Toy review - Masterpiece Bumblebee and Spike

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Line: Masterpiece.
Line #:21
RRP: ~4000yen
Released: Japan 29/11 Aus ??/??
More later when I remind myself what they are.

Thought I'd pop in and drop my thoughts on MP Bumblebee and Spike.

Turns out he's just as nice as Wheeljack. He is very small, but his size works really well for the other Masterpiece figures in robot mode. Transformation is fun and friendly though with some really clever parts that made me go "Ooooh!" SPike is a bit 'Meh' not bad, but not great. Pretty cool, and I like him as I see him as an accessory for Bumblebee and the other Masterpiece Transformers.

His car is really small and definitely not in scale. It is cute though, even though not very Choro-Q ish.
My thoughts are on my blog
http://tetstoys.blogspot.jp/2014/11/hello-mr-bumblebee.html

But here are a few happy snaps to get the talk a happening! Click for a bigger picture, or better yet, go to my blog ha ha ha ha

I love the old looking up at the camera classic 'Bee look! H's also very cute, like a kitten asleep in your palm.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k313/Wootnchoo/th_IMG_20141129_141130_zpszwvdaeci.jpg (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/Wootnchoo/media/IMG_20141129_141130_zpszwvdaeci.jpg.html)http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k313/Wootnchoo/th_IMG_20141129_135654_zps67wff689.jpg (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/Wootnchoo/media/IMG_20141129_135654_zps67wff689.jpg.html)

He is really small though, even in robot mode, but there is some nice TFing touches in there.
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k313/Wootnchoo/th_IMG_20141130_103409_zpsojl75zvx.jpg (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/Wootnchoo/media/IMG_20141130_103409_zpsojl75zvx.jpg.html)http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k313/Wootnchoo/th_IMG_20141129_140350_zpsm9majkkm.jpg (http://s91.photobucket.com/user/Wootnchoo/media/IMG_20141129_140350_zpsm9majkkm.jpg.html)

[WeallscreamforStarscream]

great write up in your blog :P

[Thurmus]

That was a really nice review. Balanced and well thought out.

Much appreciated.

[Paulbot]

Looking forward to this one, but wait -- Bumblebee without the face mask (http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c-KLeYhj1jM/VHncrqygSiI/AAAAAAAAlCw/FMPUjffrajc/MP%252520Bumblebee%252520%2525289%252529_thumb%252 55B7%25255D.jpg) looks like Unicron! Bumblebee's true face is that of the Transformer devil!

[nexusnixx]

Well done on the review. Good detailed write up.

[UltraMarginal]

Looking forward to this one, but wait -- Bumblebee without the face mask (http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c-KLeYhj1jM/VHncrqygSiI/AAAAAAAAlCw/FMPUjffrajc/MP%252520Bumblebee%252520%2525289%252529_thumb%252 55B7%25255D.jpg) looks like Unicron! Bumblebee's true face is that of the Transformer devil!

OMG!!

[Dinkydarth]

how did you order from amazon btw? I thought they don't ship to Aust?

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Thanks for the praise lads and laddettes (just to cover all bases there)


Looking forward to this one, but wait -- Bumblebee without the face mask (http://lh4.ggpht.com/-c-KLeYhj1jM/VHncrqygSiI/AAAAAAAAlCw/FMPUjffrajc/MP%252520Bumblebee%252520%2525289%252529_thumb%252 55B7%25255D.jpg) looks like Unicron! Bumblebee's true face is that of the Transformer devil!
I was hoping others would see the face I see too!:D

how did you order from amazon btw? I thought they don't ship to Aust?
They don't unless you use a mail forwarder or something. I've moved to Japan which is why I got it so quickly too.
Ozformers is a world wide entity now! ;)

[Thurmus]

[QUOTE=They don't unless you use a mail forwarder or something. I've moved to Japan which is why I got it so quickly too.
Ozformers is a world wide entity now! ;)[/QUOTE]

Now that is dedication for you. Moving to Japan just so you can buy from Amazon there. :D

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Now that is dedication for you. Moving to Japan just so you can buy from Amazon there. :D

:D What can I say.. I like using Amazon:o;)

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

Ozformers is a world wide entity now! ;)メ...been there, done that.:p

[Trent]

Damn he's small!!

He's in a normal sized MP car box but Spike takes up more space than Bee.

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc88/Wrxus/TFs/43ED6CE0-AEAC-4872-84BD-996E99055BA4.jpg
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc88/Wrxus/TFs/2FEC6413-B15E-43F1-8D1F-90676A12BA3A.jpg




Nice transformation though and fits in well with the others

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc88/Wrxus/TFs/6B45C115-2571-48A1-9207-80AB2214139D.jpg


I'm happy with him :)

[GoktimusPrime]

Damn yours arrived fast! :eek: Did you use some sort of express air mail service or something like that? :confused:

[Krayt]

Mine got to work today, but I wasn't at work :(

And damn, got called to go in extra early, so will be about 3 hours before the mail room opens!!!

[xlojnr]

Damn yours arrived fast! :eek: Did you use some sort of express air mail service or something like that? :confused:

I had mine shipped from RK via EMS on 26th November and it had arrived on the 1st of Dec..

