 Scourge
Transformers - Studio Series 86 #05
Transformers Studio Series Voyager Class Toy
Item No.: Asst. E0702 No. F0713
Manufacturer: Hasbro
Includes: Blasters, Blast effect, backdrop
Action Feature: Transforms from robot to space ship
Retail: $29.99
Availability: January 2021
Other: Rereleased in March 2026 as a Target exclusive for $42.99 without a backdrop
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I admit, cutting down to 2 reviews a week really meant a lot of things went on the backburner like this very good Scourge. Could he be better? Sure. I know fans have argued about coloring, and Decepticon Sweep [FOTD #2,414] pretty much looks like I think he should. But, they're slightly different, and that's worth noting. Scourge's "open" and "closed" hands are swapped from the Sweep. The Sweep is bluer, and Scourge is more purple. I haven't done a side-by-side comparison with Target's reissue, but I can say the mold was also used to make Alpha Trion [FOTD #2,483] which shows Hasbro got ample reuse out of this mold.
That's why it stings more than a little to see a 2021 mold that was $30 now selling for $43 for its reissue. Inflation is real, but 1984 $4 toys sold for about $8 in 2018. Just running the math, a lot of toy pricing has not followed the 20th century pattern of toys staying roughly the same price - or even getting cheaper - as tool use went on and on and on. A Hot Wheels car in 2026 is $1.25, and given some of those guys are Ships of Theseus dating back up to 60 years is just amazing. But I digress. Scourge! We've got five years, my brain hurts a lot.
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Packaged in robot mode, this guy is one of those figures that would be a troop builder if Hasbro didn't also make a variant to use as a troop builder. The 7-inch tall Decepticon has glorious painted claws and a righteous beard, plus a face sculpt that looks like it stepped out of a carton. The thick paint covers up the dark plastic quite nicely, and helps to highlight some of the intricate sculpting on the forearms and belly. It's not excessively detailed, but there are enough vents and bits that pop and will make you feel like you got a solid deal back in the day. It's funny to think fans were reeling at $30 Voyagers at one point, but at least you got some guys like Scourge that had impressively big wings and enough face paint applied cleanly to make you go "Oh, that's where the money went." The joints all move well, and I had no problems with this guy standing or being posed for combat. The panels all fit together well, and it is my hope this is the last new movie Scourge mold I'll be asked to buy. I suppose Hasbro could do a new version to closely mimic the original toy, but I don't think I need that.
He transforms well, as you break apart his limbs and contort him down into a wad that's covered by his wing backpack shell. He can even do that "robot mode face peeking out" thing, but some kibble in the way makes it less than extraordinary.
The space boat is, without hyperbole, as perfect as it gets. Maybe Hasbro can do a better one, but this seems pretty fantastic. Everything fits together and seems light on gaps, giving you a toy that's about as good as you can reasonably expect without Masterpiece-level pricing. I doubt it could be much better at $300, but maybe someone will prove me wrong. I love that the blaster plugs in, as does the energy blast. The colors match the cartoon, and you have those crazy space fan engines on the back.
My heart hurts a bit seeing the 45% price increase, but this is still a good toy. As Voyagers go, it's good for the price and seems to be a sizable and decent value compared to other toys which have followed him out of the factory. The only place he comes up short is against Cyclonus... but by most accounts, the animation models back this up. If I bought this toy today as a new collector, I'd say it stacks up favorably against its peers. I love the head design and the colors, plus it's not like claws are a normal feature on robot toys. If you see it in the store - especially on sale - pick it up. Or keep an eye on the secondary market, I assume Target will get an abundance of the reissue which could bring down prices of the original (assuming you need the backdrop. It's a cool backdrop.)
--Adam Pawlus
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