both modes alongside a short character bio, and then inside both the figure and accessories are tied down to a cardboard tray. Some of the accessories are simply slotted into the tray, whilst others are also wrapped up in Transformers-brand tissue paper.
As is a signature feature of the Studio Series, Galvatron comes with a cardboard background diorama and this time it's a reuse with a twist. Whilst the image of the Decepticon throne room/Hall of Heroes during Starscream's coronation is of course a reuse of the one previously included with Coronation Starscream, Galvatron's rendition has been jazzed up with the inclusion of Astrotrain, Ramjet and Thrust in the image. A bit of a surprise given that Hasbro haven't altered these background images in the past, but not an unwelcome one by any means. Being Leader Class box sized, it's also a very nice size to use with this or any other Decepticons that appeared in this scene.
Studio Series 86 Galvatron is a straight repaint (with no additional mould changes) of the War For Cybertron: Kingdom figure released back in 2021, now in the movie-accurate blueish purple colours the character has been denied for so many years. Other deco changes to make the figure more movie-accurate include the use of dark grey instead of black, light grey instead of silver (something that makes a remarkable difference to the face sculpt), and an opaque orange Particle Cannon instead of clear plastic. It does however sadly lack a painted beard, which is a shame but is one of those things that slightly changes shot to shot. Under the hood though, it's exactly the same figure. And honestly, why not reuse the Kingdom mould when it's still just a good now as it was four years ago. Despite some added detailing here and there this is still an extremely good representation of how Galvatron looked onscreen, and the Leader Class sizing just as big and imposing as he should be. Genuinely outside of the deco changes there isn't a lot left for me to say about this figure that I haven't said two times previously, so I recommend looking back on my reviews of both the Kingdom and Generations Selects versions of the figure for my full thoughts. Whilst in robot mode, the two blaster accessories included with the figure can also be stored on its back.
Placed alongside the Kingdom and Generations Selects versions of the mould (not pictured here is the translucent, mid-reformatting "Behold, Galvatron! Unicron Companion Pack" version) and it's clear that there's only one winner when it comes to a screen-accurate version of the upgraded Decepticon leader. The Kingdom (or Legacy, which is the same sans battle damage) is a good representation of the colours Galvatron often appeared in seasons three or four of the cartoon (or various manga interpretations there's been over the years), but it doesn't quite compete with finally getting a Galvatron figure in a movie-accurate shade of purple. With the G1 toy colours of the Generations Selects version so wildly different to the others he doesn't really compare in the same sense, but compliments either (or both) of them nicely. Honestly I was all prepared to sell on the Kingdom version after getting the Studio Series 86 version in hand, but I was surprised to see how much I still liked the Kingdom colours despite the Studio Series one being the superior deco. I guess all Galvatron figures are valid.
Articulation however remains exactly the same across all three Galvatron figures, giving the Studio Series 86 version;
- Ball jointed head
- Swivel hinge shoulders and hips
- Double hinge elbows
- Single hinge knees and ankles
- Bicep, waist, wrist and thigh swivels
In addition to this, the hip guard pieces on either side are attached in such a way that they can raise and swivel out of the way of the legs so not to impede articulation. Galvatron's signature particle cannon can also be attached to the figure in three different ways on either arm - via a port above the elbow, via a second one below the elbow or finally simple held in the hands like a normal blaster. Above the elbow is the most screen accurate choice, but it is nice to have other options. Four years on and this mould is still doing the job nicely, offering the best range of articulation a Galvatron figure has ever had. The ankle tilts particularly are a subtle yet effective way of adding to overall poseability.
Another thing that hasn't changed whatsoever are the accessories, which once again consist of the Autobot Matrix of Leadership (complete with plastic chain so Galvatron can wear it around his neck ala Transformers: The Movie) and twin blaster rifles shaped like the Revenge - the warship Unicron presents to him following his creation. The blasters can be wielded separately, or combined together into a single blaster. The blasters have been moulded in a slightly different shade of grey this time around compared to the Kingdom version and the Matrix is a slightly brighter orange, but otherwise there isn't any difference really. Some might argue this would have been the perfect opportunity to give Galvatron his toy blaster, but since this release is purely a deco change that was never really going to happen and the recycled blasters work as a second Transformers: The Movie homage. It would have also been far better suited to the Generations Selects version, which also omitted it. Generally it still remains a pretty solid set of accessories though, covering all the basics you'd want from a Studio Series 86 version of the character.
Following a 33-step transformation, Galvatron transforms into his signature space cannon mode. Rather than be a one-to-one copy of the sleeker design seen in the movie or show, this mould goes for more of an "updated" look that remains faithful to the original alt mode - a little chunkier and more detailed, but at the same time giving it a more powerful aura befitting of the upgraded Decepticon leader. The new colour scheme also helps gets a more movie-accurate look across too, particularly the solid orange barrel at the end of the cannon. Galvatron's alt mode also features suitable storage for all of his accessories, with the Matrix of Leadership wrapping around the bottom of the barrel and clipping into the torso whilst the twin blasters attach to either side of the cannon to give him even more firepower.
The colour difference between the three major uses of the mould might not be so stark in alt mode, but nevertheless once again the Studio Series version wins hands down when it comes to screen accuracy. That said, the Generations Selects version has a little more going on thanks to the bolder purples and additional inclusion of a classic rub-sign sticker on the left side. The Kingdom version almost feels like a bridge between the two with its predominantly purple colouring and clear plastic barrel. Once again, all Galvatrons prove to be valid.
Sadly gone are the days of lights and sounds gimmicks on Transformers toys for the most part, so this modern rendition of Galvatron doesn't have quite as much to offer in alt mode as his original G1 toy. Both the two front treads and the back section have free-rolling wheels built in, allowing Galvatron to glide along smooth surfaces like the mobile cannon of death he was always destined to be. Outside of that it's all about shelf presence, and that's something Galvatron still has even with less poseability than his robot mode. The Particle Cannon piece is also compatible with the various effect parts that have been released with Transformers over the last few years too, adding more display options if you also have some of them handy.
It's important to note that my final thoughts on Studio Series 86 Galvatron come with some provisos. Yes this is the third version of the mould that's been released at retail (fifth if you include the Generations Selects and "Behold, Galvatron!" versions), so really it is only worth getting if you really want that movie-accurate colour scheme. If you're happy with the Kingdom/Legacy versions then this is an easy skip, and if you're on the fence about upgrading then it's worth waiting or shopping around to see if you can get it at a discount. But if we're purely talking about the figure itself, then this is a slam dunk. I already adored the mould from the Kingdom and Generations Selects versions, so it get it in colours that Galvatron has been crying out for for years is a dream come true. It shouldn't have taken this long for it to happen, but I am glad that it has finally happened. This is the version of Galvatron worthy of the Studio Series 86 title, and I can't wait to see Cyclonus get similar treatment from the line in the future.
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