When LEGO released the Optimus Prime set in 2022, legions of fans held their breaths to see if this was a one-off, or if this was the start of a line that many thought would never happen. Our answer came last year, in the form of the set we are here to talk about today. The speculation was rampant. Who would follow Optimus? Soundwave? Megatron? Starscream? None of those, but in retrospect, the choice was pretty obvious. When you look at iconic Transformers characters, Bumblebee is not far from the top of the list. His iconic Volkswagen Beetle alt form made him the perfect choice to follow his leader into the LEGO Universe. It has proved very successful, with scores of fans buying it. But, should you? That is what we are about to find out. I got my hands on it and I’m here to tell you if you should as well.
First, the basics. This is set number 10338 and it has 950 pieces. There are no minifigures in this set, just like Optimus. This set is based on the iconic and familiar “Gen 1” look from the 1980’s, and, as such, Bumblebee’s alt form is that of a Volkswagen Beetle, albeit a generic unlicensed one. As with Optimus, the robot transforms into the vehicle form without having to disassemble it.
The assembly is fairly straightforward, and most of the car is made up of familiar pieces used in fashions both familiar and new to constraint the robot. Like Prime, Bumblebee has a unique face tile. Some of the pieces were used in extremely clever ways, and, in some cases, in ways they had not been used before. For example, the two “ear pieces” on Bumblebee’s head are actually Viking axes done in yellow for the first time.
Yes, in case you hadn’t already figured it out, this set is going to be a goldmine for customizers who are looking for the particular bright yellow color that Bumblebee is most closely associated with. I think this is the most I have ever built with yellow bricks. There are a few stickers that need to be applied in this model, but thankfully, like with Prime, when it comes to the Autobot logo, LEGO very wisely decided to paint it directly on the brick.
The articulation is also similar to Prime, with the legs, arms torso and head all moveable. Bumble also has individual fingers that can be formed into a fist. As with Prime, the transformation sequence is based on the original G1 toy released by Hasbro. So, if you remember how to transform that figure, you have a good idea of how it’s going to work here. A quick note, if you use the digital building instructions to build this model, after the last step of the build, you can continue on to two very amusing silent films that show how to transform the robot into a car, and back again. Bumblebee also comes with a laser rifle, which is fit into his hand with a very clever use of a clip and a peg.
One of the things I love most about his model is the little Easter eggs that the designers put in. For example, Bumblebee comes with two different license plates. One is BMBL84, a nod to the 1984 Animated Series, and the second is GLDBUG, a nod to Bumblebee’s rebirth later on in the series. Bumblebee also has two bumper stickers. One says “I ❤️ Cybertron.” Cybertron is, of course, the Transformers’ home planet. The other says “Roll Out”, which is, of course, Optimus Prime’s famous battle cry. Also included with the set is a tiny round clear tile with a stylized bee on it, which goes in the window, but one of these also gets hidden behind the display plaque that comes with the set, creating a “hidden bee” that you can challenge others to try and find.
But, in addition to all of this, one of the best parts about this model is that it is scale with Optimus Prime. The two models look so natural next to each other. It really does evoke memories of playing with the original toys. LEGO has done a tremendous of amount to fan service to the Transformers community with this model. Now, I would remiss if I didn’t mention the few minor issues. First and foremost, the model is heavy and concessions had to be made to affect the transformation. As such, be very careful when transforming the model as pieces could come off due to the bending and folding necessary to transform the model. Also, the jetpack Bumblebee has in robot mode needs to be securely placed on the back or it will slide and/or fall off. Those are very minor gripes and they don’t detract at all from this amazing model, but I thought they were worth mentioning.
The bottom line is that I really don’t have to say much of anything about this model. Let’s be honest. If you bought Prime, you’re gonna buy this. If you’re a Gen 1 fanatic, you’re gonna buy this. If you have waited as long as I have for this particular licensed line to come along, you have probably already bought and built this one, set it alongside your Prime, and begun the agonizing wait for the next one. The good news is, that it’s worth it. If you haven’t already gotten this set, and you have Prime, get this one too. If you don’t have Optimus yet, get him first, or get them both at the same time. This is a very rare case where a line that has been so highly anticipated has absolutely lived up to the hype. I can’t wait to see what’s next. LEGO Icons Bumblebee gets a 4 out of 5.
