Bumblebee (G1)

The name or term "Bumblebee" refers to more than one character or idea. For a list of other meanings, see Bumblebee (disambiguation).

"Goldbug (G1)" redirects here. For other uses of Goldbug, see Goldbug (disambiguation).

Bumblebee is an Autobot from the Generation 1 continuity family. He was known as Goldbug for a time in some continuities.

Ahoy oy!

Bumblebee is one of the smallest and physically weakest Autobots. While his stature allows him to do his job better than most Autobots could manage, he is self-conscious about his size. Maybe this is why he makes fast friends among the humans. He looks up (so to speak) to the other Autobots, especially Optimus Prime, but what he doesn't realize is that they look up to him. He may be small, but he's brave, and he's one of the most well-liked Autobots around. Bumblebee already has the respect he craves.

As Goldbug—his rebuilt and "matured" form—Bumblebee retains most of his earlier strengths and weaknesses, but without his crippling need for approval. (This is true of some "matured" versions of Bumblebee without new names or bodies, as well, but is quite markedly associated with the change to Goldbug).

Some of my best friends are humans.Bumblebee, on his kid-friendly nature, "Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1"

Nicknames: Bee, Beeper

Japanese name: Bumble (バンブル Banburu)

French-Canadian name: Bourdon / Coccinelle ("Bumblebee" / "Ladybug" or "Beetle" )

Czech name: Čmelák ("Bumblebee")

Hungarian name (Bumblebee): Űrdongó ("Space-bumblebee")

Hungarian name (Bumblebee, Movie): Dongó ("Bumblebee")

Hungarian name (Goldbug): Aranybogár ("Goldbug")

Italian name (Bumblebee): Maggiolino ("Beetle")

Italian name (Goldbug): Wagenbot

Mandarin name: Dà Huáng-fēng (大黃蜂, "Bumblebee")

Cantonese name: Daai Wong Fung (大黃蜂, "Bumblebee")

Polish name: Trzmiel ("Bumblebee")

Portuguese name (Brazil comics): Furão ("Ferret")

Portuguese name (Portugal comics): Moscardo ("Hornet")

Russian TV dub name: Shershen (Шершень, "Bumblebee")

South American name: Volks

Fiction

Marvel Comics continuity

Generation 1

Events from the UK-only comic stories are in italics.

Bumblebee's first appearance... anywhere.

Four million years ago, Optimus Prime led a crew of Autobots including Bumblebee aboard the Ark to clear a path through an asteroid belt for Cybertron to pass through. Once their objective was completed, they were attacked by Decepticons and both their ships crashed in a volcanic mountain on a primitive planet known as Earth. In 1984, the volcano erupted, awakening their ship, which rebuilt them. Bumblebee was reconfigured to transform into a yellow Volkswagen Beetle. The Transformers

Early on, Bumblebee suffered a few wardrobe malfunctions.

Prowl led a mission into a human city to investigate their new world. Bumblebee, anxious to be the first to meet the planet's inhabitants, rear-ended a car full of teenagers at a drive-in movie theater. Before he could introduce himself, he was under attack by Decepticons and damaged badly. One of the teenagers, Buster Witwicky, brought the car back to his father's auto repair shop. Bumblebee weakly pleaded to them to fix him, for he was dying. Buster's father, Sparkplug Witwicky, fixed Bumblebee and offered to help the Autobots convert their native fuel resources into a form that Transformers could use. Bumblebee took Buster with him back towards the Ark to relay this message. Power Play!

After a seemingly final battle with the Decepticons, the long-lost Decepticon Shockwave arrived and reversed the Autobots' victory with a single blast. The Last Stand Bumblebee and the rest of the Autobots were kept captive aboard the Ark until Ratchet managed to free the Ark from Decepticon control and repair them. DIS-Integrated Circuits! However, Buster had been entrusted with safeguarding the Creation Matrix, which the Decepticons discovered, so Bumblebee and Bluestreak were sent to protect him. Buster was attacked by the Decepticons' newly-built but lifeless Jetfire. Bumblebee and Bluestreak did their best to defend Buster, but it was Buster's use of the powers of the Creation Matrix which saved them all, disassembling Jetfire in mid-air. Bumblebee removed Jetfire's brain so Buster could reassemble and remote-control the body with his mind. Brainstorm!

Kid-appeal guys may seem annoying at first, but wait until we put them next to Bluestreak!

After the Creation Matrix was returned to a restored Optimus Prime, he was still somewhat disconcerted by his ordeal. When the Decepticon spy Ravage was briefly captured, only to escape again, Bumblebee saw how much this troubled his already upset leader and took it upon himself to chase down and capture the fleeing spy. Unfortunately, he got in over his head and was captured by Soundwave's Decepticons after being led into a box canyon. In order to show the Autobots they meant business, Soundwave had Laserbeak deliver Bumblebee's severed arm to the Ark as a message. Soundwave had learned from Ravage how low Prime's self-confidence was at that juncture, and planned to lure the despondent Autobot leader to his death. Instead, kidnapping Bumblebee just pissed Prime off, and he single-handedly bashed and battered his way through the entire Decepticon front, rescuing Bumblebee and restoring his confidence in the process. Crisis of Command!

During the Dinobot Hunt, Bumblebee went to Alaska with Optimus and Ratchet to reinforce the unit trying to overcome the rampaging Dinobots, Grimlock and Sludge. While scouting the perimeter, Bumblebee was shocked to discover a cloaked Autobot shuttlecraft and three of his comrades who had gone missing earlier in the Hunt. He also discovered a Decepticon-issue sonic lance (that was being used to drive Sludge "berserker mad") installed in the ship. Rightly suspecting a booby trap, instead of just turning the device off, Bumblebee instead evacuated his comrades and got a good distance away from the ship before using his gun to blow up the sonic lance. Good call — the shuttlecraft exploded violently the moment he did so. Dinobot Hunt!

RARR BUMBLEBEE SMASH

When the Autobots took steps to fill out their ranks, Bumblebee was charged with giving four new recruits (Hoist, Skids, Smokescreen, and Tracks) a tour of the planet. Bumblebee decided a Brick Springhorn concert would be a good destination, but the Decepticons had sabotaged the event to harvest energon. Bumblebee disobeyed orders and led the four into battle, saving the concert. Rock and Roll-Out! When Robot-Master appeared on television and claimed to control the Transformers, it was Bumblebee's job to ask their human business partner, G.B. Blackrock what the deal was. Robot-Master broadcast next in a coal mine next to a de-energized Megatron, but before Bumblebee and several other Autobots could investigate, they were pushed away by overwhelming Earth military forces. I, Robot-Master!

This event caused Bumblebee to question his usefulness to the Autobots, and he abandoned them without a word. The Decepticons, however, saw much use for him and attempted to apprehend him. Hiding in a used car lot, he was stolen by two humans, whom he adopted for a while. The Decepticons did not relent, and Bumblebee was ultimately rescued by the rest of the Autobots, an act which reminded him how valuable he was to them. Plight of the Bumblebee!

Later, the Autobots decided to create combiner robots of their own, to match the power of the Constructicons and their united form, Devastator. To accomplish this goal, Optimus Prime staged a frontal assault on the Decepticon quarry base as a cover for Bumblebee to infiltrate the area unnoticed. When the Decepticons inevitably unleashed Devastator to counter the Autobot offensive, Bumblebee was on hand to take a sensor recording of Devastator's transformation sequence, giving Wheeljack a blueprint to start from and improve upon. The Aerialbots were soon created as a result of Bumblebee's heroic efforts. Command Performances!

On Christmas Eve, Bumblebee and the Autobots investigated the loss of electricity in Midville. Discovering the source of the problem was Soundwave, Laserbeak, and their Energy Siphon, Bumblebee helped confront the Decepticons and shoo them away. The human child Megan Perry asked if he'd help them get to town so they could deliver presents to the needy, and Bumblebee did them one better: he wired the town's Christmas tree to his car's engine to power its lights. The Night the Transformers Saved Christmas

In his earlier appearances, Goldbug kept Bumblebee's body and color scheme.

