I love how the giant, slobbering monster is considered his normal identity, while the clean-looking and humanoid robot within is the big shocking secret that is hard to love.
I really wish we'd get more clever Decepticons like that movie star stuff. That actually use legitimate means to funnel resources back to the greater cause.
I like to imagine a story where the autobots and decepticons are in a horror movie,and skullgrin is the antagonist,and hoist is the protagonist,that would be so hilarious
Why do you base every single one of your comments on comments from the community posts? Everytime I see one of your comments, I go over to the community post for the same video and lo and behold, there's a comment saying the exact same thing, justbwith slightly different wording. That's if you're not copypasting them
@@strahinjavilimonovic1532 the only reason I even noticed that is cause he just copypasted my comment from the Starscream's ghost community post and reposted it on the official video
I love the idea of a decepticon finding a non destructive way to get their goal. Like what would the autobots do, they're not breaking any laws or even causing chaos.
I could imagine a modern comic approaching the story from a different angle, where the Autobots are conflicted about the situation. They obviously can't just let Decepticons amass fuel right under their noses, but they can't exactly meddle with the legitimate affairs of humans either.
I like the idea of this guy getting a sort of redemption arc where, inspired by the awe and praise of the humans who love his film portrayals and his numerous fans of him in general as a celebrity, he decides to take a more neutral role in the Autobot-Decepticon war, albeit somewhat in favor of defending humanity, even if only to protect what fans he has amongst them.
I still wonder how Budiansky's run on the Marvel comic would have gone if he hadn't been forced to sell new toys every issue and was allowed to tell the stories he wanted.
I honestly think that a lot of the series would have been the more weird, off-beat stories like the car wash of doom, and probably would have had a bigger human focus. Those are the aspects he really seemed to value during his run. Had that happened, I imagine the Marvel series would probably be one of the most unique transformers series ever made, more than it already is.
@@chrisedwards3214 Marvel Ratbat is why I love the character so much. It was so nice seeing one of the cassette bots actually having agency, and I always prefer it when the characters can talk instead of just doing animal sounds. Also Marvel Blaster >>> Cartoon Blaster.
@@ltb1345 Oh, easily. IDW is good too but Marvel Shockwave is fantastic. I was always disappointed by his personality in the cartoon after reading the comics.
I absolutely love the absurdity of transformers "disguising" themselves as giant monsters. Terrorcons, Seacons, Monsterbots and of course the decepticon pretenders… They're just so absolutely absurd. The very opposite of hiding - instead of turning into a car or a cassette deck, they turn into something EXACTLY as obviously weird and MORE horrible than their original shape. It's absolutely stupid and I love it. I've always had a soft spot for Skullgrin, ever since that absolutely bonkers Marvel story. I was always more of a comic kid than a cartoon kid, and the Mavrel comics were my main source of G1 goodness. I'm currently trying to not buy as many toys, but that new Skullgrin is looking mighty fine… And not even a little bit "in disguise" in either mode, of course.
I always admired the comic writers for taking the craziest things Hasbro threw at them (Pretenders, Action Masters, etc) and writing at least passably workable stories around them.
I liked the "way out there" comic stories that Marvel did sometimes with the Transformers comics back in the 80's. Other storylines I liked were Marvel introducing the scraplets and another one where the Throttlebots brains were put into tiny remote-control cars and were running from Decepticons.
@@jimdigitalvideo The scraplets were very cool. And also scary, to child-me. Which I kind of get; the way they're portrayed in the comic is basically body horror-levels of ick, but for robots. In general the comics were (I still think) aimed at a slightly older audience than the cartoon, and had more… I hesitate to say "mature" or "adult" stories, but that's kind of what I mean. There were a lot of really cool stories even from the beginning, about pacifist Ratchet being forced to fight, and all the way to the end, with Scorponok working with Prime; trying to keep the Decepticons in line to make peace happen. And then trying to hold on to that peace after the common threat of Unicron was defeated…
I don't see the disguises as disguises but more of a alternate way to fight. Originally the cybertronians needed to disguise themselves in a cold war style war. (spy vs spy) But over time use transformation to adapt to the environment of each planet as the war would expand offworld on planets that may not suit their form. Eg if you live in a mountainous area your car mode is useless. Changing into an animal that can jump high and lives in moutains makes sense. If a transformer is living in planet with lots of water they might actually see benefit to being sharks and whales and other things. (submarine, boats, battleships for less stealthy modes etc) Stealth is important but stealth also can mean you carry lighter weapons because they have to be concealed. Sometimes you may want an alt mode that isn't as stealthy but lets you have a weapon openly carried because you need larger firepower. Eg on a planet where there are not many places to hide or blend in with nature. (such as desert planet) If you turn into a tank on a war torn planet, you chose a mode that would suit treaded vehicles with good firepower. If you chose to turn into a giant lizard, you get more stealth because your weapons are concealed so it's probably better for spy missions. Got it? You lose firepower as a lizard but gain stealth, but as a tank you gain firepower but are easy to spot in satellite as a military weapon. Soundwave is great as a cassette if he is spying on earth, but if he were living on a remote planet with no cities, it makes not sense to "blend in" to the