Well, that was quick. It has been just nine months since Takara Tomy introduced the Transformers Overgear series, featuring real-world military-inspired vehicles that transform into realistic mechas, and the lineup is already growing. Following Ironhide, Blackout, and Optimus Prime comes a fourth entry, this time a special collaboration with Japanese design team Chuocho Tactical Craft (中央町戦術工芸).
Folks, meet the Transformers Overgear OG-02EX Grinder (CTC Technology Demonstrator Specification) [JP].
Chuocho Tactical Craft is known for its industrial and futuristic aesthetics, which makes it a rather fitting partner for a Transformers series built around the concept of “Real Mecha.”
Grinder is essentially a special take on the OG-02 Blackout, sporting a striking black finish with bright green accents and original typography and graphics created by the design team. The result looks like a classified experimental military machine, complete with the kind of markings you’d expect to find on equipment you’re probably not supposed to photograph.
And there’s actually a fictional backstory to go with that appearance.
Grinder transforms from a CTC technology demonstrator attack helicopter, supposedly operated by the Technology Demonstration and Testing Bureau, into a cold and calculating Decepticon warrior. The helicopter is equipped with fictional stealth and night-vision technologies for nighttime assault operations and has supposedly participated in numerous top-secret missions.
Standing approximately 185 mm (7.3 inches) tall in robot mode, Grinder is fully articulated and features numerous 3 mm and 5 mm connection points across both configurations. These let you swap weapons and accessories around to create different tactical loadouts.
Speaking of weapons, the figure comes with an assortment of armaments, including blasters, missiles, rockets, and a fire-control radar. So whether you display it as an attack helicopter or a heavily armed Decepticon, there’s plenty of hardware to play with.
Takara Tomy has also included some interesting extras to flesh out its fictional military background. There’s a story sheet designed to resemble a classified document, a blueprint-style specification sheet, stickers, and a paper folder to keep everything together.
It’s a rather cool touch that makes this more than just another Blackout redeco. The Transformers Overgear OG-02EX Grinder is scheduled for release in Japan in late July 2027, with a suggested retail price of approximately 19,800 yen in Japan [JP] (about US$126). Fans in the US can also preorder it through Hasbro Pulse, where it is listed as the Decepticon Grindor, for US$199.99, with shipping estimated around August 30, 2027.
Images: Takara Tomy [JP].