Due to conflicting circumstances, Bumblebee was damaged and rebuilt into a stronger but similar form—Goldbug. Goldbug and Blaster were ordered by the new Autobot leader, Grimlock, to track down the Mechanic, who had stolen Autobot technology from the Ark. Grimlock was a terrible leader and had no regard for human life, so both Goldbug and Blaster exiled themselves from his command. Mechanical Difficulties! Goldbug and Blaster found themselves in the desert of the American Southwest and, thanks to a run-in with the Decepticon Triple Changers, were infested with the disease known as Scraplets. Goldbug and his human friend Charlie Fong left to get help and possibly a cure, but Blaster believed Goldbug had abandoned him to die. Crater Critters Near death himself, Goldbug arrived with Charlie at a gas station, where they met up with the Throttlebots, sent from Cybertron by Ratbat and armed with acid to contain the disease. Goldbug narrowly escaped extermination when it was discovered that the cure for Scraplets was none other than ordinary water. Goldbug called industrialist G.B. Blackrock (on a pay phone), and Blackrock trucked in tanks of water himself. Blaster was cured and his trust in Goldbug was restored. The Cure!

Goldbug finished his evolution into his own character model by the time the Throttlebots showed up. He kept Bumblebee's colors, though.

With the Throttlebots joining Goldbug and Blaster on their travels, the group discovered that the bodies of Galvatron and Ultra Magnus had been found. While they initially intended to let the Combaticons destroy Galvatron, they were forced to intervene to save human lives. Ladies' Night This unfortunately attracted the wrath of the Combaticons. The group found refuge in a used car lot owned by Big Steve. However, they were all badly in need of fuel. They attempted a deal with Big Steve, but he double-crossed them, filling them up with soda pop instead of gasoline. It was then that the Protectobots caught up with them, followed by the Combaticons. During the ensuing battle, the immobilized Throttlebots (including Goldbug) were carted away by the humans' anti-robot organization, RAAT. Used Autobots

Goldbug and the captured Throttlebots were interrogated by Triple-I, who eventually had their bodies crushed in a pointless threat to stop Decepticon raids. However, their brain modules were transplanted by Walter Barnett into remote-control cars owned by his son, who sought out Goldbug's old friend Buster at Goldbug's suggestion. After being attacked by the Predacons and separated from the others, Goldbug and Buster traveled to Mount St. Hilary and found the Ark gone. Using equipment left behind, Goldbug and Buster sent a distress call, just before Ratbat revealed he'd tagged along and crushed the Autobot's toy car body. Toy Soldiers!

Arriving in response to his distress call, the Autobot Headmasters rescued Goldbug's shattered form, Chromedome patching into his circuits to ease the pain of retelling the attack and capture of Buster. Trial by Fire! Taken back to their ship, Brainstorm built him a new body identical to his Throttlebot form. Goldbug used it on a mission that led to the discovery that Optimus Prime's mind was recorded on floppy disk and served as his leader's eyes in commanding the Autobot Pretenders. Pretender to the Throne!

Goldbug championed the reconstruction of his former leader's body, until his present allies suggested contacting the Ark to seek the resources to do it. Goldbug was quickly imprisoned by Grimlock, but this allowed him to convince Blaster to fight the Dinobot. After the Decepticons attacked during the pair's duel, Fortress Maximus ordered Goldbug to take the Steelhaven and its skeleton crew back to Nebulos to rebuild Optimus Prime. Totaled!

Arriving on Nebulos, Goldbug and the others were successful in rebuilding Optimus Prime despite the planet's now-toxic fuel. Goldbug avoided having to undergo the Powermaster process to survive like the other Autobots due to his high fuel efficiency. People Power! On the journey back, Optimus and Goldbug investigated word of Sky Lynx starring in the Cosmic Carnival, eventually rescuing the Autobot and his young human companions. The Cosmic Carnival!

Ratchet cares not for your maturation and wishes you were more like 1984...

Goldbug was later destroyed by the Underbase-powered Starscream in New York. Dark Star Goldbug was repaired by Ratchet using Pretender technology... sort of. Instead of simply restoring Goldbug, Ratchet rebuilt him as a much larger Bumblebee, All the Familiar Faces! explaining that he'd always preferred Bumblebee's original form. Before they could discuss it further, Bumblebee had to help Jazz and Grimlock against Megatron and his minions. While the new Pretenders defeated the other Decepticons, Ratchet seemingly sacrificed himself to destroy Megatron and his base. Skin Deep

Afterward, the three Pretenders briefly joined the Autobot resistance movement on Cybertron. Thanks to his increased stature, Bumblebee experienced a big boost of confidence as he and the others rejuvenated the resistance. In response, Thunderwing ordered the Mayhem Attack Squad to assassinate them. As Bumblebee, Jazz, Grimlock and the Rescue Patrol prepared to teleport to Earth, the three Decepticons attacked Autobase, sabotaging the trans-time dimensional portal. All nine Transformers found themselves teleported into the heart of Cybertron, where the Autobots discovered the resting place of Primus. Yesterday's Heroes!

There, they encountered the Keeper and learned the secret origin of the Transformers, as well as of Primus's never-ending battle with Unicron. As the Keeper's tale ended, the Mayhem Attack Squad found the Autobots. Their initial attack destroyed the Keeper, but Bumblebee and the others handily defeated them. However, a stray blast woke Primus seconds before the repaired portal sent the Transformers back to Earth. Primal Scream

...just like Thunderwing, who killed your gimmick.

With Unicron undoubtedly on his way to devour Cybertron, Bumblebee and his fellow Pretenders embarked on a quest to find the lost Creation Matrix. The three traveled to VsQs, the last known location of Optimus Prime's funeral barge, to search for clues. Finding an abandoned science station, Bumblebee searched through its computer records. He confirmed that the scientists had found Prime's body and the Matrix, but also a strange creature that promptly attacked one of the scientists. Before they could investigate further, Thunderwing attacked, also seeking the Matrix. Bumblebee used his Pretender shell to combat the Decepticon, only for Thunderwing to destroy it. The feedback temporarily knocked Bumblebee unconscious, and it seemed Thunderwing would destroy all three Autobots, until the Matrix Spawn attacked. While Thunderwing pursued the creature, Bumblebee and the other Autobots searched the science station for the Matrix. They recovered it, but were so low on Energon that they were becoming unable to compensate for the moon's heavy gravity. While they were attempting to reach their shuttle, Thunderwing overtook them, seizing the Matrix and leaving them for dead. Dark Creation Fortunately for Bumblebee, the Autobots sent a shuttle to rescue him and the others before they entered final shutdown. Eye of the Storm

Although it was not expressly stated on panel, the Classic Pretenders apparently lost their shells on VsQs.

Bumblebee survived the war with Unicron, and was one of many Autobots left on Cybertron afterwards. Exodus!

Marvel UK future timelines

In 2007, Bumblebee was stationed on Cybertron after Unicron destroyed Moonbase Two. Under the command of Rodimus Prime and Ultra Magnus, he helped ambush a group of Decepticon attackers, catching them in a pre-planned crossfire. Wanted:Galvatron — Dead or Alive!

Earthforce

These stories do not fit into the normal Marvel continuity. See Earthforce for details.

When Optimus Prime left Grimlock in charge of protecting Earth, Bumblebee signed up for the new "Earthforce" along with many of his long-time comrades. Break-Away! After Prowl disappeared while riding an atmosphere-destroying missile through the stratosphere (long story), Bumblebee and Ironhide went looking for him. They picked up a set of Transformer lifesigns on a small island in the Bahamas, and took some speeder bikes to investigate. Instead of Prowl, what they found was a massive reconstructed version of Devastator, half-finished as the Constructicons attempted to recreate their combined form as an independent super-warrior. Luckily, Bumblebee had Ironhide along to disable the automated defense ring protecting the Devastator project, and they were able to destroy "him" before the Constructicons could activate their creation. Desert Island Risks!

Later, Bumblebee joined Jazz, Ironhide and Sunstreaker in infiltrating the Decepticon Enclave. Fearing an alliance between the two Decepticon factions would be bad news for the Autobots, Ironhide conceived a plan to throw a spanner into the proceedings. Using an unconscious Headstrong as a patsy, the Autobots staged a sniper shot at Megatron. When Megatron and his Decepticons unleashed their firepower at the rocks where the shot supposedly came from, Jazz and Bumblebee tossed down Headstrong's body, leading Megatron to conclude Shockwave had tried to have him killed. The peace talks quickly went downhill from there. The Bad Guy's Ball!

