General Information:
Release Date: September 2018
Price Point: $5.99 (Varies by retailer)
Retailer: General Release (Target, Walmart, Amazon etc.)
Accessories: None
*Images and text below from Amazon.com: The lifeblood of Transformers robots, Energon fuels the epic action on Earth and beyond.
Now, imagine harnessing the Transformers energy source with Energon Igniters figures. Convert this Energon Igniters Speed Series Bumblebee figure between robot and Chevrolet Camaro modes in 7 steps. Then plug the Energon Igniters core (not included) into the vehicle and push down to unleash driving action. This Bumblebee figure stands at a 3-inch scale. Look for the Energon Igniters core sold with Power Plus Series and Nitro Series figures (each sold separately).
Bumblebee blasts into action to defeat his high-charged opponents. As his buzzes per minute increase, he jams to his mix tape and overtakes the evil Decepticons. Harness Energon Igniters tech and unleash the power within.
2017 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved. 2017 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved. General Motors trademarks used under license to Hasbro. Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.
In September of 2018 Hasbro launched its "Bumblebee" toy line based on the live action movie. Much of this toy line was aimed at a younger audience, relying on the "Energon Igniter" gimmick. More complex and detailed figures for the movie would be folded into the "Studio Series" and "Masterpiece" lines instead. The "Energon Igniter" gimmick was spread across several classes of figures including the "Speed Series" which consists of smaller figures that fit into the size class known as the "Legion Class" (such as this Thunderhoof figure from "Robots in Disguise"). These figures do not include the "Energon Igniter Core" accessory and are just Legion Class sized figures.
While all the trailers for "Bumblebee" so far have shown the character transforming into a Volkswagon Beetle, fans first met this incarnation of Bumblebee in 2007 when he transformed into a Chevrolet Camaro. This figure represents that version of the character (though it is always possible that he takes on this form at the end of the movie or something).
Packaging:
Bumblebee is packaged inside a bubble attached to a small, vertical card. The card features the standard Bumblebee artwork used across the line featuring him with his arms folded. The right side shows the "Energon Igniter" logo above the "Transformers" logo. The insert has the "Transformers Bumblebee" logo with the name "Bumblebee" below it. The packaging primarily uses a beige, yellow, black and blue color pattern, distinguishing it from other lines like "Generations" which relies mostly on black.
Robot Mode:
There have been other versions of the Camaro-based Bumblebee in this size class before. This includes the version from the 2007 movie. Unlike that figure this version is much more streamlined, even taking away certain details such as the car door "wings" on the back. He does have other distinctive elements of that design including the Camaro's front end details forming the chest, a series of mechanical details under that and distinctive mechanical details on the thighs. The lower legs and arms are a bit more streamlined, looking almost more like a figure from Generation One than the movie series.
Bumblebee is cast in yellow and black plastic. Paint details include black, silver and blue. The designers did a good job of distributing the colors on this little figure. Every part contrasts nicely with the next and the figure looks really good in this form.
This figure has eight points of articulation. This includes a ball joint at the shoulders and three points on each leg. Each fist is designed to accomodate a 3mm Legion Class style weapon. It's great to see this feature is still being included in modern day figures even though it has been years since Legion Class figures included weapons.
Transformation to Vehicle Mode:
- Straighten out the arms and legs.
- Swing the panel on the back up.
- Swing the arms up and connect them to the hood piece.
- Connect the two lower legs together.
- Point the feet down.
- Swing the legs forward.
Vehicle Mode:
Bumblebee's vehicle mode is a 1970's Camaro. This mode features many of the key design elements from that vehicle. This includes the round headlights, the angled grille and the upswept spoiler in the back. From a deco perspective however it is very simple. It has black racing stripes going from the front to the top of the car and the windshield is painted black and...that's it. I was hoping there would be more, maybe paint the other windows or the grille.
The "Energon Igniter" feature cmes into play by attaching the Core to the back of the vehicle. Push the tab on the Core down and it pushes the vehicle forward. This is a fun play feature and I really appreciate the designers finding a way to introduce it to Legion Class figures.
Final Thoughts: This is a sleek little figure. It looks cool in both modes though the deco in robot mode definitely wins out. I do not think many fans are clamoring for a new Legion Class Camaro-based Bumblebee but if you do want one this is a good one to add to your collection. Recommended.
Pros:
- Sculpt looks great in both modes.
- Nice deco in robot mode.
- "Energon Igniter" feature is fun.
- Kudos to the designers for creating a new figure instead of recycling an older version.
Cons:
- Needs more deco in vehicle mode.
- Missing the "door wings" in robot mode so he is not totally "movie accurate".