environment as a cassette in the middle of nowhere as that would make you stand out in that situation! Sometimes you just got to accept its better to not be stealthy but be more "battle ready" so you can arm yourself up with bigger weapons and use more firepower. Planets with loads of places to hide and blend in probably suit a 'guerilla warfare'-style of fighting but those desert planets and war torn areas it may be wiser to just be the vehicle with all the guns and weapons ready so you can get the first shot off. An attack chooper is louder but its also more ready to shoot. A desert animal is less read to fire guns (because its concealed) but may be able to sneak past enemy detection by staying low to the ground and take longer to spot. There are advantages to either thing. So where would monster fit in? The humans could be making biological weapons and experimenting with genetic manipulation (think Resident Evil) and the decepticons can blame humans for the emergence of experimental creatures by turning into monsters and framing them. (megatron can justify bombing human research facilities on the basis that the monsters are proof of human preparing war on them and gain scientific knowledge from kidnapping the scientists who they can say died in the bombings) The autobots would not believe them but it acts like a distraction so Megatron can appear as victim in a conflict on earth. The monster mode offers an intimidation factor that scares some autobots who are frightened of monsters so its also like psychological warfare thing. Think about why humans fear spiders and snakes but not worms? There is something about the appearance of a predator animal that causes us to react differently. (more visually scary creature means other animals are less likely to mess with it - it's a natural defense animals use on each other. Generally if you see a creature with fangs, and sharp claws you back off, but if its a furry cuddly animal of small size like a bunny rabbit you want to pet it because its clear its a prey animal. Monsters = the apex predators of all creatures)
I just love the way how Legacy reinterpreted Skullgrin's pretender shell as something part of his actual robot form. Like to me, it looks like some semi organic, transforming organism, than a full blown robot. With, you know, squishy stuff. The implications of that is quite disgusting but nonetheless absolutely cool.
It's almost bizarre to me how expansive Skullgrin's history is. He's definitely obscure, being a pretender almost garuntees that, but there's a lot there to unpack. Compared to Dion last week, he has a lot more character and more interesting usage in media. I guess that's what makes obscure characters month so interesting!
Man, this guy's backstory is kinda tragic. Finds a place among humans, gets to be a star, even grows to trust one of them enough to reveal his real identity to her and then some crazy racist broad tries to kill him then and there and pretty much ends his career and his friendships. Poor guy.
Of course the only time Circuit Breaker attacks a Decepticon before spotting Shockwave was the one who actually wasn't attacking anyone but earning his fuel.
@@ltb1345 Bugly was made a zombie and iguanus appeared as a shadow leech Furman didn't like the 88 pretenders Landmine was killed off in issue 66 and Furman used the Unicron war to get rid of characters he didn't like He brought in skullgrin to kill him off in G2
I love the "inspiring myths and legends" angle from Super-God Masterforce. It reminds me of the Matrix, when they explained ghosts and monsters as "Rogue programs."
It's interesting that Transformers would revisit the idea of monstrous Transformers inspiring human folklore decades later in Transformers: Prime with the Predacons. In that universe, something like Predaking isn't based off a European style dragon, European style dragons are based off Predaking.
One of my favourite Pretenders, ol Skully. Pity his last toy wasn't great. Oh for a 3rd party company to make some quality Pretenders. Would love a few like himself, Finback, Landmine & Bugly.
If you ask me, combining Skullgrin's pretender form with this transformation capability was a brilliant desicion. Sure, it sort of ruins the pretender concept, but the idea of already designing the robot mode itself as a fearsome looking monster just sounds so much more badass to me.
I wish we'd get a movie series focusing on these kinds of characters. Do away with the ones we already know about, and focus on telling a story about the Pretenders. But that's probably not gonna happen, given how these guys are basically "obscure characters".
I am now in love with this guy just because of that marvel story (I stopped reading the marvel comics just after Optimus Prime killed a bunch of Autobots, not because I was bored, just because I was reading the UK version and had other things to do).
Ya know I’m probably just connecting imaginary dots but with Skullgrin being buried in the Nazca Lines I wonder if he’ll appear in/be mentioned or references in rise of the beasts since we know some of it will take place in Peru and the maximals were sealed there
I find the Legacy version of the Pretenders inventive. But I love the concept of the Prime Master with Decoy armour. I also imagined a group of Prime Hunters: Autobots and Deceptions gang pressed into finding them.
That Legacy version looks pretty good. I only had one original Pretender but the idea of Skully being a giant monster is cool compared to the more human sized Autobots.
I really like Skull Grin! It showed some awesome almost demonic forces were at hand with his creation and actions! I always kind of saw him and horri-bull as a team due to their monstrous nature and appearance!
When all the autobot pretenders had boring bulky guys in armored suits, it's no wonder the decepticons with their monstrous shells are way more memorable
So, here’s how I think how skullgrin could work, he starts out with decepticon leader scorpinok, trying to get into contact with the others, with his brother dauros.
I honking love Skullgrin. Was one of my little bro's favourites when we were little, but he don't remember him anymore. I do, and I still love the guy. Mostly his awesome name, but a big old bull-skull heavy metal lizard-thing just can't go wrong!