Bumblebee was present when Wheeljack showcased his brand-new defense grid to successfully protect Autobot Earthbase. Unfortunately, Wheels forgot that, once activated, the defense system could only be deactivated from inside the base... behind the various laser cannons and heat-seekers and Acidbats he had turned on. While Prowl ran the gauntlet to reach the control center, Bumblebee and Jazz watched his back, drawing fire and disabling what defenses they could. The House that Wheeljack Built! Later, Bumblebee and several other Autobots went in pursuit of Motormaster of the Stunticons, who had kidnapped their human ally, Irwin Spoon. Weaving their way through the various Stunticons who got in the way, Bumblebee and Tracks finally managed to trick two of Motormaster's own thugs into running him off the road themselves, giving Bumblebee a chance to rip off his cab door and retrieve Spoon. End of the Road!

Conflicting Goldbug origins

One of these things never happened. You choose which! (left: US; right: UK)

In G.I. Joe and the Transformers, Bumblebee was destroyed by G.I. Joe due to a misunderstanding. They later rebuilt him as Goldbug with help from Ratchet. However, Marvel UK did not initially print the crossover, so an alternate origin for Goldbug was conceived. In the pages of the UK comic, Bumblebee was destroyed by a time-traveling Death's Head and repaired by a time-traveling Wreck-Gar. (The Marvel Joe/TF crossover was published in the UK towards the end of the series.) The conflicting origins for Goldbug is the single largest difference between the American and British Marvel Transformers comics; most everything else kinda sorta meshes together, if you squint.

Generation 2

A friendly game of Bumblebowling, honest

Years after the battle on Klo, and the Autobots had returned to a renewed Cybertron, Bumblebee received a distress signal from G.I. Joe on Earth, notifying them of Megatron's return. He passed this information on to Optimus Prime. Goin' South He also accompanied Prime and a team of Autobots to an unnamed planet home to an ancient civilization which reportedly stored a cache of superweapons, and battled the Decepticons there until a monstrous native scared them away. Ghosts

Bumblebee was among the Autobot/Decepticon forces battling the Cybertronian Empire on Ethos. Escalation!

Generation 1 cartoon continuity

The Transformers cartoon

Voice actor: Dan Gilvezan (English), Yoku Shioya (Japanese), Sandro Sardone (Italian)

Bumblebee's Cybertronian form could give Cosmos a run for his money.

Bumblebee was part of the Autobot army, stationed out of the city-state of Iacon. The war effort was marked by dwindling energy resources on both sides, and the Autobots routinely sent out patrols to search for untapped sources of energy. On one such mission, Bumblebee and Wheeljack managed to scrounge up some energy conductors, but not even enough to last a quartex. Bumblebee's sunny disposition kept Wheeljack from getting too maudlin about their long-term survival, and the duo began rolling back to Iacon. They were interrupted by a group of Seekers and got into a firefight that turned literal when one Decepticon fired a ring of flame around their position. Wheeljack managed to blow a path through the opposition, but Bumblebee caught some stray fire in his rear axle, and had to pull inside Wheeljack before he spun completely out of control. Still, they managed to reach the underground tunnels in time, which deterred their pursuers from following any further.

Bumblebee boarded the Ark with several other Autobots under the leadership of Optimus Prime to search for energy. After Decepticons attacked the Ark, Bumblebee, along with the battle's participants and their two ships, crash landed on Earth 4 million years ago. They all lay dormant until 1984 when the Ark's computers were shaken alive as the volcano it crashed into erupted. Bumblebee was rebuilt to transform into a Volkswagen Beetle. More than Meets the Eye, Part 1 After befriending the humans Spike Witwicky and his father Sparkplug after a Decepticon attack on an oil rig, Bumblebee was part of the team of Autobots sent to stop Megatron and the Decepticons from overpowering Sherman Dam. Bumblebee helped Ironhide carve out a new riverbed for the raging waters, saving a nearby neighborhood from being flooded. Such acts were some of the earliest that helped endear the Autobots to the humans.

The first attempts at "Robots in Disguise" were half-hearted, at best.

On their next mission to the Ruby Crystal Mines of Burma, Bumblebee and Sparkplug volunteered to sneak inside and plant Wheeljack's explosive device. On their way out after setting the explosive, they were stumbled upon by Thundercracker and Skywarp, and were still inside when the explosive when off. More than Meets the Eye, Part 2 The pair fortunately survived the explosion and were retrieved from the rubble by the other Autobots. Bumblebee would later take part in a ploy to try and trick the Decepticons with a fake rocket base, dressing up in an oversized lab coat to pose as a human scientist. This was less than successful, and he and the other Autobots were forced to try and stop the Decepticons from taking off in their space cruiser. More than Meets the Eye, Part 3

During the Decepticon development of their Space Bridge program, Bumblebee and Spike were spying on the enemy for Optimus Prime. They accidentally tumbled into the ravine where Megatron was launching his test flights for the bridge, and were almost forced to act as test pilots before the window of operation closed. The two heroes briefly escaped but were recaptured, and Megatron altered a bank of Bumblebee's memory circuits to lure the Autobots into a trap. Bumblebee was injured during the Decepticon ambush, giving Ratchet a chance to examine his circuits and discover the altered portion of his memory. Bumblebee recovered in time to alert the Autobots to the true location of the Space Bridge, and rescue Spike before he was sent on a one-way trip to Cybertron. Transport to Oblivion

Having bonded after their adventure with the Space Bridge, Bumblebee and Spike were virtually inseparable for the next 20-odd years. Bumblebee escorted Spike and his friend Chip Chase to the laboratory where Chip — boy genius — was assisting Doctor Alcazar in developing his anti-matter formula. On their way back, they were attacked by Laserbeak, alerting them to the fact that the Decepticons were after the antimatter formula which Chip had been working on. After Chip was captured by the Decepticons, Bumblebee and Spike mounted a rescue with the help of Mirage and Hound. Roll for It

After Optimus Prime was dramatically injured by an explosion, Bumblebee volunteered with Ironhide, Trailbreaker and Bluestreak to take the Decepticon space bridge to Cybertron to retrieve a new cosmotron. Though with Chip's help they gained entrance to Wheeljack's shop and retrieved the required component, the group was debilitated by the Rainmakers' acid rain. After a pep talk from Chip, they were able to return to Earth through the space bridge and Bumblebee rushed the cosmotron back to headquarters. Divide and Conquer

A freak snowball saw the Autobots enjoying a snowball fight — Bumblebee managed to take out a whole group when a snowball he threw ended up growing to a huge size. Investigations of what was causing the freak weather took the Autobots to the Arctic Circle, where Spike and Sparkplug were captured by a new Decepticon Skyfire. Bumblebee was part of the team which rescued the pair, and caused a cave in to prevent Ravage from following them during their escape. Fire in the Sky

When the newly-built Dinobots ran amok in Headquarters, Bumblebee tried unsuccessfully to prevent Grimlock from wrecking Teletraan I. Subsequently an attack on the Great Falls went unreported until Hound detected it, and Bumblebee was left back at base while the rest of the Autobots went to investigate. Luckily he disobeyed Prime's orders and was able to pick up Spike after Megatron managed to defeat Optimus's group. Back at HQ, Wheeljack decided to reactivate the Dinobots, despite Bumblebee's protests. As it happened, the plan worked, and by the time Bumblebee, Ratchet and Spike arrived at the falls, the Decepticons had already been defeated. S.O.S. Dinobots

Bumblebee was part of the team of Autobots who flew to Peru in the reactivated Skyfire to investigate Decepticon activity, helping Spike to rescue a native girl named Luisa during a pitched battle. The trio were able to locate Skyfire, who'd been captured by the Decepticons, and Bumblebee wrestled with Ravage while Spike struggled to reactivate the fallen warrior. After the expected defeat of the Decepticons, Luisa suggested they could introduce Bumblebee to her brother's convertible. Fire on the Mountain

Bumblebee was present at Autobot Headquarters when Sparkplug was kidnapped by Laserbeak, but was unable to stop the Decepticon. He later tried to comfort Spike and took part in a diversionary attack on the Decepticon base while a team broke Sparkplug out. They were all taken by surprise when Sparkplug subsequently let the Decepticons into HQ, and went with them when they retreated — he was under the influence of Doctor Arkeville's hypno-chip. The Autobots attempted unsuccessfully to prevent Megatron's latest plan, and Cybertron was brought into close proximity to Earth. The Ultimate Doom, Part 1 During the retreat through harsh conditions, Bumblebee was hampered by a flat tire, which Spike soon changed. The pair were caught in an earthquake before they could get underway, and with Spike snatched by Laserbeak, Bumblebee tumbled into an opening chasm. He was later fished out by Windcharger, after Spike had been rescued and alerted the other Autobots to his predicament.

