TRANSFORMERS TOYS AND MERCHANDISE SECTION

Robot Mode:
Alternate Mode:
Box Art:
Technical Specifications:
STR
INT
SPD
END
RNK
CRG
FPR
SKL

Zeoman4.5's review of: World's Smallest Bumblebee (yellow)

Name Bumble(Japan)/Bumblebee(USA,UK)
Function Espionage
Sub-group World's smallest

The least likely can be the most dangerous.

Small, eager, and brave Bumblebee acts as messenger and spy. Due to his small size, he dares to go where others can't and won't. He idolizes the bigger Autobots, especially Optimus Prime and Prowl, and strives to be accepted. He is the most energy efficient and has the best vision of all the Autobots. He can go underwater for reconnaissance and salvage missions. Although physically the weakest Autobot, his stealth more than compensates for this inadequacy.

First off this is my first review of a Japan only Transformer so bear with me. I did some studying and found for the Japan version of the above Bio fill in the following: From Bumblebee to Bumble; from Autobot to Cybertron; from Optimus Prime to Convoy; change energy efficient to energetic and vision to insight.

Bumblebee is one of my favorites of all Transformers. His bravery despite his size is my reason. His toy looks little like his show character. In robot mode, he has a totally different face and body build. His vehicle mode brings his personality together with his name and creates a memorable toy.

Vehicle mode

Bumble's vehicle mode is a VW Bug. It is a well designed one that was common back in the day, unlike some TF's now. The scaled down version lacks the rolling aspect since the wheels can't roll. The color is all the same as the original, yellow body paint, black windows, silver hubcaps. A difference is the symbol is branded on instead of a sticker. The car looks plain and simple, which really is just like Bumble's person.

It just isn't as fun as the original to play with, but for display this is an eye catcher.

Robot mode

Robot mode of this figure is the smallest of all the World's Smallest Transformers. It is one of the smallest I've seen, the only one I know, which is smaller is the Cybertron Minicon Heavyload.

His design is nearly perfect compared to the original. The color is the same, yellow with black arms and silver face. The face I love. It is one of the coolest designs ever, but it was left out of the show (which makes me ANGRY!). The face has a unique plated look and a visor that make him look more like a spy than a yellow Cliffjumper.

The articulation is not entirely the same as the original. One arm is shoulder jointed the other is jointed at the elbow, which makes for an awkward battle stance. Other than the arms he hasn't any articulation, which is also accurate to the first.

It is an accurate model of the larger original toy, but it lacks the play factor of it. The face is still the best ever!!!

Transformation 2 Easy stepwise, but small parts complicate it.
Durability 5 It hasn't broken yet, but it just feels weak.
Fun 7 It is one of the smallest and its a VW, but the lack of rolling wheels and the weird articulation hurt the score.
Price 8 Pretty cheap. My brother got it for $8.
Over-all 7 A good toy but nowhere near the original. If you get the chance, buy it. If you don't like vintage G1 mold or this Japan only version, try the key chain Bumblebee.