Part of the strength of the Transformers franchise is its ability to reinvent itself. After over 35 years and still going strong, Transformers takes the unique approach of keeping and reviving their original characters and placing them in new stories and settings.
With over 10 animated series and a handful of comic lines and games, Transformers has a lot of lore and character iterations to offer. Each new universe tweaks the characters to suit the new environment, some of them staying truer to their original characterization than others.
Transformers Animated
Transformers Animated Bumblebee is the largest departure from Bumblebee’s typical characterization. While that’s definitely not a bad thing, it leaves this version of Bumblebee feeling like an outsider to the others.
Loud, brash, but with a kind heart, Animated Bumblebee acts much more like the character Hot Shot from the Unicron Trilogy (consisting of Transformers Armada, Energon, and Cybertron). This is because, originally, Bumblebee was supposed to be Hot Shot. The change came after the 2007 live-action movie went into production. So while the character changed, the characterization did not.
IDW Comics
By far the most troubled Bumblebee, the first IDW version of Bumblebee was shaky to say the least. Beaten down by the war and colleagues forcing him into a leadership position he never wanted, this Bumblebee toes the line between the usual characterization and something far darker.
While interesting, he doesn’t feel like a Bumblebee until the end of the comic’s run. This is due to the various writers from IDW since all had a unique take on the character. But the pinnacle of this Bumblebee is definitely as a ghost, trying to get Starscream to be a better person- well, robot. Helping those in need while using his brain is a total Bumblebee move.
Robots in Disguise (2015)
Robots in Disguise (2015) was the dubious canon sequel to Transformers: Prime. Met with mixed reviews by fans, the series focused on a “Monster of the Week” approach. Featuring team leader Bumblebee, the series followed a ragtag team of rejects trying to round up some escaped Decepticon criminals.
This Bumblebee is what comes to mind when one imagines an older, more mature Bumblebee. The series manages to portray Bumblebee in a way where he’s still fun and lighthearted, but definitely older. Still, Bumblebee is something of an ageless character. With so many new, adult aspects put into him, he doesn’t feel like a Bumblebee.
Transformers Live Action Movies (2007-2017)
The live-action movies saw the rise of Bumblebee’s popularity. Unable to use the character until the movie went into production, Transformers managed to spark renewed interest in the character. With a legacy like that, the live-action Bumblebee makes it higher on the list.
However, he severely suffers from a lack of character development, as is typical for the rest of the Autobots and Decepticons in the movie. Catering to a different audience, this Bumblebee tends to be more violent and much ruder than any other incarnation.
War for Cybertron Trilogy
An entirely new take on the character, Netflix’s War for Cybertron Bumblebee starts off as self-centered and self-serving. Living in an apocalyptic world for who knows how long, Bumblebee was content to scavenge and protect only himself. Only after receiving the Alpha Tyrion Protocols does he choose a side to dedicate himself to.
It really feels like a missed opportunity, though that’s more to be blamed on the series short format and the number of other characters that needed to be the focus of the first season. Still, a slightly longer journey from a selfish Bumblebee to a selfless Bumblebee would have been interesting to see.
Cyberverse
Perhaps the most self-aware Transformers series to date, Cyberverse flipped the usual franchise formula on its head. Produced in 11-minute segments rather than the typical half-hour, Cyberverse plays fast and loose with its format, characters, and humor. Once again focused on Bumblebee, the series gradually introduces the bigger characters — like Optimus Prime - as time goes on.
Cyberverse Bumblebee is such a fun character. Playful, but serious when he needs to be, Bumblebee shows his dedication to his friends and ideals throughout the show. That being said, he is also extremely goofy.
War for Cybertron/Fall of Cybertron
The Transformers games by High Moon Studios were met with great critical and fan reception. Technically part of the same universe as Transformers: Prime and Robots in Disguise (2015), the games told the story of how Cybertron became corrupted and of the resulting exodus from the planet.
Keeping up with the canon in the Battle of Tyger Pax, Bumblebee is rendered mute by the time Fall of Cybertron takes place. However, his entrance and voice lines in War for Cybertron more than make up for that. Friendly, lighthearted, and young, Bumblebee encompasses the sass and playfulness in his original 80s incarnation. His updated design is spectacular too, later being used in portions of the IDW comics.
Transformers: Prime
The most revered of the Transformers series rivaling only Beast Wars, Transformers: Prime set a new standard in place for the franchise. With designs heavily based on the live-action movies, Prime created a new story bible for the franchise to continue off of.
Bumblebee takes more of a backseat role, though when the time comes, he does step up and take action. He is shown to be playful and childlike if his habit of watching Saturday morning cartoons is anything to go by. But he proves himself a fearsome fighter and loyal to the point of sacrificing himself. However, he misses out on a lot of character development due to the choice to keep him mute throughout the series and he doesn’t constantly seek approval as other incarnations have.
Generation 1
The original Bumblebee set the precedent for the rest. Young and eager to please, G1 Bumblebee served as many fans’ best friend character, an entrance into the world of Transformers. By default, he is the pinnacle Bumblebee. However, like other incarnations, he is overshadowed by other characters like Optimus Prime, Ratchet, Ironhide, Prowl, and Jazz.
He also tends not to be the most useful of the Autobots, mostly relegated to a moral role. It’s a little frustrating when canon says Bumblebee, while weak, is an accomplished member of the Special Operations team.
Bumblebee (2018)
The cutest of all the incarnations, Bumblebee (2018) takes the prize of best Bumblebee. Coming full circle, this movie revived interest in the film franchise by delivering a more heartfelt story while also embracing the ridiculousness found in G1. Seriously, Decepticons created the internet and humans exploded into goo.
The 2018 film is so very 80s in the best way. And Bumblebee, while having moments of mischief and fun, gets to show off his skills. The final sequences of the marina battle highlight Bumblebee’s battle prowess as well as forgiveness towards Agent Burns. The duality of compassion, ruthlessness, and loyalty is everything Bumblebee should be.