Back at HQ, Bumblebee volunteered to be part of an expedition to Cybertron to try to save Sparkplug. There, they learned about the hypno-chips, but were discovered by Sparkplug, who raised the alarm. The Ultimate Doom, Part 2 The group escaped to Wheeljack's shop. There Wheeljack created a counter-device for the hypno-chips, allowing them to subsequently rescue Sparkplug and take him back to Earth. During the inevitable battle, Bumblebee employed a Tarzan technique to avoid Rumble's piledrivers. He was disappointed when the wave created by Megatron's exploding spaceship dissipated before he could try out his boogie board. The Ultimate Doom, Part 3

During the aftermath of the chaos Cybertron had wreaked, Bumblebee and the rest of the Autobots were caught up in foiling Starscream's plan to destroy Earth using an Exponential Generator. Countdown to Extinction Bumblebee, Windcharger and Brawn traveled on Skyfire to Bali, to investigate reports of giant mechanical insects and found themselves tangling with the Insecticons. Once the rest of the Autobots caught up, the Insecticons and Decepticons retreated to a nearby oil refinery, pursued by the Autobot forces. When Shrapnel unleashed his ability to control lightning, Spike suggested Bumblebee transform to vehicle mode, as his rubber tires would insulate him from the lightning bolts. A Plague of Insecticons

During one Decepticon plot, Megatron challenged Optimus Prime to a one-on-one contest, and all of the Autobots were on hand to cheer him on. Though Optimus lost, it turned out that Megatron had cheated, so the Autobots were free to blast the Decepticons into an open crevasse full of lava. Heavy Metal War

Bumblebee and Spike were on hand to watch the activation of Sparkplug's experiment, Autobot X, and its total failure. When the pair were subsequently injured during a Decepticon attack on a rocket base, Spike's life-threatening injuries resulted in another experiment — transferring his mind into Autobot X. The process damaged Spike's psyche, and the boy fled headquarters. Bumblebee forwent further repairs on himself to go looking for Spike, and found him... being conned by Megatron into joining the Decepticons. The diminutive Autobot sped back to find Optimus Prime, and the Autobots were able to talk Spike around. His mind was subsequently returned to his regular body. Autobot Spike

While the Autobots were gathering for another mission, Bumblebee teased Gears about the latter's grumpy demeanor. Despite this, when Gears was captured by the Decepticons, Bumblebee was as concerned as anyone for the Autobot's safety. Certain subtle clues lead the Autobots to a Decepticon installation in Africa, where they attempted to stop Megatron from destabilizing the sun. Bumblebee saved Gears's life during the battle by ramming Starscream from behind and ended up struggling with Ravage. When everything was wrapped up, Bumblebee and the others were keen to keep Gears's less abrasive personality, but Gears's wishes prevailed. Changing Gears

Investigating reports that the Decepticons had made the Empire State Building disappear, Bumblebee was part of the contingent of Autobots who went to the city. He carried Spike on his shoulders as he, Mirage, Hound and Ratchet ventured into New York's scenic sewer system and were pursued by an alligatorcon. As it turned out, the creature was build from Optimus Prime's parts — the Decepticons had captured and disassembled him. After fighting battle taxis, Bumblebee and Spike broke into the Decepticon control center and tricked Megatron into destroying the control device for Optimus Prime's arm, which had been attached to the top of a tower as a gun emplacement. Later, Bumblebee was seen sporting an "I ♥ NY" licence plate. City of Steel

A new Decepticon plan involved turning the Autobots evil by installing a personality destabilizer device in the Autobot recharging chamber. Luckily for Bumblebee, he was out messing around with Jazz, Spike and Sparkplug and spared the treatment. When he returned to base, Bluestreak tried to force him into the recharging chamber, but Jazz intervened in time. While Sparkplug worked on a solution, Bumblebee tried to reason with the evilified Optimus Prime, only to be batted aside. Fortunately Sparkplug's attitude exchangers worked, and Bumblebee himself was able to bring Optimus back from the dark side, earning himself a hug. Attack of the Autobots

Spike and Bumblebee volunteered to go into town to get a new polarizer for Wheeljack's latest experiment, the Immobilizer. While stopping off in a video arcade, they encountered Carly, who expressed her interest in the Autobot. Continuing on, they were attacked by Ravage, who planted a spycam on Bumblebee, allowing the Decepticons to spy on Wheeljack's demonstration and eventually steal the Immobilizer. Carly was also kidnapped by the Decepticons when she attempted to check out their base, and Spike and Bumblebee helped Ironhide mount a rescue mission. The Immobilizer

When Megatron's Transfixatron was used to lock the Autobots in their vehicle modes during a charity event, Bumblebee was the only one there not to be affected. He returned to base with Spike and Chip to raise the alarm, and once Ratchet and Wheeljack had come up with a device to counter the Transfixatron's effects, took part in the rescue mission. The Autobot Run

Bumblebee took his life in his hands by joining the other Autobots in playing football against the Dinobots. Their match was interrupted by a alert which lead them to find the Decepticons helping to raise the underwater city of Sub-Atlantica. The city moved to the coast off Washington so the Sub-Atlanticans and Decepticons could invade America's capital. Bumblebee and Spike entered Sub-Atlantica to free Wheeljack, who'd been captured, and returned to Washington to help fight off the enemy forces. The trio tried to stop Nergill from destroying Sub-Atlantica, but failed and were only snatched away from certain destruction at the last moment by Optimus. Atlantis, Arise!

Much like the other Autobots, Bumblebee was surprised when soon after one battle, a second Optimus Prime turned up at headquarters. He asked Teletraan I to scan both Optimuses, but the computer was unable to work out which was the real thing. Both Optimuses subsequently lead the Autobot forces into battle against the Decepticons, but it was Bumblebee's query about Spike, disregarded by the fake, which finally proved which was which. A Prime Problem

Checking out strange reports of chewed redwoods, Bumblebee, Hound, Beachcomber and Spike found the source of the problem - the Insecticons. Having avoided certain death in the form of a rolling log, the Autobots overheard the Insecticons discussing their plans with the Decepticons, and radioed HQ. They joined the other Autobots at Nova Power Plant a short time later, but were unable to prevent the Insecticons from devouring the power core. After discovering that the Insecticons were going to explode due to the energy they'd eaten, the Autobots traveled to Iron Mountain, which the Decepticons were attacking, to try and prevent the disaster. The Insecticon Syndrome

Teamed up with Powerglide, Bumblebee used a jetpack to keep up with his flighty comrade. The pair investigated some strange energy readings and discovered an island full of dinosaurs. After a close call with some hostile dinosaurs, they retreated back to Headquarters to report on what they'd found, and were in time to watch a demonstration of the Dinobots' skills go horribly wrong. Spike and Bumblebee visited a local library to check out some dino-related books but were attacked by barbarians on mammoths, who knocked a building over on them. Dinobot Island, Part 1 Fortunately they were both OK, and the rest of the Autobots dug them out before dealing with the mammoths. Dinobot Island, Part 2

Strolling into the laboratory one day, Bumblebee was surprised to find Brawn badmouthing Perceptor and defended the scientist. The altercation was interrupted by a mission to South America, where the Autobots failed to stop Megatron retrieving the Heart of Cybertron and powering himself up to ridiculous levels. Perceptor came up with a cunning plan — he, Brawn and Bumblebee were miniaturized and inserted into Megatron, then managed to retrieve the Heart of Cybertron from inside him. Microbots

After having helped foil an attack on a solar energy plant, Bumblebee took part in the Autobot Day parade, but things soon turned sour when Megatron's latest plan framed the Autobots. The humans turned against them and the Autobots were soon all shot into space. Megatron's Master Plan, Part 1 They almost crashed into the sun, but made it back to Earth safely and kicked the Decepticons back to their undersea base. Megatron's Master Plan, Part 2

On their way to pick up Sparkplug from the airport, Bumblebee, Spike and Carly stopped off at the Fun A Rama Park, where Bumblebee couldn't see the point of the teacups ride until Carly disabled his equilibrium circuit. While at the airport, they spotted Thrust and Thundercracker and the Dinobots were duly called in. Unfortunately, just as it seemed they'd won, Megatron triggered a huge explosion. Bumblebee shielded the humans, but the Dinobots were badly damaged.

