I’m surprised that this figure has been out for a few months and no review page. So I guess I’ll just make one. 1. I wasn’t planning on buying this figure ever. I have MP-21 and I was fine with him. 2. I’m surprised that I grew to like him so much and I’m surprised to find him better than MP-21 But yes he has some ugly parts. He is also a hard pill to swallow at $120. But he is surprisingly fun and has a lot of character. His colors and proportions are better than MP-21 plus he is way more articulated. Transformation is intricate but not frustrating but everything doesn’t fit perfectly in place in car mode. I really enjoy the leg transformation, I don’t know why. Vehicle mode is super cute. I really enjoy the cartoon style. But the Spike gimmick hurts the figure. I’m never going to display Bee that way or plan to do the gimmick. One thing I dislike but this goes with MP as a whole is the clear parts. Clear plastic is super fragile over time and this figure mostly consists of it. I’ve been collecting 3P legends class figures and I grew to like the painted windows. This figure isn’t going to be for everyone but I would recommend it to those who need everything MP or want something super cartoon accurate. On a side note I find Newage’s Bumblebee to be a strange fusion of MP-21 and MP-45.
I am impressed at how the vehicle mode looks smaller but he transforms into a larger robot. Watching video reviews and seeing the transformation is making me consider picking this up if only he wasn't so expensive.
Don't be impressed, it is the magic of the paneling. In order to be more show accurate, the Masterpiece line is using the paneling technique, creating figures that are closer to model kits than Transformers. They are known as Panelformers. Panelformers are weaker and tend to break because of several panels are not able to withstand the stresses. In this situation, a complex transformation increases the chances of breaking, particularly with current cheap plastic. It is an issue in the design and in the end the expensive Panelformers, that should be focused in the concept of transform from robot to vehicle and back again, gets stuck in just one mode due to the fear of breaking such an expensive toy.
Yeah, that seems to be the case with all the new MP figures lately. I think my favourite are still the Lambo Bros because they look good in both modes and the transformation is so simple and fun.
Good job starting a review thread for this release, @bignick1693 ! I'm hoping I don't come across as a prick, but I have to disagree with you on a few points and correct you on the back transformation. I do agree that his colors, articulation, proportions, and character/personality are a definite improvement over MP-21. I also find his transformation fun and satisfying on the level of the vans, Ultra Magnus, Sideswipe, and even MP-21. I was a bit underwhelmed with this figure for the first day or two until I got the hang of the transformation on the third go around and after I figured out how to correctly transform the backpack (with the help of fellow board members). Now he's my second favorite figure of the year (with MP-44 taking the top spot)! As far as the backpack goes, I didn't find the instructions clear (I'm sure they're fine but I don't know Japanese). When the backpack's transformed correctly it compresses and locks together nice and firm. Incorrect: The rod is not extended and the hinge is not fully bent Correct: The rod is fully extended and bent on the hinge so that it's nearly parallel with the windshield. Should look like this. Locks nice and tight and the only piece that really moves is the hood flap on the lower back. Hope this helps! A few points of disagreement, though... - The heels are indeed ugly but they are a result of TT's trend of wanting to keep alt mode doors clean and functional, not necessarily because of the Spike seating ability. Think of Sunstreaker's clean/opening doors, 44 Optimus' clean/opening doors, or Hound's clean/hood (which is why his head/cannon are on an armature). - 45 Bumblebee does have a lot of clear plastic but it's been widely received as very durable. I haven't seen anyone break or crack any of the clear parts yet, even fans who got leaked early copies months before the rest of us. - This release was definitely overpriced, I believe TT gouged us on this one. He should've been $20 cheaper at least or come with more accessories. However he was available for far less than $120 at places like Amazon Japan (I believe mine came to $87 shipped), which cut his price down even further just a couple weeks ago. Again, this figure's not perfect (the heels, the limited waist rotation, and the overpriced MSRP) but I do love it! Captures the Sunbow produced/Toei animated/Gilvezan voiced G1 Bumblebee so perfectly and he's just a blast to pose and transform.
Bumblebee's articulation makes him really customizeable with adjustable double hinged ankles, a neck extension, and double jointed knees that can be adjusted to close knee gaps when bending. Turnarounds
I love the opening doors and seating ability. So poseable! Able to pull off a great kneeling pose and one legged run. Incredibly expressive.
How is MP-45 any more of a "panelformer" than MP-12 (legs are mostly composed of panels, forearms are panels, window panels fold up into backpack) or even MP-21 (door panels wrap around feet, rear light panels hang on forearms, rear bumper panel folds into backpack, hood panel folds into belly). It's an inappropriate and misguided criticism of 45 that's more suited for 44 and 47's legs.
You have to remember half the people commenting on stuff don't even own it themselves. It's why you get all these misconceptions that anybody who actually has this stuff would know better. My favorite was theres the same amount of paint on newer Mps as the Hasui ones.
Great point as usual, King Jack! And yes, like other current MPs he’s almost entirely painted including the greys. I wish the fans who feel current MPs are too fragile, take too long to transform, and are no fun would check this release out.
Oh, I guess I wasn't too clear, I was more thinking more of how the complexity has increased and thus results in what appear to be more fragile figures. It's true I don't own the new MP 44, 45 and 47 figures so I can't speak from experience and it's likely that those that have experienced problems might be a vocal minority that doesn't fully represent the overall quality of the figures. I was just trying to say how I liked the simplicity of the MP12 figures and how it looks good in both modes (though that was before they took the line in this new direction).
Sadly most people wont get pass the feet and backpack and complain how MPs aren't fun to transform anymore. Honestly, you could find an aspect you don't like on any MP if you wanted to, which is funny because most of the ones people find flaws with and go ugh, I actually like( Ironhide,HotRod,Tracks, and Bee V2) Maybe because I don't expect every MP to be "perfect". Not every MP is not going to have a clean as a design as another, some transformations will be more involved then others, which actually makes sense, since the robot and alt modes vary figure to figure.
Ah I see. Tbh 45 did have some qc problems with paint (one of my copies is great and the other looks like it was painted by a child in a dirty parking lot) but I definitely wouldn't call it fragile (I don't recall seeing anyone have breakages with 45). I would argue that 45 is as fun and quick to change as the figures from 5+ years ago and looks great in both modes but with the added benefit of near complete paint coverage, more articulation, and more cartoon accuracy (and more G1 toy accuracy since it was yellow and chibified, too). Right on - compromise has been the name of the game with Transformers before they were even branded as Transformers And they do indeed all have compromises and those compromises often get overlooked over time as fans get used to them and our glasses become more rose tinted. As far as compromises and Bumblebee goes, I really think 45's only steps back from 21 are the heels, waist articulation, and accessories/price. Everything else - deco, character model accuracy, poseability/personality/expressiveness, paint coverage, gappiness, gimmicks, and alt mode - has been improved.
My fave is Wheeljack. I’ve parted with most of my others. Even entertaining getting rid of MP-10 / YotH Optimus. Ain’t gonna part with Wheeljack.
