Why?

Alright, hear me out.

This build started as an experiment into the viability of Graves top.

Upon further testing, it seems like there's something to it.

I've successfully taken this build into solo/duo and am currently sitting at a 70% win rate. With this combination of runes/items, you'll be extraordinarily dangerous and tanky in the mid-late game, even when not fed. You'll be able to function as a bursty bruiser during teamfights, and are an absolute MONSTROSITY during extended trades in the top lane.

How?

This build transforms Graves into a tanky BEAST.

Rushing your E will sacrifice some early game damage for tankiness, but is essential to making this build function.

Your passive will allow you lifesteal off of multiple minions, keeping you topped up during the laning phase. Grasp will make your already bursty auto-attacks extraordinarily strong, and will contribute to your ridiculous tankiness in the mid-late game.

The runes I chose are selected to synergize with all of the listed items, and are each designed with the end goal of making you an absolute, tanky beast. If you deviate from the formula, you'll almost certainly fail!

Give it a try! Let me know what you think.