Following repairs, the Dinobots stormed off, and the Autobots were subsequently left in the lurch when Cybertonium depletion disabled them. Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 1 Spike, Carly and the Dinobots were able to being more Cybertonium back from Cybertron, in time to repair all of the Autobots, including Bumblebee. Desertion of the Dinobots, Part 2

Bumblebee was among the Autobots who went to Haley Observatory, but arrived too late to prevent the Decepticons from stealing the Voltronic Galaxer. Blaster Blues He was also among the Autobots who coated themselves in Electrum to battle the Decepticons, The Golden Lagoon and battled drones in New York, during a Decepticon plan to convert stolen cars into troops. Make Tracks

A space bridge malfunction hurled Bumblebee, along with Optimus, Inferno, Perceptor, Smokescreen and a group of Decepticons, across the galaxy to a planet where the local life forms were huge in comparison with the Transformers. After befriending a young boy, and a series of misadventures, the Autobots were ready to return home, however the Decepticons took Bumblebee as a hostage, forcing Perceptor to use up the energon sending them home. Luckily Perceptor's alternate plan to modify a toy rocket for space flight also worked. Child's Play On the way back to Earth, the Autobots were intercepted by the bounty hunter Bosch, and all of the Autobots bar Smokescreen were liberated of their free will and sold as slaves. Smokescreen was fortunately able to free them before they came to harm. The Gambler

Returning from a mission in Cosmos to Floron III to find robotic insecticide for use against the Insecticon army, Bumblebee and Spike discovered that they had unexpected fellow passengers in the form of Morphobots. Cosmos was overcome by the creatures and crashed on Earth, but not before ejecting his friends, who returned to Autobot HQ to get help. There, Bumblebee discovered that several of the Morphobots had attached themselves to his back, providing Perceptor with a sample to study. After being decontaminated, Bumblebee joined the expedition back to the crash site to retrieve Cosmos. A battle with the Decepticons destroyed the insecticide, and it looked like their mission had been rendered a failure until the Morphobots solved the Insecticon problem by eating the whole clone army. Quest for Survival

One of Megatron's wilder schemes involved inflicting a small energyvore named Kremzeek on the Autobots. Luckily for Bumblebee, he was one of the few Autobots to be protected by Sparkplug's insulating compound. After a chase in Japan which resulted in Kremzeek growing to giant size, the Autobots found a way to inflict him back on Megatron. Human scientist Doctor Yoshikawa came up with a way, much to Bumblebee's discomfort, to disperse the critter's energy. Kremzeek!

After indulging in a spot of water skiing and star gazing with Seaspray, Bumblebee and his comrade accompanied Perceptor and Cosmos to the far-off world of the Tlalakans to investigate a distress signal. Unfortunately it turned out to be a Decepticon distress signal, and Bumblebee was captured while trying to escape from Megatron's forces who had also turned up to answer it. With the help of the shape-shifting Tlalakans, the other Autobots mounted a rescue and Bumblebee was pressed into service defending the natives' city while they overthrew their Decepticon overlords. Sea Change

Bumblebee was once again abducted, this time by Lord Chumley while out on the town with Tracks. Placed in specially-constructed devices of torture along with other captured Autobots, Bumblebee was forced to continually transform back and forth to avoid swinging axes. He was able to use his radio long enough to contact Optimus, but this was what Chumley wanted, as the big game hunter aimed to lure the Autobot leader to his compound and indulge in some sport. Optimus, of course, won and freed Bumblebee and his fellow captives. Prime Target

Despite being around in Autobot HQ when Ironhide gave the order to roll out for Cybertron, Bumblebee didn't got with him, possibly because he didn't have a girlfriend back on Cybertron. The Search for Alpha Trion He was one of the Autobots who entered the Europa 2000 after rumours that the Decepticons were after Auggie Cahnay's super car. Augie's impolite driving habits at one point drove Bumblebee to yank the human from his car for a stern scolding.

As it turned out, Megatron was after the Pearl of Bahoudin, an ancient Cybertronian weather control power core in a containing shell. Bumblebee snatched the pearl from him, breaking it open when he found the Autobots were outnumbered, creating a huge vortex. To destroy it, he was forced to throw himself into the tornado, riding it until he was able to get a clear shot and blast the power core. Trans-Europe Express

After Perceptor used corrostop to cure a Cosmic Rust brought to Earth by Megatron, the Autobots were able to successfully defend the Statue of Liberty from the Decepticons, a fact Bumblebee was particularly pleased with. Cosmic Rust One bizarre attack on Autobot HQ which lead to the Decepticons turning tail as soon as they'd arrived, Bumblebee wondered what the heck was going on. As it turned out, Starscream had built the Combaticons to try to usurp Megatron's leadership, and Bumblebee and the other Autobots used the battle between the two factions to rescue Jazz and Cliffjumper. Starscream's Brigade

The Stunticons began stealing components for Megatron's latest super weapon, and the Autobots set out to stop them. Bumblebee, Spike and Blaster spectated as Optimus took down Motormaster himself. They put a counter-plan into effect, wherein the Stunticons would be held captive, while five Autobots would pose as them, however Spike and Bumblebee discovered that the Decepticon group had escaped. After picking up their trampled comrades, they went to provide reinforcements for Optimus's group, and arrived just in the nick of time. Masquerade

Sent with Ironhide and Gears to investigate an SOS from Benjamin Franklin Pierce High School, Bumblebee met Martin, Roland and Elise, and chased around the robot they'd built from Brawl's brain, until Swindle snatched it from under their noses. With Bruticus repaired, the Decepticons took their latest superweapon to Autobot headquarters. The obligatory battle ended with Elise using B.O.T. to destroy the cannon, leading Bumblebee to apologize for the loss of their robot. B.O.T.

By 2005, the Decepticons had retaken Cybertron. Spike and Bumblebee were stationed on Moonbase Two, on one of the planet's moons when the huge planet-devouring Unicron appeared and made short work of the first moon. The pair rigged the second moon to explode and began to make their escape... but the explosion barely scratched Unicron and their ship was sucked into his maw. Luckily, Unicron takes some time to digest things, and the two (as well as Jazz and Cliffjumper) were spared an acid-bath in Unicron's guts by the timely arrival of Spike's son Daniel Witwicky. As Unicron began to explode, they were lead to safety by new leader Rodimus Prime. The Transformers: The Movie

For a short time after, peace reigned, and Bumblebee was stationed on Earth at Metroplex, apparently under Blaster's command. He and Warpath watched the broadcast of Rodimus opening the Galactic Olympics Five Faces of Darkness, Part 1 and was later seen running for battle stations as Blaster sounded an alert. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 3 Bumblebee was part of a squad of Autobots who failed to defend Autobot headquarters against the giant Decepticon Trypticon. Five Faces of Darkness, Part 5

An animation error meant Bumblebee could also be seen on Cybertron, defending the planet against the Decepticons.

As chronal forces ripped across the galaxy, causing havoc, Bumblebee became trapped in a time loop while racing with Jazz and Wheelie. Forever Is a Long Time Coming

He was present in Autobot City when Scourge and Starscream's ghost came to attempt to steal the giant's eyes for Unicron. When the Decepticons' invasion set the city on red alert, Bumblebee and Spike teamed up to search the complex for the attackers, just like old times. Running across Scourge in Metroplex's brain, they managed a drive-by ramming that knocked the tracker off balance, but ended up crashing and locking themselves inside Metroplex's voice control room. Guess they were really out of practice with their teamwork. Ghost in the Machine

He was stationed on Cybertron when the energy creature Tornedron attacked the planet. Call of the Primitives

See? He still looks sorta friendly.

Eeeyeeaaggh!

When the body of Optimus Prime was retrieved by Gregory Swofford and Jessica Morgan, Rodimus Prime led a team that included Bumblebee to investigate. However, Bumblebee and his teammates were attacked by a Hate Plague-infested Superion and heavily damaged. The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 1 After Optimus Prime was rebuilt by the Quintessons, so too was Bumblebee into a more powerful but similar form. Bumblebee remarked that he now looked like a "gold bug". Optimus Prime decided this would be his new name.

