LEGO Icons Transformers Bumblebee 10338 review! A tough subject & I don't envy the designers
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
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I don't envy LEGO in trying to figure out how to create a transformer that actually transforms and looks good at the same time. While it looks too blocky to me, I'm very impressed by how they designed the model
agree and really want more of these. Heck this one is even at a fair price
Nah this looks and transforms better than most Hasbro Bumblebees lol
Of course the fact that it’s basically a statue from the waste down helps, but they did an admirable job with this model.
The legs are too long too me but yess. Lego did a good job. I'm sure it could have bin better but the transformation design/build is a bit tricky in lego especially with a charecter like Bumblebee and his g1 alt mode. G1 Bumblebee and Clkffjumper along with manny uther smaller transformers would be tricky to pull off with lego. Soundwave's caset partners are a pretty basic design and a simple transformation but small vehicles would be dificult to sise acuracy. A good build nonetheless.
Bumblebee was a massive step in difficulty from Prime.
I honestly expected a Decepticon next, and someone like Soundwave would be far easier to design.
And if he is designed to have an opening cassette bay, and also to have some Tape transformers, imagine all the fan project minitape transformers that could be designed?
I hope we get Soundwave, but between his opening chest and how his legs need to fold in multiple places, he might actually be pretty hard to make within Lego's limits.
It's interesting how many different generations of Transformers this Bee evokes compared to the Prime. The wheel wells on the shoulders look very Animated, the wings being a Bayformers nod, the Goldbug (upgraded Bee) license plate, the 80s aesthetic, there's a lot to love here
this transformation is a stoke of genius. I don't really like the Bumblebee, or the car design but the transformation capability blows my mind and the designers really should get all the praise they can get for getting this done on this scale and part count
Commander class Transformers size up to this for the same price point
PS. The videos are never too long. Continue to do you. It's the best formula for everyone
There have been a lot of transforming Lego Bumblebees on CZcams over the years, I think the more difficult part was making him follow Lego’s strict guidelines. It cannot have been easy to make him that sturdy and functional.
Okay, now in true transformers fashion, do a red repaint for Cliffjumper
I think this is interesting to compare to the two major Hasbro/Takara G1 Bumblebees releasing this year. One is the Studio Series 86 Deluxe Bumblebee, at $25, replicating the G1 Bumblebee animation model and its chibi-ified alt mode as closely as they can without getting a liscense, and Missing Link Bumblebee, a 1:1 remake in scale, appearance, and die cast content as the G1 Bumblebee toy, just with a full modern suite of engineering. For $40. Obviously both outstrip the articulation and arguably aesthetics of this Bumblebee but, notably, they are both much smaller, obviously the Missing Link figure in particular has much more of a sheer novelty tax to its pricepoint than can be said for the Lego Bumblebee, and the SS86 one will be small for its pricepoint in comparison to other $25 Transformers because, notably, Bumblebee is small. The engineering feats for all three figures, the Hasbro/Takara figures and this one, are definitely notable, but after watching this review this one I think actually has the best value proposition- due to not being just a $90 figure, but a figure that can be broken down into $90 worth of Lego to modify and rework as the buyer wants, while the other two have only the distinction of being relatively impressive figures for the goals they set out to achieve that can only ever be (bee?) just that
As someone else stated though, the $90 Commander Class Transformers, especially the relatively recent Magmatron and Armada Optimus Prime, are some of the highest landmarks of Transformers articulation and engineering at a comparable physical size to this Bumblebee, each having multiple different options for their transformations rather than just the singular alt mode of most of their contemporaries. (Certain Commander Class figures will have a singular alt mode but aim for the highest echelon of engineering for a mass retail product of their price). That said, it's worth ceding that this isn't an argument for Transformers value being good- I think the Missing Link and SS86 Bumblebees are proof that isn't necessarily the case, moreso an argument that Commander Class is doing the minimum necessary extra work to be an exceptional example of what flagship pricepoint Transformers can and should be
i used to work for Hasbro back in the day (can i use back in the day for 2006?) as a 3d artist creating the 3d models that would then be used to create the actual toys, i can tell you now trying to create the models for the toys on the computer for plastic models was extremely hard and in that medium we can create and shape, joints etc, so i can only imagine how much harder it was for Lego to try and do these out of blocks, making it fun to build, be sturdy and look good
Although I don't think Lego Bumblebee is better than Lego Optimus Prime, I think set's engineering is a significant step up from Lego Prime. Lego Optimus Prime transforms nicely, but nothing really tabs together or locks satisfyingly; it all sits into place. Bumblebee's transformation is not only more elaborate, but it's handled with more grace, everything fits together perfectly, and snaps in place. I'd even go as far to say that despite it's flaws, the car mode is more convincing than Lego Prime's truck mode BECAUSE of it's solidity. I overall think Lego did a really good job with it. Only thing I don't really like is the windshield popping off. Compared to the rest of the transformation, it just feels lazy to me.
