Review: #488
Name: Bumblebee
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Masterpiece
Year of Release: 2018
Size Class: Masterpiece
Mold Status: new
PACKAGING:
MPM-7 Bumblebee comes in the now standard black box with the Volkswagen logo starring prominently on the box.
The layout at the back feels lacking since there isn't much text and only a few shots showing off the figure in both modes and the various gimmicks.
ALTERNATE MODE:
Bumblebee transforms into the classic yellow 1967 Volkswagen Beetle, this version being based off his appearance from the Bumblebee movie.
As expected for a Masterpiece, the level of detailing here is great. While you can still see robot bits peeking out from underneath this is a great vehicle mode.
The vehicle is completely painted in yellow, features transparent blue windows and silver hubcaps. This makes the unpainted grey bumpers stand out all the more.
Apart from the rolling wheels, there's no other gimmicks here. Bumblebee focuses on just being a good vehicle.
The three accessories can peg together as one and peg onto the back of the Beetle for storage.
While Bumblebee is approximately Voyager sized (above is a comparison against Titans Return Optimus and Quake), he is a lot heftier and feels much more solid in your hands.
It's hard to find any flaws with this mode.
TRANSFORMATION:
This is where Bumblebee may get a bit too fiddly for his own good. As he comes in robot mode, you'll going to have a painful time when you first transform him. This is because the instructions do not show very clearly on how the pieces are supposed to be placed. The most annoying parts of the transformation has to do with how the pieces forming the legs fold up, and then once you get that done, it's aligning all the panels in vehicle mode such that they all stay in place. It is a simple transformation in theory but since tolerances are so tight, it makes it frustrating.
ROBOT MODE:
Robot mode is where Bumblebee shines. Masterpiece is billed as the definitive versions of a character and this is no exception, he looks absolutely stunning.
Yes, he has a fair bit of kibble and it looks messy but in person, it's a lot more manageable. The designer has managed to take most of the kibble away from the limbs and collapsed it onto his back instead.
The headsculpt is great with sculpting that doesn't make it too busy.
In robot mode, Bumblebee is clearly taller than a Deluxe but is shorter than a typical Voyager.
For a figure at this price point, you would expect great articulation. All of Bumblebee's joints are swivels or hinges, so they are all robust and can take the weight of the figure.
He has ankle joints which allows him to stand flat on the table in various poses.
Being a Masterpiece there are a few additional bonuses such as individually jointed fingers, even though there isn't any real need for it.
In contrast to vehicle mode, the yellow plastic here are not painted but they made pretty well.
The figure features die-cast for certain parts, the first are the ankles, which stabilizes the figure a lot more.
The feet itself as well as the metal pieces right above them are also die-cast. Being unpainted, they still look really nice and suitable for a mechanical being.
Lifting up the hood pieces on his chest will review his rocket launchers. These pieces are also die-cast. One thing that is annoying is that these hood pieces don't peg onto anything when closed. It doesn't flop or anything though.
The figure comes with three accessories, a battle mask, a gun and a sword.
When not in use, the three pieces peg onto various places on his back.
The sword simply clips on the outside of his forearm.
The gun takes a bit more effort. Unlike the Deluxe toy, the gun doesn't replace the hand entirely, which is much better. Instead, you fold the hand into the gun so it's like an extension of that arm.
To attach the battle mask, you need to first pull off half his face. Interestingly, it's the bottom half of his face that comes off, so his real eyes are still behind the mask.
The downside of the hand being incorporated into the gun is that the shape of the gun along with his arm looks awkward.
This is actually one of the best looking battle masks that Bumblebee has had from the movies.
Deploying all his weapons at once and you can see that Bumblebee is heavily armed and ready to fight some Decepticons.
It's a shame that there is so much unpainted grey plastic used since it detracts from the overall premium feel of the figure.
Nevertheless, this is one of the best Bumblebee robot modes we have had.
OVERALL:
MPM-7 Bumblebee is the definitive version of this character. The Beetle mode looks good but the robot mode is stellar. It's a shame that the transformation can be so counter-intuitive and frustrating so it's one that's best you leave alone in one mode.
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