Skullgrin is definitely up there on my "favorite Pretenders" list thanks to the Marvel comic, I think only Thunderwing and Bludgeon barely edge him out (also because of the Marvel comic). The Decepticon Pretenders always made more sense to me than the Autobot ones. Transformer-sized monsters makes more sense than Transformer sized humans and all that, and besides they were just cooler looking.
I know it's unlikely because there was never a toy... but I'd love to see a obscure character entry on Centurion, the mechanoid controlled by a mad scientist.
At first, when I saw that today's video was on Skullgrin, I thought you were doing a month of Pretenders. But then I realized it was probably just one character led to another, and they both just happened to be Pretenders as well as you has done Dion just previously.
I like Choujin Master Force than Marvel comics version, Metal Hawk and Doros have rivalry in each episode. A very aggressive and grimace Destron/Decepticon has personality. I had toy both Metal Hawk and Doros in G1.
Monstercon from Mars is such a great story, one of the best Marvel issues IMO. Even that late into his run, Budiansky was still fantastic at those stories spotlighting the relationship between Transformers and humans.
Skullgrin was one of my fav G1 toys. The pretender gimmick was pretty dumb, but the actual TF looked so cool. Plus, you could flip the cannons on his arms out in robot mode. So badass.
An idea I had to (sort of) reinvent Skullgrin to match his original split-personality and Marvel movie stardom is to make him a Cybertronian actor before the war. However, he was notable for being able an ABSURDLY great actor: he could pretend to cry and actually look like he's having an emotional breakdown, for example. In the warfront, however, Skullgrin would use his godly acting skills to his own benefit: making up convincing tragic backstories on the fly, pretending to be helpless and terrified so he can lure Autobots into a trap, bluffing to the point of convincing you that OPTIMUS PRIME might be working with the Decepticons, etc. An advancement to this idea is him being like Makeshift from Prime and disguise himself as someone else and act like them (basically The Spy from Team Fortress 2). And if he gets caught, he could pretend to have been FORCED to do this mission and be a victim in this situation.
Loving the idea!! Imagine him having this twisted Shakespearean personality. Kinda like Overload from RID 2015...(would've matched perfectly with his skull theme XD)
@@backonja7255 That could be ONE OF his "personalities." He could also have this thing where he's often lying about what his real personality is. He'd be this intentionally confusing character. He could even have some sort of catchphrase when he drops the act by saying, "and...scene."
* transforms into a brick with twin guns One thing I love about Legacy is that it's like the opposite of G1. G1 had neat vehicles transforming into bricks, while Legacy has bricks transforming into neat robots! ;)
Okay I’m imagining that skullgrin would be an excellent actor in one of Thundercraker’s screenplays right now like that would a transformers that I would read.
I love how a huge towering transformer hopes to blend in as a huge monster form hoping nobody would bat an eyelid go running for the hills .... not one hasbros greatest ideas for me . Thank you for the content as always ,even though in not into the pretenders I watch everything you do always! Excellent quality 👌
When i was a kid, i remember seeing some G1 art (idk where and how), and a certain Decepticon with a bull-skull head always stuck with me. Glad to know hes pretty cool character-wise too!
Fun fact about skullgrin: In the old comics, humans spotted him in his shell thinking he was bigfoot. But that all changed when the humans learned that he was intelligent which then lead to a human director giving him a role as a villain in his movies. Overtime skullgrin became a popular celebrity and was earned gas from his job. Skullgrin finally decided to reveal his true robotic self to a close human friend who was an actress.
Hi Chris,great video keep them coming,also I'm looking forward to watching your latest Video tomorrow morning,also Skullgrin is not only one of my favorite Decepticons,not only one of my favorite Decepticons Pretenders but also one of my favorite Obscure Transformer Character of all time, also SkullGrin (as of 2022):is a member of not only The Decepticons,not only a member of The Decepticon Pretenders,but also a member of The Decepticon/Hive Alliance as well, also the following:Allegiance(as of 2022):Decepticon, Subgroup:(as of 2022):Pretenders,Primary Function (as of 2022):Siege Warrior, Transformation (as of 2022):Assault Tank Pretender Shell(as of 2022):Bull like Monster,also Weapons & Abilities (as of 2022):SkullGrin is incredibly strong and highly intelligent.he is an expert Military Planner and Tactician as well as a capable Warrior,his Pretender Shell amplifies his strength even further in this mode he wields a Vibro Sword, in robot mode he transforms into an Assault Tank that fires shrapnel bursts from it's turrets which are also usable in robot mode. SkullGrin also wields two Slagmaker Laser Cannons in both modes,they can be combined to form a double-barrelled cannon useable by the Pretender Shell. also thanks for sharing Chris keep up the good work stay safe out there have a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.🙂👍🟢🦸👍✌️💪😍
A friend of mine directed me to your channel, since I recently picked up the Power of the Primes Skullgrim toy. Didn't realise I had the original one as a kid! Love the video, I'll definitely stay subbed 😁
Once again, another excellent episode chronicling characters and events i know nothing about, but are quite interesting. Keep up all this good work! Anyone else has hopes for bayformers coverage?