Also, Jang, props to you for always doing research, I think you're the only Lego reviewer to mention Bumble's origin as a transforming penny racer and his ties to Diaclone. Also, it be cool if you to took a look at some of Mould King's brick-built transformers, which they collaborate with Alan Yap to produce, and more intricate.
I hope Lego comes out with Soundwave for the next release.
@@Qoonutz likely Megatron I’d think
@@jumpgeckoLego won’t ever do a gun *or* a tank, so Megatron may not be a viable option, unfortunately
Soundwave is the next best thing (plus, his alt. mode is basically a brick, so it shouldn’t be too difficult)
Soundwave feels like he'd actually be more challenging, given the constraints of Lego structurally. The cassette gimmick (which Lego would definitely keep intact) would prove troublesome.
@@Cheri_Blast Lego has made exceptions in the past and I feel like megatron would fit into that exception.
They will not make a gun or a tank. No exceptions. Pigs will fly before they make G1 megatron
You are truly the best lego reviewer on youtube imo. Thank you so much for always being real and honest, it means so much and your reviews always genuinely help me make purchasing decisions, something the sponsored reviews just can't do for me
Just to be honest just over a week ago I was diagnosed with autism. I turn 64 this year. I wanted to say that because I do like this build but somehow it does my head in and that is how my way of thinking is. Next to Optimus it really comes alive. This must have taken some work to design it and well done Jang for your honest review and that is why I am a long term viewer. Nobody else reviews like you do.👍🇦🇺☮️
I was 32 when I got my diagnosis, good luck to you from here on out :) Are you planning on getting the set? For toys I usually gravitate towards the sidekicks. I had the Bumblebee G1 figure, but not Optimus (that was more my brother's thing). Same for LEGO!
@@hiltwo I bought bee day 1 after being excited by the rumours. I really like the optimus build (think it is head and shoulders above bee). I was dissapointed seeing the leaks and reveal of the set but I will say it is much better in person, especially the car mode! I wouldn't be buying the bee if i hadn't had the prime beforehand though. I think they pair really nicely but prime is the better of the two and well worth the additional price.
Jang, never worry about being wordy. I appreciate your integrity and your ability to articulate your honest opinions.
Barad Dur fits your back display perfectly.
I always stick around to the end of the videos because I love you for the details, the nitty gritty! Adjust your content as you need, but celebrate the niche you have carved and what makes you special. You have my utmost respect for maintaining integrity as an independent creator. Thanks Jang
Thank you for being real. Your opinions are from a genuine review by a Lego fanatic. Thanks Jang!
The fact that they figured out the transformation nullifies any criticism for me. It adds so much to the value.
