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What’s up, G1 Guide squad? We’re shifting gears with Transformers Studio Series 86-04 Hot Rod, the brash young Autobot from The Transformers: The Movie who’s destined for greatness. This Voyager Class figure stands at 6.5 inches tall and brings Hot Rod’s 1986 movie swagger to life. Let’s see if this speedster lives up to the hype.
Overview: From Hotshot to Hero
Hot Rod’s big moment comes in the “Depths of Unicron” scene, where he grabs the Matrix and becomes Rodimus Prime to take down the planet-eater. This 86-04 figure captures him mid-journey, packed with movie-inspired details and a transformation that’s pure G1 nostalgia. It’s Hot Rod at his reckless, heroic best.
Design and Sculpt: Flame On
In robot mode, Hot Rod’s got that sleek, youthful vibe nailed. The magenta and orange color scheme pops with a glossy finish, accented by silver pipes and a blue windshield chest that screams 1986. The head sculpt’s a winner—cocky smirk, blue eyes, and those signature exhaust-pipe “ears.” The flame deco on his chest and arms ties it all together, though some fans might nitpick the yellow hood piece clashing with the movie look.
Vehicle mode is a futuristic sports car that’s unmistakably Hot Rod. The curves, the spoiler, the flame decals—it’s a sleek ride that looks ready to burn rubber on Cybertron. A bit of arm kibble peeks out underneath, but it’s minor compared to the overall polish.
Transformation: 29 Steps of Destiny
Switching from robot to car takes 29 steps, and it’s a satisfying mix of classic G1 moves with modern flair. The chest folds into the hood, arms tuck into the sides, and legs form the rear—intuitive but with enough twists to keep it engaging. The canopy’s a weak spot; it’s prone to popping off if you’re not careful, but once locked in, the car mode holds tight.
Accessories: Loaded for Leadership
Hot Rod’s packing heat:
- Matrix of Leadership: Removable, with a blue gem and energy effect to recreate his big moment.
- Dual Blasters: Two movie-inspired guns that peg into his hands or back.
- Blast Effects: Two translucent pieces for extra firepower flair.
- Buzz Saw and Spark Welder: Hand attachments from the scene where he slices kelp and fixes Kup.
- Backdrop: The “Depths of Unicron” scene, with a dark, ominous vibe for display.
It’s a hefty haul for a Voyager, making this feel like a premium package.
Articulation: Posing with Purpose
Hot Rod’s got solid range—head swivel, shoulder and elbow joints, wrist rotation, hips, knees, and ankle tilts. He can pull off a running pose, a Matrix-holding stance, or a double-blaster showdown with ease. The joints are tight, though the canopy fragility means you’ll want to pose him carefully.
Why Voyager Class?
At around $29.99, this Hot Rod justifies the Voyager price with its size, detail, and accessory loadout. It’s a step up from Deluxe figures like Jazz, offering more heft and play value for collectors chasing that 86 vibe.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Stunning movie-accurate sculpt and colors.
- Packed with accessories for endless play.
- Smooth transformation with G1 roots.
- Backdrop ties it to the film perfectly.
Cons:
- Canopy tab is fragile—handle with care.
- Yellow hood piece feels off for purists.
Final Verdict: A Hot Shot Worth Grabbing
SS86-04 Hot Rod is a knockout for G1 fans. It’s the best Hot Rod Hasbro’s done in this scale, balancing movie fidelity with modern polish. The accessories and posing options make it a blast to mess with, even if the canopy’s a minor headache. If you’re building an 86 Autobot squad, this is your guy.
Score: 9/10
(Docked a point for the canopy issue, but it’s still a fiery win.)
Numerous members have had the opportunity to flip their apes for a profit. And this is potentially life-changing money we’re talking about. So those who hold are in it for the long-haul – with good reason. Apes, similar to Punks, have become a status symbol. With the added utility of being able to identify your fellow apes on social media, being an ape owner shows that you’re part of a 5,000+ member club. And aside from those within the crypto and NFT community, we’ve witnessed quite a few celebrities, including superstar Shawn Yue, Steph Curry, LaMelo Ball and more enter into the non-fungible space through the purchase of an ape.
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).
There’s also a little pouch to store the rollerballs, and a card with different inspirations as to how to blend them on your skin – but it’s foolproof. You can’t make a mess if you mix them all up.
Badger Beard Balm is perfect for the bearded gents in your life (is this everyone? beards are so trending). As Punks continued to moon throughout the first half of the year, and Punk derivative projects started to peter out, BAYC filled a demand for originality and substance within the collectible and art sections of the NFT market.
If you’re looking to get into the club, there is not time to waste!
Further, Punks are surely the gold standard for NFT projects, but what they lack in community, they make up for through ETH value far too high for most collectors to obtain even at floor prices. BAYC undoubtedly set a precedent for community based projects – and we’ve seen countless use its success as a template to follow in its footsteps.