[Trent]

Damn yours arrived fast! :eek: Did you use some sort of express air mail service or something like that? :confused:

I always use SAL, except for MP TFs. They get the EMS treatment :D

[MayzaPrime]

I am really impressed with my MP Bumble not so much Spike... His arms fall off all the time so I will keep him in vehicle mode

[Hursticon]

I always use SAL, except for MP TFs. They get the EMS treatment :D

EMS all the way! :D

Great pics dude, he is indeed small but I feel that sort of works for him in-lieu of his G1 Minibot Toy's "Chibi" proportions but I was quite surprised by how fun Spike/Daniel (The latter of which is whom I consider it to be ;)) actually is too! :eek::)

...

For the sake of posting things twice, :p, here are my own pics :cool::


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4DZokhCAAAIV8-.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4DZpWzCMAA3Uf7.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4DZqsNCIAE0_nS.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4DZr0zCcAA4Fx2.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4DciT6CYAElyAg.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B4DchXyCAAAv3gQ.jpg:large

[Bidoofdude]

Man he looks good with Hasbro Prime. The yellow is a bit orangey, but he still looks pretty cool. I should really get the Optimus reissue.

[Hursticon]

Man he looks good with Hasbro Prime. The yellow is a bit orangey, but he still looks pretty cool. I should really get the Optimus reissue.

I think I'm with you on possibly seeking out the Reissue, my MP-04 just dwarfs everything post MP-10! :p:D

[drifand]

I bite the bullet and bought one. In honesty is just for scaling. I am not too all impressed with mp-10. Mp-1/4 is still the top quality of all mp.

Nothing wins that rock solid figure in my own opinion.
Mp-10 has chest lining up issues, solid thumb, poor incomplete paint apps on tt version, dull eyes. List goes on.

[GoktimusPrime]

The funny thing that people say about scaling is... the G1 cartoon was never consistent with scale. Both MP-1 and MP-10 are arguably in scale w/ MP Bumblebee, depending on which episode (or even scene) you're talking about. Optimus Prime massively towers over Bumblebee in "Attack of the Autobots." :o Unless you guys are talking about vehicle scale... I suppose MP10 would certainly be more in scale w/ the Autobot Cars and Bumblebee for the vehicle modes.

[Trent]

The funny thing that people say about scaling is... the G1 cartoon was never consistent with scale. Both MP-1 and MP-10 are arguably in scale w/ MP Bumblebee, depending on which episode (or even scene) you're talking about. Optimus Prime massively towers over Bumblebee in "Attack of the Autobots." :o Unless you guys are talking about vehicle scale... I suppose MP10 would certainly be more in scale w/ the Autobot Cars and Bumblebee for the vehicle modes.

Actually Gok, MP-1/4 actually scales better in alt mode than Mp-10. MP-10's truck mode is waaaaay too small to go with the MP cars.

[kurdt_the_goat]

Mp-10 has chest lining up issues,...

Push his chest grill in more. MP-1 is the one with chest lining up issues!

[GoktimusPrime]

Actually Gok, MP-1/4 actually scales better in alt mode than Mp-10. MP-10's truck mode is waaaaay too small to go with the MP cars.
There you have it. :)

[drifand]

Push his chest grill in more. MP-1 is the one with chest lining up issues!

Not for me, mines perfect . I can't do any more with mp 10, is plastic, you will break it if you force it more.

To be honest, everything else was a let down when they went with plastic then smaller scale. Is a masterpiece , I expect really good diecast materials involved.

For me mp-10 is way overrated and people are so convinced by the vid reviews.
They are forgetting how solid mp-1 is. I swear if you reversed the release people will scream more for mp-1 any day .

Of course I still like mps but I have to lower my expectations a lot more to appreciate it.

[GoktimusPrime]

I also find that my MP1 has better chest alignment than my Hasbro MP10. IMHO MP1 is the superior figure, but MP10 is the better play set.


For me mp-10 is way overrated and people are so convinced by the vid reviews.
They are forgetting how solid mp-1 is. I swear if you reversed the release people will scream more for mp-1 any day .
It's not just that, MP1 is just packed with waaay more features than MP10.
MP Optimus Prime comparison thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?p=323195#post323195)


Of course I still like mps but I have to lower my expectations a lot more to appreciate it.
Put it this way, the pre-order price for an MP car can be approx. equivalent to the cost of a full sized Voyager Class figure in Australia. IMHO if I were to compare any MP car with any of the TFP or AoE Voyagers in terms of value for money, the MP cars would win every time.

So yeah, IMO the new MPs are worth it at pre-order prices, but I find them harder to justify at full RRP. Local TRU prices are just expensive. I went to TRU Parramatta today and they still have MP Prowls massively shelf-warming (as well as Sunstorm and Grimlock). But having said that, the TRU prices are okay for those who missed out on getting the TakaraTOMY release. The cars seemed to be priced at the aftermarket price for the Japanese versions, so TRU's prices are okay in that regard.

We don't know if Hasbro will be able to use the Volkswagen licence, and even if they were, whether they would still go ahead and release it; after all, Hasbro appears to have regained the Lamborghini licence (as evidenced by Age of Extinction Lockdown toys), but there's been no news (AFAIK) about Hasbro releasing MP Sideswipe or Red Alert. :o

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

Shelfwarming Grimlocks? What majiks is this?

I agree that Japanese RRp, the Mps are good value. I'd rather fork out $50 on an MP car than a normal voyager class figure.

