The Core Class of the Hasbro Transformers Studio Series is a new size for the line, the smallest of the series to date and retailing around £13 at UK retailers. It allows the Hasbro team to bring in the smaller end of the Transformers movie universe - and Ravage is a perfect example of this.
The Core Class boxes are much smaller than the standard series with a larger hanging tab that carries the character artwork. The same red and sky blue colour tones are used across the box and the same format is used on the rear of the box to show Ravage in robot and transformed mode. The Core Class are not numbered and they do not have the full internal plinth and diorama backdrop, instead, they come tied onto a single inserted card back complete with a backdrop image of Cybertron.
Ravage is taken from the Transformers: Bumblebee movie and the short sequence at the start where the factions are battling on Cybertron. Ravage arrives in robot mode and is very detailed considering his diminutive size at just 1.5 inches tall and measuring 3.25 inches from tail to snout. The bulk of the body is cast in two grey colours, one dark gunmetal in finish and another lighter colour on the legs and tail. The decor is added in panels of red and white panels across the top part of the body and onto the head.
Ravage is articulated at the neck and tail, and at three points on each leg for a good variety of poses including general stances and more dynamic 'stalking' or 'howling' positions. We even get a joint at the jaw so the mouth can be open or closed.
Ravage has some added parts & weaponry to bulk out the body. These include a missile launcher array that sits on his shoulder section behind the head. There are then two simple grey blasters sitting into a socket on each side of the hind legs. And finally, a larger missile piece that connects to a socket on Ravage's underbelly.
While these do bulk out the body and make him look more formidable, I feel I am happier with the sleeker stripped-down look for display - perhaps just with the missile launcher piece added?
In the 1980s Ravage was one of the two mini-cassettes that came with Soundwave and that slotted into his chest piece. Hasbro has taken the decision to split these two up this time around in the Studio Series and Ravage converts not so much into a cassette, but more a compact folded mode to sit into the cavity included on Soundwave.
The transformation is easy enough for the Studio Series with just 11 steps. You are left with a block onto which you can still connect the blasters and missile as directed so Ravage has all his parts with him when he docks with Soundwave.
While the transforming is easy enough, I found getting Ravage into Soundwave's chest really difficult. The fit is so tight you have to get the leg folds just right on Ravage to fold him sufficiently into a rectangle that he fits into Soundwave - and then there is a bit of teasing needed to get him all the way back so the door closes. Once inside he does look at the business and as per the short sequence that we do see on screen.
Getting Ravage back out of the chest piece is also difficult as there is room to get a grip, a combination of gravity (tipping Soundwave over) and wiggling are your friend - I did think the release button may also act a spring to push Ravage forward and 'eject' him, which would have been a cool feature, but sadly not.
The final interaction between Ravage and Soundwave comes via the rocket piece on Ravage which is designed to slot into Soundwave's cannon.
Ravage as an individual piece feels slightly overpriced when you look at similar-sized 'pocket money' transformers coming in at under £10. He also feels like a piece that should have been included with Soundwave and not sold separately - even if that meant an increase in the pack size and price for Soundwave. I guess this way does offer some choice for the collector, not increasing the price too much for those who are not really in need of a Ravage to display inside or alongside their Soundwave.
Ravage is available now at most Transformers stockists including Hasbro Pulse.
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About Me : As a child of the 70's and 80's I grew up in a golden age for action figures and in my youth bought and sold myself through collections of Star Wars, G.I. Joe (Action Force) and M.A.S.K. while also dabbling in He-Man, Transformers and Ghostbusters. Roll forward and I am now reliving that Youth with the action figures of today and am a collector and fan of the larger 6-8 inch figures from my favourite movie and TV licences - including the ones mentioned above, but also the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who and the Aliens. I launched The Mephitsu Archives in 2015 with a view of creating a UK focused site or these figures where fans can pick up the latest action figure news, read reviews and get information on where to buy their figures and what is currently on store shelves. I hope I am delivering that to you guys...