General Information
Release Date: Early 2024
Price Point: $4.99 (depending on retailer)
Retailer: Alternative Channels in the US (Aldi, Dollar General, Family Dollar etc.)
Accessories: Tail/weapon
Official images and text in italics are from Hasbro.com
Transformers Authentics Bravo Grimlock is an easy Transformers toy with 2 modes of play! This Grimlock figure converts from robot to toy dinosaur in 6 steps, with simple conversion perfect for Transformers fans age 6 and up. Authentics Bravo Transformers toy figures (each sold separately, subject to availability) feature popular Transformers characters like Optimus Prime and Bumblebee at a 4.5-inch scale and are a great way to start a Transformers collection. Interactive toys like these small action figures make cool gifts for boys and girls ages 6 and up. Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.
- 2-IN-1 CONVERTING TRANSFORMERS TOY: This Transformers Grimlock toy converts from robot to dino mode for awesome 2-in-1 play
- CONVERTS BETWEEN MODES IN 6 STEPS: This Transformers action figure can change from a robot toy into a dinosaur toy in 6 simple steps. Kids who love fidget toys and puzzles will love the satisfying conversion!
- 4.5-INCH ROBOT ACTION FIGURE: In robot mode, Grimlock action figure is 4.5 inches (11 cm) tall
- DINO MODE: Imagine epic battle scenes with Grimlock in dinosaur mode! Great for kids who love dinosaur toys
- DINO TOYS FOR KIDS: Inspired by Grimlock, the legendary Dinobot king. Transformers toys like this Grimlock figure make a great gift for boys and girls who love robot toys
- TRANSFORMERS ACTION FIGURES FOR BOYS AND GIRLS 6 AND UP: Look for more Transformers figures (each sold separately, subject to availability) to build your collection
- Ages 6 and up
- WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
- Includes figure.
Background:
The Authentics line of Transformers figures began in 2017 as a set of figures intended for the discount market. In the United States these figures were mainly distributed to stores like Dollar General and Family Dollar, offering a cheaper alternative to the "mainline" toys such as Generations. This also meant these figures were simplified, often featuring less complex transformations and less articulation than their "mainline" counterparts. Outside the United States these figures were treated more like regular releases, often being found alongside figures from Studio Series, Generations and Rescue Bots. In general, Authentics figures are broken up into larger "Alpha" Class figures and smaller "Bravo" Class figures. There was a "Bravo" Class Grimlock released back in 2019 for the Authentics line. This figure is a whole new sculpt and not a re-release of the 2018 figure.
Packaging:
Previous Bravo Class figures were on bubble cards. However with Hasbro's efforts to move towards sustainable packaging, the Bravo Class figures are now packaged in rectangular cardboard boxes. The box features a small window to see the figure inside and a flap on top to hang it on pegs in store. The "Transformers" logo is set vertically to the right while Grimlock's name is next to an Autobot symbol towards the bottom. Much of the front is covered by artwork featuring Grimlock's "Evergreen" artwork showing him roaring in beast mode. The top flap shows an outline of the figure in white against a grid background. The back of the box shows the figure in both modes calling out a 6 step transformation and referring to Grimlock as "Legendary Dinobot King". The lower part of the box back features legal information in multiple languages.
Accessory:
Grimlock includes one accessory: his tail. The tail is detachable and features a small peg that allows him to hold it in robot mode in his right hand. The tail looks almost organic with lot of curved lines and a series of spikes running down the middle. Traditionally Grimlock has a sword, and I think this was meant to be a "stand in" for his sword but it winds up looking more like a spiked club. This piece is made of a translucent gold plastic that looks like it has metal flake inside. It is a really beautiful and unusual plastic color.
Robot Mode:
Authentics figures were deliberately made to cater to a lower price point to create a group of relatively inexpensive Transformers figures. That generally meant the figures featured certain cost cutting strategies including very simple transformations and limited features (weapons, articulation etc.). That said, in the 2020's some of the Authentics figures have taken that to a new level and this Grimlock figure is one of them.