Goldbug journeyed with Optimus Prime and the other survivors to Chaar in search of a heat-resistant alloy that could insulate Prime from the Hate Plague. However, infected Decepticon forces attacked and contaminated Goldbug as well. Goldbug and every other contaminated being were restored when Optimus Prime retrieved the Matrix and unleashed the remainder of its energy. The Return of Optimus Prime, Part 2

While discussing the marked absence of the Decepticons over the last few months, Goldbug, Strafe and Lightspeed were alerted to an incoming incursion by the Decepticons. The Throttlebots attempted to defend the city alongside the Technobots, but failed to prevent the Decepticons from getting away with the key to the Plasma Energy Chamber. The Rebirth, Part 1 Goldbug was among the cheering crowds after the Plasma Energy Chamber ushered in a new Golden Age of Cybertron. The Rebirth, Part 3

In an animation error, Bumblebee was also among the cheering crowds. Oops.

Japanese cartoon continuity

The events of the Generation 1 cartoon occur in Japanese animated continuity as described above, except that the events of "The Rebirth" do not occur. Additionally, this continuity moves the events of 2006 forward to 2010, and inserts several additional events into the newly-created intervening years.

Fight! Super Robot Lifeform comic

While on patrol, Bumblebee and Kenji were stopped by the police for driving while underage. After Bumblebee transformed for the officers, everyone had a good laugh at the misconception. After resuming their patrol, the human and Autobot were attacked by Ravage. Kenji told Bumblebee to transform, but 'Bee gently informed his passenger that Kenji wouldn't survive the process if he did. Luckily, Powerglide swooped in just in time to whisk Kenji to safety, but he also left Bumblebee behind to face Soundwaves and his Cassettes alone. But Bumblebee had no fear -- he unleashed the awesome and terrifying Bumble Kick!, destroying Soundwave's chest compartment. After the Cassettes fruitlessly (and hilariously) bounced off Soundwave's chest while trying to hide from the arriving Autobot reinforcements, Bumblebee was congratulated for his victory. Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 2

Bumblebee was also present when Optimus Prime gave Kenji a tour of the Autobot's Japanese base. Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 4

When Powerglide was trying to stop the Combaticons from murdering an innocent puppy, Bumblebee and the Minibots arrived to back him up. By harnessing the amazing cyber-powers of the super-advanced puppy, the Minibots gained Scramble Combination Power, and powerdrilled straight through Bruticus. The puppy died, but man -- what a rush! Fight! Super Robot Lifeform Transformers issue 8

Bumblebee and the entire Autobot army once joined Metroplex in attacking the Decepticons. Full Throttle Scramble Power!

Scramble City

Bumblebee took part in the secret Scramble City project to construct Metroplex. His building efforts appeared to consist of lugging equipment around and suggesting to Spike that they should slack off. Scramble City

The Stargate Battles

First ContactDivided ViewsThe Stargate Battles

Kiss Players

Sometimes, toy-accuracy is a strange, strange thing.

In the year 2011, after the resurrection of Optimus Prime and Bumblebee's transformation into Goldbug, the two Autobots traveled to the planet Quintessa and rescued the Kiss Players and their partner Sparkbots from the Sharkticons pit, also freeing their spaceship from the Quintessons' trap. Kiss Players

The Headmasters cartoon

Voice actor: Michitaka Kobayashi (Japanese)

In 2011, Goldbug and the Throttlebots tried to defend Vector Sigma from the Decepticon Headmasters, but were defeated. Four Warriors Come out of the Sky They later failed to stop the Madmachine's rampage across the planet, and were beaten up by the Headmasters again until Goldbug got it together and organized his team to fight properly. The Great Cassette Operation

Their only real action of note, however, was attempting to deal with a strange, metal-warping asteroid and being horribly twisted and warped by it. Approach of the Demon Meteorite They were apparently retrieved and repaired, and much later, the whole Throttlebot team tried to stop a Predaking bent on sinking ships and raiding villages, but were again defeated. The Final Showdown on Earth (Part 1)

Legends anthology

Bumblebee, Spike, and Hound happened upon a badly damaged Starscream while out racing. Bumblebee convinced the others to bring Starscream back to the Ark for repairs, under the rationale that while Starscream wouldn't have done the same for them, they weren't Decepticons. Redemption Center

Hey, remember that time in the comics when a couple of guys stole Bumblebee? What if they were kind of jerks? What if Bumblebee decided to make them pee themselves? Joyride

Dreamwave comics continuity

Events from the Keepers Trilogy novels are in italics.

At the death of Sentinel Prime, Bumblebee was part of an Autobot unit defending Altihex from the Decepticons, but it was ultimately declared a lost cause. Trailbreaker had to pull him aboard the shuttle once they realized there was nothing left to do. Grimlock ordered him, Jazz, Prowl, and others to the ruins of Praxus, where Grimlock declared that if the new Prime was unable to lead successfully, they would take control of the war's leadership... and take out the Prime. Bumblebee was among the group that was present for the Matrix transfer ceremony, where Optronix became Optimus Prime. When a Decepticon assassination squad arrived and Optimus kicked some exhaust port, Bumblebee declared that he was "awesome". However, Prime then ordered the Autobots to prepare an evacuation of Cybertron. The War Within issue 1 During Shockwave's attack on Iacon, Bumblebee manned a turret in the Decagon. Eventually, Prowl ordered the Autobots to take them on individually, and Bumblebee went out carrying a cannon that was as big as him. Bumblebee survived the destruction of Iacon, and Prime reversed his order of evacuation. The War Within During the Dark Ages and the disappearance of Optimus Prime, Bumblebee remained with Prowl's faction of Autobots, huttled in the ruins of Iacon. The War Within: The Dark Ages

Someone has to pay for the little things.

Bumblebee was one of the Ark crew that crashed on Earth and awoke in 1984. During that time, he met Spike Witwicky, becoming close friends with the fleshie. In 1999, the Autobots and humans allied and managed to capture the Decepticons, taking them in the Ark II back to Cybertron, along with seven humans, including Sparkplug Witwicky, Spike's father. However, the Ark II was sabotaged by rogue elements of the United States military (apparently as part of a plan by Shockwave). Prime Directive issue 1 The humans were all killed, but a number of Transformers, including Bumblebee, survived, but in stasis lock. Bumblebee's body was recovered by General Hallo and Adam Rook, but Rook stole Bumblebee and a number of other Transformers, selling them to various terrorists. Megatron broke free, and the Seekers, being dicks, disassembled and played with Bumblebee's various components. Prime Directive issue 3

Optimus Prime's team later rescued him and the remaining Autobots, and they were all put to work in combating Megatron's techno-virus. Prime Directive issue 5 Unfortunately, the Canadian military, skittish over the recent Transformer violence, attacked the Autobots. Despite this, Bumblebee tried to save as many of the soldiers as he could before the virus could kill them. Prime Directive issue 6

In the following weeks, the Autobots tried their best to re-establish good relations with the people of Earth, but had little luck. After Optimus Prime, Megatron, Jazz and Bluestreak vanished from the streets of Tokyo with roughly 200 human civilians, the public was understandably critical of the Transformers and their war. Bumblebee didn't help any when Chris Killah, a reporter for MNT, interviewed him on the scene while he and Prowl were looking for clues to the disappearance. Bumblebee's knowledge of Earth idioms and slang normally worked to the Autobots' benefit, but he got "stage fright" in front of the TV cameras and referred to the massive property damage and loss of human life as a "bummer". Duuuuude...no.

With both sides effectively leaderless at first, Bumblebee and Prowl did their best to contain the fallout of Megatron and Prime's disappearance. Acting on a tip, they tracked Thundercracker to an airport in Mesa Verde, Mexico, where he was running guns with some human terrorists. The battle was memorable, but brief, thanks largely to the arrival of the renegade Autobot known as Grimlock. Having heard the Starscream had taken over the human city of Las Vegas, Grimlock had commissioned a human black ops army and invited Bumblebee and Prowl to join him in assaulting the Decepticon position. Already frusterated at the United Nations' orders to stay out of Vegas, for fear of civilian casualties, Bumblebee and Prowl accepted the offer. After fighting their way through Bonecrusher and the other Constructicons on the outskirts of town, the Autobots managed to make it to the center of the Strip to confront Soundwave. Fortunately, the Autobots had long since developed internal jammers to prevent Soundwave from reading their thoughts during a battle, but that didn't make things easy. Fighting their way around the casinos, Bumblebee finally collapsed a massive neon sign on top of Soundwave, temporarily ending the fight. Bumblebee and Prowl's luck turned sour, though, with the arrival of Starscream and the mighty Devastator. The sudden appearance of a spatial gateway depositing Optimus and the other lost Transformers, along with their captors the Keepers, was just one set of complications on top of another. Hardwired

Sometime later, the Autobots received visitors from Cybertron. Representing a united Cybertronian government of both Autobots and Decepticons, they claimed the Transformers on Earth were a throwback to darker days, and wanted to take them into custody to prevent their "anachronistic" fued from upsetting Cybertron's populace. The Autobots under Optimus Prime split into two groups, with Bumblebee and several others joining their leader in surrendering to Ultra Magnus's forces, while Jazz led a small group away from the Ark to continue monitoring activities on Earth. Once they arrived on Cybertron, it became clear that there was a rotten core to the new government, namely Shockwave. Bumblebee and the other Autobots from Earth joined up with a resistance movement and helped overthrow Shockwave's reign, reinstating Autobot rule over Cybertron. War and Peace

25 years before someone realized his toy has no face.

