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Hasbro San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Exclusive – Transformers: Studio Series 19 Bumblebee Vol. 1 Retro Rock Garage Figure Review

 

Hasbro’s Transformers San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Exclusives includes this Optimal Optimus figure that is repainted to resemble that of Beast Wars Optimus Primal, as well as the Transformers: Studio Series 19 Bumblebee Vol. 1 Rock Garage box set. Bumblebee includes two cassettes in this box set, which is a bit unusual considering that cassettes come with Blaster, Twincast, Soundblaster and Soundwave for the most part. In the 1980’s, these cassettes were offered as a 2 pack.

Studio Series presents Vol.1 of a totally awesome convention exclusive series. Packed with retro radness, this installment features a bodaciously Special Edition Bumblebee Gold Camaro figure and 2 dynamite dino-cassette figures, Dairu and Uruaz (the evil twin of Zauru), remixed from an ’80s Japan-only release.

Retro Rock Garage – Vol. 1 is a celebration of the Bumblebee movie and the awesomeness of cranking up some tunes as you tune up your ride. Especially if that ride is a righteous ’77 Camaro with special edition deco that converts from robot mode in 25 steps.

“Perfect soundtrack for tuning up my ’77 Chevrolet Camaro” -Charlie, Human Ally Magazine

“The movie-inspired details really come through, great one for the collection” -The Prime Times

“Wouldn’t even intercept the transmission” -Soundwave, Rolling Decepticon

“Cassettes don’t actually play music” -Disclaimer Weekly

  • Includes: Bumblebee figure, 5 accessories, 2 mini-cassette figures, and instructions.
  • Convention Exclusive Studio Series Deluxe Class Bumblebee figure with special edition deco
  • Details, styling, and figure scale inspired by the rockin’ world of Transformers: Bumblebee
  • 2 dino-cassette figures based on a classic 1980’s release, sold only in Japan
  • Premium packaging inspired by old-school mix tape style
  • Show off the exclusive Bumblebee figure inside a cassette-inspired Retro Rock Garage – Vol 1 display
  • Figure scale: 4.5 inches

Limited quantities of this item will be available at select conventions and select online retailers after the convention in the relevant market (including HasbroToyShop.com where available). Good while supplies last.

 

Thank you to Hasbro for providing their San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Exclusive Transformers: Studio Series 19 Bumblebee Vol. 1 Retro Rock Garage Figure Box Set. 

Availability: San Diego Comic-Con – July 2018

 

 

The packaging of this box set is based on a 1980’s cassette tape-inspired Retro Rock Garage – Vol 1 display. The cover is a slipcover that showcases Bumblebee and an 80’s cassette player. The inside packaging is a window box packaging with Bumblebee in vehicle mode and the cassettes are located in the cassette insert below.

    

 

Dairo transforms from a mini-cassette into an aqua-green Iguanodon. The two silver-chromed blasters plug into the faux cassette tape holes near his neck. In tape mode, he fits into the chest compartment of the original Transformers Generation One Blaster or Soundwave. Dairu forms the upper body of an unnamed combiner with Uruaz. His weapons are placed over his shoulder artillery in this mode.

Uruaz transforms from a mini-cassette into an Apatosaurus. The two silver cannons plug into the faux cassette tape holes near his hind legs. In tape mode, he fits into the chest compartment of the original Blaster or Soundwave toys (and their retooled reincarnations). Uruaz combines with Dairu to form the legs of an unnamed combiner. His cannons are placed on his hip-mounted weapons in this form.

 

The combined form of Dairo and Uruaz is a unique looking Transformer giving the fact that two cassettes can become a combiner. The figure resembles 1980’s cassette transformers in all the modes, with a box-like shape that is consist with Generation One toy design. The head sculpt is mostly flat, and the weapons are stored on his back and placed inside the holes of the cassette tapes.

 

Bumblebee transforms from a 1977 Chevrolet Camaro that is painted in gold, to resemble Goldbug’s deco, and this new paint scheme consists of highly detailed paint applications on the body, as well as the robot mode. The vehicle mode has a black stripe on the front, along with the words Z29 painted in black behind the front tires.

  

 

In robot mode, Bumblebee is based on his movie design, with the overall design and head sculpt of the figure. The cannon can be stored on his lower back, and the right forearm is removed so that the cannon can be placed there. The figure has a paint scheme of gold, black and silver, along with a red stripe on top of his head, blue eyes and translucent blue headlights. In this mode and all the great articulation, Bumblebee is capable of being placed in some dynamic poses with or without the cannon on his arm, but he does look better with it on. In this mode you can see the tiniest bit of detail that was sculpted on his arms, legs, chest, hips and facial sculpt, which all look amazing.

This box set is exclusive to San Diego Comic-Con and HasbroToyShop on August 13th. We would like to thank Hasbro once again for providing this set for review.

Overall, the San Diego Comic-Con 2018 Exclusive Transformers: Studio Series 19 Bumblebee Vol. 1 Retro Rock Garage Figure Box Set is a fantastic offering that both new and old collectors will love. We especially like the return of these cassettes, as they were originally only offered in the 1980’s in Japan. Bumblebee is an incredibly detailed figure with great sculpting and deco.

Purchase:

HasbroToyShop.com – August 13th

eBay.com

Amazon.com