Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys
Saturday, April 25th, 2020 2:41PM CDT
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Every two weeks, Seibertron.com brings you a Top 5 list related to all things Transformers written by me, your fellow editor. These are my opinions (just like movie or game reviews hosted by sites are still just the opinion of one person) so what matters most is what you guys think of the topic or list, and I hope to see your own lists or comments on omissions and ranking. Let's have fun! All previous lists can be found here.
Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers toys
Grimlock is one of the most iconic and popular characters in the Transformers brand. I made a list three years ago for his best toys and I must say there wasn't the cornocopia of great Grimlock toys we have now, so I really felt this character needed another list. He feels a lot like Shockwave and Ironhide where even though they are classic characters, it took a while for Hasbro to give us some really great toys for our collections. Well, I am glad Grimlock is now getting his due.
5. Transformers G1 1985 Grimlock
The Dinobots are some of the crown jewels of any G1 collection and while their poseability is nothing to brag about, they will always looks great. Grimlock especially with his massive shoulders and decorative wings, adding to his upper mass. His T-Rex tail become the legs brings equal mass to his lower area, offsetting any top heaviness. The colours are also just great, with that gold just popping. It was a smart transformation and one that keeps getting carried over through different iterations over the years, even the movie toy covered above. And that biologically incorrect T-Rex mode adds to this toy being a time capsule of the 80s era while also giving him a more stylized mechanical dinosaur look, turning something dated into a timeless design.
4. Transformers Studio Series SS-07 Grimlock
FINALLY a good movie Grimlock figure came out. The previous voyager was not bad, but it wasn't something great. This one though really takes it up a notch. Firstly, they make him as big as you could while trying to still fit in a leader class box and then they give it a sweet air brush deco that is found all throughout the toy, making him look much closer to how he appearaed in the film. Speaking of that, we finally have a grimlock which, like in the film, has 2 full T-Rex heads as shoulder pads. And that second T-rex head is hiding in plain sight when in dino mode is pretty cool to me. I always love clever details like that. There is actually a lot of the robot mode detail hiding in plain sight in the dino mode, but that gives it a nearly kibble free robot mode. He is a tad simple, and not all pieces like to stay in place, but his imposing stature and look in both modes make him an easy pick for a list of the best Grimlock toys around.
3. Transformers Cyberverse Ultimate Grimlock
What's so fun to me about that toy is that it feels like a toy we would have gotten in the Cybertron line from the unicron trilogy, right down to a spring gimmick. It's something that both kids and collectors could enjoy while really having a presence and a smart transformation that feels familiar yet has some extra tricks to it. And it just looks so good as an update to g1 while being it's own take at the same time, and a the price of a voyager figure, you sure got your money's worth with this big beefy looking toy.
2. Transformers Adventure TAV-30 Battle Grimlock / Robots in Disguise Platinum Grimlock
Lipstick on a pig is an expression fans throw around when there is a deeply flawed Transformers toy that Hasbro or Takara tries to amerliorate with a paint job. It doesn't always work and usually the toy ends up remaining just the same, but with lipstick. However, this is a good example of a time when it worked. Of course some retooling helped a lot to the point where this Robots in Disguise Battle Grimlock (the Hasbro version was just called RID Grimlock) feels very different from the Fall of Cybertron Grimlock toy it is based on, with different transformation steps too. The shoulders which were once a mess are reworked and made simpler and less frustrating, and if you didn't know the mold existed before you would think this was made just for this character. They reworked a lot of pieces from the original and give it a faithful colour scheme (Hasbro's version is a tad less faithful). Here is a quick example to show how it keeps the base mold yet reworks it.
1. Transformers Masterpiece Grimlock (Grimlock (MP-08))
What can I say at this point that hasn't been said? This toy is nearly flawless. It has an imposing robot mode and a smooth Dinosaur mode that looks exactly like the show but with the extra shine of the G1 toy. The Transformation is well executed as it replicates the G1 transformation while taking modern engineering into account. Plus he is fully poseable and comes in gorgeous comic colours as well (and there is a version with hus tux too if you want). After three years and a huge influx of Grimlocks, nothing's come close.
Honourable Mention:
I didn't have an honourable mention last time, but now that we have more toys, you can look back on the previous list to see who didn't make the cut this time around: /transformers ... oys/38563/
Also, I do want to mention another: Transformers Animated Grimlock.
While he isn't too innovative on the G1 formula transformation wise, I do like like how they were able to get the proportions and cartoon look into an actual toy. And he is a solid toy, as is most of the animated line, probably even one of best voyager class toys from that whole line.
Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers toys
Grimlock is one of the most iconic and popular characters in the Transformers brand. I made a list three years ago for his best toys and I must say there wasn't the cornocopia of great Grimlock toys we have now, so I really felt this character needed another list. He feels a lot like Shockwave and Ironhide where even though they are classic characters, it took a while for Hasbro to give us some really great toys for our collections. Well, I am glad Grimlock is now getting his due.