I would like to see a red recolour of this
Your videos are outstanding and completely unique in terms of honesty and fairness. I appreciate that you resist sponsorship and I specifically come here for all of those reasons. You also speak well and have intelligent insights. I enjoy the longer and more indepth videos and I truly hope that you don't feel the need to change the format of your channel!! I find it indispensable as I try to balance financial responsibility with my Lego obsession 😅
It's a tough task for sure. Even amongst Hasbro Transformer collectors, the space is often devided and very critical of certain aspects(scale, aesthetics, articulation, price, etc). Adding a LEGO element to that, which has to pass the rigors of being buildable, structural sound, and enjoyable....it adds a whole other dimension of challenge to please. Saying that, I almost think they tried to do too much with this set, and inevitably will displease more. The old saying of less is more. Smaller scale/price perhaps? If the decision to incorporate parts forming, then just embrace it and pull off a better robot mode.
@@shawnp4155 I really like both Transformers Lego sets, but I agree with wanting smaller, simpler sets of these. I want a buildable, transformable action figure more than I want a large transforming Lego statue.
It was my dream as a kid to have transformers made of Lego. I used to try and make my own from spare bricks and now 40 years later Lego are doing it for real.
I LOVE the thumbnail with the face looking at us. !excellent
Thank you so much for showing the side by side of !Prime as well 😅
I always watch your reviews BECAUSE you always go in-depth and are so honest with your viewers. Even with the problems, this is one of my favorite sets so far this year (I know Cole's Mech will blow it out of the water I'm just having to wait for the delayed release). I love Transformers, but never really collected the premium figures as an adult. For specifically a display piece only, I love this set, and I hope it performs well enough to get us another set, like Soundwave or maybe even G2 Megatron with his tank form.
My optimus prime right arm has gotten loose after some time also. I pose him in a way that he points his gun up in the air but now i just let it fall down.
I attached a clear 12L Bar (part 42445) to Optimus’ belt so the arm had something to rest on once the arm joint gave out.
First off - always, *always* enjoy your in-depth reviews. Even if I have no interest in a set, I love seeing your analysis. I've even changed my mind about a set after watching your reviews. There is nothing like this on CZcams and it's why I will always appreciate and watch [at 1 speed!] your entire videos. Please do not apologize for long videos - your quality videos more than make up for the sheer number of reviews you could be doing [eg: I prefer quality over quantity and you being able to enjoy this kind of work rather than forcing yourself to review all 90 of the June 1st wave of lego!]
As someone who is old enough to remember the Transformers cartoon [and loved it back in the day!], I honestly never liked the toy of Bumblebee as it seemed sooooo bad when compared to other sets, so it's only fair I am quite meh about this set too. I am in awe of the designer for sure - having Optimus Prime and the Voltron Ideas set, I very much appreciate the transformation feature and how hard it is to do with Lego. But this is a set I won't be buying as neither form looks good to me - just like the original toy!
On a sidenote, I have the original Skyfire [aka Jetfire] from 1985 which towers over the original Optimus Prime [both G1]. I sold my G1 Transformers long ago or gave them away, but kept Skyfire as it's a Macross / Robotic Veritech fighter which I love. If Lego did one of those, it would have to really be a mess for me not to instantly purchase it, as I have huge good vibes for that toy/model. I've not followed any Transformers TV or movies since the original cartoon [I think I saw part of a Transformer movie trailer - the Michael Bay ones - not my thing but I know they have their fans], so I don't know if Skyfire/Jetfire is still part of the crew and something TLG would make into a set, but I would love it if they did. Though since the mold was stolen from Macross, I am curious if they'd need permission from someone other than Hasbro to make it.
Again, thank you for these videos. They are valuable, entertaining, and informative, and I appreciate them [and you] so much, Jang.
always always appreciate your views and reviews, and best of luck trying to be chill and clickable
Great review of this set. I did get a lot out of this video. Thank you for taking time to do this for us.