After Cybertron settled down, Bumblebee commanded the Autobot Shuttle Orion and a small crew, travelling back to Earth with supplies for Jazz's team at the Ark. Starscream and the Combaticons were in the midst of an attack on the Ark when the Orion arrived. Night of the Combaticons The little ship managed to damage Bruticus significantly before the super-powerful zealot Sunstorm shorted out its engines and it crashed. Black Sunshine After Jetfire sacrificed himself to stop Sunstorm, Bumblebee deserted the Autobot army (for no stated reason). Atonement He headed to Spike's house, but Spike, resentful of the death of Sparkplug, lashed out at him. Afterward, Spike finally realized he was being harsh on his old friend, and the two went for a night on the town, where they stopped a mugging. Lost and Found

The closure of Dreamwave means we will never know if Bumblebee returned to the Autobots or if he and Spike formed a crime-fighting duo.

Transformers/G.I. Joe

Bumblebee transformed into a WWII-era motorcycle with side-car. During their joint efforts to stop the Cobra/Decepticon axis of power he teamed with the G.I. Joe member Scarlett. Bumblebee felt they made a good team and she could ride him any time—how cheeky!

Presumably he shut down with the other Transformers when the Matrix was destroyed.

G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers

Bumblebee was aboard the Ark when it crashed on Earth millions of years in the past, leaving its passengers deactivated. Along with Wheeljack, he was sealed off from the rest of the crew in the crash, and therefore avoided capture when Cobra broke into the ship and stole the dormant Transformers therein. Bumblebee and Wheeljack were eventually revived by Teletran-One, only to find their friends missing. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4

Attempting to find the missing Transformers, Bumblebee disguised himself as a Volkswagen Beetle, an altmode that really got on his nerves after months of fruitless searching. Eventually, Wheeljack came up with some leads on Cobra's next target, while Bumblebee just grumbled that Wheeljack got all the good holographic drivers. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #2 When Cobra attacked the SPS Research Facility, the Autobots were waiting for them, and Bumblebee punched out a brainwashed Rumble before helping G.I. Joe's Laser Squad get out of some rubble. Unfortunately, the humans didn't quite trust the giant robots, and Cover Girl fired a missile at 'Bee, who grabbed the projectile in mid-air and threw it at Rumble instead. He and Wheeljack eventually convinced G.I. Joe they were good guys, and the humans provided them with the information needed to undo Cobra's reprogramming of the other Transformers. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #3

As G.I. Joe prepared to attack Cobra Island, Bumblebee and Wheeljack came with them. However, the United States government preferred nuke the island and dissect the two aliens at Area 51, and Bumblebee was struck with a magnetic pulse and incapacitated. Luckily, Wheeljack convinced Duke that a nuclear strike on Cobra's energon stockpile would lead to worldwide devastation, so G.I. Joe broke orders and took the Autobots with them to attack Cobra Island anyway. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #4 Upon arrival, Bumblebee watched as the SPS Satellite's energy beam struck an energy-gathering dish on the island, then helped G.I. Joe take down Devastator after the giant Decepticon killed Hound. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #5

It soon transpired that the United States government were sending the nukes regardless of G.I. Joe's presence on the island, so the Autobots and humans made their way to the SPS Satellite's controls, where Bumblebee found a cowering Doctor Mindbender. While Mindbender was forced to calibrate the satellite's beams to shoot down the approaching nuclear warheads, the facility came under attack by Storm Shadow, Firefly and various Cobra troopers. During the battle, Bumblebee defeated Storm Shadow and his heavily damaged S.N.A.K.E. suit. He then cheered as Optimus Prime defeated Megatron and shot down the SPS Satellite, and he later returned to Cybertron aboard a new Ark. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers #6

Two years later, Bumblebee was sent back through time to 1970's San Francisco by a malfunctioning Teletran 3, and was left dormant in the form of a Ford Pinto. He was found and reactivated by several G.I. Joes and Cobra members sent to get him back to the future, but both Bumblebee and Zartan were disappointed with his altmode compared to the much fancier car his fellow time-lost Autobot Jazz turned into. After hunting down Hot Rod and Blitzwing in the same era, the team returned to their own time. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #1 Back on present-day Cybertron, Bumblebee and the others had no choice but to wait inside Ultra Magnus's force field until the three other teams returned with more lost Transformers. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #2 When the whole affair was over, Bumblebee curiously inspected Teletran 3. G.I. Joe vs. the Transformers II #4

An agreement was made between the Autobots and G.I. Joe to decommission any Cybertronian technology left on Earth, and Bumblebee was sent back to Earth along with Grimlock, Perceptor and Arcee, the last of whom he was very flirty with. When Area 52 came under attack from Cobra, Bumblebee noticed that Cobra Commander was using the attack as a diversion to infiltrate the facility's lower levels. He pursued the Commander, but was rendered unconscious when Zartan planted an electromagnetic scrambler on him. The Art of War #1 Just when Cobra Commander was about to smash the robot's face in with a lead pipe, the other Autobots and G.I. Joes arrived and saved him. While Arcee was worried about his low energy levels, Bumblebee assured her that seeing her was all the recharge he needed. However, it was soon revealed what Cobra Commander had come for: Serpent O.R., a biotechnological weapon created from Megatron's remains. He was also just as powerhungry as Megatron, and took control of G.I. Joe's battle suits and pitted them against the four Autobots to distract them while he warped to Cybertron. The Art of War #2

File:JoeTFBumblebeeMemorial.jpg

Here Lies 'Bee / Only Time He Had A Girl In Any Continui-ty

Along with a group of Joes, the Autobots followed Serpent O.R. to their home planet, and ended up getting attacked by cannibalizers in a junkyard. As they retreated to avoid human casualties, Bumblebee tried to extort a kiss from Arcee if he could outrace her, but she upped the bet by offering to rotate his tires if he could pull it off. Bumblebee accelerated in anticipation... and drove straight into Predaking, who stomped him unconscious. Serpent O.R., who had recruited Predaking alongside various other Decepticons, complimented the little Autobot's courage and resilience, noting that he could probably survive with the proper medical attention. Then he crushed Bumblebee to death with his tentacles. The Art of War #3 Following the defeat of Serpent O.R., a funeral was held for Bumblebee and a statue was built in his honor. The Art of War #5

Bumblebee's death had a large impact on Optimus Prime, who blamed himself for his friend's death. Unwilling to send anyone else to their death, he went on a dangerous mission on Earth all by himself. Black Horizon, Part 1

IDW comics continuity

For information pertaining to Goldbug, a separate individual in the IDW continuity, see Goldbug (IDW)

This section covers fiction that is ongoing. It will be added to as the story progresses. If it isn't current, you can help by updating it.

Artist E. J. Su redesigned Bumblebee for the IDW Infiltration series. Deal with it.

File:Hotbumblebee.jpg

Hey! Look at that hot brunette! No... not that one!

