Grimlock Anime Cartoon Transformers Missing Link Official Images and Preorder
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Takara Tomy is keeping the Transformers Missing Link repaint train rolling and this time it is Grimlock stepping into the spotlight with an Anime Cartoon version that follows the exact pattern we have been seeing across the line. Just like Arcee, Sunstreaker, Ultra Magnus, and yes, Optimus Prine, the most repainted Autobot of them all, this release sticks with the same underlying articulation and engineering while shifting the deco to better match animated appearances. If you have been tracking this line closely, this one almost felt inevitable and is a follow up drop to the Grimlock G1 C-12 release. The updated color layout leans into that brighter, animation-inspired look while preserving the core sculpt and transformation fans already know. Overseas preorders are already live, which has also become part of the rhythm for these Missing Link drops, and based on past releases we fully expect U.S. retailers to open up orders soon. The strategy is clear at this point and Takara Tomy is executing it consistently, offering collectors a chance to double dip with cartoon-accurate paint schemes layered onto vintage-inspired modernized designs.
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Official Images
Grimlock’s Dino mode leans fully into that classic G1 silhouette with the rounded mechanical sculpt, segmented tail, and blocky legs planted flat with bright yellow claws, and I love how the red chest panel and Autobot symbol break up the gray body. The hinged jaw opens wide to show off those molded teeth while the small forearms tuck in tight along the torso, keeping that vintage profile intact. Flip him into robot mode and the yellow chest comes forward, the red waist locks in, and those long gray legs extend out with the colored panel details on the shins, while the red sword mounts up top and instantly gives him that bold, upright Autobot stance I’ve been waiting to see.
Lined up beside him, you get the oversized red sword, two black blasters with distinct barrel sculpts, a set of black missile accessories on a runner, and a small pilot figure with a tan torso and blue legs, all scaled to complement both modes without overwhelming the figure.
Grimlock’s Dino mode keeps that classic boxy T Rex build, but now the articulation really changes the game. The head tilts and the jaw hinges wide open to reveal the inner sculpting, while the small forearms rotate at the shoulders instead of sitting locked in place like the old G1 version. The legs feature visible joint cuts at the hips, knees, and ankles, letting the feet plant flat with those bright yellow claws, and even the tail shows segment breaks that allow for subtle movement, giving this mode far more range and flexibility than the stiff, straight-legged vintage release ever had.
In robot mode, the articulation really stands out right away. The shoulders swing forward and out with layered hinge movement, and you can see the elbows bending cleanly instead of locking straight like the old release. The head sits on a joint that allows for side to side motion, the waist area shows separation for rotation, and the hips drop into wide stances with visible knee bends that let the lower legs angle naturally. Even the ankles show pivot cuts so the feet can stay flat, which is a huge step up from the stiff, upright G1 frame I grew up with.
Side by side, the C-12 G1 style release on the left leans into that vintage toy accuracy with the metallic gold chest panel, sticker detailing across the torso and shins, chrome lower legs, and darker head sculpt with the red visor. The gray plastic is broken up with layered decals and reflective finishes that mirror the original 1980s release almost beat for beat. On the right, the C-13 Anime Cartoon version shifts to a flatter yellow chest, simplified panel lining, and animation inspired color blocking on the legs with bold red, blue, and green paint hits instead of chrome, and the head swaps to a blue visor for that screen accurate look. Seeing them together really highlights how one chases toy nostalgia while the other locks into the animated model sheet aesthetic.
