Every Transformers collector, especially those who mainly primarily purchase “mainline” releases, are very aware that the paintjob will always take a hit when it comes to the budget allocation of figures. As such, fully painted figures are often relegated to event exclusives or Premium Finish releases.
Enter the Dramatic Capture Series, a diorama-themed line intended to, well, capture iconic scenes from the Transformers franchise. This brings us to the next set, the Dramatic Capture Series “Jetfire Combine” set, which represents that climactic moment seen in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
I am aware that some Dramatic Capture Series (DCS hereforth) sets come with diorama pieces or extra accessories to recreate these iconic scenes. While some are just themed bundles with premium paint applications, and this set definitely falls to that category. To those unfamiliar, this set includes better painted versions of Transformers Studio Series SS-32 Optimus Prime and SS-35 Jetfire.
I already have both figures actually, and then I slapped on the DNA Design upgrade kit, for all the bells and whistles it provides. That sort of gives me a reason to get this set as this is essentially a premium version of the stock figures.
As mentioned, the limited budget of these figures meant that paint applications are allocated to where they matter the most. For SS-32 Optimus Prime, all the paint budget basically went to the flame deco in vehicle mode, leaving the robot mode with minimal paint and mostly bare plastic.
The DCS version brings more of the flame deco to the robot mode, including panels on the shoulders, chest and legs. The figure also gains proper silver paint on several areas instead of the unpainted “Games Workshop” gray collectors often dislike.
In contrast, the premium deco for SS-35 Jetfire isn’t that obvious to my untrained eye, given its transformation to a Lockheed Martin SR-71 Blackbird and we’re not expecting visually loud paint on something meant to be as hidden as possible. I want to say the pinstripes and markings in vehicle mode are almost identical to the regular release, albeit some minor differences or additions. Most of the premium paint work is likely applied in robot mode where we see more silver details among other touched up areas.
The photo above better shows the premium paint work on Jetfire as seen in the exposed silver internal details on the arms and legs. I would’ve preferred if the face also got some of the premium paint but it is what it is.
If anyone needs to recall how Jetfire splits into components for the Jetpower Optimus Prime combination, then this is a good reference. I can’t remember how stable the resulting figure is though I do hope that any loose connections are addressed. I must say, the combination really benefits from the added paint.
The same goes for the weapons in this set, though the feedback on these parts are more on their size and proportions, especially when compared to the same from DNA Design upgrade kit. But we still appreciate the better look on them.
Unless you’re a huge fan of the Michael Bay movie designs, or a completionist, or just someone who has reasons to get this version for comparison purposes, then this set is not really a mandatory purchase. But you do have to agree how SS-32 Optimus Prime looks really good when all the details are painted properly.
Transformers Dramatic Capture Series “Jetfire Combine”
August 2026 / ¥14,000
Order from HobbyLink Japan
