Lately, because of the run of big-budget Transformers motion pictures, Bumblebee is greatest identified for reworking right into a vivid yellow Chevrolet Camaro. However within the authentic ’80s toy line and animated sequence, Bumblebee’s alternate car mode was the long-lasting Volkswagen Beetle.
As with its Optimus Prime set, Lego is sticking to the unique ’80s designs of the Transformers characters for Bumblebee. However whereas Lego does have a historical past of working with Volkswagen to create authentic-looking brick-built fashions of the automaker’s Beetle and camper vans, the Lego Bumblebee’s car mode seems like a free interpretation of the beloved VW bug, with a touch of traditional Citroën and Peugeot automobiles added for good measure.
Hasbro’s authentic Bumblebee toy wasn’t an ideal dupe of the VW Beetle, both, so this may make Lego’s interpretation really feel much more genuine to nostalgic collectors who grew up enjoying with Transformers toys 40 years in the past. However given the extent of accuracy Lego consists of with its smaller and cheaper Velocity Champions units, some, together with myself, may be a little bit disillusioned with Bumblebee when he transforms and rolls out.
Remodeling fashionable Transformers toys can generally really feel as complicated as fixing a Rubik’s Dice, however changing Bumblebee between his robotic and car modes seems to be a far much less irritating expertise, though Lego hasn’t shared precisely what number of steps the method includes.
There does seem like one minor compromise within the transformation course of. Bumblebee’s windshield must be fully eliminated earlier than absolutely reworking from car to robotic modes, however Lego has tried to appease Transformers followers by having the windshield itself rework right into a jetpack, permitting Bumblebee to fly — some creativeness required.
Different equipment embody a show plaque itemizing Bumblebee’s stats (followers could contest his power and firepower being ranked at a meager two and one, respectively, however for braveness, it’s a strong 10) and a buildable ion blaster.
The set’s greatest characteristic may be its price ticket. When out there beginning on July 1st for Lego Insiders (a loyalty program that’s free to join) or July 4th for everybody else, the 950-piece Bumblebee will likely be nearly $100 cheaper than the 1,508-piece, $180 Lego Optimus Prime at $89.99, €89.99, or £79.99.