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Wednesday, April 1, 2015

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.

16 comments:

  1. He's so garish that I can't stop looking him! But he's captivating at the same time. When I first saw your pics, I thought it was a McDonald's deco!

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    1. This is a prime example of why I find collecting G1 KOs so much fun.

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  2. I really wanna see a boxed sample of this bad boy.

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  3. How much did you buy the blue wings for? I have a set and am trying to determine a fair value for them.

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    Replies
    1. I believe I offered the guy $15-$20 for the pair of blue wings.

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  4. I have a mosc specimen of g3 inferno if you would like a picture you can contact me on tfw2005 conleyh2006

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  5. hello I saw your ad and found an inferno g3 ko new in packaging of what year it will be and how much will its value be?

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    1. I really have no idea what the “worth” of this item is. I can say it’s pretty scare though and doesn’t appear for sale very often.

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  6. can you give me an email or how can I share photos of the article?

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    Replies
    1. My email is flywheels@yahoo.com
      If you are wanting to share this review of mine, simply copy and paste the URL address: https://randomtoyreviews.blogspot.com/2015/04/ko-korner-transformers-g3-inferno.html

      Delete
  7. sent
    I hope you enjoy it
    I am from peru

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  8. ive just purchased one in the uk

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  9. There is one on eBay right now with 16 hours left, he's currently at £40.

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  10. I would love one of these bad boys. Awesome looking figure. Thanks for sharing photos.

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