All this talk of pretenders is making me wonder if this is a lead-up to the most famous pretender of the lot outside of Bludgeon, Thunderwing. I really hope we see him eventually given how much lore there is on the guy
Skullgrin would be the first decepticon I ever saw in Transformers comics. I found my dad’s old collection and it was the issue where he faced Circuit Breaker in issue 45
When Skullgrin left his Pretender show and revealed himself to Carissa he did start speaking normally instead of the broken English (Grimlock style) he was using in his shell. That might be some indication of the dual persona in the comic.
It was around the time that the Pretenders were introduced into the toyline that you could tell the oil well was running dry. Regarding the toys themselves, although the Pretender shell was kind of neat, the robot toy inside was pretty simplistic and cheap looking. Although the Mega and Ultra Pretenders were pretty cool. I always wish the comic book and other TF fiction did more with the Decepticon Roadblock, as he always seemed like a cool character.
G1 Pretenders are a personal favorite..wish for updated versions .Voyager shells deluxe inner bots..MP hell even 3rd party would be awesome...there is a definite market for it...some company make this happen don't have to do all of them just Bludgeon,blue Bacchus,Bugly,Bomburst,igaunas,Octopunch..just a few of the deceptions and a few autobots..
I'm like... Weirdly starting to fall in love with this character for no discernible reason. Like I've heard, the new legacy toy of it is not the greatest. I don't know if it's the giant ram school on his head or the awesome sounding name or the ideas I get of the type of character he is... But I'm starting to become more and more interested in whatever the heck this guy is! Excellent work Chris! As always, keep up the tubular 'Tubin!
Great work and I love the "new" Pretenders idea in Legacy mixing the robot and the organic together. As I have said before I always loved the Pretenders idea and now it's being reimagined....let's see more of them in the future.
Impressive. I was wondering why Skullgrin was considered an obscure character given that he is among the most notable of the Pretenders. As with Iguanus, I do love how his new toy blends his shell and his robot halves.
I'm still inpatiently waiting for a deep dive into"bayformers". Not just because i grew up with them, but also the constant under appreciation from casuals and ouright scorn by hardcore fans!
Since the Comics and Animation never featured the Pretender shell as a complete and separate entity from the robot, I think the ideal way to reboot the original G1 PRETENDER gimmick would be to make the inner robot thin and simple like the original GI toy but make the "shell" out of softer pliable plastic that is multi-pieced "armor" that attaches to the robot. So the finished figure retains articulation.
Thundercracker should hire Skullgrin for his new movie, maybe he can help with the screenplay.
I’d pay good money to see that! The idea of a group of Cybertronians getting together to make a movie is very appealing to me.
Oh my god that'd be brilliant xD
Don't forget Hoist!
That’d get Bots and Cons rolling into the theaters instantly.
Let's hope skullgrin and Thundercraker appeared in season two of earthspark
I love how the giant, slobbering monster is considered his normal identity, while the clean-looking and humanoid robot within is the big shocking secret that is hard to love.
I really wish we'd get more clever Decepticons like that movie star stuff. That actually use legitimate means to funnel resources back to the greater cause.
Thundercracker quit Decepticons to become a movie writer
@@returnedtomonkey8886 I now want to see Thundercracker, Skullgrin, and maybe some College Theatre students to make a movie.
@@kripdomii.v6680 Great . Now I'm tempted to buy Skullgrin and do a stop motion skit with this premise.
Thundercraker made little sense as a screenwriter. That seems more of Skywarp’s thing.
@@rayvenkman2087 why though?
With how Earthspark is set up, I hope Skullgrin can return to that series as a movie star
that would be an amazing inclusion of his character
I’d love to see that.
I like to imagine a story where the autobots and decepticons are in a horror movie,and skullgrin is the antagonist,and hoist is the protagonist,that would be so hilarious
Why do you base every single one of your comments on comments from the community posts? Everytime I see one of your comments, I go over to the community post for the same video and lo and behold, there's a comment saying the exact same thing, justbwith slightly different wording. That's if you're not copypasting them
@@mynameisharry8739 I just checked the community post, and you are right
@@strahinjavilimonovic1532 the only reason I even noticed that is cause he just copypasted my comment from the Starscream's ghost community post and reposted it on the official video
@@mynameisharry8739 he should ge banned
@@mynameisharry8739 I'm not copypasting them
I love the idea of a decepticon finding a non destructive way to get their goal. Like what would the autobots do, they're not breaking any laws or even causing chaos.
I could imagine a modern comic approaching the story from a different angle, where the Autobots are conflicted about the situation. They obviously can't just let Decepticons amass fuel right under their noses, but they can't exactly meddle with the legitimate affairs of humans either.
I like the idea of this guy getting a sort of redemption arc where, inspired by the awe and praise of the humans who love his film portrayals and his numerous fans of him in general as a celebrity, he decides to take a more neutral role in the Autobot-Decepticon war, albeit somewhat in favor of defending humanity, even if only to protect what fans he has amongst them.
I still wonder how Budiansky's run on the Marvel comic would have gone if he hadn't been forced to sell new toys every issue and was allowed to tell the stories he wanted.
He once said he had to introduce new characters every issue but he seemed to really like blaster, and ratbat
I honestly think that a lot of the series would have been the more weird, off-beat stories like the car wash of doom, and probably would have had a bigger human focus. Those are the aspects he really seemed to value during his run. Had that happened, I imagine the Marvel series would probably be one of the most unique transformers series ever made, more than it already is.
