The Energon Pub

[huryochagi]

They forgot to flip his bonnet under his torso on the package. The figure's only real difference is the brown colored license plate.

[Wolfman Jake]

On the Hasbro version is the entire tail light section molded in translucent red plastic rather than the Takara Tomy version using clear plastic with tinted red "lights"? Looks that way on the comparison image where you can see the panel joint on the arm.

Good eye! Yes, you are indeed correct.

Interesting that it would be Hasbro to go the extra mile and make TWO different clear plastic sprues to get this effect. Although, Takara's execution does look a bit better. The painted red clear plastic is brighter, and it hides the non-yellow plastic better in the forearm assembly in robot mode, being clear instead of red, preserving the "animation accurate" look.

EDIT: It didn't hit me until I got home from work that Takara's MP Bumblebee has clear BLUE plastic windows, so there always were two different clear plastic sprues for the figure. Hasbro just swapped around which ones would be colored and what color. Still, I think Takara's execution in that regard was more on point, but Hasbro's take doesn't really detract from the figure much at all.

[OptimalOptimus2]

130$ Canadian for that boring ass hunk a junk!?!?! You can suck it Hasblo for trying to thieve that much money out of us Canucks for what boils down to a 40$ transformer. What a hustle....

Is Takara's official price much cheaper than Hasbro's?

Oh yes.
The SRP was $61 USD but it was available at Japanes retail at $46 USD.

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

In the US, this bee will cost $64.99 USD BUT for some reason in canada their official price (after conversion) is $92 USD. Which is madness.

It's probably that high since Hasbro knows that collectors will buy Masterpieces in the U.S. rather than order them online and pay a bunch of taxes just to get a figure overseas. I think, based on the knowledge of my small brain, this is a way to ease Bumblebee's access.Or to get more money off of a high quality toy.

[Sabrblade]

130$ Canadian for that boring ass hunk a junk!?!?! You can suck it Hasblo for trying to thieve that much money out of us Canucks for what boils down to a 40$ transformer. What a hustle....

Is Takara's official price much cheaper than Hasbro's?

Oh yes.
The SRP was $61 USD but it was available at Japanes retail at $46 USD.

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

In the US, this bee will cost $64.99 USD BUT for some reason in canada their official price (after conversion) is $92 USD. Which is madness.

It's probably that high since Hasbro knows that collectors will buy Masterpieces in the U.S. rather than order them online and pay a bunch of taxes just to get a figure overseas. I think, based on the knowledge of my small brain, this is a way to ease Bumblebee's access.Or to get more money off of a high quality toy.

Any collector willing to pay that much more money for a Hasbro release of this MP would have most likely just went ahead and bought the already-released Takara version beforehand.

[fenrir72]

130$ Canadian for that boring ass hunk a junk!?!?! You can suck it Hasblo for trying to thieve that much money out of us Canucks for what boils down to a 40$ transformer. What a hustle....

Is Takara's official price much cheaper than Hasbro's?

Oh yes.
The SRP was $61 USD but it was available at Japanes retail at $46 USD.

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

In the US, this bee will cost $64.99 USD BUT for some reason in canada their official price (after conversion) is $92 USD. Which is madness.

It's probably that high since Hasbro knows that collectors will buy Masterpieces in the U.S. rather than order them online and pay a bunch of taxes just to get a figure overseas. I think, based on the knowledge of my small brain, this is a way to ease Bumblebee's access.Or to get more money off of a high quality toy.

Any collector willing to pay that much more money for a Hasbro release of this MP would have most likely just went ahead and bought the already-released Takara version beforehand.

This.

It really boogles the mind on how Hasbro's suites come up with this pricing ranges.

[Sabrblade]

130$ Canadian for that boring ass hunk a junk!?!?! You can suck it Hasblo for trying to thieve that much money out of us Canucks for what boils down to a 40$ transformer. What a hustle....

Is Takara's official price much cheaper than Hasbro's?

Oh yes.
The SRP was $61 USD but it was available at Japanes retail at $46 USD.

http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail ... agecnt%3D1

In the US, this bee will cost $64.99 USD BUT for some reason in canada their official price (after conversion) is $92 USD. Which is madness.

It's probably that high since Hasbro knows that collectors will buy Masterpieces in the U.S. rather than order them online and pay a bunch of taxes just to get a figure overseas. I think, based on the knowledge of my small brain, this is a way to ease Bumblebee's access.Or to get more money off of a high quality toy.

Any collector willing to pay that much more money for a Hasbro release of this MP would have most likely just went ahead and bought the already-released Takara version beforehand.

This.

It really boogles the mind on how Hasbro's suites come up with this pricing ranges.

[Mr_Autobot411]

what a goddamn joke 125 bucks after tax. I got 2 takara with coin for 70

hasbro ur effing drunk, go home.