When people described the build as looking off and complained about it, I was like "Well yeah, but the original toy was like that too. So it is accurate in that sense" So despite that, I plan to get it later this month or early August
great review Jang i think lego did the best they could with this
Transformation is impressive but where this guy will spend most of his time is on the shelf. I didnt expect them to do otherwise, but honestly Id prefer the live action version… it would be a far more interesting build and is the more iconic version of the character in pop culture (unlike some other characters in franchise).
Soundwave wouldve been a better choice for the G1 line imo.
A slight correction Jang. Commander class Transformers are $90 and are this size or slightly bigger and are significantly more complex and articulated. Commander class Jetfire from a few years ago is a perfect example. Also, if you want a Bumblebee this size or bigger with just as little articulation and simple transformation, there are toys that are half this price and have interactive gimmicks.
Excellent job Jang!! Always appreciate your reviews, puts things into perspective really well.
You don’t have to apologize for giving your opinion. People watch your content specifically because they value your opinion so don’t worry about it! You were very fair in your review as always!
Right on the money with this video length, the amount of talking and all.
We appreciate your stuff being you, that's what makes it better than the rest.
honestly, before spending the $90 on this, I would buy ThreeZero's MDLX figure of him. half the cost (I think), yes it doesn't transform, but very articulated, very stable, and has die-cast and a lot of detail because Threezero are extra like that. Honestly I hope they do someone like Soundwave that would have a much easier design to transfer into lego (they could probably do Starscream decently, but wouldn't because of military plane, same reason they won't do Megatron)
YES! Finally a LEGO BUMBLEBEE!! I'm so happy that Lego made Bumblebee set. I think the build might be a bit bulky and unbalanced but as long as it can transform I'm actually fine with it!
Thank you for reviewing Bumble Bee!
loved the transformation section! Thank you!
I guess we'll get soundwave next as Megs and Starscream are a no, really bummed about the parts forming thats sad, proportions are a perfect mix between the G1 cartoon and toy though 😊👍
The Optimus Prime was phenomenal, Bumblebee not quite as much but it’s still impressive how LEGO pulled this off. The head is amazing and a great G1 homage.
Fortunately for me I would be buying this for the robot form, so the VW issue doesn't get to me too much. And as I had the original, long black legs are kind of a fun callback. Some shaping would have been nice. But looks good as an unstable robot. Appreciate the real time transformation.
Lego, please give us Grimlock, Soundwave and Jazz!
14:15, so would you say it's not "more than meets the eye?!" 🤔🧐
Thank you for making this a longer review. I feel like this line is aimed more at our demographic 35-50ish for people who grew up with or remember G1. This has been one of the most in depth reviews I’ve seen and I really appreciate that
As someone who watches a lot of Transformers reviews and Lego reviews, I've found it fascinating to see both sides handling the unfamiliar other side. It's kinda nice tbh. Excellent transformation sequence Jang, awkward to film but you make it look easy!
Heyyy I just finished Yolopark’s Shockwave kit a few weeks ago! Cool to hear them get a shoutout, it was a great building/painting experience!
i think the design is fine, but i wish it was a lot smaller to be more in scale with Optimus (i think maybe around the Speed Champions size would be good)). still kinda on the fence, but might get it if i find it at a nice price
Great review as always Jang.
I personally like long videos but I know I’m the odd one out. Thanks for the videos they are very informative.
I like that the transformation is a more ambitious than Optimus, and it's very satisfying to get it into alt mode. I was surprised that this set actually looks worse in person. Just the proportions in robot mode feel all wrong to me. Those stubby arms, long toothpick legs, and high shoulders are a killer for me. If you bend the arms it almost looks like he doesn't even have arms, putting the full spotlight on those legs.
I'm really hoping that if this collaboration continues we get a Soundwave next. I feel like LEGO could really knock that one out of the park
keep going jang, stick to how you want to review because it always come across the best.
