KO Korner: Transformers G3 Inferno

In my years of collecting Transformers, I've come across some wild knock offs (KOs). In the later years of my collecting I've even started to search out particular Generation 1 KOs to add to my own personal collection. I've obtain many that I really like, however this one has got to be one of the most intriguing I've found.

When I used to frequent the forums over at TFW2005.com, I had heard other members talk about a G3 Inferno. I had no idea what they were talking about. I knew Inferno had shown up in the G2 series, mostly unchanged from his G1 version; but G3? Years later I actually ran across a eBay listing with a Buy It Now so cheap I couldn't believe my eyes. I quickly bought and paid for the item, even though it was incomplete. I had posted on TFW about my latest finding and believe it or not, but someone had the blue "wing" accessories I needed to complete the figure! He didn't really want to give them up as he had hoped to find the figure himself, but I eventually wore him down and he sold me the parts. I proudly present in all his garish colored glory, G3 Inferno.

I've also heard that some fans refer to this figure as "Crapple" or "Grapferno". Some archived threads mentioned this was a very common KO in Canada. I can't comment on that as I know this is the only specimen I've ever seen for sale.

I'm not sure why I like this guy, but I do. I do find the color choices to be odd, yet they don't look that hideous to me. The touch of blue helps break up the red and yellow, odd choice but still effective.

His head appears to be unaltered from the original G1 Inferno head, yet it's cast in solid black plastic with no paint apps. Now the lack of paint apps doesn't surprise me since this is a KO after all, but why black? His fists and gun also seem to be 1:1 replicas of the original accessories.

I feel as if I lucked out a bit as the joints are fairly tight. He holds together great in both modes. No mold flashings or cheap feeling plastic either. Rubber wheels too! Even the chromed parts still look pretty good. As expected though, there aren't any markings on this toy so I have no idea who made it or when it was made.

As you can see, his water squirting cannon from his G2 release is also present. I didn't test it, but it appears to be fully functional. I was always more of a fan of Grapple than Inferno, but I guess I kinda get the best of both worlds with this release.

G3 Inferno has quickly become one of the centerpieces of my G1 KO collection. I have no idea of it's secondary market "value" as I really don't care. I just enjoy owning this great conversation starter! Good luck if you are trying to locate this figure. I haven't actively looked for it, but when it was it took me a good long time before I stumbled across the one eBay listing that I purchased. Hope you enjoyed a look at this eclectic piece of Transformers G1 KO history.