- Two new Transformers have been revealed based on the Marvel comics.
- One features the decapitated head of Optimus Prime, mirroring a moment in said comics.
- The main figures of Grimlock and Shockwave will be available later this year.
Transformers fans have two new figures to look forward to in the form of comic accurate versions of Shockwave and Grimlock that have been exclusively revealed by ComicBook.com. While welcome additions to any collector’s shelf or kid’s toybox, the Shockwave comes with a rather odd accessory.
That accessory is the decapitated head of Optimus Prime, displayed on a base with tubes sticking into the noggin of the Autobot leader.
This macabre inclusion is meant to mimic a moment in the comics where Shockwave is using Optimus Prime’s head for nefarious purposes. You can see this specific comic panel on the opening door of Shockwave’s packaging in the gallery below. You can see a clearer image of the comic panel by clicking here.
Those a bit shocked by this will be unhappy, or happy, to learn that disturbing robot body horror like this was rather common in the original comics.
On top of this death and destruction is a common theme even in the toys. A few months ago Hasbro released a box set of Ironhide and Prowl depicting the moment they are gunned down and killed. Yes, really. The two Autobot’s even feature battle damage to show off their mortal wounds which was a pivotal scene in the movie.
Also in that movie is, infamously, the death of Optimus Prime. Guess what? You can buy multiple official toys based on that too.
While Prime’s head is a funny if dark inclusion, the main toy of Shockwave is really good. You can see that Hasbro is still trying to fool people into thinking that Shockwave’s alt mode is a sci-fi spaceship instead of a toy gun, due to various laws around fake guns.
Even better is Grimlock. Also in comic colours, this version of the Dinobot looks fantastic and offers a new way for people to get the beloved Transformer. This version seems to be the same mould as Studio Series 86, an extremely sought after toy that demands high prices on the aftermarket.
ComicBook.com reports that Shockwave will sell for $39.99 (~R754) and Grimlock for $59.99 (~R1 131) when the toys release in the US Summer this year. That should be some time between June and September.
Unfortunately there’s almost zero chance that these two will arrive in South Africa. As we discussed in our toy buying guide for both 2023 and 2022, Transformers availability in this country is simply awful. We’d love to be proven wrong but there’s very little hope that these will arrive on shelves. If they do look forward to much, much higher pricing compared to that direct Dollar conversion we priced above.
Shockwave and Grimlock are part of celebrations this year for the 40th anniversary of Transformers. Lots of cool stuff is being released for the festivities with, at the moment, none of them announced for local release.
TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS COMIC EDITION SHOCKWAVE ($39.99): Ruled by logic, if it is more logical for Shockwave to override Megatron and seize command of the Decepticons, he will take that chance. Inspired by the original The TRANSFORMERS comic book series, this 7-inch Shockwave action figure converts from robot to Cybertronian spaceship mode in 15 steps. With comic-accurate deco and black line hatching details, Shockwave looks like it came out of a comic book, celebrating 40 years since TRANSFORMERS robots made their comic debut in 1984. Features articulated heads, arms, and legs for action poses and comes with the head of Optimus Prime piece that can be placed on the included display stand (display stand assembly required).
TRANSFORMERS GENERATIONS COMIC EDITION GRIMLOCK ($59.99) Grimlock leads a team of powerful Dinobots and fights on impulse, making him one of the strongest – and most unpredictable – Autobots. Inspired by the original The TRANSFORMERS comic book series, this 8.5-inch Grimlock action figure converts from robot to T.rex mode in 22 steps. With comic-accurate deco and black line hatching details, Grimlock looks like it came out of a comic book, celebrating 40 years since TRANSFORMERS robots made their comic debut in 1984. Feature articulated heads, arms, and legs for action poses and comes with 3 swords, double-barreled blaster and a crown accessory that can sit on the figure’s head.
[Sources and images – Hasbro via ComicBook.com]
