The Energon Pub

[Agamemnon]

Hey, I found that Target Exclusive Bumblebee with TR "Cassettes" at Target in Brooklyn Park MN!

They are in the wild!

[Emerje]

I still don't know why Hasbro decided to release Buzzsaw again in this "cassette multipack." They could have released anything else for that mold, honestly. Garboil would have fit the "blue" theme of Frenzy and Howlback, at least. Plus, Howlback and Garboil were packed together originally. If that's too much blue, there's always Sundor too. Yes, he's labeled as an Autobot, but he's also (sometimes?) a Decepticon double agent.

I think it's not just because of all the blue in the box, but also because Buzzsaw has two fairly distinct color schemes (if you ignore RIBFIR) between yellow and gold so I guess it was their best shot.

Emerje

[Jelze Bunnycat]

I still don't know why Hasbro decided to release Buzzsaw again in this "cassette multipack." They could have released anything else for that mold, honestly. Garboil would have fit the "blue" theme of Frenzy and Howlback, at least. Plus, Howlback and Garboil were packed together originally. If that's too much blue, there's always Sundor too. Yes, he's labeled as an Autobot, but he's also (sometimes?) a Decepticon double agent.

I think it's not just because of all the blue in the box, but also because Buzzsaw has two fairly distinct color schemes (if you ignore RIBFIR) between yellow and gold so I guess it was their best shot.

Emerje

Sundor/Sunder would have stuck out like a sore thumb in that (neon) orange, really. Gold is closer to Bumblebee's yellow so in the end you'd end up with a fairly dual-color set.

[Seibertron]

In addition to MPM-7 Bumblebee being available at various sponsors like HLJ.com, we now know this product is also available for pre-order at Amazon.com. Thank you to fellow Transformers fan, DG, for sending a message to Seibertron.com to let all of us know that Amazon.com now has pre-orders available for the upcoming Transformers Masterpiece Movie Series MPM-7 Bumblebee action figure. This version of Bumblebee is based on his upcoming movie appearance where he transforms into a yellow Volkswagen Beetle, just like the alt-mode of his original G1 version.



Price: $79.99 Free Shipping for Prime Members with Pre-order Price Guarantee
This item will be released on November 15, 2018.
Pre-orders are available now!
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Gift-wrap available.

• This Masterpiece Movie Series Bumblebee MPM-7 collectible figure is an official product of Hasbro in partnership with Takara Tomy. Figure is an authentic Transformers figure; not from a third-party.
• Figure was designed with ILM Movie CAD files from the Transformers: Bumblebee movie, featuring 10+ die cast parts and 150+ deco ops with 26 points of articulation, including highly articulated hands.
• Figure converts from robot to its officially licensed 1967 Volkswagen Beetle mode in 57 steps. Vehicle mode features exclusive, weathered deco.
• Figure features a detailed hidden missile bay on the figure’s chest. Comes with a removable battle mask and movie-inspired Stinger Blaster and Stinger Sword accessories that attach to the figure in both robot and vehicle modes.

Here is some additional product information from Amazon.com:

Product description

When Decepticons are on your tail, Bumblebee is the bot you want on your side. Behind the unassuming Volkswagen Beetle exterior is more than meets the eye. Full of youthful exuberance, he's often underestimated, but the courageous Autobot scout is always ready to jump into adventure and defend his friends at any cost.

The official Hasbro-Takara Tomy Masterpiece Movie Series Bumblebee MPM-7 figure is the perfect authentic figure for fans and collectors alike, with features inspired by Transformers: Bumblebee. The figure showcases the upbeat Autobot scout with impressive attention to detail. Imagine unleashing Bumblebee action with a removable battle mask, articulated hands, hidden missiles, and Stinger Blaster and Stinger Sword accessories. Converts from robot to 1967 Volkswagen Beetle mode in 57 steps.

Volkswagen trademarks, design patents and copyrights are used with the approval of the owner, Volkswagen AG.

Transformers and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro.