5. Transformers G1 1985 Grimlock
The Dinobots are some of the crown jewels of any G1 collection and while their poseability is nothing to brag about, they will always looks great. Grimlock especially with his massive shoulders and decorative wings, adding to his upper mass. His T-Rex tail become the legs brings equal mass to his lower area, offsetting any top heaviness. The colours are also just great, with that gold just popping. It was a smart transformation and one that keeps getting carried over through different iterations over the years, even the movie toy covered above. And that biologically incorrect T-Rex mode adds to this toy being a time capsule of the 80s era while also giving him a more stylized mechanical dinosaur look, turning something dated into a timeless design.
4. Transformers Studio Series SS-07 Grimlock
FINALLY a good movie Grimlock figure came out. The previous voyager was not bad, but it wasn't something great. This one though really takes it up a notch. Firstly, they make him as big as you could while trying to still fit in a leader class box and then they give it a sweet air brush deco that is found all throughout the toy, making him look much closer to how he appearaed in the film. Speaking of that, we finally have a grimlock which, like in the film, has 2 full T-Rex heads as shoulder pads. And that second T-rex head is hiding in plain sight when in dino mode is pretty cool to me. I always love clever details like that. There is actually a lot of the robot mode detail hiding in plain sight in the dino mode, but that gives it a nearly kibble free robot mode. He is a tad simple, and not all pieces like to stay in place, but his imposing stature and look in both modes make him an easy pick for a list of the best Grimlock toys around.
3. Transformers Cyberverse Ultimate Grimlock
What's so fun to me about that toy is that it feels like a toy we would have gotten in the Cybertron line from the unicron trilogy, right down to a spring gimmick. It's something that both kids and collectors could enjoy while really having a presence and a smart transformation that feels familiar yet has some extra tricks to it. And it just looks so good as an update to g1 while being it's own take at the same time, and a the price of a voyager figure, you sure got your money's worth with this big beefy looking toy.
2. Transformers Adventure TAV-30 Battle Grimlock / Robots in Disguise Platinum Grimlock
Lipstick on a pig is an expression fans throw around when there is a deeply flawed Transformers toy that Hasbro or Takara tries to amerliorate with a paint job. It doesn't always work and usually the toy ends up remaining just the same, but with lipstick. However, this is a good example of a time when it worked. Of course some retooling helped a lot to the point where this Robots in Disguise Battle Grimlock (the Hasbro version was just called RID Grimlock) feels very different from the Fall of Cybertron Grimlock toy it is based on, with different transformation steps too. The shoulders which were once a mess are reworked and made simpler and less frustrating, and if you didn't know the mold existed before you would think this was made just for this character. They reworked a lot of pieces from the original and give it a faithful colour scheme (Hasbro's version is a tad less faithful). Here is a quick example to show how it keeps the base mold yet reworks it.
1. Transformers Masterpiece Grimlock (Grimlock (MP-08))
What can I say at this point that hasn't been said? This toy is nearly flawless. It has an imposing robot mode and a smooth Dinosaur mode that looks exactly like the show but with the extra shine of the G1 toy. The Transformation is well executed as it replicates the G1 transformation while taking modern engineering into account. Plus he is fully poseable and comes in gorgeous comic colours as well (and there is a version with hus tux too if you want). After three years and a huge influx of Grimlocks, nothing's come close.
Honourable Mention:
I didn't have an honourable mention last time, but now that we have more toys, you can look back on the previous list to see who didn't make the cut this time around: /transformers ... oys/38563/
Also, I do want to mention another: Transformers Animated Grimlock.
While he isn't too innovative on the G1 formula transformation wise, I do like like how they were able to get the proportions and cartoon look into an actual toy. And he is a solid toy, as is most of the animated line, probably even one of best voyager class toys from that whole line.
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Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062198)
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on April 25th, 2020 @ 3:19pm CDT
Posted by Fires_Of_Inferno on April 25th, 2020 @ 3:19pm CDT
Good list! I personally would put POTP Grimlock where RID Grimlock is, but RID Grim is still a good looking toy! And while I love me the G1 Grimlock, he is very much a product of his time and really falls short mechanics wise when it comes to the modern versions, but still definitely deserves a place on the list due to the instant feelings of nostalgia it gives.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062218)
Posted by MadnessMechanic on April 25th, 2020 @ 5:10pm CDT
Posted by MadnessMechanic on April 25th, 2020 @ 5:10pm CDT
Looking at this list kinda makes me regret selling my MP Grimlock. Wish they'd come out with a similar figure. Maybe the Earthrise line will continue that MP on a budget and we'll get a new Grimlock
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062219)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on April 25th, 2020 @ 6:02pm CDT
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on April 25th, 2020 @ 6:02pm CDT
Well thought out list. Kinda makes me want to get that Cyberverse Grimmy. Even if I don't have any place for him and there's other stuff I want too.
Studio Grimmy is great. I have an oversized KO of him and love him. I'm not normally a movie guy, but I do like the movie's take on just about all the animal formers. It really works.
