Just days after Optimus Prime: Awakening debuted alongside the 40th Anniversary theatrical return of The Transformers: The Movie, it appears that one of the animated short's most striking new character designs is already receiving a toy.
UK retailer In Demand Toys has shared new product images on its Facebook page of an unannounced dark Decepticon Bumblebee figure inspired by the character's appearance in Optimus Prime: Awakening. The figure recreates Bumblebee's ominous new look with red eyes, oversized horns, a Decepticon insignia on his shoulder, damaged Autobot-badge and a Bumblebee-sized version of Megatron's fusion cannon.
This new Dark Bumblebee figure is based on the corrupted Bumblebee who confronts Optimus Prime in Optimus Prime: Awakening. Read our full spoiler review of the animated short for more on his role in the story.
The figure appears to be a retool of the Transformers: Devastation-inspired Studio Series Deluxe Class Bumblebee mold, with a newly tooled head and the sinister new accessories needed to bring this alternate Bumblebee to life. The cannon is especially notable, as it is one of the clearest visual connections between this version of Bumblebee and the Decepticons he fights alongside in the short.
In Demand Toys says pre-orders will go live at 6:00 PM tonight, presumably UK time. Hasbro has not officially announced the figure yet, and its official product name, release date, and wider retail availability have not been confirmed. We expect more details and additional retailer listings to follow.
It did not take long for the " Where is my Decepticon Bumblebee toy?" question to get an answer. What do you think of this dark new Bumblebee, and will you be adding him to your collection? Join the discussion with your fellow Seibertronians in our official discussion topic.