[Emerje]

My tiny Speed Series Optimus Prime came in the mail today from HTS in a box big enough to fit a Voyager with lots of room to spare. It isn't very good. I wasn't expecting knees, but I was expecting ball jointed shoulders since there's more than enough room for them and they've been a staple in figures this size for many years now, even Titan/Prime Masters have them. But no, his shoulders are just a simple swivel. He does have ball jointed elbows, but they don't offer much range. He also has ball jointed hips, but without knees they aren't really useful for articulation, just for the transformation. Bafflingly he does have an ab joint that doesn't serve any real purpose. It's used to give him a slight bend for his transformation to give clearance for his hips, but that could have been easily fixed by shaving down some of his sculpted details. The cost of the extra plastic and metal pin could have gone to knee joints or more paint. Interestingly all of his wheels are held on with big metal rivets rather than pegged on like has been popular lately. And he has six wheels even though it's pretty common for a figure this small to have a pair of fake wheels and I honestly wouldn't have minded. The whole figure just screams of miss-managed resources.

Emerje

[Autobot Roadburn]

My tiny Speed Series Optimus Prime came in the mail today from HTS in a box big enough to fit a Voyager with lots of room to spare. It isn't very good. I wasn't expecting knees, but I was expecting ball jointed shoulders since there's more than enough room for them and they've been a staple in figures this size for many years now, even Titan/Prime Masters have them. But no, his shoulders are just a simple swivel. He does have ball jointed elbows, but they don't offer much range. He also has ball jointed hips, but without knees they aren't really useful for articulation, just for the transformation. Bafflingly he does have an ab joint that doesn't serve any real purpose. It's used to give him a slight bend for his transformation to give clearance for his hips, but that could have been easily fixed by shaving down some of his sculpted details. The cost of the extra plastic and metal pin could have gone to knee joints or more paint. Interestingly all of his wheels are held on with big metal rivets rather than pegged on like has been popular lately. And he has six wheels even though it's pretty common for a figure this small to have a pair of fake wheels and I honestly wouldn't have minded. The whole figure just screams of miss-managed resources.

Emerje

I had the exact same experience - bought all 4 Speed Series guys and Optimus was the worst of the group (I'd call Barricase the best, personally). If they'd just given him ball shoulders and swivel elbows instead of the other way around he'd be significantly better.

Just put in an Amazon order for MP VW Bee too. I already have an order with HLJ but I usually get backup preorders for things I really want from somewhere easy to cancel (Amazon, BBTS) in case something goes wrong with another order. Especially AmiAmi stuff, I just got in an order for Figuarts Super Buu the other day and accidentally ordered 3 because the pages were loading slowly and for some reason the "change quantity" button had disappeared. It's terrifying asking them to cancel anything because they're so prone to closing accounts for it.

[Seibertron]

That's weird, Amazon gives 30 days to return and refunds me as soon as ups scans it along the way, usually they sends it the next day.

Yeah this is my experience with it. Just returned something last week and the day after the return scan was made I had a refund.

I returned something last Friday (not TF related) and was credited the refund 2 hours after handing the package over to USPS.

That sounds about right. I don't meant to sound like I return a lot to them, but I do return things regularly. I also make an absurd amount of purchases from Amazon with Transformers and household items and things for my 2 kids, so it's just part the nature of the beast. They have always taken great care of me and I am happy to support Amazon! If you've had trouble with them, would love to help you figure out some of the issues you've had to make your experience with them more positive. I'm also wondering if those of you who have had trouble whether or not you are Amazon Prime members or not?

[noctorro]

Here in The Netherlands we're also having Bumblebee toys for about a few weeks.

Question: Will the Bumblebee movie get a decent Generations toyline? Of about 8 figures?
Or are they only going to be in the Studio series?

I would love some Power of the Primes like Bumblebee toys, not too complex and all.

[Jelze Bunnycat]

Question: Will the Bumblebee movie get a decent Generations toyline? Of about 8 figures?
Or are they only going to be in the Studio series?

Studio Series is already part of the umbrella Generations line, so that's where those toys have already ended up: VW Bumblebee should already be out and helicopter mode Dropkick will come out later. Nothing on Shatter yet.