Bumblebee was part of Prowl's secret counter-infiltration unit on Earth. When Ratchet broke cover by rescuing a trio of humans, Infiltration issue 0 Bumblebee was the one Autobot who supported his efforts. He was true to his role as an espionage agent and ferreted out their plans to continue joint operations against orders and joined in. Verity thought his alternate form and his holomatter avatar was "coool!" Infiltration issue 3 He accompanied Ratchet and the humans to investigate an abandoned Decepticon bunker in Nebraska. When Ratchet mentioned how he hated putting their humans at risk, Bumblebee pragmatically commented that, given the need for evidence of unusual Decepticon activity and the consequences of Decepticon Siege Mode, the humans would be "acceptable losses". While the humans were exploring the bunker, two Decepticons attacked, and Bumblebee managed to take down Skywarp, but not before Ratchet was shot and run over by Blitzwing. Infiltration issue 4

As the bombardment by the Decepticons caused the bunker to collapse, Verity had trouble climbing out of the shaft through which they entered. Bumblebee leapt into action when the tree the rope was attached to buckled under the crumbling terrain. Infiltration issue 5 He left the humans with Ratchet and traveled to Oregon, the location of the second Decepticon command bunker, observing the situation until the rest of the Autobot unit could arrive. After witnessing Megatron "disciplining" Starscream and subsequently downgrading the infiltration unit's status to Phase Two, Bumblebee departed Oregon with the rest of the unit. Infiltration issue 6

Bumblebee was tasked by Nightbeat to check the area surrounding their base for surveillance. He found a great deal of it, prompting the decision to relocate the Ark-19. He was aboard when the ship was shot down by Sixshot. Devastation issue 1 He survived but was injured in the subsequent battle with the living Decepticon weapon of mass destruction. Devastation issue 4 He was presumably on the Ark-32 when it left Earth. Devastation issue 6

A year later, Bumblebee was hiding out with other Autobots on Cybertron. All Hail Megatron #1

Slag it, Bumblebee, stop making our jokes for us!

Bumblebee and Wheeljack were sent to search for energon by Jazz, but found the going rough in their Earth modes. Wheeljack suggested he whip up a polymer, but 'Bee very quickly pointed out the fact they hadn't the equipment. To make matters worse, the pair were being followed and their only hope of signaling for help was a million to one shot! Not willing to wait for back-up that wasn't coming, Bumblebee dragged Wheeljack along in an attempt to track the stranger down... when Hot Rod was knocked through a wall by Ironhide. Bumblebee was surprised to see Hot Rod, but more surprised to hear the other bot thought they were a rescue party! All Hail Megatron #4

Later, while being chased by the Insecticon swarm, Bumblebee made a disparaging comment about Drift, but Kup quickly put him in his place. All Hail Megatron #8 As tensions rose, he almost had a throw-down with Hot Rod. All Hail Megatron #9 Along with the other Autobots, Bumblebee was rescued and transported back to Earth by Omega Supreme. All Hail Megatron #11 Together with the rest of the Autobots, he fought the Decepticons and drove them off the planet. All Hail Megatron #12

After the departure of the Decepticons, the human military hunted down any remaining Transformer. Somehow Bumblebee got separated from his team in the ruins of New York. He managed to avoid detection until he was forced to reveal his location when a toppling building threatened the families inside. Bumblebee used his body to support the building, even as the nearby military fired into his body. Thankfully, Bumblebee was able to hold out until the humans inside had evacuated, and the timely arrival of Optimus Prime and the others kept the military from finishing him off. Once Bumblebee had been restored to working order, he asked Ratchet if they had heard his radio distress calls. No, Ratchet responded, Bumblebee's radio had been busted, but they heard about his plight on the humans' frequencies. Ratchet laughed, noting that was Optimus Prime's idea, who felt that it was only a matter of time before Bumblebee would have to save somebody and out himself. Hidden

Plot details for New Arrivals, Old Encounters follow. Spoilers have expired, you may remove this tag

Following the resignation of Optimus Prime and his surrender to the human organization Skywatch, Bumblebee was elected to the position of Autobot commander despite not putting himself forward for the role. Ratchet posited his trustworthiness and dependability as factors in his being chosen. New Arrivals, Old Encounters

The events of "Spotlight: Mirage" possibly take place in an alternate/unknown continuity.

Bumblebee was part of a unit heading towards the Pegasus Star Cluster to link up with the last remnants of the Autobots under Optimus Prime's command. He never made it, as the unit was ambushed as soon as it entered the cluster. The self-serving mercenary Mirage took his form to fool the remaining Autobots to allow him to enter their base. Spotlight: Mirage

Hearts of Steel

In an alternate universe, the Transformers landed on Earth before the Ice Age, taking on the forms of dinosaurs and giant insects. When the climate became too cold for the war to continue, Bumblebee and the other Autobots entered into stasis lock to prevent further damage. Thousands of years later, Bumblebee awoke to the age of humans from the noise of John Henry's hammering. Bumblebee was impressed by the humans' industriousness, and disguised himself as a small steam locomotive with no control cab, and a built in steam-hammer for driving spikes. Hearts of Steel issue 1 Initially, 'Bee directly competed with steel-driving legend John Henry. After Bumblebee revealed himself in robot form to Henry, Henry set aside his mistrust of automation after realizing that Bumblebee was a living being (not just a machine) who wanted to put in a fair day's work. Hearts of Steel issue 2

Bumblebee woke several of his fellow Autobots, who soon discovered that the Decepticons were also active in this era. After taking on locomotive alt modes themselves, Hearts of Steel issue 3 Bumblebee, the Autobots, and their new human friends worked together to prevent the Decepticons' mighty Astrotrain from reaching New York City. With the Decepticons defeated, Bumblebee and the Autobots returned to their slumber. Hearts of Steel issue 4

Bumblebee's pre-locomotive "Ice Age Wars" altmode appears to be a spiky dinosaur, possibly a Gastonia. He also has a transitional body, while he is preparing to take on his locomotive form, which is similar to his dinosaur body, but with no spikes.

Balancing Act

Vector Prime: In the Beginning

Descent into Evil

You know you want me, baby.

Having been on the trail of the Decepticon agent Flamewar for a long, long time, now-espionage director Bumblebee made his move, interrupting a supposedly-secure secret communication between Flamewar and the Tripredacus Council. He revealed that his agent, Ricochet had installed a degenerating virus into Deathsaurus's clone army. Oh, and that since the Autobots now knew Flamewar's whereabouts and who she was working for, the Tripredacus Council would certainly consider her a liability. Which they did. So they blew her ship up. Descent into Evil

That's cold, Bee. Real cold.

Bumblebee appears in his unreleased Alternators body.

Henkei! Henkei! pack-in comics

Henkei! Henkei! volume 1 Henkei! Henkei! volume 2 Henkei! Henkei! volume 3

3D Battle-Card Game

Bumblebee was one of Optimus Primal's many Autobot allies in a fight against Megatron's Decepticon army. Energon Wars Expansion Set

Trivia

• The original Bumblebee toy was taken from the Japanese Microchange line, where it was available in yellow, red, and blue versions.

• Bumblebee appeared in one of five Generation 1 public service announcements, informing children that they shouldn't run away from home because it's "mean". This from the guy who ditched the Autobots for no real reason.

Bumblebee's rarely-seen Classic Pretenders character model. (Optimus Prime wants Goldbug back.)

• When Bumblebee reappeared in the Marvel Comics as a Classic Pretender, he returned to his original toy's character model, rather than one based on his new form. A new character model did appear in various toy commercials, however. These included one which introduced him and the other Classic Pretenders, and one where he and Jazz stupidly drag Micromaster bases into Autobot headquarters, causing everyone to flee when they transform and attack.

• According to Battle for Cybertron, Bumblebee is a code-name.

• Bumblebee/Goldbug was clearly a "top-tier" character in the first decade of Transformers: he was the only 1984 Autobot still shipping in 1986; he received more toys during Generation 1 than any other character; he had a toy shipping during seven of Generation 1's eight-year run. However, Hasbro lost the right to use "Bumblebee" as a toy trademark during the Beast Wars and Beast Machines years, when Generation 1 names were in disuse. That's right, the name "Bumblebee" was lost during the years everyone turned into animals.

• The Armada Mini-Con, Sparkplug is pretty clearly an homage to Bumblebee, from the coloration, placement of car-parts in robot mode, segmented-pipe biceps and even the head design.

• A robot using Bumblebee's character model is shown in a still-shot flashback as a member of the Autobot group led by Rodimus. Whether this robot is an alternate-universe incarnation of Bumblebee or simply a similar-looking robot is—like all Unicron Trilogy character-model cameos—left to conjecture.

• According to EJ Su, Bumblebee's Holomatter avatar is modeled after Lindsay Lohan, an actress who plays a girl that drives Herbie, a sentient Beetle. Um, well.

External links

• Bumblebee at TFU.info
• Bumblebee's Universe profile at NTFA.net
• Goldbug's Universe profile at NTFA.net
• White Mexican Bumblebee gallery at TF-1.com