| A namesake of the G1 Dinobot character, Grimlock here is another new model of car, not dinosaur, from the TF: Alternators line. Does this former behemoth of a Transformer retain his size and stature, or does he trade down when taking the form of a Mustang car? Read on to find out…
In car mode, Grimlock sports the body of silver Ford Mustang GT. This muscle car of the automotive world suits the style and power that Grimlock would exhibit if he were still a T-rex. With the emblem of the Mustang on the front grill, this tells you Grimlock is all about power, especially under his hood. With the usually interior detail that the Alternator line exhibits, as well as opening doors, trunk, and hood, Grimlock follows the formula that has led this line to success in style and design. I think what I like the most about the car mode is that its buttoned up all the way around, even the underside has very little showing when you flip the car over. This adds to the realistic lot quite a bit. If only they had painted some of the underside panels a darker grey or black, it would look more real, but then again, it may have detracted from the look of this bot's alternate mode…
One of the more difficult to transformer Alternators, it took me about an hour to get it right the first time I transformed Grimlock. This coming from a guy who had no problem with any of Transformer in the history of his collecting them, that's saying a lot. One note on the transforming process itself - be VERY careful as you do. The middle bare that has the pull brake and gear shift on it is all that holds the back half and front half together. This could break in the middle of transformation, and thus break your Grimlock. Still, once transformed, Grimlock is pretty nice.
Now in robot mode, once you get him there, there are some bits and kibble that do hang off. Most notably is the back flap hanging off Grimlock's - ummm, errr - ass. It does hang on a hinge, and is easy to move out of the way when posing his legs, but it is rather big. At least his rear is ALWAYS protected. Then there is the top hood and front windshield, which hang off the back, much like Smokescreen and Silverstreak's design. While not too big, it does stand out some. The knees do have some back end of the car mode kibble, and the shoulders have the doors just above them. However, in the overall look of Grimlock, some of this kibble does help to make him look bigger and stronger, which is what you would expect from this former Dinobot. Sporting the Mustang's engine-now-turned-double-barreled gun, as well as an orange Energy sword, both well hidden in car mode, Grimlock looks like the kind of Transformer you would want to be your best friend in a fight, and not the 'bot your fighting. What's also nice is that because of the way he transforms and is designed, he is also one of the most poseable Alternators in the line, if not the most poseable thus far. Even with the kibbles and bits, he can pose circles around most other Transformers. This plus the classic G1 styled face make this a bot you shouldn't pass up.
Bottom Line
Bottom Line - As far as the Alternator line goes, this Transformer is a must have, much like all the characters in this line. With awesome look and styling, as well as great articulation, Grimlock is well worth the pick-up at $20 or so. This updated G1 Classic (how many times did I say that in this review - lol) is one that should be on your collection shelf the minute you see him in store. One note - I found my Grimlock at a Wal-Mart in the scaled model car section, in with the ones that were about the same price range. Just something to watch for with these Alternators ;) Good hunting!
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