General Information:
Release Date: July 2019
Price Point: $7.99 (Varies by retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Target, Walmart, Amazon etc.)
Accessories: None
*Images and text below from Walmart.com:
Easily convert and attack with Transformers Cyberverse Action Attackers toys (each sold separately)! Simply convert Scraplet figure from robot to beast mode in 1 step. The last step of conversion activates the figure’s Saw Tooth Spin move! Once converted, move can be repeated through easy reactivation steps.
Kids can collect other Action Attackers figures, each sold separately, to discover the signature attack moves of favorite characters from the Cyberverse series -- one of the best ways to introduce young kids and new fans to the exciting world of Transformers!
- Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.
- Includes Scraplet figure and instructions
- 3.75-INCH SCRAPLET FIGURE: Scout Class Scraplet figure is 3.75-inches tall. Similar scale to Legion Class Transformers action figures (sold separately).
- REPEATABLE ATTACK MOVE: Convert the evil Scraplet from robot to beast mode to activate his signature Saw Tooth Spin Action Attack move. Fun attack move can be repeated through easy reactivation steps.
- 2-IN-1 CONVERTING TOY: Easy Transformers conversion for kids 6 years old and up! Convert Scraplet toy from robot to beast mode in 1 step. Makes a great gift for kids!
- TRANSFORMERS CYBERVERSE CHARACTER: Classic Scraplet toy robot inspired by the evil Decepticon critters from the Transformers Cyberverse cartoon, as seen on Cartoon Network and YouTube.
- INSPIRED BY CARTOON NETWORK SHOW: In the G1-inspired Cyberverse series, giant Transformers robots from the planet Cybertron engage in epic battles, activating signature abilities known as Action Attacks! Kids can imagine unleashing this special power with this Action Attackers figure!
- Figure scale: 3.75 inches
- Ages 6 and up
- Warning: Choking Hazard - Small parts may be generated. Not for children under 3 years.
The Cyberverse toy line went into a bit of a lull in the summer of 2019, but in a bit of a warm up (and ramp up) to the full release of the "Power of the SparK" sub-line, a small number of figures came out in various size classes. One of these was Scout Class Scraplet. While Scraplet is technically under the "Power of the Spark" sub-line, it does not have armor that attaches to it and is instead more of a standalone figure.
Scraplets were first introduced in the Generation One Marvel Comic book in the 80's as a group of tiny robots who infected larger robots, tearing them apart. An alternate version of them would appear years later in Transformers: Prime, but no toy of the creatures were ever released at mass retail. This is the first mass release of a Scraplet figure, offering this toy line an odd and unexpected connection to the Transformers: Prime toy line.
Packaging:
Scout Class "Cyberverse" figures are packaged on bubble cards. The cards have a new design which takes cues from more recent Transformers packaging. There is still a vertical "Transformers" logo on the right side, above it is a symbol (Autobot or Decepticon based on the character) and the character art is at the top of the packaging with the "Cyberverse" logo under it. Perhaps the most distinctive part of the packaging design are the colors, which utilize yellow and light blue helping them stand out against the black and red colors used for "Generations" packaging on shelves. The back of the packaging features the figure with its action feature called out. In Scraplet's case, it is the "Saw Tooth Spin" feature. There are also of course cosells (Scraplet's cosells are Optimus Prime, Starscream and Grimlock).
The insert on the packaging notes a recommended age of "6+" which is important to keep in mind with this Class of figure. Contrast that with a "Generations" Deluxe (such as Jazz or Sunstreaker) which have recommended ages of 8+. This age recommendation is more along the lines of "Robots in Disguise" Legion Class figures such as Bisk.
Robot Mode:
This Scraplet design is not based on the Generation One version. Those looked like generic robots and there were several different designs. Instead, this figure is based on the Transformers: Prime version of Scraplets. These feature a head with a flat top and a wide head with giant insect-like eyes. The mouth has a row of dangerous looking teeth. The Scraplet has hooked arms (sort of like a Praying Mantis) and similarly shaped feet. The body looks like the curved, oval shape of an insect's abdomen. The result of all these parts is one creepy looking robot that is very alien and different than your typical Transformers design.
This figure is cast in grey and black plastic. The eyes are translucent blue. Most of the deco winds up on the head, where he has a very "Siege"-esque rough silver paint pattern that looks like wear and tear on the Scraplet. The area between the eyes has a spot of light blue. This does not sound like a particularly exciting color scheme but it actually looks really good and it is accurate to its Transformers: Prime roots.
There are three points of articulation on this figure, but I'm really stretching the definition a bit. The head can tilt upward as part of the transformation. The feet can move up also thanks to the transformation. The key feature is its action feature. Press the light grey piece on the top of the head and the mouth opens. Push the button all the way down and the mouth opens wide and the "teeth" inside spin! It is a fun feature and it works beautifully.
Transformation to "Vehicle" Mode:
- Swing the main body back.
- Be sure the rear legs are pointed down.
Alternate Mode:
I am really being generous by even calling this an alt mode. Really, this "mode" is just the Scraplet taking on a more insectoid look by getting down on all fours. The action feature still works and somehow being in this pose winds up making the toy creepier. I actually like this mode more than the "robot mode".
Final Thoughts:
Weird and wacky additions to my Transformers collection always amuse me and the Scraplet definitely qualifies. Note: if you're expecting something even approaching the traditional design of a Legends or Legion Class figure, this is not it. If you want a voracious, creepy little robot, then this is the figure to get (to join your army of Gnaws). Recommended but only for a very specific sub-set of fans.
Pros:
- Sculpt represents the Transformers: Prime version of the Scraplet very well.
- Very nice deco.
- Fun action feature.
Cons:
- The alt-mode is...barely an alt-mode.
- Very little articulation.