@@chrisedwards3214 Marvel Ratbat is why I love the character so much. It was so nice seeing one of the cassette bots actually having agency, and I always prefer it when the characters can talk instead of just doing animal sounds.
Also Marvel Blaster >>> Cartoon Blaster.
@@ShinGallon Not to mention Marvel Shockwave, the best version of the character by far.
@@ltb1345 Oh, easily. IDW is good too but Marvel Shockwave is fantastic. I was always disappointed by his personality in the cartoon after reading the comics.
I absolutely love the absurdity of transformers "disguising" themselves as giant monsters. Terrorcons, Seacons, Monsterbots and of course the decepticon pretenders… They're just so absolutely absurd. The very opposite of hiding - instead of turning into a car or a cassette deck, they turn into something EXACTLY as obviously weird and MORE horrible than their original shape. It's absolutely stupid and I love it.
I've always had a soft spot for Skullgrin, ever since that absolutely bonkers Marvel story. I was always more of a comic kid than a cartoon kid, and the Mavrel comics were my main source of G1 goodness. I'm currently trying to not buy as many toys, but that new Skullgrin is looking mighty fine… And not even a little bit "in disguise" in either mode, of course.
I hear. The comics filled a void for me after the show ended.
I always admired the comic writers for taking the craziest things Hasbro threw at them (Pretenders, Action Masters, etc) and writing at least passably workable stories around them.
I liked the "way out there" comic stories that Marvel did sometimes with the Transformers comics back in the 80's. Other storylines I liked were Marvel introducing the scraplets and another one where the Throttlebots brains were put into tiny remote-control cars and were running from Decepticons.
@@jimdigitalvideo The scraplets were very cool. And also scary, to child-me. Which I kind of get; the way they're portrayed in the comic is basically body horror-levels of ick, but for robots.
In general the comics were (I still think) aimed at a slightly older audience than the cartoon, and had more… I hesitate to say "mature" or "adult" stories, but that's kind of what I mean.
There were a lot of really cool stories even from the beginning, about pacifist Ratchet being forced to fight, and all the way to the end, with Scorponok working with Prime; trying to keep the Decepticons in line to make peace happen. And then trying to hold on to that peace after the common threat of Unicron was defeated…
I don't see the disguises as disguises but more of a alternate way to fight. Originally the cybertronians needed to disguise themselves in a cold war style war. (spy vs spy) But over time use transformation to adapt to the environment of each planet as the war would expand offworld on planets that may not suit their form. Eg if you live in a mountainous area your car mode is useless. Changing into an animal that can jump high and lives in moutains makes sense. If a transformer is living in planet with lots of water they might actually see benefit to being sharks and whales and other things. (submarine, boats, battleships for less stealthy modes etc) Stealth is important but stealth also can mean you carry lighter weapons because they have to be concealed. Sometimes you may want an alt mode that isn't as stealthy but lets you have a weapon openly carried because you need larger firepower. Eg on a planet where there are not many places to hide or blend in with nature. (such as desert planet) If you turn into a tank on a war torn planet, you chose a mode that would suit treaded vehicles with good firepower. If you chose to turn into a giant lizard, you get more stealth because your weapons are concealed so it's probably better for spy missions. Got it? You lose firepower as a lizard but gain stealth, but as a tank you gain firepower but are easy to spot in satellite as a military weapon. Soundwave is great as a cassette if he is spying on earth, but if he were living on a remote planet with no cities, it makes not sense to "blend in" to the environment as a cassette in the middle of nowhere as that would make you stand out in that situation! Sometimes you just got to accept its better to not be stealthy but be more "battle ready" so you can arm yourself up with bigger weapons and use more firepower. Planets with loads of places to hide and blend in probably suit a 'guerilla warfare'-style of fighting but those desert planets and war torn areas it may be wiser to just be the vehicle with all the guns and weapons ready so you can get the first shot off. An attack chooper is louder but its also more ready to shoot. A desert animal is less read to fire guns (because its concealed) but may be able to sneak past enemy detection by staying low to the ground and take longer to spot. There are advantages to either thing.
So where would monster fit in? The humans could be making biological weapons and experimenting with genetic manipulation (think Resident Evil) and the decepticons can blame humans for the emergence of experimental creatures by turning into monsters and framing them. (megatron can justify bombing human research facilities on the basis that the monsters are proof of human preparing war on them and gain scientific knowledge from kidnapping the scientists who they can say died in the bombings) The autobots would not believe them but it acts like a distraction so Megatron can appear as victim in a conflict on earth. The monster mode offers an intimidation factor that scares some autobots who are frightened of monsters so its also like psychological warfare thing. Think about why humans fear spiders and snakes but not worms? There is something about the appearance of a predator animal that causes us to react differently. (more visually scary creature means other animals are less likely to mess with it - it's a natural defense animals use on each other. Generally if you see a creature with fangs, and sharp claws you back off, but if its a furry cuddly animal of small size like a bunny rabbit you want to pet it because its clear its a prey animal. Monsters = the apex predators of all creatures)
I just love the way how Legacy reinterpreted Skullgrin's pretender shell as something part of his actual robot form. Like to me, it looks like some semi organic, transforming organism, than a full blown robot. With, you know, squishy stuff. The implications of that is quite disgusting but nonetheless absolutely cool.
