Review: #548
Name: Bumblebee
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Tribute
Year of Release: 2019
Size Class: Deluxe
Mold Status: repaint of the 2007 version
VEHICLE MODE:
This version of Bumblebee is based upon his very first live-action appearance from the 2007 movie, and thus he transforms into a 1977 Camaro.
Like the original (and unlike the Japanese version), he keeps the painted windows although it doesn't look too bad.
He is average sized for a Deluxe but noteworthy is that he has thicker plastics that just feels more solid than the more recent figures.
In comparison to the other two in the pack, he is definitely the heftiest and the biggest.
The missile launchers from robot mode can peg onto the underside and act as twin exhaust pipes.
Rolling him on a flat surface is the extent of his play value in this mode. He focuses more on accuracy to the real vehicle than gimmicks.
A good vehicle mode and it's nice that they omitted the burnt battle damage marks in this version.
TRANSFORMATION:
As part of the gimmick of the original movie, he features a few Automorph features. To start the transformation process, you are supposed to press a button the hood which will automatically snap the hood down to form the chest while at the same time flipping up his head and moving the front wheels aside. In actuality, it can often get caught and you have to manually complete the maneuver. Otherwise, everything else is pretty standard. The arms come out from the sides, while the rear splits to form the legs. There's a bit of Automorphing there as well as you move the rear windshield pieces up to push down the leg pieces.
ROBOT MODE:
Robot mode is where the figure is showing its age. It is a lot more blocky than recent movie figures, and it feels more like a toy than anything (and yes, it is supposed to be a toy but recent figures look more like display pieces than action figures).
He has his fair share of kibble and they're most out of the way or are elements of the character mode. The only piece that isn't that great are the car shell pieces on the back of his legs.
The headsculpt, considering the time it was released in, is actually quite accurate and doesn't look too simplified.
A quick comparison against a Deluxe and it shows that Bumblebee is a little bit taller than a Siege Deluxe but that just means he's about normal height with the Deluxes of that era.
Articulation is okay, a bit limited by today's standards. Due to transformation, his shoulders are weirdly situated and are lower than one would expect.
He comes with two missile launchers and these are spring loaded missiles launchers.
He can hold the launchers in both hands as a type of handgun.
Or you can peg them onto the underside of the forearms.
Lastly, you can peg them onto the wheels on his shoulders and they look awesome if not for the fact that they don't actually lock into place so they'll droop. The feet is also quite large and situated way too forward in comparison to his body to look good.
A comparison with the other two figures in the pack and this version definitely shows its age in terms of aesthetics.
Despite the blocky look and everything, Bumblebee has still aged well as an action figure. His simpler transformation works well and makes him more fun.
OVERALL:
1977 Bumblebee is still worth the purchase. He has a great vehicle mode and while the robot mode has not aged gracefully in terms of aesthetics, it is still a fun figure. He has a few weaponry options and he feels well built in your hands.
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