Studio Grimmy is great. I have an oversized KO of him and love him. I'm not normally a movie guy, but I do like the movie's take on just about all the animal formers. It really works.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062227)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 25th, 2020 @ 7:15pm CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 25th, 2020 @ 7:15pm CDT
This list reminds me, my very next purchase needs to be MP-08X. I've been meaning to get him for years and something always happens.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062235)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 25th, 2020 @ 8:32pm CDT
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 25th, 2020 @ 8:32pm CDT
I think MP-08X is just plain doofy, and for the same reason so is Pretender Jazz's inner robot 
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062237)
Posted by no-one on April 25th, 2020 @ 9:10pm CDT
Posted by no-one on April 25th, 2020 @ 9:10pm CDT
Here's my list based on figures I've owned.
5. Gold Armor Grimlock
4. G1 Grimlock
3. Animated Grimlock
2. FoC Grimlock
1. PotP Grimlock
Honorable Mention. SS Grimlock
5. Gold Armor Grimlock
4. G1 Grimlock
3. Animated Grimlock
2. FoC Grimlock
1. PotP Grimlock
Honorable Mention. SS Grimlock
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062243)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 26th, 2020 @ 12:50am CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 26th, 2020 @ 12:50am CDT
Doofy how?ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:I think MP-08X is just plain doofy
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062244)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 26th, 2020 @ 1:17am CDT
It happened to EVERYBODY with black bits! What's next, dark blue versions of Skywarp, Rumble, Ravage, and the condors?
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 26th, 2020 @ 1:17am CDT
I think the main thing that sets him apart - the replacement of his black plastic with dark blue - looks really silly. I get that it's a reference to the comics, but the dark blue in the comics is just the standard comic thing of substituting dark blue for black because of inking limitations!Rodimus Prime wrote:Doofy how?ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:I think MP-08X is just plain doofy
It happened to EVERYBODY with black bits! What's next, dark blue versions of Skywarp, Rumble, Ravage, and the condors?
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062245)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 26th, 2020 @ 1:23am CDT
I like the blue. It goes better with the yellow, the red, and even the gray.
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 26th, 2020 @ 1:23am CDT
Yes, please.ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:I think the main thing that sets him apart - the replacement of his black plastic with dark blue - looks really silly. I get that it's a reference to the comics, but the dark blue in the comics is just the standard comic thing of substituting dark blue for black because of inking limitations!Rodimus Prime wrote:Doofy how?ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:I think MP-08X is just plain doofy
I like the blue. It goes better with the yellow, the red, and even the gray.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062247)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 26th, 2020 @ 1:54am CDT
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 26th, 2020 @ 1:54am CDT
Eh, I think the black works just fine in Grimlock's case, particularly when he has the blue optics from the cartoon (Speaking of, there's a feature more MPs need: Swapable eye colors).
You know who definitely does look better with his black replaced, though? Slag.
Take a look at the Diaclone version:
And the Canadian red variant. Granted, on that one he's further helped by having some paint applied to the rest of his face, but even without that it'd be an improvement.
You know who definitely does look better with his black replaced, though? Slag.
Take a look at the Diaclone version:
And the Canadian red variant. Granted, on that one he's further helped by having some paint applied to the rest of his face, but even without that it'd be an improvement.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062249)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 26th, 2020 @ 2:14am CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 26th, 2020 @ 2:14am CDT
The black works fine, but the blue is better.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062369)
Posted by cruizerdave on April 27th, 2020 @ 12:18pm CDT
Posted by cruizerdave on April 27th, 2020 @ 12:18pm CDT
The MP Grimlock really is the best the figure ever could be. It’s beautiful in its details, has some great, unobtrusive gimmicks. It’s a standout among among a lot great figures through the years.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062429)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 27th, 2020 @ 5:10pm CDT
Anyway, let me deviate sort of from the actual figure list, and ask you guys this: which Grimlock do you think has the best-looking face/head?
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 27th, 2020 @ 5:10pm CDT
Agreed, 100%. I wouldn't be against another try at him, but I doubt it would be much of an improvement.cruizerdave wrote:The MP Grimlock really is the best the figure ever could be. It’s beautiful in its details, has some great, unobtrusive gimmicks. It’s a standout among among a lot great figures through the years.
Anyway, let me deviate sort of from the actual figure list, and ask you guys this: which Grimlock do you think has the best-looking face/head?
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062435)
Posted by william-james88 on April 27th, 2020 @ 5:35pm CDT
For me it's definitely the MP. He was even on my list of the best head sculpts of all time.
https://www.seibertron.com/transformers ... pts/36908/
Posted by william-james88 on April 27th, 2020 @ 5:35pm CDT
Rodimus Prime wrote:Agreed, 100%. I wouldn't be against another try at him, but I doubt it would be much of an improvement.cruizerdave wrote:The MP Grimlock really is the best the figure ever could be. It’s beautiful in its details, has some great, unobtrusive gimmicks. It’s a standout among among a lot great figures through the years.
Anyway, let me deviate sort of from the actual figure list, and ask you guys this: which Grimlock do you think has the best-looking face/head?
