Review: #158
Name: Bumblebee
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Animated
Year of Release: 2008
Size Class: Activators (Wave 1)
Variations: repainted into Patrol Bumblebee and Battlefield Bumblebee, it was remolded into Activators Cliffjumper and the Japanese version sports a traditional red and white Autobot symbol instead of the silver.
VEHICLE MODE:
Bumblebee transforms into a stylized yellow sports car/hatchback. Despite being accurate to the cartoon, Bumblebee could pass off as a realistic vehicle. The proportions isn't too off for it to be real. There's a stripe running down the left side and a red flasher.
While a great vehicle mode in general, it is let down by the gimmick (which will be covered off later) which required the black hinges at the back. Not only does it physically stick out, the black makes it even more obvious.
Bumblebee is surprisingly well painted, he sports silver headlights, blue windows (ALL of them are painted, including the back) and red rear lights. I just love the design of his hood and grill.
Bumblebee rolls as you'd expect and that is the only play value available in car mode. Bumblebee holds together well and isn't prone to auto-transforming by itself like one of the other Activators.
Bumblebee is fairly small which suits the character just fine. The look and feel of him is just right, one of the best Activators vehicle modes.
TRANSFORMATION:
As an Activator, the core gimmick is the auto-transformation, in other words, part of Bumblebee's transformation is spring-loaded. You press the red flasher on top (making this the transformation activation button is a clever idea) and Bumblebee springs part-way into robot mode (as seen above). You still need to manually separate and fold out his feet, and position his arms. However, Bumblebee is one of the Activators that requires the least amount of manual fiddling and the engineering is impressive and fun.
ROBOT MODE:
Being such a small size and with the gimmick, Bumblebee loses some cartoon accuracy here. He features a bigger chest (but looks much more natural) and his arms are basically sculpted panels, making them look really thin (easily the worst aspect).
He features next to nil kibble which is surprising and is a testament to how well he is designed. Most of the car mode forms his chest and back. The car rear actually forms the bulk of his torso (instead of just sitting on his back), so it feels like all the vehicle elements are integrated into the robot here.
Bumblebee's got a huge head and he's got a grimace, not his trademark smirk. A note here is that this is the Japanese version but aside from the different Autobot insignia, they are basically the same figure.
Bumblebee is fairly short, shorter than your average Scout/Commander sized figure but it works for the character.
The shoulders are situated lower than normal so it can look weird. The arm panels can also look unusual with the way it is double jointed.
In terms of poseability, Bumblebee has it pretty good. While the head is on a balljoint, due to it's size and sculpt, it is limited, turning it to the side means you have to tilt the head upwards as well. He's got balljoints shoulders and hips.
One of the things that this toy trumps over the Deluxe is how his feet is formed, they look great and is much more solid. Bumblebee balances well in a lot of poses too.
A great robot mode that captures the essence of Bumblebee. Sure, he may not be as thin and slim looking as the cartoon version but this it is amazing enough.
OVERALL:
As the saying goes, "you've always got enough room in your collection for one more Bumblebee". Well, this is extremely true here. Bumblebee is a cleverly designed figure. The auto-transforming aspect is as it's best here, not being intrusive yet being really fun at the same time (it's a figure that you'll find yourself fiddling with from time to time). Neither the robot or vehicle mode is compromised by what is asked of it. Well worth the money.
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