10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

For many years, two titans of their craft have been bitter rivals. The LEGO Group and Hasbro’s relationship couldn’t be considered friendly. In 2011, Hasbro marketed a range of familiar-looking construction toys, under the ‘KRE-O’ brand in direct competition with the LEGO® product range. It’s a face-off which could be compared to the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons. So when rumours of a LEGO set inspired by Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS emerged, it was taken with an enormous pinch of salt. But in June 2022, the fearless leader of the Autobots was released under the LEGO Icons brand and a new friendship was formed between once rival toy makers. One which has also seen Peppa Pig along with Dungeons & Dragons become LEGO sets. It also resulted in another LEGO TRANSFORMERS set, this time inspired by Autobot scout B-127 or Bumblebee to his friends. Just like Prime, Bumblebee is modelled on his G-1 appearance. So let’s transform and read on, with an early look at the LEGO Icons Bumblebee set.

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

Product Details

Set Name: Bumblebee | Set Number: 10338 | Pieces: 940 | Theme: Icons

Number of Bags: Bags x 10 | Instructions: Paper booklet + Builder App Stickers: sheet x 1 | Characters: N/A| Insiders QR: Yes

RRP: £79.99/$89.99/89.99€/149.99AUD/199.99CAD

Availability: LEGO Stores & LEGO Online from July 1st (Insiders) July 4th (General)

10338_Box1_v29

In TRANSFORMERS lore, Bumblebee is a member of the Autobots. As a young scout bot, Bumblebee must prove himself to the other Autobots. Once on Earth, he takes the form of a classic yellow-coloured VW Beetle car. In the live-action films, he’s shown as a Chevy Camaro, before the reboot/prequel reverts the character to his ‘Generation One’ form initially. LEGO Bumblebee is inspired by the classic animated G-1 appearance.

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

It’s already been proven that LEGO elements can be used to create some incredible things. But using them to create a transforming object is no easy task. In both vehicle and robot forms, the build must be stable enough and adding the ability to physically transform between the two, as you could with the original Transformers toys, adds an extra layer of complexity. As you build Bumblebee, the construction forms the set into its vehicle form.

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

The VW Beetle is a unique and iconic vehicle, this is best classed as being inspired by the much-loved vehicle. In terms of scale, it much smaller than some of the Creator Expert/Icons vehicles. But it still includes the ability be zoomed around on four wheels. The scale is also nicely matched to Optimus Prime, when in truck form.

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

Admittedly, in vehicle form, the set does look a little crude. But I have to say that adds to the charm of the set. Don’t expect a detailed recreation of a classic VW Beetle. The key to this set is Bumblebee’s robot form and that looks amazing. Once the set is complete, the instructions guide you through how it’s switched from the vehicle form into the robot form. It’s a little more complex than Optimus Prime’s transformation, but well worth the effort. The front section of the car splits apart to become the feet, with the legs folding out from within the car. The central section before the body of Bumblebee, along with the rear wheels and side panels forming his arms. Finally, the window screen, which is removed when first transforming the set, becomes a jet pack, which is connected to the back of the fully transformed Autobot. Although it doesn’t have a great deal of articulation in a robot, you can still pose Bumblebee quite nicely.

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

The set also features Bumblebee’s blaster rifle, which can be connected to his hands via a Technic pin. There are also a couple of customisable elements, with two 2×2 plates offering the ability to display either a blank yellow plate or the Autobot logo. You can also choose between two different number plates. One features ‘Bumblebee’ and the other references B-127’s more powerful ‘Goldbug’ form. In addition to stickers being used to create the plates, they are also used to add a couple of fun bumper stickers. The set also includes a display plaque, adding a little continuity with the Optimus Prime set. There’s even features a little Easter Egg referencing Bumblebee’s nickname.

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

I loved TRANSFORMERS as a kid and it still evokes fond memories of following the war between the Autobots and Decepticons every Saturday morning. So I was delighted when the rumours of a LEGO version of Optimus Prime turned out to be true. Thus I’m equally overjoyed, the partnership with Hasbro has continued and resulted in another transforming LEGO set. Bumblebee is a fan-favourite character and although his LEGO form might be a little lighter on pieces compared to Optimus Prime, it’s still an incredible set. More so in its robot form. I’d even say I like it a little more than Prime.

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

I hope we get more TRANSFORMERS sets. At least one member of the Decepticons would be a great choice for a future set. But until then Bumblebee will roll out on July 1st for Insiders and the LEGO Icons Optimus Prime set is available now.

10338: Bumblebee TRANSFORMERS Set Review

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This set was provided to BricksFanz by the LEGO Group for purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are those of BricksFanz and do not reflect those of the LEGO Group or Hasbro. Providing a set for free does not guarantee a favourable opinion of the set.

By clicking on affiliate links within this article, BricksFanz.com may earn a small commission. This in no way influences our opinions or shapes the content we cover

Author: Adam White

Howdy I'm Adam, The editor of BricksFanz.com - your go to source for the latest LEGO news, reviews and much, much more. Some of you may know me from other LEGO sites so you'll know I have a good experience of the LEGO community and a deep, passionate commitment to all things LEGO. I specialize in seeking out the latest LEGO news and products, as well as being an expert on all things LEGO gaming. So welcome to BricksFanz - Fuelling Your LEGO Lifestyle.

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