MP10 was a bit overpriced when he first came out, but I think the look and posing of him is superior to MP01. I still love them both though.

Anyhoo, back on topic, I just can't stop playing with Bumblebee. He's just too damn awesome! So many points of articulation! So much character. I love the little guy!

[kurdt_the_goat]

Not for me, mines perfect . I can't do any more with mp 10, is plastic, you will break it if you force it more.


I also find that my MP1 has better chest alignment than my Hasbro MP10. IMHO MP1 is the superior figure, but MP10 is the better play set.

Seriously guys, try pushing in the chest grill a little bit more, there's no risk of breakage. When it's not pushed in all the way the chest windows don't get held in the flush position and will be misaligned. MP-1's chest on the other hand is always out of alignment cause the pin position is ever so slightly off from where it needs to be.

[GoktimusPrime]

Anyhoo, back on topic, I just can't stop playing with Bumblebee. He's just too damn awesome! So many points of articulation! So much character. I love the little guy!
How long as it been since any of us have actually looked forward to a new Bumblebee toy? :D For the past 7 years now we've been flooded with so many Bumblebees that a lot of us are just completely over the character. But I think it's awesome that we finally have a Bumblebee toy that we can get excited about!

Of course, it's because this is a G1 Bumblebee -- who talks and has characterisation -- rather than a walking juvenile caricature who communicates through radio sound bytes or "digital farts." :rolleyes: So yeah, I'm not only excited about getting Bumblebee, but I'm also excited by the fact that I am excited about it! ;) My MP shelf will have one Bumblebee on it, as opposed to my movieverse section which already has an entire shelf just for my movie Bumblebees. Quality over quantity. ;)

[millhouse]

Not for me, mines perfect . I can't do any more with mp 10, is plastic, you will break it if you force it more.

To be honest, everything else was a let down when they went with plastic then smaller scale. Is a masterpiece , I expect really good diecast materials involved.

For me mp-10 is way overrated and people are so convinced by the vid reviews.
They are forgetting how solid mp-1 is. I swear if you reversed the release people will scream more for mp-1 any day .

Of course I still like mps but I have to lower my expectations a lot more to appreciate it.

Each MP-1/Hasbro equivalent I've handled or owned (a total of 3) has been unable to reliable stand up.

I've never had either of my 2 Hasbro MP-10s, my Takara MP-10b, or my YOTH unable to stand.

I don't think I'm asking for a lot with that, and it's pretty easy for me to state that, in my experience, MP-10 is the better product.

[Zommael]

Each MP-1/Hasbro equivalent I've handled or owned (a total of 3) has been unable to reliable stand up.

I've never had either of my 2 Hasbro MP-10s, my Takara MP-10b, or my YOTH unable to stand.

I don't think I'm asking for a lot with that, and it's pretty easy for me to state that, in my experience, MP-10 is the better product.

I've owned MP-1 since it was released back in 2004, and during that time I've also owned and sold an MP-2. Neither has ever had any problems standing, and in fact both are pretty dynamically poseable. I've never owned an MP-10 variant because frankly I don't need something to replace the glory of MP-1. EVA Prime may yet see me change my tune on that depending on if I can afford it, but even then, it would be to complement MP-1, never to replace it.

[drifand]

Seriously guys, try pushing in the chest grill a little bit more, there's no risk of breakage. When it's not pushed in all the way the chest windows don't get held in the flush position and will be misaligned. MP-1's chest on the other hand is always out of alignment cause the pin position is ever so slightly off from where it needs to be.

Didn't have this issue on my mp4 and mp1.
Mp-10 is a action figure, is no where pose as great as is with a solid thumb.
Is only a scale thing that made me buy the mp-10. Having spike or roller does not add any value for me.

Yes mp-10 is nice, but way overrated . Marked up prices up to $650 is such an insult to mp-1 on eBay

Back to bee, I am wondering if they have recolours ready for him?

[drifand]

I've owned MP-1 since it was released back in 2004, and during that time I've also owned and sold an MP-2. Neither has ever had any problems standing, and in fact both are pretty dynamically poseable. I've never owned an MP-10 variant because frankly I don't need something to replace the glory of MP-1. EVA Prime may yet see me change my tune on that depending on if I can afford it, but even then, it would be to complement MP-1, never to replace it.

Can tell you now, you didn't miss much. I would highly recommend buy it on a cheap reissue.

Have no issues in standing for both mp1/4 as well. Magatron probably was harder to stand still. (Because they went plastic)

[kurdt_the_goat]

Didn't have this issue on my mp4 and mp1.
Mp-10 is a action figure, is no where pose as great as is with a solid thumb.
Is only a scale thing that made me buy the mp-10. Having spike or roller does not add any value for me.

Only by the "Last Shot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transformers:_Masterpiece)" Convoy did they fix the chest issue
Check this out (http://www.seibertron.com/energonpub/the-infamous-mp-01-mp-04-misaligned-chest-issue-t12123.php-sid=11ae517ca44a83328c56bc2314513f78) to see what i'm talking about.