For me it's definitely the MP. He was even on my list of the best head sculpts of all time.
https://www.seibertron.com/transformers ... pts/36908/
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062438)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 27th, 2020 @ 5:47pm CDT
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 27th, 2020 @ 5:47pm CDT
Having now got the Animated Grimlock, and he definitely deserves a spot on this list. He is so cool, and I love that weapon!
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062441)
Posted by william-james88 on April 27th, 2020 @ 5:58pm CDT
So what would your list be now?
Posted by william-james88 on April 27th, 2020 @ 5:58pm CDT
D-Maximal_Primal wrote:Having now got the Animated Grimlock, and he definitely deserves a spot on this list. He is so cool, and I love that weapon!
So what would your list be now?
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062444)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 27th, 2020 @ 6:01pm CDT
Taking this list, Bump PotP off, push RiD back to 5th, insert Animated Grimlock at #4
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 27th, 2020 @ 6:01pm CDT
william-james88 wrote:what would your list be now?
D-Maximal_Primal wrote:My personal list at this time would be:
5) PotP Grimlock
4) RiD Armor Grimlock
3) Fall of Cybertron Grimlock
2) Studio Series Grimlock
1) Cyberverse Ultimate Grimlock
Taking this list, Bump PotP off, push RiD back to 5th, insert Animated Grimlock at #4
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062445)
Posted by no-one on April 27th, 2020 @ 6:05pm CDT
Bot head
Dino head
Posted by no-one on April 27th, 2020 @ 6:05pm CDT
Feels relevant to me. Here's my picks.Rodimus Prime wrote:Anyway, let me deviate sort of from the actual figure list, and ask you guys this: which Grimlock do you think has the best-looking face/head?
Bot head
Dino head
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062446)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 27th, 2020 @ 6:06pm CDT
That's all folks. both of these are absolutely the correct answers.
Dead serious too. these are both the best of each
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on April 27th, 2020 @ 6:06pm CDT
carytheone wrote:Feels relevant to me. Here's my picks.Rodimus Prime wrote:Anyway, let me deviate sort of from the actual figure list, and ask you guys this: which Grimlock do you think has the best-looking face/head?
Bot head
Dino head
That's all folks. both of these are absolutely the correct answers.
Dead serious too. these are both the best of each
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062471)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 27th, 2020 @ 9:33pm CDT
This guy's is probably the best Grimlock head!
Kidding aside... Robot mode, I'd say a toss-up between MP-8 and Animated. Animated's is just plain cool, and MP-8 has clear-plastic G1 cartoon accurate optics as well as some paint on the faceplate.
Dino mode: Animated, hands-down. He looks suitably powerful and menacing while also managing to out-smug Beast Wars Megatron.
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 27th, 2020 @ 9:33pm CDT
This guy's is probably the best Grimlock head!
Kidding aside... Robot mode, I'd say a toss-up between MP-8 and Animated. Animated's is just plain cool, and MP-8 has clear-plastic G1 cartoon accurate optics as well as some paint on the faceplate.
Dino mode: Animated, hands-down. He looks suitably powerful and menacing while also managing to out-smug Beast Wars Megatron.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062480)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 27th, 2020 @ 10:34pm CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 27th, 2020 @ 10:34pm CDT
Ah, yes, I did not specify.
I think FoC Grimlock has the best head/face as well. Dino mode? Probably the MP. To me, Animated Grimmy looked kinda doofy, to quote Zelda.
I think FoC Grimlock has the best head/face as well. Dino mode? Probably the MP. To me, Animated Grimmy looked kinda doofy, to quote Zelda.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062496)
Posted by Emerje on April 27th, 2020 @ 11:59pm CDT
Posted by Emerje on April 27th, 2020 @ 11:59pm CDT
For me the best dino Grimlock head is the original. But for bot mode I'm very partial to Classics/Henkei Grimlock's sculpt.
Though I also like the expressiveness of Energon Grimlock's head, it's the best thing about the figure (Mega-Dinobot's head is pretty great as well)
Emerje
Though I also like the expressiveness of Energon Grimlock's head, it's the best thing about the figure (Mega-Dinobot's head is pretty great as well)
Emerje
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062497)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 12:12am CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 12:12am CDT
He wasn't on any list and hasn't even been mentioned, but I'm gonna give a shout out to the Titanium War Within Grimlock. He has a simple transformation, but his face and head were pretty good, even surviving into the IDW version, since Furman started it.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062499)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 28th, 2020 @ 12:20am CDT
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 28th, 2020 @ 12:20am CDT
I can't help but laugh at the phrase "Furman started it"
Think of how many things that can be defensively claimed as a jusitfication/excuse for.
"Why's everybody talking about vast predatory birds?" "Furman started it!"
Think of how many things that can be defensively claimed as a jusitfication/excuse for.
"Why's everybody talking about vast predatory birds?" "Furman started it!"
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062503)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 12:44am CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 12:44am CDT
I wasn't really meaning it as an excuse, there's nothing wrong with War Within or the early IDW. Grimlock looked good in War Within and had a great character. And his face was in Maximum Dinobots, even if his body had changed (ironically resembling the Animated body somewhat).
