Toyworld Grimshell Review

Grimshell is Toyworld's homage to Transformers' Grimlock. Their take on the Dinobots is both classic and modern. I was less than impressed when I first saw pics mostly because of the legs. The lower portion to be more specific. The gap is just ugly and I can't understand why they didn't find a way to cover it up. The feet can swivel to give a flat on the ground appearance, but the rest of the foot or bellbottom does not. If you swivel the thighs it affects the figure  balance so it's best not to swivel it out much. I still managed to pull off some cool poses, but it was tricky and had to rely on pegs over the loose feet to hold them in place. The more I mess with Grimshell, the more I like it,but it's not as good as their first and best release, Roar in my opinion.

Dinomode was actually more fun than I thought it would be because of the weapon add ons. They can be arranged in different ways.

Also, I took the pins off the small swivel covers of the shoulders as they affect articulation in combined mode. Another blunder on their part that made even less sense than the leg design.

Notes:
I've turned the inside packaging foam into dioramas. Grimshell comes with the combined form's hands, feet, faceplate, and small pieces to add unto Grimshell to cover screw holes in the dino face and neck. It took me about a minute to figure where they all go because there's no instructions.

Master Grade Exia

Master Grade Exia. First off I skipped the Exia Repair parts. I used Tamiya paints and various water decals sheets. Also added luminous decals.

Maketoys Axle Review (Bot Mode)

Maketoys' Axle is an homage to Transformers G1 Protectobots' Groove. I was hesitant to get this figure, but it was too late to cancel so I really didn't have much a choice. Now I'm glad  I got it. The figure is bigger than I expected, and has more articulation than pictures I've seen show. The waist has a ball joint giving Axle a bit of torso articulation. Which.. well is better than nothing.  My only complaint is the fragility of the handlebars. The right one snapped while trying to pose the right arm. I glued it back and place it way from the shoulders too avoid future breakage.

Perfect Effect Leonidas Alt Mode Review

There is not much of a transformation to lion mode, but that's fine by me. The end result looks pretty damn good. One of the issues I had with my figure was the visor not fitting in properly. I solved this with 2 small pieces of magnets.I really like that the head can be moved around a lot. The upper jaw is spring loaded: an unnecessary, but cool touch.

Perfect Effect Leonidas Bot Mode Review

Perfect Effect's Leonidas is an homage to Beast Wars' Lio Convoy. The design takes some cues from Zoids and has a 90's Super Robot vibe. It also is reminiscent to Protoform Optimus Prime by Takara/Hasbro. The figure looks like a tough, muscular, athletic robotic warrior. It comes packed with a loads of weaponry. This photoshoot is mostly dedicated to showing off some off its articulation and weaponry.

There's been complaints about the figure's QC issues. Mostly loose joints. A lot of the joints are tight, really, really tight, such as the shoulders, right elbow, upper torso ball joint, but the hip joints are too weak for a figure of this weight. Why PE decided to go with ball/socket joint is beyond me. They should have used ratchet joints because this Beast Muscle is heavy due to die cast parts. Not the cheap ass metal either. Lion head joints, swords, and shins are die cast. 

The paint apps are really nice, and I can't get over how awesome the overall design is. I've yet to transform it because the hip joints annoy me. I keep having to tighten them.

 Matrix

All of Leo's weapons can be stored in its back and it's a modular system. I didn't go by the official loading instructions.

Notice the 2 red hues used. Subtle but adds more to the aesthetic.

 I used Future Shine on the small joints on the tail.

 Notice that the weapons have a different look. That's because they have a flip and slight transform gimmick to give them alternate look if desired.

 These swords are better than the cheap ass exclusive one Hot Toys Raiden includes.

The tail tip can be taken out and used as 2 daggers.