Here's my MP-10 with the grill fully pushed in:
http://i.imgur.com/jEBaWpel.jpg

And again, with the grill a milimetre away from being fully pushed in:
http://i.imgur.com/AHrKNhPl.jpg

I love both of mine, i'm just trying to get the facts out there :)

[lancalot]

Mp Bumblebee finally arrived ....and I got to say that im pretty disappointed , from eagerly waiting for him to arrive.... When opening him up in alt mode , the scale looked abit off for me... so I put him next to the other mp cars ....and he a few scale smaller !! :confused: :( even in robot mode he is smaller then all the rest.... so I don't see why they didn't scale his alt mode to be consistent with the other MP and then I think in robot mode he still be the smallest around ... With my figure the autobot logo on his chest was really tight and I had to use a pen to push it around , so scare I was going to snap it off. But the figure itself is very well done ... On to spike figure...he is a simple figure but the transformation they made so complex!! and his arm articulation is terrible!

The scaling of Bumblebee is totally wrong for a masterpiece figure ... :(

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10255429_617040861758173_7753985011058892229_n.jpg ?oh=e4f1b450df6b1d71b66b53f0ef229b22&oe=5517476B&__gda__=1427202743_911c3a43cd2afdf9e5c0069a703c388 3

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10358135_617041075091485_6270712387895267747_n.jpg ?oh=8423728e89a1697ddb1496b3f0b97724&oe=551988C2&__gda__=1426751262_62e45980c2ce7dd6500f6a923ec6415 2

[Thurmus]

Just had a look and if the car mode was real life sized, it would be 2.3 inches shorter than sideswipe. I hazard a guess they have gone for robot scale, not car scale.

[GoktimusPrime]

Each MP-1/Hasbro equivalent I've handled or owned (a total of 3) has been unable to reliable stand up.

I've never had either of my 2 Hasbro MP-10s, my Takara MP-10b, or my YOTH unable to stand.
I also don't have too much problems with MP-1 standing. I took over four hundred photos to make this stop motion video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vYCqNbzRjg) and he was able to stand fine. :)

[drifand]

I also don't have too much problems with MP-1 standing. I took over four hundred photos to make this stop motion video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vYCqNbzRjg) and he was able to stand fine. :)

I have him standing with all my binaltech and have not fell once over hmm two years? Lol

Anyway I can see Kurt chest issue, so I guess each has its plus and minus. I just don't think mp-10 is worth paying over rrp.

I have ordered KFC mp10 hands just to make it perfect.

Bee is great , to be honest I was really surprised vw gave the go ahead.

[Zommael]

Can tell you now, you didn't miss much. I would highly recommend buy it on a cheap reissue.

Have no issues in standing for both mp1/4 as well. Magatron probably was harder to stand still. (Because they went plastic)

At the risk of derailing the thread - although that boat might have transformed into a robot and walked off into the sunset already - are you referring to MP-10 in general or EVA Prime specifically? I'm basically after a different colour scheme to differentiate from MP-01 and I'm a fan of Evangelion so it has appeal to me even with the high price.

[drifand]

At the risk of derailing the thread - although that boat might have transformed into a robot and walked off into the sunset already - are you referring to MP-10 in general or EVA Prime specifically? I'm basically after a different colour scheme to differentiate from MP-01 and I'm a fan of Evangelion so it has appeal to me even with the high price.

Was referring to mp-10 in general.
The Eva one is personal taste. I love Eva but I don't connect with these two universe. Not saying Eva prime is bad either, just not for me.

Back to bee, was wondering what are their plans for the next colour scheme.

[Nevac]

http://i.imgur.com/sOEmY6f.jpg

Overall I'm happy with my Bumblebee however all the panel lines look really off and I know they're there for transformation purposes but some are really noticeable and off putting. The split in the door for the foot for example and the swivel for the insignia while a nice feature the square box on both modes really looks out of place.

Aside from those gripes he is a great figure I love how he can hold his own accessories underneath him. Does any one know what size scale he is compared to a real beetle? Kinda wish there was one around here to look at.

One other thing to note this is the first MP Transformer to draw blood from me I was trying to remove his face to put the smiling faceplate on and when I hooked my nail on the top of his head to pry it off it was extremely tight. When I did get it off the top of his face went right under my nail and split the skin. So yeah exercise caution when changing his face.

[GoktimusPrime]

Brilliant. Clever. Excellent.

This is by far my favourite of the MP Cars, and indeed the best MP figure that I've come across since MP-1 10 years ago! :eek: Transforming from an accurate looking VW Beetle to a physics/reality-defying kibble-disappearing G1 show-accurate robot is no easy feat, but this toy pulls it off surprisingly well. There are just so many clever 'tricks' in the transformation that help to tuck away all the vehicle parts in robot mode. It's effectively doing what the Age of Extinction toys are also trying to do, but succeeding! There is no "backpack-forming" or "parts forming" on this toy; at least, no where near the degree that we see on AoE figures. The only notable vehicle kibble is the roof-canopy on the back, which tucks in pretty nicely and is rather aesthetically pleasing as his back, and the tail light panels on the forearms, but again, the design allows them to collapse in to minimise protrusion.

The detailing on the toy is fantastic, and it also has a driver-side only wing mirror, which is reminiscent of more old school cars (like my own first car, a 1981/2 Holden Gemini ;)). MP Bumblebee is really just an incredibly clever design.