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062506)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 28th, 2020 @ 1:01am CDT
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 28th, 2020 @ 1:01am CDT
Didn't mean to imply you were, sorry. I'm just amused by the wording making it sound like one, and by how many things it could be used for. Read the last line of my previous post for an example.Rodimus Prime wrote:I wasn't really meaning it as an excuse, there's nothing wrong with War Within or the early IDW.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062511)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 1:20am CDT
Anyway, back to Grimlock. Why on Earth would the green guy be called Grimlock in Robots in Disguise instead of say, Scoop or something, since he was a construction vehicle? I know they were going for different stuff, and the figure itself isn't bad, but should not have been called Grimlock.
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 1:20am CDT
I got it. I just wanted to make it clear I'm not one of the Furman apologists. Sure, he went of the rails a bit later on, but his Dreamwave stuff was on point. I just wish he was allowed to finish it. War Within, at least.ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:Didn't mean to imply you were, sorry. I'm just amused by the wording making it sound like one, and by how many things it could be used for. Read the last line of my previous post for an example.Rodimus Prime wrote:I wasn't really meaning it as an excuse, there's nothing wrong with War Within or the early IDW.
Anyway, back to Grimlock. Why on Earth would the green guy be called Grimlock in Robots in Disguise instead of say, Scoop or something, since he was a construction vehicle? I know they were going for different stuff, and the figure itself isn't bad, but should not have been called Grimlock.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062515)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 28th, 2020 @ 1:34am CDT
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 28th, 2020 @ 1:34am CDT
His robot mode head has a kinda-similar visor, it touches on the idea of kids perceiving earth-movers as mechanical dinosaurs, and last but DEFINITELY not least: So that Hasbro would not lose their trademark on the name Grimlock.Rodimus Prime wrote:I got it. I just wanted to make it clear I'm not one of the Furman apologists. Sure, he went of the rails a bit later on, but his Dreamwave stuff was on point. I just wish he was allowed to finish it. War Within, at least.ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:Didn't mean to imply you were, sorry. I'm just amused by the wording making it sound like one, and by how many things it could be used for. Read the last line of my previous post for an example.Rodimus Prime wrote:I wasn't really meaning it as an excuse, there's nothing wrong with War Within or the early IDW.
Anyway, back to Grimlock. Why on Earth would the green guy be called Grimlock in Robots in Disguise instead of say, Scoop or something, since he was a construction vehicle? I know they were going for different stuff, and the figure itself isn't bad, but should not have been called Grimlock.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062518)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 1:44am CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 1:44am CDT
The show had the Predacons, who were beasts, so why couldn't the good guys have beasts as well? Not call them Autobots, but something else? Dinobots would have worked. They would have been perfect foils to the Predacons, while the Autobots faced off with the Decepticons.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062520)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 28th, 2020 @ 1:48am CDT
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 28th, 2020 @ 1:48am CDT
You do realize that Aaron Archer had no control over who got used in the show (it wasn't a collaboration like the Unicron Trilogy) and the character was called something else ("Build Hurricane") in the original Japanese version, right?Rodimus Prime wrote:The show had the Predacons, who were beasts, so why couldn't the good guys have beasts as well? Not call them Aitobots, but something else? Dinobots would have worked. They would have been perfect foils to the Predacons, while the Autobots faced off with the Decepticons.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062522)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 2:00am CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 2:00am CDT
Yeah, the Japanese version made sense. There were no Dinobots, so there shouldn't have been a character called Grimlock. Whoever was in charge of renaming them for the American version needs a kick in the ass. And I didn't say shit about Archer, I don't know why you brought him up.ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:You do realize that Aaron Archer had no control over who got used in the show (it wasn't a collaboration like the Unicron Trilogy) and the character was called something else ("Build Hurricane") in the original Japanese version, right?Rodimus Prime wrote:The show had the Predacons, who were beasts, so why couldn't the good guys have beasts as well? Not call them Aitobots, but something else? Dinobots would have worked. They would have been perfect foils to the Predacons, while the Autobots faced off with the Decepticons.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062525)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 28th, 2020 @ 2:47am CDT
Reason one:
Reason two:
Thinking about what else you could have meant... I will say that with the exception of Air Attack Optimus Primal (a blatant BM leftover who couldn't really be packaged as a baddy), the US toyline maintained the show's distinction of all the beasts being baddies (Bruticus, another BM leftover (and another trademark benchwarmer) who would have been a Maximal in that line, ended up a Predacon in RID). Possibly because the bad guy beasts were already recycling Beast Wars molds and Hasbro would have had to do the same to give the good guys beasts (at least, as far as dinosaurs are concerned).
They did ultimately do a "Dinobots" sideline (that was years later declared to be part of RiD) but that took til 2003.
And, well, I don't think they were comfortable with leaving the trademark on Grimlock's name undefended in the mean time. It's what I call "trademark benchwarming" and I doubt it's ever going away.
