Takara MP-08 Masterpiece Grimlock Reissue (unboxing inspection)

[Longshot]

Having never seen Masterpiece Grimlock in real life, I was a little taken aback when I opened the box to find one of the most beautiful Transformers I have ever laid my eyes on. It is solid and well-designed and proves that Takara/ Hasbro can make something truly wonderful if they were sufficiently motivated.
No detailed pics in this thread as this is a reissue and pics aplenty can be found all over the net.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122156_zpsd1d43362.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122157_zps3791d88b.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122158_zps02505c47.jpg

Pretty typical Masterpiece packaging from Takara, nothing special here.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122159_zps88736fd8.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122160_zps6f4db826.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122162_zps75e1151f.jpg

All I can say is "wow." This is what Transformers should be like from now on. Imagine if these were what comprised of the G1 line back in the day? Holy crap, forget Gundam, Transformers would be high culture. I'm glad all the little accessories are with this Grimlock.

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122163_zps7999862f.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122164_zpsab799154.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122165_zpscf61046f.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122166_zps8aadc28a.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122167_zpsbd7ec2aa.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122168_zpsab9a980c.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122169_zps4da377d0.jpg

http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg91/Crossbone_Kai/P2122170_zps3aaf5284.jpg

The sword flame cover and the crown in the coin- shaped holder came in a separate polybag outside of the box.
The flames are a soft rubbery material and can be slipped (with some effort) over the sword. Looks kind of cool but I seem to like the basic light up action more. The crown is nice and heavy. A question for those that have Grimlock with his crown, is this version different than the previous one? For some reason I keep thinking this crown is not what I've seen before.
Overall, very, very nice and something I can take to the grave with me. LOL

[Markusmaxmus]

only thing i found with it is the crown dos not sit properly on his head. the Hasbro is plastic

[Longshot]

A problem with this crown or a persistent problem for all MP-08?

[dingd0ng]

The original one is shiny gold plastic.

[MULTIPLEX]

Great review, and yes, this crown is different texture and colour than the original crown.

Only one complaint about MP-08 I have is I wish it was taller than MP-10 Prime. Other than that, perfection.

And thank you for posting close up pics of the crown cover thingy. Finally somebody did.

[dingd0ng]

When you get FT-4 Scoria (not Snarl) it comes with heals for Grimlock, that will make him taller :)

[Markusmaxmus]

I think Grimlock is the right size for be on Scale of MP10. not like the TF4 were prime is riding Grimlock WTF. Take a picture of the inside of the crown. i had to rotate a few times and gave up and placed it on the one spot that's flat and would sit the best on his head with out falling off.

[Markusmaxmus]

I'm looking forward to FT-4 Scoria he looking great

[MULTIPLEX]

When you get FT-4 Scoria (not Snarl) it comes with heals for Grimlock, that will make him taller :)

Yes that is going to be a cool add-on. But my dinobots are always in dino mode 24/7 including my MP-08 :)

I'm looking forward to FT-4 Scoria he looking great

Indeed, Grimlock needs a friend to hang out with his own size. Can wait for Scoria too.

[Longshot]

So the crown is different, good to know I thought I was losing my mind and I'm looking forward to Scoria. With those heels, Grimmy is going to positively tower.

[Rev]

Great review, and yes, this crown is different texture and colour than the original crown.

Only one complaint about MP-08 I have is I wish it was taller than MP-10 Prime. Other than that, perfection.

And thank you for posting close up pics of the crown cover thingy. Finally somebody did.


Is Grimlock the same height as MP 10 in either mode? It is hard to tell.

[Markusmaxmus]

https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1622195_10151884184926711_962204426_n.jpg

by the picture the fantoys is on par for size of grimlock

Grimlock is the same size as mp-10 in robot mode

[MULTIPLEX]

https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/1622195_10151884184926711_962204426_n.jpg

by the picture the fantoys is on par for size of grimlock

Grimlock is the same size as mp-10 in robot mode


Actually the FT pictures of Grimlock in bot mode are all taken with those shoes on. So Scoria is taller than MP-08 and MP-10 by about an inch or so.

Here's another pic that demonstrates the lifts.

http://s7.postimg.org/x0expm88r/A08.jpg

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r90/transbot90210/ftslagheight_zps90f33f75.jpg

[Darth Cylon]

Holy crap, forget Gundam, Transformers would be high culture. I'm glad all the little accessories are with this Grimlock.

I disagree. I grew up with both Gundam and TF. They are completely different things. Real Robots vs Super Robots. Story-wise, TF has more global appeal due to Hasbro's marketing, and it's a typical good vs evil story, while Gundam (especially UC Timeline) are more adult oriented war stories told by different people where there are many grey areas and perspectives.

The toys are different too. Gunpla are mostly model kits that you have to built, while TF are pre-built action figures. I'd compare Takara's MP TF to Bandai's GFF Metal Composite or Metal Built line of Gundam figures. Both are amazing, big, die cast figures.

[Longshot]

True, I guess I'm undergoing "Gundam Fatigue" and it seems the basic underlying story in every series is becoming a little too familiar. The last model kit that I was really excited about was the RGZ-95C and the Defenser b-Unit. Everything kind of looked interesting but kind of fell to the wayside for Transformers and some other series.

[Sludge2007]

Soo can someone explain the transforming crown?

[wervenom]

Soo can someone explain the transforming crown?

Transforming Crown?

[MULTIPLEX]

The crown does not transform. In fact, this doesn't come with a coin at all, let alone a transforming coin. It comes with a crown case.

