Review: #809
Name: Bumblebee
Brand: Transformers
Allegiance: Autobot
Line: Reactivate
Year of Release: 2024
Size Class: Deluxe
Mold Status: new
VEHICLE MODE:
This version of Bumblebee is based upon his design from the released mobile game, Reactivate. Initially, he only came in a two-pack with Starscream, which wasn't ideal.
This is a completely brand new mold, and he transforms into an off-road compact vehicle, and he actually looks really good here. He looks tough and ready to get out there.
In terms of size, he is very compact. The robot mode folds into the vehicle mode without leaving many empty spaces, giving him a nice solid feeling.
You might have noticed that he had some black paint apps on one side but not the other. This isn't a quality control issue, but rather a deliberate choice. The asymmetry themes continues with the pack-in Starscream as well.
There aren't any gimmicks here, just rolling him on a surface. You can attach the robot guns onto the hood.
This is a surprisingly good vehicle mode, especially if you had came in with no expectations.
TRANSFORMATION:
Bumblebee transforms from a small compact vehicle to a relatively tall robot mode, so there is a lot of unfolding. The rear forms the legs, while the arms folds out from underneath. The head can get caught in the hood if you're not familiar with the transformation scheme. The way the wheels fold into his calves is also a nice touch.
ROBOT MODE:
Bumblebee continues on the tough look with some rugged elements, including nice forearm sculpting.
He doesn't have too much kibble either, showing how well integrated the vehicle mode is.
His head can look like it is situated a little bit higher up than it should, but it's not horrible, and the head sculpt is great.
Articulation is fantastic as you'd expect of a contemporary figure, with joints for his head, shoulders, elbows, waist, hips, knees and ankles.
He has a pair of small guns that he can hold in either hand. They are a little bit small though.
Alternatively, they can peg onto his shoulders using the same slots as vehicle mode, to give him some shoulder mounted guns.
When not in use, they are supposed to store underneath his forearms, but the instructions are unclear and it is hard to tell how to attach it securely.
Despite not having too many paint apps (basically just black and the unpainted yellow plastic), there is enough contract that he doesn't look or feel cheap.
A superb robot mode.
OVERALL:
Perhaps the most surprisingly aspect is that out of the two-pack, Bumblebee is probably the better figure. He just surprises you with how solid he is in both modes. He's a good Transformer, looks good and does something different when we're so used to Movie and G1 versions of the character.
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