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on April 28th, 2020 @ 2:47am CDT
Here's why I brought him up:Rodimus Prime wrote:Yeah, the Japanese version made sense. There were no Dinobots, so there shouldn't have been a character called Grimlock. Whoever was in charge of renaming them for the American version needs a kick in the ass. And I didn't say **** about Archer, I don't know why you brought him up.ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:You do realize that Aaron Archer had no control over who got used in the show (it wasn't a collaboration like the Unicron Trilogy) and the character was called something else ("Build Hurricane") in the original Japanese version, right?Rodimus Prime wrote:The show had the Predacons, who were beasts, so why couldn't the good guys have beasts as well? Not call them Aitobots, but something else? Dinobots would have worked. They would have been perfect foils to the Predacons, while the Autobots faced off with the Decepticons.
Reason one:
To the best of my knowledge that was, in fact, Aaron Archer. If it was someone else in charge of that at the time, somebody please tell me who.Rodimus Prime wrote:Whoever was in charge of renaming them for the American version
Reason two:
Your saying this seemed to imply you thought that whoever who chose the name "Grimlock" for the character - again, to the best of my knowledge that was Aaron Archer - had control of who was in the show. If that was not in fact what you meant, I apologize.Rodimus Prime wrote:The show had the Predacons, who were beasts, so why couldn't the good guys have beasts as well? Not call them Aitobots, but something else? Dinobots would have worked. They would have been perfect foils to the Predacons, while the Autobots faced off with the Decepticons.
Thinking about what else you could have meant... I will say that with the exception of Air Attack Optimus Primal (a blatant BM leftover who couldn't really be packaged as a baddy), the US toyline maintained the show's distinction of all the beasts being baddies (Bruticus, another BM leftover (and another trademark benchwarmer) who would have been a Maximal in that line, ended up a Predacon in RID). Possibly because the bad guy beasts were already recycling Beast Wars molds and Hasbro would have had to do the same to give the good guys beasts (at least, as far as dinosaurs are concerned).
They did ultimately do a "Dinobots" sideline (that was years later declared to be part of RiD) but that took til 2003.
And, well, I don't think they were comfortable with leaving the trademark on Grimlock's name undefended in the mean time. It's what I call "trademark benchwarming" and I doubt it's ever going away.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062529)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 3:47am CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 3:47am CDT
But the quote you put in bold was stated after you mentioned Archer. I said nothing about the people in charge at the time.ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:Here's why I brought him up:Rodimus Prime wrote:Yeah, the Japanese version made sense. There were no Dinobots, so there shouldn't have been a character called Grimlock. Whoever was in charge of renaming them for the American version needs a kick in the ass. And I didn't say **** about Archer, I don't know why you brought him up.ZeldaTheSwordsman wrote:You do realize that Aaron Archer had no control over who got used in the show (it wasn't a collaboration like the Unicron Trilogy) and the character was called something else ("Build Hurricane") in the original Japanese version, right?Rodimus Prime wrote:The show had the Predacons, who were beasts, so why couldn't the good guys have beasts as well? Not call them Aitobots, but something else? Dinobots would have worked. They would have been perfect foils to the Predacons, while the Autobots faced off with the Decepticons.
Reason one:To the best of my knowledge that was, in fact, Aaron Archer. If it was someone else in charge of that at the time, somebody please tell me who.Rodimus Prime wrote:Whoever was in charge of renaming them for the American version
Well, let's get this straight. The show was made (written, animated and voiced) in Japan first. Correct? If so, did Hasbro (and by extension, Archer) have any say in any aspect of it? Or was Hasbro basically forced to take whatever the japs churned out and just rewrite the story and dub it in English? If so, then whoever was in charge of giving the characters their American names is at fault for naming a green construction vehicle Grimlock. Yes, I know why, to keep the trademark. But was there no cooperation between Takara and Hasbro at all? Couldn't Archer say 'Hey, we want to use the name Grimlock, can you put a dinosaur in there for the good guys?' Or if we go by your point of recycling BW molds, it was a perfect opportunity to bring in Dinobot and name him Grimlock, the name of the character that inspired him. Even if it would have been weird that he was the only good guy beast in the cast.Reason two:Your saying this seemed to imply you thought that whoever who chose the name "Grimlock" for the character - again, to the best of my knowledge that was Aaron Archer - had control of who was in the show. If that was not in fact what you meant, I apologize.Rodimus Prime wrote:The show had the Predacons, who were beasts, so why couldn't the good guys have beasts as well? Not call them Aitobots, but something else? Dinobots would have worked. They would have been perfect foils to the Predacons, while the Autobots faced off with the Decepticons.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062532)
Posted by Omegatron. on April 28th, 2020 @ 4:41am CDT
The latter, Hasbro was completely uninvolved with the production of RID. They weren't even going to use it originally, they only brought it over (a year after it was finished) when the line they were working on at the time was scrapped. They would have had no opportunity or motivation to ask Takara to include specific toys.
Also keep in mind that at the time no one cared whether or not characters with reused names resembled their original counterparts in any way, this was hardly limited to just Grimlock.