[Sludge2007]

Ah, lame. Thanks tho

[MULTIPLEX]

Yup and judging by the close up pic provided by Longshot, the case just looks to be a cheap plastic liner like those found in Pot of Gold chocolate boxes. Looks pretty flimsy. Maybe Longshot can comment further.

[Longshot]

Yup, nothing much to the plastic. Stuff feels like the clear containers that you get when you buy cut fruit at the grocery store. There's a embossed image of Grimlock in dino mode and the words "Grimlock King, MP08" on one side and the other has the Autobot symbol and the words "Transformers Masterpiece."
Nothing special overall. Though the crown is diecast and I've been told on this thread that it was originally plastic.

[Commandoclone87]

Missed the train on the original release, but I'm glad that mine's just been shipped out from AutomatonToys so I should be getting him hopefully by tomorrow or Monday.

Can't wait much longer.

[Darth Cylon]

I am happy with the Hasbro version that I got. I missed the initial frenzy then one day without any purpose I walked in to TRU and there were 3 Grimlock on the shelf. (and my collection exploded from that point and on. LOL)

[Rev]

Just paid for mine from Automaton. Looking forward to seeing this figure first hand some time next week.

[Commandoclone87]

Got my Grimmy on Monday :)

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/12618010995_a224214b0f_c.jpg

[jjwankenobi]

Congrats! This is the MP that shaped the line into what it is today, IMO.


Yup and judging by the close up pic provided by Longshot, the case just looks to be a cheap plastic liner like those found in Pot of Gold chocolate boxes.


http://cdn.memegenerator.net/instances/500x/46189237.jpg

[Longshot]

Congrats. I'm really glad Takara did a reissue and I'm equally stoked to get the Hasbro reissue even if it looks less "rich" in tones than the Takara.

[Buhawi]

From what I can tell using the pics the reissue Takara has the Hasbro gold parts rather the original Takara release.

I'm using pics from my own comparison shots between original Takara and Hasbro.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7972341182_76f46a12db.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/7972346240_64f03edffc.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8452/7975036713_04f8d487c2.jpg

Hasbro is the duller looking gold.

Edit: the Takara reissue does have a shinier gold than the Hasbro one. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz4qZc8kSWs

Now I wish kept that Hasbro version. LOL

[Buhawi]

http://needlessessentialsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Takara-MP-08-Grimlock-8.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/8023915519_2fec012b34_b.jpg

Looks like the chest part on the reissue Takara is also using Hasbro parts. It's has a clearer plastic rather than the shaded original Takara.

ps: don't mind the colour knee parts on my original Takara version. I switched that part and got the colour knees from Hasbro. :D

[Rev]

Nice comparison. I like both updates. The clear plastic and the feet look better to me.

[Buhawi]

It took me a very long time to choose which sheen I liked better. The coat on Hasbro looks better protected from the elements vs the high maintenance better looking one.

I'm just as torn about the flame. Can't tell if it's cheesy or good from pics.

[Masta_Skidz]

I will be the one to say why is scoria taller than grimlock in bot mode even with those heels on grimlock is still shorter than scoria's head kibble and that really bothers me. I for one like the fact that he is on par with Optimus as I personally dont think he would have been a bigger bot maybe bigger in dino mode as me fought devastator in this mode alot

[Longshot]

I can't choose... they are both good. Definitely looking forward to the Hasbro release. I just hope it's not like YotH Prime where I still haven't seen any yet.

[MULTIPLEX]

Wow you should be a plastic surgeon lol. That's some interesting findings there. You should call him Frankenlock or Grimstein.

[Rev]

It took me a very long time to choose which sheen I liked better. The coat on Hasbro looks better protected from the elements vs the high maintenance better looking one.

I'm just as torn about the flame. Can't tell if it's cheesy or good from pics.

It has taken a while, but ive decided I like the sword.

I'd like to pick up a Hasbro version if I can find it.

[MULTIPLEX]

Another option for you guys. Thought I'd just add to this conversation.

So I had the chance to unwrap one of those so-called "loose" Asian Exclusive Takara MP-8 from eBay (The ones that came in the white boxes last year).

The story behind these is they are real but just dont come with the box, instructions or bio card. They come with gun sword and crown.

All I can say is this thing is for real. I've done tons of research and the easiest way to tell a fake one from a real one is the from the head. Left is KO, Right is Takara.

http://s22.postimg.org/qzjfuit35/photo.jpg

When I compared to my Hasbro MP-8 it has the usual difference, sharper teeth, claws, sword, crown. It also has the deeper gold chrome and the dino toes are chromed, not painted. I thought I read somewhere the newest Takara 30th anniversary reissue does not have chromed toes nails.

One difference I never knew before was the grills in the robot toes on the Hasbro version are gold, Takara's is black. Also, the gray colour is noticeably darker/flatter than the Takara.

Anyways, this thing is about $150 on eBay shipped. Nice tight joints, perfect chrome. Here's some comparison pics with my Hasbro version (left).

http://s27.postimg.org/dhwnjlyab/photo_1_1.jpg
http://s27.postimg.org/5l7kxmxg3/photo_1_2.jpg
http://s27.postimg.org/az6d56n6b/photo_2_1.jpg
http://s17.postimg.org/l83wq7f3z/photo_2_2.jpg
http://s27.postimg.org/z9atwkes3/photo_2.jpg
http://s27.postimg.org/qfjxfgrtf/photo_1.jpg

[Longshot]

Damn! That is some good comparison shots. Thanks for the info!