There’s more than meets the eye with 10338 Bumblebee, as the LEGO Icons Transformers set includes plenty of references for fans.
The LEGO Group today revealed 10338 Bumblebee, the third set to be produced in collaboration with Hasbro and the second to be based on a G1 Transformers character. The 950-piece model will be launching exclusively for LEGO Insiders on July 1 and for everyone else on July 4, priced at £79.99 / $89.99 / €89.99.
As with 10302 Optimus Prime, the upcoming LEGO Icons build can switch from Autobot to vehicle mode (and back again) without having to be disassembled. In addition, 10338 Bumblebee also comes with an ion blaster, jetpack and a stickered display plaque.
However, a closer look at 10338 Bumblebee also reveals a number of references for dedicated Transformers fans to spot and even a humorous nod to the Autobot’s own name.
Number plates
When in vehicle mode, 10338 Bumblebee includes alternate stickered number plates that can be swapped out to change the look of the character. One is a Bumblebee ’84 number plate, based on the year the character made its debut, while a Goldbug version references the Autobot’s rebuilt form.
An important date
In addition to recognising the existence of Goldbug as a tougher more mature version of Bumblebee, the GLDBUG number plate also includes an important date. September 17, 1984 was the day the Transformers animated series first aired in the US and Canada, with a total of three seasons and 98 episodes going on to inspire a whole generation of fans.
Bumper stickers
Check round the back of 10338 Bumblebee’s vehicle form and you’ll notice a couple of tongue-in-cheek bumper stickered pieces. One side declares the Autobot’s affection for its home world of Cybertron, while the other side features Optimus Prime’s trademark ‘Roll out!’ catchphrase.
Face-off
10338 Bumblebee’s silver face plate is the same element that was created for 10302 Optimus Prime, although it now includes a printed version of Bumblebee’s face. It’s worth noting that this iteration of the character was inspired by the 1984 Transformers cartoon, as the original Hasbro toy had a different head and face style.
Bumble Bee
The Transformer’s name was originally intended to link the yellow and black colour scheme of Bumblebee’s VW Beetle vehicle form and the Autobot’s diminutive size. Take a closer look in the windscreen of 10338 Bumblebee though and you’ll also notice a tiny, printed bee tile cheekily added inside, a subtle nod from the set's designer, Samuel Johnson.
10338 Bumblebee will be released for Insiders members to purchase on July 1, with a wider launch for everyone else from July 4. The LEGO Icons Transformers set will be available online and in stores for £79.99 / $89.99 / €89.99.
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