Posted by Omegatron. on April 28th, 2020 @ 4:41am CDT
Rodimus Prime wrote:Well, let's get this straight. The show was made (written, animated and voiced) in Japan first. Correct? If so, did Hasbro (and by extension, Archer) have any say in any aspect of it? Or was Hasbro basically forced to take whatever the japs churned out and just rewrite the story and dub it in English?
The latter, Hasbro was completely uninvolved with the production of RID. They weren't even going to use it originally, they only brought it over (a year after it was finished) when the line they were working on at the time was scrapped. They would have had no opportunity or motivation to ask Takara to include specific toys.
Also keep in mind that at the time no one cared whether or not characters with reused names resembled their original counterparts in any way, this was hardly limited to just Grimlock.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062539)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 7:08am CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on April 28th, 2020 @ 7:08am CDT
Okay, so they just threw out some names, and wherever they landed, they were used by those characters. With the exception of Optimus and Megatron, of course. So RID Grimlock could have been pretty much anyone on the show.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062541)
Posted by ScottyP on April 28th, 2020 @ 7:17am CDT
Posted by ScottyP on April 28th, 2020 @ 7:17am CDT
No arguing with the top of the list, MP-8 still king!
I feel like the Classics/Henkei tooling has aged well when taken strictly as an update of the inner Pretender Grimlock. I know that one was a disappointment to many for a while, but now that bigger, more '85-like updates exist it's easier to appreciate what that one did right. It certainly still has issues but I like it more than say the Studio Series one.
I feel like the Classics/Henkei tooling has aged well when taken strictly as an update of the inner Pretender Grimlock. I know that one was a disappointment to many for a while, but now that bigger, more '85-like updates exist it's easier to appreciate what that one did right. It certainly still has issues but I like it more than say the Studio Series one.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2062543)
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on April 28th, 2020 @ 8:07am CDT
Posted by Gauntlet101010 on April 28th, 2020 @ 8:07am CDT
I like Classics / Henkei Grimmy a lot too. He's a fun toy. Yeah, he's WAY too small, but aside from that I like him a lot. The look, the posability ... just an overall good figure IMO.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2085748)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on October 31st, 2020 @ 7:18pm CDT
Posted by Rodimus Prime on October 31st, 2020 @ 7:18pm CDT
I thought about making an all-new thread, but I think my questions fit in here.
Which Voyager sized Grimlock toy is your favorite, and which do you think represents G1 Grimlock the best?
Which Voyager sized Grimlock toy is your favorite, and which do you think represents G1 Grimlock the best?
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2085754)
Posted by Overcracker on October 31st, 2020 @ 7:56pm CDT
Posted by Overcracker on October 31st, 2020 @ 7:56pm CDT
Unfortunately, there aren’t that many Voyager Grimlocks.
If you are looking for G1 updates I think FOC does it best. Specifically the G1 looking version that came with Silver Knight Deluxe Movie Prime.
Beyond that, Animated is a really fun figure.
Transformers Animated Grimlock Gallery
If you like the movie aesthetic, SS i guess.
If you care for a Grimlock that does not turn into a dinosaur, there’s always Alternators Grimlock. Though his transformation is one of the more annoying of that line and you could argue he’s not technically voyager class.
Transformers Alternators Grimlock Gallery
I think my favorites are FOC and Animated.
.
If you are looking for G1 updates I think FOC does it best. Specifically the G1 looking version that came with Silver Knight Deluxe Movie Prime.
Beyond that, Animated is a really fun figure.
Transformers Animated Grimlock Gallery
If you like the movie aesthetic, SS i guess.
If you care for a Grimlock that does not turn into a dinosaur, there’s always Alternators Grimlock. Though his transformation is one of the more annoying of that line and you could argue he’s not technically voyager class.
Transformers Alternators Grimlock Gallery
I think my favorites are FOC and Animated.
.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2085758)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 31st, 2020 @ 8:36pm CDT
Fall of Cybertron remains my favorite Grimlock toy. I love it so much.
SS is 2nd best to me, that is such a well done toy that is also so well painted and detailed.
Animated is great too. All 3 of the above listed are great toys
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on October 31st, 2020 @ 8:36pm CDT
Rodimus Prime wrote:I thought about making an all-new thread, but I think my questions fit in here.
Which Voyager sized Grimlock toy is your favorite, and which do you think represents G1 Grimlock the best?
Fall of Cybertron remains my favorite Grimlock toy. I love it so much.
SS is 2nd best to me, that is such a well done toy that is also so well painted and detailed.
Animated is great too. All 3 of the above listed are great toys
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2085791)
Posted by Evil Eye on November 1st, 2020 @ 5:23am CST
Posted by Evil Eye on November 1st, 2020 @ 5:23am CST
One thing I will definitely give Animated Grimlock kudos for is having proper theropod legs in dino mode whilst still making the legs into proper arms for robot mode. I like the chunky tail-dragging G1 design but there is something very cool about the more anatomically accurate digitigrade legs of the Animated version.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2085793)
Posted by Rodimus Prime on November 1st, 2020 @ 6:21am CST
Posted by Rodimus Prime on November 1st, 2020 @ 6:21am CST
So no love for the PoTP voyager?