I hate looking at this figure I wish it never existed. Anyways eat your cereal or whatever
It's almost bizarre to me how expansive Skullgrin's history is. He's definitely obscure, being a pretender almost garuntees that, but there's a lot there to unpack. Compared to Dion last week, he has a lot more character and more interesting usage in media. I guess that's what makes obscure characters month so interesting!
Imagine... Marvel Skullgrin and IDW Thundercracker working together. Two Decepticons with a taste for cinema.
Man, this guy's backstory is kinda tragic. Finds a place among humans, gets to be a star, even grows to trust one of them enough to reveal his real identity to her and then some crazy racist broad tries to kill him then and there and pretty much ends his career and his friendships. Poor guy.
IDW: LOL. Let’s not do that.
I'm surprised that he apparently didn't appear in Regeneration One. Bro was forgotten. :(
Of course the only time Circuit Breaker attacks a Decepticon before spotting Shockwave was the one who actually wasn't attacking anyone but earning his fuel.
That’s rough buddy
@@ltb1345 Bugly was made a zombie and iguanus appeared as a shadow leech Furman didn't like the 88 pretenders
Landmine was killed off in issue 66 and Furman used the Unicron war to get rid of characters he didn't like
He brought in skullgrin to kill him off in G2
Skullgrin and Thundercracker defect from the 'cons to join Hollywood! I'd read that comic!
I love the "inspiring myths and legends" angle from Super-God Masterforce. It reminds me of the Matrix, when they explained ghosts and monsters as "Rogue programs."
Honestly, Legacy has been CRUSHING it. The new Skullgrin and Jhiaxus has been my favorites of the line!
It's interesting that Transformers would revisit the idea of monstrous Transformers inspiring human folklore decades later in Transformers: Prime with the Predacons. In that universe, something like Predaking isn't based off a European style dragon, European style dragons are based off Predaking.
That's pretty interesting how Hasbro's combined the Decepticon Pretender shells & robots.
I love his connection to Cinema. I wish there were more stories that fleshed this aspect of his character out.
That beauty in the beast aspect of Skullgrin is amazing, thanks for telling us about it.
There's no denying that Skullgrin cannot be a pretender about the fact that his face is a skull with a huge grin on it!
One of my favourite Pretenders, ol Skully. Pity his last toy wasn't great. Oh for a 3rd party company to make some quality Pretenders. Would love a few like himself, Finback, Landmine & Bugly.
If you ask me, combining Skullgrin's pretender form with this transformation capability was a brilliant desicion. Sure, it sort of ruins the pretender concept, but the idea of already designing the robot mode itself as a fearsome looking monster just sounds so much more badass to me.
You actually surprised me Chris. I was going to ask you to do The Basics On Skullgrin and you just delivered. Thank you Chris.
I wish we'd get a movie series focusing on these kinds of characters. Do away with the ones we already know about, and focus on telling a story about the Pretenders. But that's probably not gonna happen, given how these guys are basically "obscure characters".
His design could work really well in live action
I am now in love with this guy just because of that marvel story (I stopped reading the marvel comics just after Optimus Prime killed a bunch of Autobots, not because I was bored, just because I was reading the UK version and had other things to do).
Ya know I’m probably just connecting imaginary dots but with Skullgrin being buried in the Nazca Lines
I wonder if he’ll appear in/be mentioned or references in rise of the beasts since we know some of it will take place in Peru and the maximals were sealed there
I find the Legacy version of the Pretenders inventive. But I love the concept of the Prime Master with Decoy armour. I also imagined a group of Prime Hunters: Autobots and Deceptions gang pressed into finding them.
It's a nice homage to the Mega Pretenders, right?
Oh and...
Skullgrin: Castle Greyskull will be mine! (Maniacal laughter)
That Legacy version looks pretty good. I only had one original Pretender but the idea of Skully being a giant monster is cool compared to the more human sized Autobots.
Yeah it's good The only downside is it got a couple soft rubbery plastic parts (mainly the horns and swords)
I didn't know of Skullgrin before this video, but I love him now! Also I think Skullgrin looks oddly like Bowser, lol.
Would it be challenging for Takara & Hasbro to come up with Pretenders Masterpiece figures?
Not just a member of Thunderwing's cult, but also the 'bot whose face you'll see on every bottle of Nightmare Fuel!
I really like Skull Grin! It showed some awesome almost demonic forces were at hand with his creation and actions! I always kind of saw him and horri-bull as a team due to their monstrous nature and appearance!
When all the autobot pretenders had boring bulky guys in armored suits, it's no wonder the decepticons with their monstrous shells are way more memorable
So, here’s how I think how skullgrin could work, he starts out with decepticon leader scorpinok, trying to get into contact with the others, with his brother dauros.
I honking love Skullgrin. Was one of my little bro's favourites when we were little, but he don't remember him anymore. I do, and I still love the guy. Mostly his awesome name, but a big old bull-skull heavy metal lizard-thing just can't go wrong!
Now we need a Basics on Bomb-Burst too, please. 😉
Skullgrin is definitely up there on my "favorite Pretenders" list thanks to the Marvel comic, I think only Thunderwing and Bludgeon barely edge him out (also because of the Marvel comic).