Love the honest reviews jang, keep being wordy and windy👍
I actually really like this. I'll probably display it in car mode, and when someone brings it up I'll surprise them by transforming it. I felt Prime looked just decent in both modes, but I think Bee looks just decent in robot mode, but pretty good in car mode
I always love when you start talking about stuff I’ve never heard of, cuz I know you’re enthusiastic about it and that’s always a treat! I just smile and nod and say, “well of course!” 😅
In Japan, often toy manufacturers don't need a license to make toys of a particular car model, so Bumblebee and the other Transformers never needed approval from vehicle manufacturers. In the USA, they got away with it until recent years.
The car mode is growing on me. I started to like it a lot.
Good review. It just occurred to me, a key insight into whether I would consider buying any new Lego set that is reviewed by JANG is whether you plan on keeping hold of that set after the review is complete.
I think this is pretty good all things considered. They focused on the right thing, making it sturdy and fun to transform. Sure, on CZcams you can find plenty of people who have made their own lego transformers and they are amazing, and super accurate despite being lego, but they also tend to be fragile which wouldn't fly with the general public.
this was a great review, and tbh I'd rather the review be even longer if it means we get to hear all your thoughts about the set
I think for what its trying to replicate it dose the job well not only recreating the deformed vw beetle but also the robot bumblebee form.
Like jang said if you take a look back at the original G1 this is a very compelling mode especially considering the limitations.
Whats not like. Nice review jang
14:20- you could say that there is more than meets the eye 😂
Now Optimus Convoy Prime has an ally to fight alongside with!
Excellent video! I really appreciated the little inset pictures. Thanks also for keeping it real!
Great video 😊
Amazing review and really interesting to hear your opinions from the other side! I've been a Transformers person for a few years now and I was really curious to hear your opinion on it.
And if I may add something, specifically about your point on the value of Transformers. I've handled both mainline and 3rd party and honestly, there's a lot of value in mainline. The prices can be steep but most of the time it's high quality. Ever since SIEGE every figure has had a specific set of joints to be incredibly articulated. The size may be smaller but the engineering is what's eating at the price tag. Because like Lego, Hasbro also has guidelines for the toys so they have to follow those as well which can end up to some restrictions. I hope I just came off as informative cause I love your stuff and thought your take on the Transformers world was interesting and I merely wanted to provide a counterpoint!
Great video. Always enjoy seeing hearing your thoughts. I grew up with Transformers in the 80s. Still want to get myself an Optimus Prime Lego set. I actually just picked a Furai plastic model kit of Optimus. I’m looking for to making that. If I do get Lego Optimus, I’d like to MOC up an Ultra Magnus body to put Optimus in. They both had the same truck body type.
I know they didn’t get the VW license,but this too me looks more like a Legends race car than a bug.fine with me but that’s what I see more when I look at this.
Robot mode looks pretty decent. Car mode looks like a C-model from a 3-in-1 creator set. But the Beetle is an awfully curvy object to emulate in an orthogonal system, even without the need for it to also be a robot.
It’s impressive as a Lego product, but as a transformers fan engineering has just progressed so much that it’s just not that appealing.
I find myself liking Lego when it does stuff other product lines generally don’t do.
Interesting fact here that I found out this was designed by a person who mainly designs lego sets and the Optimus Prime was designed by a man who worked at Hasbro. The Prime was designed to be an action figure while this was made to be more of a display set hope this helps with some thoughts people might have on this I personally think its ok and I'll be picking this up to go with my Prime
And now give us M.A.S.K. in minifigure scale 😁.
14:14 So you're telling me there's not more than meets the eye?
Short or long, love the vid'z keep it up!!!😊
I'll wait for the cliffjumper repaint 😂
Volume of stuff wise, it’s pretty similar to transformers actually. For around the same price, you can get a commander class figure, which is the same height or taller than this. Commander classes also have a lot more complex transformations and infinitely better poseability. Comparing the final product here with a more recent commander like magmatron, I would definitely recommend buying an actual transformer over this. There’s just more to do with an actual transformer
So what you’re saying is that “there is not more than meets the eye” here with this set? Love your reviews. Thank you.
