Bumblebee '07
TRANSFORMERS REVIEW
Bumblebee has become a bona fide film star. As the lead
character in the Transformers (2007) feature
film, Bumblebee is the one that the next generation of
Transformers fans are likely to pick up first. The
saying goes that: "the driver don't pick the car, the
car picks the driver". Apt in this case, I'm sure.
Of all the new Transformers toys based on the film, it is Bumblebee that has the most character. In vehicle mode he's a charming beaten up old banger... the epitome of every petrol head's first car; and in robot mode, he's as cute as a button. Who knew that a petrol cap for a mouth could look so endearing!
Bumblebee's vehicle mode is that of a 1974 Chevrolet Camaro, decked out in rich yellow and black competition stripes. Pretty much like the insect of the same name. Adorning his retro look are various and sundry dirt deposits and scorch marks. He's been through the wars for sure. He suits the dirty look... this little fella has certainly seen some adventures, and he hasn't even been taken out of the package yet! Incidentally, the Japanese version of Bumblebee is reviewed here: differences between this and the Western version include clear windows and missiles and a deeper yellow colour.
As with Barricade and Jazz, Bumblebee's vehicle mode is incredibly authentic. He sports all of the detailing, transformation complexity and robot articulation of a Transformers: Alternator at a fraction of the price. The two missile launchers clip together and can be stored underneath the car, with missiles pointed to the rear. Note to self: don't tailgate this guy.
Bumblebee makes good use of the much maligned "automorph technology". A touch of the button on his bonnet flips the entire front of the car down and the headlights and front bumper separate to form the chest. And at the latter stages of the transformation, sliding the rear wheel arches to form the feet automatically push down the rear windows.
Robot mode evokes strong similarities of the original Autobot modes of 1984, with bonnets as chests, front doors as wings. Even the shoulder mounted weapons complete the look. Bumblebee is very articulated in robot mode. He may not be a VW Beetle anymore, but this is a good look for him. One slight drawback is the size of the feet. Bumblebee's legs are quite gangly and cumbersome. Still you know what they say about bumblebees with big feet...
If Bumblebee is going to (theoretically!) be the first Transformer bought from this range, then Hasbro couldn't have packed more charm, features and 70s-inspired fun into such an affordable package. If you see him, get him; I promise you won't get stung.
Bumblebee was released worldwide in 2007 as part of the line based on the characters from the live-action "Transformers" feature film.
Of all the new Transformers toys based on the film, it is Bumblebee that has the most character. In vehicle mode he's a charming beaten up old banger... the epitome of every petrol head's first car; and in robot mode, he's as cute as a button. Who knew that a petrol cap for a mouth could look so endearing!
Bumblebee's vehicle mode is that of a 1974 Chevrolet Camaro, decked out in rich yellow and black competition stripes. Pretty much like the insect of the same name. Adorning his retro look are various and sundry dirt deposits and scorch marks. He's been through the wars for sure. He suits the dirty look... this little fella has certainly seen some adventures, and he hasn't even been taken out of the package yet! Incidentally, the Japanese version of Bumblebee is reviewed here: differences between this and the Western version include clear windows and missiles and a deeper yellow colour.
As with Barricade and Jazz, Bumblebee's vehicle mode is incredibly authentic. He sports all of the detailing, transformation complexity and robot articulation of a Transformers: Alternator at a fraction of the price. The two missile launchers clip together and can be stored underneath the car, with missiles pointed to the rear. Note to self: don't tailgate this guy.
Bumblebee makes good use of the much maligned "automorph technology". A touch of the button on his bonnet flips the entire front of the car down and the headlights and front bumper separate to form the chest. And at the latter stages of the transformation, sliding the rear wheel arches to form the feet automatically push down the rear windows.
Robot mode evokes strong similarities of the original Autobot modes of 1984, with bonnets as chests, front doors as wings. Even the shoulder mounted weapons complete the look. Bumblebee is very articulated in robot mode. He may not be a VW Beetle anymore, but this is a good look for him. One slight drawback is the size of the feet. Bumblebee's legs are quite gangly and cumbersome. Still you know what they say about bumblebees with big feet...
If Bumblebee is going to (theoretically!) be the first Transformer bought from this range, then Hasbro couldn't have packed more charm, features and 70s-inspired fun into such an affordable package. If you see him, get him; I promise you won't get stung.
VERDICT:
Bumblebee was released worldwide in 2007 as part of the line based on the characters from the live-action "Transformers" feature film.