Me and Darkseeker were talking yesterday, and he mentioned how suspicious it was the the TRU MP Grimlock was very similar to the new MP KO Grimlock that came out. In our discussion, I was thinking, what are the chance that what is happening with these KOs is that the factories are just doing additional runs off of the molds they have for TT. In some cases, like with MP Grimlock, the KO company makes 1 new piece to the mold with their name on it. In this way if TT comes calling to the factories, they have plausible denialibility and they can say they backwards engineered it. They can use the stamp as evidence. This is all speculation of course, but would also explain how badly the Gimlock mold has degregated. If you have a KO company running a couple of thousands of pieces off of your mold, that mold is going to suffer. BTW, I don't get why Grimlock was ever hard to get, I looked at it, and that dude has a lot of runs: - MP08 - MP8X - TRU MP - Asian Exclusive MP - KO MP - TRU MP - New MP8X release By the time they are done with this, their will be no more mold to speak of. No wonder the joints are lose. BTW, if you don't know what I mean by mold degredation, have a look at these shots. Notice how the fine detailing is almost gone: (Pics by jjtitus)
The Grimlock KO makers posted a lot of photos of their process, as I recall, so I doubt they were using a TT factory. There are also differences with the other KOs which there wouldn't be if they were just extras run off at the same factory. For instance, Sideswipe's gun has extra moulded details on the KO, the head crest is taller, and there are difference-sized screw holes; Prowl's face has a thinner, blurrier nose on the KO and so on. And of course there are a number of differences in the paint apps. I think some KO buyers want to believe they are getting factory extras, but I really don't think that's the case given the various subtle but telling differences.
I guess, but the green on Grimlock is the same from the KO to the TRU release, which differs from the original release. In addition, the theory which I have about them molding specific parts slightly differently still holds true with these slight differences. I am not saying your wrong. But I think how fast these KOs come out lately, that it's hard to think how fast they are backwards engineering this stuff. There maybe technology that makes this real easy, but I would think there would more KOs coming out quicker then.
Al I think it's just the new shitty plastic they're using that isn't carrying (or reflecting) the light properly and not showing the details. They look like they're there, but yeah...dat plastic.
I thought it was generally understood that the modern MP KOs (Particularly the Sideswipe/Prowl molds, possibly Grimlock and now soundwave) were made in the same factories by less scrupulous employees. From both newly made parts and the rejected parts from the official production runs.
Maybe, but not having it in hand, in pics, it looks like the cuts and the detailing is not as deep as before.
What I am saying is slightly different. I am saying that these aren't rejected parts, that they are running off the molds themselves.
Seems like Takara & Hasbro is trying to fight off the KO MP Grimlock by reissuing the MP08X & Hasbro MP03
If the molding differs between the ko and official, which it does, then they cannot be from the same molds. Similar, yes, because they are a knock off of the real thing, but not the same.
alucard...no offense but i think you're on crack with this theory. i don't have a KO in hand but if i did i'm sure i could find things in it to change your mind.
I can't see any discernable difference between the two Grimlocks pictured? Which one is which and what am I looking for?
Unless I am mistaken, there are multiple parts to the mold. So if they do 1 mold for the different parts, and use the remaining 80% of the mold which is Takara's, I am thinking it's possible. You most likely are right. I am pretty sure that is the case as well, but they are spitting these out so quick it's amazing. The thing is, we will never know. More just fun conversation then anything else. Unless some dude for a factory comes in and says, yup, or nope.
Well both Grimlocks are real here. The left one is an older version, the right the newer version. Look at the fine details. Do you see how the panel lines are sharper on the right, then the left. On the left, they look a little "smoother" I would say. Thats from the mold wearing down over time.
More like Grimlock is getting a hell of a lot of attention because he is in the new movie coming out. Flood the market with as many versions as are available.
I was thinking of that as well, but I am not so sure. I would love to see it hand. But take a closer look, it just doesn't look as deep.
Light IS playing a huge role here. In the pic, there are shadows which emphasize more. The fact is that the grimmy on the right, there's green where on the left is gold (chest) and I don't see a difference in the grey. It's all about lighting.if you want 100% facts, take a pic of each. Individually, in the same light and setting. I don't believe in mold degradation, I think it's all based on each figures individual assembly.