The Decepticon Pretenders always made more sense to me than the Autobot ones. Transformer-sized monsters makes more sense than Transformer sized humans and all that, and besides they were just cooler looking.
I can’t believe this. You’ve made me want to buy that new Legacy figure of him!
I love the smell of napalm in the morning!
-Skullgrin (Dauros)
I know it's unlikely because there was never a toy... but I'd love to see a obscure character entry on Centurion, the mechanoid controlled by a mad scientist.
I happened to pick up the pretender origin issue back then (my first issue). Skullgrin jumped straight out at me. Probably cuz he's on the cover.
At first, when I saw that today's video was on Skullgrin, I thought you were doing a month of Pretenders. But then I realized it was probably just one character led to another, and they both just happened to be Pretenders as well as you has done Dion just previously.
I like Choujin Master Force than Marvel comics version, Metal Hawk and Doros have rivalry in each episode. A very aggressive and grimace Destron/Decepticon has personality. I had toy both Metal Hawk and Doros in G1.
Monstercon from Mars is such a great story, one of the best Marvel issues IMO. Even that late into his run, Budiansky was still fantastic at those stories spotlighting the relationship between Transformers and humans.
Fun isn't something one considers when watching the basics on obscure characters. But this...does put a grin on my skull.💀
I wonder if Hoist and Skull Grin could ever be co-stars in a movie together?
Skullgrin was one of my fav G1 toys. The pretender gimmick was pretty dumb, but the actual TF looked so cool. Plus, you could flip the cannons on his arms out in robot mode. So badass.
Banzai-Tron is another underrated Decepticon
Thank you for doing my absolutely favourite "Pretender". I wish I still had it. They where lots of fun and so different to normal Transformers.
An idea I had to (sort of) reinvent Skullgrin to match his original split-personality and Marvel movie stardom is to make him a Cybertronian actor before the war. However, he was notable for being able an ABSURDLY great actor: he could pretend to cry and actually look like he's having an emotional breakdown, for example. In the warfront, however, Skullgrin would use his godly acting skills to his own benefit: making up convincing tragic backstories on the fly, pretending to be helpless and terrified so he can lure Autobots into a trap, bluffing to the point of convincing you that OPTIMUS PRIME might be working with the Decepticons, etc.
An advancement to this idea is him being like Makeshift from Prime and disguise himself as someone else and act like them (basically The Spy from Team Fortress 2). And if he gets caught, he could pretend to have been FORCED to do this mission and be a victim in this situation.
Loving the idea!! Imagine him having this twisted Shakespearean personality. Kinda like Overload from RID 2015...(would've matched perfectly with his skull theme XD)
@@backonja7255 That could be ONE OF his "personalities." He could also have this thing where he's often lying about what his real personality is. He'd be this intentionally confusing character. He could even have some sort of catchphrase when he drops the act by saying, "and...scene."
Clearly, Skullgrin should’ve been in the MCU. He certainly has the acting chops for it.
* transforms into a brick with twin guns
One thing I love about Legacy is that it's like the opposite of G1. G1 had neat vehicles transforming into bricks, while Legacy has bricks transforming into neat robots! ;)
Okay I’m imagining that skullgrin would be an excellent actor in one of Thundercraker’s screenplays right now like that would a transformers that I would read.
I hope you do videos on the other pretenders, like Submarauder!
I love how a huge towering transformer hopes to blend in as a huge monster form hoping nobody would bat an eyelid go running for the hills .... not one hasbros greatest ideas for me . Thank you for the content as always ,even though in not into the pretenders I watch everything you do always! Excellent quality 👌
When i was a kid, i remember seeing some G1 art (idk where and how), and a certain Decepticon with a bull-skull head always stuck with me. Glad to know hes pretty cool character-wise too!
Fun fact about skullgrin: In the old comics, humans spotted him in his shell thinking he was bigfoot. But that all changed when the humans learned that he was intelligent which then lead to a human director giving him a role as a villain in his movies. Overtime skullgrin became a popular celebrity and was earned gas from his job. Skullgrin finally decided to reveal his true robotic self to a close human friend who was an actress.
Hi Chris,great video keep them coming,also I'm looking forward to watching your latest Video tomorrow morning,also Skullgrin is not only one of my favorite Decepticons,not only one of my favorite Decepticons Pretenders but also one of my favorite Obscure Transformer Character of all time, also SkullGrin (as of 2022):is a member of not only The Decepticons,not only a member of The Decepticon Pretenders,but also a member of The Decepticon/Hive Alliance as well, also the following:Allegiance(as of 2022):Decepticon, Subgroup:(as of 2022):Pretenders,Primary Function (as of 2022):Siege Warrior, Transformation (as of 2022):Assault Tank Pretender Shell(as of 2022):Bull like Monster,also Weapons & Abilities (as of 2022):SkullGrin is incredibly strong and highly intelligent.he is an expert Military Planner and Tactician as well as a capable Warrior,his Pretender Shell amplifies his strength even further in this mode he wields a Vibro Sword, in robot mode he transforms into an Assault Tank that fires shrapnel bursts from it's turrets which are also usable in robot mode. SkullGrin also wields two Slagmaker Laser Cannons in both modes,they can be combined to form a double-barrelled cannon useable by the Pretender Shell. also thanks for sharing Chris keep up the good work stay safe out there have a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.🙂👍🟢🦸👍✌️💪😍
A friend of mine directed me to your channel, since I recently picked up the Power of the Primes Skullgrim toy. Didn't realise I had the original one as a kid! Love the video, I'll definitely stay subbed 😁
Once again, another excellent episode chronicling characters and events i know nothing about, but are quite interesting. Keep up all this good work! Anyone else has hopes for bayformers coverage?