Overall: an absolutely brilliant and delightful toy which I cannot recommend highly enough. :D :) It's been a loooooong time since I've been excited about a Bumblebee toy!
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/avatars/jaam_yum.gif

P.S.: In regards to removing the faceplate, I place the nail of my index finger through the top of the mask and my thumbnail through the bottom of the mask (beneath the chin). I've found no issues with stressing my nails, but I initially decided to do this because I didn't want to place undue stress on the masks! (didn't stop to think that I might be hurting my fingernails too! :p)

[Robzy]

Sheer perfection. Bumblebee is everything I expected, and more! Spike is a nice "accessory" but the real treat is BB himself. And it's so nice to have a volkswagon again finally... none of this Bayformer nonsense... he's a beetle, not a ninja. Man, this MP line just keeps getting better with each new figure.

Oh, and I can recommend chimungmung.com, where I bought him (after the recommendations of fellow Ozformers)... great packaging, fast delivery, and I got the Amazon G1 toy mask - hassle free!

[GoktimusPrime]

Sheer perfection.
^Fully deserved. :cool: I declare MP Bumblebee to be 2014's Toy of the Year! :D

[VERT]

^Fully deserved. :cool: I declare MP Bumblebee to be 2014's Toy of the Year! :D

Yes Bee is totally the best thing Takara or Hasbro have done all year. Wheeljack getting a close second. Everything else this year is a fail :p Okay maybe not Generations. But everything else sold at Aus retail.

[rodent]

I am so glad I got into MPs just as Bee was coming out, definitely my favourite character on the show as a kid so it brought back all kinds of happy memories. Many, MANY thanks to Sinnertwin for bringing it in for me!

[GoktimusPrime]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumble00g_zps56927a7a.jpg
More pics here (http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=448270&postcount=2626) ;)

[laproblematique]

Yes Bee is totally the best thing Takara or Hasbro have done all year. Wheeljack getting a close second. Everything else this year is a fail :p Okay maybe not Generations. But everything else sold at Aus retail.

I'm pretty happy with my YOTH Prime for $108. :cool:

[VERT]

I'm pretty happy with my YOTH Prime for $108. :cool:

So am I but I did not count him as he is a repaint of an older figure.

[millhouse]

I received my Bumbles from nexusnixx yesterday (w/coins and Amazon Japan battle masks).

Really digging them, and being a fan of the 86 movie, love that we have a Spike in exo-suit. Ideally, I'd like to end up with two more of the Exos (y'know, for Daniel in each mode) but alas.

I still think Wheeljack may be the better toy, but Bumblebee isn't the doom that the usual suspects on other boards are venting about.

Next? Ultra Magnus. Oh, and I still have an MP-10 Mode EVA to open at some point, but I don't think that'll be happening just yet!

[Smint]

Just received mine. Preordered from nippon yasan $61 shipped via eco sal. Arrived in 13 days.

After being fairly critical without actually seeing the figure for myself i have to say he's better than i expected. Decent articulation, some ok engineering went into the transformation. He looks good.

I appreciate the transformation is fairly simple. I can appreciate that a simple transformation can require just as much engineering and thought as a complex one.

Not worth anywhere near $100, i would have been more happy to pay $50 shipped max.

[GoktimusPrime]

Really digging them, and being a fan of the 86 movie, love that we have a Spike in exo-suit. Ideally, I'd like to end up with two more of the Exos (y'know, for Daniel in each mode) but alas.
It's Daniel in the suit, actually. Although the instruction sheet and box doesn't identify who it is, apparently the MP Generations book states that it's Daniel, and the image from the cartoon in the sheet is Daniel too IIRC.

But Spike would've made more sense! Spike is Bumblebee's buddy. Daniel get stuck with Wheelie, because the two most annoying characters in G1 totally deserve each other. In a rocket. Headed for the Sun. :p ;) But yes, I wouldn't mind a Daniel in Exo-Suit too. Perhaps for MP Cliffjumper?


Not worth anywhere near $100, i would have been more happy to pay $50 shipped max.
^This is how I feel about all the MP cars. :o

[millhouse]

It's Daniel in the suit, actually.

I totally realised that after I posted it!

[Nevac]

It's Daniel in the suit, actually. Although the instruction sheet and box doesn't identify who it is, apparently the MP Generations book states that it's Daniel, and the image from the cartoon in the sheet is Daniel too IIRC.

But Spike would've made more sense! Spike is Bumblebee's buddy. Daniel get stuck with Wheelie, because the two most annoying characters in G1 totally deserve each other. In a rocket. Headed for the Sun. :p ;) But yes, I wouldn't mind a Daniel in Exo-Suit too. Perhaps for MP Cliffjumper?


^This is how I feel about all the MP cars. :o

I think it could potentially be either there isn't enough detail in the face sculpt to say conclusively who it is, I mean their suits are identical right since Daniel is wearing another of Spike's suit not one made for him, but like most people say Spike would make more sense and that's who I'm calling it in with mine

[Starscream77]

Finally got around to opening him today.

Great representation of G1 Bee but damn is he small :eek:

And yes I get that he is in scale but in my mind I just expected a little bigger

[M-bot]

Small, but pretty awesome. I think he scales quite nicely. Considering he's so much smaller than the other MP cars, I would have liked to have seen him sold at a more appropriate price point (I've paid pretty much the same for him as the other MP cars). Only just worth the money.

