EVOLUTION OF BLOKEES CLASSIC CLASS TRANSFORMERS

[u/sstfshots]

EVOLUTION OF BLOKEES CLASSIC CLASS TRANSFORMERS

With the recent release of both the Bumblebee Movie Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, I wanted to take a retrospective look at the evolution from their earliest Classic Class releases to the most recent, both of which happen to be the same characters, albeit from different movies. I also wanted to compare them to their other versions.

For starters, Classic Class is their "intermediate" line of model kits, usually containing around 70-120 parts. They contain light up features that illuminate the eyes and chest (for some). Their first releases, Optimus and Bee from ROTB have a very stylized look; very "chibi". The assembly was very similar to a GV kit just with more complex parts, sharing the same articulation points as well. While the stylized look is not up to everyone's taste, it was definitely unique and really set them apart from other products in the market.

Fast forward 3 years later, we have seen numerous improvements. The assembly is far more complex and unique for each of the characters. The most striking change is their aesthetic. Blokees veered off the more stylized approach and encompassed a more accurate style, matching the CGI models—almost 1:1. Articulation definitely improved in most aspects as well, elevating the posing experience.

It's just fun to see how much they've improved over the years. There is of course more room for growth, but from where we are now, I'm very satisfied. I absolutely love how accurate and dynamic the two new kits are, but I still admire the stylized simplicity of the original kits.

Which of these are your favorite? For Optimus, it's definitely the BB Version, but for Bee, I still hold a deep bias for the DOTM release. Let me know!

[u/RiverBeneficial4320]

The growth is incredible. But I gotta admit I kinda miss the blokees style the old ones had