[william-james88]

While there were sightings of the newest Hasbro Masterpiece release, Bumblebee, at Toysrus in Canada, there were still no listings, stock images or any information from Hasbro about this release. The listing for this toy is finally up at Toysrus.ca along with some stock images. The item is unavailable to order online at the moment but you can check if your store carries it. If you want more images, be sure to check out our pictorial review which compares it with the Takara version.

Here is the product description along with stock images of this toy.

Transformers Masterpiece figures showcase the greatest Transformers characters in a high level of detail. This Masterpiece Bumblebee figure is inspired by the classic 1986 Transformers animated movie and depicts the Autobot scout in his G1 Volkswagen Beetle form. This ultra-premium, collectible figure is a must-have for any Transformers collection.

Before becoming a renowned warrior and trusted lieutenant to Optimus Prime, Bumblebee was a young scout, eager to prove himself in the eyes of his fellow Autobots. Despite his small stature, Bumblebee earned the respect and admiration of his comrades through acts of bravery that far exceeded his size. He was among the first Autobots to arrive on Earth and, thanks to his friendship with Spike Witwicky, played a crucial role in gaining humanity's trust.

This Masterpiece Bumblebee figure converts from robot mode to a licensed Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle vehicle mode. It comes with a converting Exosuit Spike Witwicky figure. Both are inspired by the classic 1986 Transformers animated film. The figure comes with 2 swappable faceplates (smiling and neutral), a blaster accessory, a removable spare tire cover, and an extra side mirror. MP-08.

[Emerje]

Bumper butt.



Emerje

[Bumblebee21]

Mistransformed backpack and crotch cover

[Bronzewolf]

Bumper butt.



Emerje

And a mistransformed Spikaniel. I would expect nothing less. Side note, isn't this kind of a big deal that we have an actual licensed Bee figure in North America? I feel like we're not appreciating this enough. Maybe miracles can happen.





-silently prays for an MP Jazz-

[Microraptor]

They mistransformed him on the package too.

[Doc bot]

Maybe Volkswagen insisted Bee show the VW logo somehow in robot mode? They've had a lot of bad press recently.

[Bridgemagnet]

Here is my Review of the Hasbro version if you haven't seen it.


I compare it to other yellow transformers also so you can see the contrast.
It is cheaper to get it imported, and you may even get the actual battle mask with it.

[KapikoArt]

Wow $120.00! TF source still has Takara versions for $69.99!.

[william-james88]

Wow $120.00! TF source still has Takara versions for $69.99!.

you are comparing 2 different currencies. That is 120$ canadien and 70$ US. Plus there is no shipping for TRU, but there is for TFSource. For a canadien, it comes out to the same price, which obviously sucks hard. Why would one be stuck paying import prices for a local item?!

[Va'al]

Thanks to fellow Seibertronian AzT, we have access to the official press release from retail chain Toys'R'Us and their plans for next week's massive pop culture and entertainment event in California: San Diego Comic Con 2016. According to the release, Bumblebee will take the Transformers spotlight in their convention exclusive releases, as the Masterpiece MP-08 Bumblebee with Spike and his Exosuit (you can see galleries of the Takara version here) will be on offer at the show first, and reach retail later in the year.

In addition, customers who acquire the Masterpiece figure at the event, will also receive a Funko Hikari Sofubi version of the yellow scout, with metallic paint on an 8-inch sized vinyl statuette. Check out official images and descriptions below!

Plane ticket and hotel booked? Check. Cosplay costume packed? Check. Panel and shopping list made? Double check.

As you can guess, this is no ordinary to do-list. It’s related to a very special time of year when comic-enthusiasts are glowing in anticipation – or maybe it’s just the reflection from their Star Wars lightsabers? That’s right, the biggest pop culture event in the world, Comic Convention in San Diego, is only two weeks away!

As most proud, self-proclaimed geeks – like me – know, this international annual convention is four full days packed with can't-miss panels, meet and greets, screenings, and seminars, plus thousands of comics, movie, and science fiction lovers in the most elaborate cosplay costumers ever.

While I sit here at my desk buzzing with anticipation, I can totally relate to the feeling Ray, Egon, Winston and Venkman had right before they crossed the streams for the first time to defeat the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man (#Ghostbusters #dontcrossthestreams). Who can’t wait to see endless lines of people waiting for a panel discussions with some of the best in the industry? This lady. Who can’t wait to trip over yet another white and flowy Princess Leia dress while waiting in the bathroom line? Yup, me again!

However, the one thing I truly am so excited for is to meet with my fellow die-hard collectors at the Entertainment Earth booth (#2343). You’ll find me there with the rest of the Toys“R”Us team and our lineup of exclusive figures, building sets and more – so call upon your inner Jedi (or Darth Vader, if that’s your thing), and stop by early to get first-dibs!

