Vietnam factory is known for paint issues; 26,28,30,36, 20+,and 45. The fact he's clear plastic Im not surprised people are getting some crappy paint jobs. I have a dab or two of overspray on his neck plate, but that's not really an issue. No paint chipping, though I am worrying about scratching it, as he's clear, faces fit, Joints are good, the ones that are looser seem looser by design honestly, the rotating hips and the first bend of the knee.

At this point the MP line isn't for everyone, works for me though .

They do need to do something about the Vietnam factory, not that China is that great, but when putting out completely painted figures, you can't have a factory where the paint job is a toss up. And then add in the whole sticky fingers thing, and yeah you have a problem.

 

At these prices, they should be making the MP line in Japan. I would totally support any "Made in Japan" MP.

 

Just got home, found mine at my front door, and opened it up.

So far, pre-transformation, everything looks pretty good to me. Inspecting Bee in car mode, I don't see a single paint blemish--no knicks, scratches or overspray. Looks insanely clean, actually. And all the accessories, including his alternate faces(mouth lines included), look perfect.

I'm about to transform him--is there a good video anyone would like to recommend?

 

Wotafa 

 

I should have known.   Thanks!

Will report back with the quality of mine in robot room in just a few.

 

MP-45 getting rid of MP-21.









Excuse me I dropped my arm....




What's in here?



Who knew MP-45 came with a toilet.






Bonus...a thread in the paint from Takara.



Spike is also a contortionist


Happy together....

 

Spike clinging to that roof made me laugh more than I should.

 

First transformation successful (at least I think I've got the backpack right, I watched Tonton's review and I think I'll watch Wotafa's next to see how he does it). His waist is extremely floppy--like, almost-feels-barely-attached floppy. Most other joints feel a bit loose, but they hold poses. The exception is the shoulders which are so tight I was afraid I would break them just trying to fold them down into the right position.

Neutral face doesn't push in all the way, as others have reported, but the happy and worried faces fit better. Holds his gun pretty securely. Not noticing any paint issues.

Initial impressions, he's a mixed bag. I'd really like the joints a bit tighter and that waist is ridiculously wobbly. I hope future releases fix the issues, because I really want red, blue and gold versions.

EDIT: Watched Wotafa's video. Yep, I didn't think that backpack looked quite right, Tonton had the bottom part folded out instead of in. Somewhat better now.

 

Just finished transforming, inspecting and messing with the posability. Happy to report my copy has tight joints all around, and no paint blemishes! Definitely dodged a bullet. After having to exchange my MP44(2nd one ended up being perfect), I was worried I’d have to go through that all over again. Relieved I don’t!



My thoughts:

1. He looks fantastic—another one of those “looks better in hand” kind of figures. The backpack and feet definitely looked too big in photos, but in person, I think they look extremely proportionate.
2. The engineering of the backpack is actually pretty incredible—not as “afterthought” as I had originally thought. It’s a shame it doesn’t click or tab into place, though—seems like it’d have been really easy for them to do that. Are we just missing something? But mine seems to be fine just pushed tight into his chest, so I guess its alright.
3. Only the face that’s on Bee right out of the package doesn’t slide in completely flush. The other 2 do it just fine. But that’s an easy fix.
4. He’s a bit overpriced. I really like it—and Takara did another amazing job at making it feel like a character stepped right out of the cartoon and into my hand. But given how small he is, as well as only getting a few accessories, Bee seems like he’s $20 too expensive(even after my Amazon Japan preorder price).
5. Can’t wait for Hound!

 

Got mine.

Paint is perfect no issues.

The look, funny I've no issues with it. He's a fun little figure that I paid under $100 bucks for so it's fine.

He's about a $60-70 dollar figure but he's fine. Like someone said, if you're inclined, wait for someone to perfect this figure.

 

The head can tilt back quite a bit...

 

Got mine today, I’m once again blown away by Amazon Japan and DHL. I paid for mine on Saturday and still got it today.

Now, on to my first impression of MP-45…



Vehicle mode: I’ll definitely need to fiddle with that and see if I can get him to fit together tighter. Mine had gaps as others have shown.

Transformation: wooaaaaah… that was an interesting one. A bit fiddly, a few interesting surprises (especially in the legs), but it all came together pretty well. The backpack could lock together more solidly, but I’m pleased with the way it all fits together when everything is in its proper place.

Robot mode: upon completion of transformation, I was a little unsure. I had to gain a sense of how all the parts were supposed to line up. There are so many little joints all over him that it takes some careful positioning to make sure he's all lined up. At first this was a bit bothersome, but the more I've handled him the more fun he's become. Especially when I was setting up the photos for this post.

Some are saying that the backpack needs to be unclipped in order to turn his waist, but this isn't true. His hip skirts and hip joints are set up in a way that allows the skirts to be tilted back, opening up space for the waist swivel. This can even be done while in a straight standing pose.



Yeah, the more I play with this guy the more I'm loving him. Very quick progression from lukewarm to fun and enjoyment. Issues that I had when I saw the first photos have melted away just as quickly - the engraved lines in his face, the back puzzle, and his windowheels have all become non-issues. While it takes a bit of adjustment to get him in a good pose, he's definitely the Bumblebee from my childhood and it's great to have him join my other MP Autobots. Welcome home, little buddy!



To close my brief initial review, here are a couple more photos. All in all, I'm pretty pleased with this one and hope that we see more minibots soon!

 

Yeah I got there in the end. I always had the problem of lining up the fuel tanks on the side panelling correctly.

Have to say, I love this Bee figure. It's one of those figures that make me like an excited little kid, knowing that he's at home on my desk waiting to be transformed again  

 

I can't believe Nippon Yassan have not shipped my Bumblebee yet, preparing my order since 11/22 ... and paid in July
Better Bee a flawless copy

 

Love these pictures. The face on yours looks perfect. Did you file the back of the face down or did yours fit perfectly like that out of the box? Also, did you know you can push the front bumpers down on the feet so that don't point up? They forgot to include that part in the instructions bizarrely.  

 

I can see a recreation of the scene in the 2007 film coming  

 

That is most likely a hair in the paint, not thread.

 

Nobody else find it strange how light he feels?
He feels delicate in a way because of this and weight, but he's only .1 grams less than 21. It'll be interesting if/when @Agent 539 does his parts count , I don't remember many screws.

 

If he is heavier than a model kit then no problem.for me. I dont need any diecast boogaloo

 

Clearly Sunstreaker and Bumblebee playing make believe on the Enterprise's holodeck