So I am a Transformers fan, but more so in the classic sense - transforming toys, but I can appreciate that as the appeal of the franchise becomes more and more mainstream, the variety of character goods has also increased.
At some point in the past, ThreeZero actually threw their hat into the arena and started releasing what ended up being a well received line of highly articulated but non transforming characters starting with live movie properties. These were well received and they started to branch out, including a MDLX line (maybe 6 inches tall), which featured original creations. Bumblebee here is the first of the line and really only in my hands because of a trade.
Retail price doesn't seem to terrible on these. Even now, BBTS has this on sale for $60 USD, which is pretty typical for a high end figure, so I can't imagine it being any more expensive anywhere else. Contents are minimal but pretty much what you'd expect for a Transformer:
- 1 x Main Figure
- 1 x Alternate Face
- 6 x Posing/Gripping Hands
- 1 x Gun
No stand for this guy, which isn't exactly that surprising anymore, but as the figure features some die cast (calf area and internal frame) there's some help with stability there already.
Can't really say if the faces are accurate or not, being original art, but I can say that the faces look appropriate They fit in nicely with the overall aesthetic of the figure. It's also nice to have a non smiling Bumblebee though I have to say I prefer the Battle Mask.
So Bumblebee features an aesthetic that is a mix between the War for Cybertron video game and the G1 cartoon. No need for transformation allows for a more streamline looking design. Between the moulding and the paint work/panel lining, we get the look of something that resembles weathered metal.
Articulation is the name of the game, and so, here we go. A very impressive array of joints which translates into some very solid articulation. All your standard points of articulation are present, including double jointed knees and elbows and while there is no true butterfly joint, there is adequate clearance for the arms to have some crossing capabilities. There is also a limited degree of ab crunch/back arch capabilities, though it is somewhat inhibited by the bulk of the figure itself.
As mentioned, the use of die cast metal has resulted in a frame that can self support a larger number of poses that that that of a plastic figure, which results in better stability and ability to hold poses without external support.
Paint work is exceptional in terms of quantity. It feels like every visible surface is painted. The yellow seems like it was painted on, which is the predominate colour. Other paint applications look sharp. Panel lining looks sharp on top and gets fuzzy near the bottom, which normally would elicit significant anger from me, but here it's done to show the beaten down condition of Bumblebee's exterior. Autobot sigil is nice and neat.
Build Quality is another impressive feat. This is definitely not one of those situations where they took a standard body and just pimped it out. After a thorough examination, I couldn't see any visual flaws with the figure components or assembly itself. Joints were appropriately strong and don't squeak or anything. Loose parts fit on their intended space without any sort of fuss or complication.
Overall, quite an impressive figure. Not my favourite character per se, the the overall quality of the finished product coupled with the price makes this a pretty good piece in my book. The DLX line, of which I have the Mark 43 and Hulkbuster appear to have carried to the tradition of good production values into a price point somewhere between the MDLX and the DX lineups. If you're gonna get a non transforming figure, forget the R.E.D. stuff - this costs more but the play value is so much better than the Hasbro releases.
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