If you need me, I’ll be gazing at my collection and #fangirling until the convention starts, but to satiate fans’ appetites, we’ve included the full list of exclusive products that Toys“R”Us will have at the Entertainment Earth booth (#2343) and online at Toysrus.com/ComicConvention from Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24, below!

- Stephanie Bailey, Senior Buyer, Toys“R”Us

TRANSFORMERS Masterpiece Bumblebee from Hasbro®

This Masterpiece Bumblebee collectible figure is inspired by the classic 1980s TRANSFORMERS animated series and depicts the Autobot scout in his G1 Volkswagen Beetle form. Featuring a high level of detail, Masterpiece Bumblebee converts from robot mode to a licensed Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle vehicle mode and comes complete with a converting Exosuit Spike Witwicky figure, 2 swappable faceplates (smiling and neutral), a blaster accessory, a removable spare tire cover and an extra side mirror. This item will become available at Toys“R”Us stores later this year.

Hikari Sofubi: TRANSFORMERS Bumblebee Metallic from Funko

Everyone’s favorite Autobot is given the Japanese Hikari look with this limited edition collectible. Styled in a shiny paint deco of the character’s classic yellow and black colors, each 8-inch soft vinyl figure is individually numbered and comes in a window display box, making it the perfect addition to fans’ collections. This item will be available ONLY as a free gift with purchase of TRANSFORMERS Masterpiece Bumblebee Spike at the Comic Convention.

[cor2879]

Wait is this it for Transformers exclusives from SDCC this year? If so... wow. Can you say "meh"?

[william-james88]

Wait is this it for Transformers exclusives from SDCC this year? If so... wow. Can you say "meh"?

No, this is only the ones that TRU will also carry.

[cor2879]

Wait is this it for Transformers exclusives from SDCC this year? If so... wow. Can you say "meh"?

No, this is only the ones that TRU will also carry.

Ok... good

[william-james88]

Wait is this it for Transformers exclusives from SDCC this year? If so... wow. Can you say "meh"?

No, this is only the ones that TRU will also carry.

Ok... good

They already revealed the others before. You can look em up on the site, its Ttans Return Fort Max in a different deco and a box set of titans return figures.

[LegendaryAntiHero]

I've seen a picture of MP Bumblebee on TRU shelves on twitter. It's almost unbelievable how they are charging double Takara's price for Masterpiece Bumblebee

[Bronzewolf]

Seibertronians, it seems Hasbro has finally released their MP-08 Bumblebee to US markets! Yes, the day has finally come, and he's available in the US through the Toys R Us website, along with some of their other SDCC "Exclusive" toys! The included description is the same from the a Canadian release:

Transformers Masterpiece figures showcase the greatest Transformers characters in a high level of detail. This Masterpiece Bumblebee figure is inspired by the classic 1986 Transformers animated movie and depicts the Autobot scout in his G1 Volkswagen Beetle form. This ultra-premium, collectible figure is a must-have for any Transformers collection.

Before becoming a renowned warrior and trusted lieutenant to Optimus Prime, Bumblebee was a young scout, eager to prove himself in the eyes of his fellow Autobots. Despite his small stature, Bumblebee earned the respect and admiration of his comrades through acts of bravery that far exceeded his size. He was among the first Autobots to arrive on Earth and, thanks to his friendship with Spike Witwicky, played a crucial role in gaining humanity's trust.

This Masterpiece Bumblebee figure converts from robot mode to a licensed Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle vehicle mode. It comes with a converting Exosuit Spike Witwicky figure. Both are inspired by the classic 1986 Transformers animated film. The figure comes with 2 swappable faceplates (smiling and neutral), a blaster accessory, a removable spare tire cover, and an extra side mirror. MP-08.

Product Features:
Masterpiece Edition G1 Bumblebee figure

Inspired by the 1986 Transformers animated movie

Converts to a licensed Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle vehicle mode

Comes with a converting Exosuit Spike Witwicky figure

Includes 2 swappable faceplates and a blaster accessory

Action figure scale: 6 inches

Do you own the Takara version of this figure? How do you think it compares? What's your thought on the higher price? Let us know in the comments, and, as always, keep your optics and audio sensors tuned to Seibertron.com for the latest and greatest Transformers news on the net!

[william-james88]

We knew Hasbro's Transformers Masterpiece MP-08 Bumblebee was coming to Toysrus (at least online), but we weren't sure exactly when we could find it in stores, if ever. It turns out to be in stores right now.
Transformers fan Scott found Masterpiece Bumblebee at Toysrus in Holbrook Long Island New York for $ 64.99 and took images as proof. Will any of you be picking it up? Let us know!

[boyatlarge]

One of my favorite pieces of the engineering of this figure is how the remaining hood piece that does not form his feet folds up and goes into his body portion. I find it odd that this was not done for the photography for the box art.