Following the official reveals, the much anticipates Takara TOMY Transformers Missing Link C-12 Grimlock appears in-hand to give us the full details of the updated G1 mold.

The Interview, images, and video from Hobby Watch with Takara TOMY talks about the many details and additions to the new mold with views of the robot mode, dino mode, pilot and other features that you can read translated below. Look for C-12 Grimlock to begin shipping July 25, 2026. Order while they last at the following sponsored links:

How have the clear parts and plated colors, which were so impressive even in the original version, been reproduced?

Developer: That's right. Plating is rarely used in the regular Transformer line these days, so I think the shine of the plated parts is one of Missing Link's unique strengths.

The ability to see the plating through clear parts is a traditional style inherited from the old Takara "Transforming Cyborg," so this has been perfectly reproduced. Additionally, die-cast parts are used in various places, and the exquisite weight when held in the hand gives it a treasured feel, which is another great feature of Missing Link.

In Tyrannosaurus mode, the plated mechanical design is visible through the clear parts around the neck.

In robot mode, the chest has a luxurious appearance with sparkling plating visible.

The weapons, which were molded in a color on the original version, are now plated.

In the original version, they are molded in red.

Personally, Grimlock's eyes were blue in Tyrannosaurus mode in the anime, so his red-eyed eyes looked fresh.

Developer: In the anime, Autobots are blue and Decepticons are red, so when we commercialized the anime version, the eyes would be light blue. However, Grimlock's eyes were red in the Origin toy, so we made them red this time.

For "Missing Link C-12 Grimlock," have molds and mechanical details been added to the parts that were stickers on the original product?

Developer: All of the parts that were stickers on the original product have been replaced with 3D sculptures and then painted in even more detail to recreate them. We think you'll enjoy the densely detailed coloring.

It includes mechanical details like the Autobot emblem and electronic circuits.

The parts that were stickers on the original product have been finely sculpted and painted in 3D sculpture.

Does this include the accessories that were also included in the original product?

Developer: That's right. It comes with a missile launcher, double laser gun, saber, and a human figure.

The inclusion of a human figure means that the original product had a gimmick where a seat would pop out of the back in Tyrannosaurus mode. Has this mechanism been carried over to Missing Link?

Developer: That's right. While it was unfortunately not adopted in Transformers, Diaclone-era products came with a Diaclone member who could be placed in the cockpit on the back.

This cockpit itself remains in Transformers, but the essential figure was not included at the time.

For that reason, we've included a new human figure this time, which can be placed inside in robot mode or on the back in dinosaur mode.

Human figure included. It can be placed in a seated position.

In Tyrannosaurus mode, the seat on the back can be unfolded so you can sit on it.

A question about mobility. Were there any points you paid particular attention to in the transformation mechanism or the mobility of the limbs?

Developer: Grimlock's transformation mode is a Tyrannosaurus, so we added more movable joints in both the pre- and post-transformation forms, aiming to allow for free posing in each.

The front legs in Tyrannosaurus mode are also finely jointed and moveable, allowing for facial expressions. Additionally, while the claws on the legs were one piece on the original model, they now move independently, allowing for powerful poses of the figure stomping powerfully against the ground.

Furthermore, by adding more joints to the tail and bending it to slightly raise the upper body, we can recreate the impressive upright posture seen in the anime.

What do you think of the movement in robot mode?

Developer: We've added more joints to the robot mode as well. The original model only had the ability to move the arms when standing upright, but this time we've changed it so that the limbs and head can move freely.

What we think is groundbreaking this time is the addition of double joints to the ankles. The ankle area was previously a single piece, but this time by separating the parts and pulling them out, we can move the geta part freely, like this.

This means that no matter how dynamic the pose, the figure can plant its feet firmly on the ground.

Originally, the original model had a lot of weight on its back, making it difficult to balance, but by adding an extendable heel this time, it is less likely to tip over backwards even when standing upright.

The additional joints allow for powerful poses that are characteristic of the Dinobots.

Shoulder-raised poses are also possible.

Hip and knee joints allow for expressive leg movements.

Double joints in the ankles allow for more dynamic poses.

The extendable heel parts provide a more stable setup. They can also be stored for an appearance closer to the original.

Developer: There are also holes for a stand, so by using a stand with a 3mm joint, you can display it in a jumping pose. Additionally, the four fingers on each hand can be opened, allowing for more expressive movements.

Regarding the transformation gimmick, how difficult do you envision the transformation to be?

Developer: The transformation pattern has basically remained unchanged from the original, so the difficulty level is the same as the original, and anyone can easily transform it.

We've also thoroughly improved playability by changing the shape of the joints, which were prone to breaking in the original version, and adding poly parts to the joints to give it a more rugged feel, allowing for ample play.


Are there any new transformation mechanisms added for transformation?

Developer: This time, the dinosaur's neck can sway slightly from side to side to add expression.

In the original version, the robot head was stored at the base of the dinosaur's neck. This time, the robot head can be tilted using the arms and stored inside the body. This means that the head can now be swayed from side to side even in Tyrannosaurus mode.

Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier, you can choose to have the head mounted either front or back, and it can now be stored inside the torso in either position.

On the original model, the space for the robot head was located on the dinosaur's neck.

On "Missing Link C-12 Grimlock," the robot head can be stored on the torso, so the structure has been modified.

What were the key points/difficulties you focused on with this product?

Developer: We were particularly particular about the details of the screws on the sides of the shoulders. These aren't real screws, but dummy models painted silver to look like screws.

This time, by adding more joints to the shoulders, there's no longer a need to fasten screws from the outside, but we wanted to retain as much of the original feel as possible, so we've recreated them in the model.

We also paid particular attention to the screws that secure the dinosaur's front legs from the inside. On the original model, these were fastened with actual screws, but with screws, there's a risk that they would gradually loosen with movement.

Therefore, under current safety and quality standards, it is not possible to screw this part in, but as this is a part that is visible in robot mode, we wanted to retain the cross design of the screw rather than a smooth rivet head, so we created and are using a new "rivet with a screw design on the head."

The way the screws are expressed in the design is something unique to "Missing Link."

Developer: That's right. We created a new metal part to make it look like it's fastened with a screw, when in fact it's fastened with a rivet.

The original product used a screw, and it looks like a screw.

In modern products, the top part is fastened with a flat rivet. Once hammered in, it won't come out even if you turn it.

We left the jagged edges of the rivet, and created a part just for this purpose that looks like a screw if you look at the head alone. We were aiming to create a disguise for the toys of the time.

Original products use screws (left), while modern products sometimes use flat-headed rivets (center). "Missing Link C-12 Grimlock" uses a new rivet (right) that incorporates the head design of the original screw.

Please give us a final message for our users.

Developer: Thanks to you, we've been able to release 12 series so far, and we feel that more and more people are understanding and enjoying the fascinating concept of Missing Link.

Going forward, we hope to provide surprises and fun with a product lineup that only Missing Link can offer, including not only popular characters, but also unreleased characters, characters that have not yet been reprinted like this one, and characters that people are hoping for a remake. We hope you'll look forward to it.