At first glance, Grimlock looks cool. Using bits of the "Evergreen" design, he has classic G1 elements such as the head design, the dinosaur legs making the arms, parts of the dinosaur body forming "wings" on the back and really, a ton of beautifully sculpted detail. Among my favorites are the rocket launcher pods integrated into the shoulders and the way armor is layered on areas like the wrist and the sides of the robot legs. I bet you the initial design drawings for this figure looked fantastic. However, the actual execution is where problems arise.
Let's talk structure. Most Authentics figures have some basic level of articulation, generally at least five if not more. Grimlock has...four. If you want to be super (duper) generous and include the wings we can say six. However really all he has are arms that move at the shoulders, the waist and knees. This sounds fine until you realize the legs are fused together at the lower legs. The thighs are connected to the waist as one solid (hollow) piece so there's no articulation to be found there other than the waist being about to turn as part of the transformation. Grimlock can hold his weapon by attaching to the right hand. Well...sorta. He does not really have a hand in front but instead it's just his beast mode foot. There are hands there but they are inside the beast mode feet and are just sculpted into the interior of the beast mode feet. Structurally speaking this figure is just very disappointing, especially considering how well done the previous Bravo Class Grimlock was (for its price point).
Going back to the aesthetics of the figure, Grimlock looks really good for a figure priced around $6 USD. He is made of grey and translucent gold plastic. The main paint colors are gold, black, red and light blue. Gold and red are found on the chest, waist and shoulders. The eyes are painted light blue and the head is painted black. These are all classic Grimlock colors and the colors are vibrant.
Transformation to Beast Mode:
- Detach the weapon and set it aside for now.
- Swing the arms up so they are pointing forward.
- Swing wings forward and push them together.
- Swing the beast mode head/neck piece forward.
- Swing the lower legs up over the thighs.
- Attach the weapon to the base of the tail.
Beast Mode:
A lot of the issues from the robot mode do not really carry over to the beast mode. This is thanks in part to the beast mode naturally having limited articulation no matter which version of G1 Grimlock you're thinking about. Usually Grimlock beast modes have head articulation, arms and legs, maybe knees and feet and that's about it. Given that this is a cheaper, "discount" priced figure this Grimlock only has arm and hip articulation but that's actually fine by me. From a functional point of view it's fine by me.
Like the robot mode, the sculpted details on this mode look fantastic. Taking a cue from his "Evergreen" appearance, Grimlock's design uses his G1 design as the foundation, but several details are changed. This includes having a series of spikes running down the back and along the sides. His head also has a more narrow snout than we typically see on Grimlock. His armor also has a lot of layers sculpted into it, which is different than his more traditional appearance where he did not have so many lines and layers. I also love the way the rocket pods on the robot mode shoulders now face forward at the top of his legs, giving him some firepower in this mode apart from the blowtorch built into his mouth. From a sculpt perspective he looks fantastic and I really would have to see this specific design fully realized as say a Voyager or Leader Class figure one day.
This mode shows off a bit more of the translucent gold plastic via his beast mode arms. The red on the rocket pods faces forward here and the gold from the robot mode chest still peeks out in the middle. The beast mode eyes are also painted light blue. Now, there are extra details I would have liked. This would have included painting the claws on his feet gold. However, given the price point it looks fine.
Final Thoughts:
I don't want to say that there is no value to this figure whatsoever. For a young fan who just wants an affordable version of the Dinobot leader, this does fit the bill (especially since there are not exactly lot of other cheaper Grimlocks on he market at the moment). However, this figure is a definite step down from the previous Bravo Class Grimlock and that is disappointing. The specter of cost cutting is very apparent on this figure and that is a downer. This is an extreme "mildly recommended" for a very specific audience. For most fans this is one you can skip.
Pros:
- Excellent sculpted details in both modes.
- Very nice colors in both mode.
- Good beast mode.
Cons:
- Robot mode articulation is lacking.
- Could use more deco.
- I really wish the hands were designed differently.