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2085795)
Posted by Evil Eye on November 1st, 2020 @ 7:46am CST
Gotta be honest, I think he's not that bad. I quite like the way they handled the gold with it being painted on the inside of translucent parts (I'd like the SS86 version better if they did that), and overall I think he looks alright. Also the combined mode isn't irredeemably bad like, say, Menasor- it needs upgrades to really shine but the upgrade takes him from "Meh" to "Wow!" as opposed to "Car crash" to "Barely acceptable". I know some people really don't like the Dinobots combining, but myself I think it's kinda cool.
In terms of Grimlocks I like (bearing in mind I'm going off aesthetics and second-hand experience as the only Grimlock I own is a redeco of Prime Rippersnapper) I'd say some of my favourites are the AOE SS (really gives him that vibe of a living mechanical fossil in addition to just looking plain badass), MP-08 (probably has aged better than any other pre-MP10 Masterpiece), Animated (really captures the aesthetic, and as mentioned the dino leg transformation is cool) and the TAV retool of FOC Grimlock (takes a mediocre figure and makes it awesome, also I do love the colours). I'd also like to give an honourable mention to Classics Grimlock. Whilst he's by no means perfect, I do like his unique take on the transformation, and the robot design is kinda neat with that lovely head, bayonet-blaster and the Xabungle-style chest. And the tyrannosaurus mode is still great IMO.
Posted by Evil Eye on November 1st, 2020 @ 7:46am CST
Rodimus Prime wrote:So no love for the PoTP voyager?
Gotta be honest, I think he's not that bad. I quite like the way they handled the gold with it being painted on the inside of translucent parts (I'd like the SS86 version better if they did that), and overall I think he looks alright. Also the combined mode isn't irredeemably bad like, say, Menasor- it needs upgrades to really shine but the upgrade takes him from "Meh" to "Wow!" as opposed to "Car crash" to "Barely acceptable". I know some people really don't like the Dinobots combining, but myself I think it's kinda cool.
In terms of Grimlocks I like (bearing in mind I'm going off aesthetics and second-hand experience as the only Grimlock I own is a redeco of Prime Rippersnapper) I'd say some of my favourites are the AOE SS (really gives him that vibe of a living mechanical fossil in addition to just looking plain badass), MP-08 (probably has aged better than any other pre-MP10 Masterpiece), Animated (really captures the aesthetic, and as mentioned the dino leg transformation is cool) and the TAV retool of FOC Grimlock (takes a mediocre figure and makes it awesome, also I do love the colours). I'd also like to give an honourable mention to Classics Grimlock. Whilst he's by no means perfect, I do like his unique take on the transformation, and the robot design is kinda neat with that lovely head, bayonet-blaster and the Xabungle-style chest. And the tyrannosaurus mode is still great IMO.
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2085819)
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 1st, 2020 @ 12:07pm CST
It's just OK. It doesn't do anything particularly well, so it's got no real big thing going for it
Posted by D-Maximal_Primal on November 1st, 2020 @ 12:07pm CST
Rodimus Prime wrote:So no love for the PoTP voyager?
It's just OK. It doesn't do anything particularly well, so it's got no real big thing going for it
Re: Top 5 Best Grimlock Transformers Toys (2092065)
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on January 8th, 2021 @ 2:05am CST
Posted by ZeldaTheSwordsman on January 8th, 2021 @ 2:05am CST
I like the PotP Voyager. I find him to be a very fun and serviceable Grimlock. Doesn't loom the way SS86 Grimlock will, and in fact comes up shorter than CW Optimus in robot mode, but he's still decent. I like his looks and transformation better than the FoC mold.
I also enjoy the combined mode, without the add-ons even. I liked the idea of the Dinobots combining (they make the Decepticons tremble even while separate, so them combining... Plus that way Grimlock can better fight alongside his kids).
I actually made a custom sword for Volcanicus that's aesthetically in line with the actual G1 Dinobot swords (and in fact combines features from each).
And yes, Volcanicus not the cluster**** that Menasor is thanks to the CW Optimus mold being designed as an Optimus first and a torso second (by which I mean that the combiner functionality seems to have been a secondary consideration considering A. how horrendously it's implemented and B. if you retooled the figure to take it out the only noticeable change would be no sleeper on the truck cab).
I also enjoy the combined mode, without the add-ons even. I liked the idea of the Dinobots combining (they make the Decepticons tremble even while separate, so them combining... Plus that way Grimlock can better fight alongside his kids).
I actually made a custom sword for Volcanicus that's aesthetically in line with the actual G1 Dinobot swords (and in fact combines features from each).
And yes, Volcanicus not the cluster**** that Menasor is thanks to the CW Optimus mold being designed as an Optimus first and a torso second (by which I mean that the combiner functionality seems to have been a secondary consideration considering A. how horrendously it's implemented and B. if you retooled the figure to take it out the only noticeable change would be no sleeper on the truck cab).
