What’s good, G1 Guide fam? Next up in the Studio Series 86 Deluxe lineup is Transformers Studio Series 86-02 Kup, the grizzled Autobot who’s seen it all and isn’t afraid to tell you about it. Straight out of The Transformers: The Movie, this 4.5-inch figure captures Kup’s cranky charm with a design that’s pure 1986. Let’s chew on this one.
Overview: Sea Squid Survivor
Kup’s moment in the spotlight comes during the “Sea Squid Showdown” scene, where he’s tangled up with a Quintesson beastie before Hot Rod bails him out. This Deluxe Class figure recreates that rugged warrior vibe, complete with a battle-worn look and a transformation that’s as no-nonsense as the old timer himself.
Design and Sculpt: Aged Like Fine Energon
Kup’s got that classic G1 pickup truck aesthetic—boxy, tough, and a little weathered. The teal and grey color scheme is spot-on, with orange accents and a metallic silver face that screams “seen-some-stuff veteran.” The head sculpt’s a bit divisive—some say the chin’s too long—but it’s unmistakably Kup, with a grumpy expression that fits his “back in my day” attitude.
In truck mode, he’s a chunky cybertronic pickup with a flatbed and a rugged, utilitarian vibe. It’s not sleek, but it’s not supposed to be—Kup’s built for durability, not speed.
Transformation: 22 Steps of Grit
Switching Kup from robot to truck takes 22 steps, and it’s a solid process. The chest becomes the cab, arms fold into the sides, and legs form the flatbed—nothing fancy, but it works. There’s a bit of tabbing finesse needed to lock everything in place, especially the arms, but it’s a transformation that feels sturdy and rewarding once you nail it.
Accessories: Tools of the Trade
Kup’s kit is simple but effective:
- Musket Laser: A long-barreled blaster that fits in his hands or pegs onto his back.
- Backdrop: The “Sea Squid Showdown” scene, with a giant squid looming over a red base. It’s a fun nod to his movie moment.
No extras like his cigar (sorry, no “Energon goodies” here), but it keeps the focus on Kup’s essentials.
Articulation: Old But Nimble
Kup’s got decent posability—head, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankle tilts. No wrist swivels or waist rotation, but the joints are tight and let him pull off a stern point or a battle crouch. He’s not as limber as Jazz, but he’s got enough range to look like he’s barking orders at the young’uns.
Why Deluxe Class?
Priced at $22.99, Kup fits the Deluxe mold—compact, detailed, and budget-friendly. He’s not a showstopper like a Leader or Commander, but he’s a solid troop builder for your 86 shelf.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Perfectly captures Kup’s G1 grumpiness.
- Robust truck mode with a cool retro vibe.
- Solid transformation and build quality.
- Backdrop ties it to the movie nicely.
Cons:
- Head sculpt’s chin might bug purists.
- Limited accessories—no cigar or extra flair.
Final Verdict: A Crusty Classic
SS86-02 Kup is a faithful take on the old warhorse. It’s not the flashiest figure, but it’s got heart, durability, and that unmistakable G1 flavor. If you’re a fan of Kup’s tales or just need a grizzled vet for your Autobot ranks, this one’s a keeper.
Score: 8.5/10
(Half a point off for the head debate and light accessories, but it’s still a solid win.)
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I think it made me think about it more and really consider why I was choosing to add this to my NFT portfolio
It poses an interesting question for me on the avatar category – will people be willing to buy in, or does eating something change your “sniff” test on the believe-ability of the claims?
With the floor continuing to rise and interest reaching beyond the non-fungible community, we may see apes follow along the same path as Punks – that is, as a legacy project that helps define the NFT space.
It’s important to make the distinction between the two though, as one mapped out the rules (Punks) and one changed the game entirely (BAYC).
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