Skullgrin

Sometimes, Hasbro must leave themselves in a quandry. They know older fans want tributes to figures of yore, but they also want to recycle molds for maximum dollar. The result is Skullgrin, based off of Darkmount's mold.

Bio

The ruthless, methodical intelligence for which Skullgrin is known is only a front. Inside him rages the spark of a mad beast, straining to break free. He rarely engages in combat, so afraid is he that the heat of battle will drive him into a frenzy from which he will never emerge. Though he is a Decepticon, he still fears the destruction of which he is capable.

Strength     

Intelligence 

Speed        

Endurance    

Rank         

Courage      

Fireblast    

Skill        

Alt Mode

Since Skullgrin was originally a drill tank, using a military halftrack isn't too far off the beaten path. The colors are a rather boring PVC gray with black, magenta and yellow accents. A gold Decepticon logo is proudly displayed on the front end.

Like Darkmount, Skullgrin has three accessory weapons that can be clipped on in various locations to maximize the efficiency of his firepower. While it's a decent mold to reuse, it definitely needs more color.

Alt Mode Specs

Length: 4.25in/108mm (5.75in/146.1mm including turret)
Width:2.5in/63.5mm
Height:2in/50.8mm
Scale Ratio:N/A
Wheels: 2 rotating in front, 2 molded into treads
Detailed cockpit:N/A

Transformation

To Battle Station Mode

Identical to Darkmount.

Battle Station Mode

Skullgrin retains the mid-transformation 'battle station' mode. It's still fragile to the touch, though, so handle with care.

Transformation

To Robot Mode

Identical to Darkmount

Robot Mode

The only mold change here is with the head, which is molded after Skullgrin's pretender suit's head. However, it's a pretty weak head mold in comparison. It looks too small for the body, and the eyes don't even feature piping, but are instead painted red.

At least the colors come more alive in robot mode. Magenta and black dominate the body while the legs are mostly white. All three auxillary weapons can be mounted as seen fit. The whole attempt at making this a good Skullgrin figure seems to have been done half-heartedly in my opinion.

Articulation

Feet:Ball joint, 180 degree bend w/30 degrees flex
Knees: Pin hinge, 90 degree bend. Pinned above knees for unlimited lower leg rotation
Hips: Ball joint, 180 degree bend and 45 degree spread.
Waist:Pinned for unlimited rotation
Shoulders:Baall joint, unlimited rotation and 60 degree spread. Slide pin under shoulder for unlimited arm rotation
Elbows:Pin hinge, 75 degree bend
Hands:Pinned at wrists for unlimited rotation. Pinned at main knuckle. Head:Pinned for unlimited rotation

Overall good poseability.

Robot Mode Specs

Height:5.63in/143mm
Width:3.5in/88.9mm (4in/101.6mm including shoulder plates)
Depth:2.75in/69.9mm
Supplied accessories:(1) missile battery, (1) surface-to-air cannon and (1) Gatling cannon

Verdict

Alt Mode: Great playability, but color scheme is boring
Alt Mode:Head mold is mediocre at best. Feet sturdiness may fade over time.
Overall:This could have been done so well, but it looks like the easy way was taken out. Too bad.

Class:Deluxe

MSRP:$12

Reviewer	Blitzwing
Date	November 27th 2010
Score	(8 out of 10)
Reads	8635
Link	Skullgrin via Movie Database

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