I think I'm one of the few people that likes and will display it in car mode :) It's not perfect, but I can't help but like it. Definitely getting. Was looking forward to your review on it, thanks! :)
Interesting, my Optimus Prime can’t hold his gun with his elbow bent at all as it just falls back down, can’t imagine how bad it might end up getting.
My Optimus stays single. Das Ding sieht einfach nur albern aus, sowohl als Roboter als auch als "Auto".
thanks jang!
"Autobots... Transform and roll out!" Loving this line, very nostalgic and brings back great memories. Thank you Jang fir this video.
I bought Prime just because it was Prime in LEGO form. I’ve never transformed him just because it looked “dangerous “. Don’t have strong feelings towards Bee, may pick him up on sale but would only display him in robot mode.
This actually has me thinking, I get these sets like Optimus prime is apart of their icon series and is supposed to be a “collectors item”. But it makes me wonder if it possibly for Lego to get the transformers licenses in the near future. Think about the future movies and the potential sets or characters that could come out. Lego already sells well with kids I don’t see why not it wouldn’t do well
Hopefully they do megatron next
Universes clash! Again! Lego and Transformers are great franchises, but they don't always work well together, this Lego Bumblebee is very nice for what it is, it's far from perfect but it's as good as it can get at that scale. Optimus Prime is certainly amazing in Lego form, now I am curious if they will ever tackle a Decepticon one day, one of the Seekers perhaps?
Soundwave, Lego...I'm already seeing those blue, silver, yellow and the cassette window panel...
Honestly my biggest problem with this and many other Bumblebee toys is that it tries too hard to look like a Volkswagen Beetle when the actual cartoon war looks very different with its design and proportions.
I know they had to do Bumblebee second but I hope Soundwave comes out next if they continue the line, seems like a better fit with how blocky the transformation is.
it looks good for what it is but if they had to remove articulation from the legs i wish they at least found a way to keep the feet flat on the ground... the legs looks so awkward
I was really hoping they'd do a decepticon. Maybe Soundwave or Starscream since G1 Megatron shrinks and turns into handgun.
14:12 beware that there's not much more than meets the eye
I’m sold!!! Now I just need the Decepticons..
As much as I loved the original transformers ... Bee was never in my top characters. This definitely looks good enough to capture all the original vibe and the differences between variants. But yea, it's not working for me either.
FYI your reviews are the only ones I still watch. The hyper-produced LAN member reviews feel like shilling, while these are genuine and honestly address the shortcomings. When I'm considering parting with my money that's very important to consider too. Please just keep doing what you're doing, it's great.
Thank you for another fabulous review! And I do have to disagree with you on one thing... you do not need to speed up or decrease your words. I've been watching you for years, and that is one of the main reasons I have repeat viewings.
This doesn't quite grab me like Optimus does, and I want to get that hundred dollar Cole mech so I'll sit this one out. I would definitely get a Soundwave though--he literally transforms into a box so Lego's the perfect medium for him. I just hope they find a nice way to handle the cassette tape minicons.
I think it looks perfect.
Great review Jang..!!!
Thanks always 😊
For me... this is an easy miss. In fact, its very disappointing.
The robot mode sucks, and the car mode is even worse.
Soundwave!?! Please can we get soundwave. Can you get a cooler looking transformer?! And it's blocky in both forms, so will be one of the easiest designs too. It will translate brilliantly.
As always, your reviews sway my buying decisions so much. First leaked pics, the sets looked bad, official release, it started looking better. But was always on the fence. Wanted to like this set so badly, but things kept putting me off. Your review is spot on. It's not a bad set, LEGO did well considering what their end goal was, but it isn't great.
First time commenting. I like verbose Jang. Keep talkin. Although, maybe that's because I'm twice the age of most Lego peeps. We old, but we out here. ;) And Lego knows it; things like Transformers & Pac-Man were made for GenXers.