Transformers Masterpiece Mp-08 Grimlock

This figure is fantastic. The attention to detail alone is superb and easy to transform. My worries, as with all masterpieces, is how fragile or how durable these figures can be but Grimlock passes with flying colors and looks great in both modes.

Probably the greatest thing ever made. This is a must for any Dinobot fans. Its sturdy, but still more of a shelf piece. I would say ages 12 and up.

Hasbro certainly knew what they were doing when they created the Dinobots, Grimlock in particular. It's pretty much a given that most boys like robots, aliens, and dinosaurs, and Grimlock not only combined these three things into one, he breathed fire, kicked plenty of butt, and was one of the few characters who could backtalk both Optimus Prime and Megatron. Even today Grimlock remains one of the most popular characters of the original show, alongside such mainstays as Optimus, Megatron, Starscream, and Soundwave, and I have a giant soft spot for both him and his less-popular but still awesome teammates.So when I came across Masterpiece Grimlock at a convention, I knew I had to have him. And even though he pretty much emptied my wallet, I don't regret purchasing him.Word to the wise -- this is NOT a children's toy! Grimlock is a very expensive figure, with lots of moving parts, potentially breakable pieces, and accessories that can be easily lost. This is probably best as a display piece, and I would not recommend handing him over to a child to play with. Go for a less-expensive figure such as  Transformers Generations Voyager Class Grimlock Figure  for your child instead, and save this for your own collection.Grimlock is also tricky to transform. His instructions are in Japanese, and though they're accompanied by illustrations it can be difficult to figure out exactly what to do next. Plus there are a LOT of steps involved in changing him from one mode to another. It took me about twenty minutes to transform him from robot mode to dinosaur mode, and I haven't yet worked up the nerve to try changing him back. XDAll that said, however, he is still a beautiful figure. The amount of detail included in the figure is astounding -- you can even move the individual claws on each of his T-rex hands! He looks almost completely cartoon-accurate, which is no mean feat for a Transformers toy, and unlike some of the other Masterpiece toys he feels fairly sturdy in both robot and dinosaur mode, and feels like he could take a fall off the shelf without breaking. And the designers didn't skimp on the special features either. In addition to transforming, Grimlock can also open and shut his mouth with the push of a button, change optic colors (blue for those who prefer the cartoon version of Grimlock, red for those who prefer the comics version), and hold a gun or a sword that light up with the touch of a button (thanks to an LED light built into an arm of his robot mode).Grimlock also comes with several accessories that will be recognizable to anyone who's seen the original cartoon -- his sword, his gun, his information transfer helmet from the "Grimlock's New Brain" episode, and even an apron, bowtie, and drink tray (with individual drink cups!) from his brief stint as a waiter in "Madman's Paradise." He also comes with the usual instruction manual and collector's card typical of the other Masterpiece toys.Masterpiece Grimlock will take a large bite out of your wallet, but I feel he's worth the price. He probably won't appreciate being called beautiful ("Me Grimlock not pretty, me KING!"), but he's a gorgeous figure of an awesome character, and it's obvious Hasbro and Takara outdid themselves creating him. He has pride of place in my own collection. Now if they'd just make Masterpieces of the other four in his team...

If I thought that my collection of transformers couldn't get cooler I would have been wrong. It's Grimlock! Buy it!