[GoktimusPrime]

The Hasbro version of MP Bumblebee seems to be selling despite being about double the cost of import. On Saturday I spotted just one MP Bumblebee at TRU Moore Park, yet there were loads of MP Prowls still sitting there shelfwarming. MP Wheeljack seems to have sold out pretty quickly too. It seems that the timing of releasing MPs into the Australian market has a greater affect on generating sales than price alone.

This is likely why Hasbro AP/AUS has decided to do direct-to-market releases of Japanese MPs rather than waiting for Hasbro USA. Hasbro AP/AUS is striking while the iron's hot, which seems to be a good strategy for them so far. It'll be interesting to see how MP22 sells here come February. :o

[drifand]

Guess someone knows some business sense finally and realised they have been missing out.

[griffin]

As some one else mentioned, one of the two elbow ball-socket joints on my Daniel keeps popping out when you twist it (to transform it). The other one is actually quite stiff... it just doesn't take much variance in production (or even cooling) to create a loose socket joint when the ball/socket is so small.

[Tetsuwan Convoy]

It's Daniel in the suit, actually. Although the instruction sheet and box doesn't identify who it is, apparently the MP Generations book states that it's Daniel, and the image from the cartoon in the sheet is Daniel too IIRC.

The Japanese Box and Instructions stated that Spike was in the exo-suit. Although I think the face looks more Daniel-y. Spike makes more sense if we go from the movie, as they are together on Moonbase um something... But I don't recall Spike getting much Exo-suit time.

[griffin]

The Japanese Box and Instructions stated that Spike was in the exo-suit. Although I think the face looks more Daniel-y. Spike makes more sense if we go from the movie, as they are together on Moonbase um something... But I don't recall Spike getting much Exo-suit time.

When it comes to the pairings of Exosuits and humans to Autobots, Spike is best known with Bumblebee (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KysIP0aI-KM/URYdI6VIfMI/AAAAAAAAAPk/w-U1k_BO3Lo/s1600/PDVD_002.BMP), while Daniel is best known with Wheelie (http://www.therobotspajamas.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/14Headmasters05.jpg).
Since this is a Bumblebee toy, it would make more sense for it being Spike.

Fortunately for TakaraTomy and Hasbro, the head sculpt is so vague, and both characters have brown hair in the cartoon/movie, the toy could be labelled as either (or both later).

[drifand]

I would thought this is spike but I think it doesn't matter.

[Trent]

Instructions say its Spike. Yes, the bouffant looks more like Daniel than Spike, but they are close enough that it doesn't matter.

And it what episode have BB and Daniel EVER hung out together?

[christalcase]

I am impressed with Bumblebee's engineering. The designer did a great job at this small size, not too fiddly but complex enough to be fun and interesting. Bumblebee looks great in both modes too, better in person than pictures.

Exo-suit is a write-off, the elbow design is horrible and means that his arms will always be at an awkward angle.

Since I don't care much for scale, I would have preferred it if they got rid of the exo-suit and made Bumblebee bigger, to the same size as the other MP cars since Bumblebee just feels so tiny, even smaller than a Deluxe.

Overall, still a fantastic toy and recommended.

[Ode to a Grasshopper]

So, opened up this guy today, and yeah...pretty much what everyone else has been saying.

Spike (who I'm repurposing as Daniel) has arms that pop off way too easily, and they lack a certain degree of poseability. Other than that he's a pretty sweet little toy.

'Bee is just...fun. Transformation is clever without being overly complex, alt-mode is a little small (but it's Bumblebee so it still sort of works), the hands/wrists are a bit limited but it's understandable given the size of the toy, the face-sculpts really do look good in person, alt-mode accessory storage is quite inspired in its own quiet little way, and above all else he just oozes character in both modes. 'Bot-mode poseability is mostly good aside from the aforementioned limited wrists. The alt-mode colour mismatch is a bit unfortunate, but it's a minor complaint. IMO he looks much better as a realistically-proportioned Beetle than as a deformed penny-racer, so kudos to HasTakTom there.

I picked mine up as a slightly-drunk impulse-buy for ~$50, I wouldn't say he's worth the ~$80 he's going for in Oz unless you're a fan of the character (in which case, totally get him!), but he is a nice little piece with a lot of charm.
Worth Buying if Cheap, Worth Buying if You're a Masterpiece Enthusiast, and/or Worth Buying If You're a Fan of the Character.

[drifand]

Instructions say its Spike. Yes, the bouffant looks more like Daniel than Spike, but they are close enough that it doesn't matter.

And it what episode have BB and Daniel EVER hung out together?

I only reflected on the movie cartoon and which shows spike and bee but any who , I don't think this is important. You can pretend him as anyone to be honest.

[CBratron]

He's worth getting. Just not worth what TRU are charging ($100).

[bassbot]

This arrived for me ages ago it seems but when I got to unwrap, open and play with him on Christmas Day i was ecstatic! He's just so nice to transform, pose and play with. The first pm I could use the instructions once and feel confident transforming over and over again. Looks great with my new MP-10 too!

[BigTransformerTrev]

I really like this little guy. As far as I'm concerned he's the best looking G1 Bumblebee we've ever had and that goes for both his modes. :)

The transformation is good, the little details are all there, excellent posability - all top notch! :D

The only things I can say that I dont care for are the following - that he doesnt have bright pink inner seats like the G1 cartoon and that his extra face is just a smiley face - I was expecting a faceplate like the G1 toy.

