Threezero is continuing to put out high quality, non-transforming versions of our favorite Robots in Disguise through multiple styles and price points. Today gives us a first look at the new smaller MDLX size class with Bumblebee. The original & larger 15+ inch figures are called Premium, then they went to the 10-12 inch DLX line, and now we are one step smaller with MDLX. So far these are also not tied to any movie property – they are re-imaginings of Generation 1 looks to have a modern realistic design.
Bumblebee is about 5 inches tall, has 36 points of articulation, detailed sculpt and paint head to toe. He is a top tier action figure in a small package. Retail is also cheaper than previous offerings, coming in at about $60 USD which puts it in line with other import action figure lines like S.H. Figuarts, MAFEX, Figma, Revoltech and the like.
Threezero was kind enough to send through a copy a little early, he’s due to ship in Q1 2022. Read on to check some additional thoughts and pics, then hit our sponsors below or the Threezero Store to pick up your copy!
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Threezero MDLX Bumblebee
Overall Thoughts:
Great little figure! When hitting the checklist items on first crack this has it all – sculpt, awesome paint, feels good in hand, movement is smooth, no breakages, massive articulation, good accessories. And then all that is executed SMALL. Well, small for threezero anyway. The smallest sub-line from them yet, and then Bumblebee is naturally smaller in whatever scale you are talking about. He’s slightly taller than the original Masterpiece Bumblebee in robot mode, but less bulky. About the height of a current full size deluxe from Hasbro. On it’s own you might be like woah, little pricey for such a small nugget. But when he’s paired up with Optimus Prime (who is coming later this year) and future releases, it will work on shelf as those will have a more significant presence at 7+ inches.
The non-transforming angle is always a comment among us Transformers collectors, but I’ve been enjoying these threezero releases because of their attention to detail. They are always what my non-collecting friends notice when stopping by (after Unicron). And I dig having a hyper realistic area of figures among my normal Transformers display. Being able to pose them out dynamically is also a bonus that sets them apart from statues. This little MDLX Bee does all that but smaller.
Bottom line – I think it’s a great piece and if you are looking for an updated, realistic G1 version of Bumblebee, right now it gets no better. He’s due to drop soon so get your orders in if you dig em! Check some key shots here and all 45+ below.
MV Steve
It fluctuates, but a day and cheaper is much better. I still buy 90% or more of my stuff from ShowZ or Bombusbee, but more recently I've noticed that a lot of official or licensed stuff seems to be cheaper at the US stores and releasing at the same time so it's a win win.
VVa
Maybe I'm just lucky then because I usually get my orders in less than 2 weeks.
MV Steve
Oh, they get them released at the same time, but I was referring to 3 weeks of ship time vs a few days from the US stores. I paid $79 each for Megatron and Rodimus from TCP, got free shipping from buying a few other things hitting the $150 point, and had them in a day since they are local for me. I remember seeing 90 something on ShowZ
VVa
The only figure I've seen them get later than other retailers is DLX TLK Optimus.
I ordered MDLX Prime, Bee and Megatron from ShowZ and they were released at the estimated release dates, just as TZ, and at the time were the actual retail price.
Grimlock212
If this happens we can cancel our orders from Show.Z to save some money. The fact it hasn’t been listed yet by any US seller make me think maybe it’s going to be an exclusive somewhere. That’s speculation based on almost nothing, but I think it’s a possibility. And for some reason I’m thinking it might be Sideshow. 95% I’m wrong, but I’m sticking to it.
mark4flair
Word!!!
MV Steve
For US customers, buying at any of the North American stores will have ThreeZero product cheaper. You'll pay more and wait longer through ShowZ and others, and its around a $20 difference, give or take. Of course you'll have to hit the $150 mark to get free shipping and some charge tax, but these can easily be avoided at certain stores like TCP and Toy Dojo.
Grimlock212
I did a quick scan of BBTs, TFSource and the big three Chinese retailers I use, and only Show.Z seems to have put it up for sale at this point. So I’d keep an eye on your favorite retailers.
It’s always possible it might show up as a North America exclusive to BBTS or Sideshow too
Napalm
Yeah, don't sweat it. No movie filth is infecting the MDLX line.
Grimlock212
Yes, I ordered mine last week from Show.Z, but they are currently sold out.
OriginalFire
Has the G2 Megatron gone up for pre-order yet?
mark4flair
Thanks goodness….
Chareos
Almost got excited there for a minute for a G1 Mirage
VVa
You've invalided your own opinion.
mark4flair
MDLX Mirage Preview from threezero Transformers Rise Of The Beasts
Looks like 3zero is doing an MDLX Mirage. No offense to anyone, but that is DUUUUUMB!!!
G1 or go home……..
EDIT: Article says MDLX but it is the larger scale DLX.
Rob
He is 100% consistent, I just wish he had a smirk.
Afterburner
Now here's some nice style. Skywarp's blasters would be better in purple though. Companies struggle to ever get all of his unique details in line.
Lex79
Jazz looks good, I'm looking forward to see a painted prototype.
DeathsTreads77
That jazz is looking real nice. I may get it
Grimlock212
Thanks for the pics, it makes me more comfortable with the design.