Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\cocoartf1038\cocoasubrtf250 {\fonttbl\f0\fswiss\fcharset0 Helvetica;}
{\colortbl;\red255\green255\blue255;} \margl1440\margr1440\vieww10100\viewh18260\viewkind0
\pard\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\ql\qnatural\pardirnatural
\f0\fs24 \cf0 This is a TF Source video review of Takara Tomy Masterpiece MP-8X King Grimlock
\b \ \
\b0 When Masterpiece Grimlock reached the hands of collectors in mid 2009, choirs of
praise rang forth from all who were lucky enough to possess him. However, one accessory
that was initially promised was not present: Grimlock's crown. The Grimlock crown was featured
in the Generation 1 Transformers comic series when Grimlock took over leadership of the
Autobots and to many Grimlock fans is a quintessential moment for the character. TakaraTomy has finally
legitimized this facet of Grimlock's history by releasing a brand new deco of MP-08 with
a new designation of MP-08X. This, along with Black Ehobby Convoy and the upcoming Ghost
Masterpiece Starscream, represent a new trend in creating Masterpiece line exclusives as
variations of initial releases. \ Dubbed "King Grimlock", MP-08X is a perplexing
repaint that many collectors have considered an un-necessary addition to the line, especially
with an asking price of over $200! After this review, you may be thinking twice about questioning
he who wears the crown\'85\
\b \b0 One of the main attractions to this reduce
is the immense redesign put into the box. For the first time, TakaraTomy breaks from
the typical Masterpiece packaging conventions and creates a comic-book styled box, complete
with original artwork from the comic featuring Grimlock with Crown. This classic image and
old-school comicbook colorscheme was the basis for the entire reduce.\
When compared to the original MP-08 box, it is evident that a great deal of space was
saved, perhaps due to the lack of extraneous accessories. The apron, drink tray, bow-tie
and neural transfer helmet are not included, making them exclusive to the original MP-08
package. Only Grimlock's iconic laser riffle and energy sword remain, in addition to the
bronze chromed crown. \ King Grimlock comes packaged with his red-eyes
engaged, probably to evoke his comic book ill-tempered personality versus the sometimes
benevolent cartoon persona. Included is a large black and white instruction booklet
and collector card. The instructions detail Grimlock's appearances in the original G1
comic book series, however the booklet is written in Japanese and a translation is not
available at this time. \b \
\b0 If there was only one word to describe King Grimlock, it would be BLINGIN! The new
silver paint scheme paired with the bronze chrome give this figure an almost jewel-like
quality. Adding the bronze crown to Grimlock's head is just the icing on the cake. The colored
areas appear incredibly bright against the lighter silver premium-style paint scheme.
All the originally silver chromed pieces have a blue tinge to them, and the leg sections
are packaged with protective plastic sleeves to keep the chrome pristine during shipment.
Grimlock's weapons may be held in either hand, but only his right hand contains the light-up
gimmick activated by pushing a button his shoulder.\
Another ingenious gimmick of the masterpiece Grimlock mold is the option to give Grimlock
genuine blue Autobot eyes or angry red deception eyes. The eyes can be adjusted by flipping
a lever at the back of the robot head. \ The figure as a whole is incredibly possible
and articulated and includes many tight ratcheted joints that will give this figure a long display
life.\ The transformation to Dinosaur mode is very
reminiscent of the original G1 toy's transformation except for some spring-loaded parts that make
up the tail. The Dinosaur mode is incredibly accurate to the on-screen and comic book renditions
and provides some pleasant display options. No accessories are storable while in Dinosaur
mode, and it almost appears like a flame breath accessory that could attach to the dinosaur
tongue may still be in this mold's future.\ Like the robot mode, the eye color is adjustable
by use of a clever spring-loaded rotating mechanism found within the dinosaur head.
Now Grimlock can be docile or angry dependent on your own moody collector persona.\
The dinosaur arms are attached with ball joints which give a wide range of motion and the
hands each have 3 individually articulated fingers. The brightly chromed teeth reinforce
King Grimlock's blingin' visage, what king would be caught without a perfectly crafted
grill to display his dominance?\ King Grimlock may not seem like a commonly
desirable repaint, at least until it is seen next to it's predecessor. In typical toy seller
fashion, the more glamorous version of this mold was released second. The glitzy chrome
and paint-job given to King Grimlock can make the original MP-08 appear a bit drab. The
jet black parts on MP-08 are indeed more accurate to the original G1 toy and cartoon depiction,
but the slate blue of King Grimlock has a certain charm to it that hasn't been seen
on a Transformers figure before. When directly compared, the gold chrome on King Grimlock
is a much richer bronze versus the gold steel look of MP-08. The accessories differ with
their paint jobs and plastic color choices. The Energon sword of King Grimlock is blazoned
with red versus the clear translucent original. King Grimlock has some additional paint apps
not found on MP-08 including yellow toes and an alternate red paint scheme along the dino
belly piping.\ One of the main differences between both masterpiece
grimlock figures is the variety of accessories available that are compatible with either
toy. Although the server apron or crown are only intended for use with the figure they
come packaged with, it is of course necessary to see all possible combinations. As an aside,
legends Wheelie makes a great companion to either MP-08 mold as a secondary accessory.\
Which figure is the ultimate representation of Grlimlock ultimately is a question of preference.\
The Transformers fan community has a lot of trouble agreeing on anything, but if you looked
at various top-tens of the year, Masterpiece Grimlock topped almost all of the lists and
with good reason. The Masterpiece line has been making our childhood dreams come true
by creating incredibly detailed and posable renditions of classic characters. It seemed
impossible to improve upon Masterpiece Grimlock, but this wild repaint does just that. Take
what is debatably the best new figure of the year and give it a shiny premium paint job,
add a crowd, and you now have the greatest example of everyone's favorite Dinobot head
honcho ever. King Grimlock took a lot of collectors by surprise and with the initial pricetag,
Many will never even get a chance to compare King Grimlock to the original. Comic book
fashioned redecos are a new concept to Transformers that seemed a bit off at first, but after
seeing the first execution, it will be interesting to see if comic book versions of Megatron
or Starscream may see the light of day. King Grimlock will not be for everyone but those
that are willing to pay a little extra to check out a very unique version will not be
disappointed.}