[Va'al]

Initially first seen at San Diego Comic Con 2018, which can check out in our gallery back here, one of the exclusives to accompany the release of Transformers Bumblebee Movie includes a number of cassette packs - the one we're reporting in the news today is the Bumblebee Cassette Pack exclusive to Target and Target.com, first found online at the retailer here!

Fellow Seibertronian TFA1024 has shared his video review of the set - which includes redecos of a Bumblebee Turbo Changer figure from The Last Knight and three cassettes which all use molds from the previous Titans Return line for Buzzsaw, Howlback, and Decepticon Frenzy - and we've embedded the clip below for all to see. Check it out, and let us know what you think in the Energon Pub!

[ScottyP]

Hopefully Amazon fulfills these MPM Bee orders. :glances over to the empty spot that MPM Ironhide should be in:

[Va'al]

As we continue from New York Comic Con 2018, and the special event organised by Hasbro Transformers that Seibertron and megatronus are attending, we have some more toys to show you all from the Transformers: Bumblebee Movie line - the toyline associated with the upcoming live action movie by Travis Knight.

The images mirrored below contain a second look at Shatter in her jet and muscle car mode, in a size class different than the Titan Changer, but also potential confirmation that Blitzwing is indeed a triple changer, as we see him in here in a Megatron-esque tank mode! Plus, some more Optimus Prime, because why not. Check out the images below!

[chuckdawg1999]

I called it. That Optimus Prime is a repaint of the power plus figure without the engine. Blitzwing is the previously released Megatron with a new head. I doubt that's how it'll look in the movie.

[Migrainelist]

Does anyone else see the seige meagtron instruction off in the corner?

[TF-fan kev777]

Wow, the box art for what I'm guessing is Siege Megs looks awesome.

[Stryker P28]

I called it. That Optimus Prime is a repaint of the power plus figure without the engine. Blitzwing is the previously released Megatron with a new head. I doubt that's how it'll look in the movie.

That optimus prime is correctly sold as a power series bumblebee classic camaro with mask and cannon is power series but with normal head and hands he is a power plus series

[TulioDude]

Here is hoping that Blitzwing toy means he will have a Tank mode in the film and did this one because they didnt have enough reference material at the time.

[TFmonkeybiz]

I don't usually go in for the gimmicky toys, but that Blitzwing actually looks pretty good (to me anyway).

[Bronzewolf]

While the majority of the Transformers sphere is abuzz (badumtiss) about the War for Cybertron reveals from New York Comic Con, it's worth noting there were Bumblebee toys on display, as well, including Movie Masterpiece VW Bumblebee, and a handful of smaller figures almost resembling one step changers. Included in this line up is Optimus Prime, Shatter in both her car and jet modes, and Blitzwing in his tank mode, for the first time! Check them all out below, with our images provided by our two reporters in the field! Stay tuned to Seibertron for all the latest coming out of New York!

[D-Maximal_Primal]

I think I'll have to get both of those Shatter toys if she doesn't make it to the SS line. And that Blitzwing didn't turn out too bad either

[Dinobot-Snarl]

My eyes hurt. BB VW is awesome though.

[notsoalex]

Hot on the trails of the reveals at New York Comic-Con 2018, by our very crew, we now have stock photos for the Bumblebee toys! These stock photos come from Hasbro's Facebook and Instagram. We get to see a better look at our retools Power Plus Shatter (revealed before, Dropkick retool), Power Optimus Prime (retool of Power Plus version}, Power Blitzwing (Megatron head retool), and new mold jet mode Shatter.

We also have a clear stock photo of Entertainment Earth exclusive Autobot Drfit with the Baby Dinobots, a redeco of The Last Knight Drift with new swords and the Baby Dinobots!

Tell us your thoughts in the Pub forums below!

[Adimus Prime]

Baby Dinobots are such a stupid concept.

[D-Maximal_Primal]

Baby Dinobots are such a stupid concept.

[no-one]

Baby Dinobots are such a stupid concept.

Well two wrong don't make a right, but three rights make a left