Bio:
Most fearsome and powerful Dinobot. Although dedicated to the Autobot cause, resents authority. Cold, merciless, but a valiant warrior. Has contempt for the weak, including all humans. Great strength, uses jaws to break almost anything in two. Carries energo sword and galaxial rocket launcher in Dinobot mode. Other than arrogance and lack of speed, has no real weakness.
Introduction:
Grimlock … I’m trying to describe this iconic character, do him justice in just one word … I think I got it. Grimlock is: KING. That’s right, no bozo, he’s king. Grimlock is a fan favorite character and one of those bots who is on most fan’s Mount Rushmore of Transformers, rightfully so! I picked up my G1 Grimlock toy at my very first BotCon back in 2009. I remember walking around the dealer room and spotting Grimlock on a dealer’s table. I thought to myself “WHAT?! Someone has a Grimlock for sale?!” Grimmy was so iconic and “rare” to me at the time I couldn’t comprehend how he was being sold! Needless to say I bought Grimlock on the spot, one of my first G1 figures. There’s so much history to this character that having his toy is only the tip of the iceberg. I am very excited to write this article so I hope you enjoy it just as much!
*** As a reminder, please click on the images to view their full size ***
Alt Mode:
Grimlock’s alt mode is the main draw to this figure for me personally. Although there are several origins for Grimlock explaining his robotic T-Rex form (if you’re a fan of Transformers comics, video games, etc. you know there are a few different origin stories explaining this “robot in disguise”) the bottom line is a transforming T-Rex is really friggin cool. Grimlock’s whole body is plastered with awesome Cybertronian tech stickers, a lot of gold and silver plated chrome on his tail, toes, and chest, and a lot more articulation than your typical Autobot car or Decepticon jet. Grimlock features and opening and closing jaw, movable up and down arms, and legs that give you the ability to pose him bending down in a running stance or simply “roaring” at anybody in his way. Grimlock is easily one of the most fun figures to play with and it’s due in large part to the personality you can capture from fiddling around with his T-Rex alt mode.
The poses this figure can pull off are actually quite good!
Better run for it Bumblebee …
Robot Mode:
Just as good as his T-Rex alt mode, Grimlock transformed into robot mode is an intimidating and powerful looking Dinobot. The transformation is pretty involved and a breath of fresh air from your typical Autobot car. His tail splits apart and folds up to becomes his legs and torso, his T-Rex legs convert pretty much straight into his arms, and Grimlock’s head and chest are revealed when his T-Rex head is lifted back and chest moved up. Again, this is more involved transformation and adds quite a bit to the experience of Grimlock.
The robot mode itself as I mentioned is very powerful looking. For starters he is a lot taller than a lot of G1 figures and his wide chest shows just how strong he is. He comes with an Energon sword and two blasters, one of which fires missiles thanks to an added spring the previous owner modified it with. Just like his T-Rex form, Grimlock has great articulation in robot mode. His arms move up and down, but it’s his legs that allow for some dynamic poses (dynamic for G1 standards). I clearly see why Grimlock was so popular when released. He’s world’s different from any of the other figures that came before him and the figure absolutely delivers.
The headsculpt is fantastic.
I love the Cybertronian style stickers Grimlock has.
Who said G1 figures don’t have articulation?!
Standing tall and powerful.
Evolution:
You already know which way this part of the review is going to go … there’s two updated Grimlock figures (well, 3 now with the new FOC one?): one is okay, the other is a Masterpiece … seriously. As a really big fan and collector of Classics style figures, I am a bit underwhelmed in the Classics Grimlock figure. He just doesn’t quite stack up to other updated figures, although his transformation is quite fun. Flash forward a few years after Classics Grimmy was released and you have Masterpiece Grimlock: the definitive end all be all of Grimlocks. Masterpiece Grimmy is such a great Evolution from G1 to now because he keeps SO much from the original G1 toy. The transformation specifically is what is so interesting, it’s almost identical to the G1. To be honest though, you expect this from a Masterpiece figure given what collector’s paid for it, but this figure goes above and beyond. If you’re a scale freak, MP Grimlock is your friend too. He’s a dinosaur: he’s supposed to be towering over the other Autobots! Check out some of the photos below to see the places where Classics Grimlock falls short, where Masterpiece Grimlock outshines the rest, and where good ol’ G1 Grimlock still holds his own.
Alt Mode Comparison:
Probably one of the most fun shots I’ve ever taken!
Classics Grimlock does have a great range of motion; he can really get down in that “classic” roaring pose.
“No, ME Grimlock KING!”
KING!!!
Robot Mode Comparison:
Identical style blasters is a nice transition from G1 to Masterpiece.
G1 is still King.
I couldn’t resist myself from photographing more of this Masterpiece …
Overall: 9/10
I’d have a hard time finding a lot of negative things to say about G1 Grimlock. From top to bottom, alt mode to robot mode, and everything in between, Grimlock is one of the best. His toy does a fantastic job at capturing the personality and characterization that has made him one of the most popular characters among fans. On top of one of the best Masterpiece figures, I’m really glad Grimlock has continued to get the exposure he deserves both in toy form and in media, most recently in the Fall of Cybertron video game. Grimlock simply isn’t just one of the best … he’s King😉
It’s crazy just how much of the “look” from the original toy has been kept even through the MP release! Great read!
It’s even better in person. Transforming them back to back is a lot of fun. Thanks for reading!
Great review! I loved seeing the comparison shots! My favorite Grimlock line – War Within: “Me Grimlock…badass.”
lol that’s a classic line. Thanks for reading my man!
G2 Grimlock was my first transformer, so this guy has a special place in my heart. Great review and love seeing him with the updated versions. It goes really well with the MP Grimlock.
Very jealous you have a G2 Grimlock. I’ve always wanted one … he may be a convention purchase this year.
I reallllly want MP Grimlock. Great post.
Thanks for reading! I had a lot of fun writing it!
Once again the Classics mold gets left in the dust. Have you ever checked out the WST one that came out several years ago? I highly recommend it. It was one of the very, very early third party toys. They did all the Dinobots and they’re spot on to the G1 toys, except that they stand maybe 2-3 inches tall. They even improved the molds in a few ways, I seem to recall that Grimlock’s robot head was able to slide forward so it doesn’t sit as far back as on the G1 toy.
I’ve heard quite a bit of buzz about the WST figures, especially the Dinobots. The sliding head fix would be perfect for the G1 toy. Maybe I’ll need to check these figures out.
Meanwhile… I am still working on the “Top 10” wish list thanks to you.😉 (Long story short: Japan exclusive G1 Commanders – Series and/or Function.) But besides that, I think Henkei!/Classics Grimlock is my very least favorite mold. I mean ever among the entire G1 line-ups. He makes me think of that bear that wears boots in “Pearls Before Swine.”
Then again, looking at the Masterpiece makes me hope that TOMY will consider doing a scaled version of that figure. Hopefully for their ALL SPARK manga series (which has an incarnation of G1 Megatron that I actually like).
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