Spike is pretty meh. It's cool we finally got a proper official exo-suit toy that transforms and everything, but like others I would have preferred themt o leave him out and just add some extra size to Bee.

But yeah, overall this is an awesome figure and definitely worthy of the title 'Masterpiece'.

[GoktimusPrime]

None of the MP Cars come w/ detailed insides; that's more of a Binaltech/Alternity thing. Also, the Amazon Japan and Asia exclusive versions of MP Bumblebee come with the toy-accurate alternate faceplate.

[Trent]

So, my wife,just noticed Spike in my display and this is what I got in a serious tone:

"Why is that guy wearing a condom on his head?"

:D

[CoRDS]

So, my wife,just noticed Spike in my display and this is what I got in a serious tone:

"Why is that guy wearing a condom on his head?"

:D

well? why is he?

[koolkollectibleskhai]

Here's my review of MP-21 Bumbebee. Got it so late since I ordered together with Ultra Magnus so got both in the one shipment!

Transformers Masterpiece MP-21 Bumblebee - YouTube (http://youtu.be/o9JsYOzN5mo)

These two show some of the great engineering in both the small and large size figures!

[drifand]

well? why is he?

So he could "censored" some decepticons.

[drifand]

IMO he is worth getting because of the approved licensing.
I think I might prefer the tiger track yellow on bee.
Not worth $99
$80 is pushing
$70 might be the right price. Then again the licensing might be the main cost.

[Sinnertwin]

i just left her in the box. just transformed & displayed Bee

[SMHFConvoy]

None of the MP Cars come w/ detailed insides; that's more of a Binaltech/Alternity thing. Also, the Amazon Japan and Asia exclusive versions of MP Bumblebee come with the toy-accurate alternate faceplate.

Speaking of Alternity, how does MP Bee scale with Alternity Cliff?

[BigTransformerTrev]

Speaking of Alternity, how does MP Bee scale with Alternity Cliff?

I've got both - Alternity Cliff is bigger but less well proportioned

[Thurmus]

Can someone advise on the safest way to change the faces on Bumblebee without taking off paint or damaging it?

I have no fingernails from chewing as a handicap.

[CBratron]

Can someone advise on the safest way to change the faces on Bumblebee without taking off paint or damaging it?

I have no fingernails from chewing as a handicap.

A sturdy edge made of wood or plastic like a credit card will do. If you're not worried about metal objects scratching paint a table knife works. You only need to start prying it off. Once you have the initial crack you can pull it off with your fingers.

[Thurmus]

Thanks mate. Will give the credit card a go.

[GoktimusPrime]

Otherwise, perhaps try carefully using a flat head miniature screwdriver.

[Thurmus]

Used my footy membership ticket and it worked a treat.

Thanks guys.

[KalEl]

Transformers Masterpiece MP-21 Bumblebee (Bumble)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQgwfX2eMqs

Wham Bam Thank you Takara! You just went a made old Bumblebee cool again!
This figure is the epitome of ‘good things come in small packages’. Excuse me while I gush, I love this figure. It’s engineered so well its right on topic and bumbles size makes him hard to put down. A intuitive transformation with some cool little trick like the top of the hood folding into the torso during transformation is fantastic.

Bumble has so few flaws, some have complained about the ‘hollow’ forearms from where the hand reside in alt mode. But this is nit picking at it rawest form, in my opinion its not that noticeable. The other issue is good old yellow paint and its inconsistency in application, that on top (pardon the pun) of being applied to different plastics. In pictures the colour difference was quite noticeable, but in hand it is much less egregious. There definitely are differences in hues but overall im happy with it.

Bumble comes with a few extra bits and pieces including a extra face plate (which is barely different to the other, a slight smirk), a spare wheel which can replace the small black licence plate on the rear. A small blue hand gun which will store between the front wheels in alt mode and if you picked of the Amazon or market exclusive versions, bumble came with a battle mask face plate and a Masterpiece collectors coin.
The biggest accessory is the inclusion of Spike in his exosuit or is it Daniel in his exosuit….. The debate continues, its FIBRIR/RIBFIR all over again. So we shall call him spaniel :P.
Spaniel is a great little inclusion but lacks some basic paint applications and a little articulation. That being said im happy he was included.

Bumblebees car mode is Very accurate to his real life car mode, even down the the single mirror on his left hand side. That being said, the car mode is not accurate to the show model. The animation showed bumble as a squat little bubble of a beetle opposed to the lengthier real life analogue. But overall who cares, because Bumblebees robot mode more than make up for this necessary oversight for lack of better words.

Bumble is a must have for any Transformers fan and transforming robot fan alike. I’ll be picking up any future repaints of this guy myself. If you see him for what you consider a good price, I highly recommend picking him up.

