G2 Universe Grimlock and Autobot Wheelie Me Grimlock Generation 2, Him Wheelie Earl Norem-Inspired Transformers Age of the Primes Leader Class Item No.: Asst. G0471 No. G0487 Manufacturer: Hasbro Includes: Blaster, slingshot, 2 robots Action Feature: Converts from robot to T-Rex based on 1990s redeco Retail: $54.99 $59.99 Availability: March 2025 Other: Excellent
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I was getting pretty sour on Leader-class toys - but G2 Universe Grimlock and Autobot Wheelie I like. Even with the price hike (thanks tariffs) it still feels like an item that's worth buying - but Hasbro started from a good place. Grimlock is a massive 8 1-2-inches tall with a buddy. Big Grim is loaded with articulation, big stompy stable feet, and "AUTOBOT" slapped on his legs. I'm satisfied. It's like 1992 up in here.

That yellow G2 Grimlock did not include wheelie, but 2021 Studio Series 86 Grimlock [FOTD #2,276] did include him.

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I don't have an original blue G2 Grimlock, but my memory says it looked like this - and it matches pictures fairly well. Robot Grimlock has the clear chest of the original, but almost none of the sticker deco. New bicep paint resembles the silver and red stripes on the original, but the silver on his pelvis? Gone. The blue stripe of the SS86 toy was left off - because of course it was - but they kept the green and red ones. Other leg sticker deco is absent, and the Autobot symbol is still behind a tinted chest that's a little too dark. Hasbro completely excised the vac metal parts, giving you a painted gold chest and claws with gray tail and arm pieces. Is it exactly like the original? No. But you get red eyes, and a vibe that does a good job evoking and old robot you were too cool to buy during the Clinton administration because you were a mature nerd who dunked on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers while buying Playmates Star Trek toys.

Hasbro's knack for planning ahead really shows on Grimlock's Tyrannosaurus Rex mode. The neck is clear and you can see the interiors a bit - just like the original toy. There's no silver, but you get some gold paint and some colorful highlights that recall (but do not replicate) the original toy's stickers. His eyes are red, his jaws open, and there's a G1 Autobot symbol on his chest. My main gripe is that the back hunk of dinosaur doesn't stay together too well without using his blaster to clip it in place, but otherwise, it's quite good. Wheelie can ride on his neck too.

Articulation is good, and I think you can thank the price. The neck is jointed, the elbows and shoulders move, the toes move, the knees and hips move... it's as good as you can reasonably expect for a toy like this.

I feel a little silly owning three of this mold, but they're all very different and represent different things. I missed (and regret missing) the comic book deco, and I might even consider buying another G2 variant - but given the size, maybe not. He gets the job done well each and every time, and while I would prefer clearer clear plastic I can say that I don't feel we got short changed. It's a treat.

Wheelie's just a little guy, orange like last time but with some changes. G2 never had a proper Wheelie toy in it, so Hasbro took inspiration from the awesome The Story of Wheelie, the Wild Boy of Quintesson. While he doesn't have the sharkticon tooth necklace, he does have the blue "hat" and chest with a really striking outline of an Autobot symbol. He's jointed at the neck, hips, shoulders, and waist but doesn't transform. There's a peg in his thigh which plugs into a hole on Grimlock's shoulder. I wish they just used a transforming mold instead, but I never in a million years thought we'd get "Wild Boy Wheelie" and here we are. Hasbro threw Wheelie out of a couple of releases of this mold, so I'm quite pleased to have this.

Because Hasbro gonna Hasbro, I assume we'll get more Grimlocks (and repaints) in the future. If Hasbro is considering another mold, I would like to actually suggest a smaller toy in the vein of 2024 Legacy United G1 Optimus Prime [FOTD #2,786]. The gag there was that it was the 1984 toy, minus stickers, with more joints - I'd happily buy a simple Grimlock in silver and turquoise at that size and price.

"But wait!" you ask. "Didn't Hasbro already do this guy?" No! This G2 Universe Grimlock and Autobot Wheelie is blue, and the 2023 G2 Universe Grimlock [FOTD #2.656] was based on a then-unreleased concept of a yellow dinosaur with blue stripes. This blue Grimlock was one of three flavors you could pick up at Best or Target in 1992 or 1993. Hasbro took the original toy and put them out in blue, turquoise, or silver plastic with a tramp stamp reading "AUTOBOT" and without the rocket launcher. At the time, I thought this meant the brand was dead and Hasbro had no hopes for it to last much longer. And in 2025, here it is again. If you buy all the new G2 guys, you should get one so they do a few more. An online exclusive G2 green Slag and red Snarl set is on the way.

I know it's repetitive and I've spent over $150 on this mold, but I do like it. Hasbro did a nice job, and I appreciate each repaint offers up something to set it apart from other toys that makes me say "fine, here's my wallet."

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