Haha wow, I had no idea about the movie career stuff! Now I like him even more than I already did.
All this talk of pretenders is making me wonder if this is a lead-up to the most famous pretender of the lot outside of Bludgeon, Thunderwing. I really hope we see him eventually given how much lore there is on the guy
Why didn’t IDW 1.0 ever have Skullgrin seek out Thundercracker to become an actor?
*DAT BADASS DESIGN.*
Love seeing my favorite boy get some Basics love.
Another great video for my lunch time consumption
The rare Christmas Eve episode. Can’t wait!
I hope the squad gets to keep appearing, if in small side groups.
Another awesome video!
Thanks so much Chris and ALL of your Patreon supporters for this content!❤️
When you look back his tank alt mode as it's depicted in various media, it's hard to complain about the recent toy, as it has the same general design
Skullgrin would be the first decepticon I ever saw in Transformers comics. I found my dad’s old collection and it was the issue where he faced Circuit Breaker in issue 45
Could you please do a basics on tarantulas? He is my favorite character!
Definitely my favorite Pretender ever since reading the comic. I only have the Power of the Primes toy. Maybe I should get the Legacy figure as well.
Never heard this Transformer he sounds awesome
The Japanese depiction of the Pretender concept is streets ahead of what Hasbro came up with for the West.
The moviestar Skullgrin that version I like 👍 👌 also a basics on Thunderwing would be cool 😎 👌
Now I want to see him and Thundercracker in a movie together lol
One of my favorites. Had the toy and issue 45 as a kid, and I damn near cried when they announced the new toy.
I wish my G1 Skullgrin still looked like the first toy image!
When Skullgrin left his Pretender show and revealed himself to Carissa he did start speaking normally instead of the broken English (Grimlock style) he was using in his shell. That might be some indication of the dual persona in the comic.
Skullgrin needs to team up with the Seeker that wants to write movie scripts, Thundercracker! XD
It was around the time that the Pretenders were introduced into the toyline that you could tell the oil well was running dry. Regarding the toys themselves, although the Pretender shell was kind of neat, the robot toy inside was pretty simplistic and cheap looking. Although the Mega and Ultra Pretenders were pretty cool. I always wish the comic book and other TF fiction did more with the Decepticon Roadblock, as he always seemed like a cool character.
G1 Pretenders are a personal favorite..wish for updated versions .Voyager shells deluxe inner bots..MP hell even 3rd party would be awesome...there is a definite market for it...some company make this happen don't have to do all of them just Bludgeon,blue Bacchus,Bugly,Bomburst,igaunas,Octopunch..just a few of the deceptions and a few autobots..
I'm like... Weirdly starting to fall in love with this character for no discernible reason. Like I've heard, the new legacy toy of it is not the greatest. I don't know if it's the giant ram school on his head or the awesome sounding name or the ideas I get of the type of character he is... But I'm starting to become more and more interested in whatever the heck this guy is!
Excellent work Chris! As always, keep up the tubular 'Tubin!
Skeletor would be Proud
Great work and I love the "new" Pretenders idea in Legacy mixing the robot and the organic together. As I have said before I always loved the Pretenders idea and now it's being reimagined....let's see more of them in the future.
Skullgrin's Legacy redesign is great as it frees up his original inner-robot to become Doros, I hope we get to see both going forward in new media.
Impressive. I was wondering why Skullgrin was considered an obscure character given that he is among the most notable of the Pretenders. As with Iguanus, I do love how his new toy blends his shell and his robot halves.
Yeah but the problem is Skullgrin went way too far with inner robot to some
Also TBH if they aren't bludgeon or Thunderwing Pretenders tend to be forgotten
Next week will be fun, now I’ve gotta run.
I'm still inpatiently waiting for a deep dive into"bayformers". Not just because i grew up with them, but also the constant under appreciation from casuals and ouright scorn by hardcore fans!
Skullgrin is one of the best cow skeleton based transformers ever
Outstanding history lesson! 🌟
Bro, I absolutely love your videos!
Skullgrin's two personalities reminds me of the Quintessons and TFA Blitzwing.
I wonder if you’ll do the basics on windcharger
So that’s now two villains from anime locked within the Nazca lines that I know of.
Was hoping to learn about the history of his skull’s appearing-disappearing lower jaw. Hard to grin without it!
Since the Comics and Animation never featured the Pretender shell as a complete and separate entity from the robot, I think the ideal way to reboot the original G1 PRETENDER gimmick would be to make the inner robot thin and simple like the original GI toy but make the "shell" out of softer pliable plastic that is multi-pieced "armor" that attaches to the robot. So the finished figure retains articulation.