Full Gallery Here:
https://kalelreviews.wordpress.com/2015/01/25/transformers-masterpiece-mp-21-bumblebee-video-review-and-gallery/

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/KalElofKrypton87/Untitled-12_zpsc81730ec.jpg (http://s1271.photobucket.com/user/KalElofKrypton87/media/Untitled-12_zpsc81730ec.jpg.html)

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/KalElofKrypton87/Untitled-13_zps6641d7a1.jpg (http://s1271.photobucket.com/user/KalElofKrypton87/media/Untitled-13_zps6641d7a1.jpg.html)

http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj621/KalElofKrypton87/Untitled-1_zpsa1275346.jpg (http://s1271.photobucket.com/user/KalElofKrypton87/media/Untitled-1_zpsa1275346.jpg.html)

[GoktimusPrime]

A small blue hand gun which will store between the front wheels in alt mode and if you picked of the Amazon or market exclusive versions, bumble came with a battle mask face plate and a Masterpiece collectors coin.
Only the Asian market comes with the coin. The Amazon version just comes w/ the battle mask, no coin.


The biggest accessory is the inclusion of Spike in his exosuit or is it Daniel in his exosuit….. The debate continues, its FIBRIR/RIBFIR all over again. So we shall call him spaniel :P.
It's Spike. The instructions and box explicitly say Spike (admittedly I initially overlooked it :p).

[KalEl]

Only the Asian market comes with the coin. The Amazon version just comes w/ the battle mask, no coin.


It's Spike. The instructions and box explicitly say Spike (admittedly I initially overlooked it :p).

I specifically said both amazon and market exclusive (asian) to cover both..

The spaniel thing is a joke, I know the box says Spike.

[kjavis]

might have to pick one up if any TRU still have, thx for the review

[GoktimusPrime]

Pics of MP G2 Bumblebee

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_01_zpswotrnw57.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_02_zpsjrjpff1x.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_03_zpsxt2el34f.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_04_zpsjxeuxunz.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_05_zpsl2ubflka.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_06_zps4wacnda9.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_07_zpshsns69sj.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_08_zpswkefpgtz.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_09_zpsmbxxfqnz.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_09a_zpswyh6eax3.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_10_zpse156ybxk.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_11_zpsciir3wgv.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_12_zps2hiocgd6.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_13_zpsoadkdofy.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_14_zpss8kkordm.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_15_zpssecyce53.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_16_zpsijzri7cp.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_17_zpstvawry8b.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_18_zps11mjf9nj.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_19_zpsuvxzzubt.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Masterpiece%20Bumblebee/mp_bumbleg2_20_zpsysqd2txp.jpg

[UltimateGalvatron]

The G2 one looks better IMO

[millhouse]

Are the faction logos stickers or tampos, Gok?

[GoktimusPrime]

Are the faction logos stickers or tampos, Gok?
No, they're stickers. You can choose either G1 or G2 logos. I went with G2 but stuck a G1 one on the jet pack; )

[kurdt_the_goat]

http://i.imgur.com/atOqmTr.jpg

I hope they're paying attention to this for Ironhide - thanks to the silver paint, the difference is so pronounced it makes it look like a different sculpt - and about a thousand times better.

[GoktimusPrime]

The G2 one looks better IMO
When I remove my rose-tinted G1 bias glasses, I absolutely agree. :) But as a representation of the G1 character (which is a core appeal about the MP line for many collectors), I'd say that the original is better. But objectively speaking, looking at each toy on their own isolated merit as just toys, the G2 one does look nicer. My brain prefers G2, but my heart prefers G1. :p

I hope they're paying attention to this for Ironhide - thanks to the silver paint, the difference is so pronounced it makes it look like a different sculpt - and about a thousand times better.
Aaah, such is the difference between going for toy-accuracy vs show-accuracy. Both the G1 and G2 Bumblebee toys have silver faces, but of course, Sunbow gave Bumblebee a white face in the cartoon. :o Could be weirder... they could make a comic-accurate MP (http://www.suruga-ya.jp/database/pics/game/607016632.jpg) Bumblebee with a yellow face (http://www.tfarchive.com/toys/references/heads/images/bumblebee_marvel_tfu_profile.jpg)! :eek:

[GoktimusPrime]

Word of warning (http://otca.com.au/boards/showpost.php?p=482741&postcount=910) :o

[lancalot]

My G2 came today ..... wish the gold was more shiny or even chrome gold would of been better ....

https://scontent-lax1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11781875_736859789776279_3736007797634363230_n.jpg ?oh=761ed1b4b40094740127545bf3cf2fcc&oe=5645441B

[prjkt]

So my G2 Bee arrived yesterday, my excitement slightly soured by a cracked wheel, but otherwise very impressed with my first MP figure.

For something that's smaller than a lot of my other figures, to have this much detail, arriculation and engineering is pretty astonishing.

Quite happy with the tone and shininess of the paint job, going full G2 chrome would probably have been a little too over the top - there's just enough shiny to reflect the G2 origins, but not so much the paintjob is unrealistic.

Colour me (mostly) happy

[Winstor]

Looks the goods, just a shame im not a huge fan of his vehicle mode. Definitely will be getting but not before I get my MP11 set.

[philby]

just realised today while moving everything around that he can't hold any other MP guns :/

[prjkt]

Price of being a much smaller bot.

I've found most of the MPs I have won't hold others' weapons, handle might be similar, but the groove/post thickness is off a little (only tried with Hot Rod, Lambor and Tracks)

So to my eyes, while it seems to be the same type of grip system in use, each bot's weapons are designed for them alone.

[philby]

yeah i can kinda get that but he can't even hold any other guns, why not give him the often used 5mm hole or something? wouldn't that still fit? then you can mix and match a bit better.